Abstract: A pressure difference measuring cell for registering pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure, comprises: an elastic measuring arrangement having at least one measuring membrane, or diaphragm, that comprises silicon; a platform, which is pressure-tightly connected with the elastic measuring arrangement; a first hydraulic path for transferring a first pressure onto a first surface section of the elastic measuring arrangement; and a second hydraulic path for transferring a second pressure onto a second surface section of the elastic measuring arrangement. The first pressure opposes the second pressure, and the elastic deflection of the measuring arrangement is a measure for the difference between the first and the second pressure, wherein the pressure difference measuring cell has additionally at least one hydraulic throttle, characterized in that the at least one hydraulic throttle comprises porous silicon.

Abstract: A semiconductor package (10) including a pressure sensor die (14) has an interconnect layer (22) formed over a first major surface of the pressure sensor die (14). An encapsulant (18) encapsulates a second major surface and sides of the pressure sensor die (14). A cavity (32) extends through the interconnect layer (22) to the first major surface of the pressure sensor die (14). The interconnect layer (22) allows for the assembly of a low-profile package.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device comprises a substrate having an opening, a pressure sensor die electrically connected to the substrate, and a pedestal having an upper surface that extends through the opening in the substrate, with the upper surface affixed to the sensor die. The pedestal has a pressure port that extends from the upper surface to a bottom surface of the pedestal, with the pressure port containing a hermetic sealing tube therein. A hermetic sealing cover is affixed to the substrate over the sensor die, with the cover and the substrate containing a reference pressure for the sensor die. A media isolation component has a chamber filled with a fluid that transmits a pressure applied to the media isolation component to the pressure sensor die. A capillary tube is affixed within the pressure port of the pedestal and is in communication with the sealing tube. The capillary tube and the sealing tube provide fluid communication between the chamber of the media isolation component and the sensor die.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided that is adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame that defines a frame axis and has a first mounting plate and a spaced-apart second mounting plate. A pivoted support is carried by the frame and capable of rotation in at least a first and a second rotational degree of freedom. A mold-engaging device is carried by the pivoted support and has a first carriage plate proximal the pivoted support and a second carriage plate axially spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold therebetween. At least one actuator having a first end is carried by the frame and a second end is carried by the second carriage plate for imparting lateral translation to the second carriage plate relative to the frame axis. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A magneto-inductive flow measuring device, including: A measuring tube, through which a medium flows essentially directed along a measuring tube axis; a magnet arrangement, which produces an alternating magnetic field passing through the measuring tube essentially perpendicularly to the measuring tube axis; two measuring electrodes arranged essentially on a line directed essentially perpendicularly to the measuring tube axis and to the magnetic field; and a control/evaluation unit, which determines volume, or mass, flow of the medium through the measuring tube on the basis of a measurement voltage tapped on the measuring electrodes. In order to detect an error state at the flow measuring device early, the control/evaluation unit determines current, actual, settling time to reach a stable measurement state of the measuring device.

Abstract: A flow control device for automatically controlling the flow of a fluid at a predetermined rate that is capable of taking measurements of the pressure of the fluid within the device while the device is functioning and that is capable of real-time adjustment of the flow rate is provided. Said device includes a casing having a casing outlet, a piston having a piston inlet and an edge, wherein said piston interfaces with the casing in a manner such that the edge is cooperable with the casing outlet to control the flow of fluid through the device. A biasing member, such as a spring, for biasing the casing with the piston is further included, as is a sensor, such as a pressure transducer, for measuring the pressure within the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A method for detecting blockage of a measuring tube of a Coriolis flow measuring device, which has at least two measuring tubes. For this, the at least two measuring tubes are excited by at least one exciter to execute mechanical oscillations, mechanical oscillations of the measuring tubes are registered by at least one sensor and at least one measurement signal representing the mechanical oscillations is produced. At least one produced measurement signal is analyzed for the occurrence of a deviation of a resonance frequency of one measuring tube relative to a resonance frequency of the at least one other measuring tube. In case such a deviation occurs, blockage of a measuring tube is established.

