Abstract: An angular rate sensor includes: a substrate; and a vibrator having a beam part supported in a state of floating from the substrate and a pair of supports formed on the substrate and provided at both ends of the beam part for supporting the beam part. The vibrator includes a piezoelectric film formed in the beam part, a detecting electrode for detecting an angular rate, the detecting electrode being formed on the piezoelectric film so as to extend toward a center portion of the beam part from one end thereof, and a driving electrode for vibrating the vibrator, the driving electrode being formed on the piezoelectric film so as to extend toward the center portion of the beam part from the other end thereof and to be spaced from the detecting electrode.

Abstract: The apparatus in one embodiment may have capacitive bulk acoustic wave disk gyro operated in a closed loop mode. A self-calibration system may be operatively coupled to the capacitive bulk acoustic wave disk gyroscope. Self-calibration of gyro bias of the gyro may be implemented by interchanging an anti-nodal axis with a nodal axis of the gyro.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a measurement chamber and a resonator, which can be integrated in the measurement chamber via a quick-action closure, for the liquid sensor system and for verification and measurement of the concentration of materials, substances, particles and/or microorganisms in liquids. The invention is characterized in that the resonator is held only on its outer circumference by a thin elastomer ring, and in that at the radial distance of the external diameter of the resonator, the elastomer ring on the one hand rests on an upper sealing ring of the measurement chamber, forming a seal, and on the other hand rests on a holding ring.

Abstract: Strain waves of THz frequencies can coherently generate radiation when they propagate past an interface between materials with different piezoelectric coefficients. Such radiation is of detectable amplitude and contains sufficient information to determine the time-dependence of the strain wave with unprecedented subpicosecond, nearly atomic time and space resolution.

Abstract: A apparatus for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes a microcircuit embedded within the vacuum containment that transmits a wireless signal upon detection of a high pressure condition and/or light generated by arcing between the electrical contacts of the high voltage device. The wireless signal can be transmitted via RF or optical means. The microcircuit is powered by energy sources produced within the vacuum device such as magnetic fields generated by current flow through the device, or light generated by arcing between the contacts. Alternatively, the microcircuit can be powered RF or optical signals transmitted to the microcircuit from outside the vacuum device.

Abstract: A system is provided for both reading an optical identification mark, such as a bar code, on a fastener and for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener using a single probe for use during fastener installation with assembly tools and for the inspection of load in preinstalled fasteners. The probe includes both a fiber optic imaging cable and at least one electrical conductor. The fiber optic imaging cable is optically coupled to an imaging device such as a bar code reader allowing the bar code reader to be located remote from the fastener. The electrical conductor provides an electrical connection from the ultrasonic transducer on the fastener to load measurement instrumentation. The probe is further capable of providing illumination of the bar code to facilitate reading of the bar code.

Abstract: A ceramic strain gage based on reactively sputtered indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin films is used to monitor the structural integrity of components employed in aerospace propulsion systems operating at temperatures in excess of 1500° C. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the thick ITO sensors reveals a partially sintered microstructure comprising a contiguous network of submicron ITO particles with well defined necks and isolated nanoporosity. Densification of the ITO particles was retarded during high temperature exposure with nitrogen thus stabilizing the nanoporosity. ITO strain sensors were prepared by reactive sputtering in various nitrogen/oxygen/argon partial pressures to incorporate more nitrogen into the films. Under these conditions, sintering and densification of the ITO particles containing these nitrogen rich grain boundaries was retarded and a contiguous network of nano-sized ITO particles was established.

Abstract: A biodegradable test cylinder mold is used for testing concrete specimens. The mold comprises a cylindrical wall connected to a bottom wall to define a hollow, unitary cylindrical container for receiving concrete to form a test specimen. The cylindrical container is formed of a biodegradable material comprising corn starch or a blend of corn starch and plastic.

Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus includes an enclosure defining a through hole therein, a conductive pole received in the through hole of the enclosure, a first conductive board electrically connected to a first end of the conductive pole and an electrode of a power source, and a second conductive board electrically connected to the other electrode of the power source. The first and second conductive boards are respectively attached to a top end and a bottom plate of the enclosure. The second conductive board defines a through hole therein to make an end of the conductive pole to pass therethrough, and a diameter of the through hole of the second conductive board is greater than that of the conductive pole. When the conductive pole is driven by an airflow, it will swing to contact with a side bounding the through hole of the second conductive board.

Abstract: A sensor of the inductive type comprising at least one support, wherein the support is provided with at least one coil, and wherein the coil is adapted to be fed with a high-frequency signal. The coil or each coil part thereof has its respective windings arranged in one plane and the support is formed of a disc-shaped substrate having a deformation temperature which is at least 1000° C. The windings are provided on the substrate by vapour deposition or etching. The sensor is adapted for operation selected in the frequency range of 1 MHz-1 GHz. Through the substrate and in the centre of said at least one coil there may be arranged a core of ferromagnetic material. The sensor is expediently embeddable with the aid of glass ceramic material or glass material in an aperture in a holder of metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow rates over a wide range of flow rates. The invention is particularly adapted for use in micro-fluidic systems including fluids administration to a body of a patient. The device operates by producing characteristics variations in the fluid, or pulses, that are subsequently sensed by more than one detector spaced apart from the point of creation of the mark to derive a flow rate. Each pulse comprises a small fluid volume, whose characteristics are different from the mean characteristics of the fluid, such as by composition variations created by electrochemical means, such as by electrolysis of a solvent, electrolysis of a dissolved species, or electrodialysis of a dissolved ionic species, or a thermal variation created by focused electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A Coriolis flowmeter includes an oscillator for oscillating a fluid pipe that forms a flow path for allowing a measurement fluid to flow; first and second detectors that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the flow path of the fluid pipe so as to detect a state of oscillation of the fluid pipe; and a calculator for calculating a mass flow rate of the measurement fluid that passes through the flow path of the fluid pipe on the basis of a relative amount of the states of oscillation that are detected by the first and second detectors. The fluid pipe includes an inner pipe made of a fluororesin whose inner circumferential surface is in contact with the flow path, and an outer pipe having fibers that are arranged in order to surround an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe and a resin that is cured in a state of close adhesion between the fibers arranged in order, and having an elastic modulus larger than that of the inner pipe.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator liquid flow meter comprising a body having an inlet portion to receive a flow of liquid to be measured, an outlet portion, a main channel defining a flow path between the inlet and outlet, the flow path including feedback structure to induce oscillations in the flowing fluid, the oscillations being detected by detector comprising means to apply a magnetic field across the flow path and sensing electrodes to detect the resulting e.m.f., the electrodes being positioned such that they protrude from the body into the flow path. A meter having driving signal means, which applies an alternating driving signal to the sensing electrodes, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, and serving for conveying medium to be measured; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on an inlet-side, to form a first coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on an outlet-side, to form a second coupling zone; at least one oscillation exciter for driving at least the measuring tube; as well as at least one oscillation sensor for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube. During operation, the measuring tube executes, at least at times and/or at least in part, bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis, which imaginarily connects the two coupling zones with one another.

Abstract: An elastic joint with a translating spherical hinge, i.e. a spherical hinge with a sliding joint, comprising an elastic articulated plane (13), a support (16) to which the elastic articulated plane (13) is rigidly constrained, and an axial element (14), positioned according to an axis (11) orthogonal to the plane (13), wherein the elastic articulated plane (13) comprises a series of elastic elements (12) arranged with a first end facing and rigidly connected to the axial element (14), and wherein the elastic elements (12) are flexible in any vertical plane comprising the axis (11) and in the horizontal plane (13) to allow four degrees of freedom or, respectively, the translation of the axial element (14) in the direction of the orthogonal axis (11) and the spatial rotation as well as the torsion around the axis (11). The joint according to the invention is particularly suitable for perfecting a force and moment sensor.

