Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a thin disk-shaped diaphragm, a laser displacement meter for detecting an amount of deformation of the diaphragm, and an operation part connected to the laser displacement meter. In the pressure sensor, an amount of deformation of the diaphragm due to pressure of fluid flowing into the pressure sensor is detected by the laser displacement meter, and pressure of the fluid is obtained on the basis of the amount of deformation and conversion information stored in the operation part in advance. The base part of the diaphragm of the pressure sensor is made of graphite (or silicon substrate), and a thin film of silicon carbide which is in contact with fluid is formed on a surface of the base part. This improves chemical resistance to the pressure sensor and extends the lifetime of the pressure sensor while preventing metal elution.

Abstract: A sensor element having a sensitive sensor portion on an upper side of a substrate layer. The upper side of the substrate layer is provided with a recess on the periphery of the sensitive sensor portion. The recess provides mechanical isolation or decoupling of the sensitive sensor portion, as a result of which external forces do not cause stress in the sensitive sensor portion. In addition, a sensor assembly is described which is provided with at least one sensor element and a casing.

Abstract: An instrument-equipped bicycle component has a detection unit for detecting at least one parameter representative of a stress exerted upon the component. The component may have a single piece or multiple parts that do not move relative to one another. The component may be mobile with respect to the bicycle frame while the bicycle is traveling, and the detection unit moves as a single piece with the component with respect to the bicycle frame. The detected parameter may be the torque applied by the cyclist to the aforementioned component through the bicycle pedals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting strain, stress, fatigue and incipient failure in materials. A detector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube) is used to detect photonic emissions from a material under test. Data based on the detected photonic emissions is displayed in real time so as to enable real time analysis of the data in determining strain, stress, fatigue and/or incipient failure.

Abstract: An airflow detecting apparatus for a fan includes an amplifier circuit (100), a comparator circuit (200), a micro control unit (MCU) (U1), and an indicating circuit (300). The amplifier circuit has an input terminal receiving a voltage signal from a piezoelectric film (H1) disposed at an airflow path of the fan, and outputs an amplified voltage signal at an output terminal. The comparator circuit has an input terminal receiving the amplified voltage signal from the amplifier circuit and compares the amplified voltage signal with a reference voltage signal received at another input terminal of the comparator circuit, and outputs a voltage level signal at an output terminal. The MCU receives the voltage level signal from the comparator circuit and processes it to output an indicating signal. The indicating circuit receives the indicating signal from the MCU and indicates status of airflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter (1) having a measuring tube housing (2), a measuring zone (3) inside the measuring tube housing (2), an ultrasonic transducer configuration of at least one ultrasonic transducer (4 and/or 5) for generating an ultrasonic signal and/or converting an ultrasonic signal passing through the measuring zone (3) into an electric signal and a deflecting device (11) for deflecting the ultrasonic signal in particular in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube (3) such that the surface normal N of the ultrasonic transducer (4 and/or 5) is arranged so it is inclined laterally based on the top position of the fluid-filled interior of the measuring tube housing (2) in the installed position with the plane E such that the ultrasonic signal does not strike the deflecting device (11) from above in the installed position of the fluid meter (1).

Abstract: A probe system for measuring fluid flow in a conduit, such as a blood vessel with ultrasound transit time or similar measurement methods. The probe system having a probe body with a space to receive in a secure but detachable fashion a pliable soft insert. The insert has a central lumen or aperture which is sized to securely but detachably fit around a vessel or conduit without squeezing or in any way altering the conduit during application or use. The insert is acoustically matched with the vessel or conduit and fluid flowing therein to thereby minimize distortion or attenuation of ultra sound waves generated to assess flow. In a further aspect a set of inserts with varying sized lumens or apertures are provided to match with vessels or conduits of varying size. The system among other things increases accuracy of flow measurements while minimizing trauma to the vessel or conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring wetness of a gas flow within a conduit is provided that includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a sonar based flowmeter, and a processing device. The first pressure sensor is operable to sense the pressure of the gas flow within the conduit at a first position. The second pressure sensor is operable to sense the pressure of the gas flow within the conduit at a second position. The second position is located downstream of the first position an amount sufficient that the gas flow experiences a pressure drop. The sonar based flowmeter is configured to determine a volumetric flow rate of the gas flow. The processing device is in communication with the first and second pressure sensors and the sonar based flowmeter. The processing device is adapted to determine a difference in the pressure sensed by the first and second pressure sensors, and to determine the wetness of the gas flow using the difference in pressure and the volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the web tension or the web tensile force in a printing substrate web is disclosed. A device is arranged at a first position along a transport path of the printing substrate web, which device supplies a signal to deduce the web tension in effect at the first position or the web tensile force in effect at the first position. A device arithmetically determines the web tension in effect or the web tensile force in effect at the second position from the web tension in effect at the first position or from the web tensile force in effect at the first position as well as from forces, which at least one driven roller and/or at least one trailing roller, which is/are arranged along the transport path of the printing substrate web between the first position and the second position, introduce to the printing substrate web.

