Abstract: The invention pertains to an arrangement and a method for the automatic sampling in a storage tank system (1) interconnected to a pipe system (4) for supplying cleaning fluids, particularly in processing systems that are subject to high microbiological quality requirements in the food and beverage industry, particularly in breweries, with a storage tank system (1) that consists of several tanks and a sampling device (5) that is respectively associated with all tanks via permanent pipework. The invention ensures that the entire sampling system including all valves integrated therein can be cleaned and sterilized in a flow-through fashion regardless of the respective content of the tanks. Furthermore, the sampling should take place without a loss of the fluid to be sampled. This is procedurally achieved in that a volume flow Q(P) of the fluid (P) to be sampled is diverted from a selected tank (1.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tubes and an image analysing unit are disclosed. The laboratory system comprises a transfer unit for transferring incoming primary racks (PR) containing sample tubes (S), an image analysing unit (310), and an identification and allocation unit. The method to handle laboratory sample tubes includes steps of: transferring an incoming primary rack (PR) containing sample tubes (S) to the image analysing unit (310); determining, in the image analysing unit (310), geometry parameters of at least one sample tube contained in the primary rack by means of image analysing; comparing for each sample tube the determined geometry parameters with predetermined geometry criteria and identifying whether the sample tube's geometry fulfils the predetermined criteria; in case of fulfilment, categorising the sample tube as system conform; otherwise categorising the sample tube as non-system conform.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a sample integration cassette, a spotting device and a sample integration device which enhance a sample integration density and reduce the size of a sample assembly and a probe. The sample integration cassette has the sample assembly and the sample support carrier so arranged therein that the sample support can be fed from the sample support carrier onto the sample assembly at a predetermined angle to the sample assembly at all times. The cassette is formed so as to be connectable with a drive unit that applies a drive force to the sample assembly and the sample support carrier interlockingly and synchronously. The spotting device has a delivery member mounting table which is vertically moved over the sample support carrier to apply samples to the sample support from the delivery member.

Abstract: A foreign matter detecting method of detecting foreign matter attached to a peripheral edge of a substrate, which makes it possible to accurately detect foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate even if the foreign matter is of a minute size below the detection limit of an existing measuring instrument, and which is highly versatile and suitable for mass production of substrates. The substrate is cooled to condense moisture around the foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate, and then the condensed moisture is iced to grow an ice crystal. Then, the foreign matter attached to the peripheral edge of the substrate, which is emphasized by the ice crystal, is detected.

Abstract: A precessional device having independent control of the output torque generated by the device and the oscillation rate of the device is disclosed. The device comprises a rotor supported by an axle wherein the ends of the axle are supported by a circular race. The circular race is rotatable, and may be driven by a motor or other means, thereby controlling the oscillation rate of the device independently of the output torque arising from the rotation rate of the rotor. The motor may be controlled by a control program that adjusts the rotation rate of the circular race to modify the shape of the resistance curve.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a linear drive and to adjustable units with a linear drive. The linear drive includes a central, drivable connecting element, a stationary first element in working connection with the connecting element, and a stationary second element in working connection with the connecting element and arranged axially opposite the first element. The first and second elements are connected to the connecting element by corresponding pairs of threads. The pairs of threads are designed as oppositely threaded pairs to create a compact, essentially three-part linear drive capable of maximum travel distance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact motion conversion transmission apparatus which can set the transmission characteristic for motion or force as desired over a wide range. The apparatus includes input, intermediate, and output members which are fitted to one another while being aligned with an axis and move in relation to one another while being aligned with the axis. Further, the apparatus includes first transmission means which converts a first motion of the input member to a second motion and transmits the second motion to the intermediate member, the first motion being one of a rectilinear motion along the axis and a rotary motion about the axis, and the second motion being the other of the rectilinear motion along the axis and the rotary motion about the axis; and second transmission means which converts the second motion of the intermediate member to the first motion and transmits the first motion to the output member.

