Abstract: Force measuring device for measuring the force between a first element and a second element of an application, comprising a housing and a sensor arrangement, which is arranged in the housing, the sensor arrangement comprising a first part and a second part and the force between the first element and the second element determining a relative position between the first part and the second part, characterized by at least one spring element, which is positioned between the second element and a support region arranged on the housing, and is supported on the second element and the support region.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for analyzing the release of active agent(s) from pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide for more accurate simulation of the conditions in the GI tract. A sinker is utilized to hold the dosage form so that substantially all of the surfaces of the dosage form are equally agitated by the dissolution medium.

Abstract: A method for controlling a biaxial wheel test machine used for simulating loads experienced by a test wheel under actual driving conditions and for obtaining an accurate determination of wheel camber angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movable furniture part, particularly a furniture drawer, comprising a ejector device having an ejector lever and an electric motor for driving the ejector lever, wherein a retracting device is provided with traction means (4) that can be wound onto a roll (8), wherein the roll (8) can be driven by an electric motor (6, 7), and the ejector device and retracting device are mechanically connected to one another such that they can be mounted as a unit in or on a furniture body.

Abstract: A polish rod apparatus connectable between a motion imparting mechanism of a pump jack and a string of sucker rods comprises a polish rod and a lift device. The polish rod has a center portion extending between its first end portion and second end portion. The center portion includes a thread structure extending along a portion of its length. The first end portion is connectable to the string of sucker rods. The lift device has an adjuster body including a central passage extending therethrough. The central passage of the adjuster body includes a thread structure matingly engagable with the thread structure of the polish rod such that rotation of the adjuster body relative to the polish rod causes axial movement of the adjuster body along a longitudinal axis of the polish rod thereby enabling vertical adjustment of the sucker rod assembly with respect to the motion imparting mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a blind operating device for transmitting a rotation in both directions from an operation portion to a driving axis of the blind capable of making a diameter of a clutch spring smaller, and then capable of reducing operation load without breaking the clutch spring. The blind operating device includes an input shaft into which a rotation from a pulley is inputted, and a rotation axis that is provided coaxially with the input axis and is capable of transmitting the rotation to the driving axis. A clutch spring is wound around a fixed spring winding axis of a case and a rotation spring winding axis of the rotation axis Linking and de-linking of the rotation axis and the case is made possible utilizing tightening and loosening of the clutch spring and one end of the clutch spring is linked to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a motor vehicle, having a dual clutch with two start up clutches which, via a prime mover, can be respectively connected with one of first and second transmission input shafts arranged coaxially in relation to each other, such that a group of gears is allocated to each of the transmission input shafts. To minimize the size of the transmission, the gear groups are constructed as sub-transmissions that are mounted laterally with respect to the dual clutch. Each gear group has a counter shaft and a main shaft, with the main shaft being a transmission output shaft. Each sub-transmission has a single sub-transmission connection that transmits drive from the associated transmission input shaft to the counter shaft of the sub-transmission.

Abstract: A motor assembly includes a motor, a force transmission structure comprising a drive plate and a shaft, and a gear train connecting the motor to the drive plate for transmitting rotation of the motor to the drive plate. The drive plate has a mounting hole with at least three sections interconnected with one another at a common area, the shaft has a toothed portion with at least three teeth fittingly received in the sections of the mounting hole of the drive plate such that the shaft is rotated with the drive plate.

Abstract: A controlled relative motion system permitting a controlled motion member, joined to a base member, to selectively move with respect to the base member, has a base support, an output structure, and a fork arc structure having a pair of arc output ends with the output structure rotatably connected to a corresponding one of the pair of arc arms adjacent the arc output end thereof so as to be rotatable about an output structure rotation axis. A fork arc structure rotary support has each remaining base end of the pair of arc arms joined thereto and is rotatably connected to the base support so that said fork arc structure is rotatable about a fork axis intersecting the base plane at a selected suspension angle. An output structure force imparting means is connected between the output structure and an operating one of the pair of arc arms. A fork arc structure force imparting means is connected between the base support and the fork arc structure.

Abstract: An end effecter is positioned with high precision by stabilizing its attitude. Included are arms each having a pair of rods arranged in parallel, a bracket having the end effecter attached thereto and retained by the pair of rods, ball joints and each including a first joint element having a ball and displaceably connecting the bracket with the arm and a second joint element having a socket for retaining the ball, a connecting member for connecting the pair of parallel rods together and restricting rotation of the rods about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof, and a biasing member for providing a biasing force for retaining the ball in the socket.

