Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided including a linkage and a balancing mechanism coupled to the linkage around a pivotal joint. The linkage couples to a support structure at a first end and support a weight applied to a second end. The balancing mechanism counter balances the weight applied to the second end of the linkage. As the linkage is deformed to vertically adjust the height of the weight with a different moment arm length, the balancing mechanism varies a cable path length to modify the compression of a spring and a tension in a cable to adjust the amount of counter balance force applied to the linkage.

Abstract: A modular pedal assembly for use with a vehicle that includes a prime mover, a control circuit, and a brake assembly. The modular pedal assembly including a base that is removably connectable with the vehicle, a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal that is displaceable between a first position and a second position, and a control output regulator that includes a first sensor and a second sensor. In a vehicle having an electric motor prime mover, the first sensor is a limit switch electrically connected to the control circuit, and the second sensor is a variable resistor. In a vehicle having an internal combustion engine prime mover, the first sensor is a limit switch operable to control a starter motor, and the second sensor is a limit switch operable to control a spark plug ignition.

Abstract: The invention comprises a non-rotating shaft for supporting a mechanical element of a roll segment in a continuous casting machine, having an essentially circular cross-section. The circular cross-section presents a portion having a smooth peripheral, wherein the distance between any point of the portion and a center of the circular cross-section is shorter than a radius of the circular cross-section. Furthermore, the circular cross-section presenting the portion extends axially, which defines a section of the shaft meant to a least partly receive the mechanical element, and the section of the shaft is meant to receive a load at least partly at the portion. In addition, according to a second aspect, the invention comprises a segment roll for a continuous casting machine, which comprises the non-rotating shaft according to the first aspect.

Abstract: In an unbalance torque compensating device, control of urging force for compensation is not particularly required, and a space for rotating a balance weight is not required. An index table in which a rotating shaft 3 that supports a table 2 and that extends in a direction intersecting a vertical direction is index driven is provided.

Abstract: When a finishing operation is performed while rotating a workpiece at a main shaft drive of a machine tool, pulsation occurring in a rotation of the main shaft drive is restricted and the rigidity of a main shaft is increased without increasing the size of a bearing. A rotation-resistance device of a main shaft drive in a machine tool has the following structure in the main shaft drive including a main shaft 4, a rotating body 65, and a driving device 6, the main shaft 4 being supported so as to be rotatable with respect to a frame body 2, the rotating body 65 being secured to an end of the main shaft 4, the driving device 6 rotationally driving the rotating body (65).

Abstract: A method for producing granular metallic iron by heating and reducing a raw material mixture which includes an iron oxide-containing material, a carbonaceous reductant and a Li2O supplying material in a thermal reduction furnace, wherein the iron oxide-containing material includes a hematite-containing material, and the raw material mixture includes at least Fe, Ca, Mg, Si and Li as constituent elements in such a manner that slag which forms as a by-product during heating and reduction contains CaO, MgO, SiO2 and Li2O, has a Li2O content of 0.05% by mass or more, and the slag has a basicity [(CaO+MgO)/SiO2] in a range of from 1.5 to 1.9. This method enables granular metallic iron to be produced at a high productivity even when a hematite-containing material is used as the iron oxide-containing material.