Abstract: In a sample introducing system that can be easily adapted to a variety of analytical conditions without being affected by a flow rate of gas introduced into an analytical device, can introduce an analytical sample into the analytical device without loss, and can contribute to a simple and highly accurate high-sensitivity analysis, a pretreatment device removes unnecessary components from an untreated sample gas containing the analytical sample. A treated sample gas that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device is introduced into the analytical device via a connection gas flow channel. A gas addition device that adds a carrier gas to the treated sample gas flowing toward the analytical device in the connection gas flow channel has a means for changing the addition flow rate of the carrier gas. Pressure fluctuations of the gas containing the analytical sample are restricted by a pressure adjusting device upstream of the gas addition device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a destination point with a gas having a selectable known humidity. A gas having an initial relative humidity is alternately directed in accordance with a duty cycle along a wet path effective for humidifying the gas to provide a wet gas, and a dry path effective for either maintaining the initial relative humidity of the gas or dehumidifying the gas to provide a dry gas. The wet and dry gas is blended to produce a blended gas having a selected relative humidity based upon the selected duty cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating medication delivery from valved holding chambers (VHCs) with a facemask using a model face of a child or a model face of an infant are disclosed. Generally, the model face includes a base, an elastomer cast, an air pocket, and a mouth opening. The elastomer cast is positioned on at least a portion of a top of the base. The elastomer simulates soft tissues in a face and defiens at least a nose, a chin, and a mouth sized to simulate a nose, a chin, and a mouth of a child. The air pocket is positioned between the base and the elastomer case below at least the nose, the chin, and the mouth of the elastomer cast. The mouth opening defines a passageway through the base, the air pocket, and the mouth of the elastomer cast.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to sprayed insulation application systems, and more particularly to systems that utilizes a sole power source to directly or indirectly drive the system's multiple components independent of the location of a power-take-off. In one embodiment of the invention, the system utilizing a sole power source comprises at least one power-take-off operably associated with the power source. An insulation blower and a hydraulic drive are operably associated with the at least one power-take-off. An electrical generator and a vacuum fan are operably associated with the hydraulic drive, with at least one control regulating the operable association of the generator and the vacuum fan with the hydraulic drive. In another embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic drive is operably associated with the power-take-off, with the generator, vacuum fan and insulation blower operably associated with the hydraulic drive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gearbox comprising two primary shafts (2, 4), each connected to a clutch (C1, C2) coupled to an engine, and at least one secondary shaft (10), each primary shaft (2, 4) capable of being rotatably coupled with a secondary shaft (10), by the engagement of two ratios which in direct use constitute two gears of the gearbox. The invention is characterized in that the primary shafts can be rotatably linked with each other along a common rotational direction, through the engagement of two transfer links (T1, T2) arranged on the auxiliary shaft (30), each being implemented by the engagement of a single synchronizing sleeve (16, 22), the first transfer link (T1) providing from the rotation of the first primary shaft (2) a reduced speed of the second primary shaft (4), the second transfer link (T2) providing a greater reduction of the speed of the second primary shaft (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical adjusting device for an adjusting element, for example an air flap (2) in an air channel (1) of a ventilation system in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The mechanical adjusting device comprises two toothed wheels (5, 6) that mesh with one another, one of which wheels (6) comprises an operating wheel (17) and the other of which toothed wheels (5) is connected to an air flap so as to rotate therewith. By the overcoming of a pressure point created by a raised base (13) between two teeth, the air flap (2) is held in a closed position. The invention provides a stiffening element (15), for example in the form of a spoke, which braces the toothing (7) of one of the toothed wheels (5) in a chordal direction and thereby increases the bias with which the air flap (2) rests in position.

Abstract: A joint structure of a robot for moving an assembly 51 to be connected to a robot link with respect to the robot link, the joint structure includes a first motor 10 for causing the assembly a longitudinal swing motion, a second motor 20 for causing the assembly a lateral swing motion, and a third motor 30 for causing the assembly a rotary motion, wherein the first motor 10 and the second motor 20 are disposed so that the output shaft of the first motor 10 and the output shaft of the second motor 20 are in parallel with each other and are orthogonal to the robot link, and the third motor 30 is disposed so that the output shaft of the third motor 30 is shifted with respect to the central axis of the rotary motion of the assembly 51.

