Abstract: A rotatably supporting device for correcting balance of a rotating body includes a journal supporting part having a mandrel that rotatably supports the rotating body in a floating state about a vertical axis, a thrust supporting part that is provided at a lower end portion of the mandrel and supports a bottom part of the rotating body in the floating state, a first fluid supply passage that supplies a fluid for floating between the mandrel and a rotation support hole of the rotating body, an annular groove provided in the thrust supporting part so as to face the bottom part of the rotating body, and a second fluid supply passage that communicates with the annular groove to supply a fluid thereto for floating the rotating body.

Abstract: A method for measuring the imbalance characteristics of a rotating body, and for determining if an application of at least one imbalance correction weight in only one of two identified imbalance correction weight planes is sufficient to reduce the measured imbalance characteristics of the rotating body to an acceptable residual imbalance level.

Abstract: A weight of an inertial sensor if formed from a plurality of divided weights, and the divided weights are connected to each other by elastically deformable beams. A movable range and a mass of each of the divided weights and a rigidity of each of the beams are adjusted and a plurality of deformation modes having different sensitivity ranges with respect to the acceleration are used in combination. By this means, it is possible to improve a detecting sensitivity of an acceleration and widen an acceleration response range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system includes electroacoustic conversion means in which a plurality of sub-arrays, each composed of a plurality of electroacoustic transducers, are arranged at least two-dimensionally, sub-beam formers that are provided on the sub-array basis, and a main beam former for subjecting signals output from the sub-beam formers to delay addition.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor includes a ceramic material that has the formula of [Bi2O2][Am?1BmO3m+1], where m=2, A is mono-, di-, or tri-valent ions or a combination of them, B is transition element such as Fe3+, Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+, W6+, Mo6+ or a combination of them. The ceramics have high Curie temperature of 900˜940° C. The sensors claimed in the present invention utilize [Bi2O2][Am?1BmO3m+1] ceramics parts as sensing elements in various shapes and dimensions and can be used to sense force, acceleration, and pressure at very high temperatures of 600˜800° C.

Abstract: When the distribution of the pressure applied to a mat is measured, a plurality of detection units is established in the air mat and the sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the air mat is needed to be provided for each detection unit. The mat for pressure measurement 2 is arranged the first medium accommodation object 21b on the right side and the second medium accommodation object 22b on the left side. The first connecting pipeline 21a is connected to the first medium accommodation object 21b and the second connecting pipeline 22a is connected to the second medium accommodation object 22b, respectively.

Abstract: A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member is presented. The lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member. The method involves the steps of coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component, obtaining strain measurements from the strain measurement means, and calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from strain measurements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow meter is provided for measuring a flow rate of a medium flowing through a conduit, the ultrasonic flow meter comprising two ultrasonic emitters and two ultrasonic receivers mounted to the conduit. The flow rate is determined based on a first time interval of a first ultrasonic signal traveling from the first ultrasonic emitter to the first ultrasonic receiver, and a second time interval of a second ultrasonic signal traveling from the second ultrasonic emitter to the second ultrasonic receiver. In some embodiments, the first and second ultrasonic signals travel in a downstream direction with respect to the flow. In other embodiments, the first ultrasonic signal travels along a first transmission path that forms a first angle between the first transmission path and the flow direction, while the second ultrasonic signal travels along a second transmission path that forms a second and different angle between the second transmission path and the flow direction.

Abstract: A 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; an exciter mechanism for driving at least the measuring tube; as well as a sensor arrangement 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. Additionally, at least a first spring element and a second spring element are included, with each of the at least two spring elements being affixed to the measuring tube and the counteroscillator spaced both from each of the two coupling zones as well as also from the exciter mechanism.