Abstract: In a method for producing a reduced iron pellet, when a powder formed article including iron oxide and carbon is heated and reduced in a rotary hearth furnace, a formed article produced using a raw material, in which an average diameter of the iron oxide is 50 microns or less and a ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in a reduction zone is from 0.3 to 1, is reduced at a temperature of 1400° C. or less, thereby producing a reduced iron pellet in which a metallization ratio of iron is 50 to 85% and a ratio of residual carbon is 2% or less.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel methods for the solution-based production of silver nanocubes. This method differs, inter alia, from the traditional polyol method in that reactants (such as AgNO3 and/or PVP) can be added to the reaction mixture in solid form rather than as a solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a foaming slag former 40 for electric arc furnaces 1, with at least 20 wt. % of solid slag particles, to the product of this process, and to its use in electric arc furnaces 1. The process of the invention comprises the steps of aggregating solid slag particles into a coarser granular material 33 and carbonating them to produce said slag former 40. In a preferred embodiment, said solid slag particles are aggregated before said carbonation, so that the carbonates form a solid matrix binding the particles together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering a rare earth element from a rare earth alloy, which has improved extraction efficiency of the rare earth element from the rare earth alloy, and is applicable to the extraction of various rare earth elements. The method is characterized by comprising a step of immersing the rare earth alloy in a molten salt of a halide salt to cause the elution of a halide of the rare earth element into the molten salt, or a step of reacting a rare earth alloy scrap which coexists with at least one of Fe and Cu with a metal chloride gas at a temperature of 1300 to 1800K to selectively extract the rare earth element contained in the rare earth alloy scrap as a vapor of a chloride of the rare earth element.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique for rendering bio-toxicity such as allergy toxicity derived from Ni trace impurity, i.e., nickel toxicity, which is unavoidably present in a bio-Co—Cr—Mo alloy or an Ni-free stainless steel alloy unharmful, characterized in that an element selected from the group consisting of the group 4, 5 and 13 elements of the periodic table, particularly an element selected from the group consisting of the group 4 elements of the periodic table, is added to the alloy composition. The additive element is preferably an element selected from the group consisting of zirconium and titanium, more preferably zirconium.

Abstract: A method of conducting a bioleaching process including the steps of forming a main heap, culturing at least one microorganism which exhibits bioleaching activity in a predetermined temperature range, monitoring the temperature in the main heap, which is a result, at least, of microbial leaching activity and inoculating the heap with the cultured microorganism at least before the temperature reaches the predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roller cone drill bit may include forming a body of a single piece having an upper end and a lower end; machining at the lower end of the body at least two journals extending downward and radially outward from a central axis of the body; machining at least one of a ball passage, a hydraulic fluid passageway, a grease reservoir, and a lubricant passageway; and mounting roller cones on the at least two journals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ratchet tool, wherein a circular tooth row is arranged into the round groove of the main body's actuating end. A tool driving seat is assembled rotatably onto the round groove of the main body. A first braking slot, a second braking slot and an arched control slot are triangularly configured onto the internal surface of the tool driving seat. The first and second braking slots are separately fitted with the first and second braking swing blocks. A moveable control gear is placed into the control slot and can shift to the through-hole at both ends of the control slot such that it is mated simultaneously with inner tip edges of the first and second braking swing blocks. An elastic resetter is additionally provided to make the first and second braking swing blocks with inner tip edge swing inwards in a normal state.

Abstract: A movable wrench including a screw bar, and an operating element. The bottom surface of the screw bar is urged by a first compressible spring. The hook part of the operating element urges against the bottom surface of the screw bar. As the user depresses the operating end of the operating element, the hook part escape from the bottom surface. The first compressible spring is depressed downward. After the reverse rotation and positioning, the first compressible spring urges against the screw bar again. The operating end is released so that the hook part urges against the bottom surface again.

Abstract: A fast screwdriver connecting apparatus includes an elongated rod body, a first resilient unit, a second resilient unit, a movable inner tube and a hollow tube an inner portion of the elongated rod body has a plugging trough. A ring is extended from the plugging trough to form an arc ring slot, and a wedging groove with an opening to engage a wedging ring. A connecting element receives a steel ball, and the second resilient unit and the hollow tube are coupled to the connecting element. A circular slot of the hollow tube is aligned with the retracting hole, and a wedging slot is formed where the movable inner tube is aligned with inner wall of the elongated rod. Different sizes of screwdriver blades can be replaced from the elongated rod body to push against the resilient units, and the steel ball rolls into the wedging slot.

Abstract: A non-round hole boring device capable of machining a work in a desired cross sectional shape by a simple configuration. The non-round hole boring device (1) comprises cylindrical arbors (11, 21), shafts (12, 22) stored in the arbors (11, 21), respectively, a cutting tool (13) attached to the outer peripheral surface of the arbor (11), a cam (121) formed on the shaft (12) and pressing the cutting tool (13), a first rotary encoder (252), a second rotary encoder (241), an arbor motor (23) for rotatingly driving the arbors (11, 21), a shaft motor (24) for rotatingly driving the shafts (12, 22), and a controller (40). The controller (40) advances or retards the phases of the rotating angles of the shafts (12, 22) relative to the phases of the rotating angles of the arbors (11, 21), respectively, while rotating the arbors (11, 21) and the shafts (12, 22) in synchronism with each other, respectively.

