Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor assembly housing, a shaft, a bearing assembly coupling the shaft to the rotor assembly housing, and a mass structure coupled to and rotatable with the shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a first raceway defined in the bearing housing, a second raceway defined in the shaft, and a plurality of ball bearings positioned within the first and second raceways to enable the shaft to rotate relative to the rotor assembly housing.

Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to actuating device for at least one pedal (2) mounted for pivoting about an axis (3) in a pedal box (1) and including a position sensor (10) for detecting the position of pedal (2), said position sensor having an axle (10). Axle (10) of position sensor (9) is directly coupled to axis (3) for joint rotation therewith.

Abstract: A manually operable ratchet mechanism includes a pinion assembly comprised of a handle connected to a shaft. The handle and shaft are mounted on a housing to allow the shaft to be rotated as a consequence of a user manually rotating the handle. The shaft carries a pinion configured to engage a toothed rack to incrementally move the rack in discrete steps relative to the housing. Additionally, a rotatable detent member is provided which rotates with the shaft as the handle is rotated. The rotatable detent member cooperates with a fixed detent member on the housing to define discrete detent positions which provide discrete step tactile feedback to the user. The handle is mounted for (1) axial rotation with respect to the shaft axis and additionally for (2) pivotal movement between locked and unlocked positions around a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. In the unlocked position, the shaft and rotatable detent member can rotate relative to the housing as the handle is turned.

Abstract: A build-up bicycle pedal includes a body and multiple pedal cages. The body is tubular and has a spindle hole and at least one mounting segment. The spindle hole is defined axially through the body. Each mounting segment is formed on the body. The pedal cages are mounted securely on the at least one mounting segment of the body and cover the body. Each pedal cage has a pedal surface having at least one protruding section. The at least one protruding section is formed on the pedal surface. Because the pedal cages can be manufactured by molding of plastics or stamping of metal plates, the pedal cages and the build-up bicycle pedal are lightweight. Additionally, the pedal cages can be manufactured easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A cam and cam follower apparatus translates linear cam bar movement to perpendicular valve stem actuation in an injection molding system. The cam bars reciprocate up and down on linear bearing rails such that an actuation plate, fitted with a plurality of valve stems, is cycled normal to the direction of the cam bar movement via cam followers traveling within cam slots in the cam bars. The cam slots in the cam bars are profiled such that the cam followers affect the speed and force at which the valve stems travel while at the same time reducing frictional effects and their associated power requirement. The cam followers of the valve stem actuation plate travel in cam slots in the cam bars from a valve stem forward position, to a valve stem retracted position and ultimately, the entire actuation plate may be removed from the cam bars for maintenance via open ended slots in the cam bars.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow structural connecting rod (1) including a first end fitting (8a), a second end fitting (8b), as well as a hollow main portion (10) situated between the two end fittings. According to the invention, it includes first and second connecting rod elements (2a, 2b) integrally joined to one another and having, respectively, a first hollow shank (6a) made in one piece together with the first end fitting as well as a second hollow shank (6b) made in one piece with the second end fitting, the first and second connecting rod elements being joined by means of a joint (4) situated at mid-length on said connecting rod, and preferably being produced via flow-turning. Particular application to an assembly system intended to be interposed between an aircraft engine mounting structure and an engine.

Abstract: A bearing housing (1) comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3) is provided. The first and second element (2, 3) are connectable to each other, and adapted to abut each other in an interface (4) between the first and second element (2, 3). At least one cylindrical hole (5) is arranged in said interface (4) with its envelope surface (6) partly formed by the first element (2) and partly formed by the second element (3), wherein the hole (5) has at least one opening (7) on a first surface (8) formed by the first and second element (2, 3). The bearing housing (1) is further characterized in that at least one groove (11 a) is formed in the first surface (8) of the first element (2) and at least one groove (11b) is formed in the first surface (8) of the second element (3), wherein the grooves (11a, 11b) coincide to receive at least one rod-shaped fastening means for connection of the first and second element (2, 3).

Abstract: A hybrid drive device including a drive device input shaft coupled to an engine, a rotary electrical machine, a transmission shifting and outputting rotary drive transferred from the rotary electrical machine or the drive device input shaft or the both of them, a transmission case accommodating the transmission, and a rotary electrical machine case having a joint surface joining with the transmission case, a step portion with a diameter which is reduced when seen from an input shaft input end side is provided in an inner peripheral portion of the rotary electrical machine case, and a partition wall supporting the rotary electrical machine from the input shaft input end side is fixed to the step portion.

