Abstract: In the manufacturing technology of an integrated MEMS in which a semiconductor integrated circuit (CMOS or the like) and a micro machine are monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate, a technology capable of manufacturing the integrated MEMS without using a special process different from the normal manufacturing technology of a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided. A MEMS structure is formed together with an integrated circuit by using the CMOS integrated circuit process. For example, when forming an acceleration sensor, a structure composed of a movable mass, an elastic beam and a fixed beam is formed by using the CMOS interconnect technology. Thereafter, an interlayer dielectric and the like are etched by using the CMOS process to form a cavity. Then, fine holes used in the etching are sealed with a dielectric.

Abstract: There is provided a quantitative evaluation device or the like of atomic vacancy existing in a silicon wafer in which the atomic vacancy concentration in the silicon wafer can be quantitatively evaluated by forming a rationalized thin-film transducer on a surface of a silicon sample without conducting an acceleration treatment for enhancing the concentration.

Abstract: Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure measuring instrument, as well as a dedicated liner, especially for subsea use and adapted for coupling to a pressurized medium in a container or pipe through at leas tone opening therein and thus measure the pressure in the medium at this location, wherein the pressure measuring instrument is provided with at least one insertion part for positioning in said opening, the insertion part comprising a outward protruding liner, said liner being rotatably coupled to the insertion part and having an inner cylindrical or conical surface and an outer cylindrical or conical surface, said inner and outer surfaces having non-coinciding parallel or essentially parallel centre axis.

Abstract: The invention provides for a temperature compensating pressure sensing arrangement. The arrangement includes a substrate having sealed channels on which is deposited a CMOS layer, with a conductive layer and a passivation layer deposited on the CMOS layer. The arrangement also includes a conductive active membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form an active chamber, and a conductive reference membrane spaced from the conductive layer to form a sealed reference chamber. Further included is a cap which covers the membranes, said cap exposing the active membrane to an outside fluid pressure. The active membrane further defines a foot which is located between the substrate and cap with a leg extending away from the substrate and terminating in a substantially planar deflectable portion, which deflects due to differential pressure stresses so that an active capacitance is developed between the active membrane and the conductive layer depending on the electrical permittivity e of the fluid.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having wall structures comprised of sintered glass frit and further including a glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic membrane structure sealed by a sintered seal to said wall structures, such that a fluid passage or chamber is defined at least in part by the wall structures and said membrane structure. This allows for changes in pressure within the fluid passage or chamber to cause deflections of the membrane structure, providing for direct measurement of pressure within the device. The microfluidic device may have both floors and walls of sintered frit, or may have only walls of sintered frit, with planar floor-like substrate structures, thicker than the membrane structure defining the vertical boundaries of the internal passages. The device may include multiple fluid passages or chambers each defined at least in part by a membrane structure. Multiple membrane structures may be used in a single device, and one single membrane structure may be used for multiple passages or chamber.

Abstract: A disclosed stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group includes multiple stress-distribution detecting semiconductor packages each formed by resin-encapsulating a stress detecting semiconductor chip of the same size using an identical resin encapsulation structure. Each stress detecting semiconductor chip includes a piezoelectric element for stress detection and at least two electrode pads electrically connected to the piezoelectric element to measure an electrical property of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements of the stress detecting semiconductor chips are respectively disposed on the corresponding stress detecting semiconductor chips to be located at different positions from one another when superimposed on a single imaginary semiconductor chip plane having the same plane size as that of the stress detecting semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A load detecting apparatus includes a strain member, a supporting member, a load input member and a strain detecting element. The supporting member is employed for supporting the strain member at a supporting portion thereof The load input member is supported by the strain member and strains the strain member when an external load is applied thereon. The strain detecting element is provided at at least a surface of the strain member for detecting the strain generated by the load input member. Further, an outer end of the supporting portion located outwardly relative to the load input member is fixed to the strain member.

