Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering apparatus comprises pinion teeth formed according to proper tooth specifications in other aspects under a larger pressure angle, thereby stably offering smooth and comfortable steering feeling over a long time. The module (m), number of teeth (z), tooth depth(h) and helix angle (?) of the pinion teeth (4) are set within the following ranges, under a pressure angle (?) set within a range of 24° to 30° and a given stroke ratio. module (m): 1.8 to 2.0 number of teeth (z): 7 to 13 tooth depth (h): 2 m to 2.

Abstract: A gear mechanism unit for a motor vehicle actuating drive has a gear mechanism housing (1), an axle (2) which is fixedly connected to the gear mechanism housing, and a worm gear (5). The worm gear is provided at its outer periphery with a toothing (6). The axle, in its axial region which is provided for mounting the worm gear, has a region (2a) which is of larger diameter than its other axial regions (2e).

Abstract: A device for transmitting movements comprising a parallel kinematics transmission structure adapted to provide at least one degree of freedom including three translational degrees of freedom, the parallel kinematics transmission structure further comprising a base member (2), a moveable member (4), and at least one parallel kinematics chain (6) coupling the base member (2) and the moveable member (4), each parallel kinematics chain (6) having a first arm (8) moveable in a movement plane wherein the movement planes are at a distance to a symmetry axis (40), and each parallel kinematics chain (6) comprising a second arm (10) coupled to the moveable member (4), wherein a first end (18) of the second arm (10) is adapted to be coupled to the first arm (8) and a second end (16) of the second arm (10) is adapted to be coupled to the moveable member (4).

Abstract: An actuation device comprises a driving member, a driven member and an actuator device. The driven member has a seat, in which there is operatively inserted, with possibility of relative movement, an engagement part of the driving member. According to the invention also the driving member has a seat, which, in at least one position of the actuation system, at least partially faces the seat of the driven member The actuation system further comprises a floating body, displaceable in a controlled way between the two seats when said seats at least partially face one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cycling a neutral switch of an automated mechanical transmission includes software which, either independently or by operator command through a shift actuator having side-to-side motion capability and sensors, controls a select piston and cylinder assembly to provide shift rail motion along a transverse axis of the transmission which simulates operator commanded motion of a shift rail of a conventional (manual) transmission as the operator checks for neutral. Such activity may release a malfunctioning neutral switch thereby providing a proper neutral indication to associated transmission and engine components to, for example, permit starting of the engine.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has a steering column tube unit which is fastened to a vehicle body via a bracket and can be adjusted for comfort purposes. The bracket has two limbs. The steering column tube unit is arranged with a clamping apparatus between the two limbs. In order to adjust the clamping apparatus simply, the limbs are configured with different rigidities.

Abstract: Even if the coupling surface of an arm side attachment and a tool side attachment is directed in a direction other than the horizontal direction, the tool side attachment can be automatically separated and detached from the arm side attachment. When exchanging a tool, the worker does not have to forcibly pull out and detach a tool side attachment from an arm side attachment, a tool can be exchanged automatically, and the exchange work can be performed easily in a short period of time. When the cam member 17 is shifted from the unlocking position to the locking position, locking balls 13 which slide on locking inclined tapered surfaces 17a to be shifted to the outside along the radius direction are engaged with engaging inclined tapered surface 23a so as to mutually couple an arm side attachment 3 and a tool side attachment 5.

Abstract: Described herein is an articulated robot wrist, comprising: a first support, which is to be mounted on a robot component that is rotatable about a first axis; a second support, mounted on said first support in a rotatable way about a second axis inclined with respect to said first axis; a first motor, carried by said first support, the shaft of which is connected in rotation to said second support via a first gear transmission; a third support, mounted on said second support in a rotatable way about a third axis, inclined with respect to said second axis; and a second motor, carried by the second support, the shaft of which is connected in rotation to said third support via a second gear transmission.

