Abstract: A distressing tool comprises a handle configured for grasping by a user, a head member coupled to the distal end of the handle and at least one distressing head coupled to said head member, said distressing head having at least one protruding pattern formed thereon. The protruding pattern is configured to simulate an existing object such as a grate, worm holes, threads, bolts, worm burrows, slices gouges, pan head screws, chains and nails.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a handle, a head pivotally coupling to the handle, an operating member disposed on the head, a positioning element installed in the head and biased with an elastic element for fixing the head in a desired position relative to the handle. The operating member has a pressing portion and a receiving portion. While the operating member is in a first position, the pressing portion of the operating member abuts against the positioning element to press the positioning element to engage to the handle so that the head is fixed in position relative to the handle; while the operating member is in a second position, the elastic element is released to push the positioning element toward the receiving portion of the operating member so that the positioning element disengages form the handle and the head can pivot relative to the handle freely.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a specialty wrench has a handle that is movable from a first position where the wrench acts as a conventional pipe or Stillson wrench and a second position where the handle is inclined, perhaps as much as 90°. The wrench can be used to start rotation of a valve wheel. After the valve wheel has been broken or started, the wrench handle is pivoted to a position where the valve wheel may be continuously rotated to either its open or closed position. In another embodiment, the jaw end of the wrench is angularly adjustable about a longitudinal axis so the wrench has another mode of operation, i.e. where the wrench may be used on conventional threaded connections.

Abstract: In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, a lock washer installation tool includes first and second handles that are rotatable about a pivot point. First and second opposable jaws are attached to the first and second handles. The first and second jaws are laterally spaced apart from each other, and the first and second opposable jaws are movable toward each other and away from each other responsive to rotation of the first and second handles about the pivot point. A holder is attached to the first jaw, and the holder is configured to receive and hold therein a lock washer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hand-held tool that may be held in the palm of a hand, the hand-held tool being of adequate length and size to allow users to comfortably transfer the tool from a palm grip to a pen grip to maintain the use of the fingers and the thumb when the hand tool is stored in the palm. One or several storage housings are attached offset from a drive shaft housing for improved torque transfer from a hand to the tool head, integral storage of work pieces, optimized use of palm torque during use, and better overall grasping. The hand tool is also equipped with a retractable or nonretractable torque drive shaft designed to allow the fingers and thumb of a user to be rotated freely when the tool is in palm grip and capable of transmitting torque through the housing when an axial pressure force is placed along the drive shaft to engage the tool head with the housing. The drive shaft can also be reversed to create a prolongation shaft or placed in another opening of the housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a fastener tightening system. The system has a tightening tool configured to apply a torque to a fastener. Additionally, the system has a fastener data storage device located on the fastener and configured to store data related to the associated fastener. The system further has at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process. A data sensor is also included and is configured to sense data stored on the fastener data storage device and the at least one component data storage device. The system also has a controller configured to regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the sensed data and the sensed parameter.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a torque-limiting tool which includes a central cam having a receiver component, at least one cam holder component surrounding the central cam, propelled by a driving member or a tool handle, wherein the cam holder component includes first portions that substantially complement an external surface of the central cam and at least two second portions providing space for rotation of the cam holder component relative to the central cam, and at least one connection controlling element around the cam holder component having a bending strength to enable the cam holder component positioned to interact with the movement of the cam holder component.

Abstract: The invention comprises the body (1), handle (2), moving needle fixing jaw (3), magnet (4), runner (5), lock mechanism (6), lock mechanism spring (7), trigger (8), trigger lock edge (9), the arm transmitting the trigger motion (10), needle fixing control wire (11), needle fixing control wire pin (12), needle fixing control wire pin window (13), trigger spring (14), trigger window (15), runner control head (16), runner control wire pin window (17), runner control wire (18), runner control wire pin (19), runner rotating arm (20) and runner rotating point (21).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hand-held tool that may be held in the palm of a hand, the hand-held tool being of adequate length and size to allow users to comfortably transfer the tool from a palm grip to a pen grip to maintain the use of the fingers and the thumb when the hand tool is stored in the palm. One or several storage housings are attached offset from a drive shaft housing for improved torque transfer from a hand to the tool head, integral storage of work pieces, optimized use of palm torque during use, and better overall grasping. The hand tool is also equipped with a retractable or nonretractable torque drive shaft designed to allow the fingers and thumb of a user to be rotated freely when the tool is in palm grip and capable of transmitting torque through the housing when an axial pressure force is placed along the drive shaft to engage the tool head with the housing. The drive shaft can also be reversed to create a prolongation shaft or placed in another opening of the housing.

