Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle having a hole co-axially defined in the handle. A ratchet mechanism is co-axially received in the hole in the handle and comprises a ratchet wheel for driving the ratchet screwdriver with bi-directional operating and a selector for selectively determining the operational direction of the ratchet wheel. A driving shaft is relatively and co-axially mounted in the ratchet mechanism and ratchetly and bi-directionally driven by the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A pair of locking pliers having an adjusting device that utilizes a cam assembly. The pliers, preferably, include a trolley disposed in a first handle member that defines a channel. The trolley is structured to be coupled to a link assembly wherein the position of the link assembly relative to the distal end of the first handle member affects the spacing of the pliers' jaws. The cam assembly is, preferably, a planar disk-like body having a radially extending handle and, preferably, a plurality of flats about the circumference. The cam assembly is disposed, preferably, in the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly. The cam is coupled to the first handle member at the distal end of the handle portion and its' axis extends generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the first handle member and the second handle assembly.

Abstract: A combination tool that includes opposing jaws and handles that function as conventional pliers and wherein the handles are configured to be abutted with one another to form a spudding tool having a generally circular cross section and wherein at least one ridge extending from one of the handles cooperatively seats within at least one groove in the opposing handle when the handles are abutted with one another.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, and inclined face and a flat peak. The inclined face is defined by a radius of curvature that transitions to the flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank. The teeth engage for relative rotation when the handle is turned and disengage when a predetermined value of torque is exceeded.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an optical element having a circular portion and at least one annular zone formed thereon, the circular portion having a circular profile and centered about an optical axis as viewed from a direction of an optical axis, the annular zone having an annular zonal face and a boundary wall face formed concentrically around a periphery of the circular portion, and the boundary wall face linking between the circular portion and the annular zonal face. The method is performed by rotating a workpiece about a rotation axis corresponding to the optical axis, and allowing a sharply pointed front end of a tip to prick the workpiece to a portion corresponding to an angled portion defined by the annular zonal face and the boundary wall face so that the annular zonal face is formed by side edges of a rake face of the tip.

Abstract: A coolant fluid supplying tool post is mounted to a machining system for machine controlled movement and has an internal coolant passage system, a coolant fluid inlet, a coolant fluid outlet and a first dove-tail mount. A multiple machine tool support block has a second dove-tail mount is in supported engagement with the first dove-tail mount. A plurality of machine tool receptacles are defined in the multiple machine tool support block and each is adapted for support of a machine tool therein. Tool retainer members are carried by the multiple machine tool support block for each of the machine tool receptacles and has retaining engagement with a machine tool located within a machine tool receptacle. Coolant passages within the multiple machine tool support block have a coolant supply inlet in fluid communication with the coolant fluid outlet of the coolant fluid supplying tool post.

Abstract: A method of enlarging a kingpin which attaches a trailer to a fifth wheel on a tractor includes the step of providing a collar having a base, shank and head with the shank having a desired diameter. The collar also has an internal aperture having a first portion of a certain diameter and a second portion of lesser diameter. An existing kingpin is machined in situ on the trailer to a dimension commensurate with the internal apertures of the collar. The collar and machined kingpin are then joined to form a new kingpin having the desired diameter.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus provided with a sheet punching device and a processor unit for controlling the apparatus, said processor unit being adapted to enable an operator to specify sheet size, sheet orientation, and hole positions in batches of sheets being processed and creating a staggered stack of sheets by stacking said batches of sheets with holes aligned.

Abstract: A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. The lid and the food reservoir are pivotally connected to one another, with the blade tray being removably mounted within an upper rim of the reservoir. In some embodiments a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings.

Abstract: A perforator configured to perforate a sheet includes a first frame and a blade. The first frame includes a first main face having a first hole, and is provided under a transport path of the sheet. The blade is moved into the first hole to perforate the sheet transported in the transport path. A bending strength of the first main face in a vertical direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet is smaller than a bending strength of the first main face in a parallel direction with respect to the transport path of the sheet.

Abstract: A rotating shaft (23) is inserted through an axial center of a cutter wheel tip for scribing a brittle object. The rotating shaft (23) is integrally provided with the cutter wheel tip. The rotating shaft (23) is inserted into supporting holes (14) provided in side walls (11) of a tip holder (11) so as to be supported. A groove (13) is formed in an upper portion of each supporting hole (14) along an axial direction of the supporting hole (14).

