Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes compressed conductive elements that each have independently adjustable dimensions sufficient to provide substantially enhanced piezoresistance to a current flowing across each conductive element with each of the conductive elements subjected to compressive strain, the conductive elements being oscillated in a direction parallel to that of the compressive strain at a defined frequency such that a resistance of the conductive elements to the current is thereby substantially reduced.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing the softness of an object by abutting the sensing element against the object and biasing the sensing element toward the object with a biasing force. The sensing element includes a deformable section, the deformable section being deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the deformed configuration being achievable when the deformable section is abutted against and biased toward the object; a deformation sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing a deformation of the deformable section between the deformed and undeformed configurations; and a force sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing the biasing force exerted onto the deformable section by the object when the deformable section is biased toward the object with the biasing force.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring arrangement includes a component formed of fibre reinforced composite material with a plurality of electrical conducting fibres intrinsic to the composite defining electrical paths that run through the composite. The paths act as sensing paths running through the material and a detector watches for changes in electrical property indicative of a structural event. The paths may be configured as an open or a closed node grid whose electrical continuity is monitored directly or indirectly. Alternatively they may be fibres having a piezoresistive property and the changes in resistance may be monitored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a triaxial cell for testing geomaterials on specimens. The triaxial cell has at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. Hydraulic means are provided for subjecting the lateral wall of the specimen to a stress, under the pressure of a fluid. The cell has at least one sealed test chamber-in which the specimen is placed, and a circuit for the controlled pressurization of said test chamber with a fluid, called the pressurizing fluid, and for the controlled draining of said fluid therefrom. The cell has mechanisms for subjecting the specimen to a tensile force, which are configured for removably fastening it between two attachments intended to move apart or closer together under the action of the piston so as to subject said specimen to longitudinal stress or on the contrary to remove the load therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter comprising an outer casing having flow connections adapted to be connected so that in operation fluid to be measured flows through the casing, and a mechanical flow measuring unit (12) disposed in the casing to measure said flow through the casing, the casing being of plastics material and in at least two parts (30, 32) which are permanently bonded or connected together (at 34, 36) to enclose the measuring unit.

Abstract: A wind energy installation is disclosed. The wind energy installation includes a rotor with at least one rotor blade. The wind energy installation includes at least one wind speed measuring system. The at least one wind speed measuring system optically measures the vibrations of an optical fiber due to vortex shedding.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the mounting mode of a bluff body inserted into a fluid carrying conduit by detecting and displaying the natural frequency of vibration of the bluff body caused by the pressure of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing the self-healing properties of a set cement based material in contact with hydrocarbons in an oil- and/or gas-well are described. The methods comprise: providing a test cell (10); providing said test cell (10) with a sample (31, 40) of the set cement based material; damaging the sample to simulate a loss of zonal isolation resulting from damages made to the set cement based material in the oil- or gas-well; injecting a hydrocarbon fluid in the test cell; allowing the cement based material to heal by itself; measuring the differential pressure (?P) across the sample (31, 40); and characterizing the self-healing properties of the cement based material from the measure of said differential pressure (?P).

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter includes a vibrator configured to vibrate a measurement conduct line, an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor, which are placed at a certain distance in the measurement conduct line and are configured to detect the vibration of the measurement conduct line, a first effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the first signal, a second effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the second signal, a ratio computation section configured to receive the effective value of the first signal and the effective value of the second signal and to compute the ratio of both values, and an anomaly diagnosis section configured to make a comparison between the computed ratio and a certain value and to generate an alarm.

Abstract: A 6-axis force sensor includes bumper 10 with bumper axis 12 and press member 11 which has four horizontal beams 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d in a cross shape with end, side and bottom faces. Sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 on end faces sense force in one direction and sense a moment acting on opposite end faces. Sensors 41, 42, 43, and 44 on side faces sense force in a second direction transverse to the first direction and sense a moment acting on opposite side faces. A film 20 on the bottom faces has four sensors 21, 22, 23, and 24, one on each bottom face, for sensing force in a direction transverse to the first and the second directions and sensing a moment acting on opposite sensors on the film.

