Abstract: A device for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state comprises two bimetallic strips placed on an insulated metal ring plated with insulating paint, wherein the two bimetallic strips are placed in parallel or V-shaped to insulated metal ring on the same plane, one end of each bimetallic strip is fixed on the insulated metal ring, the other end of the bimetallic strip hangs inside of the insulated ring, the distance of two bimetallic strips were controlled within 0.002-1 mm. Also provided is a method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state.

Abstract: A multi-vortex flowmeter includes a vortex type detection device including a measurement tube provided in a flow channel to allow a fluid to be measured to pass, a vortex generator provided in the measurement tube to face a flow of the fluid to be measured, and a vortex detector for detecting a change based on a Karman vortex generated by the vortex generator. The flowmeter also includes a thermal type detection device including a temperature sensor and a heating temperature sensor, each protruding into the flow channel, and a flow rate converter, in which a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure in a pipe wired together with the vortex detector and the thermal detection device is provided integrally with the flow rate converter.

Abstract: A tactile sensor array includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer with a two-phase compressible dielectric material therebetween. A ferroelectret film is used as a dielectric layer. In some embodiments, to improve sensor sensitivity and at the same time provide for high stability and reproducibility of sensor readings, the ferroelectret film is vented to atmosphere via a venting network of channels traversing at least one electrode layer and a curved rigid substrate. In some embodiments, an elastic supporting structure is provided that comprises individual elastic fastening elements connecting all layers of the sensor together. These individual elastic fastening elements are located throughout the layers of the sensor and prevent cross-talk between the individual sensors that may be caused by local shifts of parts of the sensor during use.

Abstract: The present invention aims at detecting torque with a high degree of precision, by suppressing influences such as disturbance and rotation dependency.

Abstract: A force sensing system comprising a force sensor cell with the necessary electronics to acquire and process various signals. The signals may provide force measurement data for activities performed, for instance, on a weight stack exercise machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe having an elongated main body with a proximal end for attachment to a wall of a duct or volume and a distal end that is disposed on the interior of the duct, such that the main body forms a measurement space through which the fluid is drawn for analysis.

Abstract: A device having at least one housing and one bottom connected to the housing. In this context, the housing has a housing wall and the bottom at least one base. Further it is provided for the base to have a specifiable edge. The essence of the present arrangement now lies in the fact that the edge of the base has at least two regions, a first region being situated closer to the housing wall and a second region being further removed from the housing wall.

Abstract: A screw mounting hole and a female screw part are formed in a bearing part of a gear cover, and the screw insertion hole is formed in the idle shaft. The idle shaft is fixed to the gear cover by inserting a fixing screw through the screw mounting hole and screwing it into the female screw part through the screw insertion hole. A positioning groove in a predetermined position in relation to the screw insertion hole is formed in the end face of the idle shaft. When the positioning groove is disposed perpendicularly to an engine mounting surface and the idle shaft is fitted to the gear cover, the screw mounting hole is opposed to the screw insertion hole and, when the fixing screw is fitted, the confirmation of hole positions and the aligning of holes can be eliminated.

Abstract: A split shaft transfer case includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are secured together along a plane of engagement to form an enclosure. An input shaft and an output shaft that are each supported for rotation about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the plane of engagement defined by the first and second housing portions. A first operating shaft is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a first operating clutch selectively connects the first operating shaft to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second operating shaft supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a second operating clutch selectively connects the second operating shaft to the input shaft for rotation therewith. The axis of rotation of at least one of the first and second operating shafts is movable relative to the axis of rotation of the input and output shafts.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission having at least two transmission groups and a method for operation of the transmission in which a mechanism is provided for maintaining traction force during gearshifts. A first friction clutch is an intermediate-gear clutch connected to a driveshaft of the motor and to a main transmission shaft which is connected with a transmission output shaft, the second friction clutch is a change-under-load clutch connected to the driveshaft and to a loose wheel of a second gear constant of a splitter group, and the third friction clutch is a change-under-load clutch connected with the driveshaft and with a loose wheel of a first gear constant of the splitter group. A direct connection can be formed in the transmission between the driveshaft and the main transmission shaft by way of the intermediate-gear clutch and the gear constants of the splitter group can be shifted, under load, by the change-under-load clutches.