Abstract: A precision force transducer having a spring element (1) whose load-dependent deflection is converted into an electrical signal by means of strain gauge elements (10). The spring element (1) is made of a precipitation-hardenable nickel-based alloy with a nickel content in the range of 36 to 60 percent and a chromium content in the range of 15 to 25 percent. The strain gauge elements (10) are composed of a polymer-free layered film system. This makes it possible to produce a precision force transducer that features great accuracy, low creep and low moisture sensitivity.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a syringe which has a piston and sucks and discharges a liquid; and a storage unit which stores therein a reference driving profile indicating a reference of a driving position and a driving time at starting the piston. The apparatus also includes a position detector which detects an actual driving position of the piston; a timer which measures an actual driving time of the piston; and a driving controller which controls driving of the piston based on the reference driving profile, the driving controller creating an actual driving profile based on the actual driving position and the actual driving time of the piston, and the driving controller comparing the reference driving profile with the actual driving profile to determine based on a result of the comparing whether the dispensing is proper or not.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels such as microtubes having a least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel. Each cavity is associated with a respective detector operative to detect the presence of a storage vessel in the cavity. The detector may comprise a spring form extending in the cavity and arranged to be deformed by a storage vessel when introduced into the cavity, and further arranged so that on deformation it closes an electrical switch indicating the presence of the microtube in the cavity. The presence of the spring form also increases friction between the storage vessel and the cavity retaining the storage vessel within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of detecting a sample contained in sample liquid, comprising the steps of: a step of injecting the sample liquid into a container having a micro-space and provided with stirring particles in the micro-space; a step of inclining the container into which the sample liquid has been injected at a prescribed angle of inclination with respect to the vertical direction; a step of causing the sample liquid to be fluidized by sedimentation of the stirring particles in the inclined container; and a step of bringing the fluidized sample liquid into contact with a reagent stuck to an inner wall face of the micro-space in advance.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well includes a housing (302) having a sample chamber (314) defined therein. The sample chamber (314) is selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (302) and is operable to receive the fluid sample therefrom. A debris trap piston (318) is slidably disposed within the housing (302). The debris trap piston (318) includes a debris chamber (326). Responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber (314), the debris trap piston (318) receives a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber (326) then displaces relative to the housing (302) to expand the sample chamber (314).

Abstract: The preferred form of the present invention is directed to systems and methods used to test objects including but not limited to filters, respirator cartridges and filter media. The object to be tested is subjected to an aerosol challenge while the penetration percentage and resistance at a given flow are monitored to ensure that the object will function as desired. Preferably, the test object is challenged with a salt aerosol. However, any suitable aerosol may be used. A replenishment member is provided for automatically and continuously replenishing the reservoir of an aerosol generator. The replenishment member is configured such that there is no need for an operator to monitor the liquid level in the aerosol generator reservoir either during replenishment or at anytime while the apparatus is operated. The replenishment member of the preferred form of the present invention does not require interruption of the filter testing process to replenish the aerosol generator reservoir.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for reducing convection current effects in the optical path of a holographic interferometer system. The system preferably includes an enclosure for the optical path of the holographic interferometer system. In one embodiment, the system also includes a thermal element coupled to or located inside the enclosure. In another embodiment, the system also includes a gas located inside the enclosure, wherein the gas has a lower index of refraction than air. In another embodiment, the system also includes a fan coupled to or located inside the enclosure and adapted to circulate a gas inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor body made of resin, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and constructed with electronic devices configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, connector terminals for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminals are supported by the sensor body and have first end portions located outside the sensor body and second end portions located inside the sensor body. The electronic devices are physically and electrically connected directly to the second end portions of the terminals. The electronic devices and the second end portions of the terminals are integrally molded in the sensor body.