Abstract: A process for testing the quality, in particular the stiffness and the phase, of an elastic joint for connecting two other parts while filtering vibrations transmitted between these two other parts, said elastic joint being meant to work in axial, radial or torsional direction, disposing or not disposing of one or more hydro-elastic chambers and of two cylindrical concentric support elements, the inner support element being located to a large extend inside the volume defined by the outer support element, the two support elements being connected by a set of components made of rubber or elastomer or, if applicable, of plastic and metallic parts, wherein said support elements are themselves respectively attached to the two other parts which the elastic joint connects, wherein a technique of testing by impact is applied within the timing of the production line of the elastic joint, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest using a force responsive element comprising, at least in part, a balanced material. The balanced material is temperature insensitive over a specified range of temperatures such that the force responsive element may estimate the parameter of interest by responding to a desired force with relatively little interference due to temperature changes within the specified range of temperatures.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for determining a fill level of an inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir as a source for medicine, where the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir has a monotonically decreasing fill level. Some embodiments of a device include a stop surface designed and arranged such that the stop surface contacts the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir while the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir is filled above a predetermined level. Similarly, some embodiments of the device additionally include a release detector that generates an output signal indicative of contact between the stop surface and the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir being released and a processing unit for determining the fill level of the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir from an output signal of the release detector.

Abstract: Provided is a jig for a compression test in a heating furnace capable of variously changing boundary conditions such as a both-end hinge, a both-end fixing, or one-end hinge and one-end fixing through simple attachment and detachment of a holder. The jig for a compression test in a heating furnace includes an upper plate having a lower surface in which a hemispherical projection is formed at a center thereof, a lower plate correspondingly disposed under the upper plate, and having an upper surface in which a hemispherical concave part is formed, and holders each having an upper flange inserted into a fixing groove of the upper surface of the upper plate, a lower flange inserted into a fixing groove of the lower surface of the lower plate, and a middle flange inserted into a gap between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein a hinge condition and an end fixing condition of a test sample are implemented through attachment and detachment of the holders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sample preparation devices, such as pipette tips useful for associating and releasing biological molecules.

Abstract: A hydrophobic property demonstrator (100) comprises an inclinable sample support (10) and an upper tank (20) for producing droplets (GA, GB) that fall onto a sample (A, B) placed on the support. The droplets are produced regularly with a constant size by selecting a profile and diameter of a hole (23, 24) at the bottom of the tank, and by maintaining a constant water level (N) in said tank. Such a demonstrator is particularly suited for demonstrating the efficiency of the hydrophobic behavior of spectacle lenses.

Abstract: A probe system for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, especially a liquid, contained in a process container comprising: A probe body, which is connectable to the process container by means of a process connection; axially shiftable in a guiding passageway of the probe body between a measuring position and at least two different treatment positions, an immersion tube, which has a protective cylinder on its front end immersible in the fluid; held in the immersion tube, a measuring probe having a measuring head, wherein the measuring head is arranged within a region of the protective cylinder having openings; a first treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube; a second treatment chamber formed between the guiding passageway and the immersion tube and adjoining the first treatment chamber on a side of the first treatment chamber facing away from the process connection; and a seal arranged between the first and second treatment chambers, wherein the immersion tube has a f

Abstract: A probe apparatus includes a plurality of prober chamber arranged in a straight line; and a loader chamber having a substrate transfer mechanism that takes out a test target substrate from a container provided in an upper area of the prober chamber, lowers the test target substrate to a height corresponding to a loading/unloading port of the prober chamber, moves in front of a row of the prober chambers in parallel to the row of the prober chambers and transfers the test target substrate into the prober chamber. A reading mechanism for reading information recorded on the test target substrate held on the substrate transfer mechanism is installed at a horizontal moving mechanism that moves the substrate transfer mechanism in front of the row of the prober chambers in parallel to the row of the prober chambers.

