Abstract: A clutch actuation device is provided for dual clutches of a Dual Clutch Transmission. The clutch actuation device includes, but is not limited to a cylinder assembly that is substantially fixed to a clutch casing. The cylinder assembly includes, but is not limited to an inner annular chamber, an outer annular chamber, an inner annular piston, and an outer annular piston. The inner annular chamber is intended for receiving liquid under pressure and includes, but is not limited to an inner inlet. Similarly, the outer annular chamber is intended for receiving liquid under pressure and includes, but is not limited to an outer inlet. The outer annular chamber surrounds a portion of the inner annular chamber. The inner annular piston is slidably disposed in the inner annular chamber for actuating a first clutch disc whilst the outer annular piston is slidably disposed in the outer annular chamber for actuating a second clutch disc.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt from a nickel and/or cobalt containing solution comprising: (i) contacting the nickel and/or cobalt containing solution with metallic particles of at least one metal that is more electronegative than nickel and/or cobalt thereby enabling a cementation process to occur between the nickel and/or cobalt in the solution and the metallic particles to produce a nickel and/or cobalt cementate; and (ii) separating the nickel and/or cobalt cementate from the metallic particles thereby producing a slurry including nickel and/or cobalt cementate.

Abstract: Iron-based powder metallurgical compositions including both iron-copper prealloy and copper powder are described. These compositions, when compacted and sintered, result in compacts having good dimensional consistency.

Abstract: Embodiments of an aluminum dross cooling head are disclosed. The cooling cooperates with a material container encapsulate dross and reduce thermiting of the dross. In one embodiment, the cooling head also serves as a compression head when forced into the dross by a cooperating dross press assembly.

Abstract: A one-step process for synthesizing gold-copper bimetallic nanocubes. The process comprises the step of simultaneously reducing a copper II salt and a gold halide by 1,2-hexadecanediol in diphenyl ether, and 1-dodecanethiol as well as surfactants 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid and 1-hexadecylamine. The copper II salt may be copper (II) acetylacetonate, copper chloride, copper sulfate, or copper phosphate. The gold halide may be chloroauric acid, gold chloride, gold bromide, or tetrabromoauric acid. The reduction may occur at a temperature between about 160 and 180 degrees Celsius. The copper II salt may be copper (II) acetylacetonate and the gold halide may be chloroauric acid.

Abstract: A metal powder manufacturing device for manufacturing a metal powder includes a feed for supplying a molten metal, a fluid spout unit, and a course modification unit. The fluid spout unit further includes a channel and an orifice. The channel is provided below the feed, allowing passing of the molten metal supplied from the feed. The orifice is opened at a bottom end of the channel, spouting a fluid into the channel. The above course modification unit is provided below the fluid spout unit, and forcibly changes the traveling direction of a dispersion liquid. This dispersion liquid is composed of multiple fine droplets dispersed into the fluid. The above droplets are a resultant of a breakup caused by a contact between the molten metal and the fluid ejected from the orifice. Here, the dispersion liquid is transported so that the droplets is cooled and solidified in the dispersion liquid in order to manufacture the metal powder.

Abstract: A temperature-specific compound applied to refractory substrates having molten metal-contacting surfaces creates a chemically active and viscous surface that dramatically increases the ability of the treated substrate to remove slag, dross and other inclusions from a base metal alloy as it passes through or contacts the substrate. The refractory substrates include molten metal filters used by foundries and metal casters such as reticulated ceramic foam, cellular/honeycomb, silica mesh, and others that rely on their physical or sieving ability to remove particulate impurities from the base alloy being cast. The chemically active surfaces significantly increase filtration efficiency through a treatment process tailored to the specific chemistry of the alloy being filtered, such as ferrous metals that include iron, steel and more.

Abstract: In a method and a device for operating a smelting reduction process, at least part of an export gas from a blast furnace or a reduction unit is thermally utilized in a gas turbine and the exhaust gas of this gas turbine is used in a waste heat steam generator to generate steam. The remaining part of the export gas is fed to a CO2 separation apparatus, the tail gas thereby obtained being fed to a waste heat steam generator and burned for additional steam generation. The combustible components of the tail gas are sent for thermal utilization in a steam generator, so that the overall energy balance of the thermal use of the export gas is improved. In addition, a further part of the export gas is qualitatively improved by the CO2 separation apparatus, so as to generate a high-quality reduction gas which can be supplied for metallurgical use.