Abstract: A load test system includes a test bed frame which extends horizontally along a first axis and includes two rolling beams moveably mounted securely in the test bed frame for being moved to desired position. The rolling beams have plural attachment locations for attaching a test lift device. A hydraulic power station is located spaced perpendicular from the test bed frame along a second axis and includes a hydraulic cylinder with a line connected to the hydraulic cylinder at one end, which is connectable to a test device at another end for applying a load when the test device is attached to the test bed. Beam members connect the hydraulic power station and the test bed frame to form a rigid structure.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a flow sensor with double obstruction disclosing a simple and innovative structure, able to promote a series of advantages and new technical effects from the combination of fixed and variable obstruction elements. More particularly, the present invention comprises a front main body (12) and a main body (40) fitted to each other so to press two obstruction elements, the first one being fixed (30) and the second being variable (50), so to increase sensitivity and reduce the annoying noise, being especially useful to monitor patients for long periods.

Abstract: A flowmeter detects a differential pressure of steam as the steam passes through a conduit with a feature shaped to produce changes in velocity and pressure of the steam. Taps used to enable detection of the differential pressure extend from a wall of the conduit upward toward vertical (defined as parallel to the direction of gravitational force) in order to drain liquid water into the conduit from the tap. The differential pressure measured enables calculation of flow rate of the steam.

Abstract: Coriolis type flow measuring system for measuring the mass flow rate of a flowing medium, includes a flow tube and sensors associated with the flow tube for generating analog signals corresponding to the movement of the tube, analog to digital conversion elements for converting the analog sensor signals into digitized signals with a sampling frequency, and elements for calculating the mass flow rate from the digitized signals, which system is provided with members for causing the sampling of the sensor signals to take place with a number of different frequencies, elements for continuously measuring the rate at which the flow changes, and elements for selecting a predefined sampling frequency in dependence on the rate of change thus measured.

Abstract: A flow measuring system of the Coriolis type for measuring a mass flow, with a flow tube and with excitation means for causing the flow tube to rotate about an axis of rotation, with at least three sensors arranged free of the flow tube for generating analog signals that correspond to the movement of the tube, and with means for digitizing the analog signals and for computing the mass flow from the digitized sensor signals. The computation means are arranged for using exclusively the time information from the sensor signals. The accurate time information of the sensors is used by algorithms in digital electronic circuits for accurately determining the ratio between amplitudes due to excitation and those due to Coriolis forces. The mass flow is derived from this ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a device for testing an isolation structure comprising an isolation layer having an upper beam, a lower beam and a top beam plate, along with an upper portion, the device comprising a plurality of upper corbels, a plurality of lower corbels, a plurality of hoisting jacks, a plurality of acceleration sensors, a plurality of displacement sensors, an acceleration collecting analyzer and a displacement collecting analyzer. A method for testing an isolation structure is also provided.

Abstract: A shear sensor includes a stator structure, a transformer, and a ferromagnetic core. The stator structure distorts in two perpendicular axes upon application thereto of a shear force. The transformer is coupled to the stator structure, and includes a primary winding and a pair of differentially wound secondary windings. The ferromagnetic core is non-rotationally coupled to the stator structure and is at least partially surrounded by the primary and secondary windings. The core is spaced apart from the transformer stator poles to define an air gap between the core and the stator poles. The air gap varies in the two perpendicular axes upon application of the shear force to the stator structure.

Abstract: Relates to a microplate carrier (1) for a microplate (2), in whose wells (3) magnetic particles (5), which are suspended in a liquid (4), with or without samples adhering thereto are located, the microplate carrier (1) comprising permanent magnets (6) generating magnetic fields which are implemented to collect and retain the magnetic particles (5) on the floor (14) and/or on the walls (7) of the wells (3) of this microplate (2). The microplate carrier (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises two permanent magnets (6) situated diametrically opposite in relation to the well (3) for each well (3) of the microplate (2), which have the same polarity directed toward the well (3) and whose magnetic axis (25) is at least essentially perpendicular to the footprint of the microplate (2) to be placed. A corresponding method based on the use of the microplate carrier (1) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use in a multi-channel pipetting system is provided. The device includes a body, a plurality of modules mounted to the body, a plurality of pistons mounted to a piston holder for simultaneous movement of the plurality of pistons in a first direction, and a guidance assembly. Each module includes an orifice connecting to an intake chamber. A piston extends into the intake chamber for movement in the first direction. The guidance assembly includes a first rotating element, a second rotating element, a shaft connecting the first rotating element to the second rotating element, and a first track and a second track extending parallel to the first direction. The shaft extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first rotating element is mounted to roll along the first track, and the second rotating element is mounted to roll along the second track simultaneously with the plurality of pistons.

