Abstract: The invention provides a ball screw device having high strength against a repetitive load and improved durability, which is assembled in an electric actuator, by absorbing a bending force by a simple method and making loads in the axial direction uniformly act on balls constructing the ball screw device. In the ball screw device, a ball nut is slid in the axial direction by rotation of a ball screw shaft to convert rotational motion of a motor to linear motion. An outer peripheral surface of the ball screw shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the ball nut are made in contact with each other, balls are disposed between the ball screw shaft and the ball nut, and openings at both ends of a circulating tube for circulating the balls in the device are disposed so as to be off from heavy load regions in which a load heavier than loads in other portions among loads acting on the balls is applied, thereby absorbing a bending force applied to the ball screw device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a gearshift lock protection mechanism comprising a gearbox, a gearshift module and a gearshift lock controller. The gearshift module comprises a control panel and a gearshift leading wire set. The control panel is combined with a gearbox shaft of the gearbox, shifting gears of the gearbox by using the gearshift leading wire set to control the control panel and the gearbox shaft, wherein, a plurality of gear ranges positioning holes which are located on the surface of the control panel, the gearshift lock controller comprises a control valve which is linked to a gearshift poisoning leading wire, a positioning terminal located at the end of the gearshift positioning leading wire which is in one of the gear ranges positioning holes determined by the control valve, such that it can lock the gear in a particular range and eliminate the gearbox damage.

Abstract: An injection-molded resin bevel gear having high accuracy and high rigidity that can meet demands of the precision-instrument industry and the like through design of a gear structure can be provided. A rim-shaped section 13 of a teeth section 5 has almost the same thickness among a bottomland 14 and has almost the same thickness as that of a web 4. An outward-radial-direction end of the web 4 is connected to an inner end 6a side of the rim-shaped section 13. In the rim-shaped section 13, a section from a teeth section connecting section 12 of the web 4 to the vicinity of an outer end 6b side is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the boss 3 by a plurality of first radial direction ribs 16. In the rim-shaped section 13, a section from the teeth section connecting section 12 of the web 4 to the vicinity of a tooth-width-direction center section 10 is connected to an outward-radial-direction end of second radial direction ribs 20.

Abstract: An automobile manual transmission shifter is provided that includes a shifter central shaft means for dampening at least part of the vibration transmitted from the manual automobile transmission, an adjustable connector attaching an upper and lower portions of the shaft to vary the throw of the shifter, and an adjustable swivel shifter handle means for maintaining a continuous perpendicular gripping position while allowing rotatational adjustment of the swivel shifter handle means about the shifter central shaft means. Some embodiments may not include the vibration dampening means.

Abstract: An SBW device includes a capacitor, which stores an electric power. When an abnormality occurs in a battery or an electric power supply system, an actuator of the SBW device receives an electric power from the capacitor and changes a shift range of an automatic transmission to a P range at least once. Furthermore, when a lever of a P range releasing arrangement is operated, the P range of the automatic transmission is released.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The vehicle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the vehicle. The vehicle may have moveable foot control levers to accommodate different size riders. The vehicle may include a moveable windshield.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a substantially cylindrical resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings are arranged circumferentially and equiangularly on the bottom plate. A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged between the openings on the bottom plate. The number of openings can be anywhere between 2 and 16, with eight openings preferred, with a corresponding number of piezoelectric elements. Preferably, substantially the entire available area of the bottom plate is taken up by the piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric elements can be inside or outside the resonator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to bidirectional rocker pedal assemblies that may be adapted for use in vehicular operations. In various embodiments, a subassembly may be coupled to a treadle and the vehicle to allow for bidirectional rotation of the treadle.

Abstract: A push-to-activate device is disclosed. The push-to-activate device may comprise a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, and an adjustable hinge coupled thereto. The push-to-activate device may also feature a measuring instrument coupled to the mounting bracket and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. A method is also disclosed which comprises providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, an adjustable hinge coupled to the mounting bracket, a measuring instrument disposed within the mounting bracket, and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. The method also comprises utilizing the adjustable hinge to adjust the deflectable arm to fit a size constraint of an operator.