Abstract: A process for recovering rubber from a tire, the tire including a rubber tread block, a reinforced portion below the tread block portion, typically known as steel belting, and an inner liner that serves to hold the air pressure in the tire. The bead and sidewall are removed from the tire leaving a loop of tread material. Next, the loop is placed on several rollers of a rubber-separating machine to hold the loop in place. One or more cutting blades, preferably chisels, are positioned at the tread portion of the tire. The cutting blades are lowered into position. Access to the steel belting can be accomplished by making an initial cut through tread block to expose the steel belting. Once the blades are in place, the tread loop is placed in motion around the rollers. As the blades contact the steel belts, the cutting blades separate the tread rubber from the reinforced rubber at the interface between the tread rubber and the steel belts.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing a section from a tire is disclosed. The improved method and apparatus are configured so that one side of a saw blade used to cut a section from a tire is treated by dulling. The treatment allows for the removal of a section of a tire so cords embedded in various layers of the tire are protected from damage and the surface texture surrounding the removed section of the tire is adequate for repair.

Abstract: Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: There is described a cutting device (1) for cutting labels, which comprises a cutting element (3) and a counter-pressure roller (2). The cutting element (3) serves for cutting into individual labels a label strip that is provided with a plurality of labels arranged one behind the other in the direction of the length of the label strip, wherein the cutting element (3) has a cutting tool (4) in the first axis (A), about which the cutting element (3) is rotatable. The counter-pressure roller (2) serves for the placement of the label strip, wherein the counter-pressure roller (2) is rotatable about a second axis (B) arranged parallel to the first axis (A) and has at least one counter-cutting bar (6) which is provided on the outer surface of the counter-pressure roller (2) essentially parallel to the second axis (B). The at least one counter-cutting bar (6) has a width perpendicular to the second axis (B) which is smaller than the length of the counter-cutting bar (6) parallel to the second axis (B).

Abstract: The present invention provides a debonding apparatus, a system comprising such apparatus, and methods for using such apparatus or system for the removal of flexible substrates (14) post-processing without damage to fabricated devices.

Abstract: Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: A dust collection system designed for a table saw is disclosed. The dust collection system includes a dust shroud and dust shield to channel dust generated by a blade as it cuts wood or other material. The dust shroud includes fins and walls to “peel” dust and air off a spinning blade and direct the dust and air downward. The dust shroud encloses the lower front portion of a blade.

Abstract: For precise alignment of the punch stamps relative to the cutting plates, the respective punch stamp 23 is supported in a floating manner, i.e., in a transversely movable manner, on the head plate 8 associated with the punch stamp. The alignment of the cutting edges of the punch stamp with respect to the cutting edges 49, 50, 51 of the cutting plate 18 is accomplished by at least one stamp guide arrangement 42 that is directly active between the punch stamp 23 and the cutting plate 18 and effects precise relative positioning in a direction transverse to the active cutting edges. The stamp guide arrangement 42 comprises centering elements with a cross-section having a contour which is, for example, rectangular, cylindrical or polygonal. The centering elements may extend from the punch stamp 23 through the matrix or cutting plate 18.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting discontinuous apertures in the wall of a corrugated tube moving along an axial path between inlet and outlet ends of the apparatus, the apparatus including a first feeder-cutter wheel proximate to the outlet, a second feeder-cutter wheel proximate to the inlet and spaced axially from said first feeder-cutter wheel, each said wheel being disposed about the outer surface of said tube and having a cutting surface and a helical worm for engaging the tube corrugations, and means for rotating the feeder cutter wheels, wherein the improvement comprises means for axially moving the second feeder cutter wheel axially towards and away from the first feeder cutter wheel wherein to accurately position the feeder cutter wheels relative to tubing corrugations.