Abstract: A method for determining tube wall thickness of at least one measuring tube of a Coriolis, flow measuring device, wherein the Coriolis, flow measuring device has an oscillatory system, which includes at least one measuring tube, and at least one exciter, by which the oscillatory system is excitable to execute mechanical oscillations. In the method, at least one excitation input variable of the at least one exciter and at least one response variable of oscillations of the oscillatory system caused thereby are registered. Additionally, a tube wall thickness of the at least one measuring tube is ascertained by inserting the excitation input variable and the response variable into a transfer equation.

Abstract: A capacitance pressure mapping system includes a plurality of sensor cells created by the intersection of electrode columns and rows, and a solid elastomer dielectric separating the electrode columns and rows. The elastomer is at least one planar sheet having a surface comprising a pattern of projections. There may be two sheets having opposing patterns of projections. The opposing patterns may be interlocking or corresponding.

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket force sensor includes an outer portion, an inner portion, at least one sensor mounting surface and a strain gauge. The inner portion is dimensioned to receive and support a crank axle bearing that rotatably supports a crank axle. The at least one sensor mounting surface extends between the outer portion and the inner portion has the strain gauge fixed thereto. The sensor mounting surface extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the crank axle when the force sensor is coupled to the bicycle bottom bracket.

Abstract: A measuring device, a method, and a shaft arrangement. The device enables and detects a robust and simultaneously precise measurement of torque, a torque variation and/or an equivalent variable. The device has a signal emitter that can be and/or is connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, a signal receiver to detect signals from the signal emitter and emit a measuring signal which has a constituent dependent on rotational speed, according to the detection of the signals of the signal emitter. The measuring device also has an evaluation device for determining the torque operating state of the shaft on the basis of, and/or, by evaluation of the measuring signal. The evaluation device carries out and/or completes the determination of the torque operating state by analyzing signal constituents of the measuring signal that have a limiting frequency which is higher than the current rotational frequency of the shaft.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: first and second units for processing specimens; a conveyance unit for conveying a specimen rack in a first direction from a first position where the specimen is retrieved by the first unit to a second position where the specimen is retrieved by the second unit, and a second direction opposite to the first position; a detector common to the first and second units for executing a detection process with respect to the sample containers; and a conveyance controller controlling the conveyance unit to convey some sample containers of the detected sample containers executed with the detection process to the first position, and to convey the other sample containers of the detected sample containers to the second position, the some sample containers and the other sample containers being held by a common rack, is disclosed. A specimen processing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample collection vial and process of using a vial is provided. The sample collection vial has an opening secured by a dissolvable plug. When dissolved, liquids may enter into the interior of the collection vial passing along one or more edges of a dissolvable blocking member. As the blocking member is dissolved, a spring actuated closure is directed towards the opening of the vial which, when engaged, secures the vial contents against loss or contamination.

Abstract: A device for sensing a mass in a liquid environment including a resonator comprising a piezo layer having a top electrode and a bottom electrode, a sensing surface located adjacent and opposite the top electrode, the resonator and the sensing surface defining a gap therebetween, and a post attached to the sensing surface and the resonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that can reliably characterize a size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles in an air flow under both stationary conditions and transient conditions. The device comprises a particle charging unit, a first particle precipitation unit located downstream of the particle charging unit, a second particle precipitation unit located downstream of the first particle precipitation unit, and a data evaluation unit. The first particle precipitation unit is arranged to partially reduce the concentration of electrically-charged airborne particles having a size larger than a first particle size limit, and to generate a first output signal corresponding to the precipitation of electrically-charged airborne particles inside the first particle precipitation unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, which utilizes a power take-off mechanism, that converts the reciprocating linear motion of the piston into reciprocating angular motion of the gearing cylinder, being in gear with the partially teethed connecting rod via right angled teeth and rotating motion of the drive shaft which runs coaxially through the gearing cylinder and vice versa. The mechanism has means for causing the piston to pause while the drive shaft rotates. The motor vehicle comprises a fuel heater, an exhaust cleaner including a sinuous tube and liquid for separating impure components of exhaust, a main control module controlling the function of the engine and piston function, a second control module controlling the engine during the minimal running state, thus controlling the pause time of the piston, a third control module controlling the energy flow to the heater, the fuel feeder, and the air feeder.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a cabinet (1), an electric motor (2), a transmission (4), a gear housing (11), a spindle nut (6), a spindle (5), the actuator being furnished with an opening (20) in the gear housing (11), where a gear wheel power take-off (21) is accessible and may be equipped with optional equipment. The gear wheel power take-off (21) is constructed as a tooth gearing on a planetary wheel holder (16) in a planetary wheel and transfers a movement to the optional equipment, which is proportional to the movement of the spindle nut during its travel on the spindle.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle (5) with a spindle nut (6), where the spindle (5) is driven by an electric motor (2) via a transmission (3,4), comprising a planetary gear (4). The construction is constructed in such a way that the spindle (5) is lead through the transmission (3,4) and is embedded by means of a ball bearing (20) in connection with a rear mounting (10), causing the axial forces to be lead through the transmission (3,4) via the spindle (5) and the ball bearing (20) to the rear mounting (10). This means that the construction is simpler and less voluminous and that the axial forces, moreover, are not transferred to the transmission.