Abstract: A suspension actuator (1) for positioning a movably mounted component of a motor vehicle suspension, including a first actuator component (4), which is to be connected to the movably mounted component, and a second actuator component (3), which is to be connected to a fixed suspension component, wherein both actuator components can be axially adjusted relative to one another via a ball-type linear drive (5), which includes a threaded spindle (6) and a nut (7) running thereon. Either the nut can be driven via a drive motor (10) for the axial adjustment of the threaded spindle or the spindle can be driven via a drive motor for axial adjustment of the nut.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, a countershaft or layshaft, 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 transfer gear.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to at least first and second rotatable shafts, at least first and second pairs of meshing gearwheels, each of which includes, but is not limited to an idle gearwheel rotatably mounted on the second shaft, at least one synchronizer which is displaceable along said second shaft between first and second engaged positions in which it locks one of the idle gearwheels to the second shaft via a neutral position, and a hydraulic actuator for displacing the synchronizer. The actuator includes, but is not limited to a cylinder and a piston which is displaceable within the cylinder delimiting first and second chambers. The volume of the first chamber is smallest when the actuator is in the first engaged position and the volume of the second chamber is smallest when the actuator is in the second engaged position.

Abstract: A gear shift unit for an automated manual transmission, may include a shift block that is restricted in the rotational direction and slidably movable along a control shaft, and has a shift finger in order to implement a selecting operation with straight motion thereof and a shifting operation with rotation motion thereof, a driving actuator, a shifting unit selectively engaged with the driving actuator to rotate the control shaft by power of the driving actuator, wherein the shifting unit changes rotational direction of the control shaft in accordance with rotational angles of the driving actuator, and a selecting unit selectively engaged with the driving actuator to slide the shift block along the control shaft by power of the driving actuator while the shifting unit is not driven by the power of the driving actuator.

Abstract: A hybrid power driving system of the present invention comprises an engine, a first clutch, a transmission mechanism including a transmission shaft, a first motor, a power supply and a hydraulic control system. The hydraulic control system may comprise an oil container; a first hydraulic cylinder which includes a cylinder and a piston to perform a reciprocating motion along the inner wall of the cylinder, used for controlling the engagement of the first clutch; a first oil pump driven by the first motor, configured to supply hydraulic oil from the oil container to the cylinder barrel of the first hydraulic cylinder; a controller which is electrically coupled with the first motor. The hydraulic control system may further comprise an additional motor and a second oil pump. The additional motor is electrically coupled with the power supply and the controller respectively.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a synchronizer includes a shift fork, a shift rail, and a permanent magnet connected to the shift rail. A first control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The first control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a first direction when a current is applied to the first control coil. A second control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The second control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a second direction when a current is applied to the second control coil. The permanent magnet is moved to a first position when the current is applied to the first control coil and the permanent magnet is moved to a second position when the current is applied to the second control coil. Movement of the magnet in turn moves the synchronizer between engaged positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a dairy animal treatment system with a controllable robot arm which is configured for positioning an animal treatment device, and with an object recognition device which comprises a controllable light source, a first 3D-sensor and a signal processing device for processing the supplied signals, wherein the object recognition device comprises a second 3D-sensor which is positioned at a distance from the first 3D-sensor, in particular at a horizontal distance. The respective central lines and preferably make an angle unequal to 0° with each other. The system according to the invention has advantages including less mutual concealment of objects in the respective image fields and, and a strongly increased total angle of view.

Abstract: A robot includes a base and an arm formed by a plurality of members connected by a plurality of joints. The arm has an offset portion where a rotation axis of a certain joint is offset from a rotation axis of the next joint in a predetermined direction and the rotation axis of the next joint is offset from a rotation axis of a joint next to the next joint in a direction opposite the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A backlash adjustment mechanism includes a first cylindrical gear fixed in an axial position, a second cylindrical gear moveable along the axis and meshed with the first cylindrical gear, and an elastic member biasing the second cylindrical gear towards the first cylindrical gear. The addendum modification coefficients in the first and second cylindrical gears are linearly changed along their axes, respectively, an end of the first cylindrical gear with higher addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly lower addendum modification coefficient, and an end of the first cylindrical gear with lower addendum modification coefficient meshes with an end of the second cylindrical gear with correspondingly higher addendum modification coefficient.

