Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is provided for monitoring trailer hitch loads comprising a hitch support and a hitch coupled to the hitch support including a hitch base having a hitch base radius, a hitch ball disposed on and above the hitch base, and a lug extending downwardly from the hitch base. An instrument spacer is disposed between the hitch base and the hitch support defining a cylindrical bore receiving the lug. The cylindrical bore extends along a central bore axis and has a bore radius that is less than the hitch base radius. At least one strain gauge is disposed on the instrument spacer at a radial distance from the central bore axis that is less than or equal to the hitch base radius and greater than or equal to the bore radius.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process valve (10) comprising a valve seat (14), a flow restrictor (12), a valve rod (16) and a drive unit (18) acting thereon, with a force measuring device (20, 44) being connected between said drive unit (18) and said flow restrictor (12). The invention is characterized in that said force measuring device (49) includes a spring (30, 46), and said force measuring device (29, 44) comprises a travel measuring device (38, 42, 50, 52) so as to allow the force acting on it to be determined based on the change in the deflection of the spring (30, 46) caused by the force acting on it.

Abstract: A disk-based fluid sample separation device including at least one air vent forming a part of a flow channel pattern on a microfluidic disk is disclosed. The fluid sample separation device is provided with an air vent sealing cover having at least through hole and is placed on the top surface of the disk. The air vent sealing cover is rotated with respect to the disk either at a first position or a second position. At the first position, the hole of the air vent sealing cover is in correspondence to the air vent of the flow channel pattern to control the sample liquid delivery. At the second position, the air vent of the flow channel pattern is closed. The flow channel pattern includes at least one sample storage reservoir, at least one sample processing reservoir, and at least one communication channel which is in fluid communication between the sample storage reservoir and the sample processing reservoir. In alternative, the status of the hole of the air vent sealing cover is controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: A horizontal atmospheric dustfall component trap includes: a dust sampling port that includes a ceiling plate, a side wall, and four or more partition plates; an air pipe; and a trap container, wherein the side wall is a plate that has a vertical center axis and has a side surface having a shape of a substantially circular truncated cone or a polygonal truncated cone widened upward, wherein the side wall is provided with four or more external air inlets each having an opening disposed at the same interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall and disposed at a specific height near the upper end thereof, and wherein the four or more partition plates divide a space surrounded by the side wall into fan-shaped areas having an equal size in a horizontal cross-section.

Abstract: A sample vial cap typically including a top portion made of plastic material and including an aperture and a septum about the aperture. A wall depends downward from the top. A ferromagnetic substance is included in the plastic material of at least the top portion.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic specimen holder for imaging and analysis facilitates imaging at very high tilt angles with a large field of view. A retractable specimen holder tip protects the specimen during transport. An optimized Dewar design is positioned at a fixed, tilted angle with respect to the axis of the holder, providing a means of continuously cooling the specimen irrespective of the high tilt angle and the amount of liquid nitrogen present in the vessel. The Dewar neck design reduces the entrapment of nitrogen gas bubbles and its shape prevents the spilling of liquid nitrogen at high tilt angles. The specimen holder has a retractable tip that completely encapsulates the specimen within a shielded environment internal to the specimen holder body. The cooling and specimen transfer mechanisms reduce thermal drift and the detrimental effects of vibrations generated by both the evaporation of liquid nitrogen present in the Dewar as well as other environmental effects.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a specimen holder for a grip used in materials, or similar testing. The user can position a specimen or testing sample within the open jaw, and then remove his or her hands to a safe location before activating the grip to grip the specimen.

Abstract: There is provided a dissolution properties measurement system using a piezoelectric sensor, capable of continuously measuring dissolution properties of a substrate in an aqueous solution by using the piezoelectric sensor. The dissolution properties measurement system includes: a specimen receiving unit including a chamber receiving a specimen therein; a mass measuring unit connected with the specimen to measure a mass change of the specimen in real time; and a dissolution properties measuring unit measuring a dissolution properties of the specimen on the basis of the value measured by the mass measuring unit.

Abstract: A method of teaching bonding locations of a semiconductor device on a wire bonding machine is provided. The method includes (1) providing the wire bonding machine with position data for (a) bonding locations of a first component of the semiconductor device, and (b) bonding locations of a second component of the semiconductor device; and (2) teaching the bonding locations of the first component of the semiconductor device and the second component of the semiconductor device using a pattern recognition system of the wire bonding machine to obtain more accurate position data for at least a portion of the bonding locations of the first component and the second component. The teaching step is conducted by teaching the bonding locations in the order in which they are configured to be wire bonded on the wire bonding machine.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting device uses the principle of leverage in such a way that torque input at one end of a lever can become a greater torque per unit time at the other end of the lever, and can be achieved in a uniform fashion.

