Abstract: A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section; and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a rotational motion with respect to the movable section.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a bracket unit bearing a steering spindle, and the unit is secured by means of securement bolts on a vehicle-stationary part. The securement bolts penetrate through elongated holes in the bracket unit or in the vehicle-stationary part, and the bracket unit in the event of a crash, is displaceable, starting from a starting position, with the displacement of the securement bolts in the elongated holes with respect to the vehicle-stationary part. Each elongated hole is disposed at least over a portion of its longitudinal extent in a retaining strip which, in the starting position of the bracket unit, includes a curvature, which, during a displacement of the bracket unit with respect to the vehicle-stationary part occurring in the event of a crash, is at least decreased through the cooperation with the securement bolt or a part disposed thereon.

Abstract: A steering column (10) for a vehicle includes a steering column member (12) and a mounting bracket (54). A support (24) is connected with the mounting bracket (54) and supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (54) into any one of a plurality of positions. A locking mechanism (110) locks the support (24) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (54). A memory mechanism (130) spaced from the locking mechanism (110) permits movement of the mounting bracket (54) relative to the vehicle frame between a first position and a second position. The memory mechanism (130) guides movement of the mounting bracket (54) relative to the vehicle frame between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a clamp jaw includes a face having an annular groove therein and a linear groove therein tangent to the annular groove. In another embodiment, an assembly includes an overhand loop in a cord compressed between two faces.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a base member, a first operating member, a first non-contact switch and a first clicking mechanism. The first operating member is movably mounted with respect to the base member to move between a rest position, a first operation position and a second operation position. The first non-contact switch detects movement of the first operating member with respect to the base member from the rest position to the first operation position. The first non-contact switch is further detects movement of the first operating member with respect to the base member from the rest position to the second operation position. The first clicking mechanism is arranged such that the first clicking mechanism produces a first haptic feedback response to indicate the first operating member being moved from the rest position to the first operation position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator for a vehicle, comprising a base (4), a covering element (5), a handle piece (6), and a Bowden cable (25) that is provided with a terminal fitting (26). The invention or a particular embodiment thereof also relates to an actuator comprising two collars (10, 13). A cover (16) is clamped between said collars.

Abstract: When the operating pedal and the pivot member are connected by the connecting links, roll caulking is performed on the tip portions of the shafts of the connecting pins, with the shafts passing through the connecting pin through holes of the connecting links, and also through the metal bush of the operating pedal or the metal bush of the pivot member. Accordingly, by plastic deformation, the tip portions have a larger diameter to give the disengagement-preventing portions, in such a manner that a predetermined space ? is formed between the disengagement-preventing portions and the components that are connected by the connecting pins, respectively. Consequently, unlike the conventional, ordinary caulking, owing to the presence of the space ?, relative pivotal movement is allowed between the components that are connected by the connecting pins. Therefore, the forming process of the disengagement-preventing portions for the connecting pins, that is, roll caulking, can be easily automated.

Abstract: An actuating device for opening and closing a cover of a folding top compartment of a convertible vehicle. The actuating device includes a drive unit and an interconnected seven-bar linkage system. The linkage system is pivotably connected to a main bearing of the vehicle body and is pivotably connected to the cover. The drive unit actuates the linkage system to move the linkage system between a retracted position corresponding to the cover being in a lowered closed position covering the folding top compartment and an extended position corresponding to the cover being in a raised opened position allowing access to the folding top compartment.

Abstract: A handlebar formed from a metal hollow pipe and having a generally uniform peripheral wall thickness along its entire length, including a longitudinal center portion, first and second end portions having a smaller outer diameter than that of the longitudinal center portion, and first and second, tapered intermediate portions connecting the center portion to the first and second end portions, respectively. The first and second, tapered intermediate portions and/or the first and second end portions are bent symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center portion. The handlebar is produced by bending a hollow straight metal pipe, placing the resulting bent pipe between molds and feeding a pressurized liquid into the bent pipe while axially compressing the bent pipe to cause the peripheral wall of the bent pipe to plastically expand into conformity with a mold cavity defined by the molds.