Abstract: A dummy body for testing of sitting, reclining and supporting cushions of upholstered sitting and reclining furniture, by means of which a complex interaction of various muscles can be simulated, true to reality, in a variable way, and which is distinguished by a cost-effective and simple construction. The worn parts can be replaced quickly and cost-effectively. The dummy body has a plurality of discs arranged adjustably next to one another and having different material properties in terms of the degree of hardness. Therefore, the muscle hardness of a dummy body to be simulated can be set variably according to a predetermined test program.

Abstract: A stop device comprises a rotatable shaft, a travelling nut mounted upon the shaft in such a manner that rotation of the shaft causes the nut to translate along the shaft, and a stop member mounted upon the shaft and operable to limit the length of the shaft along which the travelling nut can translate, wherein the stop member is adjustably mounted upon the shaft.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus comprises a motor, a pulley driven by the motors a driven element and a belt drive connecting the pulley and the driven element. The motor is mounted on a motor base and a pivot base connected by a shaft around which one pivots relative to the other. The motor is arranged on the motor base such that its weight causes the motor to pivot away from the drive element in a belt tensioning direction. A one-way clutch bearing is provided on the shaft and includes a link connected to an outer sleeve of the bearing and extending to the pivot base to allow pivotal movement tin the belt tensioning direction while preventing the motor from pivoting back toward the drive element, thereby keeping the belt drive taut.

Abstract: In a concentric double axis mechanism (I); a driving bevel gear (7) is placed concentrically with and freely from any interference with an axis-A (3), a follower bevel gear (8) is meshed with the driving bevel gear (7), and an axis-B (9) is concentrically connected and fixed to the follower bevel gear (8). Since the driving bevel gear (7) is driven by the axis-B actuator (12) that is independent from the axis-A actuator (11), the axis-B (9) can be driven being free from any interference with the axis-A (3). The axis-A actuator (11) does not become a load for the axis-B actuator (12), nor does the axis-B actuator (12) become a load for the axis-A actuator (11).

Abstract: A bearing unit has a housing and a connecting element that is supported so that it is able to rotate around a rotation axis in the housing and is for producing a non-rotating connection between a drive shaft and a threaded spindle of a screw drive, in which at its end oriented toward the threaded spindle, the connecting element has a recess extending coaxial to the rotation axis for accommodating an end section of the threaded spindle, the end of the connecting element oriented toward the threaded spindle has at least one slot that is narrowable by a element; and a linear unit can be equipped with a bearing unit of this kind.

Abstract: An actuator device (1) comprising an actuator housing (2), a driving motor (4) attached to the actuator housing (2), which driving motor (4) is provided with a motor spindle (28), the motor spindle (28) being displaceably engaged with an actuator spindle (6) via a nut (38), and where an auxiliary frame (8) which can be displaced relative to the actuator spindle (6) and biased by use of the driving motor (4), and which can be releasably coupled to the actuator housing (2), is arranged to displace the actuator spindle (6) independently of the motor (4), and where the nut (38) is releasable coupled to the actuator spindle (6), thereby being arranged to bias the auxiliary frame (8) while disengaged from the actuator spindle (6).

Abstract: A multi-speed compound vehicular transmission having an auxiliary section with three countershafts, including: a main section; and an auxiliary section, wherein the main section includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a synchronizer and two countershafts symmetrically arranged on both sides of the output shaft; the auxiliary section includes an auxiliary section main shaft and a synchronizer; wherein a reduction gear is arranged on the main shaft, three countershafts are distributed with equal distance around the main shaft, and an output end of the main shaft of auxiliary section is connected to a flange.

Abstract: A synchronizer actuating system for use in an automated manual transmission or a dual clutch transmission includes an apply finger and a fork mounted on a shifting rail. The fork grips and actuates a synchronizer sleeve. A piston is operable to engage and actuate the apply finger. The piston has an opening with a dual frusto-conical inner surface. The opening receives an extension of the apply finger therein. The dual frusto-conical inner surface allows the apply finger to be engaged by the piston at the center of the piston even if the apply finger or shifting rail is bent relative to the piston.

Abstract: An outer circumference of a shift drum of a vehicle transmission is provided with at least one particular lead groove among multiple lead grooves which continuously extends beyond one circle of the shift drum. Two ends of the particular lead groove are arranged so as to be out of alignment with each other in the axial direction of the shift drum. A common shift position adapted to establish gear trains with two shift stages different from each other is set at one position corresponding to the two ends of the particular lead groove along the circumferential direction of the shift drum. The resulting configuration prevents an increase in the diameter of a shift drum and eliminates the significant change of the shape of a lead groove, even as the number of shift positions set on the shift drum is increased.