Abstract: A transmission for an industrial vehicle has an input shaft; first and second transmission mechanisms, each having a plurality of speed-change steps; a second transmission mechanism; a clutch mechanism; a rotation direction switching mechanism; and an output shaft. The clutch mechanism is disposed on the input side of the first and second transmission mechanisms and is provided with a forward clutch and a reverse clutch for switching between forward and reverse travel, and is further provided with first and second snap clutches for selecting which of the first and second transmission mechanisms will receive rotational input from the engine. The rotation direction switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the direction of rotation inputted to the first transmission mechanism or the second transmission mechanism to the direction of rotation for forward travel or the direction of rotation for reverse travel in accordance with the switching of forward and reverse travel.

Abstract: A rack shaft support device includes: a rack shaft support member that slidably supports a rack shaft; a sealing member fixed to an inlet port of a retention hole formed in a housing; an intermediate member that is interposed between the rack shaft support member and the sealing member; a torsion spring that couples the intermediate member so that torque is transmitted to the intermediate member; a torsion amount adjusting member that is attached to the sealing member in such a manner that a position of the torsion amount adjusting member with respect to the sealing member is adjustable and adjusts a torsion amount of the torsion spring; and a cam mechanism that converts a rotation force of the intermediate member induced by untwisting of the torsion spring into a force by which the intermediate member pushes the rack shaft support member.

Abstract: A handlebar grip (10) for a throttle twist grip (1) is arranged on a handlebar tube of a vehicle and is intended for actuating an actuator which determines the fuel supply for an internal combustion engine of the vehicle). The handlebar grip (10) has a spring engagement section (12) for engagement of a restoring spring (20). The spring engagement section (12) is formed in an outer region of the handlebar grip (10) in the longitudinal direction of the handlebar grip (10).

Abstract: A robotic arm compensator includes a housing, a lock mandrel, a first lock slide, a second lock slide and an instrument attached to the lock mandrel. A method of using the robotic arm compensator includes moving the first and second lock slides in a direction toward each other to engage the lock mandrel in a first state and moving the lock slides apart from each other to disengage the lock mandrel in a second state for providing exceptional radial movement, large lateral travel relative to overall size, zero force to utilize the compensation travel and no axial compressibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, having a device for absorbing energy in the case of a crash. Such a steering column should be disclosed which is built in a structurally simple manner, produced with few individual components, and requiring no more space in the radial direction than does a steering column which does not have an energy absorption device.

Abstract: A vehicle handlebar comprises a tubular body of variable cross-section, the tubular body comprising a central segment (12) intended to be clamped to the vehicle steering column, a pair of end segments (13, 14) intended to form opposing portions for gripping by the vehicle user, and a pair of intermediate segments (15, 16), inclined to the central segment, each of which connects an end segment to the central segment on opposite sides, the tubular body having a generally polygonal cross-section at the intermediate segments, in the central segment a pair of portions (17, 18) of substantially circular cross-section being present to engage the vehicle steering column via clamping means, a portion of generally polygonal cross-section (19) being interposed between said two portions of substantially circular cross-section.

Abstract: A steering system for a water vehicle includes a housing having a substantially cylindrical member, at least one case member extending through the substantially cylindrical member, a column shaft extending through the pair of case members, including at least one elongated hole disposed on opposed side of the column shaft, and being arranged to move relative to the pair of case members and the housing in an axial direction of the column shaft, and a telescoping mechanism partially disposed in the column shaft. One of the pair of case members includes a plurality of detents provided on an inner surface thereof. The telescoping mechanism includes at least one elongated hole disposed at one end portion of the telescoping mechanism, a locking pin extending through the at least one elongated hole in the telescoping mechanism and the at least one elongated hole in the column shaft, and a lever disposed at an opposite end portion from the one end portion of the telescoping mechanism.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a steering wheel for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle. The method according to one form of the invention comprises the following steps: producing a steering wheel frame having a hub base, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke by providing a hub insert, injection-molding a plastic matrix around the hub insert to give the hub base, the hub base having a hollow shape forming the interior and reinforcing structures being arranged in the interior of the hub base, injection-molding and/or gas-assisted injection molding or water injection molding the at least one spoke and the steering wheel rim from the plastic matrix, the at least one spoke connecting the hub base to the steering wheel rim, and at least partially coating the steering wheel frame with a coating. The invention also relates to a steering wheel produced by this method.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system emphasizing enhancements developed for space applications including development of a flywheel rotor system capable of achieving maximum energy density, while being capable of repeated high peak-power demands. Illustrated is a rotor system comprising a composite hub, capable of supporting an optimized high-speed composite rim and shaft, working in combination with a switched reluctance motor.