Abstract: A shift operation device includes: a shift operation member including: a shaft portion; and an arm portion protruding in a radial direction with respect to a center axis of the shaft portion and being rotated around the center axis to perform shift operation of a gear; and a plurality of shift rail members, each of which includes: a rail portion; a shift fork portion; and a shift lug portion capable of being engaged with the arm portion. An engagement portion of the shift lug portion includes a pair of columnar projections arranged at positions mutually different in the shift direction and the select direction. When the shift lug portion is retained in a neutral position, pressure receiving surfaces of the columnar projections are approximately positioned on a reference orthogonal surface superimposed on the center axis and orthogonal to the rail portion.

Abstract: A synchronization and engagement device for a gear transmission of a motor vehicle is provided with: a cylindrical hollow portion, which is fixed and coaxial with respect to a shaft of the gear transmission; a toothed driving ring, fixed to an idle or neutral gear of the gear transmission; a first conical friction surface, carried by one between the driving ring and the gear; a floating toothed synchronizing ring, which has a second conical friction surface mating with the first conical surface; and at least one engagement member, which is angularly fixed with respect to the cylindrical hollow portion, is able to slide axially under the action of a control device, and has a cylindrical toothing, designed to render the cylindrical hollow portion angularly fixed with respect to the driving ring. The engagement member is located in a radial position that is more internal with respect to the conical friction surfaces, whilst the cylindrical toothing of the engagement member is an external toothing.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a first gear provided on the first shaft, the first gear having a centerline axis, and a second gear operatively connected to the first gear. The second gear includes a rotational axis that is maintained substantially coplanar with the centerline axis. The power steering device further includes a compliant member operatively connected with the second gear. The compliant member allows rotational compliance of the second gear while avoiding axial and radial compliance.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for a mechanical arm includes a supporting base, two reciprocating engines, a rotational plate, and four suction members. The reciprocating engine includes a cylinder and a driving rod. The cylinder is configured for driving the driving rod linearly and reciprocating along its longitudinal axis. The cylinder is rotatably fixed to the supporting base, thereby defining a first rotational axis therebetween. The driving rod is rotatably fixed to the rotational plate, thereby defining a second rotational axis therebetween. The rotational plate is also directly and rotatably fixed to the supporting base to be rotatable about a third rotational axis defined therebetween. The three rotational axes are parallel. The four suction members are fixed to the rotational plate.

Abstract: A robotic arm comprising a plurality of segments, each comprising articulated links, and means for causing each segment to bend so the arm can follow a serpentine path. A helical spring is provided coaxially with the arm to urge the links to an initial datum position, and to distribute the bending over the links of each segment.

Abstract: An X-Y linear slide mechanism includes a first block member having opposing exterior and interior surfaces, a second block member having a planar interior surface, a pair of cylindrical rods secured together along their axial lengths. The interior surfaces of the first and second block members each have elongate grooves formed therein. The elongate grooves have a length longer than the pair of cylindrical rods, a width to receive one of the cylindrical rods and a depth slightly greater than the diameter of one of the cylinder rods. Each of the pair of cylindrical rods are disposed in one of the elongate grooves providing X and Y linear motion of the second block member relative to the first block member.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a bicycle comprises an output transmission member that moves to at least a first output position and a second output position, a position maintaining mechanism, and a release control mechanism. The position maintaining mechanism includes a position maintaining member that moves between a position maintaining position and a position release position, wherein the position maintaining position maintains the output transmission member in one of the first output position and the second output position. The position release position allows the output transmission member to move toward the other one of the first output position and the second output position. The release control mechanism includes a release member that moves between a first release member position and a second release member position.