Abstract: A counter-rotation device is disclosed that has two hollow toroids. One toroid is placed within the other. The device can serve a multitude of purposes, e.g., whenever two counter rotating objects are needed for mechanical, electrical, or ornamental purposes.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a release mechanism, a pulling mechanism, a sliding base connected to a cable adapted to be connected to a derailleur. The release mechanism includes a release base and a pushing member connected to a first pawl and a main pawl. The pulling mechanism includes a cable lever and a pulling rod connected to a second pawl. The sliding base has series of teeth for engaging with the first pawl, the main pawl, and the second pawl. When pulling the cable lever, the sliding base is driven to move by the second pawl to activate the up shift operation. When pressing the release base, the pushing member operates with the first pawl and the main pawl to activate the down shift operation.

Abstract: A cable operating mechanism basically comprises a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a single position maintaining abutment and a positioning member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The single position maintaining abutment movably mounted with the wire takeup member. The positioning member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member. The positioning member has a plurality of positioning abutments configured to engage the single position maintaining abutment such that the wire takeup member is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined wire positions.

Abstract: A brake pedal crash safety device for a vehicle in which a brake pedal arm is rotatably mounted to a first vehicle body component and has a first locking element, shaped as a circle-sector and having its geometrical center at a center of movement of the brake pedal arm. A second locking element is mounted to a second vehicle body component. The second locking element is mounted a predetermined distance from the first locking element. The predetermined distance is constant and has a predetermined amount of allowable movement therebetween for a brake pedal arm position. A crash force applied to a front of the vehicle displaces the first vehicle body component toward the second vehicle body component and the predetermined amount of allowable movement between the first and second locking elements will be closed, irrespective of a current pedal position, thereby preventing further rotation of the brake pedal arm through interlocking first and second locking elements.

Abstract: A foot pedal module (1) including an enclosure (3), a rotor (11), a foot pedal (15), two springs (17, 19) and a circuit board (33). The enclosure (3) has a trunnion (5), an outer ring (29) and a cover (39) for accommodating and protecting the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is linked with a bushing (7), a tappet, a lever (13), two haptic springs (17, 19), two damping elements (21, 23) and a driving element (27). The circuit board (33) carries an inductor array (25) which are designed as flat coils and located opposite the damping elements (21, 23). The foot pedal (15) is linked to the lever (13) and bushing (7) by a ball joint (35) and a socket (27).

Abstract: A gearbox comprises a plurality of gear pairs each having a specific gear ratio, and a plurality of selectors each mounted between two gear pairs for selecting one of the two gear pairs, wherein the gear ratio of the selected gear pair is cascaded through an output shaft to another two gear pairs having another selector, and so on. In this way, the effective or aggregate gear ratio of the gearbox is the product of the gear ratios of the selected gear pairs. Thus, the number of available output speeds excluding neutral is given by 2n, where n=(number of gear pairs)/2.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for reducing a chromium-containing material at a high chromium reduction degree. In the method of the present invention, a mixture of a feedstock containing chromium oxide and a carbonaceous reductant is heated and reduced by radiation heating in a moving hearth furnace. The average rate of raising the temperature of the mixture in the reduction is preferably 13.96° C./s or higher in the period from the initiation of the radiation heating of the mixture until the mixture reaches 1,114° C.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material substitute product for blast furnace metallurgical coal and method of making the carbonaceous material is disclosed. A metallurgical coal substitute material is made from non-metallurgical grade coal or other carbon sources.

Abstract: A high dimensional cored wire is provided containing de-oxidant material arranged in a core of the wire, the de-oxidant material being in finely divided granular or powdery form coated with a protective coating material, the diameter of the the cored wire varying between 13 and 40 mm. A process for manufacturing the wire is also provided.

Abstract: Processes for producing silver nanoparticles are disclosed. A reaction mixture comprising a silver compound, a carboxylic acid, an amine compound, and an optional solvent is optionally heated. A hydrazine compound is then added and the mixture is further reacted to produce the silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: A ring pull can opener utilizes two different coefficients of friction separated by a transition point on the can engaging surface of the can opener to provide increased leverage and assist in the opening action of the can. An ergonomic bulbous handle not only makes it easier to hold the opener, but also provides a greater freedom of motion of the user's wrist, thereby enabling greater leverage to be applied to the ring pull top during the opening actions.