Abstract: A motorcycle handlebar grip cover comprises a pair of mating hemicylindrical cover members. Each cover member is comprised of a first cavity portion configured to cover a grip portion of a motorcycle handlebar grip, and a second cavity portion configured to cover a flange of the motorcycle grip. The cover members connect to one another when the inner surface of each cover member engages the outer surface of the grip.

Abstract: A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided including a steering wheel, which can be arranged in a rotationally displaceable manner in the motor vehicle, a stationary module which defines a steering axle, whereon the steering wheel is rotationally mounted about the steering axle, and first actuation elements which are arranged on the steering wheel in order to actuate functional elements of the motor vehicle which are arranged in or on the motor vehicle. The arrangement also includes at least one second actuation element which is arranged on the stationary module and which is used to actuate functional elements of the motor vehicle which can be arranged in or on the motor vehicle. According to one form of the invention, a central electronic control element is arranged in the steering wheel, which is fitted in order to control first actuation elements and also in order to control at least one second actuation element.

Abstract: A shaft comprising functional elements, such as an assembled camshaft for an internal combustion engine, a method for producing such shafts, and internal combustion engines equipped with such shafts. The functional elements each have a bore and are produced separately from the shaft main body, and the bore is subsequently press fit onto the shaft body to attach the functional element in an axially and rotationally fixed manner. The shaft is also provided with at least one roller bearing that includes at least one undivided roller bearing element which is mounted on the shaft body between two functional elements, for example, by press fitting.

Abstract: A crankshaft is to be provided that allows its assembly process to be simplified, work hours required for the assembly process to be shortened and a manufacturing cost to be reduced. The crankshaft is provided with first eccentric section and second eccentric section at respective ends while interposing a shaft section therebetween and has such a shape that a peripheral edge of the first eccentric section and/or the second eccentric section is positioned radially inside of a peripheral edge of the shaft section.

Abstract: A flat type wave gear device is realized having a much improved load capacity. When d is an amount of radial flexing at a major axis location of a rim neutral circle of the flexible external gear of a flat type wave gear device flexed into an elliptical shape and t is the rim thickness of the flexible external gear, then (0.5237 Ln(R)?1.32)d?t?(0.8728 Ln(R)?2.2)d when the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is less than 80, and (1.5499 Ln(R)?5.8099)d?t?(2.5832 Ln(R)?9.6832)d when the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is 80 or more. Using this setting makes it possible to increase the tooth root fatigue limit strength of the flexible external gear, thereby making it possible to improve the load capacity of the flexible external gear.

Abstract: A method for production of titanium particles or other metal of interest by a metallothermic reduction reaction of TiCl4 or other metal chloride in a reaction zone which comprises conducting the reaction in a fluidized bed reaction zone, and recycling particles to the reaction zone to build up particle size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recovery of base metals, in particular but not exclusively copper, via integrated hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processing of base-metal sulphides, in particular but not exclusively iron-containing base-metal sulphides.

Abstract: A process of bioleaching a sulphide mineral slurry in a reactor which is controlled by varying the rate of supply of sparging gas to the reactor, and the energy supplied to a motor-driven agitator in the reactor, in response to the measured or inferred oxygen demand of the slurry.

Abstract: An opening location marker for pop-top cans in combination with an improved opener for both pop-top cans and bottles is formed to include an elongated lever body. A lifting element is positioned on the lever body and is sized shaped to fit underneath the lift tab on a pop-top can. A dent making element comprising an elongated fulcrum element is further formed on the lever body in physical association with the lift element but spaced away from the lift element so as to form a channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element. The channel is sized and shaped such that the lift tab of the pop-top can be sheaved in the channel between the lift element and the fulcrum element for manipulation of the lift tab to open the pop-top can. The opener further includes an edge gripper located on the lever body in physical association with the elongated fulcrum element.