Abstract: A process for separating Co from Ni in an aqueous solution comprises subjecting the solution to extraction and using kinetic differences between Ni and Co in the extraction for achieving at least a partial separation of Co from Ni. This is effected by controlling the duration of the extraction so that a major portion of Co and a minor portion of Ni is extracted from the solution to produce a loaded extractant, enriched in Co and depleted in Ni compared to the feed solution, and a Co-depleted raffinate containing Ni. In a further embodiment, the invention utilizes kinetic differences between Ni and Co during striping for effecting separation of Ni and Co. The loaded extractant can be subjected to a bulk stripping or a selective stripping operation to obtain Co and Ni solutions from which Ni and Co can be recovered. The process may be incorporated in a hydrometallurgical process for the extraction of Ni and/or Co from an ore or concentrate containing Ni and Co.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be a witness material that may change a characteristic of at least a portion of the bit. The module may detect when the witness material is separated from the bit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.

Abstract: The corkscrew according to the invention, which has the basic structure of a conventional corkscrew, comprising a helix (1) which fits into a handle (3) with a grooved configuration so that, in the operating condition of the helix (1), it may remain partially engaged within the grooved part of the handle (3), said handle (3) being hinged at one of its ends on a support arm (5), is principally characterized in that the handle (3) incorporates a metal core (7) with a basically U-shaped cross section, housing internally a longitudinally displaceable capsule-cutting knife (10) capable of protruding externally from the handle (3) and with a blade extended at the rear in the form of a widened segment (11) acting as a guide, having a lateral projection (12) protruding towards the outside of the handle (3) through a longitudinal groove (13) along which it is displaceable with the aid of the user's finger. In this way the knife may be easily extracted using only one hand.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a tool head and a handle connected to the tool head. The tool head is adapted to drive a fastening member. The handle includes an external tube adapted to be held by a user, and an internal rod inserted into the external tube. One end of the internal rod is connected to the tool head. The external tube can be selectively moved relative to the internal rod between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the external tube is securely engaged with the internal rod. While in the second position, the external tube is rotatable relative to the internal rod so that the user can regulate the external tube of the handle in the first position or the second position upon demands, thereby obtaining comfortable and power-saving operation.

Abstract: A screwdriver bit structure sequentially comprises a connection section, a neck reducing section and a driving section. A plurality of arc grooves is circularly disposed to a front of the driving section to form an operating end capable of embedding with a locking member. An effective working section is disposed to a front of the operating end, the characterized in that a reinforcement section is preset between an end of each arc groove of the driving section and a relative bottom edge of the driving section. An external diameter of a maximum cross-section of the effective working section is greater than a length of the neck reducing section. An external diameter of the neck reducing section is greater than or equal to a length of the working section. An upper tapering transition is disposed between the neck reducing section and the driving section.

Abstract: A drive design for a fastening element in-stalled using screws, in particular, a screw or a nut, comprises drive surfaces (13) disposed at least approximately in radial planes and transition surfaces (15) disposed between said drive surfaces. In one embodiment of the outside of the surfaces, the surfaces form a saw shape, In this way, when rotation is in one direction in which a tool en-gages with the drive surfaces (13), torque-application results, whereas in the opposite rotational direction a force component is produced that acts on the tool without engaging with the screw drive design. A tool is designed to be complementary to the screw drive design. The screw drive design can be an inner shaping as well an outer shaping. The same applies for a nut. This drive design is intended for designing a screw connector in such a way that it can be tightened once, but cannot be loosened any longer.

Abstract: A torque-adjusting machine includes a securing fixture, a torque-detecting mechanism, a driving device and an adjusting mechanism. The securing fixture is capable of retaining a first bracket of a hinge. The driving device is capable of retaining a second bracket of the hinge. The torque-detecting mechanism is connected to the securing fixture and capable of detecting torque of the hinge through rotating the first bracket of the hinge relative to the second bracket of the hinge. The adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting pole. The adjusting pole is capable of moving from a first position, where the adjusting pole is capable of engaging with the hinge and adjusting the torque of the hinge by rotation, to a second position, where the adjusting pole is capable of being disengaged from the hinge.

Abstract: An extensive apparatus includes a shaft, a sensor, a display, a sleeve and a shell. The sensor is attached to the shaft so that the sensor detects torque exerted on the shaft. The display is electrically connected to the sensor so that the value of the torque detected by the sensor is shown on the display. The sleeve includes a tunnel through which the shaft extends. The sleeve is connected to the shaft so that they can only rotate together. The shell is rotationally provided around the sleeve. The display is connected to the shell so that the display is rotational relative to the shaft and easily observable regardless of the shaft.