Abstract: A clevis pin (connecting pin) (26) is inserted into a clearance hole (72), and is displaceable relative to an operating pedal (16). A pivotal moving link (68) is disposed between the clevis pin (26) and a sensor pin (64) of a load sensor (30). A reaction force applied from the clevis pin (26) to the load sensor (30) always acts in a substantially constant direction (substantially leftward in FIG. 1A) even if the operating pedal (16) and an operating rod (22) are pivoted relatively around the axis of the clevis pin (26) in accordance with the depressing operation of the operating pedal (16). Thus, the detecting accuracy of the load sensor (30) is heightened, and variation in detecting accuracy is prevented, rendering the high reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing at least one balancing weight (1) to at least one point (2) on a hollow shaft (3), whereby the balancing weight(s) (1) is or are soldered to said point(s) (2). The invention also relates to hollow shafts (3) that have been produced according to said method and to a drive system (13) for a vehicle (14). The method facilitates the production of especially light, heavy-duty drive shafts for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A cartridge includes an engagement gear which includes a first engaging portion and is configured to selectively rotate. The cartridge also includes a rotational body which includes a second engaging portion, and a center axis of the rotational body is aligned with a center axis of the engagement gear. Moreover, the cartridge includes an extension portion which is positioned offset from a center of rotation of the rotational body. The engagement gear and the rotational body are configured to selectively be positioned in one of a first state in which the second engaging portion and the first engaging portion are separated from each other, and a second state in which the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. The rotational body is configured to rotate with the engagement gear when the engagement gear rotates and the engagement gear and the rotational body are in the second state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders. The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas. The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: There is described a method of making a nanocrystalline tungsten powder that comprises: (a) heating a tungsten-containing material in a reducing atmosphere at an intermediate temperature of from about 600° C. to about 700° C. for an intermediate time period; the tungsten-containing material being selected from ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate or a tungsten oxide; and (b) increasing the temperature to a final temperature of about 800° C. to about 1000° C. for a final time period.

Abstract: Small magnetic particles are introduced into a solution which is subjected to a bioleaching process. The particles are coated with a substance which has a selective affinity for, and which interacts with, a metal in the solution. The particles are taken from the solution and the metal is recovered from the particles.

Abstract: A decoupling device for use in unlocking a storage container using a magnetic lock member in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a body portion, a container portion structured to receive a storage container such that the storage container remains stationary, the container portion extending from the body portion such that a portion of the storage container including the magnetic lock member extends into the body portion and a first magnet mounted in the body portion and above the storage container, the first magnet movable in a predetermined path such that movement of the first magnet in the predetermined path releases the magnetic lock member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools for removing shingles, nails and other materials from a roof or other surface. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, comprises blades that move in preferably a reciprocating manner to pry up shingles, nails and other materials. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, can be powered through a remote power source to move the blades. In certain other embodiments, a tool of the invention comprises a drive-wheel which is rotated through force form a remote power source.

Abstract: A wrench comprises a handle connected to a housing. A socket is rotatably supported in the housing for ratcheting movement relative to the housing. A retaining member releasably secures a device in the socket. A retainer is supported on the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The retainer, when in the first position, at least partially overlays the socket. A plurality of guides orient a member relative to the socket. The guides are mounted in a rotatable body. A first handle is permanently connected to the housing and a second handle is removably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a ratchet tool includes a pawl received in a recess of the head and biased by a bead which is biased by a spring received in a notch defined in an inner periphery of the recess. The pawl has a toothed surface which is matched with outer threaded surface of a driving wheel which is rotatably received in a through hole of the head. A receiving hole is defined through the pawl and opens a top surface of the pawl. A peripheral groove is defined radially outward in an inner periphery of the receiving hole. A shift member has a top board and a rod which extends from an underside of the top board, a stop is connected to a distal end of the rod. The stop and the rod are inserted into the receiving hole and the stop is movably engaged with the peripheral groove.

Abstract: A multifunction hand tool includes a tubular body having first and second open ends, a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls. A first screwdriver tip protrudes from the rear wall in a longitudinal direction so as to be coplanar with the rear wall. A second screwdriver tip protrudes from the front wall in a lateral direction so as to be perpendicular with the front wall. A socket opening is formed in the front wall for engaging a hexagon-shaped fitting. First and second slots are formed in the first and second side walls, respectively, for engaging a flat handle of a ball valve. A third slot is formed in the rear face for engaging a flat handle of a ball valve. A cutout portion in the tubular body is defined by a removed section of the front wall and the first and second side walls.

Abstract: A tool for rotating fasteners has an inner body with a cavity in a forward end, the cavity being configured to engage the head of a fastener. An outer socket has a cavity in a forward end, the cavity being configured to engage the head of a fastener, and the outer socket is coaxial with and slidably carried on the inner body. The outer socket is movable between retracted and extended positions, the retracted position locating the cavity of the inner body in a position for engagement of the head of a fastener, the extended position locating the cavity of the outer socket in a position for engagement of the head of a fastener.