Abstract: A loading tube for installation in the body of a perforating gun is disclosed. The loading tube holds a plurality of shaped charges whose detonation is electrically initiated, and the loading tube, when installed in the body, comprises at least a portion of the electrical circuit used to initiate detonation the shaped charge. In one embodiment, the loading tube comprises the hot portion of the electrical circuit, the body comprises the ground portion of the electrical circuit and the loading tube and the body are insulated from one another. Alternatively, the loading tube may comprise two distinct portions of conductive material which are electrically isolated from one another where the two portions of conductive material comprise the hot and ground portions of the electrical circuit. Additionally, a loading tube according to the present invention may comprise a conductor which is disposed in the loading tube near the outer surface of the loading tube and which is insulated from the loading tube.

Abstract: A technique for launching a missile that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw the missile clear of the launch platform—with sufficient velocity to attain aerodynamic flight—before the missile's engine is ignited.

Abstract: A linkless ammunition feed system for a firearm. The ammunition feed system has an ammunition container with a path for holding a plurality ammunition rounds in a single file manner and an exit for passing the ammunition rounds out of the container. A pusher is positioned in and adapted to freely slide through the ammunition path, the plurality of ammunition rounds being positioned between the exit and the pusher, the pusher adapted to push the ammunition toward the exit. The pusher is pulled through the ammunition path by a feed line connected to the pusher and extending through the ammunition path. A rotatable feed line spool collects the feed line at the container exit, and a feed sprocket rotates to move an ammunition round from the container exit to a firearm associated with the ammunition feed system.

Abstract: Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.

Abstract: A radial piston pump has a pump housing (1) and at least one pump unit (2) with a pump piston (3) and a cylinder (4) wherein the pump piston (3) can be mounted such that it can be moved backwards and forth, wherein the pump unit (2) can be driven by means of a camshaft (5) mounted in the pump housing (1); and a roller plunger (6) is arranged between the camshaft (5) and the pump unit (2), consisting of a plunger (7) and a roller (8), wherein the plunger has a guide area (9) which is used to guide it a first slot-shaped guide groove (10) of the cylinder insert (4). The roller plunger (6) is thus reliably prevented from rotating inside the cylinder insert (4). The radial piston pumps are particularly suited for high rotational speeds occurring in high-pressure fuel pumps.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder unit is provided with a rod seal and/or piston seal which has a surface that deviates from the vertical circular cylindrical surface of the piston head throughhole through which the piston rod passes or the vertical circular cylindrical surface of the cylinder interior while forming respective converging gaps with regard to the rod surface and the interior surface of the cylinder, respectively.

Abstract: A two-part piston for an internal combustion engine consists of an upper part, a lower part and a circumferential, closed cooling channel radially on the outside and close to the piston crown. The channel is closed off, on its underside, by a cooling channel cover which is connected via a skirt connection with two skirt elements that lie opposite one another. In order to reduce the piston weight and nevertheless avoid secondary movements of the piston, circumferential recesses are provided in the region of the skirt elements, which are delimited by the cooling channel cover on the piston crown side and by the skirt connections on the skirt side. The skirt connections are connected with the radially inner region of the cooling channel cover on the piston crown side, and with the upper regions of the skirt elements on the skirt side.