Abstract: The chain transmission includes a crank connected to a second crank by an axle of the chain transmission while forming one piece of a single support. The chain transmission axle is housed in a chain transmission tube with the interposition of two bearings arranged around the axle of the chain transmission near the ends of the latter in order to allow rotation of the chain transmission axle in the chain transmission tube. A large chain drive sprocket wheel is located near one of the ends of the chain transmission axle and rotates concomitantly with the latter. The cranks and the chain transmission axle are made of a composite material or a hollow lightweight alloy. A first and second intermediate bushing made of an abrasion-resistant material are attached to the chain transmission axle near one respective end of the latter to receive a respective bearing.

Abstract: Synthesis of nanoparticles with particle size control is provided by the method of using two different metal-containing precursors, a capping component, an optional reducing agent, and then contacting the two precursors with the capping component to form a reaction solution, which is heated to produce first and second metals-containing nanoparticles. By controlling the ratio of the concentration of the capping component to the total concentration of the two metal-containing precursors, the nanoparticles can have diameters ranging between about 1 nm to about 15 nm. A decrease in the concentration of the capping component typically increases the size of the nanoparticles. Preferred compositions include Pt and Co-containing alloy nanoparticles. Controlled synthesis of larger, about 6 nm to about 12 nm, sized nanoparticles can be achieved in a solvent-free reaction process.

Abstract: A method of chemically extracting radium-228, rare earth metals, thorium, the decay products of thorium, and phosphates from thorium-containing ores. The method involves breaking thorium-containing ore into fragments, wetting the fragments with a concentrated strong acid to make a slurry, heating the slurry, passing the heated solution through a first anion exchange column, retaining metals and radium-228 captured on the resin, allowing the radium-228 ions to decay to actinium-228, purifying the actinium-228 fraction, sending the actinium-228 fraction through a capture column, eluting the captured thorium-228 with acid, removing radium from the solution, retaining the radium-228 fraction for isomer in-growth, retaining decay products from the radium-228, separating the REEs from the process stream; and eluting and retaining the REEs.

Abstract: A method is provided for influencing the properties of cast iron by adding magnesium to the cast iron melt and measuring the oxygen content of the cast iron melt. Magnesium is added to the cast iron melt until the oxygen content of the cast iron melt is approximately 0.005 to 0.2 ppm at a temperature of approximately 1,420° C. A sensor for measuring the oxygen content in cast iron melts contains an electrochemical measuring cell containing a solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore containing chalcopyrite or enargite as a main constituent under versatile conditions for actual operation. A method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore, characterized by comprising using, as a leaching solution, a sulfuric acid solution containing iodide ions and ferric (III) ions in an excessive amount relative to the iodide ions and leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore; or a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore, characterized by comprising leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore with the use of a leaching solution further containing water-soluble ligands such as chloride ions that can stabilize ferric (III) ions in addition to the above components, is provided.

