Abstract: A detector and detection method for identifying unknown chemical solutions following chemical spills includes a specific gravity detector including a detector column having an inlet end operable to collect a sample of a solution, wherein the detector column is formed of an optically transparent material to allow visual observation of the sample in the detector column. At least a first plurality of specific gravity floats including a first specific gravity float is located and moveable within the detector column, wherein the first specific gravity float has a density to float in liquids having a specific gravity of greater than a first density level. At least a second specific gravity float is located and moveable within the detector column, wherein the second specific gravity float has a density to float in liquids having a specific gravity greater than the first density level. A sample of an unknown solution from a site of a chemical spill is introduced into the detector column.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one implementation, is directed to a method of estimating composition of fuel in the fuel tank of a vehicle. A refuel event is detected. A determination is made whether a volume of fuel added to the fuel tank satisfies a first threshold. A fuel composition estimation is suspended if the refuel event satisfies the first threshold. A total volume of fuel is accumulated based on a plurality of refuel events satisfying the first threshold. A new fuel composition is estimated based on the accumulated total volume of fuel satisfying a second threshold.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus for detecting an abnormality of an oil level sensor having lower and upper oil level detectors includes: a recording portion that records the output of the upper oil level detector before the internal combustion engine is started; and a determining portion that determines that the upper oil level detector has an abnormality if the output of the lower oil level detector is indicating, after the start of the internal combustion engine, that the oil level is higher than the first reference oil level while the output of the upper oil level detector recorded by the recording portion is indicating that the oil level was lower than the second reference oil level before the start of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of estimating the height of water (hw) that is present on a wet ground of a road and that is in contact with a tread of a tire of a vehicle travelling on this wet road utilizes one or more sensors in the tread of the tire. Each of the one or more sensors is capable of measuring a characteristic quantity of stresses that the tread experiences locally when the tire is rolling on the ground. A signal corresponding to these measurements is produced, and a portion of this signal relating to a passing of the one or more sensors into an apparent area of contact between the tire and the ground is extracted. An instantaneous value (?L), relating to a length of an indirect contact region of the apparent area of contact between the tread of the tire and the ground, is determined from this information, and a water height (hw) is estimated from a calculation that takes into account the determined instantaneous value.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a substrate having a cavity in a surface thereof; a first sensor inside the cavity; a second sensor inside the cavity; and a lid body sealing the cavity and including an internal surface. The second sensor includes a first electrode located on an internal surface of the lid body and a second electrode located in the cavity.

Abstract: A container includes a chamber for containing fluid. At least one sensor is disposed within the chamber for sensing a property of fluid in the container. A unit that receives a signal from the sensor communicates with a device that displays the property of the fluid in the container. The container may include first and second chambers. A first sensor is disposed within the first chamber. The first sensor is in contact with fluid in the first chamber. The first sensor senses a volume of fluid in the first chamber. A second sensor is disposed within the second chamber. The second sensor is in contact with fluid in the second chamber. The second sensor senses a volume of fluid in the second chamber. A diverter may direct fluid from an inlet to a bottom portion of the chamber and prevents the fluid from contacting the sensor. A releasable device may prevent fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A flow sensor element and a method for self-cleaning of the flow sensor element are provided, in which a temperature-measuring element and a heating element are arranged on a carrier element, and these elements can form a multiple-part ceramic component. The temperature-measuring element has a platinum thin-film resistor on a ceramic substrate for the temperature measurement and is heated with an additional platinum thin-film resistor. A measurement device, in particular an anemometric measurement device of a flow sensor, contains film resistors mounted in at least one opening of a cover or a hollow body. Two of the film resistors have resistance values differing by one to three orders of magnitude. The anemometric measurement device has a temperature sensor and a heat output sensor set in a carrier element. The temperature sensor has a temperature-measuring resistor and a heat conductor, as platinum thin-film or thick-film resistors, on a ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A product including a cryogenic container and an acoustic sensor positioned to sense the resonant frequency of the container and any liquid contents therein.