Abstract: This Ergonomically Improved Universal Valve Key Tool is used to open and close gate valves and ball valves within water and gas distribution systems. The valve key tool may be any length, made of strong material such as steel pipe. The valve key tool is manually operated, has no gas powered motor, but, enables the user to quickly and efficiently open and close valves. One hand stays stationary on the valve key stem while the other hand spins the handle around the stationary hand. There is an additional lever handle lower on the stem which allows initial leverage in order to get the valve moving. The moving arm of the user holds onto a spinning grip, thereby allowing ease of use and speed. The key end of the tool is formed such that mud and debris surrounding the valve will be displaced through vents at the top of the key.

Abstract: A hand tools similar in design to the commonly known locking pliers. The present invention includes an offset in the jaw, placing them in a separate but parallel plane to the plane of both the handles. This offset provides clearance between the present invention and the installation surface of the material to be grasped; e.g. screws, bolts, nuts. By removing this interference the tool can more effectively engage the item thereby increasing the opportunity to manipulate the material. The offset also increases the ability of the operator to utilize the tools by providing clearance for the operator's hand. By providing clearance for the operator's hand the tools can both be clamped with more force and more force can be applied while manipulating the article in the jaws of the tool.

Abstract: An attachment for a portable hand-held screw driving tool is provided for use with collated strips of screws. The front portion of the attachment is movable to a great extent, to thereby allow the tool to drive screws almost directly at the corner of two walls. A front “nose piece” is pressed against one of the walls, which causes the nose piece to move rearward “into” the remainder of the tool, in a “first stage” of movement. A screw is indexed to its drive position, and a drive bit is abutted against the screw head during this first stage. The nose piece is pressed further into the tool, which also causes a “feed tube” to move rearward “into” the remainder of the tool, in a “second stage” of movement, which rotates the screw as it is emplaced into the wall.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for manufacturing MLI blankets, and MLI blankets which reduce PIM, which employs an existing cutting apparatus to perform a substantially automated cutting process with minimum hand operations resulting in increased productivity, improved uniformity of the blanket shapes and cut patterns, and, elimination of the use of templates.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a punch tool having a vacuum collection device for punching openings in the layers of insulation material used in the formation of MLI blankets, and automatically removing debris produced in such punching operation.

Abstract: A mitering saw system for cutting/shaping various materials including stone and other materials is disclosed herein. The saw system includes a first support member and a second support member extending generally vertically. A bridge longitudinally extending between the first and the second support members is configured to pivot relative to the first and second support members. A rotational blade is mounted on a carriage that is movably disposed on the bridge, the carriage configured to move longitudinally along the bridge. The bridge of the mitering saw system includes a pivot axis that is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the bridge.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a lock device for locking and unlocking a cover against a cover support. The cover includes a first cover removably mounted to the cover support and a second cover removably mounted to the first cover. The lock device is operable in a first mode, a second mode and a third mode. The first mode prevents the first cover from being removed from the cover support and prevents the second cover from being removed from the first cover. The second mode permits the first cover from being removed from the cover support but prevents the second cover from being removed from the first cover. The third mode permits the second cover to be removed from the first cover.

Abstract: A punch device of the invention comprises a jig having a corner punch area for punching a corner of the sheet material and an edge punch area for punching an edge of the sheet material, a corner punch block corresponding to the corner punch area, and an edge punch block corresponding to the edge punch area. Between the length L1 of the corner punch area, the width W1 of the corner punch area, the length L2 of the edge punch area and the width W2 of the edge punch area is established the relation of L1=W1=L2, W2?½W1, and P=L1=L2.

Abstract: An adjustable setsquare for a power tool guide rail is described. The setsquare comprises an attachment member, in the form of a bar, for locating into a channel on the guide rail. The cross section of the attachment means is generally V-shaped and arranged such that the setsquare can be removed and reattached to the guide rail with consistency, whereby the angular displacement between a reference surface of the setsquare and the intended line of cut to be made by a power tool disposed on the guide rail remains constant after each reattachment of the setsquare.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringed musical instrument comprising a hollow body with a top having a first opening or openings, a bottom and sides, one or more strings held in tension over said body, a bridge supporting the strings and positioned on the top adjacent the first opening or openings, a diaphragm resonator provided inside the hollow body and connected to the top below and surrounding the first opening or openings, and at least one second opening. According to the invention the bridge is suspended to the body and connected to the diaphragm resonator such that the vibration of the strings passes through the bridge to the diaphragm resonator.

