Abstract: A vibration dosimeter (2) for determining the vibrational loading of people comprises a determination device (6) for determining the operating period duration, a calculation device (6) for calculating the permitted work time as a function of a tool-specific characteristic vibration value, a comparison device (6) for comparing the effective operating period duration with the permitted work time, and an interface (3) for reading in the characteristic vibration value from the tool (1).

Abstract: In order to reduce hysteresis and other noise components included in the output signal characteristic of a differential pressure sensor, an elastic reaction member which operates together with a diaphragm provided in a chamber of the differential pressure sensor includes a contact portion which contacts the diaphragm, and a plurality of springs which are arranged symmetrically about the contact portion. Each of the springs is a plate shaped or linear shaped spring which is bent into the form of a letter C, U, J, or V, and has one of its ends fixed to a wall which defines the chamber, while its other end is connected to the contact portion. When the contact portion shifts together with the diaphragm, the deformations of the plurality of springs are mutually balanced, so that rotation and horizontal deviation of the contact portion with respect to the diaphragm is suppressed.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes; a pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor mounted to the substrate assembly, each sensor including a corrugated deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber; and a cover configured to engage with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and a reference chamber respectively, the active chamber being exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: The measuring system is inserted into the course of a process line and serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system includes for such purpose a measuring transducer having a measuring tube serving for conveying medium being measured and a sensor arrangement, which has at least one sensor element reacting primarily to the measured variable to be registered, and which delivers by means of at least one sensor element at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable. Further, the measuring system includes a measuring electronics communicating with the measuring transducer and using the at least one measurement signal for producing, at least at times, at least one measured value instantaneously representing the measured variable.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for determining flow speeds in a flow channel includes a probe tube which is introduced via a first opening into the flow channel. The probe tube is exposed to a flow with a flow speed, the side of the probe tube facing the flow comprising a plurality of openings which are interconnected inside the probe tube such that a total pressure dependent on the flow speed prevails inside the probe tube. The measuring arrangement also comprises a static pressure opening in the flow channel, and a differential pressure sensor that determines the differential pressure between the total pressure inside the probe and the static pressure in the flow channel. The probe tube may be partially surrounded by a shield which is mobile and/or length-adjustable and that, according to its position and/or length along the probe tube, may close one, several or none of the openings.

Abstract: A volumetric flowmeter (1) is equipped with a detachable pump unit (2), a main body casing (3) accommodating the pump unit (2), and a cover member (4). The main body casing (3) is equipped with a front side main body casing (8) accommodating the pump unit (2) and integrated with a differential pressure detecting means (6), and a rear side main body casing (10) connected to the front side main body casing (8) and allowing mounting therewithin of a servomotor (9) constituting a main body of a shaft driving means (5). The pump unit (2) is inserted into a unit accommodating recess (11) of the front side main body casing (8) and is then covered with the cover member (4) to be thereby completely accommodated.

Abstract: Measuring transducer of the vibration type for measuring a mass flow of a flowing medium. The measuring transducer includes two straight measuring tubes for conveying the medium, wherein the measuring tubes are arranged in parallel to one another and the measuring transducer is embodied with micromechanical construction. The measuring transducer of the vibration type of the invention permits reliable measurement of the smallest mass flows of a flowing medium in the form of, for example, a liquid or a gas.