Abstract: A handlebar (1) for a vehicle such as a motorcycle or a two, three or four wheeled motor vehicle, a snowmobile or a seamobile, comprises a body (2) presenting a central portion (3) and final portions (4, 5) of constant cross-section, the central portion (3) and each final portion (4, 5) being connected together by a corresponding intermediate portion (7, 8) also of at least partly constant cross- section shape; each intermediate portion (7, 8) presents, in proximity to the central portion (3) and to the corresponding final portion (4, 5), end regions (12, 13) having sudden cross-section variations such as to define elastic regions acting as elastic hinges for the connection of said intermediate portion (7, 8) to the adjacent portions (4, 5), and to enable the handlebar (1) to undergo a controlled deformation thereat when subjected to stress during vehicle use.

Abstract: A handlebar stem assembly includes a stem having a ridge axially on a top thereof and a sliding member is slidably mounted to the ridge and cooperates with a first end of the stem to define a handlebar hole in which the handlebar is secured. A passage is defined in a second end of the stem so as to be connected with the steerering tube of a front fork. A pivotable member is pivotably connected to the sliding member and urged between the sliding member and a portion of the stem. A spring is biased between the ridge and the sliding member. The sliding member can be moved toward second end of the stem to open the handlebar hole while the pivotable member is pivoted relative to the sliding member. The handlebar hole is partially closed by releasing the sliding member.

Abstract: A hand grip T-bar fits pivotally in a quick release lock attached to a handlebar support. The hand grip T-bar is locked forward of the handlebar for normal use of the handlebar by a rider. The hand grip T-bar is pivoted above the handlebar toward the rider in a desired position for the rider to grip the hand grip T-bar to operate the vehicle with the rider seated in an upright position to relieve back strain.

Abstract: A mounting assembly which, in one embodiment, is for a pedal assembly including a plate with at least a first mounting bracket including an interior wall which, in one embodiment, defines an aperture and a pair of slots. A sleeve is fitted in the opening and, in one embodiment, is generally U-shaped and includes both an arcuate base and a pair of arms. The base is fitted in the aperture and at least the distal end of the pair of arms is fitted in the pair of slots respectively. The interior wall is configured so that, in one embodiment, a generally circular aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein; and, in another embodiment, a generally oval-shaped aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle pedal, especially for BMX bikes, which consists of a solid tread plate and a solid mating plate (1, 2) that are identical so that, depending on the position of the pedal, the tread plate (1) can also be the mating plate (2) or vice versa. A spacer (3) is interposed between the tread plate (1) and the mating plate (2) and guarantees the distance between the tread plate and the mating plate (1, 2). Said spacer has a bore (5) receiving a bearing unit (6) for the pedal pin (4), the remaining strip of material (a) between the bore (5) and the external surface of the spacer (3) being almost zero in the area of the tread and mating plate (1, 2) so that the force is transmitted almost directly from the tread plate (1) onto the bearing unit (6). The tread plate and the mating plate (1, 2) are connected by at least two connecting elements (9) which are arranged at both sides of the bearing unit (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (1), in particular for window wiping devices in motor vehicles, having a motor housing (2) which is fixed to a gearbox housing (3) which has a housing upper side (7), and having an air-permeable diaphragm (14) which closes off an opening (15) which is provided in the gearbox housing (3), said diaphragm (14) having the purpose of equalizing pressure when fluctuations in temperature occur. The invention provides that the diaphragm (14) is arranged on a housing side section (16) which runs at an angle to a housing upper side (7). In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a mounted drive device (1).

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, a countershaft, a reverse shaft member, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output gear.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing chain agglomerations of nano-scale metal particles includes feeding at least one decomposable moiety selected from the group consisting of organometallic compounds, metal complexes, metal coordination compounds and mixtures thereof into a reactor vessel; exposing the decomposable moiety to a source of energy sufficient to decompose the moiety and produce nano-scale metal particles; and deposit or collection of chain agglomerations of nano-scale metal particles.

Abstract: A specifically defined powder composition is provided wherein there is a requirement that the specified lubricant always be liquid at room temperature. Such powder composition contains coarse iron or iron-based powder having an average particle size between 75 and 300 ?m wherein less than 10% of the powder particles have a size below 45 ?m and the amount of particles above 212 ?m is above 20%, and as a lubricant at least one non-drying oil or a vegetable or animal based fatty acid having a crystalline melting point below 25° C., and a viscosity (q) at 40° C. above 15 mPas, wherein said viscosity is temperature dependent according to the following formula: 10 log ?=k/T+C, wherein k is the slope, T is the temperature in degrees Kelvin, and C is a constant, in an amount between 0.04 and 0.4% by weight of the composition and optional additives. The slope preferably is above 800.