Abstract: A gear transmission is provided including at least a first and a second shaft with substantially fixed and substantially parallel axes of rotation, a transmission housing with a first and a second wall that extends perpendicular to the axes of rotation, and a plurality of gearwheels that are rotationally fixed or rotationally fixable to the shafts. The shafts include at least one input shaft and at least one output shaft, the shafts being suspended by bearings that are seated in the first and second walls. The first wall is connected to the second wall with at least one rod in order to reduce deflections in operation of the first and second walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automobile industry, is usable in transportation means differential drives capable of automatically blocking the wheels, and aimed at simplifying the self-blocking differential's design, reducing dimensions, easing the manufacturing, increasing the differential's strength and efficiency. The differential comprises a drive housing, provided with half-axial elements, arranged therein coaxially to each other, whose external surfaces are provided with helical grooves of an opposite spiral direction, rolling members in the form of balls fill in a chain manner at least one closed-loop channel arranged in the housing, and a part thereof made open for insertion of segments of the balls into the grooves. According to the invention, the longitudinal section of the channel is made of a rectangular longitudinal cross-section with rounded external corners, the transversal cross-section of branches of the channel is equal to the ball's diameter and the number of balls in the channel is odd.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing high-purity hydrogen storage alloy Mg2Ni applicable to industry and capable of manufacturing continuously. First, raw materials of magnesium-nickel with weight percentage of nickel between 23.5 and 50.2 are heated, melt, and mixed uniformly. Cool the magnesium-nickel liquid and control the temperature to be above the solidification temperature and below the liquification temperature in the phase diagram of magnesium-nickel. By making advantage of segregation principle in phase diagrams, solid-state high-purity ?-phase Mg2Ni hydrogen storage alloy is given. The residual waste magnesium-rich liquid in the crucible is poured to another independent crucible, and switch with the position of the crucible originally containing the ?-phase Mg2Ni hydrogen storage alloy. Then, new raw materials of magnesium and nickel are added and heated. Repeat the smelt steps described above continuously, and a continuous manufacturing method is introduced.

Abstract: An approach to synthesizing and assembling nanoparticles into discrete, size-tunable, pre-designed architectures is realized in a single synthetic/process step.

Abstract: A method for improving die-cutting involving first creating a back plate footprint, possessing impressions of the imperfections found in the cutting surface of a die-cutting machine. This method provides die-cutters a simple, inexpensive way to dramatically improve the alignment of die-cutting knives for making cuts. The method uses a malleable material that will readily receive an impression of imperfections of a cutting surface when some pressure is provided, but the material must also be capable of hardening into a useable solid material. The principles of this method may be applied to all die-cutting machines by making a back plate footprint of the die-cutter in question and by properly inserting it back into the chase where the impressions contained therein will press down on the material below it so as to better align the cutting knives of the die being used.

Abstract: A fastener removing tool is provided. The fastener removing tool includes an extractor portion having an inside surface adapted to grip a fastener. The extractor portion further defines an outside surface with a cutting edge is adapted to cut a bore when the tool grips and removes a fastener. The fastener removing tool further includes a main body fixed relative to the extractor portion. The main body is adapted to engage with a driving tool for powering rotation of the fastener removing tool. The fastener removing tool also includes a cutter portion fixed relative to the main body opposite the extractor portion. The cutter portion includes a plurality of cutting members defining a plug forming space therebetween. A formed plug is to be placed into the bore formed during extraction of the fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle toe set adjustment device and method for adjusting a vehicle tie rod includes an adjustment head adapted to be received over a tie rod. The adjustment head includes a surface for engaging a tie rod fastener, a plurality of moveable collet keys mounted on the adjustment head, and a drive member engaging surface. An actuator on the adjustment head moves the collet keys to engage the tie rod after the tie rod is received in the adjustment head. A method is also provided for engaging moveable collet keys on an adjustment head to engage the tie rod for rotation of the tie rod to adjust the toe set of a vehicle wheel. The device and method are useful with a variety of tie rod assemblies on various vehicles having different sized tie rod assemblies.