Abstract: A shaft arrangement, with a rotatable shaft supported in a rolling bearing, which has rolling elements and an outer race, a torsion sensor having a permanently magnetic ring and at least one magnetic field sensor fastened to a fixed sensor bracket attached to the outer race being provided. A torsion sensor can hereby be integrated in a rotating bearing in a simple design.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing a solution containing a sample to a test device and aspirating the sample from the device. In one embodiment the device is hand-held and includes a control mechanism, e.g., button for activating the dispensing and aspiration of the sample. The testing device may take the form of a multi-well plate with a plurality of wells arranged in rows and columns, with the bottom of the wells formed as a photonic crystal biosensor. The device can be configured with dispense and aspirate manifolds and associated dispense and aspirate ports which are positioned in all the wells along a row or column of wells so as to simultaneously aspirate and dispense solution to all the wells in a row or column of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: A sample frame (30; 81) for preparing a plurality of sample vessels (41, 42), in particular sample tubes, having a plurality of retainers, in each of which a sample vessel (41, 42) is situated, is characterized in that the sample vessels (41, 42) each have a cap (43, 44), which is put over the open end of the sample vessel (41, 42), the cap (41, 42) having a drilled hole (53, 54), through which the interior of the sample vessel (41, 42) is accessible, the sample frame (30; 81) has a removable cover plate (8), whose bottom side faces toward the caps (43, 44) of the sample vessels (41, 42) in the put-on state of the cover plate (8), and the cover plate (8) has an approximately funnel-shaped depression (11, 71) on the top side for each retainer, in whose center a through opening (57) through the cover plate (8) is provided, the through opening (57) aligning with the drilled hole (53, 54) of a cap (43, 44) of a sample vessel (41, 42) retained underneath when the cover plate (8) is put on.

Abstract: Iso-kinetic probe for the analysis of the pollution of the gases generated by an aircraft engine. It comprises an air tapping tube having an upstream end (24) inserted into a conduit (14) wherein a gas stream flows and gas stream inlet velocity adjustment means provided at an orifice of the tapping tube. The tube has a downstream end mounted in a fixed manner on a base (10). The base has an outer diameter mounted in an inner diameter d of a passage bushing (12). The inner diameter d of the passage bushing being sufficiently great so that the upstream end of the tube is suitable to fit through the inner diameter of the passage bushing. The probe also comprises a measurement chamber (6) having an end connected to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test vessel used in a test method having a step of immersing one end (54) of a test strip (5) in a sample fluid, the test vessel including a vessel body (1) having an opening (11) at an upper end thereof as well as a storage space (17) communicating with the opening (11) and in which the sample fluid is stored; a lid body (2) that seals the opening (11) of the vessel body (1) in an attachable/detachable manner; and a test strip fixing section (33) provided in the lid body (2) which fixes the other end of the test strip (5) in an attachable/detachable manner and holds the test strip (5) within the storage space (17) while sealing the opening (11) of the vessel body (1) with the lid body (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, an apparatus for treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, and a method of treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a blade tip clearance for a gas turbine engine may include a frame having an attachment system, an arm associated with the frame, and a measurement sensor associated with the arm.

Abstract: A controlled relative motion system having a base support, an output structure and a plurality of securing links each rotatably connected at a first end thereof to a selected one of the base support and the output structure with a circumferential motion pair of those securing links having each member thereof rotatably connected at an opposite second end thereof to that remaining one of the base support and the output structure so as to have the second end of each member rotate in a corresponding rotation plane. These second ends also rotate about a common symmetry rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation planes. In addition, there is a force imparting member that is coupled to a selected coupling one of said first and second ends of a selected one of said circumferential motion pair of securing links, and is capable of directing said coupling end to rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backlash-compensating toothed moving part, for a precision gear assembly, particularly in clock-making, in which the backlash-compensating teeth each have a section extending symmetrically to both sides of the radius of said mobile passing the tip of said teeth with an elastic connection to said mobile to give said teeth a freedom of movement in the plane of the mobile, at least one tooth in two being a backlash-compensating tooth comprising stop means arranged to limit the freedom of movement as a function of the backlash in the gear assembly to be compensated for.

Abstract: A rotary device, for example in the form of a gear wheel, comprises a hub (2) and an outer element (4) carrying teeth (28). The outer element (4) is provided with resilient fingers (20) which frictionally engage cam surfaces (38) provided on the hub (2). Relative rotation between the hub (2) and the outer element (4) is resisted by deflection of the fingers (20). Relative rotation between the hub (2) and the outer element (4) is limited by engagement between projections (32) and recesses (34). A combination of torsional spring force created by the flexible fingers together with friction between the fingers (20) and the cam surfaces (38) and between the recesses (46) and the projections (32) provide a damping effect which serves to limit the transmission of torsional vibrations between the hub (2) and the outer element (4).