Abstract: A method for measuring samples includes fitting and mounting, onto a transfer stage, a chip pallet for transporting sensor chips; fitting a positioning hole of a chip package onto a positioning pin; pulling a bottom plate of the chip package off the chip package, so as to simultaneously transfer the housed sensor chips onto the transfer stage; pulling upward the chip pallet so as to simultaneously transfer, onto the chip pallet, the sensor chips on the transfer stage; and mounting the chip pallet having the sensor chips mounted thereon onto a measuring device, and measuring samples.

Abstract: A duct-mountable sensing unit includes a plurality of sensors for detecting respective parameters, including pressure, of a fluid in a duct. The sensing unit enables fluid communication between the sensors and the fluid in the duct through a single insertion point in the duct.

Abstract: A sensor holder for a piston-cylinder unit with a cylinder and a piston rod which is movable relative to the latter comprises a holding element which carries out a synchronous movement with respect to the piston rod and has a first position measuring device. A second position measuring device is held by a holder so as to be axially stationary with respect to the cylinder, and there is a rotationally oriented installation position between the first position measuring device and second position measuring device. The cylinder-side holder and the holding element are rotatable relative to one another, and a magnetic force acting between the holder and the holding element brings about a rotational orientation of the two position measuring devices relative to one another.

Abstract: The present technical solution provided allows it to meet the problem of keeping the direction given by the use of the stabilized element in the plane of the inertial space, irrespective of acting harmful torques, precessions of gyroscopes and turns in that plain of the movable object whereon the solution is used. This solution is based on forced creation of those precessions of two one-axis gyrostabilizers towards the opposite sides, connected with each other by the connection unit comprising the stabilized element. Since in the present solution use can be made of the gyroscope of low accuracy, then the solution provided can be implemented in the small-size version.

Abstract: A starter has a clutch coaxially disposed on an output shaft of a motor. The clutch has a clutch outer, an inner member having a clutch inner disposed on an inner side of the outer and a shaft portion disposed on a front side of the inner, a roller disposed between the outer and inner, a clutch cover attached to an outer surface of the outer and extending toward the shaft portion, and a clutch washer disposed on a front surface of the inner between the cover and inner. The distance between the cover and the rotation axis of the clutch is smaller than the distance between the outer end of the inner and the rotation axis. The rotation force of the motor is received in the outer and is transmitted to an engine through the roller and inner member to crank the engine.

Abstract: A device is described for opening and closing the discharge door of a bulk seed box. The device comprises a portable lightweight structure which is attached to the box and which uses an electrically operated screw actuator to move the discharge door of the box from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. The device also includes a spreader mechanism which relieves the stress or tension on the supporting slide or track for the discharge door so that the discharge door may be more easily opened and closed.

Abstract: A force producing element produces a force along a force axis between a plant and a support. Flexure pivots flexibly secure the force producing element to the plant and the support. The flexure pivots transmit the force between the plant and the support while isolating the force producing element from external forces.

Abstract: A control knob assembly includes a housing and a knob mounted for rotary motion on the housing about a pivot axis. A cursor is mounted on the knob and spaced from the pivot axis. The cursor moves in a circular path as the knob is rotated. The assembly further includes a plurality of sensors spaced in a linear arrangement along a linear axis. Each of the sensors generates a signal upon detection of the presence of the cursor when the cursor is adjacent the sensor as the cursor moves along its circular path. The signal is representative of an angular position of the knob relative to the housing.