Abstract: A bowling machine motor/gearbox conversion and adaptor kit may allow people to reuse their current gearboxes by adapting the components to utilize a new motor that would make the gearbox universal instead of having different motor/gearbox combinations. The adaptor kit may adapt the gearbox portion of the motor/gearbox assembly to allow the gearbox to accept a current, new motor. A person may use the adaptor kit to repair and replace components of a bowling machine's motor and gearbox assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a roller screw in which a twisted amount of an unloaded return path is reduced. The roller screw has a screw shaft 1 having a spiral roller-rolling surface is on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a nut 2 having a spiral loaded roller-rolling surface 2a on an inner peripheral surface thereof, the spiral loaded roller-rolling surface being opposed to the roller-rolling surface is of the screw shaft 1; a circulation member 7 arranged in the nut 2 and formed to have an unloaded return path 8 connecting one end and the other end of the loaded roller-rolling surface 2a, whose turn number is less than one, of the nut 2; and a plurality of rollers 4 arranged in a one-turn roller circulation path composed by a loaded roller-rolling path 6 and the unloaded return path 8.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skew gear constructed as a built skew gear and provided with attenuation. The skew gear wheel has a first flange for rotation-locked arrangement of the skew gear on a shaft or a pinion, a second flange or a disk, and a ring gear arranged and rotatable therebetween. The two flanges, or the first flange and the disk, are frictionally or positively connected with one another, wherein their respective elements providing the connection extend through the ring gear in the axial direction. According to the invention, at least one elastomeric element is overmolded on an inside contour of the ring gear for forming the attenuation, so that the ring gear and the attenuation form a single unit.

Abstract: In a gear train in which a gear case encases a first gear meshing with a second gear having a diameter smaller than that of the first gear, a sufficient amount of lubricant is normally supplied to the upper second gear. As a result, it is possible to provide a lubrication structure of a gear train encased in a gear case designed to prevent occurrence of problems such as poor lubrication and seizure of a gear train.

Abstract: The control device comprises an elongated mechanical transmission member (10; 110) interposed between the gearbox and a control member (100) for transmitting to the gearbox the commands imparted through the control member, in such a manner that the gear engaged by means of the gearbox is linked to the linear position of the transmission member (10; 110). The device is provided with a position sensor (26; 126) comprising a movable reference element (28; 128), the movement of which is univocally determined by the movement of a rigid end portion (14; 114) of the transmission member (10; 110), and a stationary detection element (30) for detecting the position of the reference element (28; 128). The reference element (28; 128) is mechanically connected to the rigid end portion (14; 114) and spaced apart from it.

Abstract: A shifting device, particularly for bicycle gearshifts, having an attachment device (2) for the installation of the shifting device on a handle bar (3) or similar steering unit, and having a shifting lever (10) for manual operation. The shifting device has a single shifting lever (10) for both shifting directions. The shifting lever (10) is pivotally supported about two different axes (6, 15), and one shifting direction is associated with each pivot axis (6, 15).