Abstract: A curvilinear gear system and method for transferring force and speed through a wide range of angles is disclosed. The system can optionally incorporate curvilinear U joints to increase effective range of angles to tailor the system to specific applications. The system includes complimentary gear heads, one of which is a curvilinear gear such as a hemispherical gear. A method of using the gear systems in a transmission apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.

Abstract: A ball screw has a nut formed with a helical ball rolling groove on its inner circumference. A screw shaft is formed with a helical ball rolling groove on its inner circumference. The screw shaft is inserted into the nut. A number of balls are rollably contained within a ball rolling passage formed by oppositely arranged helical ball rolling grooves of the nut and the screw shaft, respectively. The nut is made of case hardened steel. The ball rolling groove is formed by cutting and surface hardening, by vacuum carburizing hardening, without any after-processing.

Abstract: A ball screw mechanism is equipped with a ball screw shaft formed from a metallic material, a displacement nut inserted over an outer circumferential side of the ball screw shaft, steel balls installed between a first screw groove formed on the ball screw shaft and a second screw groove formed in the displacement nut, and a pair of first and second return members, through which the steel balls are circulated between one end side and another end side of the displacement nut. The first and second return members include main body parts mounted respectively onto one end and another end of the displacement nut, and cylindrical parts that project outwardly with respect to the main body parts. A return passage, through which the steel balls are circulated, is formed inside of the main body parts and the cylindrical parts.

Abstract: A shifting device (1) for a transmission with a selection actuator and a shifting actuator, which a shifting shaft (2) comprising shifting forks (3) or selector forks, which engage in sliding collars for engaging the gears in which the shifting motion can be carried out by way of an axial motion of the shifting shaft (2), while the selection motion is kinematically disengaged from the shifting motion and the shifting shaft (2) does not rotate during the selection motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dial knob pivotably mounted and a hydraulic device for operating an inhibitor switch of an automatic transmission by creating hydraulic pressure using rotational motion of the dial knob, in order to provide a shift operating device for an automatic transmission that makes it possible to reduce manufacturing cost by having a simple structure and facilitate setting a layout by reducing a space for motion of shift knob, and makes it easy for a driver to shift by turning the shift knob with a hand to reduce the driver's tiredness and improve commercial value.

Abstract: A device (4) for actuating a component mounted to rotate on a shaft (3), preferably a gearwheel (3A to 3D) made as a loose wheel of a transmission device (1). The component can be shifted by an engaging device (4A, 4B) that includes at least one electric actuator (5, 17) to an engaged condition in which the component is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft (3), and such that the component can be acted upon with the actuation force needed for its engagement or disengagement from inside the shaft (3) outwardly. The electric actuator (5, 17) is at least partially arranged inside the shaft (3).

Abstract: An industrial robot including a first robot part and a second robot part arranged to be moved in relation to each other. A balancing device is arranged between the first robot part and the second robot part. The balancing device is arranged to counteract a gravitational force upon relative movement of the robot parts. The balancing device includes a mechanical spring and a spring housing arranged enclosing the spring. The spring housing includes at least one air inlet adapted for pressurized air supply.

Abstract: When a steering column contracts in order to absorb shock, interference between a column cover and a lock apparatus is suppressed, and a shock-absorbing stroke of the steering column is obtained. When a steering column contracts in order to absorb shock as a result of an input load equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a column cover that covers a rear end side of steering column, performs a stroke, together with a movable side region, relative to an outer tube (a fixed side region) of steering column, to which is fixed a lock apparatus. At this time, a side wall portion of column cover, which is positioned further to a vehicle rear than lock apparatus, enters between lock apparatus and outer tube of steering column, thereby suppressing interference between column cover and lock apparatus.