Abstract: A pipe of a woodwind instrument (e.g., an upper joint of an oboe) having a through-hole running therethrough in its longitudinal direction is produced in such a way that a plastic lining layer composed of a thermoplastic material is formed on the interior wall of the pipe and the circumferential surfaces of tone holes of the pipe. The thermoplastic material is selected from generally-known plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, and POM resin. This prevents the inside of the pipe from being excessively expanded due to a player's moist breath in playing the woodwind instrument; hence, it is possible to prevent cracks or flaws from occurring on the pipe. In addition, this structure is superior in manufacturability and suited to mass production.

Abstract: A cylinder of a drum is produced using a plurality of laminated woods, each of which is formed using a plurality of thin wooden boards, which have grains aligned in the longitudinal direction thereof and which are joined together in the width direction. The laminated woods having rectangular shapes in plan view are reshaped by slantingly cutting out the opposite end portions lying in the width direction along their longitudinal directions. A plurality of reshaped laminated woods are joined together in the width direction so as to form a polygonal cylinder (e.g., a fourteen-sided polygonal cylinder). Then, the exterior and the interior of the polygonal cylinder are subjected to cutting work in a concentric manner in view of different radii, thus completely forming the cylinder having a circular cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for playing music automatically comprises: a plurality of juxtaposed keys including white keys and black keys, each being supported swingable for depression and release thereof; a plurality of juxtaposed swing weights, each for each of the keys and each being supported swingable as interlocked with the corresponding key; and a plurality of actuator devices, each for each of the swing weights to actuate the swing weight, which in turn drives the interlocked key to swing to its depressed position. The actuator devices are arrayed alternately in two rows with the arraying pitch between the actuator devices for the adjacent swing weights made different from the arraying pitch between the swing weights so that the actuator devices for the keys of C through E can be disposed closer to the C end and the actuator devices for the keys of F through B can be disposed closer to the B end, thereby securing a fitting space between the E actuator device and the F actuator device.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device having a music generation function for automatically generating music data from image data inputted without preparing music information in advance, and a mobile electronic device, a mobile telephone device, a spectacle instrument, and a spectacle instrument set using the same. The device includes a miniature camera 11 for continuously imaging an object and inputting image data for each frame; movement section identification means 21 for identifying the portion where an object has moved within each frame from the image data inputted by the miniature camera 11; music generation means 22 for generating music data corresponding to the position identified by the movement section identification means 21; and music output means 23 for outputting music data generated by the music generation means 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to a playback control unit which is connected with a playback device for CDs or records, wherein these provide coded information by means of which the playback device can be controlled. In this way, in addition to the playback speed, further functions can be controlled, namely selecting elements from a list, in particular a music archive, or determining skip marks or controlling software modules or the length of audio loops or a continuous modification of parameters, in particular audio effect parameters, for volume, filter, flange, echo, delay or a playback control of video sequences or parameters of video sequences, in particular color, resolution or parameters and positioning of objects in computer games.

Abstract: In a wearable electronic device attachable to an arm, a display screen is disposed on a top face of a main body which is attached to the arm. First and second controls are arranged adjacent to opposite sides of the display screen, respectively, and project obliquely from the top face of the main body. The first control is configured to move toward a near side of the display screen by an operation of the user and to return spontaneously to a rest position away from the near side. The second control is configured to move toward a near side of the display screen by an operation of the user and to return spontaneously to a rest position away from the near side. An operation of one of the first and second controls or both of the first and second controls enables setting of the device using the display screen.

Abstract: A method includes receiving digital inputs from a joystick linked to a computer causing affects to music generated from a first music file, and storing the affected generated music in a second music file. The digital inputs can include movements resulting positioning the joystick.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating audio data automaticallly and a personal terminal and a recorded medium using the same. Disclosed method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting pitch of inputted sound source; (b) generating a unit tone data using detected pith varation information; (c) generating an interval code using ratio information of unit tones included in the unit tone data; (d) generating a harmony code based on the generated interval code; (e) generating an accompaniment template using the harmony code and pre-stored accompaniment related template; and (f) generating an audio data where main melody of the inputted sound source and the accompaniment data are merged. Users can generate polyphonic ringtone sound automatically through a personal terminal itself without downloading.

Abstract: When it is determined that Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect is found, CPU 13 assigns the Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect to a tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed, and when it is determined that Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect is not found, CPU 13 sets acoustic-effect information included in tone color information set to the tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed, thereby assigning the Insertion Effect Block 20n to the tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of establishing a harmony control signal controlled in real-time by a guitar audio input signal (GAS), comprising the steps of providing a first input harmony input control signal (FIH) on the basis of said guitar audio input signal (GAS), providing a second input harmony control signal (SIH) on the basis of a voice audio input signal (VAS). providing an input audio extraction representation (IAER) on the basis of said first input harmony input control signal (FIH), establishing a harmony control signal (HCS) on the basis of said input audio extraction representation (IAER) and said second input harmony control signal (SIH).