Abstract: A device 100 to extract a fastener 102 from a workpiece 104 wherein the fastener 102 has a predetermined direction of engagement with the workpiece 104, includes a shaft 106 having first and second end portions 108 and 110, cutting end tool 112 adapted to engage and bore into the fastener 102 as the shaft 106 is rotated, a drill bit portion 114 proximal to the cutting end tool 112 and adapted to engage and bore into the fastener 102, and cutting threads 116 that penetrate the fastener 102 a predetermined distance while the drill bit portion 114 bores into the fastener 102 at a relatively “slow” speed, whereby the cutting threads 116 secure the shaft 106 to the fastener 102 and promote the rotation of the fastener 102 contrary to the fastener's 102 direction of rotational insertion into the workpiece to ultimately remove the fastener 102 from the workpiece 104.

Abstract: A system for processing material includes a computer connected to a saw. A pusher is used to convey material along a processing path. The computer is programmed to control optimal processing of material to satisfy a cut list.

Abstract: A rotary cutting apparatus includes a rotary cutter and a cooperating anvil roll, each including a center arbour, a peripheral sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve disposed radially between the peripheral sleeve and the arbour. The intermediate sleeve of either the rotary cutter on the anvil roll, or both can be formed of a material for vibration damping, thermal insulation, thermal conduction, weight increase and/or weight reduction.

Abstract: A sheet punching apparatus includes a puncher having a plurality of punching blades to punch a sheet, and a press member provided in the puncher to be spaced from the punching blade by a specified distance, and when punching is performed on the sheet, the sheet is pressed by the press member.

Abstract: A chain saw arrangement for cutting flat sides or kerfs on a round log or timber. The arrangement includes a chain saw housing at a first end of the chain saw. An elongated chain/blade supporting frame extends from the chain saw housing. A multi-tooth chain/blade is movably supported from the elongated frame. A support bracket is secured to one side of the elongated frame for providing restricted support of the chain/blade on a log or timber during cutting of a transverse kerf thereon.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device (1) for the rotative scoring of flat printed products in order to prepare a bending line, particularly in a brochure cover that is supplied in the form of a sheet (2), with said device featuring at least one pair of scoring tools (11.1, 11.2) that consists of a scoring knife (12) and an assigned scoring matrix (13), with the scoring tools (12, 13) being arranged on a first and a second scoring shaft (14.1, 14.2) that are arranged parallel to one another and driven in opposite directions, and with said device also featuring at least one pair of transport rollers (30) that is arranged axially adjacent to the pair of scoring tools (11.1, 11.2) and consists of a first and a second transport roller (31, 32) that effectively clamp the sheet (2) between one another with respect to its transport, wherein it is proposed that the first transport roller (31) is arranged on the first scoring shaft (14.

Abstract: While a player is selectively depressing and releasing keys of a master musical instrument, the real key movements are expressed by pieces of key motion data, and physical quantity of keys are presumed at a time later than the present time by a time period equal to communication time lag on the key trajectories determined on the basis of the pieces of key motion data; the presumed physical quantity is transmitted to a slave musical instrument through the internet, and the key movements are reproduced on the basis of the presumed physical quantity so that the performance on the master musical instrument is synchronized with that on the slave musical instrument.

Abstract: [Problems to be solved]There is provided an upright piano which is capable of providing a soft pedal effect in a first playing mode for performing acoustic playing, and an excellent performance in a second playing mode, without being affected by step-on of a soft pedal, while properly detecting the rotational position of each hammer.

Abstract: A collapsible stringed instrument having a body with a soundboard, a back face, a neck, and a spacer. The perimeter of the soundboard is connected to the perimeter of the back face by the spacer. The volume between the spacer, the soundboard, and the back face define a sound chamber. The neck is pivotally and laterally coupled to the body which has a door in the back face. The neck is able to pivot and slide through the door and into the sound chamber.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a first section including a protrusion-engaging portion and a second section including a first coupling member adapted to mate to a second coupling member attachable to a guitar cord.

Abstract: A training device for use by a player with a brass instrument having a tubular mouthpiece receiver with an opening in one end and a mouthpiece having an elongated shank at one end for insertion through the opening into the receiver. The device has a substantially planar shield having an upper side and an underside and an aperture formed therethrough and at least two elongate, flexible and resilient prongs extending generally perpendicularly from the periphery of the aperture along the underside of the shield. The training device is inserted prongs first into the receiver until a gap is defined between the underside of the shield and the one end of the receiver. The mouthpiece shank is then inserted through the aperture for concentric positioning within the receiver with the prongs spacing the shank from the inner walls of the receiver.