Abstract: A drive-by-wire throttle control apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus includes a Hall-effect magnetic sensor. A thumb lever can be assembled into a mounting bracket inside a cylindrical hole, which can rotate to a desired angle. The thumb lever can be mechanically connected to a magnet holder, which includes a magnet, utilizing a key-slot mechanism. The magnet holder can be placed inside a housing that allows the magnet holder to rotate and restrict other movements. When the thumb lever rotates, the lever rotates the magnet holder, which in turn detects the position of the throttle utilizing a varying voltage output from an associated Hall-effect chip. A signal can be generated based on the sensed position.

Abstract: A lever device for operating a hydraulic actuator for a motorcycle, comprises a support that can be connected to a bearing structure, a hydraulic actuator connected to the support, a main lever, pivotally connected to the support and intended to be operated by being moved close to or away from said hydraulic actuator, a control rod and an adjustment member that are interposed in series between the main lever and a piston of the hydraulic actuator such as to transmit an operating movement from the lever to said piston. The adjustment member pivots about an axis of adjustment and defines a seat that accommodates an end of the control rod. The seat is eccentric to the axis of adjustment, whereby rotation of the adjustment member changes the orientation of the control rod relative to the axis of rotation of the lever, and thus lever ratio.

Abstract: A crank handle apparatus for a draw-out circuit breaker is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the crank handle apparatus includes a crank, a locating piece, a button, a locking plate provided with a projecting part, and a retractable connecting link. A taken-in locking slot and a draw-out locking slot are provided in both ends of the crank. The locating piece includes a drawing gear which is wedged into the taken-in locking slot and the drawn-out locking slot respectively, and a locating slope which is connected with a locating spring apparatus. A button slope is provided in the button. A first resetting spring apparatus is provided in the button slope. A slope part of the button slope and a slope part of the locating slope are opposite and are in contact with each other. The projecting part is suppressed against or departed from the locating piece when the locking plate is moved.

Abstract: A pedal support for a vehicle includes a bracket which is secured in a bulkhead disposed in the vehicle between the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the engine room; a first shaft secured in the bracket and horizontal and transversely directed in relation to the direction of travel of the vehicle; a pedal arm provided with a footplate and pivotal about the first shaft; an operating device which is secured in the arm a distance from the first shaft and which is disposed for manoeuvring or controlling a vehicle function, for example a braking function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torsional vibration damper arrangement, especially for the drive train of a vehicle, including a primary side and a secondary side which is coupled to the primary side by a damper fluid arrangement in order for the primary side and the secondary side to rotate about an axis of rotation and rotate relative to one another. The damper fluid arrangement encompasses a first damper fluid that has low compressibility and transmits torque between the primary side and the secondary side as well as a second damper fluid which is more compressible and is loaded when the pressure of the first fluid increases. The torsional vibration damper arrangement is characterized in that a volume containing the second damper fluid is disposed outside the primary side and outside the secondary side and does not rotate about the axis of rotation along with the primary side and the secondary side.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.

Abstract: A drive for a movable furniture element has an actuating element for moving the furniture element and a motor for driving the actuating element. The actuating element and the furniture element may at times be moved independently of one another, and a position measurement system is provided for determining both the position of the actuating element and the position of the furniture element.

Abstract: A transmission for an industrial vehicle has an input shaft, first and second transmission mechanisms, a clutch mechanism, a rotation direction switching gear train, a speed change gear train, and an output shaft. The first and second transmission mechanisms change the speed among a plurality of speeds of rotation from the input shaft. The clutch mechanism is disposed on the input side of the transmission mechanisms and includes forward and reverse clutches and 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 gear train inputs rotations for forward and reverse travel to the forward and reverse clutches. The speed change gear train inputs to the first snap clutch and the second snap clutch the output from the forward clutch and the reverse clutch.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic component includes atomizing, in an inert atmosphere, a metallic liquid having at least one rare-earth element and at least one non rare-earth element to form a metallic powder. A series of heat treating steps are performed on the metallic powder. A first heat treating step is performed in an oxidizing atmosphere, and a second heat treating step is performed in an inert atmosphere. A third heat treating step is performed in a reducing atmosphere to form a metallic power having an increased proportion of rare-earth oxides compared to non rare-earth oxides. The metallic component is formed from the metallic powder having the increased proportion of rare-earth oxides compared to non rare-earth oxides.