Abstract: A rotating saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position in rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A miter saw design with a cutting arm pivot mechanism that allows the pivot point of the cutting arc to move in a predetermined path in the plane described by the rotating cutting surface. The “floating pivot” enables the tool to accommodate larger pieces of material than conventional miter saws with the same diameter cutting blade. This design also allows the saw to be more compact, lighter in weight, and less complex in comparison to the sliding miter saw. Thus, a miter saw can be provided that provides the cutting capacity of a larger saw with less weight, bulk, and cost than the current alternatives.

Abstract: There is provided a punching unit capable of punching holes in high-performance by increasing a punching force and by rotating a punch while keeping the same basic structure with that of a prior art unit. A guide hole that guides the punch in the vertical direction is formed to have a narrow upper part, a wider narrow part and inclined surfaces between them. An actuation pin engages with a cam and the punch moves up and down to punch a hole when a cam member reciprocates. The actuation pin abuts with the inclined surface of the guide hole at the punching position, so that the punch is rotated and a cam inclined angle is reduced by an inclined angle of the guide hole, allowing a large punching force.

Abstract: A PCB cutter module is disclosed to include a base having a magnetically attractive worktable, a plurality of cutters detachably attached to the worktable and secured thereto by magnetic attraction at selected locations in selected directions subject to the design of the PC board to be cut. By means of magnetic attraction, the cutters are adjustably replaceably secured to the magnetically attractive worktable to fit different cutting requirements for cutting different designs of PC boards or different sizes of PC boards.

Abstract: A cutter for a styrene board has an operation piece and a pair of cutter edges. The operation piece has at its forward end a flat surface coming into surface contact with the upper surface of the styrene board. The pair of cutter edges is attached to the operation piece so as to project in a mountain shape from the forward end of the operation piece. The lower end tip is formed at blades sections of inclined surfaces of the pair of cutter edges, and the tip is used to cut, in substantially a V-shape, that portion of the styrene board which excludes a sheet on the lower surface of the styrene board. Even an unskilled person can finely cut the styrene board in a V-shape, leaving the sheet on the lower surface of the board uncut.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double bladed spiral slicer including a first and second blade assemblies on a surface, each assembly having a mechanical output and operable to rotate about a vertical axis. A meat rotation assembly, having a headstock and tailstock, is adapted for rotation of a received meat. A processor and controller in communication with the blade assemblies operate to direct the blade assemblies to form a spiral slice on the surface of the meat. The meat product is engaged to the meat rotation assembly where the upper position of the meat product is determined. The meat product is rotated about a vertical axis and the blade assemblies operate by simultaneously reciprocally engaging the meat product and moving vertically from the central position of the meat product.

Abstract: Capo tasto for fixing on a neck of a stringed musical instrument, comprising a first arm on which a string engaging region is arranged, a second arm on which a engaging region for a neck rear side is arranged, a slide bearing for holding the first arm for displacement on the second arm, the slide bearing having a displacement guide which is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove with an opening direction transverse to a displacement direction, at least one first contacting surface which is formed on the first arm, and at least one second contacting surface which is formed on the second arm, a movability apart of the first arm and the second arm, which increases the spacing between the string engaging region and the neck rear side engaging region being lockable by contact of the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface, and the opening direction being oriented at least approximately parallel to the first contacting surface and at least approximately paral

Abstract: Improvements in a drum practice pad are disclosed. The practice pad is intended for use with a mobile or shoulder mounted percussion instrument carrier or with a stand configured for use with a percussion instrument. The practice pad incorporates most or all of the geometry of a drum that is addressed by a player. This geometry includes a portion of the striking surface, and a portion of the drum rim. The sticking surface is adjustable within the portion of the drum rim to match the central playing area and the height of the playing surface to the rim of the drum. The assembly allows for attachment or mounting and use of a practice pad from a third party. The strike location of the practice pad is adjustable to simulate different diameter drums. The incorporation of the drum rim allows players to practice rim shots.

Abstract: A portable drum that includes a drum head and a detachable dram shell, where the drum head may include an upper drum head and a detachable lower dram head and the dram shell may include one or more detachable sections. Once assembled, the upper drum head, the detachable lower dram head, and the sections of the dram shell may be held in place by a tensioning system that may include vertical straps and a waist belt strap. The portable dram may be disassembled and placed in a travel mode by nesting the sections of the dram shell in the lower dram head, and then placing the lower dram head into the upper dram head.