Abstract: The resonant drum head mounted speaker cone apparatus improves the sound of the drum on audio recordings and in live sound situations and changes the way the drum is miked in live and studio applications. By integrating the resonant side drumhead with a speaker cone, when the drum is hit (on the batter head), the air pressure generated inside the drum moves the opposite resonant head. The center of the resonant drumhead is cut out and a speaker cone with the dust cap is glued to the inside thereof facing outwards. The speaker cone, which also vibrates from this pressure, now becomes the miked surface of the instrument as opposed to previously having to mike the drum from above the respective batter heads where it often interferes with the player. Using otherwise conventional miking techniques, a wider range of attack and tone characteristics can be obtained from the drumhead.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand assembly with a foldable pedal includes a main stand body, and the main stand body includes a main rod, and the bottom of the main rod includes two support rods each with a recession, and the recession includes a first circular serration; two side frames, and a sidewall of each side frame includes a protrusion and a second circular serration at the protrusion, and each side frame is installed by engaging each protrusion with the recession of each support rod, such that the first and second circular serrations are engaged with each other. With the design of rotably engaging the two side frames and the two support rods, the main stand body of the musical instrument has the function of adjusting its inclination with respect to a vertical position, and the effect of conveniently folding the pedal of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus 100 has plural keys 10 and 11, plural electronic actuators 30, and plural link mechanisms 40. Each of the keys 10 and 11 extends in the longitudinal direction, and pivots in the vertical direction about a support C1 by the operation of depressing the keys and the operation of releasing the keys. Each of the electronic actuators 30 has a movable member 31 that displaces in the vertical direction in interlocking with the pivot movement of each of the keys, and applies a reaction force against the operation of depressing the keys 10 and 11. Each of the link mechanisms 40 links each of the keys 10 and 11 and the movable member of each of the electronic actuators 30 in such a manner that power can be transmitted.

Abstract: A white key for a keyboard musical instrument comprises a key body made of resin in the form of a hollow box shape having an upper wall to be pressed by an instrument player and vertical walls extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall. The upper wall of the key includes a wide part and a narrow part, the narrow part providing a space to accommodate a black key. The upper wall has a thickness not exceeding 1.5 mm and the wide part has a projection extending from the upper wall downward. The projection may be in the form of a rib bridging the vertical walls or of columns extruding from the lower surface of the upper wall. The frequency band of a vibration mode due to a deformation of the upper wall caused when struck by the player's finger is shifted higher when compared with the case where no projection is provided.

Abstract: A method for use with a musical instrument includes receiving a signal representative of a sound produced by the musical instrument, receiving a selection of an audio effect from a wireless controller, applying the audio effect to the signal representative of a sound produced by the musical instrument, and providing an output signal representative of the audio effect applied to the sound produced by the musical instrument. Other methods include causing an image to be responsive to a signal representative of motions of the musical instrument, and causing an image to be responsive to a signal representative of sound produced by the musical instrument. A computer readable storage medium may store a computer program adapted to cause a processor based system to execute the steps of any one or more of these methods.

Abstract: An initial positive trigger value is above a minimum positive trigger value which is above an input signal DC component value. An initial negative trigger value is under a maximum negative trigger value which is under the input signal DC component value. Maximum and minimum signal values are measured and then they are used for the next positive and negative trigger value calculations. A positive signal half period is measured by measuring the time interval from the time point when a signal value becomes greater than the positive trigger value, to a time point where the input signal becomes less than the negative trigger value when the negative half period measuring starts. The negative half period measuring ends when the input signal value becomes greater than the positive trigger value. Positive and negative half period measurements are repeated several times and measured half periods are stored to memory.