Abstract: A linear-motion telescopic mechanism according to the present invention includes a plurality of block members (22) by which an arbitrary arm length is achieved in such a manner that the plurality of block member (22) are rigidly connected to each other so as to elongate a linear-motion telescopic joint (J3). On the other hand, by separating the plurality of block members (22) one by one from a rigid alignment of the plurality of block members (22), the linear-motion telescopic joint (J3) is contracted. The block members (22) unfixed from the rigid alignment are still serially connected but not in a rigid manner. That is, the block members (22) thus unfixed can be flexed in any directions, and therefore can be housed inside a support member (1) in a compact manner.

Abstract: Described herein is a spindle drive for the motorized adjustment of an adjustment element of a motor vehicle comprising a drive portion on the spindle side and a drive portion on the spindle nut side, in which the drive portions are able to be adjusted relative to one another in a linear manner for producing drive movements between a refracted position and an extended position and in each case comprising a coupling means for transferring the drive movements and a spring arrangement provided which pretensions the two drive portions in the extended position, wherein a predetermined rupture point is provided in the drive train of the spindle drive which fractures at a predetermined critical load acting via the coupling means on the spindle drive, and which is located outside the flux of force of the spring arrangement.

Abstract: Provided is a ball-screw spline which contributes to downsizing through reduction of an entire length of a spline shaft, while securing a sufficient stroke amount of a spline nut with respect to the entire length of the spline shaft.

Abstract: Each generic gear includes one tooth disposed in each of the sockets, and each tooth extends radially outward from one of the sockets and throat thereof. The teeth of the generic gear include resilient material adjacent the throat for compressing and allowing movement of each tooth relative to the outer periphery. In the species of FIG. 1, each tooth is entirely of the resilient material and diverges or circumferentially widens from adjacent the throat to define a gap from the throat to the outer periphery. In the species of FIG. 2, each tooth has a shell integral with the hub and a core of the resilient material fills each shell and extends into the socket to define a crescent-shaped gap with the socket end.

Abstract: A manual transmission having an input shaft whose rotation is transmitted to an output shaft by a selected set of gearwheel pairs, which include gearwheels that are positioned on common axes at an angle to one another. The gearwheel pairs each comprise at least one cone-shaped gearwheel. Rotational direction reversal of the output shaft can be produced, upon actuation of a clutch, by an intermediate wheel which is positioned to one side of the arrangement axes and which engages a mating gear located on the driving side and one located on the driven side. At least one of the mating gears is conical and the intermediate wheel is cylindrical and arranged relative to the mating gears such that a rotational axis of the intermediate wheel is parallel to the lines of contact with the mating gears. The rotational axes of the intermediate wheel and each mating gear intersecting at a common point.

Abstract: A right angle drive is provided. The right angle drive includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a housing a pair of input shaft bearings and a pair of output shaft bearings. The input shaft carries an input gear for rotation about an input axis. The output shaft carries an output gear for rotation about an output axis. The input and output gears are coupled to transfer rotational motion therebetween. The input and output axis being non-parallel to one another. The pair of input shaft bearings carry the input shaft within the housing for rotation about the input axis. One bearing is on either side of the input gear. The pair of output shaft bearings carry the output shaft within the housing for rotation about the output axis. One bearing is on either side of the input gear. The bearings may interlock with one another.

Abstract: A gear unit having at least one shaft supported by a bearing in the gear unit housing, the spatial region of a bearing of a shaft situated in a cutout of the gear unit housing being limited at least partially towards the interior of the gear unit by a limiting device, in particular one that has a cutout for a shaft supported in the bearing, the lowest point of the cutout effecting a minimum oil level in the spatial region of the bearing.

Abstract: A gear unit at least partially filled with oil, wherein a device is provided in the gear unit for lowering the oil level, especially of the oil pan of the gear unit, during operation, the device including at least one temporary storage.

Abstract: An instrument including an elongate portion having a first part movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration and a second part, at a different elongate extent along the elongate portion than the first part, movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration, at least one of the parts including a control whereby a force required to move the first part from the first configuration towards the second configuration is less than the force required to move the second part from the first configuration towards the second configuration. A method of using the instrument.