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle, which is at least adjustable in its longitudinal direction, includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit disposed between side jaws of the support unit, and a clamping mechanism in the opened state of which the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and, in the closed state of which, the set position of the setting unit is secured in position with respect to the support unit and which comprises a clamp bolt which penetrates openings in the side jaws of the support unit and during the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism is rotated about its axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stem for bicycle handlebar and the like includes an arm joining the handlebar with a fork. The arm includes a three-piece wedge on each end that is adjustable by a screw to tighten and loosen a middle clamp of the wedge. The wedge is moved to release and tighten the fork and the handlebar independently.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a manually adjustable palm swell is disclosed. To accommodate vehicle operators of a wide range of grip sizes, an adjustable palm swell is desired. A steering wheel having a generally hoop shaped core material is covered in thermoplastic resin and then with an outer cover. A bladder assembly is provided within the outer cover. The bladder assembly includes a bladder, a bulb connected to the bladder, the bulb having check valves on its inlet and outlet. The bulb, if depressed successively, causes air to flow into the bladder, thereby increasing the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder. The bladder assembly further has a relief check valve connected to the bladder, which is manually actuated to allow air to be released from the bladder and decrease the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder.

Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission with two clutches (K1, K2) whose input sides are connected to a drive input shaft (w_an) and whose output sides are respectively connected to one of two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2) arranged coaxially with one another. Idler gearwheels (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06) are mounted to rotate on at least two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2) while fixed gearwheels (09, 10, 11) are rotationally fixedly connected on the two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2). A plurality of coupling devices (A-B, C, D-E, D, E-F, F) connect the idler gearwheels (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06) of the two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2) with a respective drive output gearwheel (07, 08) fixed on each of the two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2). At least one shifting element (G) couples the two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2) such that at least six shift-under-load forward gears (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and at least one reverse gear (RA1, R1) can be engaged.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a continuously variable transmission incorporating a variator of the type having at least two co-axial races (D1-D4) between which drive is transferred at a continuously variable variator ratio. The variator races are mounted for rotation about a variator shaft (16). The transmission has a layshaft (18) which is laterally separated from the variator shaft. It has two epicyclic gears. A splitter epicyclic (14) has an input member driven from the transmission input (10) and two output members arranged respectively to drive the layshaft and the variator shaft. A recirculater epicyclic has first and second input members for coupling respectively to the variator shaft and to the layshaft and a recirculater output member. An arrangement of clutches is provided for selectively engaging any of at least three regimes. In one regime the recirculater output member drives the transmission output. In another the layshaft drives the transmission output.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for melting raw material in an electric arc furnace using a flame of variable direction, the apparatus comprising a burner and a lance whereby the lance outlet opening and the burner outlet opening are not concentric and are located at a distance from one another, and whereby the lance axis forms an angle with the burner axis in the range from 10° to 40.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing copper-based nanoparticles, in particular, to a method for manufacturing copper-based nanoparticles, wherein the method includes producing CuO nanoparticles by mixing CuO micropowder and alkylamine in a nonpolar solvent and heating the mixture at 60-300° C.; and producing copper-based nanoparticles by mixing a capping molecule and a reducing agent with the CuO nanoparticles and heating the mixture at 60-120° C. According to the present invention, copper-based nanoparticles can be synthesized using CuO, but not requiring any inorganic reducing agent, in a high yield and a high concentration, so that it allows mass production and easy controlling to desired oxidation number of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A system and method of producing an elemental material or an alloy from a halide of the elemental material or halide mixtures. The vapor halide of an elemental material or halide mixtures are introduced into a liquid phase of a reducing metal of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof present in excess of the amount needed to reduce the halide vapor to the elemental material or alloy resulting in an exothermic reaction between the vapor halide and the liquid reducing metal. Particulates of the elemental material or alloy and particulates of the halide salt of the reducing metal are produced along with sufficient heat to vaporize substantially all the excess reducing metal. Thereafter, the vapor of the reducing metal is separated from the particulates of the elemental material or alloy and the particulates of the halide salt of the reducing metal before the particulate reaction products are separated from each other.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt from a lateritic ore by heap leaching, the process including the steps of: a) forming one or more heaps from a lateritic ore body wherein that lateritic ore body includes a blend of both limonitic and saprolitic type ores; b) leaching the one or more heaps with a leach solution; and c) recovering the nickel and/or cobalt from the resultant heap leachate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved process for metal recovery from ore using agitation leaching comprising dividing leaching of the crushed and mined ore into at least two sequential leaching-solids-liquid separation-solvent extraction sub-circuits, with no significant dilution during solids-liquid separation in these units, and the raffinate from solvent extraction being recycled back to the leaching, with the underflow pulp from the second liquid-solids separator being sent to a final solid-liquid separator, with water washing, from which the washed solids are sent to disposal and the clarified aqueous wash solution is sent to a final solvent extraction, with some or all of the metal-depleted aqueous raffinate from this final solvent extraction being optionally neutralized, and/or being circulated back to the third solid-liquid separation as wash solution and/or to recovery of other metals and/or to disposal to maximize metal recovery and maintain water balance.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a earth boring tool, comprising placing a tool in a positioner of an system which then conforms the tool to a model through the performance of a plurality of processing steps thereon. The positioner may move the tool in two axis. The system may include a manipulator which performs each of the processing steps. Alternatively, the system may include a plurality of manipulators, each performing a different one of the processing steps. The processing steps may include various shaping, cleaning, painting, and packaging steps. The processing steps may be performed without removing the tool from the positioner. The tool may be repositioned in the positioner during or between processing steps. For example, performing the processing steps may comprise performing one or more of the process steps, repositioning the tool in the positioner, and re-performing the one or more of the process steps.