Abstract: A measuring transducer includes: A measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, during operation and serving for conveying a medium, wherein the measuring tube communicates with a pipeline via an inlet tube piece at an inlet end and an outlet tube piece at an outlet end; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet end to form a first coupling zone and affixed to the measuring tube on the outlet end to form a second coupling zone; and a transducer housing affixed to the inlet tube piece and the outlet tube piece. An exciter mechanism, for driving at least the measuring tube, and a sensor arrangement, for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube, are, in each case, secured, at least in part, to the counteroscillator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid within tubing disposed within a downhole wellbore. The present invention provides an inverse Venturi meter inserted within tubing with an enlarged inner diameter portion. Pressure differential is measured between the enlarged inner diameter portion and another portion of the inverse Venturi meter. Flow rate is determined from the pressure differential and the density of the fluid.

Abstract: A strain detector includes a bridge circuit having at least two strain resistance elements, a substrate, a first fixed member, and a second fixed member. The substrate has a circuit portion electrically connected to the strain resistance elements. The strain resistance elements are arranged on the substrate. The first fixed member is fixed to a center of an area, where an outer periphery of the area is set at a position at which the strain resistance elements are arranged. The second fixed member is fixed outside the position, where the strain resistance elements are arranged at the substrate. A center of an axis of the first fixed member, a center of an axis of the second fixed member, and the center of the area are positioned on a straight line, and the first fixed member and the second fixed member are arranged on two mutually opposed surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tactile sensory system consisting of set of sensors that work by measuring impedance among plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are deployed on a substantially rigid structure that is protected form the direct contact with external objects by overlying deformable structures. These mechanical structures have similarities to the biological relationships among the distal phalanx, overlying finger pulp and covering skin and nail. Signal information is extracted form these sensors that is related to canonical physical representations used to describe stimuli to be sensed.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor of the present invention is provided with: a magnetostrictive film; a detection coil; a current direction switching device; and an inversion device, wherein: when the current flows in a direction from one side to another side of the detection coil by the current direction switching device, the torque reacted to the shaft is detected based on the input signal of the inversion device; and when the current flows in a inverse direction from another side to one side of the detection coil by the current direction switching device, the torque reacted to the shaft is detected based on the output signal of the inversion device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction means comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly that provides operational information about operation of a spray device, such as a nasal spray pump or metered dose inhaler. A linkage adapted to extend between a mounting assembly, connected to a stationary part of the spray device, and an adapter assembly, connected to a movable part of the spray device, is in operational relationship with a transducer to enable the transducer to indicate a mechanical relationship between the movable and stationary parts of the spray device corresponding to the operation of the spray device. A data collection and processing system may be connected to the transducer for determining information that may be used to program an automated actuation system.

Abstract: A shift range switching apparatus includes an automatic transmission that includes a shift range switching device having a control rod for switching an actual shift range corresponding to rotation angle of the control rod. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an electric actuator that includes an output shaft connecting with the control rod. The electric actuator switches the actual shift range by rotating the control rod via the output shaft. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an assembly regulating device that allows the electric actuator to be detachable from and attachable to the automatic transmission when the actual shift range of the shift range switching device is set at a specific shift range.

Abstract: A compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring positioned about a hub and configured to translate responsive to a torque on the gear assembly, and biased toward co-axial alignment with the hub via at least one actuator. A method of managing loads on an idler gear in the gear train is still further provided including translating the gear ring responsive to the torque on the idler gear. A work machine includes an engine having a housing and a geartrain mounted thereon, the geartrain including a crank gear, a cam gear and a compliant idler gear assembly.

Abstract: A steering device comprises a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, a steering column for housing and supporting the steering shaft so as to be rotatable, a tilt unit for tilting the steering column and the steering shaft, a main bracket fixed to a vehicle side bracket and a pressure applying member provided between the main bracket and the steering column for applying a pressure in one direction to the steering column.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a vehicle includes a toothed stationary sector fixed to a mounting structure, a brake lever pivotably mounted to the sector, a pawl mounted to the brake lever for movement between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the teeth, an elongated, substantially rigid release member mounted to the brake lever for movement relative to the brake lever between normal and depressed positions, and a motion-absorbing member connecting the release member to the pawl. When the brake lever is operatively connected to the vehicle brake cable and in a braking position thereof with the pawl in the engaged position thereof, moving the release member to the depressed position thereof without also moving the brake lever in the brake applying direction compresses the motion-absorbing member without moving the pawl from the engaged position thereof.