Abstract: Bottle opener having two through-slots that allow it to be threaded onto a strap, such as the adjustment strap of a baseball cap or a strap loop on a beverage cooler. The bottle opener may include additional features, such as a retainer or magnet for a golf ball marker, another magnet to prevent a removed bottle cap from falling to the ground. A small instrument, such as a compass, a watch, or a temperature indicator, may be mounted on the bottle opener.

Abstract: Device for opening container lids. The device includes a rod that has an axial direction and a loop formed at one end of the rod. The device also includes a flange that has first and second ends, wherein the first end is attached to the other end of the rod at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction, and a curved tip is formed at the second end of the rod. The user holds the loop and a portion of the rod to repeatedly apply leverage force to a lid of a container and thereby to pry the lid from the container.

Abstract: A cable stripping pliers has facingly disposed arcuate cutting edges formed at the ends of transversely oppositely disposed arcuate surfaces. The pliers are adjustable to two positions for the jaws to engage differently sized cables. The resilient insulation is disposed away from the arcuate surfaces when the cutting edges cut the resilient insulation for readily removing the insulation from the core material.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a reciprocating tree saw power tool may comprise a power base for powering a reciprocating tree saw attachment, the power base configured to power various other functional modules; a mounting plate of the power base for associating the reciprocating tree saw attachment with the power base; and a control module disposed in the power base for controlling the reciprocating tree saw attachment. Other functional modules may include a clamping nailer/stapler attachment, a bulb planting auger attachment, a sickle bar hedge trimmer attachment, an inspection camera attachment, and a vacuum cup bulb changer attachment.

Abstract: A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit having a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number of screws.

Abstract: A hydraulic threaded bolt clamping device for tightening and releasing threaded bolts has a pressure medium supply connected to a pressure medium connector. A cylinder rests against a machine part that is to be clamped and a periodically pressure-loaded piston is guided seal-tightly in the cylinder and rests against a threaded bushing screwed onto the threaded bolt. A control device actuates the pressure medium supply for supplying pressure medium to the bolt clamping device. After a nominal value corresponding to a nominal prestressing force has been reached the pressure medium supply is switched off. The nominal screw prestressing force or a corresponding nominal pressure of the pressure medium supply is preset by an input device. A measuring device measures relative displacement of the threaded end of the bolt relative to the cylinder. An evaluation device determines residual actual screw prestress after pressure relief of the bolt clamping device.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention provide an attachment for power tools that places and sets expansion anchors. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a new and improved attachment apparatus for a rotary-hammer type drill, the attachment including a first anchor setting end, a second attachment end, and a handle portion connecting the setting end to the attachment end. The attachment apparatus can be efficiently and easily mounted to the rotary-hammer type drill to simplify the installation of expansion anchors.

Abstract: A handleless ratchet socket wrench capable of a fully rotational 360 degree swing arc with full ansi torque specifications designed and required in the various sizes of ratcheting gears and output drives, is hereby disclosed. The ratchet socket wrench assembly can be either a forged or a machined finished product of numerous types of steel and steel finishes and can be fabricated in a solid one-piece entity or a detachable body-to-ratchet head entity, in all of the common and various sizes of ratchet drives.

Abstract: A pair of universal pliers comprises a first plier body, a second plier body, an extension spring, an adjusting rod, a linkage bar and a turning rod. A pivot point where the second handle is pivotally coupled to the second jaw, an end point of the arc-shaped groove, and the other end point of the arc-shaped groove are arranged on the same straight line, so that no matter the pivot pin is positioned at either end point of the arc-shaped groove, it ensures that the first jaw is opened or closed horizontally with respect to the second jaw. Consequently, it doesn't only have a wide application range, but also the tense operation of the extension spring is helpful to clamping a work piece in a surface-to-surface manner, thus ensuring a firm clamping operation against slippage.