Abstract: The hydrometallurgical process for a nickel oxide ore comprising a step (1) for obtaining an aqueous solution of crude nickel sulfate by High Pressure Acid Leach of a nickel oxide ore; a step (2) for obtaining a zinc free final solution formed; a step (3) for obtaining a waste solution; and a step (4) for scrubbing a hydrogen sulfide gas in exhaust gas, wherein utilization efficiency of hydrogen sulfide gas is enhanced while maintaining nickel recovery rate. It is characterized in that at least one kind of the following operations (a) to (d) is adopted. (a) to adjust total volume (m3) of the sulfurization reactor (B) in the above step (3), at a ratio of 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: The invention provides a recycling step in an oxidative pressure leaching process for recovery of metals using halide ions, in which a portion of the leached solids are recycled back to the feed to the autoclave, to allow two or more passes through the high temperature leaching step.

Abstract: In a sharpening rod with a peripheral surface which constitutes a sharpening surface, wherein the sharpening rod (1) is formed of a material with specified grain size, the peripheral surface includes at least two pairs (2, 3) of sharpening surfaces (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) of different materials, which sharpening surfaces of each pair are located opposite each other transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rod, wherein the pairs (2, 3) of sharpening surfaces are arranged offset with respect to each other in peripheral direction of the sharpening rod (1) and a first one (2) of the pairs (2, 3) of sharpening surfaces is formed of a first material with a first grain size and the at least second pair (3) of sharpening surfaces is formed of a second material with a second grain size. Furthermore, there is proposed a method for manufacturing such sharpening rod (1).

Abstract: A method to manufacture a drill bit including constructing a bit head portion of the drill bit, constructing a bit shank portion of the drill bit, aligning the bit head portion with the bit shank portion, and electron beam welding a butted joint between the bit head portion and the bit shank portion.

Abstract: A screw feeder includes a magazine configured to store a plurality of screws arranged along a single line, and a magazine table configured to support the magazine. A pair of rail members slidably support head portions of the screws. A spacer is sandwiched and fixed between the rail members. Threaded portions of the screws are accommodated in a slot formed by the spacer being sandwiched between the rail members. The rail members and the spacer are detachably attached to each other.

Abstract: A head cap adapted to secure to the working head of a wrench. The head cap includes a generally flat plate portion having a peripheral edge and first and second wing portions that extend from said peripheral edge in generally parallel, opposed relation to one another and are oriented so as to engage the working head of the wrench. The flat plate portion has an exposed upper surface suitable for locating selected indicia.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body with a driving portion having first, second, and third compartments in communication with each other. A drive member is rotatably received in the first compartment. The driving portion includes first and second sides spaced in a thickness direction. The third compartment extends from the first side toward and spaced from the second side. The third compartment includes a bottom wall intermediate the first side and a center of the second compartment in the thickness direction. Two pawls are received in the second compartment and releasably engaged with teeth of the drive member. A control member is pivotably received in the third compartment and operable to selectively press against one of the pawls to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body (10) having a driving portion (11) rotatably receiving a drive member (20; 20?; 20?) and a handle (12) interconnected to the driving portion (11). Two pawls (30) are slideably received in a compartment (14) of the body (10). A control member (40) is slideably mounted on a recessed portion (15) formed on a side (18) of the body (10) and movable between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. When the control member (40) is in the second operative position, the pawls (30) are engaged with the drive member (20; 20?; 20?), allowing the handle (12) and the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle (12) relative to the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle and a socket coupled to the handle. The socket includes an open end to receive a head of a screw and has a selectively adjustable diameter. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to tighten the socket.

Abstract: A tight-spot fitting includes an elongated body configured to be inserted into and extracted from an aperture of a device, a user-operable head configured to be manipulated by a user to rotate the elongated body with respect to the aperture of the device, a depression in the user-operable head dimensioned and configured to receive a corresponding driver, and a through-bore extending through the elongated body and the user-operable head into the depression. The through-bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a line therethrough such that when the elongated body portion is inserted into the aperture, the line spans the aperture and through-bore, and extends through the depression.

Abstract: An assembly element for a hand tool including accessories of force-applying hand tools such as a socket, a connecting bar, a universal adapter, etc. A rubber ring groove is formed at a certain position of an external portion having a maximal circumference. A rubber ring with a polygonal anti-rolling portion fits into the rubber ring groove for protecting from an unexpected rolling action. Meanwhile, the rubber ring has different colors for an easy identification of the item number, size, type, etc.