Abstract: In a double-clutch transmission, a clutch of an input shaft which is not synchronously rotated with a output shaft is connected to synchronize the speed of rotation of the input shaft with that of the engine, and the rotational speed of the input shaft is measured to thereby detect a engine rotational speed.

Abstract: A drive (A) for imparting rotation about an axis (X) includes an axial flux motor (4) having a stator (38) and a rotor (44), an output drive element (8), an epicyclic gear system (6) located between the rotor of the axial flux motor and the drive element. The gear system is located within and surrounded by the motor, thus rendering the drive highly compact along its axis.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: Noise can be effectively reduced without rotative power transmission accuracy being compromised. In a tooth 2 of a resin gear 1, a tooth face that is a predetermined area from a tooth crest 8 towards a tooth root 10 side serves as a tooth profile modification area 11. A tooth surface excluding the tooth profile modification area 11 serves as an involute profile area 12. The tooth profile modification area 11 includes a linear standard profile portion 14 formed by an involute curved line from the tooth crest 8 of the tooth towards the tooth root 10 side and a profile modification portion 16 in which a tooth thickness gradually and smoothly decreases from the standard profile portion 14 along a tooth width direction and the tooth thickness gradually and smoothly decreases from a tooth root end side 15 towards the tooth crest 8. In the tooth profile modification area 11, a contacting section becomes elastically deformed as a result of the resin gear coming into contact with a meshing mating gear.

Abstract: In a transmission for a vehicle including a shift drum rotatably supported by an engine case for selectively establishing multiple gear trains of respective speed steps in accordance with the rotational position of the shift drum, a shift-position changing-driving member is interlocked with and connected to an end portion of the shift drum so as to drive the shift drum to rotate. A shift-position sensor detects which of the multiple gear trains is established. The maintainability of the shift-position sensor is achieved by a transmitting mechanism that transmits the amount of rotational movement of a shift drum. The shift-position sensor is interlocked with and connected to an end portion of the shift drum. A shift-position sensor is disposed at and fixed to the outside of an engine case so as to detect the acting amount that is transmitted by the transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: A range selection control system for a transmission facilitates safe operation of a power take off. A fluid actuated range piston assembly within a range cylinder moves between low range and high range positions. Range cylinder and range piston assembly define sealed high range and low range chambers. A neutral cylinder intersects range cylinder. A fluid actuated neutral piston assembly within neutral cylinder defines a neutral chamber. Neutral piston assembly engages range control piston assembly responsive to pressurization of neutral chamber. Neutral piston assembly is received by an engagement feature of range piston assembly when range control piston assembly is in a neutral position, retaining range piston assembly there. An electrically responsive locking mechanism locks neutral piston assembly in place when range piston assembly is in the neutral position. The locking is controlled by a condition of an electrical switch indicating a transmission condition.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a transmission, such as a motor vehicle transmission is described. The transmission has at least one moveable adjusting element, at least two sensors for detecting a position of the at least one moveable adjusting element, and a code path of the at least one moveable adjusting element having sections of different heights which are provided to be scanned by the at least two sensors, the sections of the code path of different heights being arranged at least two-dimensionally. The at least two sensors are arranged parallel to one another.

Abstract: In an umbilical member processing mechanism of a robot, a working tool managing unit umbilical member (50) for supplying at least one of the power, the signal and the material to a working tool managing unit (34), is guided from a rotary barrel in the longitudinal direction of an upper arm on a side face of the upper arm (14) located on the opposite side to the side attached to the rotary barrel (12) and then guided onto a front side (18b) of a front arm (18). Next, the working tool managing unit umbilical member (50) is connected to the working tool managing unit (34) through a side of the front arm located on the opposite side to the side on which the upper arm is attached. Further, the working tool managing unit umbilical member is connected to the working tool managing unit being relayed by an umbilical member junction portion (39) attached to a side or a front side of the front arm.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle having an outerjacket and an inner jacket slideably disposed within the outer jacket along a longitudinal axis for telescoping movement. A pivot pin is coupled to the outerjacket and defines a pin axis. A pawl is disposed about the pivot pin and is rotatable about the pin axis between and engaged position engaging the innerjacket for preventing the telescoping movement and a disengaged position disengaging the inner jacket for allowing the telescoping movement. An actuator is mounted to the pivot pin for concurrent rotation with the pivot pin about the pin axis and is coupled to the pawl for moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged positions in an opposing rotational direction from the concurrent rotation of the pivot pin and the actuator.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering apparatus S of the invention includes: a lever 48 which interconnects steering-side outer segments 46, 47 sandwiching therebetween steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 disposed upwardly of a steering column C thereby to be relatively moved together with fixed portions 42b, 43b of the steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 and to relatively move fixed portions 46b, 47b of the steering-side outer segments 46, 47 when the steering column C is moved relative to a vehicle body; and an actuator 50 disposed laterally of the steering column C and operative to release the lever 48 from the connection with the steering-side outer segment 47.