Abstract: A key module includes a front panel, a light guide plate disposed under the front panel and a plurality of a plurality of elastic knobs disposed under the light guide plate. The front panel is divided to a plurality of push areas. The elastic knobs are corresponding to the push areas. Each push area defines an array of micropores running through the front panel. An inner face of each micropore is uneven.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated control apparatus for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle in which a dual dial structure is applied to a dial type air conditioning control switch. According to the integrated control apparatus for an HVAC system for a vehicle of the present invention, an air flow control knob and a temperature control knob are arranged in a concentric circle such that when the air flow control know is rotated, a blower shaft is thereby rotated to operate a blower switch, and the blower switch turns on or off a blower or controls the rotational speed of the blower, and when the temperature control knob is rotated, a rotating holder is thereby rotated with respect to the blower shaft and the amount of rotation is transmitted to a cable through a pin shaft, a gear shaft, and an internal gear to operate a temperature control cam, thus controlling the interior temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a pedal apparatus for an electric motorcar or for a motor vehicle having a throttle mechanism including: a brake pedal having a brake auxiliary pad to which a brake arm is connected; and an accelerator pad configured to be rotated in the lateral direction within a predetermined angle range for an accelerating operation, wherein the accelerator pad is formed of a reinforced plastic and is formed with a convex-shaped projection at a midsection thereof, a distal end of the accelerator arm extending from a throttle position sensor mounted on a vehicle body and rotating a predetermined angle range is disposed so as to be in abutment with the accelerator pad, and the rotation angle detected by the rotation of the accelerator arm is transmitted via transmitting means to an accelerator or a throttle mechanism that controls a driving motor via the throttle position sensor.

Abstract: A handle (1) for a sheet windlass, where the handle is of the type having a first part (2) adapted for engaging the windlass, a torque transmitting part arranged largely perpendicularly to an axis of symmetry (4) of the first part (2) and a grip arranged with its longitudinal axis in parallel with the axis of symmetry (4) of the first part (2), where a releasable locking means is arranged in the first part (2), the locking means adapted to retain the handle in engagement with the sheet windlass, wherein the first part (2) has a hole (13) in a central part arranged coaxially with the axis of symmetry (4), and that an L-shaped locking member (10) is provided in the hole (13).

Abstract: The stem (1) is provided with elements (3) for attaching the stem to the upper end of a pivoting tube and elements (25) for attaching a handlebar to the stem. The rear attachment elements (3) include articulation members (8) that make it possible to adjust the tilt of the stem (1) and tightening elements (10, 11, 19, 21) that make it possible to lock the stem in an angular position. The tightening elements are of a semi-cylindrical shape extending crosswise into a housing (12) that has an opening (12?) downward that makes it possible to insert the pivoting tube (4). The tightening elements at their upper and lower ends are provided with a receiving recess (13, 14) that is adapted to the pivoting tube and extend crosswise in the housing that has a cylindrical wall (15) cooperating with the first tightening element (10) so as to define the articulation members.

Abstract: To degas a molten metal, a receptacle containing the molten metal and a layer of slag over the molten metal is positioned in a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated. As the pressure in the chamber reduces, gas is generated at the interface between the molten metal and the slag, which causes the slag to foam. To inhibit overflowing of slag from the receptacle, a gauge outputs a signal indicative of the level of the surface of the slag, and the rate of evacuation of the chamber is reduced to reduce the rate of gas generation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to produce briquettes that have high strength even when the amounts of binder and water used are decreased as much as possible. A method for producing briquettes that achieve this object includes a step of forming primary granules by using a powder containing a metal oxide and at least one of zinc oxide, lead oxide, and titanium oxide and a step of compressing the primary granules still containing the at least one of zinc oxide, lead oxide, and titanium oxide so as to mold the primary granules into secondary granules.