Abstract: A first elastic body actuator and a second elastic body actuator are used for driving a first configuration member and a second configuration member to swing them with respect to each other. One end portion of the first elastic body actuator is secured to the first configuration member and the other end portion of the first elastic body actuator is secured to the second configuration member, and one end portion of the second elastic body actuator is secured to the first configuration member and the other end portion of the second elastic body actuator is secured to the second configuration member, such that the position at which the other end portion of the second elastic body actuator is secured to the second configuration member and the position at which the one end portion of the first elastic body actuator is secured to the second configuration member are substantially symmetric about a rotational joint.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly with a steering shaft extending through a jacket member. An elongate locking member extends through two opposed sidewalls and a compression member positioned between the sidewalls. One of either the sidewalls or the compression member is fixed relative to the jacket member while the other is fixed relative to the vehicle structure. Spacers are located on opposite sides of the compression member between the compression member and the two sidewalls. First and second abutment surfaces are engaged with outward facing surfaces of the sidewalls and are coupled to the elongate locking member. An actuator assembly moves the locking assembly between unlocked and locked positions. In the locked position, the abutment surfaces bias the sidewalls inwardly to firmly engage the compression member between the spacers.

Abstract: A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a steering column having a first end for cooperation with a steering wheel and a second end for cooperation with a vehicle steering mechanism. The steering wheel arrangement further includes a suspension arrangement for the steering column. The suspension arrangement includes two pivot joints and is pivotally connected to the steering column via a third pivot joint, the first, second and third pivot joints including first, second and third locking arrangements, respectively. The steering wheel arrangement has thus three adjustable pivot points where only one or two of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a first step depressing a foot pedal to a first position and only the remaining of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a second step depressing the foot pedal to a second position which implies that the adjustments can be made in a secure way by the driver during the ride.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element rotatably mounted with respect to the base member and a shifting unit operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element to selectively rotate the shift wire take-up element in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit includes a shift operating member pivotally mounted with respect to the base member along a pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the first rotational direction in response to pivotal movement of the shift operating member about an operating axis. The shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member along a non-pivotal path to operate the shift wire take-up element in the second rotational direction in response to non-pivotal movement of the shift operating member with respect to the operating axis.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member, a shift wire take-up element and a shifting unit. The shift wire take-up element is rotatably mounted with respect to the base member in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis. The shifting unit is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element. The shifting unit includes first and second shift operating members. The first shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to selectively operate the shift wire take-up element in the first and second rotational directions. The second shift operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to release the shift wire take-up element for movement in the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A flywheel of a stationary bike includes a rim and a hub is located at a center of the rim, a plurality of ribs are connected between the rim and the hub. Stuffing material such as concrete or sands combined with adhesive is refilled with space between the rim, the hub and the ribs. Two cover plates are connected on two sides of the flywheel so as to cover the stuffing material.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a heat sink coupled to an axle housing assembly for ejecting heat from the axle assembly. The heat sink includes an air channel having a body coupled to the carrier housing assembly such that heat is conducted from the carrier housing assembly to the body of the air channel and an air passage formed in the body and having an open leading end and an open trailing end, the leading end being positioned relative to the carrier housing assembly to permit air flowing over the axle assembly when the axle assembly is in use to be received into the air passage such that heat is conducted from the body to the air flowing through the air passage, and the trailing end being positioned relative to the carrier housing assembly to permit air received in the air passage to be expelled through the trailing end.

Abstract: A water cooling apparatus in a power transmission system of a boat propulsion system includes a transmission unit that changes the speed of an output from an engine and then transmits the output to a propeller shaft. The transmission unit includes a cylindrical transmission case with an axis extending vertically, a transmission device housed in the transmission case and arranged to change the speed of an input, and a cooling water passage formed in the transmission case for flowing cooling water. In the plan sectional view of the transmission unit, the cooling water passage is formed in at least one of a side portion or a rear portion of the transmission case. As a result, strain on a rear portion of a hull that supports a boat propulsion unit is prevented and minimized, while a transmission unit is sufficiently cooled with cooling water.