Abstract: The invention relates to operating a shaft furnace, in particular a cupola furnace, for melting starting material, wherein the shaft furnace is heated by combustion of a solid fuel and wherein an injection gas, which has an oxygen portion of more than 21%, is injected into the shaft furnace. The shaft furnace is heated by means of at least one burner, wherein a gaseous or liquid fuel and a gaseous oxidant, which encompasses an oxygen portion of more than 21%, is supplied to the burner.

Abstract: An air powered bottle cap remover that can rotate at a slower speed than a conventional air powered wrench tip. The present invention rotates conventionally via air from an air powered tool such as that typically found in an auto garage. One end of the present invention is sized to fit a conventional air power tool, while the other end of the present invention is sized and shaped to receive a conventional bottle cap, such as a crown bottle cap. A rubber insert prevents noise and abrasion from the present invention rubbing atop a bottle cap being removed.

Abstract: A wheel wrench includes a body, a head, a fitting, and a ratcheting mechanism. The head is connected to one end of the body, wherein the length direction of the head and the length direction of the body are neither orthogonal nor parallel. The fitting is for a socket. The ratcheting mechanism couples the fitting to the head, wherein the length of the ratcheting mechanism is greater than the width of the fitting.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member. The head includes an end wall having a hole. One of an inner face of the end wall and an end face of the drive member defines a first abutment face. The other of the inner face and the end face includes an annular groove having a bottom wall defining a second abutment face. A dustproof ring is mounted and compressed in the annular groove. The dustproof ring in an uncompressed state has a natural maximum height along a rotating axis of the drive member larger then a spacing between the first and second abutment faces. The dustproof ring includes three sealing units along a radial direction perpendicular to the rotating axis. Each sealing unit has a thickness along the rotating axis smaller than the spacing.

Abstract: A socket assembly includes a socket and at least one magnet. The socket includes a polygonal cavity and at least one groove. The polygonal cavity is defined in the socket. The groove is defined in an internal side of the socket. The groove includes an open end. The magnet is slid into the groove from the open end.

Abstract: A wrench with a rotatable head comprises a handle and a head, which are connected via a first and a second ends. The first end includes an upper and a lower lugs. A first toothed hole is formed in the upper lug; a hole is formed in the lower lug. A second toothed hole is formed in the second end. The second end is inserted between the upper and lower lugs and the second toothed hole is located between the first toothed hole and the hole. A toothed pillar is movably engaged in the toothed holes. When in the engagement position, the toothed pillar is engaged with the first and second toothed holes to fix the head and the handle. When in the disengagement position, the toothed pillar is disengaged from the teeth of the first toothed hole but still engaged with the teeth of the second toothed hole, so that the head and handle are rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A jaw release mechanism for locking pliers which utilize an over-center toggle locking mechanism and wherein the normally stationary upper jaw of the pliers is pivotally fastened to the main body of the pliers. This normally stationary upper jaw is releaseably retained in a normally stationary position relative to the main body of the pliers by a thumb actuated trigger release mechanism whereby the locked pliers may be safely released with the same hand which grasps and manipulates the pliers.

Abstract: A multi-use, interchangeable tool has a handle, an extension rod and an overhauling tool head. The handle has a mounting end and a first holding device mounted on the mounting end. The extension rod is telescopic and connected detachably to the handle with the first holding device and has a connecting end, a chuck and a second holding device. The connecting end is connected detachably to the mounting end of the handle with the first holding device. The mounting end is opposite to the connecting end. The second holding device is mounted on the mounting end. The overhauling tool head is connected detachably to the mounting end of the telescopic extension rod by the second holding device. Accordingly, the multi-use, interchangeable tool has changeable tool heads and is convenient to use and carry.

Abstract: During the machining of workpieces, in particular dynamic loads act on the cutting tools in addition to the static loads. This leads to chipping at the cutting edges of the cutting elements and thus to the destruction of the cutting element with the possible consequence that the workpieces is damaged and thus becomes useless.

Abstract: The device comprises: a moving member (5), positioned around which are engaging elements (9) to axially engage the trimmings (R). The moving member feeds the engaging elements continuously along a closed path, along which a device (20) is provided to detach the turns of web material from the tubular cores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating insulating materials which were obtained in a continuous production process and are made of mineral wool in determinable lengths, comprising the following features: a) the separation of the material is carried out by means of two separately driven circular saw blades (6) which are suspended like a pendulum; b) the position of the suspension (1) and the drive (2) of the saw blades (6) can be adjusted by means of a carriage (4) in the direction of supply of the material; c) the drive of the carriage (3), the drive of the saw blades (2), the drive of the pendular units (14) and the driving action of the conveyor belt (15) are provided by servomotors; d) a deflection unit (12) causes the lowering of the conveyor belt (15) in the respective area of the saw blades (6); e) the process of material separation is automatically controlled in accordance with the cutting performance of the separating means and the advancement speed of the material supply.