Abstract: A system and method for the non-deleterious acceleration of aging wine or spirits is described. The system employs a device, internal or external to the aging barrel, to induce a motion of the wine or spirits to be aged in excess of that inherent in the traditional aging process. The aging of wine or spirits is non-deleteriously accelerated by artificially increasing the movement of the liquid at the interface of the liquid and a semi-permeable wine aging container by mechanical means located internal or external to the semi-permeable container. In one aspect, the device is inserted into the barrel such as an impeller to mechanically move the Wine at the boundary layer, or a circulating for pump for hydraulic agitation. In another aspect, the device is exterior the barrel or container such as an external pump or fluidizer. Advantageously, the liquid is moved in a circular motion such that the liquid scrubs the barrel surface, while admixing the liquid by eddy currents.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage fit for consumption with a fine-bubble froth layer, in particular cappuccino. The invention provides a beverage unit, which dispenses under pressure a beverage to be processed to a beverage processing path, through which, in use, the beverage flows to obtain the beverage with the fine-bubble froth layer. The beverage processing path successively includes a nozzle and a buffer reservoir, the nozzle being positioned relative to the buffer reservoir such that, in use, it generates a liquid jet squirting into the buffer reservoir to obtain the beverage with the fine-bubble froth layer. The buffer reservoir is provided with an outlet path for discharging the beverage from the buffer reservoir, the liquid flow path, upstream of the nozzle, further including an additive holder which, in use, can be filled with a product to be dissolved in the beverage, such as concentrated milk or milk powder.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a customized nutritional serving is made up of ingredients stored within a device incorporating the system. The device has a controller in whose memory is stored an inventory of the ingredients available in the device, their compositions and properties and customer profile data. The controller is programmed to formulate a serving which best matches the customized serving selected by the customer within constraints set by the programming taking into account the inventory of ingredients and the health profile of the customer. The customer is then presented with the selected serving and either accepts it or modifies it. The device is then programmed to prepare and dispense the final selection.

Abstract: A tilting handle for pans is integral with a supporting extension, to which is rotatably coupled a projection rotatable about a horizontal axis, the two sides of the supporting extension and rotary projection including slots therein mutually facing swinging pins arranged along a cross axis of the handle are engaged, the handle including a swinging lever which may swing against an urging spring and comprises a detent tooth engageable with a detent step of the supporting extension.

Abstract: A method for marking an ophthalmic lens according to predetermined patterns includes supplying a plate (1) provided with engravings (4), filling the engravings (4) with marking ink, applying a pad (7) to the engravings (4), applying the pad (7) to the ophthalmic lens (5). The method involves a stage for pre-preparing the pad (7) in such a way that at least two movable with respect to each other inking portions (12, 13) are defined and a transformation stage for modifying the arrangement of the inking portions (12, 13) which is carried out between the stage for applying the pad (7) to the plate (1) and the stage for applying the inked pad to the lens (5).

Abstract: A printing device, a production unit and a production method of electronic parts suitable for production of precise electronic parts are provided. A squeegee is attached to a rotating machine, and is autorotated and self-driven, and moreover, a printing pressure is generated in the squeegee, and resin is strongly filled, thereby achieving a print having a precision-shape. Further, with a perforated plate as a boundary, upper and lower chambers are provided so as to control a pressure, thereby performing cutting and dispensing of the resin and achieving a print having a precision-shape. This method is applied to the packaging of electronic parts.

Abstract: A printing press having inboard cantilevered cylinder supports is disclosed. The press includes a frame with a drive side spaced from a non-drive side, and the press includes a cylinder defining an having an axis and having a drive end and a non-drive end. The drive end includes a drive aperture extending axially into the cylinder and a splined insert mounted within the drive aperture, while the non-drive end includes a non-drive aperture extending axially into the cylinder. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted to the drive side of the frame and is arranged for connection to a power source. The drive shaft includes a spline sized to engage the splined insert and is arranged to a portion of the cylinder, while a mandrel carried by the non-drive side of the frame extends into the non-drive aperture and is arranged to support another portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: An imprint template configured to imprint an imprintable medium by an imprint lithography process is disclosed, the imprint template having a pattern with a pattern density corresponding to a volume of imprintable medium used to substantially fill pattern features per unit area of a contact face of the imprint template, wherein adjacent regions of the pattern on the imprint template contact face, each of which will provide different functionality once imprinted onto a substrate, have substantially the same pattern density, have differences in pattern density which are minimized, or differences in pattern density which are maintained below a maximum.

Abstract: Device for the substitution of a cliché-jacket from a cliché cylinder in a printing machine or the like wherein said cylinder (1) is connected to a motor (3) driving it into rotation about its longitudinal axis and is provided with radial holes connected with an air inlet (7), the latter being apt to be connected with a compressed air supply (6) by means of a delivery means (8), device characterized in that it comprises automatic means sensing the position of said air inlet (7) relative to said delivery means (8) and automatic means for positioning said air inlet (7) and said delivery means in a reciprocal coupling position, said automatic sensing and positioning means being connected to a programmable electronic unit (E) which, when said air inlet (7) and said delivery means (8) are coaxial, drives said coupling and switches on an on-off valve (60) which, on a side, is connected to said compressed air supply (6) and, on the other side, is connected to said delivery means (8).