Abstract: A drive system cooperating with the drive mechanism of a ratchet wrench enables a user to use the wrench for its intended purpose and also spin the drive at high speed by pulling an endless belt. The belt is contained in a manner which causes structures on the belt to engage with exposed gear teeth of the ratchet wrench or an attachment. The containment structure provides for proper alignment and positioning of the belt to allow for the desired engagement with the drive teeth even after the user releases grip from the belt. The containment structure further allows an opposite end of the belt to hang loose and thus be easily accessible by a user. The drive system can be used on a socket ratchet without exposed teeth by adding gear teeth to a ratchet drive member or socket either permanently, as an added part or as an extension to the socket ratchet or socket.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench is provided for selectively producing a fixing movement or a pivotal turning movement by pressing or releasing a stop module to pivot the pivotal jaw, so that the adjustable wrench can change the width of its opening quickly, and such adjustable wrench provides an excellent operation and also reduces the operating time greatly.

Abstract: A hand tool with the function of automatic engaging is disclosed. It has a holding part with a driving head at an appropriate position thereon. The driving head has sleeve parts stacked in layers. The driving head has a sleeve hole for a working object to be automatically embedded therein and engaged with a corresponding sleeve part. The invention enables the user to determine the actual size of the working object for future maintenance.

Abstract: A tool includes a first and a second socket wrench pivotally turnably connected to two ends of a link. Each of the first and second socket wrenches includes a wrench portion and a circular end portion having an axial slot extended through them. The wrench portion of the first socket wrench is internally formed of a hexagonally shaped portion for fitting around a hexagonally-shaped outer surface of a connecting ring of a male F connector to tighten or loosen the connecting ring to or from a female F connector, and the wrench portion of the second socket wrench is internally formed of a constant-torque shaped portion for fitting around the hexagonally-shaped outer surface of the connecting ring to prevent the tool from applying an excessive torque on the connecting ring when turning the same. The tool can be used without being hindered by bent or closely arranged cables.

Abstract: A socket 10 for a socket wrench according to the present embodiment is a socket for a socket wrench having a double structure made up of an outer cylinder 11 and an inner cylinder 12, and has slits 13A and 13B extending over the entire length along the axial direction of respective side surfaces of bodies 11a and 12a of the outer cylinder 11 and the inner cylinder 12, respectively. The outer cylinder 11 includes, at the leading end thereof, a leading-end fitting section 11c that corresponds to the shape of a head 16a of a fixing bolt of a member 16 to be fastened. The inner cylinder 12 includes a leading-end fitting section 12c that corresponds to the shape of a head 16b of a fastening bolt of the member 16 to be fastened.

Abstract: The application relates to a pair of pliers (1). More specifically the application describes a pair of single-handed automatically self-adjusting water-pump pliers for clamping or gripping a workpiece. The pair of pliers comprises a first and a second handle (2,3), each handle comprising a jaw portion (8,9), a neck portion (6,7) and a handle portion (4,5), a spacing means (10) between the handle portions (4,5) for adjusting the opening width of the jaw portion (8,9); and the two handles (2,3) are pivotably and slidably connected to each other by means of releasable locking means (13).

Abstract: A hand operated gripping tool includes a first jaw fixedly connected with a first jaw handle, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw such that the first and second jaws cooperably define a variable size space therebetween for receiving a part to be gripped, a second jaw handle pivotally connected with the second jaw for moving the second jaw relative to the first jaw, a link system pivotally connected to the second jaw handle and having a guided portion selectively engageable with a plurality of guide portions provided on the first jaw handle. The guided portion being engageable with a first of the guide portions to define a first range of movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw and a second of the guide portions to define a second range of movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw.