Abstract: A quick switch hand tool includes a base board, a plate, a shell, and a cover connected together. A driving shaft is rotatably disposed in the base board, the plate, the shell and the cover. A switch means is mounted on the base board and is provided for switching the direction of the driving shaft. A quick actuating member is disposed on the driving shaft and provides the effect of quick actuating.

Abstract: A rotational power servo toolpost includes a plurality of rotational tool holders, which can freely rotate 360 degrees, to cut a workpiece from various angles. The rotational power servo toolpost has a turret base, a turret, tool holders mounted on a side surface of the turret and having a variety of needed tools, a tool-holder-rotating device, and a tool-rotating device. When the tool holder with the needed tool rotates along with the turret to the preset area, a servo motor of the tool-holder-rotating device drives the related members to freely rotate the tool holder around 360 degrees according to the machining requirements. The tool-driving device then drives the tool, thereby cutting the workpiece from various angles.

Abstract: A multitasking workpiece machining apparatus includes a pair of workpiece support devices supporting an elongated workpiece, first and second headstocks at positions outside of the workpiece support devices. The second headstock is capable of moving closer to and apart from the first headstock. Each workpiece support device respectively includes a travel drive device traveling between the first and second headstocks. A numerical control unit controls travel of each workpiece support device by synchronously controlling each travel drive device.

Abstract: A sawing installation for sawing an object, such as an elongated structural steel section, comprises a sawing bench for at least partially accommodating the object and a saw that comprises a saw blade. The saw blade can move transversely relative to the sawing bench between an initial position in which, when an object has been arranged on the sawing bench, the saw blade is situated at a distance therefrom, and a final position, wherein the saw blade has sawn through said object into the sawing bench. The sawing installation further comprises a feed track that is aligned with respect to the sawing bench. The feed track is provided with a drive member for driving the object over the feed track towards the sawing bench. Furthermore, the sawing installation has a stop for guiding the object while it is being driven. The sawing installation is provided with a guide member for forming a guide channel between the stop and the guide member. The guide channel extends on both sides of the saw blade.

Abstract: A production casing ripper comprising a swedge; spring housing; coupling; main housing; end piece; blade; and means for connecting the blade to the plunger; wherein the blade is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a plunger is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a primary spring is situated inside of the spring housing; wherein a primary pull rod is connected to the primary spring at one end and to the plunger at the other end; wherein when hydraulic pressure is introduced through the swedge, the plunger moves downward inside of the main housing and causes the blade to extend through an aperture in the main housing; and wherein when the hydraulic pressure is released, the primary spring causes the plunger to return to its original position, thereby causing the blade to retract.

Abstract: Table saws with splitters and blade shrouds are disclosed. The blade shrouds may be configured so that a forward portion of the splitter stabilizes a back portion of the blade shroud against side-to-side movement of the back portion of the blade shroud. The blade shroud may include a slot and the splitter may stabilize the blade shroud by fitting into the slot.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided including: providing a reinforcing member on one surface of a wiring substrate that has a first region where a semiconductor chip is mounted and a second region around the first region, and has terminals extending from the first region to the second region formed on another surface thereof in a manner that the reinforcing member overlaps the terminals and a part thereof protrudes from the first region to the second region; cutting the terminals along a boundary between the first region and the second region; and continuously cutting the reinforcing member from an inboard side thereof to an outboard side along the boundary between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device is configured so that a disk-like blade member is moved in a state, in which the blade member is pushed against a glass fiber part of an optical fiber, to form a flaw on a surface of the glass fiber part. The blade member is turned by a feed roller in synchronization with a movement operation of the blade member that rotates by a contact friction force generated when the blade member is put into contact with a contact member fixedly provided halfway a movement path of the blade member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a supplemental gripping means for a guitar pick. The gripping means includes a resilient material formed in a C-shape and adapted to selectively couple to a pick body. An arcuate arm of the C-shaped gripping means adapts to enable a musician to slide a finger through an opening. The opening is sized to provide comfortable yet snug fit with the finger or thumb, thus allowing the pick to stay attached to the musician. Alternative embodiments of the present invention include the gripping means with various combinations of pick bodies and strike heads to provide new methods of guitar play.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling note velocity and thus relative instrument volume within an electronically controlled player piano in response to the characteristics (level, strength, amplitude, etc.) of a received audio signal encoded with a MIDI (or similar) note stream. The invention allows conventional audio playback devices to be utilized as a source for information which drives the actuation of the keys of the player piano and allows the volume control of these devices to control the overall volume of an electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A removable inline signal interrupter having a male/female combination plug, the male portion of the plug insertable into an electric guitar output receptacle, the female portion of the male/female plug having an internal negative-negative connection and an internal positive-positive connection, the positive-positive connection extending externally from the female portion of the male/female plug, and having an inline minimum volume dial and spring loaded on/off switch incorporated into the circuitry, the female portion of the male/female plug serving as a receptacle for the insertion of a male plug from the amplifier, the spring-loaded on/off lever switch allowing the guitarist to selectively interrupt the signal from the guitar to the amplifier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-lethal impact projectile having a nose composed of a frangible, rigid, polymer foam material such that the nose crushes upon impact with a target to disperse energy, thereby reducing the kinetic energy transferred to the target. The projectile is provided with a cavity to retain a payload, such as marker agents, lacrimators, irritants, inflammatory agents, odorants or inert powders, such that the payload is laterally dispersed upon impact to further dissipate energy transferred to the target.