Abstract: A process for the production of a purified PGM selected from the group consisting of platinum and rhodium from an impure PGM source, the process comprising (a) obtaining an anhydrous PGM halide from the impure PGM source; (b) treating the PGM halide with carbon monoxide at an effective temperature; pressure and time to form the PGM carbonyl halide; and (c) (i) wherein the PGM is platinum, heating the platinum carbonyl halide at an effective platinum decomposition temperature to produce the purified platinum; (ii) wherein the PGM is rhodium, heating the rhodium halide at an effective rhodium decomposition temperature to produce the purified rhodium; and (iii) wherein the platinum carbonyl carbonyl halide and the rhodium carbonyl halide are in a gaseous mixture, effecting step (i) at a temperature lower than the rhodium effective decomposition temperature prior to effecting step (ii). The process is of particular value in the recovery and recycle of PGM materials from vehicle exhaust catalytic converters.

Abstract: In a method for the production of molten metal, oxygen, a reducing agent and iron reduced in a reduction reactor are introduced into a melt gasifier, the reducing agent is gasified with oxygen and reduced iron is melted by means of the heat which occurs, the cupola gas being used as at least a fraction of the reduction gas. Reacted top gas is drawn off from the reduction reactor. For increased efficiency in terms of energy and raw materials, there is in this case provision for at least part of the heat energy of the top gas and/or of the fraction of the reduction gas which is provided for use as cooling gas and as excess gas to be utilized for the indirect heating of at least one further gas used in the method. For this purpose, at least one heat exchanger in a line for top gas and/or the fraction of the reduction gas which is provided for use as cooling gas and as excess gas is provided, at least one further gas used in the method flowing through said heat exchanger.

Abstract: An outstandingly low environmental impact wet process recovers the lead content of an electrode slime and/or of lead minerals in the valuable form of high purity lead oxide or compound convertible to highly pure lead oxide by heat treatment in oven at relatively low temperature, perfectly suited for making active electrode pastes of new batteries or other uses.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing combination wrenches includes preparing a material plate having a plurality of wrench material pieces. Each wrench material piece is sheared off from the material plate and then pressed in a sealed mold at a temperature without generating carbon scale to form a semifinished product including first and second driving ends and a handle interconnected between the first and second driving ends. The first and second driving ends of the wrench semifinished product are processed to form a combination wrench having a box end and an open end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to a single piece tubular member. The tubular member having a non-radially displaceable portion and a radially displaceable portion, the radially displaceable portion being movable to a position of similar radial displacement as that of the non-radially displaceable portion and a position of relatively large radial displacement in comparison to the non-radially displaceable portion. The tubular member also having at least one cutting arrangement disposed at the radially displaceable portion.

Abstract: A powered ratchet tool generally includes a housing having a handle portion with a trigger assembly. A motor has an output shaft member that rotates about a longitudinal axis. A ratchet assembly includes a ratchet hub member that connects to the output shaft member. A selector member connects to the ratchet assembly and is operable to change the ratchet assembly between a tighten condition and a loosen condition. A drive member is connected to the ratchet assembly. The drive member rotates about the longitudinal axis about which the ratchet hub, the selector member and the output shaft member rotates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet wrench, which comprises a main body, a D-head, a threaded portion, a loose ratchet, a cardioid spring having extension leg and a closed tip, a rotatable disc having a shouldered hole with a first penetrating hole and a second penetrating hole connected by a connecting hole, and a ring. The rotatable disc is disposed on the head portion of the main body with the threaded portion of the D-head moving from the second penetrating hole and finally extending through the first penetrating hole, and a shift pin is defined at the bottom of the rotatable disc locating in the internal of the closed tip of the cardioid spring. The ring is disposed in the shouldered hole and threadedly engaged with the threaded portion so that the D-head rotatably positioned in the through bore of the main body.