Abstract: A door unlocking tool capable of unlocking doors utilizing a lock requiring either a pushrod tip or a flathead tip for disengaging the lock mechanism through an aperture associated with the door knob. The door unlocking tool includes a flat elongated body that defines a first end and a second opposing end. The door unlocking tool also includes a first shaft extending from the first end of the flat elongated body. At the distal end of the first shaft is a pushrod tip. The door unlocking tool also includes a second shaft extending from the second end of the flat elongated body. The second shaft includes a distal end having a flathead tip. The flat elongated body includes an electrical component housing with an illumination device for use in the dark and in an emergency.

Abstract: A bit for removing a broken security fastener having an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis. The shaft has a first end and a second end. The first end terminates in a tip region having a recess for receipt of the post of the security fastener, the recess being disposed substantially along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the shaft is configured to be received by the chuck of a tool which provides rotational torque.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a drive member rotatably received in a body that includes a compartment extending from a first side toward and spaced from a second side of the body. A control member is pivotable between three operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. The control member includes a first end pivotably coupled to the drive member and a second end covering the compartment. The control member includes a control section selectively engaged with two pawls slideably received in the compartment and releasably engaged with teeth of the drive member. When the control member is in a second operative position, the pawls are engaged with the teeth of the drive member, allowing a handle of the body and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving the fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.

Abstract: A tool kit includes two opposite grips sets respectively provided with two combining plates connected by connecting rods having tools pivotally fitted thereon. Each combining plate of one grip set has its edge disposed with a rail groove having its center cut with a notch and its opposite inner walls respectively bored with a lengthwise engage slot. Each combining plate of the other grip set has its connecting edge secured with a position projecting rail corresponding with the rail groove, and having its center fixed with connecting projection matching with the notch of the rail groove and its opposite sides respectively provided with an engage bar to be inserted in the engage slot. Thus, mutual engagement of the rail grooves and the position projecting rails forms a large combination area to increase frictional force and enable the two grip sets to be stably combined together.

Abstract: Embodiments of a driving tool are disclosed that comprise a shank portion, and a working portion, wherein the working portion is configured to drive either a Phillips head fastener or a Robertson head fastener.

Abstract: A paper-sheet punching device shown in FIG. 4 includes a motor 22 for driving a reciprocatingly movable punching blade 21 and is provided with a punching process unit 20? for punching two or more holes at one end of paper-sheets 3 and with a CPU 55 for controlling this unit. The CPU 55 detects whether the punching blades 21 rushes into a home position in which the stop position of the punching blades 21 is allowed, executes reverse rotation brake control on the motor 22 for a predetermined period of time from the point of time when the punching blades 21 rushes into the home position, and prolongs the reverse rotation brake control on the motor 22 after the punching blades 21 reaches a predetermined position. It becomes possible to stop the punching blade within the home position when the punching blade stops.

Abstract: A power cutting tool, such as a table saw, comprising a sensing system for detecting certain conditions with respect to an exposed blade of the power cutting tool is disclosed. Several embodiments of the sensing system comprise at least one sensor located above the blade and positioned to (1) monitor one or more volume zones adjacent the blade, (2) detect when an object enters one or more of the zones, and (3) trigger a reaction system in response to the detection. Another embodiment uses an optical sensor to measure the height of objects approaching the blade to detect an increase in the height beyond a predetermined threshold. Still another embodiment uses an optical distance sensor to detect the occurrence of a work piece lifting from the table top which can indicate that a kick-back condition is imminent. The reaction system can be triggered when such a condition is detected.

Abstract: A dust control hood assembly for use with a cutting machine including a hood and a lifting device. The hood includes a front end having a first set of wheels, a rear end having a second set of wheels and a handle attached to the front end thereof. The lifting device includes a fixed arm having a connecting end for fixing with a dust collector and a suspended end, and a set of pivotal arms each having a first end installed to the suspended end of the fixed arm and a second end installed to the hood. A workpiece is adapted to impose a momentum to the hood so that the hood is adapted to be lifted upward by the workpiece, and the hood is adapted to be pivoted with respect to the fixed arm.