Abstract: A reimageable printing member such as for use in flexography, includes a layer having a multiplicity of holes, wherein the holes include therein a dimension change material and a printing material upon the dimension change material. Thus, the holes house vertically expandable units, the top portion of which is capable of protruding out of an opening of the hole at a top surface of the layer. Each of the holes may be individually addressed to provide a stimulus that initiates a change in dimension in the dimension change material. In this manner, selected ones of the units may be made to print a corresponding portion of an image on an image receiving substrate brought into contact with the printing member.

Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.

Abstract: A MEMS mechanical initiator having a striker arm extending from a striker body. The tip of the striker arm is adjacent to, but does not touch, the side of a microdetonator. A cocking and release mechanism moves the striker body such that the striker arm pulls away from the side of the microdetonator against the action of a set of springs connected to the striker body. Thereafter the cocking and release mechanism releases the striker body such that the tip of the striker arm swipes the side of the microdetonator causing initiation thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: A perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides shock absorption and ejection for a payload that is to be deployed from a launch capsule is disclosed. The payload ejection mechanism comprises a movable housing that houses a resilient member and a shock-damping system. The rapid acceleration of the capsule upon launch causes the movable housing to move, which compresses the resilient member, thereby storing energy. Movement of the housing also provides shock damping behavior. A locking mechanism maintains the compression of the resilient member until the capsule opens to deploy the payload. As the capsule opens, a restraint decouples from the locking mechanism and permits the resilient member to expand. Expansion of the resilient member causes the movable housing to move, thereby propelling the payload away from the capsule.

Abstract: A gas generating propulsion system includes an igniter containing an igniter propellant and an auto igniter. A rocket motor is coupled to the igniter and has a housing containing a main propellant, a rocket motor throat and a nozzle. A release port extends through a portion of the rocket motor. This gas release port has a variable diameter through bore in fluid communication with the main propellant. In this way, the through bore has a variable area that forms an unobstructed open area with a cross-section effective to discharge gas generated by the main propellant such that a pressure increase within the housing remains below a safety value for the housing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for packaging sub-munitions within stacks of same, in a cylindrical payload space, such that the sub-munitions emerge into a circular delta grid pattern when deployed.

Abstract: A vibrating device having a flywheel rotatably disposed within a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes one or more openings therethrough structured to allow an effective amount of air to pass between the housing assembly enclosed space and the atmosphere. By exchanging an effective amount of air between the enclosed space and the atmosphere, the temperature within the housing assembly remains below the breakdown point of a lubricant used to reduce friction created when the flywheel is in use.

Abstract: A fixture to be used for formation of unit loads of one or more packages on loading ledges is shown. The fixture can adapt the positions of the loading ledges depending on the size and form of the unit loads to be formed. The fixture has a rectangular frame formed of two parallel long struts and two short struts between the ends of the long struts. A number of further intermediate short struts may be arranged between the long struts to stabilize the frame. Four transversal bars are arranged moveable on the long struts. On each transversal bar, two cups are received, of which at least one cup is received moveable on the transversal bar. The cups are to receive the loading ledges.

Abstract: A feeder assembly (28) for projecting solid fuel, such as coal (24), into a combustion chamber (11) of a furnace (10) includes a distributor (44) and a feeder (42) disposed in a housing (40). The distributor (44) includes a rotor (48) having blades (46) extending outwardly therefrom, and the rotor (48) is rotatable to project the solid fuel into the combustion chamber (11). The feeder (42) includes a conveyor assembly (50) for providing the solid fuel to the rotor (48). The housing (40) includes an aperture (41) disposed therein, through which the solid fuel is projected into the combustion chamber (11). The housing (40) also includes a portion (45) movable between: a first position wherein the aperture (41) is open to allow the solid fuel to be projected into the combustion chamber (11), and a second position wherein the movable portion (45) closes the aperture (41) to shield the rotor (48) from heat emitted from the combustion chamber (11) and allow maintenance and/or replacement of the distributor (44).