Abstract: An embellishment setting device capable of setting a variety of types and sizes of embellishments. The embellishment setting device may include a first lever, a second lever and at least one adjustable segment with a plurality of impact surfaces. The embellishment setting device may also include first and second adjustable segments, where both adjustable segments have a plurality of impact surfaces and wherein the compression of the proximal ends of the first and second levers causes one of the plurality of impact surfaces of the first adjustable segment to bear against one of the plurality of impact surfaces of the second adjustable segment. The embellishment setting device may also include one or more depth gauges and associated extendable hole punches.

Abstract: A tool device for a processing machine includes a housing, a tool holder, and a positioning unit. The tool holder includes a first spindle extending into the housing and having a first connecting end. The positioning unit includes a second spindle to rotate along with the first spindle, and an adapter connected to the second spindle opposite to the first spindle and adapted to be connected to the processing machine. The second spindle has a second connecting end surrounding the first connecting end. A releasable interengagement unit interengages the first and second connecting ends so as to connect the second spindle to the first spindle. A bushing is disposed between the first and second connecting ends to center the first connecting end with respect to the second connecting end.

Abstract: A workpiece ejector and a method for ejecting workpieces from a turning machine such as a lathe. The turning machine has at least one spindle for receiving workpieces therethrough and at least one chuck associated with the spindle for holding a workpiece during machining operations. In one embodiment, the ejector includes a piston mounted at a location outside the spindle and proximate the chuck, the piston having a first end adapted to engage the workpiece and being movable between a first position where the first end is located outside the spindle and a second position where the first end and at least a portion of the piston are within the spindle. An actuator is operative to move the piston from the first position toward the second position. The actuator may include a mechanical spring.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power miter saw comprises a saw base having a fence for positioning a work piece, a table rotatably connected to the saw base, a miter arm assembly for angularly positioning the table relative to the saw base, a saw blade and motor assembly pivotally connected to the table having a normally elevated rest position and being configured to lower a saw blade toward the table into position to cut a work piece, a handle connected to the saw blade and motor assembly for lowering the saw blade into cutting position, an activation switch adjacent the handle and positioned to be engaged by an operator, a proximity sensor disposed on the saw blade and motor assembly for detecting the presence of objects within a zone of detection associated with the table, and electrical circuitry connected to the proximity sensor configured to generate an electrical detection signal in response to the proximity sensor detecting the presence of an object within the zone of detection.

Abstract: A worktable assembly for a cutting machine includes a worktable with two first rods connected to an underside thereof. A frame is located beneath the worktable and rested on a tank with water filled in the tank. Two second rods are connected to the frame and parallel to the first rods. A movable member has two first passages and two second passages, wherein the first rods movably extend through the two first passages and the two second rods movably extend through the two second passages.

Abstract: A structure and process for producing an even cut for window covering horizontal slat sets includes a cutting sleeve attached at opposite ends of the slats of a window covering horizontal slat set to be cut which gather in selective ones of the slates together for cutting in a way which minimizes collective bowing and ripping of the finished surface immediately adjacent the cut ends of the slats. The cutting sleeves can be spaced to hold groupings of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more slats. Embodiments of the cutting sleeves can have two main opposite walls or eliminate one wall in favor of a comb topography which can load from the side.

Abstract: A first movable blade and a second movable blade cooperate as part of a cutter drive mechanism to cut roll paper in conjunction with a fixed blade. A gear train 132 has a first gear 141 that rotates when drive power from the cutter motor 131 is input thereto, and a second gear 142 to which rotation of the first gear 141 is transferred, causing the second gear 142 to turn. A first eccentric pin 151 engaging the first movable blade 81 is disposed at an eccentric position to the first gear 141, and a second eccentric pin 152 engaging the second movable blade 82 is disposed at an eccentric position to the second gear 142. The first movable blade 81 has a first guide channel 115 regulating the cutting operation of the first movable blade 81 on the first blade point 114 side, and the first guide channel 115 and the first eccentric pin 151 together render a first opposing cam 161.