Abstract: An exemplary stores launch tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube is disposed interior the outer tube and is configured to reduce load as a store exits therefrom. The inner tube may be made of a flexible material. At least one load-reducing device may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube may be received within a canister that has an outer casing that is attachable to the outer tube. Alternately, the inner tube may be attached directly to the outer tube. The inner tube may include more than one tube section. If desired, filler material, such as foam, may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube may have a substantially circular cross-section, or an oval cross-section, or any cross-section as desired to accommodate structural considerations.

Abstract: A perforating gun loading bay is described for protecting adjacent areas from an accidental explosion during gun loading. The bay can be an insert-type arrangement or a stand-alone structure. The bay includes metal plate walls, a floor and a roof.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for shielding a person's neck and head are disclosed. The exemplary device may have an exterior portion running lengthwise approximately the length of a forearm and at least two angled surfaces widthwise for deflecting a projectile. The system may also have an interior portion adapted to fit against a forearm. The person may shield the neck and head by positioning a palm against the forehead and aligning the forearm lengthwise in front of the person's face. The exemplary system may also have a coupling portion for coupling the shield to a rifle.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor having pistons, some of which are in a working phase and some are in a non-working phase, whereby the pistons are adapted to rotate the piston hydraulic motor's shaft or casing. To the piston hydraulic motor there are at least two working pressure medium channels, whereby the piston hydraulic motor can be connected for full volume or partial volume. In full volume, all the pistons in the working phase can be brought into the working phase in the motor by a pump's working pressure, whereas in the case of partial volume flow only some pistons can be brought into the working phase by the working pressure. The piston hydraulic motor comprises an actuator, which can close one of the piston hydraulic motor's pressurized inlet channels when the pressure in the other pressure medium channel falls below a certain critical value.

Abstract: A gas cleaning system, which is operative for cleaning a process gas containing carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, comprises a combined cooling and cleaning system (16), and a CO2-absorber. The combined cooling and cleaning system (16) comprises a first gas-liquid contacting device (50) located upstream of the CO2-absorber and operative for cooling the process gas by means of a cooling liquid, and for absorbing into the cooling liquid sulphur dioxide of the process gas, such that a cooling liquid containing sulphate is obtained. The combined cooling and cleaning system (16) further comprises a second gas-liquid contacting device (94) located downstream of the CO2-absorber and operative for removing ammonia from the process gas, which has been treated in the CO2-absorber, by means of bringing the process gas containing ammonia into contact with the cooling liquid containing sulphate.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling an environment within a container having at least one material type. An inert gas is introduced into the container to displace any harmful atmospheric components that may be present in the container, which could react with the solid material in the container. The displaced harmful atmospheric components are expelled from the container to a measuring device which identifies the concentration of the expelled components. The amount of inert gas being introduced into the container may be controlled in response to the measured results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the amount of purging that occurs within a membrane separation device. The membrane separation device includes a membrane separation component and sweep controlling component. Within the membrane separation component, a major portion of the non-permeate gas is sent out of the membrane separation device to work, while a minor portion is diverted for use as a sweep gas. The sweep gas is controlled by a valve that cycles with a device, such as a compressor. Thus, the membrane separation device is on when the compressor is on and is off when the compressor is off. As such, the membrane separation device is not required to sweep at all times.