Abstract: A declutching mechanism includes a chassis, a first gear rotatable relative to the chassis about a first gear axis fixed relative to the chassis, and a second gear selectively engageable with the first gear. The declutching mechanism includes an eccentric arrangement having a first shaft with a first shaft axis and a second shaft with a second shaft axis offset from the first shaft axis. The first shaft is non-rotatably fixed to the second shaft and selectively rotatably mounted in the chassis. The second gear is rotatably mounted on the second shaft. A holding feature selectively holds the eccentric arrangement in a first position. With the eccentric arrangement being held in the first position by the holding feature, the first gear and the second gear are in meshing engagement. With the eccentric arrangement being released by the holding feature, gear separating forces cause the eccentric arrangement to rotate about the first axis to a second position, thereby disengaging the first gear and the second gear.

Abstract: A ferroalloy, particularly stainless steel, is made by melting typically low-carbon steel under foamy slag conditions, and refining the molten steel at least in part by blowing molecular oxygen into the molten steel from a lance positioned above its surface. During the refining step at least one metallurgically acceptable particulate material is introduced into the molten steel. The particulate material is selected from chromium metal, chromium-containing alloys and chromium ores.

Abstract: A heap leaching method to recover copper from a primary copper sulphide mineral wherein the mineral is leached in an acidic chloride/sulphate solution in the presence of oxygen with the surface potential of the mineral below 600 mV (vs. SHE) to cause dissolution of the copper sulphide.

Abstract: An adjustable socket includes a base having a channel for slidably attaching or engaging with two pawls which may slide relative to the base for adjusting the spacing distance between the pawls and for adjustably receiving and engaging with fasteners or tool members of different dimensions between the pawls and for allowing the tool members of different dimensions to be selectively rotated by the pawls and the base, and a retaining sleeve or device may be rotatably attached to the base and may retain the pawls at the adjusted spacing distance for allowing the tool members of different dimensions to be stably retained or engaged between the pawls.

Abstract: A tool for engaging and actuating support struts that may be used during or as part of a below ground rescue. The struts to be engaged may also be used to support unstable structures that must be entered or accessed during emergency response situations. The tool may include a tool head with a face including a plurality of teeth configured to remotely engage a locking mechanism of the struts or other devices. Other possible features of the tool head may include hooks or other structures for engaging or moving other objects.

Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.

Abstract: An anti-loose and anti-detachment insulated screwdriver including a main body made of insulation material, a shank body enclosed in the main body and a driving member having a top end as a driving end. A bottom end of the driving member is connected with a top end of the shank body. The main body has a handle section and a stem section. A top end of the stem section of the main body encloses a circumference of the driving member with the driving end of the driving member exposed to outer side of the main body. The main body is connected with the shank body by greater connection strength so that the shank body can bear greater twisting force. The shank body has such a configuration that the total weight of the insulated screwdriver is reduced.

Abstract: A device for securing a torque bit to a fastener in an object. The novel device includes a structure adapted to apply a force on the torque bit and a mechanism for clamping the structure to the object such that the structure forces the bit to remain engaged with a drive feature of the fastener. In an illustrative embodiment, the structure is bolted to the object, capturing the bit between the structure and the object. Spacers disposed between the structure and the object control the magnitude of the force applied on the bit such that the bit can rotate during torquing. In an alternative embodiment, the structure surrounds the object and is tightened to clamp the structure to the object. An insert disposed between the structure and the bit controls the magnitude of the force applied on the bit in this embodiment.

Abstract: A novel impact wrench is provided herein, which allows a user to set a target torque level, show the torque level in a display, and automatically stops the motor when the target torque level is reached. The impact wrench is constructed such that its electrical current would be at a maximum when it engages an impact operation, and at a minimum after the impact operation. The electrical current exhibits a periodic pulse and the periodic pulse is used to calculate the number of times of impacts. The torque level of the impact wrench could then be determined by the number of times of impacts.