Abstract: A tailstock device for a lathe includes a carrier defining an accommodation space for accommodating a hub mount. The hub mount is turnable relative to the carrier and has two angularly displaced stage posts extending radially and outwardly for mounting first and second holders, respectively. By turning of the hub mount, a selected one of the holders is moved to a working position to aligned with a longitudinal axis of a workpiece held thereby. The tailstock device can hold a variety of workpieces, and allow adjustment of the angle and position of a workpiece held thereby.

Abstract: In order to be able to measure a diameter in a turning machine without rotating a workpiece and thus prevent circularity and concentricity errors from entering into the diameter determination, it is proposed according to the invention to use a measuring device that is movable in both transversal directions relative to the rotation axis, thus in the X-direction and also in the Y-direction, wherein the measuring device can scan the workpiece from both sides in one clamping step without rotating the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for trimming the thickness of a mechanical body is disclosed. The trimming is performed by screwing a screw through a threaded hole and having the end of the screw pressing against the center of a disk element, which, by deformation, acts as a lever against an adjacent body.

Abstract: A cutting plotter (1) is provided with a guide rail (15a), a carriage (21) which is movable along the guide rail (15a), a cutter blade (26) which is mounted on the carriage (21), and a control unit which performs control for moving the carriage (21) and control for moving the cutter blade (26) in the upper and lower direction to perform a cutting work. When control for moving the carriage (21) along the guide rail (15a) is to be performed by the control unit, in a case that a distance between a sheet material (M) and the carriage (21) is wider than a predetermined distance, control for moving the cutter blade (26) in a direction biting into the sheet material (M) is added and, in a case narrower than the predetermined distance, control for moving the cutter blade (26) in a direction separated from the sheet material (M) is added.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a hot forming system for producing press-hardened formed components of sheet steel, comprising a furnace (8) by means of which sheet steel which is to be hot formed, can be at least partially heated to austenitization temperature, and comprising a press system (10) for hot forming and press-hardening of the sheet steel heated in the furnace. To make it possible to use available pressing capacities and to reach a high number of strokes and thus a high productivity, the invention provides for a heating device (7) to be arranged upstream of the furnace (8), by means of which the sheet steel (2) can be at least partially heated to a temperature of below the austenitization temperature, preferably to a temperature in the range of from 500 to 700° C., and for the press system (10) to be embodied in a multi-stage manner, wherein a first part (10.

Abstract: A sheet metal punching apparatus 1 includes an upper die holder 2 which is raised and lowered by a hydraulic ram and the like; a pressing plate 3 secured to the upper die holder 2; a pressing pad 5 suspended from the upper die holder 2 through a resilient member 4; a punch holder 7 secured to the pressing pad 5 by means of a bolt 6 and the like and constructed as a punch unit; a lower die 9 on which a sheet metal 8 to be subjected to punching is placed; and a die 11 embedded in the lower die 9 and having a though hole 10 of an oval shape conforming to the shape of a through hole to be punched in the sheet metal 8.

Abstract: A dust-collecting device of a cutting tool having a rotary cutter blade may include a dust-collecting container connected to a dust-collecting port of a stationary cover that covers an upper portion of the rotary cutter blade. The dust-collecting container includes a self dust-collecting mechanism that is capable of forcibly collecting cutting chips into the dust-collecting container.

Abstract: In a device for cutting to length and feeding spine strips (3) for a case maker (1), a center strip conveying device (30) is provided that advances the spine strip material (5, 6) by the spine width (BS) transverse to the board feed direction (23) in a cyclic fashion. The spine width (BS) can be changed from work cycle to work cycle without accumulating additional waste. This can be realized because the previously required width sizing on the material web is eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a moving receiver includes a plurality of cutting devices and a transport mechanism for selectively moving the cutting devices perpendicular to the feed direction of the receiver. Each cutting device includes two parallel cutting wheels and a pressure wheel arranged so that the cutting wheels are pressed laterally against the pressure wheel to form two cutting areas and a chad area arranged laterally between the cutting areas. A drive mechanism rotates the cutting wheels or pressure wheel of two or more of the cutting devices so that the rotating cutting wheels engage the moving receiver to cut the moving receiver parallel to its feed direction. A controller receives a job specification including two or more specified cut locations and causes the transport mechanism to laterally position two or more of the cutting devices to cut the moving receiver in the specified cut locations.

Abstract: A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a tool unit having a rotary circular blade, a movable cover mounted to the tool unit and having a cover body movable in a moving direction to cover and uncover a part of the rotary circular blade by the cover body, and a position adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the position of the cover body of the movable cover in an adjusting direction different from the moving direction.