Abstract: A trim ejector for ejecting the trim produced by a steel rule of a rotary steel rule die apparatus comprising a die cylinder including a die board provided with the rule and an anvil roll positioned parallel to the die cylinder so as to define a sheet receiving gap therebetween is described herein. The trim ejector comprises a leaf-like body defining a trim-ejecting surface extending between an ejecting edge and a stem portion, an anchor portion connected to the stem portion of the leaf-like body for securing the leaf-like body to the die board so that the ejecting edge of the leaf-like body is positioned adjacent the rule parallel therefrom; and a compressible biasing member secured to the leaf-like body on a side thereof opposite the trim-ejecting surface.

Abstract: A supplemental frame and adjustable edge stop assembly are mounted to a front lower edge of a panel saw. A first quick release mount on the supplemental frame cooperates with a second quick release mount on the edge stop assembly to enable quick interchange of assemblies. One form of edge stop assembly includes a movable panel for movement as a unit of multiple edge stops into and out of operative position. A mounting plate for a cutting tool has workpiece rise limiters for pressing the workpiece against the panel saw face. Adjustable hold-downs engage a top edge of the workpiece to hold it down against support rollers. The edge stops, rise limiters and hold-downs form a pocket supporting the workpiece along three mutually perpendicular axes. A stand-off panel removably positioned on a front face of the panel saw supports thin workpieces closer to the cutting tool.

Abstract: A blind cut-down apparatus for trimming a blind down to size the blind having at least a head rail component, and blind slats suspended from the head rail, and having a blind holding plate with an opening for holding the components in position for cutting, a slat cutter moveable relative to the holding plate for cutting blind components held in the holding plate, and including a movement device for moving the cutter. Also disclosed is a method of saw cutting ends of blind components in which the blind components are held in a head plate and in which a cutter cuts the components. Also disclosed is a blind cut down machine having a moveable head rail support mounted on a blind holder plate, with a moveable head rail opening in the support, with the support being selectively moveable into and out of position for accommodating various types of head rail.

Abstract: A saw blade including a base and a plurality of teeth extending generally outwardly from the base. At least one of the plurality of teeth comprises a first and a second portion. The first portion includes a cutting tip having an initial rake angle and the second portion includes a cutting tip having a second rake angle greater than the initial rake angle. The second portion is disposed closer to the base than the first portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sawing tool comprising a substantially disk-shaped support (1) from which a plurality of tooth inserts (4) project which are juxtaposed along a supporting edge (3) and have at least one sawtooth (12) each with at least one tooth rear (12) and at least one blade (9). The tooth inserts (4) are connected to the support (1) in a position-stable manner even when the sawing tool is operated. The supporting edge (3), in its cross-section perpendicular to the plane of the disk, has a rooflike shape and the tooth inserts (4) have a mounting (8) configured as a rooflike recess mating the roof shape of the supporting edge (3). Recesses (13) and/or bulges are arranged along the supporting edge (3) and are associated with corresponding bulges (14) and/or recesses on the interior of the mounting (8) of a tooth insert (4) and the bulges (14) fit into the corresponding recesses (13) in a form-fit manner.

Abstract: A bridge system for connection to the instrument body of a stringed instrument, the bridge system including at least one bridge piece configured to contact at least one string of the stringed instrument and a ramp-shaped height and tone adjustment bar between the bridge piece and the instrument body. An adjustment mechanism translates the bridge piece with respect to the height and tone adjustment bar to raise and lower the string and to provide contact between the bridge piece and the height and tone adjustment bar.