Abstract: A system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. An apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort and the system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.

Abstract: Using an ultrasonic field, properties of a solid liquid suspension such as through-transmission attenuation, backscattering, and diffuse field are measured. These properties are converted to quantities indicating the strength of different loss mechanisms (such as absorption, single scattering and multiple scattering) among particles in the suspension. Such separation of the loss mechanisms can allow for direct comparison of the attenuating effects of the mechanisms. These comparisons can also indicate a model most likely to accurately characterize the suspension and can aid in determination of properties such as particle size, concentration, and density of the suspension.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: A head of an ultrasonic probe is formed by joining a flexible sheet holding a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to a curved surface of a support. Concave-convex shapes (concave-convex surfaces) are provided on the curved surface of the support and a joining surface of the flexible sheet. The concave-convex surfaces correspond to each other, and are engaged with each other to determine relative positions of the flexible sheet and the support when they are joined. Each of grooves on the concave-convex surface is positioned between adjacent ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: A system and method of preloading a valve tester control assembly circuit includes a valve testing control apparatus comprising a fluid supply, a motor, and a fluid control assembly controlling working fluid flow from the fluid supply to the motor. The fluid control assembly comprises an operation valve fluidly connected to the fluid supply, an adjustable pressure-responsive valve fluidly connected to the operation valve, and a preload valve fluidly connected between the pressure-responsive valve and the motor. The method includes closing the preload valve so that fluid does not pass through the motor, opening the operation valve so that the fluid supply is in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve, operating the fluid supply to supply fluid to the pressure-responsive valve, and adjusting the pressure-responsive valve so that a pressure-sensing gauge in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve senses a desired maximum pressure for the fluid during testing of a valve.

Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure comprising: a first chamber including a first conductive membrane, wherein a fluid is sealed within the first chamber at a reference pressure such that the first conductive membrane deflects from pressure differences between the reference and the fluid pressure; a second chamber including a second conductive membrane sealed from the fluid pressure, wherein the second membrane deflects in response to a change in temperature which the pressure sensor is exposed thereto; and a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membrane, the circuit being configured to obtain a first and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively, the first and second signals being indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes, wherein the circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method of testing a tubular member and selecting tubular members for suitability for expansion by subjecting a representative sample the tubular member to axial loading, stretching at least a portion of the tubular member through elastic deformation, plastic yield and to ultimate yield, and based upon changes in length and area calculating an expandability coefficient indicative of expandability of the tubular members and selecting tubular members with relatively high coefficients indicative of good expandability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a testing apparatus and method for testing the adhesion of a coating to a surface. The invention also includes an improved testing button or dolly for use with the testing apparatus and a self aligning button hook or dolly interface on the testing apparatus. According to preferred forms, the apparatus and method of the present invention are simple, portable, battery operated rugged, and inexpensive to manufacture and use, are readily adaptable to a wide variety of uses, and provide effective and accurate testing results. The device includes a linear actuator driven by an electric motor coupled to the actuator through a gearbox and a rotatable shaft. The electronics for the device are contained in the head section of the device. At the contact end of the device, is positioned a self aligning button hook, attached below the load cell located on the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A test specimen holder includes at least one pair of wedges, a plurality of pistons and a tie bar connected to each of the pistons. A single cylinder body is operable with each of the pistons and the wedges. The cylinder body is adapted to urge the wedges together with relative movement of the cylinder body with respect to the pistons.

Abstract: A first inlet portion, a second inlet portion, a first outlet portion, and a second outlet portion are fixed to a fixing member, and a connecting tube portion is provided between the first outlet portion and the second inlet portion. Further, the first inlet portion and the second inlet portion 6 are arranged in a non-parallel state such that the distance between the two increases as they depart from the fixing member. The first outlet portion and the second outlet portion are similarly arranged in a non-parallel state, the first inlet portion and the second inlet portion and the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion being arranged symmetrically. Further, the first outlet portion, the second inlet portion, and the connecting tube portion are arranged such that their three tube axes are in a straight line.