Abstract: A vibration damper for controlling the torsional and bending vibrations in a rotating shaft is provided. The vibration damper includes a hub, an inertia element, and an elastic element that possess a first shear modulus in a first direction and a second shear modulus in a second direction. The hub is adapted to be coupled to the shaft for rotational movement. The inertia element is concentric with the hub and has a mass. The elastic element is adapted to non-rigidly couple the hub and the inertia element. The elastic element may be a non-isotropic composite material having a plurality of fibers dispersed therein.

Abstract: A four wheel drive transmission housing includes a transmission housing member, and a converter housing member including an engine mount portion on a first side of the converter housing; a transfer mount portion defining a first side joint surface on the first side; and a transmission housing mount portion defining a second side joint surface on a second side of the converter housing member. First and second reinforcing ribs are formed between the first side joint surface and the second side joint surface. The first reinforcing rib extends in a vertically extending first direction, from a rib connecting portion. The second reinforcing rib extends in a horizontally extending second direction from the rib connecting portion. The first and second reinforcing ribs are provided so as to surround a drive shaft to transmit driving power from the transmission mechanism to the transfer.

Abstract: A composite utility knife blade and method of making such a blade involves butt joining a tool steel wire to a front edge of an alloy steel backing strip. The wire is electron beam welded to the backing strip to form a composite strip defining a first metal portion formed by the alloy steel backing strip, a second metal portion formed by the tool steel wire, and a weld region joining the first and second metal portions. The composite strip is then annealed, and the annealed strip is straightened to eliminate any camber therein. The annealed composite strip is then hardened such that the first metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 38 Rc to approximately 52 Rc, and the second metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 60 Rc to approximately 57 Rc.

Abstract: A golf club suitable for use in driving or putting a golf ball comprising a club head attached to a shaft includes a bottle cap removal structure in a rear surface of the club head.

Abstract: A subsea tensioner system that includes a one or more spring activated piston return subsea tensioners. The subsea tensioner system can use a spring activated subsea tensioner because the subsea tensioner system uses non-toxic fluid to drive a piston disposed within the subsea tensioner, and when the piston reaches a second position a fluid release valve is opened thus allowing the fluid used to drive the piston to be emptied into the local underwater environment. The subsea tensioner system eliminates the need for topside trips to return the piston to an initial position to take another stroke.

Abstract: A tool for removing and installing serpentine belts in vehicles has a drive bar, a double box end wrench and a socket. The drive bar has a handle at a first end and a fitting at an opposite second end that is used to connect to the double box end wrench. The double box end wrench has a first end defining a polygonally shaped opening and an opposite second end that defines a ratcheting wrench having a first plurality of teeth on an inner circumference thereof. The socket defines a second plurality of teeth on an outer circumference thereof that are adapted to be received by the ratcheting wrench first plurality of teeth. The socket also defines one of a polygonally shaped opening and a polygonally shaped tang that is received by a work piece of an vehicle idler pulley.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus having an annular-shaped cutting head and an impeller assembly coaxially mounted for rotation within the cutting head to deliver food products radially outward toward the cutting head. The cutting head has at least one knife extending radially inward toward the impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is equipped with paddles, each having a radially outer extremity adjacent the impeller assembly, a radially inner extremity, and a face therebetween facing the rotational direction of the impeller assembly. According to preferred aspects of the invention, removable posts radially extend from the radially outer extremity of each paddle, and/or the face of each paddle has grooves transverse to a radial of the impeller assembly.

Abstract: A punch canister includes a punch head with an axial shaft that has a screw thread which is adapted to be connected during use to the screw threads of a punch element that is slideably associated within a stripper bushing. A punch recess adjustment member is rotatably and slideably associated with the punch head. The adjustment member is adapted to the slideably but non-rotatably rotatably connected during operation to the punch element. A resilient retraction member, e.g., a spring, is located between the punch head and the adjustment member for biasing the adjustment member axially downward on the punch head.