Abstract: A speed change operation apparatus includes a pivotal body operatively connected to a trunnion shaft to be pivotally displaced in response to an operational displacement by an operational tool, a positioning body operatively coupled with the pivotal body so as to be pivotally displaced in response to a pivotal displacement of the pivotal body, a main urging mechanism for applying an urging force to the pivotal body via the positioning body for returning the pivotal body from an operational position to the neutral position, and an auxiliary urging mechanism for applying an auxiliary urging force to the pivotal body for returning the pivotal body from the operational position to the neutral position. The returning urging force by the main urging mechanism when the trunnion shaft is located at the neutral position is stronger than the returning urging force by the main urging mechanism when the trunnion shaft is located at the operational position.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a first and a second part, which in the event of a vehicle crash can be displaced relative to each other in a displacement direction. At least one absorption element acts between the two parts for absorbing energy during the mutual displacement of the two parts, and at least one shift unit, which includes a shift component that can be shifted between a passive and an active shift position. The amount of the energy absorbed during the mutual displacement of the two parts differs in the passive and the active shift position of the shift component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulation device of a so-called steering column of a cycle, the said steering column consisting of at least one fork pivot and one handlebar tube, this steering column comprising two parts, a first part known as the upper part supporting the handlebar of a cycle and a second part known as the lower part supporting at least one front wheel. According to the invention, the said articulation device allows the steering column to be folded back along the chassis of the cycle at the same time as the front wheel is folded along the side of the cycle and allows the articulation to be locked so as to prevent both types of rotation.

Abstract: A female screw member 6 supported by a movable side bracket 31 includes: a movable side casing 61 provided with a nut container 67 through which a male screw shaft member 54 passes; and a pair of nuts 62 and 63 inserted into the nut container 67 non-rotatably but movably in an axial direction of the male screw shaft member 54 while threadedly engaging with the male screw shaft member 54. The movable side casing 61 includes a wedge member 64 whose tip end 64c is inserted between the nuts 62 and 63. The nuts 62 and 63 are separated from each other when the wedge number 64 is inserted therebetween, and outside surfaces 62c and 63c of female screw portions 62b and 63b of the nuts 62 and 63 come into contact with and get held by a male screw portion 54a of the male screw shaft member 54, thereby eliminating backlash between the female screw portions 62b and 63b and the male screw portion 54a.

Abstract: In one implementation a parking brake drive unit for a vehicle is provided that includes a main lever assembled in a pivoting manner on a support; a pivoting catch member on the main lever that includes engagement means adapted to engage a fixed geared sector, a button assembled on the main lever and connected to a rod that is adapted to move the catch member to disengage the engagement means from the geared sector when the button is operated; and an electrically activated locking device that operates to immobilize the rod when the locking device is electrically de-activated.

Abstract: In a crankshaft 200, one hole 213L formed in a crankpin 213 has a bottom surface having a larger area and a depth from a surface of the crankpin less than those of another hole 213M. In forming the hole 213L and the hole 213M, a preformed product 200 of the crankshaft having a shape smaller than that of a cavity is disposed in a die set and punches are simultaneously inserted into the crankpin 213. By this operation, the hole 213L and the hole 213M are simultaneously formed in each crankpin 213 of the preformed product 200.

Abstract: The invention comprises a continuous casting gearbox (1, 10, 100) used for operating rolls or rollers in a continuous casting plant. The gearbox (1, 10, 100) has water-bearing chambers (2, 20, 200) for shielding against heat radiation and hot convection. Due to the fact that the continuous casting gearbox (1, 10, 100) is surrounded by the chambers (2, 20, 200), it is possible to achieve an effective shielding, thus being able to avoid gearbox damage caused by an gearbox oil overheat.

Abstract: A transmission is provided with a transmission case partially defining a cavity containing unpressurized fluid. The transmission case has a first feature configured to collect splashed fluid and a second feature configured to direct the collected fluid to a chamber at least partially formed by the transmission case. A cap connected to the transmission case has an opening and an orifice offset from the opening. Fluid flows from the chamber through the orifice to a component when fluid reaches a first level in the chamber and flows through the central opening through an axial passage in the shaft to other components when fluid reaches a second level in the chamber. Fluid flow is provided to components through an axial passage from both ends of a rotatable shaft, such as an input shaft. The axial passage may have a threaded end to pump oil away from the end and prevent backflow.

Abstract: A system and process for reclaiming nickel and cadmium from a feed source such as Ni—Cd batteries. The feed source is shredded to produce feed particles, screened to size the particles, magnetically separated to remove non-metallic materials, and induction heated to generate nickel and cadmium products.