Abstract: An improved connecting rod of a tool head includes a hollow rod having an assembly end and a tool head inserting end. The tool head inserting end is recessed axially to form a slot, and a radial through-hole is placed therethrough. An internal slider is assembled into the slot in an axial sliding and non-rotating state. The internal slider has a tool head abutting end and a radial groove. A magnetic member is assembled onto the tool head abutting end. An elastic bracing member is assembled between the internal slider and the inner wall of the slot, and elastically supports the internal slider. A control bead is assembled into the radial groove of the internal slider, and shifting elastically with assembly of an elastic member. One side of the control bead is aligned with the radial through-hole of the slot, so it can be protruded in a positioning state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool handle mechanism with replaceable tool head, wherein at least a clip is arranged in the slot of the tool handle for mating with the tool head; it structurally comprises a tool handle and several replaceable tool heads, of which a slot is grooved into one end of the tool handle, and a clip arranged on the slot wall; one end of the clip is designed into a protruding spring portion, so that when the inserting portion of the tool head is inserted into the slot of the tool handle, the tool head can be replaced rapidly and also mated tightly with the tool handle with the support of the spring portion.

Abstract: A cylindrical grinding apparatus grinding a side face of a cylindrical ingot, having a centering means of at least three rollers and an arm holding the rollers. The cylindrical ingot is placed on a table longitudinally, its end faces being held vertically with a pair of clamps. Afterward, the centering means moves backward and forward against the ingot horizontally to bring the rollers into pressure contact with the side face of the ingot while the ingot is rotated about a central axis with a rotation means, and thereafter the ingot is ground with the grinding wheel. The cylindrical grinding apparatus and the method for grinding enable improvement of grinding processing efficiency of the ingot.

Abstract: A multi-axis turning center for turning operations includes a machine body, a tool rest means for holding a tool, a first headstock for holding a workpiece, and a second headstock disposed in confronting relation to the first headstock, for holding a workpiece. The second headstock has a front chuck and a rear chuck for gripping respective workpieces. The second headstock performs a workpiece changing function by swiveling about a central axis. The multi-axis turning center is capable of automatically changing the workpieces by itself while it is carrying out a machining process, without the need for a workpiece changer. The multi-axis turning center does not need to stop its machining process for changing workpieces, resulting in an increase in the utilization ratio thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting floor tiles (6) of readily cuttable material comprises a guiding device (10) for guiding movement of the apparatus along a vertical wall (4) adjacent to a floor (2) being covered, a cutting device for forming a downward cut (34) across a tile (6) on the floor (2), and a tie device (18) extending from the guiding device (10) and along which the cutting device (22) is adjustable towards and away from the guiding device (10).

Abstract: A spreader assembly includes a spreader having a notch and two opposite indentations at a periphery of the notch, a holder, on which an anti-kickback pawl device is mounted, having a groove for insertion of the spreader, and a controller rotatably mounted to the holder and rotatable relative to the holder between a first position where two block portions of the controller are engaged with the indentations of the spreader for mounting the holder to the spreader, and a second position where the block portions of the controller are disengaged from the indentations of the spreader for allowing detachment of the holder from the spreader.

Abstract: A clamping device for frozen material comprises a clamping member comprising a clamper for clamping frozen materials. A driving component is configured for driving the clamper to splay or fold. A cutting member connecting to the clamper and comprises two driven arms cooperating with the clamper.

Abstract: A String Alignment Plate for stringed instruments to reduce the excess friction in that portion of the string in the head region, generated at the nut of the instrument as a string passes through a notch of the nut and then bends in order to align with the tuning pin or machine head. The additional friction is created at the point of the bend where the string rubs excessively against the nut. This friction impedes tuning and results in differential tension of the string on either side of the nut. The String Alignment Plate is affixed to the head of the instrument and keeps the portion of the string in the head area in-line or parallel with that portion of the same string as it extends from the bridge to the nut, thus removing the bend. Once the string reaches the String Alignment Plate, the string curves around the Peg on the String Alignment Plate to the tuning peg or machine head.