Abstract: An improved guide for stabilizing the saw blade of a saw mill assembly is provided. The guide includes a first guide block assembly and a second guide block assembly. The first guide block assembly comprises a first guide block having a first surface for engaging a first surface of the saw blade and a second opposing surface, a first mounting plate affixed to the second opposing surface of the first guide block proximate a first end thereof, and a first positioning shaft having a first end affixed to the first mounting plate proximate to a second end thereof, and a second end received in a mounting bracket of a saw mill.

Abstract: A woodwind instrument with improved tonal characteristics, comprising a body tube having at least one tone hole, a key mechanism attached to said body tube, and a tonal material attached to one of the group consisting of: the body tube and the key mechanism.

Abstract: A portable trombone stand has a base and a post. The base can be placed over a plane stably and has multiple legs radially mounted around the base. Each leg has a pivoting end pivotally mounted in the base. The post is perpendicularly mounted securely on the base and has an instrument bracket mounted slidably on the post. The instrument bracket can be fastened on the post via a fastener and is able to be embedded in a cylindrical bore of a trombone to hold the trombone in position. Eventually, the portable trombone stand can be put into a cylindrical bore of a trombone, then put the portable trombone stand and the trombone into a case altogether. In this manner, the trombonist can conveniently carry the box to move around.

Abstract: A portable trumpet stand has an instrument bracket, multiple legs and a central post. The instrument bracket has a central hole, a top and a bottom. The legs are mounted pivotally around and protrude out radially from the instrument bracket, and each leg has a proximal end pivotally mounted in the instrument bracket. The central post is mounted slidably in the central hole of the instrument bracket, has a top end, a bottom end and a spherical cushion. The bottom end can be secured in the central hole so the central post protrudes perpendicularly up to be mounted in a cylindrical metal tube of a trumpet to hold the trumpet in position. The portable trumpet stand can be collapsed and stored in the cylindrical metal tube of a trumpet so the portable trumpet stand and the trumpet can be stored in a case altogether.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, such as a shaker, comprises a first disc-shaped member having an outer annular flange defining a first outer perimeter and a second disc-shaped member defining a second outer perimeter different than the first outer perimeter. The first and second disc-shaped members are directly interconnected to form a cavity therebetween. A plurality of sound producing particles is disposed within said cavity defined by said first and second disc-shaped members. The instrument also includes means for mounting to a vehicle such as a tambourine, hi-hat, cymbal etc. for causing movement of the shaker instrument.

Abstract: A drum gauge is disclosed that provides a measurement of the length of the tension rods. In operation the gauge is compressed, placed around each tension rod and released. A display on the gauge provides a numerical value for the relative exposed length of the tension rod(s). The gauge is then moved to each tension rod to determine the length of each rod or the gap or space between the hoops or between the hoop and the lug casings. A nut on the end of each tension rod is adjusted until all the tension rods are adjusted to the same length. The gauge allows the head to be evenly adjusted so the same pitch exists in all locations on the drum head. The gauge has a lip to ensure it is placed consistently on each tension rod and further includes posts to allow the gauge to be used with drums made with different tension rods, counter hoops, claws and lug casings.