Abstract: Intended is to provide a strainer having a switch mechanism, which is hardly rattled by a wear, which can be stably operated by a weak force, which does not load a snare assembly and which can maintain an excellent operation feel, and a snare assembly holding structure which has a reliable clamping force so that it can prevent the looseness of the snare assembly end portion. An operation lever is hinged on its base end side to a base body. A link is turnably connected on its one end side to the lower side portion of a snare assembly holding member, and is likewise turnably connected on its other end side to a midway position of the operation lever. When the operation lever turns upward, the snare assembly holding member is pulled upward through the link. When the operation lever turns downward, the snare assembly holding member is pushed downward.

Abstract: An adjustable, foldable support leg for a bass drum has a cylindrical leg member movable longitudinally within a tubular leg member. A threaded portion of the tubular member includes apertures in which ball bearings are located. The bearings are retained in the apertures by an annular locking collar which is also threaded to allow the collar to move longitudinally on the tubular member as the collar is turned. The locking collar has an interior frustoconical surface. When the collar moves downwardly on the tubular member, this surface presses the ball bearings against the cylindrical member, locking the leg members in place. A mounting bracket includes a pin about which the folding leg pivots and a channel which receives the inner end of the leg. The leg is biased against the floor of the channel which includes detents to receive the end of the leg in the folded and extended positions.

Abstract: A system for creating a musical score may be provided. The system may include a composition tool application that is configured to provide a plurality of instrument interfaces to a user. The instrument interfaces may include a keyboard interface, a stringed instrument interface, and a percussion interface. The plurality of instrument interfaces may each include a representation of an instrument and a score section for illustration of the musical score. The composition tool application may be configured to provide the user with the ability to select a portion of the representation of the instrument. In response to the selection of the portion of the representation of the instrument, the composition tool application may be configured to provide a representation of a note for the instrument in the score section.

Abstract: Game player performance information systems and methods generate game player performance information. An exemplary embodiment receives a specification of an audio track of interest; receives a specification of a musical instrument, wherein the musical instrument corresponds to an instrument simulation device that a game player operates when playing the musical game; determines an instrument audio track based upon the audio track of interest, wherein the instrument audio track corresponds to music played by the specified musical instrument during the recording of the audio track of interest; generating a plurality of instrument notes based upon the instrument audio track; generates a plurality of game play notes based upon the instrument notes; and generates game player performance information based upon the game play notes, wherein the game player performance information identifies the sequence of specific player actions for the game player to make during playback of the audio track of interest.

Abstract: The apparatus involves a hand-held housing with a memory for storing coded audio event data, a mechanism for downloading into the memory coded audio event data and digital-audio electronics for retrieving coded audio event data from memory, converting it to an audio signal and playing it out. In one disclosed embodiment of the invention, the data are stored in accordance with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) standard, and may be created on an appropriately equipped personal computer (PC). The capacity of such a hand-held device is far greater than if the data were conventionally digitized or coded. A wirelessly networked system of such music devices in physical proximity is disclosed that enables audio score synthesis and mixing by at least one such device of a synthesized score and an inputted score for outplay to others in a real-time musical jam or music-sharing session.