Abstract: Method for gas purification comprising (a) obtaining a feed gas stream containing one or more contaminants selected from the group consisting of volatile metal oxy-hydroxides, volatile metal oxides, and volatile silicon hydroxide; (b) contacting the feed gas stream with a reactive solid material in a guard bed and reacting at least a portion of the contaminants with the reactive solid material to form a solid reaction product in the guard bed; and (c) withdrawing from the guard bed a purified gas stream.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator element comprises preferably a mesh made of at least two individually insulated conductors with defined openings therebetween. An electrical field in the openings electrostatically attracts suspended particulate to a respective conductors for collection.

Abstract: Filter and/or absorbent materials comprising an open cell foam having a surface, wherein the surface of the open cell foam is at least partially coated with a layer comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide; methods for making such materials comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide in a binder; (b) immersing an open cell foam article in the mixture; (c) removing the article from the mixture and removing excess mixture from the article; and methods of treating gases or liquids by passing the gas or liquid through such a material wherein the material has been activated by UV radiation are described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position.

Abstract: A coffee making and music or movie playing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a water reservoir and a brewing station; a container for receiving the brewed coffee; a compact disc player and/or an MP3 player and/or a DVD, and at least one speaker; and a sensor that senses when the coffee starts to brew and activates said compact disc player to start playing music or movie.

Abstract: The built-in coffee machine (1) comprises an operation device (2) and a front panel (3) arranged on the front of the operation device and movable with respect to the cupboard (4) for containing the device from at least a first position closing the device inside the cupboard (4) to at least a second position for access to said device and vice-versa, with there also being an access opening (5) on the front panel at least to a dispenser of coffee drink and to a steam and/or water delivery group, the dispenser of the coffee drink and the steam and/or water delivery group (7) being directly connected to the operation device of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, comprising: —a water reservoir (1); —a chamber (5) that is connected to said reservoir for delivering water; —means (17) for filling said chamber with water; —means (16) for emptying water from the chamber; —a compressed gas reservoir (2) with a three-way valve (4) for displacing said means so as to empty the chamber; and —a conduit (14) for conveying the water from the chamber to an extraction head.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards a bag for heating and preparing popcorn in a microwave that allows users to view the popcorn as it is cooked. Various embodiments of the invention disclose a popcorn bag that features one or more transparent areas, allowing the user to view the popcorn as it is cooked.

Abstract: A table equipped with a grilling system is provided. The table may include an opening, and a housing coupled to the table and having an opening in an upper portion thereof through which heat may be transferred to the opening in the table. Inclined lateral sides may extend upward from a bottom of the housing. Heat-source containers that contain a heat source may be coupled to the lateral sides. Holes formed on a bottom of the heat-source containers may be aligned with a plurality of holes formed in the lateral sides to allow air flow into the heat source containers, where the air is heated and drawn up and out through the opening in the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: The inventive waffle iron comprises two baking sub-assemblies pivotable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed proximate position in which they define a baking chamber. The waffle iron also comprises at least one exhaust pipe provided with an orifice which is open above the central plane of the baking chamber when two baking sub-assemblies are in the closed proximate position thereof.

Abstract: A food support for placing and removing food items from, and holding food items while in, an oven. The food support includes a mesh substrate coated with a heat resistant polymer. The coated mesh substrate includes a plurality of openings having a length or width of about 0.15 inch to about 0.5 inch and thickness of greater than about 35 mils. An upwardly angled edge reinforcement member formed of a coated edge substrate or a film is attached to the mesh substrate at an outer edge to provide support to the flexible mesh substrate, improve handling and/or keep items from falling off the food support.

Abstract: The present invention is a bakery product produced by compressing stacked sheets of dough into a laminate and baking the laminate. The bakery product includes a first sheet of dough and a second sheet of dough. The first sheet of dough has a first grain direction. The second sheet of dough has a second grain direction. The second sheet of dough is positioned in facing engagement on the first sheet of dough to form a laminate of dough, wherein the first and second grain directions are positioned generally not parallel with respect to each other. The present invention is also directed to the apparatus and method used for producing the above-described bakery product.