Abstract: The pliers comprise a fixed assembly and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. A movable pivot connects the second jaw to the fixed assembly such that the movable pivot can move relative to the fixed assembly when the second jaw is in the closed, locked position and a torque is applied to the pliers. The second jaw is configured such that a resultant force on the second jaw is inside of the fixed pivot, between the fixed pivot and the movable pivot.

Abstract: A lockable pliers comprises a fixed assembly comprising a first handle supporting a first jaw. A second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. A second handle is movable relative to the first handle and is connected to the second jaw at a fixed pivot. A locking mechanism locks the jaws in the closed, locked position. A movable gripping member can move relative to the jaws when the jaws are in the closed, locked position and a torque is applied to the pliers.

Abstract: A lockable pliers comprises a fixed assembly comprising a first handle supporting a first jaw. A second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. A second handle is movable relative to the first handle and is connected to the second jaw at a fixed pivot. A toggle-link locking mechanism locks the second jaw in the closed, locked position. A movable pivot connects the second jaw to the fixed assembly such that the second jaw can move relative to the fixed assembly when the second jaw is in the closed, locked position and a torque is applied to the pliers.

Abstract: A first member defines an aperture between the jaw and the handle that is defined by a first side wall and a second side wall where the first side wall, second side wall and handle may be integrally formed as a unitary piece. The jaws may also be formed integrally with the handle and side walls. The second member includes an elongated slot and a row of teeth. A pivot member extends along the axis of rotation and includes a tooth engageable with the row of teeth. The pivot member moves between a first position where the teeth are engaged and movement of the first jaw away from the second jaw is prevented and a second position where the teeth are disengaged and movement of the first jaw away from the second jaw is permitted.

Abstract: An improved, removable clamping member for use with clamping devices, said clamping members configured in unlimited variations of shape, texture, and hardness and optionally being moveable relative to the jaws of the clamping devices. The improvements allow increased flexibility of use of the clamping devices over traditionally configured clamping devices with regard to difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single clamping device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver with an accelerating structure is provided, in particular to one combined a ratchet seat and a solar gear system. The ratchet seat controls the operating direction, and the solar gear system increases the output rpm for a user to choose high or low revolution to facilitate tightness or looseness of a screw.

Abstract: A torque wrench having a force-acting rod with a handle portion as well as a driving head assembly. The driving head assembly includes an action portion having a polygonal insertion portion in cooperation with a unidirectional ratchet mechanism. In this way, a screw element can be directly tightened or loosened by means of the polygonal insertion portion.

Abstract: A device for trimming at least one side edge of a bound printed product including a trimming table to receive the printed product and a press die arranged to press the printed product against the trimming table. The press die is operative to rise and fall with respect to the trimming table and the press die includes an elastic surface in a region approximately near the side edge of the print product. The elastic surface is operable to expand in a direction approximately transverse to the pressing direction. The device also includes a trimming knife positioned to trim the side edge. The trimming knife is operable to move between a starting position away from the trimming table and an ending position at the trimming table. The device also includes counter blade or a cutting bar mounted to limit a cutting stroke of the trimming knife.

Abstract: A method and system for thin cutting and a cutting tip, the system comprising a saw unit and a guiding unit comprising at least one pair of guides, wherein each pair is configured to impose pressure on corresponding two opposite pre-cut longitudinal edges of a block of raw material and to guide said block of raw material into said saw unit. The cutting tip for thin cutting saw comprises a cutting edge and a root of said tip, located ahead of the cutting edge in the cutting direction. The method for thin cutting comprising guiding a block of raw material into a saw unit by imposing pressure by at least one pair of guides on corresponding two opposite pre-cut longitudinal edges of a block of raw material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cutting tool configured to cut a wound dressing and a tube having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion of the tube is operatively coupled to a suction source. The distal end portion of the tube is configured to be positioned relative to the cutting tool such that particulate debris is received in the distal end portion of the tube when the cutting tool cuts the wound dressing and the suction source is operating.