Abstract: A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a continuous cylindrical surface portion longitudinally disposed next to a cylindrical outer surface portion interrupted by longitudinal grooves. A first gear assembly has a first clutch spring that holds a first set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a first output gear. A second gear assembly has a second clutch spring that holds a second set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a second output gear. The first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are configured to move longitudinally along the shaft member to a position where at least one of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly is engaged for rotation with the shaft member when a value of torque at the shaft member is below a torque threshold value.

Abstract: Provided is a ball screw device capable of downsizing a nut member (2), simplifying a circulation structure for balls (3), in which endless circulation of the balls (3) between the nut member (2) and a screw shaft (1) can be smoothly performed, and fluctuation of a rotation torque which occurs when the screw shaft (1) rotates relative to the nut member (2) can be suppressed as small as possible. A ball circulation groove (21) corresponding to all the periphery of the screw shaft (1) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nut member (2). The ball circulation groove (21) includes a load rolling groove (22) opposed to the ball rolling groove (10) in the screw shaft (1) and a ball returning groove (23) connecting one end and another end of the load rolling groove (22) to each other.

Abstract: In the toothing system (1) of a gearwheel having a plurality of teeth (2, 3; 19) whose tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) have involute form above a tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22), the tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23) of the tooth flanks (4, 5, 6; 22) that, as viewed in normal section, extends between a root useful point (15, 16, 17; 23) and a root point (F) has elliptical shape, tangentially adjoins the involute region of the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22) at the root useful point (15, 16, 17; 24) and tangentially contacts the root circle (FKS) at the root point (F). In its tooth-root region (7, 8, 9; 23), the tooth flank (4, 5, 6; 22), as viewed in normal section, substantially follows a partial section (B) of an ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) whose semiaxes (a, b) have different lengths, one semiaxis (a, b) of the ellipse (10, 11, 12; E) being inclined at an ellipse tilting angle alpha larger than 0° and smaller than 90° relative to a radial (R) through the root point (F).

Abstract: A bicycle component actuating device is provided with a base member, a first user operating member and a locking member. The base member includes a tube mounting structure having a tube receiving bore with a center mounting axis. The first user operating member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member for rotation between a first operating position and a second operating position about a rotational axis that is parallel to and offset from the center mounting axis of the tube mounting structure. The locking member is movably mounted relative to the base member for selective movement between a locking position to lock the first user operating member in the second operating position and a releasing position to release the first operating member from the second operating position.

Abstract: A tilt adjust nut is inserted in a first recess formed in a tube guide bracket, and is coupled to a column body around an axis perpendicular to a tilt plane thereof. When the column body tilts with respect to an upper bracket due to tilt operation and the tilt angle of the column body with respect to the upper bracket changes due to this tilting of the column body, the tilt adjust nut rotates in the first recess in accordance with the tilting of the column body and thereby allows changes in the tilt angle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a steering member for rotational operation, and a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame. The steering member includes a main body supported by the support mechanism, a pair of grip sections which are movable between the housing position and the projection position together with the main body, and which are supported so as to be movable between a nonoperating position and an operating position by the main body, and a grip section drive actuator which is supported by the main body, and drives the pair of grip sections to the nonoperating position and the operating position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kick down switch of an accelerator pedal apparatus, and can provide kick-down operation feeling to a driver through a housing protrusion that selectively comes in contact with a second lever protrusion of a switch lever according to a rotation angle of a pedal arm. Accordingly, it is possible to improve operational feeling, to reduce fatigue, and to meet both stability and economical efficiency.

Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: Embodiments of hobby servo motor devices are disclosed. Embodiments include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable splined output shaft and a rotational enhancement mechanism that is rotatably engaged to the hobby servo motor splined output shaft. The rotational enhancement mechanism has an auxiliary shaft that is in-line with the hobby servo motor output shaft. Embodiments also include a support panel that is rigidly connected to the hobby servo motor and displaced from the hobby servo motor. The support panel has an aperture that receives and supports the auxiliary shaft.