Abstract: The apparatus for converting an information signal from a time to a variable spectral representation includes a means for windowing the information signal, a means for converting the windowed information signal to a spectral representation, and a means for weighting a set of information signal spectral coefficients with several sets of complex base function coefficients provided from a means for providing the sets of base function coefficients. The sets of base function coefficients are derived from base functions of various frequencies by windowing and transform, wherein several sets of base function coefficients are provided for one and the same base function for base functions of higher frequencies, wherein the windows for providing these sets are related to various time portions of the base function. The variable spectral representation exhibits variable bandwidth of the variable spectral coefficients, which are efficient and accurate to calculate and especially suited for music analysis purposes.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for converting guitar sounds to MIDI commands. The device has 7 microcontrollers. Each guitar string's oscillations are filtered and amplified with input filters and input amplifiers. The conditioned string signal is directed to an input of an associated microcontroller and converted to a MIDI command. Each string has an input filter and amplifier, and a microcontroller that converts the string oscillations into a MIDI command. MIDI commands from all six microcontrollers are received and processed by a main microcontroller that transmits the commands to the MIDI interface of a musical instrument with additional modification, if needed.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument for producing musical notes comprises an onset signal sensor for sensing the initiation of a note played on the musical instrument. An electronic fingerboard determines the pitch of the note sensed by the sensor. The electronic fingerboard comprises a first layer of film, a second layer of film and a spacer member between the first and second layers of film. The first and second layers are movable relative to each other between a first inactive position in which the first and second layers are separate from each other along their respective lengths and a second active position in which the first and second layers are in contact with each other at a user selected point along their respective lengths. The pitch is determined by the resistance between the first and second layers at the user selected point.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus 100 includes plural keys 10 and 11, electronic actuators 40, reflection plates 51, and optical sensors 52. Each of the plural keys 10 and 11 extends in the longitudinal direction, and pivots in the vertical direction about a support in accordance with the key depression and key release. Each of the plural electronic actuators 40 has a movable member 41 that displaces in the vertical direction in interlocking with the pivot movement of each of the keys 10 and 11 so as to apply a reaction force against the operation of depressing the keys 10 and 11. Each of the plural reflection plates 51 is fixed to the movable member 41 of the electronic actuator 40, wherein the reflection surface thereof faces in the lateral direction of each of the keys 10 and 11. The light reflectance of each of the reflection plates 51 changes along the displacing direction of the movable member 41.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for treatment and disposal of fireworks which includes a conveyor belt, chopper, chute, burn chamber and a heavy-gauge screen cover, the conveyor belt delivering fireworks to be disposed of to the chopper where the fireworks are shredded, the shredded fireworks being fed through the chute into a burn chamber where the shredded fireworks are burned, the heavy-gauge screen cover covering the burn chamber to minimize the release of solid particles into the surrounding environment while also allowing steam, smoke and pressurized air to escape.

Abstract: An integrated weapons pod includes a plurality of pod components such as a targeting system, a weapons bay, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a wireless data link, and an external shell. The external shell houses the targeting system, the weapons bay, the CPU, and the wireless data link in a single freestanding unit. The weapons bay is configured to house one or more weapons and deploy the one or more weapons at a target. The CPU is operable to control operation of the targeting system, the weapons bay, and the wireless data link. The targeting system is operable to provide to the one or more weapons location information identifying a location of the target, and the wireless data link is operable to exchange data with a remote operator.

Abstract: A store ejector is adapted for in-flight adjustment of the pitch attitude imparted to a store by a pair of ejector pistons. The pitch attitude of the store is adjustable to correspond to a flight condition of the aircraft at time of store release. The aircraft has a flight computer that provides store release pitch data corresponding to the aircraft flight conditions. The store ejector includes an orificing assembly that varies the flow of pressurized gas to the ejector pistons by translating a mandrel within a bore formed in the orificing assembly. Orifices within the bore are adjusted to apportion the flow of pressurized gas to the ejector pistons in accordance with an optimum orifice setting corresponding to the desired pitch attitude of the store for the given flight condition.

Abstract: A modular ballistic wall assembly incorporates a rigid frame including first and second spaced-apart uprights, and at least one cross-member extending between the uprights. A plurality of ballistic panels are carried by the frame between the first and second uprights. Each ballistic panel has top and bottom edges, opposing side edges, and opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define respective threat and lee sides of the panel. The ballistic panels are arranged edge-to-edge, such that adjacent panels form an unprotected seam therebetween. A first ballistic seam protector is carried by the cross-member of the frame, and covers the unprotected seam on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. A second ballistic seam protector is carried by one of the first and second uprights of the frame on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. The second ballistic seam protector is adapted for covering a second unprotected seam formed between adjacent ballistic panels.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing variable-intimidation weapons. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image display manager generates a collection of signals for displaying a desired color scheme among a collection of color schemes on a display device covering a weapon, in response to receiving an input to a weapon. At least a first color scheme among the collection of color schemes enhances the weapon's visibility and at least a second color scheme among the collection of color schemes reduces the weapon's visibility. In response to receiving the collection of signals, the image display manager displays the desire color scheme on the display according to the collection of signals.