Abstract: An optimized key ring separator used for splitting and holding open a key ring so that a key can be inserted or removed. The optimized key ring separator consists of a flange attached to an enclosed or unenclosed mounting portion, and may include optional gripping edges. The flange is comprised of a flange base and edges which are tapered resulting in a peak which allows it to be wedged between the turns of a key ring separating the turns of the ring. The flange may also include flattened edges. The key ring separator may also include an attachment member, which allows selective positioning of the flange and removal of any key on a key ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld tool having a handle, extended into a 3D profile. There is a palm through-hole, being arranged at both sides of the handle and penetrating the handle. The long-shaped palm through-hole is consistent with the long handle, and the pore shape and aperture of the palm through-hole must be suitable for the penetration of a palm. Two first web ribs are formed at two opposite sides of the shorter section of the palm through-hole. The two first web ribs are intended for abutting with the first web of hand. A convex working end is arranged at an extended end of the handle. With this handheld tool, the user can fetch and operate other tools easily while holding this handheld tool, thereby realizing convenient operation with improved applicability.

Abstract: A wood working lathe comprises a granite lathe bed including a guiding rail extending thereon longitudinally and an opening vertically formed through an end thereof, with the opening in communication with the guiding rail; a driving unit installed to the lathe bed; a granite fixed stock disposed on the end of the lathe bed relative to the opening of the lathe bed and including a driven unit inserted therethrough axially and a compartment formed therein and in communication with the driven unit, with the driving unit driving the driven unit to turn through the compartment; and a granite foot stock slidably installed on another end of the lathe bed and including a positioned member for selectively fixing the foot stock to the lathe bed and a feeding means, with an axis of the feeding means being coaxial with an axis of the driven unit, with cooperation of the driven unit and the feeding means adapted for clamping works.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a wafer support arrangement, comprising a wafer (1), a support layer system (5, 6) and a separating layer (4), which is arranged between the support layer system (5, 6) and the wafer (1), wherein the support layer system (5, 6) (i) comprises a support layer (6) and (ii) a layer (5) from a through hardened, partially hardened or hardenable elastomer material on the separating layer side or consists of these two layers and wherein the separating layer (4) (iii) is a plasma polymer layer and (iv) the adhesive bond between the support layer system (5, 6) and the separating layer (4), after the elastomer material has through hardened, is greater than the adhesive bond between the wafer (1) and the separating layer (4).

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for columnar items such as metal pipes has a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade. At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions. First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions. An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions. A segmented collar engages the entire circumference of the columnar item being cut. The blade is supported by the frame and the arms during the cutting process while the collar supports the material of the columnar item adjacent the cut.

Abstract: An ultrasonic trimming apparatus is composed of an articulated robot, a cutting apparatus, and a grindstone. The cutting apparatus is composed of an ultrasonic oscillator which is supported by the end portion of the articulated robot, a cutter blade which is supported by the ultrasonic oscillator, and a workpiece securing portion which secures a workpiece. The grindstone serving as a grinding member is disposed within the movable range of the cutter blade driven by the robot and is placed in a position at which the cutter blade can pressure contact the cutter blade. The cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated by the ultrasonic oscillator and is ground while being pressed against the grindstone by means of the articulated robot.

Abstract: A method of optimizing processing of successive workpieces through cutting machines, includes the steps of determining and optimizing a first cut pattern for a preceding workpiece infeeding into an active cutting device, determining and optimizing a second cut pattern for a succeeding workpiece succeeding the preceding workpiece infeeding into the cutting device, synchronizing the preceding workpiece with the active cutting device such that the active cutting device is pre-positioned to achieve an optimized first cut pattern of the preceding workpiece prior to the preceding workpiece engaging the active cutting device, processing through the cutting device the preceding workpiece according to the first cut pattern; adjusting an infeed gap between the preceding workpiece and the succeeding workpiece so that the active cutting device has sufficient time to pre-position to achieve the optimized second cut pattern of the succeeding workpiece prior to the active cutting device engaging the succeeding workpiece.