Abstract: My invention relates broadly to devices for knitting, crocheting and other crafting used to advantage for making numerous forms of fringe and other adornment requiring the use of multiple, identical-length strand materials and has as one of its objectives to provide a simply constructed, reusable, adjustable device. A further objective of this invention is to provide a measuring and cutting device of the character set forth, that is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and is extremely efficient and versatile in use and service. It has been common practice to use a piece of cardboard for one of its uses, making fringe, however, only one size of fringe or other strand material can be manufactured by that method, making it necessary to have a separate apparatus for each length of strand material desired.

Abstract: A device for cutting a length of pipe includes a clamp portion for clamping around a length of pipe and a bow moveable with respect to the clamp portion that retains a loop of diamond embedded wire. The device further includes a feed for driving the bow with respect to the clamp portion and a detector for detecting bending of the wire and a control responsive to the detector for controlling feed rates. The device is made of modular parts and has synchronizing arms for clamping around a length of pipe. In one embodiment, the wheels are retained in enclosures with slots through which the cutting wire passes.

Abstract: A vacuum system and apparatus extracts metal chips and cuttings away from the cutting area of a sawing machine. The system and apparatus is located on the previously cut surface end of the saw and includes rotatable bracketry to engage and disengage a vacuum nozzle from the end of a cut piece to extract metal chips and cuttings from the inside of hollow metal stock as the stock is being cut. Rotation of the bracketry is actuated by means of an electronic controller or other control circuitry.

Abstract: A machine for cutting out patterns (1) printed on a substrate in the form of a web (2) wound on a reel, extends vertically and has web (2) driving elements using a belt conveyor (13) which runs in a vertically oriented closed loop. This conveyor belt (13) offers an optimized adhesion surface based on the use of its two large lateral faces and is placed between a loading station (5) and an unloading station (7) installed on either sides of the lateral faces of the conveyor belt (13).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a repositioning device for a tool such as miter saw. The device includes a tool platform rotationally coupled to a base platform via a reorientation mechanism. The tool platform supports the miter saw. The base platform connects directly to a workbench, or connects to a support assembly that supports the cutting tool on a supporting surface.

Abstract: Specially designed to form an element that is easy and fast to install, with a long useful life and which improves the expulsion of residues after stamping, the counter-die of the invention is composed of a tubular body, divided into several parts (1-1?-1?) and joined to each other by tongue and groove joints using twisted edges (2) at the ends, preferentially three parts, these having an inner sector (3) which is the largest, of injected plastic, very resistant and light, over the exterior surface of which there is a coating (4) of polyurethane. The parts are joined to each other by orifices and grooves in their ends, more specifically in the area made of injected plastic, through which the respective rods or pins (11) pass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife holding device, particularly for derinding machines, comprising a knife holder (11) with a lower part (13) and an essentially plate-shaped clamping element, the clamping element being displaceable between a clamping position and a release position in order to optionally clamp or release a knife blade (17) to be inserted between the lower part and the clamping element, and a tensioning device (19, 53) engaging with the clamping element for adjusting the clamping element between the release position and the clamping position. According to the invention, the lower part comprises a counter bearing (21) for the clamping element, said counter bearing cooperating with the clamping element such that the clamping element executes a rotational or tilting movement about the counter bearing during adjustment.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece can be used to make prismatic structures in the workpiece. The method involves machining the surface of the workpiece using an FTS actuator to make continuous features in the surface and machining the surface of the workpiece using flycutting to make discontinuous features in the surface through the continuous features. The discontinuous features are machined at a non-parallel angle to the continuous features. The machined workpiece can then be used to make films having particular optical or mechanical properties.

Abstract: A string-bridge interface system includes a plurality of string-bridge interface units to provide coupling between strings of a musical instrument and one or more sound bridges of the musical instrument, which are further coupled to the sound board of the musical instrument. Such coupling provided by the string-bridge interface units allows for reduced loading of the sound board and more direct routing of the strings.