Abstract: An armor assembly for a vehicle having a body frame includes an inner ballistic panel attached to the body frame of the vehicle, and an outer ballistic panel attached to the body frame. The outer ballistic panel is pivotably disposed with respect to the inner ballistic panel and is pivotable from a first position generally adjacent and parallel to the inner ballistic panel, to a second position generally 180-degrees from the first position.

Abstract: A bolt head locking arrangement for a recoil operated weapon where projectile is expelled by discharging a cartridge. The weapon comprising an action body, a barrel, and a bolt assembly, the bolt assembly being slidable within the action body. The bolt assembly comprising a bolt head, a locking slide and a firing pin, and a locking means arranged so that, upon loading a new cartridge for discharging, the locking means positively lock the bolt head such that, for a predetermined amount of time after the loaded cartridge is discharged, the locked bolt head stops the cartridge from retreating into the action body. The locking means is substantially in an in-line configuration with the bolt assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to hydro-mechanical transmission using fixed displacement motors and pumps in conjunction with two or more mechanical differentials to accomplish continuously variable transfer ratio change and a means to seek the operating point of peak efficiency. In addition a hydraulic transmission is described that uses only one differential. In addition, an all-mechanical by-pass feature is included to allow the operation of road vehicles at high speed for extended periods at high efficiency. A means is described to provide for mechanical stability under all operating conditions. One intended application is a hydraulic transmission system for vehicles using hydraulic regenerative braking. The all mechanical by-pass allows operation in an “overdrive” and “free-wheeling” mode.

Abstract: A mechanism transforms a longitudinal reciprocation movement of a piston in a cylinder into a combined unidirectional rotation and reciprocating movement of the piston. In order to achieve this transformation the piston includes a closed wave shaped groove on its circumference. The closed wave shaped groove has recesses at its apexes. The recesses break the symmetry of the groove. Balls that are located in the cylinder protrude into the groove. When the piston is reciprocating, the groove slides on the balls. A flexible heat shrink ring secures the balls in place and assures that the balls are constantly biased toward the face of the groove.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor comprises: a cylinder having an oil pocket on an inner circumferential surface of a piston insertion hole for inserting a piston with a predetermined width and depth; and a piston having a bearing portion protruding so as to slidably contact an inner circumferential surface of the piston insertion hole, and inserted into the piston insertion hole of the cylinder, wherein the bearing portion is formed to have a length shorter than that of the oil pocket of the cylinder. Accordingly, a frictional loss between the cylinder and the piston is reduced.

Abstract: A two-part piston for an internal combustion engine comprising an annular outer piston connected to the crankshaft by two connecting rods and an inner piston fit into the bore of the annular outer piston connected to the crankshaft by one connecting rod. The reciprocating motion of the inner and annular outer piston is controlled by the location of the respective connecting rod bearing journals on the crankshaft.

Abstract: There is provided a free-piston device, comprising at least one piston chamber in which at least one piston assembly is arranged for linear displacement, the at least one piston assembly being drivable under the action of a medium which expands in an expansion space, and the at least one piston chamber having a resilience space, in which a compressible gas is contained for exerting a returning force on the at least one piston assembly, and at which a control member is arranged for controlling the returning force while the free-piston device is in operation. A method for operating a free-piston device is also proposed.

Abstract: A water deaerating system and method are provided. The first end of an open-ended conduit is placed beneath the surface of a body of oxygen-rich water. The conduit extends into a housing and where the second end of the conduit resides at a location in the housing that is above the surface of the body of oxygen-rich water. A vacuum is applied to a spatial region defined within the housing above the location of the second end of the conduit. The oxygen-rich water is pumped through the conduit and exits the second end of the conduit to enter the spatial region of the housing. The oxygen-rich water descends through the housing due to gravity. The oxygen-rich water's descension is interrupted and the vacuum operates to remove oxygen from the oxygen-rich water so-descending to generate oxygen-depleted water.