Abstract: A method for filtering molten aluminum and aluminum alloys. The method includes providing a reticulated foam wherein oxygen is introduced to an interior of the reticulated foam. Molten aluminum or aluminum alloy is passed through said reticulated foam wherein oxygen is maintained at a partial pressure of at least 2.51×10?35 atm during filtration.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing Fe and Ni-containing material and Co-containing material from petrochemical desulfurization residue containing Fe and Ni or Fe and Co, manufacturing raw material for stainless steel using the Fe and Ni-containing material, and manufacturing ferro-nickel using the Fe and Ni-containing material. The method of manufacturing Ni and Fe-containing material includes acid-treating Ni and Fe-containing residue to remove alkali therefrom; drying the residue and heat treating the residue in a temperature range from 600° C. (degree Centigrade) to 1300° C.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving component extraction from heap leach operations. Following heap leaching for some time, portions of the heap deficient in component extraction are identified, and treatment wells are drilled and remedial treatments are selectively performed on the identified portions of the heap. The remedial treatment can include hydraulically fracturing the identified portions of the heap followed by selective treatment with leach solution of the area impacted by the fracturing.

Abstract: A tobacco tin can include a container portion further comprising a main body and a hook member, and a lid further comprising a major portion and an engagement member. The lid is sized to fit over the container portion so that the lid is removably attachable to the container portion. The hook member extends outwardly so that the outermost point of the hook member extends towards the lid and the engagement member extends outwardly so that the outermost point of the engagement member extends towards the container portion when the lid is removably attached to the container portion.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head having a compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. A pawl groove is formed in an inner periphery of compartment and slideably receives a pawl. A switch is received in a switch grove in the head and pivotable about a pivoting axis. A control member is movable between two positions to control engagement between the pawl and the drive member through sliding movement of a guide of the switch in a control groove in the control member. The guide of the switch contacts the contact groove at a contact point when the control member is in either operative position. A tangent to an outer surface of the guide at the contact point has an angle not larger than 45° relative to a reference line extending perpendicularly to the pivoting axis and intersecting a longitudinal axis of the guide.

Abstract: Pliers with parallel jaws include an upper portion having an upper jaw of upper teeth, a lower jaw portion having a lower jaw of lower teeth. The lower jaw portion includes first and second pivot points. An adjustment portion is non-pivotably coupled to the upper portion and selectively movable relative thereto and includes a first pivot point. A lower handle includes first and second pivot points. A break over link includes first and second pivot points pivotably coupled to the adjustment portion and lower handle's first pivot points, respectively. A two-point link includes first and second pivot points pivotably coupled to the upper portion's and lower jaw portion's first pivot points, respectively. A three-point link includes first and second pivot points pivotably coupled to upper and lower jaw portions' first and second pivot points, respectively, and a third pivot point pivotably coupled to the lower handle's second pivot point.

Abstract: A pneumatic impulse wrench for tightening screw joints includes a housing with a pressure air inlet passage, an exhaust air outlet passage, a rotation motor, a hydraulic impulse generator, and is connected to a stationary programmable control unit. The impulse wrench also includes a torque indicating mechanism connected to the control unit for feeding back electric signals responsive to the output torque of the wrench, an electromagnetically activated inlet valve arranged in the air inlet passage, and an electromagnetically activated exhaust valve which controls the exhaust air flow from the motor. The exhaust valve is a proportional valve activated by a linearly operated electromagnetic actuator and arranged to continuously adapt the exhaust air flow and, hence, the motor power to the characteristics of the actual screw joint being tightened in response to feed back signals from the torque indicating mechanism and in accordance with a programmed tightening strategy.

Abstract: A torque detection device includes an enclosure, at least one toque-strain bar, at least one adaptor, a coupler, at least one strain gauge, and a torque display unit. The toque-strain bar is enclosed by the enclosure and has opposite ends respectively forming coupling terminals for coupling with the adaptor and the coupler in either direction. The adaptor is connectable to a torque device, such as a hand tool, an electric tool, or a pneumatic tool. The coupler is connectable to a tool piece, such as a wrench socket. The strain gauge is directly mounted to the toque-strain bar to detect the value of a torque applied thereto and to convert the torque value into a torque value signal, which can be outputted in either wired or wireless manner. The torque display unit is mounted to the enclosure and receives the torque value signal from the stain gauge, whereby the torque display unit may perform displaying of torque value, alarming, and storage according to the torque value signal.