Abstract: A portable instrument stand has a base, two legs retractably mounted in the base, two arms foldably mounted in the base and a main cover mounted pivotally on the base. While unfolding the instrument stand, the legs, the main cover and the arms are sequentially unfolded in the base to allow a guitar or the like to be held on the arms. While folding the instrument stand, the arms and the legs are respectively stored in the base and the main cover is mounted on the base. The instrument stand is light, aesthetically pleasing, and has no sharp protrusions that may damage instruments being carried with the instrument stand or a person carrying the stand so is convenient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guitar, which includes a chest rest formed on a back plate of a main body so that the guitar can be gripped in a stable manner and can be played with a comfort of chest. The guitar further includes an arm rest formed on a top plate of the main body so that so that the guitar can be gripped in a stable manner and can be played with a comfort of chest and arm. A method of manufacturing the chest and arm rest is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is related to a drum rim system that has a drum rim that fits over the drumhead. A tensioning system tensions the drum rim. A ball and socket mechanism is used as a quick connector for the tensioning system. The tensioning system is a drum lug and a tension rod. In one embodiment, the drum lug has a socket, which engages a ball stud that is attached to the drum shell. The tension rods extend through holes in the drum rim and screw into the drum lugs. When tension rods are loosened it is easy to remove drum lugs because of the ball and socket connection. The ball and socket connection can take numerous other forms.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for maximizing the punch of any double membrane drum and simultaneously minimizing the ringing of the drum. An insert is provided having a body adapted to be slid into an opening formed in either the batter membrane or resonant membrane of the drum. The insert is held in contact with the membrane by one of several mounting techniques. The weight of the insert and the length and width of the body of the insert are sized in a manner to increase the “punch” of the drum and to minimize “ringing” of the drum. The insert may be retrofitted into an existing drum or attached to a batter head membrane or resonant membrane during original manufacture of the drum. The insert may be used with drum openings of any shape by making the cross-sectional shape of the insert conform to the shape of the drum opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for musical instruments. The binding comprises a combination of a base and a decoration strip. The base is formed with a groove having a sinuate shape. The decoration strip is formed of a plurality of thin and elongated materials having different colors. The thin and elongated materials are attached to each other into a single body. Thus, the musical instruments can be manufactured so as to have more beautiful appearances, and provide more active and meaningful feelings.

Abstract: A system compiles a music playlist to accommodate the tastes of various participants in a group setting. A music profile is created for each participant, the profile containing representations of songs that are characteristic of the participant's tastes. A master device may then compile a “super profile” that constitutes a compilation of the various participant profiles. Each participant device may then access the super profile and search among its specific song collection to find music that is similar to one or more songs represented in the super profile. From such songs, the master device may compile a playlist of songs that are similar among the participant devices, thereby representing the songs that correspond to the collective musical tastes of the participants. The playlist may be updated as participants enter and leave the group to track the changing collective tastes of the participants.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving health of a user is provided, including a first sensor, adapted to measure a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user. A second sensor is adapted to measure a second physiological variable, which is substantially governed by an autonomic nervous system of the user. Circuitry is adapted to receive respective first and second sensor signals from the first and second sensors, and, responsive thereto, to generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action.

Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.

Abstract: An interface device is described that allows the audio signals from a polyphonic stringed instrument to be introduced into a personal computer environment for feature extraction and signal processing.

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A horizontal tracking system bridges across the vertical supports of a marimba in a horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable managements system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard that includes a plurality of keys including a first key. The keyboard further includes a key support supporting the first key for movement between a rest position and a depressed position. The keyboard also includes a first key return spring configured to apply a return force to the first key to bias the first key toward the rest position. In the keyboard, the first key return spring is configured such that the return force has a substantially constant magnitude throughout the movement of the first key between the rest position and the depressed position.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly and easily installing and removing ammunition reloading dies into and from an ammunition reloading press uses an adapter with a female threaded socket to receive a conventionally threaded die and sections of male screw threads arrayed around the exterior and separated by open sections corresponding to sections of female screw threads formed in a socket in the press, the adapter threads engageable with the press socket threads to secure the adapter within the press socket with less than a full rotation of the adapter, open sections in the press socket allow the adapter to enter the socket to nearly full depth without rotation.

Abstract: A braiding bobbin includes a shaft and a spool from which a fiber thread can be drawn off through a thread guide mounted to rotate on the shaft. At least one torsion spring joins the shaft and the spool to each other. The spool is rotatable in a draw-off direction against the spring force and in an opposite, backwinding direction by the spring force of the torsion spring. A brake having an adjustable braking torque brakes rotation of the shaft in the draw-off direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus counteracts the muzzle lift of a firearm resulting from recoil, and a firearm has an integral counteracting structure. A port extends from an inner surface of the firearm barrel bore to an outer surface of the barrel, forward of the location that the propellant ignites, to an occluding structure located beneath the grip surface of the firearm. When the propellant is ignited, and the projectile passes the relief port, a portion of the propellant gas exits the bore prior to the muzzle end, travels through the propellant gas relief tube, and exerts a force on the occluding structure. The force acts downward on the firearm, counteracting the recoil-induced muzzle lift.