Abstract: A fastening dock structure for drums includes a dock body which is fastened to an outer side of a shell of a drum, a batter head located on the top surface of the drum, a counterhoop on the periphery of the batter head, and a collar on an outer side of the counterhoop. The collar has a bucking rim pressing the counterhoop and longitudinal through holes on the outer side to be fastened respectively by a fastening element. The fastening element has a distal end fastened to the dock body by screwing. The dock body has a longitudinal aperture to hold a bushing. The bushing has a screw hole inside surrounding by an elastic element having a contracting hole at the top portion smaller than screw hole to be fastened by the fastening element. Thereby the dock body can absorb vibration and the fastening element can be prevented from loosening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated decorative wood drum shell with incorporated lugs having a smooth central cavity and the unique laminating process involved in the fabrication. A variety of hardwoods in varying colors and thickness will be use to construct the drum shell. Conventional threaded inserts will be inserted into the top and bottom of the lugs providing an attachment means for the top and bottom drum hoops or rims eliminating other attachment hardware while reducing the overall weight of the completed drum yet increasing both the structural integrity and durability, and enhancing the overall tonal quality of the drum. The top drumhead skin can be tightened separately from the bottom allowing for separate tuning of the heads.

Abstract: The invention relates to the modularity of a reversible symmetrical single-pillar vertical support assembly (the Tower) which is the major structural component for a drum beating pedal apparatus (drum pedal). Said drum pedal can also be used to beat, without limitation, other musical instruments and musical accessories. Upon this Tower can be constructed various single-beater, multiple-beater and remote drum pedals and drum beating mechanisms according to the operator's requirements. This modular single-Tower drum pedal system also comprises several ancillary inventions which also can be applied in concert with or independently of the said Modular Single-Tower Drum Pedal System.

Abstract: An electric guitar designed to be playable by an individual using a prosthetic device comprises an electric guitar body and a plurality of sound-generating components disposed in the electric guitar body, the components sized and positioned to facilitate operation by a terminal device on an upper-extremity prosthesis.

Abstract: An intonation training device for training musicians in just intonation. As disclosed, the device is a pocket-sized portable device with an audio output and a user interface which includes an LCD display and a device such as a push button for selecting an item from a menu. When the device is turned on, the LCD display indicates a key and the device emits a sustained pure chord in the key. The user can use the menu item selection device to select another key and the training device then continuously emits the chord in the just scale for that key. The selected key appears in the LCD display. Implementations disclosed include an implementation that employs stored samples of the chords, an implementation in which the chords are generated from waveforms, and an implementation in a portable pocket-sized multimedia asset player.

Abstract: A device and method for use with a musical instrument are described. The invention allows wireless control of a digital-audio-workstation (“DAW”) from the musical instrument. The device and method of the invention may also allow for wireless transmission of the output audio signal from the instrument, thus negating the need to connect the musical instrument to the DAW using a cord or a cable. Wireless transmission may be accomplished via a networking protocol having sufficient bandwidth to accommodate transmission of digital audio signals.

Abstract: A musical instrument input device includes a frame having a latitudinal top surface and an array of equally sized and spaced apart keys mounted onto the latitudinal top surface. Each of the keys corresponds to a note on a chromatic scale and each of the keys is arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The keys in each row are arranged to correspond to a chromatic scale and the keys in any selected row are in a scalar transposition by a predetermined interval relative to each row adjacent to the selected row so that each key in a column corresponds to a note that is shifted from a note corresponding to an immediately adjacent key in the column by the predetermined interval. A note generator generates a sound corresponding to a note associated with a selected key when the selected key is activated.

Abstract: A circuit for an electric guitar utilizes a transformer and balanced amplifier to facilitate the production of a variety of sound adjustment circuits.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having an enhanced musical sound, the instrument including one or more capture devices, e.g., a piezo-electric transducer, communicable with at least one structural portion of the musical instrument. The capture devices are configured to detect vibration and convert the vibration to an electrical signal that is transmitted to an amplification device. The amplification device is configured to allow a user to modify the electrical signal for transmission to an external device such as an amplifier and speaker system.

Abstract: A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. The choke includes a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun so that projectiles from the shotgun can traverse therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference and defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore through the circumference. The port is located within a first radial arc that extends 180° about the longitudinal axis. No ports are present for venting gas from the bore through the circumference that are located within a second radial arc that does not overlap the first radial arc and that extends 180° about the longitudinal axis. An associated method is also provided.