Abstract: There is here disclosed an Fe-based sintered alloy produced through a mixing step of mixing an Fe—Mn alloy powder, graphite powder and Fe powder by a mixer (S16), a compacting step of compacting the mixed powder at a predetermined pressure (S18), and a sintering step of sintering the resultant compact in a sintering oven at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time (S20), the Fe—Mn alloy powder being characterized by containing 2-30 mass % of Mn. In particular, the mixing step (S16) is carried out by mixing 5-50 mass % of the Fe—Mn alloy powder, 0.2-2 mass % of the graphite powder, and the remainder of the Fe powder in the mixer. Consequently, mechanical strength of the Fe-based sintered alloy can be further improved.

Abstract: In the operation, a flux mainly composed of silica ore and a non-ferrous metal-ore raw-material are charged into a smelting furnace via a conveying system. In order to increase the production amount of the metal, the flux is conveyed and treated through a first system, in which the flux is crushed in a ball mill and dried in the ball mill while hot air is blown into the ball mill, and the crushed and dried flux is conveyed directly before the smelting furnace. In the drier of copper concentrate, the flux is not dried at all.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are described herein that provide an effective inert blanket over a metal surface (hot solid (charge) metal or molten metal) in a container such as an induction furnace. The system includes a container of metal and a system configured to delivery biphasic inert cryogen toward the metal. The delivery system may include a lance disposed at the top of the container. The lance has a hood that directs both a flow of liquid cryogen and a flow of vaporous gas toward the metal surface. The liquid cryogen contacts the metal surface, generating a volume of expanding gas over the metal surface. The vaporous cryogen creates a reinforcing vapor that slows the expansion rate of the expanding gas, localizing the expanding gas over the metal surface.

Abstract: A blade sharpening tool adapted for hand-held use, comprising two mating housing components and two bits wherein the bits can be of tungsten carbide material. Each mating housing component can comprise a plurality of integrated fastening elements. The mating housing components can be secured together by engaging integrated fastening elements, thereby securing the bits. The bits can thereby form a specified gap angle favorable for a blade-sharpening process. The integrated fastening elements can be of a snap fit cantilever beam design. Alignment posts can extend into and/or through the bits.

Abstract: A hose clamp pliers comprises first and second pliers bodies axially combined together by a pivot pillar for forming operating segments and working segments thereon including fitting seats disposed on the front ends thereof for fitting clamping members therein individually, the clamping members including positioning portions for accommodation various types of hose members mounted on one ends thereof, and including shanks with smaller diameters coupled on another ends thereof and inserting through the fitting seats respectively, the inner end surfaces of the positioning portions being biased against the inner end surfaces of the fitting seats respectively, and one ends of the shanks projecting out of the outer end surfaces of the fitting seats, the shanks including holes formed therein for receiving compression springs including balls placed on the free ends thereof and pushed out of the shanks thereby for being retained on the outer end surface of the fitting seats respectively, thus quickly replacing differe

Abstract: A bolt-tightening tool for tightening two bolts at the same time. The bolt-tightening tool includes a first rotating shaft coupled with a motor shaft and a second rotating shaft coupled with a motor case. A first bolt is tightened with the first rotating shaft, while a second bolt is tightened with the second rotating shaft, whereby the first and the second bolts are tightened with a same amount of torque.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight impact socket having an aluminum or other light metal blank having a fastener end and a drive end. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy insert is inserted into the fastener end of the blank and glued in place to yield a highly effective impact socket. A drive end insert can be inserted into the bore at the drive end to add strength to the drive end of the impact socket. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy sleeve can be adhered to the outside of the lightweight blank to add further strength to the drive end of the impact socket.

Abstract: An improved locking pliers is provided with an attachment member having a threaded aperture fixed on the handle of the locking pliers. In one embodiment, the attachment member is in the form of a coupling nut or other extended wide nut welded to the handle. In another embodiment, the attachment member is integrally formed as part of the handle during the manufacture of the pliers. In another embodiment, the attachment member is concentrically attached to the end of the handle so that a pulling, pushing or twisting force is applied along the plane of the handle without torque. The attachment member does not interfere with the normal locking operation or any other normal operation of the pliers. In another embodiment, a quick connection attachment member, such as a locking pin or quick disconnect joint, is used in place of a threaded portion.