Abstract: A remotely controlled system for the preparation of a user-defined food product or beverage including an input module on a remote device configured to input user-specified parameters associated with the preparation of the user-defined food product or beverage. A user profile module on one or more servers is configured to store one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts, and nutritional information associated with the user-specified parameters and send one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts and nutritional information for display on the input module. A local controlling computer subsystem is responsive to the input module controlling computer subsystem and is configured to prepare the user-defined food product or beverage based on the one or more commands and interactive instructions from the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the top of an immature coconut safely, quickly and easily with little spillage of the internal liquid includes an enclosure in which are housed a pair of opposed blades that are coupled by at least one rotatable shaft having both left-hand and right-hand threads. Opposite ends of each shaft engage a threaded sleeve affixed to each blade. When axially rotated in a first direction, the blades are brought together so that they cut in a common plane. When rotated in the opposite direction, the blades retract. A clamping mechanism secures the immature coconut at an optimum elevation, with its central axis generally vertical, so that the top of the fruit can be removed just below the upper limit of the hollow interior space, thereby minimizing liquid loss. A vertically-compressible coil spring, placed below the clamping mechanism, facilitates removal of the opened coconut.

Abstract: A density control system for a square baler that uses pneumatic pressure, namely an air spring (1) in conjunction with an air tank (13), to maintain constant pressure on bale tensioning rails (7&8) as material passes through. The air spring (1) expands and contracts to take up changes in the position of the bale tensioning rails because it is connected directly to the air tank (13) allowing air to flow freely in and out of the air spring (1). This holds the pneumatic pressure in the system nearly constant at all times—which is key to maintaining consistent bale density.

Abstract: A switch-over processing method includes the steps of performing a first process on a sheet passing between a first cylinder and a second cylinder with a first mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder arranged to oppose the first cylinder, and performing a second process different from the first process on the sheet passing between the first cylinder and the second cylinder with a second mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder in place of the first mounted body. A switch-over processing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shaft portion 2a of a platen roller 2 is inserted into a notch 7 of a frame 3. An escaping direction from the notch 7 is regulated by a pawl 8. A thermal head 2 is brought into press contact with the platen roller 2 by a spring member 4, and the shaft portion 2a is pressed at a predetermined retaining position in the notch 7 by an urging force applied from the spring member 4 to the platen roller 2 through a thermal head 1. When the thermal head 1 is moved against a spring force of the spring member 4, a spring member 10 allows the release arm 9 to follow the thermal head 1 to swing. An engagement portion 9b of the release arm 9 which swings by following the thermal head 1 is engaged with the shaft portion 2a, and is pressed out in a direction of escaping from an opening portion of the notch 7 (direction of A).

Abstract: In a stencil printing apparatus capable of duplex printing, in which a front surface printing process for printing a front surface image on one surface of a sheet of paper fed by a sheet feeding unit is performed, the sheet is re-fed to sheet re-feeding means, and then a rear surface printing process for printing a rear surface image on the other surface is performed, the positions of the front surface image and rear surface image to be printed on the sheet can be moved together. The stencil printing apparatus comprises: a printing unit having a printing cylinder and pressing means; the sheet feeding unit for feeding the sheet toward the printing unit; and the sheet re-feeding means for temporarily accommodating the sheet after a printed image is formed on the front surface thereof in the printing unit, and then re-feeding the sheet toward the printing unit.

Abstract: In a rotary stencil printing press including a rotary screen cylinder which supports a screen printing forme and is supported rotatably, and a squeegee which is located within the rotary screen cylinder and, when printing is done, contacts an inner peripheral surface of the screen printing forme to transfer ink stored within the rotary screen cylinder to a web via holes of the screen printing forme and, when printing is stopped, leaves the inner peripheral surface of the screen printing forme, throw-on and throw-off of the squeegee with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the screen printing forme, and adjustment of the position of the throw-on are performed by motors.

Abstract: A pattern transcription apparatus comprises a cliché including a concave portion, a convex portion and a printing stopper, the printing stopper formed on a bottom surface of the concave portion; and a blanket, on which a resist material layer is coated, rotatable on the cliché, wherein a surface energy density of the blanket is greater than a surface energy density of the printing stopper and is smaller than a surface energy of the cliché.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge for production of IR radiation, which is characterized in that a brominated compound is included as a fuel and/or as an oxidant and/or as a binder. A pyrotechnic charge such as this can be used, for example, to produce an IR decoy with ?-band spectral matching.

Abstract: A non-lethal impact projectile having a nose composed of a frangible, rigid, polymer foam material such that the nose crushes upon impact with a target to disperse energy, thereby reducing the kinetic energy transferred to the target. Most preferably, the munition or projectile is provided with a cavity to retain a payload, such as marker agents, lacrimators, irritants, inflammatory agents, odorants or inert powders, such that the payload is laterally dispersed upon impact to further dissipate energy transferred to the target.