Abstract: Meat slicing machine, comprising a belt blade (5) conceived to follow a straight cutting line (50) for the meat to be sliced, characterised in that it comprises a support surface (9) parallel to the cutting line (50) and set at a distance from the line at right angles to the support surface (9) itself; a container (11) for the meat to be sliced, having an exit opening (12) facing the said support surface (9) on the side of the cutting line (50); Pushing devices (13) associated with said container (11), conceived to push the meat down towards said exit opening (12); and a moving mechanism (19, 22) conceived to translate the container (11) in a parallel manner to the support surface (9) with a backward and forward motion from one side of the cutting line (50) to the other.

Abstract: A hole saw has a cup shaped body with a base, and a cylindrical wall with an extending cutting edge. An arbor extends from base. A plurality of teeth are formed on the cutting edge. The teeth having a repeating first and second tooth form. The first tooth form has a rake face and relief face defining the cutting edge. The rake face and relief face are at a desired angle. A first gullet is continuous with the first rake face so that it has a desired depth. The second tooth form has a second rake face and second relief face. The faces are on a desired angle. A second gullet is continuous with the second rake face providing a second tooth height. The second tooth height is greater than the first tooth height.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, where substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload, where the slug container is configured to retain a solidified frangible payload as the frangible slug until impact with a solid object.

Abstract: Practice barrels for use with practice cartridges are described herein. An example practice device for use with self-loading grenade launchers includes a practice barrel having a practice cartridge chamber to receive a practice cartridge. A live cartridge does not correspond to the practice cartridge chamber. Additionally, the live cartridge is unable to be properly positioned within the practice barrel to prevent ignition of the live cartridge. Further, the practice cartridge chamber is cushioned to substantially absorb a breech energy to substantially prevent damage to the practice barrel.

Abstract: An electricity generating device for use in an armor arrangement, and to an armor arrangement. The armor arrangement includes two inert reactive armor modules arranged one behind the other, which each include a plate made of inert material, interposed between steel plates. Sheet-shaped members are mounted or baked onto the inert material. The sheet-shaped members are provided with a number of mutually separate regions in which, or next to which, there are disposed elements which convert mechanical vibrations or shock waves in the inert material into electrical voltage. The elements can include crystals or piezoelectric layers. The ammunition part or ammunition effect which penetrates the inert reactive armor modules and which generates the mechanical vibrations or shock waves provokes in one or more elements the generation of a voltage which can be used to initiate counteragents against the penetration.

Abstract: A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning cradle that enables the user to remain in position and simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel, depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the frame structure of the apparatus is adapted to be adjusted and leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected to hide the hunter while in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13).

Abstract: A kettle assembly for soup comprising a kettle part and a lid, characterised in that the kettle part comprises a cylindrical outer container (1) and a cylindrical inner container (2) fitting inside said outer container, said inner container having therein a vertical separating plate (3), such that at least two compartments are formed and that the lid (4) comprises a hinge (5), such that each of the compartment of the inner container can be opened separately.

Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill has an inclined heating surface defined on a sloping top plate. A grill assembly having a top cross member is placed over and in proximity to the heating surface. The grill assembly is moveable between two positions relative to the inclined heating surface. The grill assembly has a pair of sides which support rails. The rails are interlocked with sockets on the sides of the sloping top plate to guide the movement of the grill assembly. Lateral rods are installed between the sides of the grill assembly. Hot dogs and similar foods are cooked on the heating surface and rest on the lateral rods. A motor has a rotating shaft extending from the inclined heating surface. The rotating shaft is mechanically coupled to the top cross member of the grill assembly via a pivot block and pin.

Abstract: An avocado de-skinning apparatus having two generally vertically disposed rotating drums. The rotating drums rotate inward to pinch the skin of an avocado and force the off and through a gap defined between the rotating drums. A driver in the gap and in the upper section of the rotating drums aids in forcing the skin from the avocado and into the gap and through the rear side of the rotating drums. A skin scraper removes any skin adhering to the drums and a pulp scraper retrieves any pulp adhering to the drums for further processing.