Abstract: A flow measurement system uses conduits adapted to be coupled to and throughout a liquid or gaseous fluid flow distribution system. Each conduit is instrumented to measure parameters associated with the liquid or gaseous fluid moving therethrough, and wireless transmit a unique code and data indicative of the parameters so-measured. A remotely-located receiver and output device(s) may be used to provide the data and unique code associated with each of the conduits in a human-discernable format. Each conduit may also receive data resulting in adjustment of fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: The detection unit Ud is configured by arranging two strain sensitive elements X1 and X2 respectively at each side of the X-axial direction relative to the center of the strain causing plate 2, and arranging two strain sensitive elements Y1 and Y2 respectively at each side of the Y-axial direction relative to the center of the strain causing plate 2. The signal processing part Um is provided with the X-axial bridge circuit 4 for detecting a force in the X-axial direction by the strain sensitive elements X1 and X2 arranged at the both sides in the X-axial direction, the Y-axial bridge circuit 5 for detecting a force in the Y-axial direction by the strain sensitive elements Y1 and Y2 arranged at both sides in the Y-axial direction, and the Z-axial bridge circuit 6 for detecting a force in the Z-axial direction by a bridge circuit including the X-axial bridge circuit 4 and the Y-axial bridge circuit 5.

Abstract: A torque measuring method and apparatus for a motor-operated valve including a valve driving mechanism operable to open and close the valve, a worm displacable by driving of the motor to operate the valve driving mechanism, and a spring cartridge having a plurality of belleville springs and disposed coaxially with the worm for compression by the worm. The method comprises obtaining basic data representing a relationship between the amounts of compression of the belleville springs and the torques exerted, measuring a displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge and acquiring, from the thus obtained displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge, a real amount of compression of the belleville springs in which an influence of a play of the spring cartridge has been removed, and substituting the real amount of compression for the amount of compression of the basic data to acquire a real torque corresponding to the real amount of compression.

Abstract: A flow head for a gas sensor having a sensing element is provided. The flow head includes a body at least partially defining a cavity in thermal communication with the sensing element. The body includes an inlet port located within an annular surface of the body and an outlet port located within the annular surface of the body. The body also includes an inlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the inlet passage configures the inlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another. The body further includes an outlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the outlet passage configures the outlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: Methods for controlling admission to amusement park rides include electronically measuring each child's height (and optionally weight) and comparing the measured data to a database which specifies minimum requirements for each ride in the amusement park. Upon completing the comparison, several optional steps are provided including encoding a data carrier with the child's measured data and/or a list of rides which are appropriate for the child. The data carrier may be a “swipe card” or other machine readable device which must be presented at the entrance to each ride. The entrance to each ride is provided with an electronic entry control gate which is operated by the data carrier. Optionally, a list of appropriate rides is printed for the child and/or the child's parents. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, a method for testing a v-bank filter includes providing an aerosol challenge to an upstream side of a v-bank filter, scanning a downstream side of the v-bank filter with a probe having one or more rectangular sample ports, and providing samples taken through the probe during scanning to a test instrument. In yet another embodiment, a probe for scanning a v-bank filter is provided that includes a body having a plurality of rectangular sample ports. Each sample port is tapered to a port configured to connect to a sample tube. The long sides of the rectangular sample ports are arranged in a stacked parallel orientation.

Abstract: An adjusting device for positioning a load comprises a spindle-type lifting gear, first and second bearing brackets with bearing pins that engage in a respective bearing bush of the gear unit housing for the swivelable bearing support of the gear unit housing of the spindle-type lifting gear, a driving motor with a motor shaft, and a motor flange unit with a flange housing that is rigidly connected to the driving motor on one side and to the gear unit housing on the other side. The flange housing is secured to one of the side surfaces of the gear unit housing at which the bearing bushes of the gear unit housing are arranged. The driveshaft of the spindle-type lifting gear extends parallel to the swiveling axis around which the spindle-type lifting gear is swivelable. The flange housing has, on the side facing the swiveling axis, a recess into which part of the end portion of the arm of the bearing bracket adjacent to the flange housing projects.