Abstract: Provided are a musical performance-related information output device and a musical performance system capable of superimposing musical performance-related information on an audio signal without damaging the general versatility of the audio signal. The musical performance-related information output device includes a musical performance-related information acquiring section that is adapted to acquire musical performance-related information related to a musical performance of a performer, a superimposing section that is adapted to superimpose the musical performance-related information on an analog audio signal such that a modulated component of the musical performance-related information is included in a band higher than the frequency component of the analog audio signal generated in accordance with the musical performance manipulation of the performer, and an output section that outputs the analog audio signal on which the superimposing section superimposes the musical performance-related information.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming an input sound signal comprises a synthesiser which manipulates, in accordance with a manipulation parameter, a pitch deviation envelope to derive a manipulated pitch deviation envelope. A filter transforms the input sound signal from a resampling of the input sound signal with respect to the manipulated pitch deviation envelope. The manipulation parameter may be a user-defined peak pitch deviation of an output sound signal. Another apparatus for transforming an input sound signal comprises a synthesiser which manipulates, in accordance with a manipulation parameter, a pitch deviation envelope selected with reference to the manipulation parameter to derive a manipulated pitch deviation envelope.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives and a secure trash can. These and other advantages may be provided by a secure trash can for containing explosions resulting from explosive devices deposited in the secure trash can. The secure trash can includes a curved wall, including an inner liner, a curved ballistic panel, including a three-dimensional core that defines spaces and acts as a truss for ballistic panel and a filler, the filler fills in spaces defined by the three-dimensional core, an outer layer, surrounding the curved ballistic panel, and a base, connected to the curved wall. The secure trash can may also include a lid, placed on the curved wall.

Abstract: An improved barrel and attachment system for rapid fire weapons having a quick release and replacement. Further the barrel is lighter than comparable barrels for the same purpose, and have a flash suppression system.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a ballistic-resistant composite including a plurality of large denier per filament (dpf) yarns. The large dpf yarns may have a “Composite-Armor dpf factor” (CA•dpf) of greater than or equal to 6.9.

Abstract: An armor system including a plurality of conduits each defining a respective hollow interior and a plurality of fiber bundles. Each of the plurality of conduits is substantially filled with a respective fiber bundle. A method of making armor including forming a plurality of fiber filled conduits, arranging a first group of the plurality of fiber filled conduits in a first layer having a first orientation, and arranging a second group of the plurality of fiber filled conduits in a second layer. The second orientation is different from the first orientation. A method of making a fiber filled conduit including forming a bundle of fibers and pulling the bundle of fibers through a hollow conduit such that the pulled bundle of fibers substantially fills the interior of the hollow conduit.

Abstract: A flexible armor system adaptable to a garment suitable for extremity protection uses a planar array of polygon-shaped solid elements which detach upon projectile impact and combine their mass with the projectile for reduced velocity and increased impact area. The solid elements are bonded between an elastic strike-side spall cover and a high tensile strength flexible backer layer, and are further supported by a substantial fiber pack. In embodiments, the solid elements are ceramic, and are commutated but remain essentially intact after the projectile impact. Edge bars can cover junctures between solid elements, and center buttons can cover intersections between the junctures. Edge bars and center buttons can also be ceramic. The ceramic parts can include titanium backing layers. After formation, ceramic cores can be compressed upon cooling by an outer ceramic layer having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, the outer layer being formed by glazing or doping.

Abstract: A weapons system includes a frame having an axis. A targeting assembly is arranged and operational to move rotationally the frame axis. The targeting assembly includes a weapon. A user interface is attached to the weapon and is operable actuate movement of the targeting assembly about the axis.

Abstract: A gas-operated firearm has a barrel defining a bore with a gas block defining a chamber communicating with the bore via a gas passage. A gas regulation element has a first position and a second position, and serves to provide different gas flow characteristics in the different positions. The latch element gives the user audible or tactile feedback upon installation of an accessory device when the gas regulation element is a correct position suited to use of the accessory, and not when in the other position unsuited to accessory usage. The accessory may be a sound suppressor, and the latch may serve to secure the gas regulation element against position change. The latch may engage a circular array of elements on the rear face of the suppressor, and may have an angled cam face to provide ratcheting engagement for installation, and to resist removal or loosening without deliberate actuation of the latch.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for a firearm has an as-manufactured original equipment manufacturer (OEM) receiver body, an operating rod bushing, and an operating rod. The as-manufactured OEM receiver body has therein a bolt carrier bore and a gas tube lug receiving portion. The gas tube lug receiving portion intersects the bolt carrier bore. A gas lug bore extends through the receiver body between the gas tube lug receiving portion of the receiver body and a front face of the receiver body. The operating rod bushing is mounted within the gas lug bore of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod extends through a central passage of the operating rod bushing into the gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The central passage of the operating rod bushing and the operating rod are jointly configured for limiting radial displacement of the operating rod with respect to the operating rod bushing.