Abstract: A powder metal composite is disclosed. The powder metal composite includes a substantially-continuous, cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The composite also includes a plurality of dispersed first particles each comprising a first particle core material that comprises Mg, Al, Zn or Mn, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the nanomatrix; a plurality of dispersed second particles intermixed with the dispersed first particles, each comprising a second particle core material that comprises a carbon nanoparticle; and a solid-state bond layer extending throughout the nanomatrix between the dispersed first and second particles. The nanomatrix powder metal composites are uniquely lightweight, high-strength materials that also provide uniquely selectable and controllable corrosion properties, including very rapid corrosion rates, useful for making a wide variety of degradable or disposable articles, including various downhole tools and components.

Abstract: A powder processing method includes degassing a metallic powder in a rotating chamber that is evacuated to a sub-atmospheric pressure. The method may also include storing the metallic powder in a rotating storage chamber that is pressurized to a super-atmospheric pressure with a dry cover gas.

Abstract: A method of separating metals that are physically or structurally combined in assemblies which includes the steps of: providing at least one assembly that comprises two or more different metals that are physically or structurally combined; heating the at least one assembly in a tunnel kiln furnace to melt at least one of the different metals while maintaining at least one of the different metals in a solid state; and separating the at least one of the different metals that was melted from the at least one of the different metals that was maintained in the solid state. According to one embodiment the assemblies are “copper meatballs.” Also disclosed is a system for separating metals that are physically or structurally combined in assemblies which system includes a tunnel kiln furnace and processing containers or processing containment assemblies into or onto which the assemblies are loaded and transported through the tunnel kiln furnace in.

Abstract: A method for reducing tundish and ladle nozzle clogging in a steel making process by introducing an additive into molten steel containers used in steel making at predetermined times. The additives introduced are oxides of iron which contain between 10% and 30% of oxygen by weight. By adding the oxides of iron in a controlled manner using a cored wire apparatus, clogs in tundish or ladle nozzles in the steel making process are avoided and the steel flows more smoothly with less interruptions due to clogged nozzles. A preferred embodiment uses oxides of iron contained in a cored wire which can be introduced at a predetermined rate and readily mix with molten steel, provide better distribution of dissolved oxygen in the steel to oxidize inclusions, and facilitate removal of the inclusions before the inclusions can cause nozzle clogging.

Abstract: A bottle opening device for opening a bottle having a bottle cap and methods for achieving the same are herein disclosed. The bottle opening device includes an elongated handle with an embedded tooth. The tooth and a surface of the elongated handle where the tooth is embedded are engaged with the bottle cap. The elongated handle is pivoted around the edge of the bottle cap where the elongated handle contacts the bottle cap. This pivoting motion causes the tooth to pull against the bottle cap and disengage it from the bottle. The elongated handle can be made of wood and can have a flat side surface that facilitates display of logos, messages, and/or images.

Abstract: A tattoo gun for applying body art to a recipient's skin comprising: an oscillating needle, where the needle penetrates the skin for application of ink; a coil assembly; and a battery pack, where said batter pack is used as the power source for the tattoo gun. The battery pack is a rechargeable battery pack that allows for the cordless operation of the tattoo gun.

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: An adjustable flange wrench is disclosed for use with variously sized flanges. The adjustable flange wrench includes a first body, a second body and a pair of pins. The second body is rotatably attached to the first body about a rotational axis and is rotatable between first and second positions relative to the first body. Each pin is engaged with the first body and extends through the second body. When the second body is in the first position, the pair of pins are maximally separated and are aligned along a first line that intersects the rotational axis. When the second body is in the second position, the pair of pins are minimally separated and are aligned along a second line that intersects the rotational axis and is offset from the first line.

Abstract: A starter tool for use with a rotatable tool. The starter tool includes a base having a mount adapted to connect to the rotatable tool and a chuck rotatably mounted on the base and adapted to hold a work bit. A punch mechanism operatively connected to the work bit and selectively providing an impact force on the work bit to drive the work bit toward a working surface.