Abstract: A connecting rod for a piston engine, in particular a twin crankshaft piston engine, with a first connecting rod head (2) that comprises a first connecting rod eye (20) for mounting a connecting rod (1) to a piston (52) of the piston engine. A second connecting rod head (3) has a second connecting rod eye (30) for mounting the connecting rod (1) to the crankpin (58; 59) of a crankshaft (60; 61) of the piston engine, along with a connecting rod shank (4) that links the first connecting rod head (2) and the second connecting rod head (3). The connecting rod shank (4) has a narrow first connecting rod shank section (40) adjacent to the first connecting rod head (4) and the connecting rod shank (4) includes a wider second connecting rod shank section (45) adjacent to the second connecting rod head (3).

Abstract: In a structural component (1), a shielding component in particular, with individual adjacent component sections (21, 23) that can be brought at least partially by a functional unit (25) into a definable three-dimensional position to each other along an action line. The functional unit (25) is divided into component units (27, 29, 31) enabling definable positioning along at least one further action line (29) extending at a definable distance adjacent to one action line (27).

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal key (1), particularly a control cabinet key, with multiple key arms (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), on which tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) and/or retainers (5) for attaching tool heads (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) or bits (6) are arranged, where at least one key arm (2a, 2b) forms a pen-shaped, hollow handle (3), and the hollow handle (3) displays at least one opening (10, 11), through which at least one other key arm (2c, 2d) can be folded out and in. (FIG.

Abstract: A tool bit suited to use in a machining apparatus for lathing of photoreceptor blanks includes a cutting portion which defines a plurality of projections. During lathing, the projections extend into the blank successively greater distances. When the blank is rotated, each projection cuts a successively radially inward portion of the workpiece. The resulting swarf is thinner and generally easier to handle than for a tool with a single cutting edge, thereby enabling vacuum suction of the swarf.

Abstract: A tool-holding device for an insert tool (14) equipped with an at least essentially disk-shaped hub (42), in particular for a hand-guided angle grinder (32) or a hand-guided circular saw, having a drive device (12) that includes a leaf spring unit (58) and is able to clamp the insert tool (14) in the axial direction (64). The leaf spring unit (58) has at least one freely extending spring piece (110) that extends at least partially in the circumference direction (50, 52).

Abstract: A method of cutting or trimming a plastic body ejected from a blow mold that is especially suitable for high-output production lines. A log conveyor is continuously moved along a path. The body to be trimmed is placed between holders carried by the conveyor and trimmed by rotating the holders as the conveyor moves past a trim knife extending along the path.

Abstract: Power tool includes a movable blade and a detection system for detecting contact between the blade and an object. Detection system includes an excitation plate capacitively coupling the drive signal to the movable blade. A circuit generates an in phase component signal and a quadrature component signal from a blade current signal indicative of the instantaneous current drawn by the movable blade and calculates an energy of the blade current signal considering the in-phase and the quadrature components. The circuit compares the energy of the blade current signal to an adaptive trigger threshold to detect contact between the blade and the object based on whether the energy of the blade current signal is greater than the adaptive trigger threshold.

Abstract: A device for the lateral separation of paper webs, including: a paper introduction region with at least one driven web supply roller; a buffer region, in which the web is prepared for discontinuous forward motion; a cutting device; and a paper lead-off region with discontinuous web forward motion; the device further including at least a first tube group having two tubes which may be moved relative to at least a third tube of the tube group, perpendicular to the web. The tube group (120; 150) is arranged intermediate the paper introduction region having merger region tubes and a discontinuously driven paper web roller in order to form a turning web loop of varying length. The length as determined by the separation between the tubes of the tube group is regulated by a controller, in connection with the driven web supply roller and the discontinuous web forward motion.