Abstract: A powered hand tool includes a handle portion arranged to provide a grip point for a user, a motor, a cutting member drivable to cut a workpiece, and a drive system interconnecting the motor and the cutting member and operable to drive the cutting member in response to operation of the motor. A housing at least partially encloses the cutting member and the motor and a debris removal system is movable between a first position and a second position. The debris removal system is operable to clean a portion of the drive system when in the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise an adjustable fence assembly for use with a power tool, that further comprise an elongated lower fence for attachment to the power tool, the lower fence having a base with an upper support and locking surface configuration extending along a substantial portion of the length of the base and a vertical front face for positioning a work piece, an elongated upper fence having a bottom surface configuration for engaging the surface configuration of the lower fence, the upper fence being releasably attached to the lower fence and adjustable relative to the lower fence along its lengthwise direction, the upper fence having a front face that is substantially coplanar with the front face of the lower fence when secured thereto, and a locking mechanism carried by the lower fence and operatively connected to the upper fence for selectively applying at least a downward force and a face biasing force for securing the upper fence to the lower fence in a manner whereby a coplanar relati

Abstract: A miter saw having a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the base assembly, and a saw assembly rotatably supported by the table. The miter saw also has a miter lock assembly for locking the rotational position of the saw of the table relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a die, and a cutting punch having a cutting edge, and configured to bring the cutting punch close to the die to have the cutting edge face to a surface of the die thereby cut a work, the cutting punch being provided with a local slope, wherein the cutting machine is configured, using a light source, to irradiate a light such that the light transmit through the clearance between the cutting punch and the surface of the die and to reflect on the local slope such that the direction of the path of the light is changed so as to yield reflected light to be observed is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a hub device is disclosed for a pair of saw blades, which includes a first blade, which is arranged to rotate about a rotational axis in a first direction, and a second blade, which is arranged to rotate about the same rotational axis in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The hub device includes a first blade adapter, which has a support surface for the first saw blade, and a second blade adapter, which has a support surface for the second saw blade and a central fastener for a blade lock, which is arranged to secure both blades.

Abstract: A material cutter for producing a selected cutting profile. The material cutter includes a cutter frame and a cutter button. The cutter frame has a stationary blade. The cutter button, which is slidably mounted in the cutter frame, has a moving blade with a cutting edge. The cutter button preferably includes a profile selector, so that when a driving force is applied to the cutter button, the moving blade slides past the stationary blade to the extent allowed by the profile selector. The profile selector may be a knob and the cutting profile may be set manually or automatically. It is preferred that at least one of the selectable cutting profiles is a partial cut.

Abstract: A cutting disc core for a circular shaped saw blade which has a circular shaped body which has a center hole and a circular peripheral edge upon which is to be mounted a plurality of spaced apart cutting segments that is to perform the cutting of the saw blade. Surrounding the center hole and formed within the body is a first plurality of slits with there being a solid tab that is integrally connected to the body located between each directly adjacent pair of slits defining a second diameter larger than the center hole. Also included is a second plurality of slits with there being a solid tab that is integrally connected to the body located between each directly adjacent pair of slits defining a third diameter larger than both the center hole and the second diameter defined by the first plurality of slits.

Abstract: In normal mode or expansion mode, a normal load table 53 or an expansion load table 54 is selected, respectively, to store half area start position HS and half area end position HE as effect-switchable positions. The selected load table is referenced to generate and output drive signals so as to obtain depression reaction force F according to position ST. In accordance with player's depression/release of keys, musical tone signals are generated on the basis of waveform data 51 and envelope data 52 corresponding to the manipulated keys, designated basic tone color and depression area to carry out tone emission/tone-vanishing processes. Both the characteristics of musical tones and the rate of change in the reaction force switch at the effect-switchable positions.