Abstract: An adjustable wood lathe includes a platform which has two ends holding respectively a head and a tail seat and also holds a cutter dock in the middle. The head and the platform may be spaced from each other by wedging a plurality of pallets of different thickness between them. The platform and the tail seat also may be spaced from each other by wedging a plurality of pads of different thickness between them. The cutter dock has the top portion couplable with sleeves of different lengths. Thus the cutter rack located on the cutter dock is movable to adjust the elevation corresponding to a working piece to do cutting operation. By increasing the distance of the platform and the center line of the head and tail seat operation range can be flexibly adjusted to do cutting operation of different working pieces.

Abstract: A slicing apparatus and a weighing and classifying conveyor combination with cleanup position wherein, the elevated food article feed mechanism can be collapsed to a maintenance position, the weighing and classifying conveyor is oriented at a distance from the slicing apparatus and the slicing head cover is automatically lifted to an open cleanup position. The machine has laser intrusion detectors that are used to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion by a person or object is detected.

Abstract: A band saw machine includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel around which an endless band saw blade is wound. At least one of the driving wheel and the driven wheel is directly connected to an output shaft of a control motor. The output shaft of the control motor is arranged in a cylindrical bearing unit installed on a motor base supporting the control motor. The driving wheel is rotatably supported by the bearing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency cutting device (1) for vehicle safety belts, characterised in that it comprises locking means (6,7), acting on a safety belt (3) so as to put the same under tension; means (8) for cutting said safety belt (3); and operation means (12, 13), operatively connected with said locking means (6, 7) and with said cutting means (8); said operation means (9, 10) activating in succession said locking means (6, 7) and said cutting means (8), so as to cut said safety belt (3), and then deactivating said locking means (6, 7) thus freeing said safety belt (3) and then the user of the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a table for placing thereon a workpiece. A tool unit supports a cutting tool and is laterally tiltably supported on the table, so that the rotational axis of the cutting tool can be inclined relative to a horizontal direction. A positioning device includes a first positioning member and a second positioning member that can interact with each other to position the tool unit at a plurality of laterally tilted positions. At least one of the first and second positioning members can be moved to change the laterally tilted position positionable by the positioning device.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a base and a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base via a knife drive motor. A carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife via a carriage drive motor. An adjustable gauge plate is provided. During a manual assist slicing operation a level of assistance provided by the carriage drive motor varies according to loading on the knife motor.

Abstract: A device for cutting paper or other materials is provided. This device includes a substantially flat base, wherein the base is adapted to receive paper and other flat material for cutting. A manually-operated cutting blade assembly is pivotally attached to either the right or left side of the base. The cutting blade assembly includes an elongated cutting arm positioned over a predetermined line of cut on the base. A sighting device is mounted on the base on the same side as the elongated cutting arm and further includes a housing and an adjustable light source mounted within and protected by the housing. The light source projects a fixed line of visible light along the predetermined line of cut. A switch is included for activating and deactivating the light source. A first portion of the switch is located in the handle grip and a second portion of the switch is located within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trimming apparatus operable in an auto mode or a manual mode. The trimming apparatus include a cutter frame, a transmission belt, a motor, a clamping element, a switch and a mode-switching unit. By adjusting the mode-switching unit to control clamping element to clamp or release the transmission belt, the trimming apparatus 100 is operated in either the auto mode or the manual mode.

Abstract: A centering device for use with a cutting die in a mold. The die is supported by a sleeve, which rotates about the axis of the die. The device comprises at least two cavities formed on the side surface of the sleeve, which are spaced apart along a same circumference, and at least one wedge-like element that is fastened to the mold and can be alternatively engaged in one of said cavities of the sleeve, with a conical coupling, in order to lock the sleeve after a rotation of the same.

Abstract: A band saw includes a drive wheel and a fixed, curved band saw guide surface having one or more tracks for one or more band saw continuous strips; lubricant openings in the tracks are accessed from a source of lubricant under pressure to reduce frictional resistance of the band saw moving over the guide surface.