Abstract: A quick detaching combining rod comprises: a hollow sleeve; a hollow rod body received in the sleeve; the rod body having a hollow inner space for receiving an engaging block and a first spring; a wall of the rod body being formed with two penetrating holes; the rod body receiving an opener head and a combining rod; the buckling groove having a protrusion which adheres to an outer wall of the rod body; the engaging block being received in the hollow inner space of the rod body and being between the opener head and the combining rod; an upper end of the combining rod being inserted into the combining space of the rod body and compressing a lower end of the first spring; a lower end of the combining rod being formed with a combining end for combining with a handle or a driving tool.

Abstract: A bolt fastening method enabling the same effect as when reducing the coefficient of friction of a thread surface without changing the coefficient of friction of the thread surface so as to realize an increase in a bolt axial force generated when fastening the bolt and a bolt fastening device realizing the bolt fastening method are provided. The bolt fastening method of the present invention is a bolt fastening method for when using a bolt having a bolt head and a bolt shank provided with an external thread to fasten fastened members, characterized by intentionally biasing surface pressures of a thread surface and a bolt bearing surface generated when fastening the bolt by imparting a lateral load parallel to the bolt bearing surface to the bolt head and, in that state, imparting a rotational torque rotating the external thread to the bolt head so as to fasten the bolt.

Abstract: The invention describes a handle for a hand-held machine tool comprising a grip element (20) and a fastening element (10) for fastening the handle to a housing of a hand-held machine tool, wherein the fastening element (10) partially protrudes into the grip element (20) and a damping element (30) is provided between the grip element (20) and the fastening element (10), and wherein the fastening element (10) forms an undercut (12, 15) in the grip element (20).

Abstract: The device for automatically feeding blanks or half-finished workpieces to a machine tool, more particularly a CNC lathe, and automatically unloading the machined workpieces is composed of a gantry loader having an integrated feeder device that allows loading bars into the rear of the spindle of the lathe, thereby constituting a universal automatic feeding device. Furthermore, the latter more particularly allows a controlled removal of the bar end after all workpieces have been machined from a respective bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a corner post. The apparatus includes a blade disposed within the apparatus. A piston is coupled to the blade for actuating the blade. A trigger switch is coupled to the piston. The piston causes the blade to actuate when the trigger is depressed. The apparatus includes an opening through the apparatus for receiving the corner post through the opening. The blade is actuated to move through the opening and cut through the corner post.

Abstract: A cutting unit with modular structure, comprising a machine (10), shaped with one or more bridges (11) and managed by a numeric control management software, which can use one or more respective cutting heads (15), suitable for moving in two or three dimensions and angularly in space, so as to carry out multiple processing operations and types of cut, such as water jet or hydroabrasive cutting, laser cutting and/or plasma cutting and/or oxycutting and/or “milling” chip removal; the machine (10) in question, thanks to the particular design in modules (26) and/or to one or more opposite working bridges (11), allows the maximum flexibility and personalisation, according to the client's requirements.

Abstract: A system, suitable for high-speed operation, by which raw product (45), such as a slab of meat, can be accurately processed, such as by slicing into segments of desired weight, comprises a product profiling apparatus (15). The product profiling apparatus (15) measures the profile of the physical process. The product profiling apparatus (15) includes line lasers (75, 85) for directing a line of light across the upper and lower surfaces of the product (45) and visual image cameras (80, 90) directed toward the profile surface to capture, at fixed increments, the product profile. The product may also be weighed and the product density determined from the overall profile measurements. A controller (150) receives this data, and instructs the physical process accordingly.

Abstract: A singulation system for a workpiece has a carrier for mounting the workpiece during singulation and a receptacle for collecting debris formed. A driving mechanism, which is operative to move the carrier and the workpiece, is at least partially covered by a bellows. A bellows protecting cover extending over the bellows is coupled between the carrier and the receptacle and is operative to guide debris from the carrier along its longitudinal length towards the receptacle. The bellows protecting cover further comprises side walls extending along opposite sides of its longitudinal length to prevent debris from falling off its sides.