Abstract: A string-bridge interface system includes a plurality of string-bridge interface units to provide coupling between strings of a musical instrument and one or more sound bridges of the musical instrument, which are further coupled to the sound board of the musical instrument. Such coupling provided by the string-bridge interface units allows for reduced loading of the sound board and more direct routing of the strings.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent.

Abstract: The distal structure of a leg for a musical instrument stand is constituted of a spike member installed inside the storage of a case having a ground portion whose ground surface is placed on the floor, a rotor interconnected to the spike member, and a single operator projected above the case. Upon a first depression, a presser of the operator depresses a projection of the rotor downward so that the spike member protrudes from the ground surface. In the protruded state of the spike member, the projection of the rotor is engaged with a receptor formed in a stepped interior of the storage. Upon a second depression, the presser of the operator depresses the projection of the rotor again so as to release the engagement between the projection and the receptor, so that the spike member moves to retract inside the storage of the case.

Abstract: Methods, systems, products, language and processes are disclosed for the visual depiction of music. The present invention assigns a set of variables for musical note pitch and another set of variables for note duration. A visual depiction of the music is created when the assigned variables are manually and/or automatically translated from musical source materials. Music may be able to be played from the visual image, or output. The image may be converted back to the source material via the Present Invention.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a beat analysis unit for detecting positions of beats included in an audio signal, a structure analysis unit for calculating similarity probabilities, each being a probability of similarity between contents of sound of beat sections divided by each beat position detected by the beat analysis unit, and a bar detection unit for determining a likely bar progression of the audio signal based on bar probabilities determined according to the similarity probabilities calculated by the structure analysis unit, the bar probabilities indicating to which ordinal in which metre respective beats correspond.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for searching for music by using a biological signal. A feature information table is generated which matches sound source feature information about sound sources selected for user situations to biological signal feature information about biological signals measured for the user situations, and similar biological signal feature information to biological signal feature information about a biological signal measured at the request of the user is detected from the feature information table. A sound source having feature information being similar to feature information matched to the detected similar biological signal feature information is searched, thereby enabling automatic selection of a user preferred sound source by using the measured biological signal.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.

Abstract: This document describes a device for receiving and displaying graphical representations of digital music tracks and their components (in the form of digital interactive phrases, or “DIPs”). The device allows a user to play the music tracks using a new format, blend, mix or mash different music tracks together, via a digital interactive phrase process, and produce and listen to the blended, mixed or mashed digital music.

Abstract: The invention relates to weapon mount systems that can be locked into a particular position. In an embodiment, the invention includes a weapon mount including a base structure; a mounting structure pivotably coupled to the base structure; a weapon cradle pivotably coupled to the mounting structure, the weapon cradle configured to hold a weapon. The weapon mount also includes a first locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the weapon cradle relative to the mounting structure in a vertical plane, the first locking mechanism comprising a first brake caliper; and a first brake rotor, wherein the first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor. The weapon mount also includes a second locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the mounting structure relative to the base structure in a horizontal plane, the second locking mechanism comprising a second brake caliper; and a second brake rotor, wherein the second brake caliper selectively engages the second brake rotor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an action system for a semi-automatic shotgun including a receiver having an ejection port for expelling an empty cartridge of a fired projectile. The action system includes a bolt attached to a bolt carrier, wherein the bolt and the bolt carrier are movable within the receiver and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. A surface is attached to at least the bolt carrier or the receiver, and a roller is positioned rearward of the ejection port and proximate the surface, wherein a resistance is provided to rearward movement of at least the bolt or bolt carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas system for a firearm comprising a hollow gas tube extending between a forward gas tap in a firearm's barrel and a rearward piston assembly to impinge upon and operate the firearm's bolt operating system. The system does not have a translation rod extending between the two components as in prior art systems nor does it have a rearward tap like others. As such, it balances cleanliness and weight reduction of the prior art systems and reduces moving parts.

Abstract: A double hollow rod cylinder is provided. The cylinder includes a cylinder body and a piston apparatus. The cylinder body has a hollow cylinder member with an internal cylinder cavity. The piston apparatus includes a piston, a first piston rod coupled to a first end of the piston and a second piston rod coupled to the second end of the piston. The piston apparatus is arranged such that the piston is within the cylinder cavity. The piston is fixed in place while the cylinder body is free to slide from a first position to a second position based on fluid input to the apparatus. A fluid system provides fluid to the first piston rod to move the cylinder body towards the free end of the first piston rod and fluid to the second piston rod to move the cylinder body towards the free end of the second piston rod.