Abstract: A compact vehicle pedal includes a mounting bracket having a lower arm with guide slot. A swing plate having a mounting face and upper arm with guide slot is pivotally interconnected to a mounting bracket upper arm at a first axis by a pivot pin disposed within the swing plate guide slot, and the swing plate upper end has a first degree of freedom. An electronically controlled pedal arm assembly is mounted on the swing plate. A screw member connected to a drive apparatus has an end connected to the swing plate and operatively connected to the mounting bracket slot at the second axis, and the swing plate lower end has a second degree of freedom that is greater than the first. Activation of the drive apparatus displaces the screw member to pivotally constrain movement of the swing plate about the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: The “invention” is a unique device that has but one relevant purpose and that is to engage both regular and large mouthed mason jars that have been vacuum sealed with a “dome lid” (without a ring), thus attached by a user screwing the invention's two tiered body onto the selected mason jar. The top tier of the invention receives a regular mouthed mason jar while the lower tier receives a large mouthed mason jar. Once screwed onto the existing jar the user depresses the appropriate level leaf spring, thus inserting the associated lifting pin underneath the lip of the present dome lid and then, while holding the mechanism inward, the user unscrews the invention's body causing a counterclockwise and upward force on the dome lid via the lifting pin separating the dome lid from the mason jar, opening it.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to engage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms.

Abstract: A hand tool is disclosed. The hand tool has a gripping portion and a distal end with an attachment end disposed thereon. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with the attachment end to provide ratcheting action. A rotatable head is combined with the attachment end and engaged with the ratcheting mechanism. The rotatable head comprises a plurality of sockets and in some embodiments the rotatable head has four sockets of different size spaced thereon.

Abstract: A multipurpose socket wrench includes an elongated tubular body with an internal opening extending longitudinally from the distal end and having a hexagonal cross-section. A driver receiving opening extends longitudinally from the proximal end. Elongated holding arms are positioned in longitudinally extending grooves formed in the outer surface of the body. The arms are mounted for limited longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position. An attachment component gripping feature is positioned in the portion of the arms extending beyond the distal end of the body with the arms in the extended position. The arms are further mounted for limited radial movement of the gripping features.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for cutting a spinal implant. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle and a head. The handle is sized to receive a predetermined length of the implant. A head is rotatably attached to the handle and includes a blade. After the implant is inserted into the handle, the head is rotated causing the blade to move around the implant and cut an excessive length from the predetermined length.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically detecting the position of a cutting tool in a computerized numerically controlled lathe which is capable of preventing over-load operation of a driving motor by allowing an arm having a touch sensor mounted thereto to safely stop at a position while the driving motor stops operating. The touch sensor is pivoted by means of a gear assembly driven by the driving motor. When the arm is rotated and reaches a proper position, a worm and a worm wheel of the gear assembly are rotated until a camshaft is brought into contact with a stopper. The arm is moved toward the cutting tool and the cutting tool is brought into contact with the touch sensor in accordance with a program that is preprogramedly input into the computerized numerically controlled lathe.

Abstract: A cast-cutter for use in removing a cast from a patient comprises a body (20), cutting means (18, 148, 230) supported by the body (20), and a protection member (16, 204, 206, 236, 244) supported by the body (20) and adapted to be positioned between the cutting means (18, 148, 230) and the patient, to protect the skin of the patient. In one disclosed embodiment the cutting means cuts a cast by a shearing action. In another disclosed embodiment the cutting means cuts a cast by an abrading action.

Abstract: A head section for a rotary cutting device includes a body portion that includes a blade passage defined between a blade entrance opening and a blade exit opening. A blade fastening mechanism is positioned in the blade passage and includes a blade engaging member. The blade engaging member is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend across the blade passage at a blade install position. The blade engaging member is movable against the bias to clear the blade passage. A blade having a mount aperture proximate an insertion end thereof is secured to the body portion when the mount aperture occupies the blade mount position and the blade engaging member extends through the mount aperture. The blade can be installed in and removed from the head section without tools, simply by advancing the blade through the blade passage.