Abstract: A paper punch 100, 200 is disclosed as including a button 110, a die 104, and a die holder 106, 210 with an upper jaw 114, 208 and a lower jaw 116 which are spaced apart from each other, in which the button 110 is operable to move the die 104 relative to the die holder 106, 210 to punch at least a piece of paper out from a sheet of paper 117 received within the paper punch 117, and the die holder 106, 210 includes a wheel 120, 202 for limiting the extent of relative movement between the upper jaw 114, 208 and the lower jaw 116.

Abstract: A band saw blade guide includes a cylindrical chisel shaped member mounted at an oblique angle to a band saw blade. The blade guide adjusts the angle of the band saw blade by rotation of the guide about its axis. By rotating the guide about its axis, the angle of the chisel point guiding surface is changed thereby changing the angle of the blade. Further the blade may be guided by a single guide forced against one surface of the blade thereby eliminating the need for guides on both sides of the blade.

Abstract: The launching of an unmanned projectile includes pre-packaging a barrel with a projectile, a pusher cup, and a gas generator. The gas generator generates gas to propel the projectile out of the barrel. A pressure chamber increases a pressure of the gas in the barrel. The pressure chamber comprises a front body portion connected to the gas generator; an aft body portion connected to the front body portion and the gas generator; and a vent sleeve positioned around the front body portion and adapted to provide an aperture through which the gas exits the barrel in order to control a level of gas pressure in the barrel. A triggering of the gas generator causes the pusher cup to push the projectile out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory, wherein the triggering causes the pusher cup to exit the barrel.

Abstract: A direct drive retrofit system for use with an M-16 or AR-15 rifle for conversion from an impingement system comprising: a gas block, the gas block having a barrel bore and a gas plug bore; a gas plug, the gas plug being inserted into the gas plug bore from the muzzle end; a bolt carrier key, the bolt carrier key being configured to mount directly to a bolt carrier; a rod, the rod being manufactured from a single continuous material stock; and a biasing means; wherein, the rod can be uninstalled without removal of a hand guard or the gas block by extracting the gas plug from the gas plug bore from the muzzle end, the actuating means releasing the rod, the rod being freely extracted thereafter by a user in a single piece.

Abstract: In a directional control valve device, a first passage connects a second port with a first port by using a part of a movement path of a moving valve element when the moving valve element is in a position of a first end. A second passage connects the second port with the third port by using an internal passage of the moving valve element when the moving valve element is in a second end. The moving valve element is provided with a first check valve for permitting a flow in the internal passage only in the direction from the third port to the second port. When a fluid pressure is applied to the third port, the fluid pressure presses the moving valve element toward the second end so that the first passage is closed, and the first check valve is opened to open the second passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system comprises a hydraulic actuator comprising a piston reciprocable between two cylinder heads for actuating a machine. A flow switching device reverses the direction of hydraulic fluid flow to and from chambers on opposite sides of the piston. The piston stops at the end of each piston stroke when a shuttle valve associated with the piston opens to allow hydraulic fluid to flow between the chambers cancelling the differential pressure that acts on the piston to cause reciprocal movement. A controller is programmed to determine when the piston reaches the end of each stroke based upon at least one of hydraulic pump speed, hydraulic fluid pressure, or elapsed time, with each of these measured during each stroke. The controller then sends an electronic signal to command the flow switching device to reverse the direction of hydraulic fluid flow.

Abstract: A vehicular hydraulic system with a pump and first and second hydraulic applications arranged in series. The fluid upstream of the first application may be elevated to a first threshold pressure value. A pressure-dump valve is disposed downstream of the first application and fluid entering the valve flows through an inlet port, primary flow channel and outlet port of the valve to the second hydraulic application. The valve includes a valve member that axially slides within an elongate valve chamber, partitioning the primary flow channel from a low pressure volume. The valve also includes a low pressure port and a bypass port that diverts fluid past the second application. The valve member is biased into a position wherein fluid is diverted through the bypass port when the pressure in the primary flow channel exceeds a second threshold value. The first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value.