Abstract: A dual hardness armor, comprising a first steel layer of hardness H1 and thickness D1, a second steel layer of hardness H2 lower than H1, and a thickness D2 not greater than D1. The armor further comprises an intermediate substance therebetween bonding the first steel layer to the second steel layer.

Abstract: An armor panel comprising an armor member made of a laminated material, having a predetermined ballistic capability and a first flexural strength. The armor panel has a covering layer having a second flexural strength essentially lower than the first flexural strength. The covering layer is bonded to the armor member. The layer is made of a fiber reinforced material such that overall flexural strength of the armor panel is greater than twice the first structural strength. The overall ballistic capability of the armor panel is at least the same as that of the predetermined ballistic capability of the armor member.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is mounted on a hydraulic excavator, and is provided with a directional control valve 23 for a boom, a directional control valve 24 for an arm, a boom control device 25 for selectively controlling the directional control valve 23 for the boom, and an arm control device 26 for selectively controlling the directional control valve 24 for the arm. The directional control valves 23,24 control a boom cylinder 6 and an arm cylinder 7, respectively, which are driven by pressure oil delivered from a main hydraulic pump 21. The hydraulic drive system is provided with a communication control means for communicating a rod chamber 6b of the boom cylinder 6 and a bottom chamber 7a of the arm cylinder 7 with each other when a stroke of the arm control device 26 has become a predetermined amount S or greater.

Abstract: In a pressure booster having a cylinder mechanism, a floating mechanism is disposed between pistons and a piston rod, the floating mechanism being capable of absorbing offset (off centered) loads that are imposed on the pistons from the piston rod. The floating mechanism is constituted from swing bolts connected to both ends of the piston rod, support plates mounted onto end surfaces of the pistons and which swingably support the swing bolts therein, and fixing plates disposed between the ends of the piston rod and the support plates.

Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterised in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).

Abstract: Provided is an assembly structure of a drive shaft and a swash plate in a swash plate type compressor including a housing, a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the cylinder block or the housing, a swash plate installed at the drive shaft to vary its tilt angle with respect to the drive shaft, and pistons reciprocally accommodated in the cylinder bores, characterized in that the assembly structure includes: a swash plate tilt support pin fixedly installed at the drive shaft to cross the drive shaft; a hinge coupling groove formed in the swash plate to be rotatably coupled to a tip of the swash plate tilt support pin in a tilted manner, and a swash plate support part formed in the swash plate to support the drive shaft. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of the swash plate type compressor and reduce its own weight by omitting a lug plate or a hinge mechanism in an assembly structure of the drive shaft and the swash plate.

Abstract: A syringe for syringe pumps or like instruments is disclosed, having a modified plunger disposed with a barrel wiper for enhancing seal life of the syringe. The syringe comprises a cylindrical barrel that is slideably engaged to a plunger via a seal. The syringe barrel wiper provides for enhanced seal life by extended controlled lubrication to inhibit debris adherence and reduced seal friction by wiping the inside of the barrel to remove debris buildup and egress of debris. The wiper comprises a lubricant-permeated porous polymer material shaped as a cylindrical tubular member.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston machine, such as an air-conditioning compressor for motor vehicles, having a housing, a a rotationally drivable shaft, a shaft sealing device, in particular a mechanical shaft seal, at least one radial shaft bearing, especially a radial rolling-contact bearing, and at least one axial shaft bearing, in particular an axial rolling-contact bearing, a bearing sleeve which accommodates at least the radial shaft bearing, being configured within an opening in the housing, extending into the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston (1) for a combustion engine, comprising hub bores (3) that are provided with plain bearing surfaces (5) and are used for accommodating a piston pin. In order to very effectively and inexpensively prevent the piston pin and the hub bores from jamming and wearing off, a self-lubricating coating (6) made of a thermally cured resin which contains embedded solid lubricant particles is applied directly to at least one subarea (Tb) of the plain bearing surfaces by means of rotary atomization.

Abstract: A system and method for removing moisture from compressed air with the system having a membrane for passage of water vapor therethrough while preventing the flow of air therethrough and a diverter for diverting and reducing the pressure of a portion of the compressed air to enable the air at a reduced pressure to flow past one side of the membrane while the compressed air flows by the opposite side of the membrane to allow water vapor from the compressed air to pass through the membrane to the compressed air at the reduced pressure thereby providing for on-the-go reduction of amount of moisture in the compressed air.