Abstract: An electromechanical cable actuator assembly is disclosed, the actuator having a motor, a gear assembly coupled to the motor, a spring-loaded return assembly coupled to the gear assembly being configured to apply a force to the gear assembly to return the electromechanical cable assembly to a first position; and an electronic motor control circuit coupled to the motor. The electronic motor control circuit includes a drive circuit configured to drive the motor in a first direction against the force exerted by the spring assembly and a braking circuit configured to slow the rate of return of the cable assembly to the first position.

Abstract: A steering wheel mounting assembly comprising first and second stationary rings, the second stationary ring being adapted for connection to a vehicle frame. The assembly further comprises a steering hub having a spindle with a radial flange extending therefrom. The spindle is adapted for connection with a steering shaft and the radial flange is adapted for connection with a steering wheel. The spindle has a first bearing raceway for engaging a bearing of the first stationary ring and a second bearing raceway for engaging a bearing of the second stationary ring. The steering hub has at least one opening that defines a bearing surface. A friction roller assembly, having a shaft with a third bearing thereabout, is positioned in the opening such that as the third bearing rotates relative to the bearing surface, the third bearing moves radially outward and the shaft engages the first and second cylindrical raceways.

Abstract: A rotary knob assembly (100) includes a fixed raised boss (110) having a boss cavity (107) and a knob (102) optionally having a rotary switch stem (104) therein. The knob can include a portion that axially resides within the boss cavity such that impacts to the knob transfers to the fixed raised boss. The knob can further include a rigid core member (106) and an outer over-molded portion (108) over-molded on to the rigid core member. The fixed raised boss can include an outer circumference (118) and an inner circumference (116). The inner circumference of the boss and a portion of the rigid core member and the outer circumference of the boss and the outer mover-molded portion form a knob-boss interface (117) that sustains impacts to the rotary knob assembly while isolating a rotary switch (112) from impacts.

Abstract: The lever (11) is fitted with two rollers (20A, 20B) which are supported by a core (21) provided with a mounting bore (21B) on an articulated shaft, wherein the rollers (20A, 20B) are both mounted between two webs of a pair of webs which are added to the core (21). The webs (22A, 23B) are on the whole planar. A first web (22A) of each pair of webs is partially engaged in a hollow housing (21C) created on the lateral surface (21D) of the core (21). The second web (23B) of the same pair is maintained at a distance from the first web. The hollow housings (21C) are created on the two opposite lateral surfaces (21D) of the core (21) of the lever (11).

Abstract: To provide the breather structure of a shaft-drive-type drive device which can miniaturize a gear casing as a whole and can exhibit an excellent appearance. A shaft-drive-type drive device is capable of transmitting an output of an engine mounted on a vehicle body to a wheel by way of a drive shaft by connecting one end of the drive shaft to an output shaft of the engine by way of a universal joint and by connecting the wheel to another end side of the drive shaft by way of gears or the like.

Abstract: A mechanical conversion system for receiving input from a toroidal engine that outputs an oscillating motion. The system has a gear set with facing bevel gears that mesh with radially mounted pinions. The bevel gears are mounted on a splined input shaft via bearings and one-way clutches. An overrunning clutch is coupled with each bevel gear. As the input shaft rotates in one direction, the overrunning clutch of one bevel gear is engaged and drives the one gear in the first direction, while the overrunning clutch of the second bevel gear is disengaged and allows the second bevel gear to overrun the input shaft. The overrunning clutch is a type known as a MECHANICAL DIODE®, which engages within 4.5 degrees of rotation, without significant slippage.