Abstract: Material webs (1), in particular printed products which are designed as two-ups or multiple-ups, are separated parallel to a conveyor direction (F) during an essentially continuous conveying, in that a waste strip is separated out of the material webs (1) in an alternating sequence of cutting steps. The material webs (1) in consecutive cutting steps, are cut in a shearing manner, and in an alternating manner on the one or the other side of the waste strip between essentially straight-lined cutting edges (3, 5) of the cutting knife (4) and the counter-knife (5). The cutting knives (4) are arranged around the periphery of a separating disk (2) rotating running in the same direction as the conveyor direction (F), wherein its cutting edges (3, 3?) lie in an alternating manner in the plane of the one and the other end-side of the separating disk (2). In each case, a stationary counter-knife (6) is aligned onto in each case one of the two end-sides of the separating disk (2).

Abstract: A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes an openended pliable thin-walled polymer guide track and cutting tool designed to track along said guide track to cut the cast and to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual.

Abstract: A saw with a base assembly, a table pivotably attached to the base assembly, a housing pivotably attached to the table, at least one rail slidably connected to the housing, and a saw assembly disposed on the at least one rail. The saw assembly includes a motor, and a blade driven by the motor. The saw also includes a dust collector attached to the saw assembly, the dust collector having a tube that extends through the housing.

Abstract: The invention is based on a machine tool, in particular a circular power saw, for machining a workpiece, having a covering (10) for guarding a user against machining residues of the workpiece that occur in operation and having an adjustable residue guide (12, 14) for carrying away at least some of the machining residues through an outlet opening in a defined direction in accordance with the position of the residue guide (12, 14). It is proposed that the residue guide is adjustable in such a way that in one position of the residue guide (12, 14), at least some of the machining residues are carried onward inside the covering (10).

Abstract: Tomatoes (11) or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article locator (44) of the article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins (26) for pushing the tomatoes though the cutter blades (20). The article pushers (24) have laterally extending front openings (36) for receiving a high pressure fluid spray for cleaning the fins (26) and cutter blades (20) without disassembling the components of the slicer. The article pushers (24) are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades (20) and extended positions over the cutter blades (20). A pick and placer (76) is carried by the same movable support plate (78) and moves simultaneously in the same lateral directions as the article pushers (24), between positions over the on-coming line of tomatoes (11) on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades (20).

Abstract: A shearing apparatus (10) for material unwound from reels comprises a support frame (12) for a working table (14) whereon a moving tape (16) is wound; said apparatus is provided with means for the temporary stabilization along at least a crosswise extended zone of said material arranged on the moving tape (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a portable band saw to an upright stationary table band saw includes a stand having a base, at least one vertically extending side wall, and a top. A work piece support surface can include an opening through which one run of a closed loop saw blade of the portable band saw can pass when the portable band saw is mounted in a supporting relationship with respect to the stand. A switch mounted on the stand operates the portable band saw independent of the finger trigger on the handle. The on/off switch is connected to a plug engaged by the portable band saw when mounted in the stand. The plug is engagable within a socket of the band saw and is electrically connected to bypass the finger trigger of the portable band saw and to create a circuit through the on/off switch.

Abstract: A manual food dicer includes a frame equipped with a cross blade and two guiding rails, a carriage movable in translation, and a longitudinal cutting knife equipped with triangular blades, wherein the knife cooperates with positioning mechanism enabling it to be elastically mounted between a working position in which the triangular blades jut out over the upper surface of the frame, and wherein a retracted position in which the triangular blades are retracted, the translation of the carriage causing the knife to move into retracted position.

Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes gun mount and ejection system for a machine gun. The gun mount and ejection system includes an ejection chute assembly including a hopper positioned intermediate the uprights of a carriage supporting the machine gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality tile are retained in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a segment of a disk in an adjacent row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting a surface. The device includes modular spaced armor assemblies having a ceramic face plate, a composite backing plate, and a lightweight low-density module therebetween. The modular spaced armor assemblies may be tiled to form a protective arrangement for protecting a desired surface. The lightweight low-density module includes one or more gas filled cavities.

Abstract: An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a hydraulic motor are described. By way of illustration, a motor control system has a first input configured to receive a step/direction command signal. A second input is configured to receive a position signal from a motor position sensor, such as a continuous turn motion sensor coupled to a hydraulic motor. A processing system is configured to control a hydraulic servo valve based at least in part on the step/direction command signal and the position signal.