Abstract: A simplified mechanism for feeding a plurality of individual twine strands into a bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale that allows user-selectable adjustment of twine strand spacing along the bale length so that an optimal number of circumferential twine wraps around the bale necessary to secure the bale after discharge from the bale forming chamber may be selected. The simplified thus enables the spacing between twine strands to be optimized for various crop materials that are being baled.

Abstract: A pad printing system includes a pad printing machine and an object positioning device. The object positioning device is a multiple positioning device by means of which an object support may be consecutively positioned at a print station each time.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a moving rail, a cliché plate and a substrate positioned on the moving rail, a printing roller that transcribes a pattern material on the substrate by passing through the cliché plate. The printing system further comprises a cleaning unit that cleans the cliché plate.

Abstract: Shaped charge liners are made of reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive shaped charge materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. Upon detonation, the reactive materials of the shaped charge liner undergo an exothermic reaction that raises the temperature and the effectiveness of the liner.

Abstract: A magnetic signature minesweeping device (10) comprising a water driven turbine power generator (12) and a superconducting material magnet (14), wherein the turbine power generator is arranged, in use, to supply a driving current for the superconducting material magnet (14) when the minesweeping device is towed through the water. In a further embodiment a control unit (24) is arranged, in use, to control the magnetic output of the superconducting magnet (14) and the power output of the turbine power generator (12). Further more a method of minesweeping using the device (10), and an array of the devices (10) is disclosed.

Abstract: The material or fragment discharge is controlled by means of a device (4) in connection to the triggering, such as by means of an initiation charge (5), of the main charge (3) in the ammunition unit (1). The liner is devised as being exposable for effect from the explosive charge or charges (6) that are devised as being able to be initiated upon or shortly prior to the triggering of the main charge. The explosive charge achieves, upon initiation a pre-deformation of the liner (4) prior to the liner being affected by the triggering of the main charge for the material or fragment discharge The fragment forms can be rendered more effective in relation to design solution known by prior art by means of the choice explosive charge form and placement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the required electric pulse, it can be employed effectively at distances of up to 150 meters.

Abstract: A track mounted machine is capable of inserting a previously positioned tie plate between a rail and underlying cross tie of a railway. The machine preferably is also capable of lifting the rail from the tie prior to tie plate insertion and/or, is capable of operating on both rails of a railway simultaneously. The preferred embodiment includes two tie plate inserter assemblies mounted on a common workhead. Each tie plate inserter assembly includes a pusher that can be moved, under control of an operator stationed on the machine, vertically and longitudinally on the rails so as to be aligned with a field end of the tie plate. The pusher can then be actuated to push the tie plate laterally under the rail.

Abstract: This patent discloses a table assembly to provide leg support for a person and to hold articles and food in an automobile. The table assembly may include a headrest fastener, a tray, a footrest, and a leveler bar, each attached to a table housing. The table housing and tray may be adjusted vertically and the tray and footrest may be adjusted horizontally. The leveler bar may be rotated to position the tray and footrest in a horizontal alignment.

Abstract: A shelf is connected to risers that are screwthreaded together to achieve a clamping effect between the shelves and the risers. Each shelf may comprise a plastic shelf portion and at least one reinforcement portion secured to the plastic shelf portion to reinforce the plastic shelf portion along its length. In one embodiment a plurality of metal bars are used as the reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portions may be inserted into channels formed in the plastic shelve portions and may be attached to the shelve portions using a separate attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising: (i) either (a) a gasification step comprising treating the waste in a gasification unit in the presence of oxygen and steam to produce an offgas and a char, or (b) a pyrolysis step comprising treating the waste in a pyrolysis unit to produce an offgas and a char; and (ii) a plasma treatment step comprising subjecting the offgas and the char to a plasma treatment in a plasma treatment unit in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent to a subterranean location is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber having a substantially open end. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent such as fertilizer, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled from the subterranean delivery channel.