Abstract: The present application provides a clamping device for a saw blade having a main body with a saw blade slot for installing the clamped portion of the saw blade, a first locking element installed on the main body and a first reversion element for exerting a force on the first locking element. The clamping device for a saw blade may further comprise a second locking element installed on the main body having a second reversion element for exerting a force on the second locking element so that the second locking element tends to move toward the longitudinal axis of the saw blade slot. At the clamping location, the first and second locking elements clamp the saw blade. Using the saw blade clamping device of the present application results in a stable saw blade for sawing and greatly enhances sawing efficiency.

Abstract: A cutting device for a machine tool, suitable for mounting on the spindle support structure of a machine tool (200) for processing and cutting materials (224), incorporates sucker means (44a,b,c,d,e,f; 64a,b,c) able to cause said device (30) to adhere to and be fixed to the materials being machined (224). The invention also relates to a cutting head comprising a protection device with incorporated sucker means (44a,b,c,d,e,f; 64a,b,c), a cutting spindle (10, 100, 300, 400) comprising a protection device (30) with incorporated sucker means (44a,b,c,d,e,f; 64a,b,c) and a machine (200) for machining the materials, comprising a cutting spindle incorporating sucker means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piano hammer for striking the strings of a piano, comprising a hammer shank and a hammer head, which is covered with a cover along at least part of its peripheral surface. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved piano hammer which can be tuned in a simple and reproducible, especially also reversible, manner. According to the invention, the cover has a varying thickness along the peripheral surface and the hammer head can be adjusted with respect to the position of its peripheral surface with which it impacts the one or more string(s) to be struck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for adding a string to a stringed instrument, consisting of an additional string and an additional tuning machine which can be clamped onto the head of the stringed instrument using a clamping member. The system moreover preferably comprises a hooking member to which the string can be hooked, and fixing means for fixing the hooking member to the stringed instrument.

Abstract: The flare Pick is a dimensional guitar pick used for playing a variety of stringed instruments that are typically strummed or where individual notes are “picked”. The pick's unique side index finger indentation allows the inside edge of the users index finger to form fit into the picks body. The opposing thumb is pressed against the back of the pick firmly locking the pick into position. The stability of the picks design prevents slippage or rotating while in use and provides a stable and dependable orientation for proper string/pick engagement. The size, flexibility and depth of indentation can vary to accommodate all types of playing styles and finger sizes.

Abstract: A holder, comprising a retaining device adapted to selectively couple with an item and a base adapted to selectively couple with a surface, and a clamp assembly coupled with the retaining device and base. The clamp assembly allows relative adjustment of the retaining device and base members.

Abstract: A musical instrument keyboard is provided comprising a plurality of black and white keys being identically shaped and sized and arranged on a single plane in a parallel and fully adjacent manner relative to one another said keys being connected to key responsive means for enabling the generation of tones substantially within the tonal range of a standard piano.

Abstract: A system and method for visual representation of sound, wherein the system and method obtain sound information from a multimedia content; generate an icon based on the sound information obtained; generate a directional indicator based on the sound information; and then display the icon and the directional indicator on a display screen. The sound information typically includes various attributes that can be mapped to various properties of the display elements (icon and directional indicator) to provide details relating to the sound via a visual display.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a student to learn how to play a musical instrument, the musical instrument is associated with a learner terminal which includes at least one input device and at least one output device, reference data; and a processor device; test data can be upon instruction by the processor device be submitted to the learner terminal by the student with either the at least one input device or the musical instrument; the test data is automatically processed by the processor device by analysing the at least referencing the test data to the reference data so that a response can be communicated by the processor device to the student trough the at least one output device.

Abstract: Disclosed is player module that includes an outer frame and a signal receiver configured to receive a plurality of note-on signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch and a plurality of note-off signals, each corresponding to a musical pitch. The player module includes a plurality of LEDs extending along the outer frame. Each LED is located above a key of a keyboard when the elongated outer frame is placed above the keys of the keyboard. Each of the plurality of LEDs is controlled by a corresponding note-on signal and a corresponding note-off signal, such that each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to illuminate when the processor receives the corresponding note-on signal and each of the plurality of LEDs is configured to stop illuminating when the processor receives the corresponding note-off signal.

Abstract: A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. The synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.

Abstract: A system and method is described for a novel, simplified electronic musical instrument. By combining a simplified user input controller with a musical instrument synthesizer, a new simple to learn musical instrument is created allowing anyone to perform music without mastering the skills required to play traditional instruments. Traditional instruments require significant skills by users to even make sounds considered musical. The invention described herein allows any unskilled player to pick up the instrument and make music. Additionally, the user will be able to collaborate with others over the Internet, record, playback and edit their compositions, as well as publish the compositions.