Abstract: A hardfacing composition (32) that includes a plurality of hard particles (54) wherein the hard particles (54) include a mode particle size distribution, one particle size distribution smaller than the mode particle size distribution, and an other particle size distribution larger than the mode particle size distribution. There is an absence of any substantial fluctuations in the particle size distribution between the mode particle size distribution and the one particle size distribution. There is an absence of any substantial fluctuations in the particle size distribution between the mode particle size distribution and the other particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a metal melt containing at least one base metal and at least one further alloy constituent, wherein the production takes place in a melting vessel with slag covering the melt. In accordance with the invention, for increasing the content of the alloy constituent of the melt, an additive is fed to the melt which contains said alloy constituent at a content of ?5-10 percent by weight of the alloy constituent, ?5-10 percent by weight of melting metallurgically harmless volatile matter, ?5 percent by weight of sulfur and possibly fractions of further alloy constituents and/or slag formers. The additive is obtainable by ore leaching and by precipitation in the form of hydroxides and/or carbonates. The invention also relates to such an additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and system for the supply of a continuous stream of hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) from a direct reduction (DR) shaft furnace or direct reduced iron (DRI) reheating furnace to a point outside of the DR shaft furnace or DRI reheating furnace where the HDRI stream is split into at least two HDRI streams. The first HDRI stream is sent continuously to a hot briquetting plant by gravity in a closed duct system. The second HDRI stream is sent continuously to an adjacent melting furnace also by gravity in a closed duct system, with a surge bin and feeders, or by a combination of gravity in a closed duct system, also with a surge bin and feeders, and a generally horizontal charge conveyor. Optionally, a third HDRI stream is employed to continuously feed multiple hot transport vessels.

Abstract: A method of dispersing flux in molten metal includes providing a source of flux powder and a source of gas. An impeller is disposed on an end of a shaft inside the impeller chamber of a base made of heat resistant material. The base is submerged in the molten metal and includes a molten metal inlet opening into the impeller chamber and a molten metal discharge passageway extending from the impeller chamber to an exterior of the base. Molten metal is drawn through the inlet opening into the impeller chamber by rotation of the impeller in the impeller chamber. The molten metal is moved out of the impeller chamber through the discharge passageway by the rotation of the impeller. A discharge stream of molten metal travels through the discharge passageway into the molten metal exterior to the base. The gas flows from the gas source into a refractory flux conduit. The flux conduit extends from outside the molten metal into fluid communication with the discharge passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering rhodium sponge in high yield from ammonium hexachloro rhodate solution. The method comprises adding formic acid to ammonium hexachloro rhodate solution to reduce the rhodate, recovering reduced rhodium as rhodium black, and calcining the rhodium black under hydrogen atmosphere without water-washing to obtain rhodium sponge.

Abstract: A melting apparatus facilitates the melting of pieces of solid metal in a bath of molten metal (10). The melting apparatus comprises a device (18) having a lower portion (22), an upper portion (20), and a body portion (24) extending therebetween, introduction means for introducing the solid metal into the device (18) through the upper portion (20), flow inducing means (28) for inducing flow of molten metal through the device (18), and flow straightening means (38) for encouraging axial flow of motel metal through the device (18). The body portion (24) is formed with a plurality of apertures (36) therein and the device (18) is arranged, in use, with the lower portion (22) and the plurality of apertures (36) positioned within the bath (10) and the upper portion (20) positioned above the upper surface (12) of the molten metal bath (10).

Abstract: A hand-operated swage device includes a first hand-operated actuator and a second hand operated actuator that, when actuated together, control the sequential operation of a clamping mechanism and a swaging mechanism of the hand-operated swage device. For example, the first actuator of the swage device is disposed on a first handle while the second actuator is disposed on a second handle of the swage device. To operate the hand-operated swage device, an operator grasps the first handle with one hand and grasps the second handle with his other hand to actuate both of the actuators in a substantially simultaneous manner. Actuation of both actuators controls sequential delivery of pressurized air to a first pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism and to a second pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the swaging mechanism.

Abstract: A swage anvil includes a coupling portion that, when mated with a corresponding die of a swaging device, allows lateral positioning of the swage anvil (i.e., substantially parallel to a long axis of the saw blade) relative to the long axis of the saw blade. The swage anvil also includes a tooth contact face that substantially mirrors an angle of the back portion of each tooth of the saw blade. As such, after a manufacturer inserts the swage anvil into the swage device and laterally translates the swage anvil, the tooth contact face abuts the back portion of the saw blade tooth to support the tooth during a swaging procedure. With the aforementioned configuration of the swage anvil, translation of the swage anvil along a single axis provides support to the back portion of the saw blade tooth along two axes. As such, use of the swage anvil decreases the set-up time required in conventional swaging devices.