Abstract: A method for starting high-performance entrained flow gasification reactors with a combination burner or a plurality of pulverized fuel burners, and an ignition and pilot burner. The ignition and pilot burner is ignited, substoichiometrically with fuel gas and a gasifier containing free oxygen. The reactor is brought to the pressure intended and a flow of a fuel gas is supplied with a partial flow of the gasification agent at a substoichiometric ratio through the fuel lines leading to the fuel burner and ignited by the flame of the ignition and pilot burner with a partial flow of the gasification agent. Next, the pulverized fuel is supplied together with a further oxygen-containing gasifying agent through the supply lines to the pulverized fuel burner and is ignited by the flame of the ignition and pilot burner and by the fuel gas flames of the combustible gas generated at the pulverized fuel burner.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing system includes an embroidery data processing apparatus and a sewing apparatus. The embroidery data processing apparatus generates and processes embroidery data used to sew an embroidery pattern on a work cloth. The embroidery data processing apparatus includes an embroidery data generation device that generates embroidery data including pattern data for specifying a color and a shape of the embroidery pattern, and a data writing device that writes the embroidery data into an RFID tag attached to the work cloth. The sewing apparatus includes a sewing device that sews the embroidery pattern based on the embroidery data, a data reading device that reads out the embroidery data written into the RFID tag by the data writing device, and a control device that controls the sewing device based on the embroidery data read out from the RFID tag.

Abstract: An embroidery 202 is formed by sewing a polarizing fiber onto a suitable cloth 201. The polarizing fiber is composed of a polymer to which a polarization developing material is added and which is stretched after spinning. The embroidery 202 has seams arranged in a predetermined direction. The polarizing fiber exhibits different optical characteristics for a linearly polarized light having an electric field component in the stretched direction of the polymer (the extending direction of the fiber) and for a linearly polarized light having an electric field component perpendicular to that of the above linearly polarized light. Therefore, when a discrimination medium 200 is viewed through a polarization plate, the appearance of the embroidery 202 changes depending on the direction (rotation position) of the polarization plate, so that a discriminating function can be obtained.

Abstract: A bowsprit for a sailing vessel having a deck and a hull. A supporting member of the bowsprit has first and second opposing ends and is pivotably attachable to the deck such that the opposing ends of the supporting member extend outwardly past the hull. First and second movable members of the bowsprit are joined at an apex. First and second movable members are for disposition substantially adjacent to respective outer sides of the sailing vessel such that the apex is forward of the vessel and the first and second movable members are supported by and are slidable over the supporting member.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated structural components such as precast concrete boxes having forms including rectangular parallelepipeds and hexagonal cylinders are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 6,491,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, levees and breakwaters. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes and arrays thereof are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of such boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.

Abstract: An application robot, specifically a painting robot, for coating workpieces with a coating medium and an appropriate operating method. The painting robot has multiple movable axes and a spatially positionable end effector. Multiple application devices are attached to the end effector.

Abstract: A device for loading at least one substrate into a process chamber of a coating unit and unloading the at least one substrate therefrom by means of a gripper of a handling machine. The device includes a loading plate which can be gripped by the gripper and embodies a storage place for each at least one substrate, the storage place being formed by an edge of an opening that is assigned to each substrate. The device also includes a substrate holder that is provided with a pedestal-type substrate support which is adapted to the loading plate and on which the substrate plate can be placed such that some sectors of the surface of the substrate support are located at a certain gap distance from the substrate or the substrate lies in a planar manner on a sector of the surface.

Abstract: The plasma processing apparatus M2 has a first and a second elongate electrodes 30, 30. A processing gas is introduced from a first aperture 30b formed between upper first edges of the electrodes 30, 30 into a gap 30a between the electrodes 30, 30. An electric field is applied and a plasma is generated between the electrodes 30, 30. The processing gas is blown-off from the gap 30a through a second aperture 30c formed between lower second edges of the electrodes 30, 30. A first side surface on the first edge of the first electrode 30 is covered by an insulative cover 22 including a cover main body 22A and a plasma-proof member 26 which is formed of an insulative material which is higher in plasma-proof property than the cover main body 22A. The plasma-proof member 26 forms a processing gas introducing hole which is continuous with the first aperture 30b. The plasma-proof member 26 is contacted with the first side surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction for an overhang (5) in a pit (1) of a milking parlour. The construction comprises a metal profile (2) fastened to the edge of the pit (1), and a reinforcement strut (6) mounted to said profile (2) in order to support an overhang (5) attached to said profile (2). The invention provides more space in the pit (1) for mounting of milking related equipment.