Abstract: A device for cutting tubular and rod-shaped work pieces using the whirling method includes a whirling unit on which a holder mounted so as to rotate, connected with a drive, for a saw blade having internal teeth is disposed. The holder and saw blade are provided with corresponding reference mechanisms for fixation of the saw blade in a defined position. The device also includes a mechanism for automatic replacement of the saw blade. A saw blade having internal teeth is also provided for use in this device. The saw blade has at least two indexing bores and at least two gripping openings, which are disposed offset relative to one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an externally circular precursor lens that is processed into a rim-shaped lens includes inputting processing data to specify the shape of the rim-shaped lens, and processing a material block based on the processing data so as to manufacture a precursor lens. An elliptical virtual rim surrounding the precursor lens manufactured at that time is imaginarily set, and is processed based on the processing data up to that range, and, outside the virtual rim, an amount of sag is changed to secure the edge thickness of the precursor lens. This method for manufacturing a precursor lens for a rim-shaped lens reduces an excessive load imposed on a processing tool during processing, allows the precursor lens to be processed into a rim-shaped lens while satisfactorily maintaining its edge thickness without the lack of the edge of the precursor lens, and results in a thin lens.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet material cutting device includes a rotatable blade including a blade unit, which extends from one end of the rotary shaft to the other end thereof and defines a predetermined angle relative to an axial direction of the rotary shaft, provided on the outer circumference of a rotary shaft rotatably supported by a support frame. The sheet material cutting device further includes a fixed blade mounted on the support frame so as to be opposed to the rotatable blade and configured to cut a sheet material in a transverse direction perpendicular to the feed direction of the sheet material that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary shaft. The sheet material cutting device further includes a sheet-suspension prevention unit configured to prevent a rear edge of the sheet material in its feed direction from being suspended within the support frame.

Abstract: A sheet punching apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of movement distance of a movable member and maintaining the durability of a drive unit of the apparatus. A sheet post-processing apparatus controller computes a time period corresponding to an amount of overrun of a slider at the time of stopping the slider in an initial operation. In a punching operation, the sheet post-processing apparatus controller starts a punch motor at a timing earlier by the computed time period corresponding to the amount of overrun than a stop timing of a conveyance motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and a method for automatically trimming a rectangular photovoltaic module are disclosed. The module comprises two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides and comprising two equally sized glass plates which rest one on the other and further comprises an intermediate layer comprising a film overlapping the glass plates on all sides. The apparatus comprises: a) holding means for fixing the rear transverse side of the module, b) means for the edge-precise cutting of the overlapping film of the module on the rear transverse side, c) means for the edge-precise, simultaneous cutting off of the overlapping film of the module on both longitudinal sides, d) holding means for fixing the front transverse side of the module, and e) means for the edge-precise cutting off of the overlapping film of the module on the front transverse side. A computer program for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple punch and die assembly adapted to be placed in a punch press having a punch ram for imparting movement to a selected punch assembly for carrying out a punching or forming operation comprises a punch assembly for holding a plurality of selectively operable punches mounted for independent movement in the punch assembly so as to selectively engage a workpiece. The punch assembly has a punch carrier for reciprocal motion within a punch guide and a striker body engaging the punch carrier, said striker body being selectively, toollessly connectable to the punch carrier by a pair of tabs located on a lower circumference of the striker body, said pair of tabs located on a lower circumference of the striker body with a radial separation other than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A punching device includes: a base including a die part that has a top wall; an abutting member connected to the base; a punch supported on the base, movable relative to the die part and the abutting member between upper and lower positions; and an ejecting unit supported on the base and including a non-compressible ejecting element disposed above and adjacent to the top wall of the die part. The punch is movable relative to the ejecting unit at least during movement of the punch from a middle position to the lower position. The ejecting unit abuts against the abutting member at least when the punch is disposed at the upper position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool (1), especially a machine tool designed as a handheld jigsaw (2), wherein an optical device (33; 59), the window (30) of which is associated with a protective system (35) against soiling and/or damage, is provided for the working field (9) of said machine tool and/or for a working line (27) in the detection surface (10) of said machine tool as a path specification.