Abstract: A vehicular hydraulic system having a pump, first application, pressure-dump valve and second application arranged in series. The pressure-dump valve diverts a portion of the primary fluid flow past the second application when the pressure exceeds a threshold value. A valve member in the pressure-dump valve defines a pressure-reducing orifice that communicates fluid across the valve member. A check valve prevents flow through the pressure-reducing orifice when the pressure in the valve is below the threshold value. When the pressure exceeds the threshold value, fluid flows through check valve and the pressure reducing orifice resulting in the movement of the valve member and exposure of a bypass port thereby diverting a portion of the primary fluid flow past the second application. The check valve may be selectively variable to provide for the adjustment of the threshold value. A priority valve may also be provided upstream of the first application.

Abstract: A fluid operated rotary drive comprises a drive housing (2) and an output shaft (4) able to be caused to oscillate in relation to it and having a pivotal abutment arranged on it which cooperates with a counter abutment (34 and 35). The pivotal abutment is able to be positioned about the longitudinal axis (8) of the output shaft (4) in different abutment settings and is able to be clamped in a releasable manner respectively against a clamping face (56) on the housing by means of a clamping means (53).

Abstract: A bent axis pump wherein the coupling between a cylinder body and a connecting pin of a back body takes place by the interposition of a bush suitable for guiding the rotation of the cylinder body limiting the friction between the cylinder body and the pin. The pin life is considerably extended.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing coffee, in particular for a coffee machine (1), comprises a brewing chamber (19) which is enclosed by a housing (10) and has a base (12) with an outflow (40) provided on one side and a nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) provided on the opposite side, the nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) comprising a nozzle (11) for supplying a fluid. The base (12) can be moved within the housing (10) and, depending on the degree to which the brewing chamber (19) is filled, the base (12) can be fixed in different positions for the brewing operation. It is thus possible for the apparatus for brewing coffee, while being of straightforward construction, to be adapted in a flexible manner to the desired quantity of coffee.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for preparing meals, which is suitable in particular for use on board a commercial aircraft, includes a meal preparation unit (12) and a supply unit (14). The supply unit (12) includes a fuel cell system (16) having a fuel cell (18) and is equipped to supply the meal preparation unit (12) with water produced by the fuel cell (18).

Abstract: A device to bake farinaceous foods such as cakes, cookies, breads, pies, and pizzas more rapidly and flavorfully, with retention of desire food textures and reduced risk of burning by the use of intermittent application of radiant energy. The preferred embodiment rotates farinaceous ingredients in front of a radiant heat source. The preferred embodiment may control oven temperatures by regulating the amount of outside cool air fan forced into the oven cavity.

Abstract: A method and device for coring and cutting food products such as peppers in a hydrocutter. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes an outer rim, which is configured for placement within a hydrocutter. This rim has a first end and a second end and defines a passageway there through. A coring cutter is suspended in a generally centrally located position within this passageway. This coring cutter includes pairs of peaks and troughs which are positioned so as to impact the item being processed prior to the other portions of the coring cutter and by so doing enable the device to be cut with decreased amounts of force and water pressure upon the device. Thus preserving fragile structures such as a pepper.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component includes first and second gravure-printing steps in which conductive paste and step-reducing ceramic paste are printed on a composite sheet including a ceramic green sheet. A first print mark is printed before the second gravure-printing step is performed, and the position of the first print mark is determined and compared with a desired position of the first print mark before the second gravure-printing step. Then, the second gravure-printing step is performed such that a second print mark is printed at a suitable position with respect to the position of the first print mark.

Abstract: A printed product, with a number of inserts, is printed on a printing machine. The pages of the inserts are printed by the printing machine as product pages on the web. The web is then folded in a folder that is a part of the printing machine to thereby form at least one of the inserts of the printed product. The printed product is laid out at an exit of the folder and the web is folded in such a manner that a final format of each insert completely shows one of these printed pages. Before the printed product is laid out at the exit of the folder, inserts which belong to the same printed product are collected in the folder by placing these inserts one atop the other.