Abstract: A piston is equipped with a skirt that has a sliding surface provided with an oil repellent resin layer. A solid lubricating resin layer and the oil repellent resin layer are exposed on the sliding surface. On the sliding surface, the oil repellent resin layer extends at an incline with respect to the centerline of the sliding surface in a circumferential direction of the piston.

Abstract: An automated apparatus that sterilizes and refills beverage containers with filtered water and any number of additives or ingredients such as nutrients, health supplements, caffeine, flavorings, vitamins, sweeteners, coloring agents, medicines, etc. The apparatus allows consumers, including home consumers, to produce, customize and “bottle” their own flavored and fortified filtered water.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus (1,101) for making infusions, particularly espresso, including a pumping unit (2,102) for pumping water from a tank (3,103) to a water superheating boiler (6,106), wherein the boiler (6,106) has a lower container (11,111) closed at its top by a perforated cover (12,112) allowing superheated water to flow into the lower container under pressure, the lower container (11,111) and top cover (12,112) being a plastic material. The brewing process includes a first step in which water is fed and pumped at a first feed velocity, a second step in which the velocity is increased to increase pressure in the chamber; the first velocity being lower than the second velocity. The upper boiler body (112) has the closing face (112a) of such a shape as to receive a corresponding single-dose pod (100) packed in paper, aluminum or another biodegradable material containing coffee or another flavor base in general.

Abstract: A toaster in which spaced, vertically oriented heating assemblies are nested within a cover that pivots between open and closed positions. In the open position, an consumer can add food slices to or remove toasted food slices from baskets in the toaster remotely from the heating assemblies. When the cover closes, the heating assemblies pivot to be positioned on both sides of the baskets. When energized, the heating assemblies toast the food slices.

Abstract: A fryer includes: a housing; an oil vat; a combusting and heating unit; an operational panel provided at a front face of the housing; and an exhaust pipe provided at a rear of the oil vat. A cooling path is defined at a rear of the operational panel in the housing. An external pipe is provided at a rear of the housing to surround the exhaust pipe and has an exhaust port of which the sectional opening area is narrowed at an upper end of the exhaust pipe. An air passage is defined by the housing and through which the cooling path and the external pipe are connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk foaming device with a mixing chamber, which is arranged downstream of a steam supply pipe and which is connected to a milk and/or milk/air supply pipe, and a discharge device for the mixture arranged downstream of the mixing chamber, which has a number of discharge channels. The emitted milk foam flow is to be improved. To achieve this the discharge openings of the discharge channels are sloped at an angle to the cross-sectional plane of the discharge channel and the slope angles of the discharge openings of the discharge channels have the same vertex.

Abstract: A device for cracking open an egg is shown, having egg-size sensing means for determining the size of an egg positioned in the device, thereby providing for automatic calibration of the device to the specific size of an egg to be cracked. The calibration determines how much would the distance between the piercing members and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the egg be reduced before the piercing members stop their advancing towards the egg and start moving apart for cracking its shell open. The device can thus open eggs of different sizes, e.g. having widths between 40 and 50 millimeters, accurately without requiring special preparation or manual calibration. A method for cracking open an egg based on said device is also shown.

Abstract: A large square baler includes a crop compressing plunger constructed in a modular fashion comprising a main support frame to which right and left plunger end sections and a plurality of identical individual cast plunger middle sections are bolted in side-by-side, spaced relationship to each other, with the space between adjacent sections defining a pathway through which a twine-delivery needle may pass to deliver twine to a knotter assembly when it is desired to secure a formed bale by tying lengths of twine about the bale.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine that includes a rotating element, a plunger, a guiding channel and a linking element. The plunger has a pivoting point. The pivoting point travels in the guiding channel. The guiding channel defines the longitudinal axis. The linking element is connected between the rotating element and the plunger. The plunger has a face configured to have a line of loading. The line of loading is generally normal to the longitudinal axis. The line of loading shifts across the face as the linking element drives the plunger generally in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.