Abstract: A method for applying a braided fabric over a mandrel using a braiding apparatus having a central axis and providing braiding yarns drawn toward a braiding point where a braid is formed on the mandrel, the method comprising the steps of advancing the mandrel through the braiding point of the braiding apparatus, determining a current position of the mandrel; and controlling the position of the mandrel transversely to the central axis of the braiding apparatus responsive to the current position such that a center point of a mandrel cross-section passing through the braiding apparatus is coincident with the braiding point.

Abstract: Branched braided stent or graft devices and processes for fabrication of the devices are disclosed in which a trunk portion and two hinge leg portions are fabricated in one piece braided from a single plurality of filaments, whereby the legs contain the full plurality of filaments and the trunk portion contains a subset of the same plurality of filaments. The fabrication process involves braiding the hinged legs on a mandrel while retaining loops of filament between the hinged leg portions for subsequent braiding of the trunk portion of the stent or graft.

Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of a explosive pipe cutter may be improved by mixing the explosive material with powdered metal to increase the explosive gas density or directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material

Abstract: Structures based upon periodic cellular materials that provide a potential for defeating combinations of both air blast loading and ballistic attack either sequentially or simultaneously, or combination of both. The cellular structures may also be configured to meet the stiffness and strength support requirements of particular vehicle or other applications, systems or structures. The armor is therefore potentially able to support normal service loads and defeat blast and ballistic threats when necessary. The structure provides for using efficient load support capabilities of the material (without a high armor protection level) in low threat conditions, as well as the ability to modify the system to increase its level protection to a desired or required level. This would reduce the weight of the protection system in normal (low threat) conditions which reduces vehicle wear and tear, as well as cost savings in fabrication of applicable structures or systems.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure for armoring a motor vehicle is made of a steel plate and has a substantial hemispherical shape. The structure is reinforced by bending edges having an X-shaped configuration extending over the entire surface of the structure. Arranged between the legs of the X-shaped portion are sections which have surface areas between the legs of the X-shaped portion. The surface area of the X-shaped portion has a generally concave curvature, whereas the surface areas of the sections 11 have convex configurations in relation to the concave surface area of the X-shaped portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile structure resistant to the impact of projectiles (bullet-proof) and to the penetration of sharp and/or pointed elements, at least partially produced with ballistic yarns, said textile structure being at least partially impregnated with a polycarbonate-based resin, in the form of a copolymer or in a mixture with other polymers, dissolved in a solvent, and having a thickness at least 10% lower than the thickness corresponding to its weaving step. Methods of preparing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Overpressure absorbing material is positioned on the exterior of an enclosure. When an explosion occurs adjacent the enclosure, the overpressure absorbing material absorbs a large portion of an incoming overpressure wave from the explosion. The overpressure absorbing material cushions the impact of the overpressure wave against the enclosure and may prevent the incoming overpressure wave from penetrating the enclosure in sufficient magnitude to cause injury to the enclosure's occupants. The overpressure absorbing material may also be positioned on the interior of the enclosure. The overpressure wave from the explosion may enter the enclosure via a breach or other opening and may resonate within the enclosure, causing injury to the enclosure's occupants. The interior overpressure absorbing material also prevents a significant magnitude of the overpressure wave from being reflected off the interior walls of the enclosure, resonating within the enclosure, and causing injury to the enclosure's occupants.

Abstract: A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge uses an outer and an inner armor layer provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer.

Abstract: A rotary pump is provided having a chamber arranged in a body and a displacement member disposed in the chamber for reciprocating therein. A drive member is used to move the displacement member within the chamber in response to relative rotation between the body and the drive member. A radial valve arrangement may be used to time when the chamber is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet ports on the pump.

Abstract: An anodized aluminum hydraulic leveling cylinder 10 for a vehicle includes an extruded hollow body 20 having a vehicle attachment portion 24 for attaching the body to the underside of a vehicle. A piston 80 is slidably fitted into the interior of the body. The piston is formed of ductile aluminum capable of being machined to a desirable shape and dimensions. The piston is hard anodized and PTFE coated for durable and silent operation. Hydraulic oil passage means 23a, 23b is formed in the body, and a cap 50 with a pair of dual flow-through passages 53 is attached to the top end 30 of the body for permitting the flow of pressurized hydraulic oil into and out of the interior of the body to effect axial movement of the piston. Hydraulic fluid may be transferred through one or more hollow mounting bolts.