Abstract: A tool for compressing a safety interlock switch on appliances is disclosed. The tool comprises of a first portion having an upper end and a lower end and a second portion connected to the first portion by a hinge means. At least one magnet may be secured to the first portion and at least one ferrous portion may be integrated within the second portion. The at least one magnet may be configured to fixedly contact with a smooth metal surface of the appliance while compressing the safety interlock switch with the second portion thereby enabling technicians to safely diagnose, maintain, and repair the appliances. The tool prevents the inadvertent disablement of the switch by mechanically blocking a door of the appliance from closing. The tool can be easily opened with one hand, fits easily in a pocket and prevents unwanted attraction of ferrous objects in the closed position.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting a grip. The tool includes a tubular section for containing the grip while receiving a cable. A first stop is positioned in or near a first end of the tubular section to provide an opening for introducing the cable into the tubular section while the grip is contained in the tool. One of first and second stops is arranged for displacement along the longitudinal axis with respect to the other stop. With the grip positioned between the first and second stops, when one of the stops is displaced toward the other stop a force is applied against the grip, causing the size of the bore to increase and the length of the grip to be contracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe cutting apparatus, comprising a tubular or box-like frame (1), a pipe clamp (9) inside the frame for immobilizing a pipe (P) to be cut, an annular blade carrier (3) rotatably bearing-mounted on the frame and provided with a central opening for the pipe to pass through, one or more blade arms (4) in attachment with the annular blade carrier (3) for movement mainly in a radial direction or in a slightly off-radial direction, a cutting blade (5) mounted on the blade arm (4), and means for actuating the blade arm (4) to enable feeding the cutting blade (5), rotating outside the pipe, towards the pipe for cutting the same by shearing.

Abstract: An adjustable print media cutter system and method are disclosed. In one form, the print media cutter system incorporates a blade assembly and an anvil assembly that are configured to provide an adjustable gap between a cutting blade and an anvil. Rotation of an adjustment cam adjusts the gap between the cutting blade and the anvil, thereby adjusting a depth of cut made into or through a print media that is fed between the blade assembly and the anvil assembly during operation of the adjustable print media cutter system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting out balsa blanket parts comprising the following steps: providing on a surface of a conveyor (12) a row of balsa blankets (1) abutting each other end edge to end edge in butt areas at the joining stations (14.1-14.5); interjoining the balsa blankets (1) in the butt areas at the joining stations (14.1-14.5) to form a balsa blanket web; feeding the balsa blanket web in a direction of feed (F) to a cutting station (15) where the balsa blanket web is stepwise conveyed and cut through crosswise at positions to form the desired parts; providing a next row of balsa blankets on the surface of the conveyor when the rearmost end edge on the rearmost blanket of the balsa blanket web is at the last joining station (14.

Abstract: A slitter for slitting a web 1 wound by an oscillation winding method includes a guide roller 2. The guide roller 2 has an axial length shorter than width of the web 1. The slitter includes guide means guiding the web 1 to engage the web with the guide roller 2. The web 1 includes widthwise opposite end portions of the web 1 protruding out of axial opposite end portions of the guide roller 2. The slitter includes slit blades 6 slitting the web 1 at positions of the axial opposite end portions of the guide roller 2.

Abstract: A target transportation device includes a first transportation portion which is capable of applying a transportation force toward a downstream side from an upstream side of a transportation path to a target, a second transportation portion which is provided on the transportation path at a position at the downstream side with respect to the first transportation portion in a transportation direction and is capable of applying a transportation force toward the downstream side from the upstream side of the transportation path to the target while nipping the target, and a cutting member which is provided on the transportation path at a position between the first transportation portion and the second transportation portion and is capable of cutting the target in the width direction perpendicular to the transportation direction of the target. The second transportation portion is configured so as to be capable of changing a nipping position of the target in the transportation direction of the target.

Abstract: A loop cutter knife fixture for cutting vegetable products such as raw potatoes into spiral or helical loops. The knife fixture includes a circular blade holder adapted to be rotatably driven within a vegetable product flow path. The blade holder includes a central core cutter in combination with a spiral base plate defining a radial slot between axially spaced upstream and downstream ends thereof. Small slits are formed in this base plate for seated reception of preferably multiple U-shaped strip blades, which are in turn overlaid and clamped in place beneath a generally pie-shaped slab blade having a sharpened knife edge exposed at the base plate radial slot and held in place by preferably multiple clamp screws. The strip blades and/or the slab blade are formed from an inexpensive material, such as sheet metal or the like, whereby blade changeover is quick and economical.

Abstract: A blade driving device includes: a board including an optical path opening; first and second blades moving toward and away from the optical path opening; first and second transmitting portions driving the first and second blades; and first and second drive sources respectively driving the first and second transmitting portions, wherein the first and second transmitting portions respectively include first and second drive pins, and the first blade includes an engagement slot engaging one of the first and second drive pins and is attached to the first and the second transmitting portions to be roratable about the other of the first and second drive pins.

Abstract: A musical instrument such as a trombone is manufactured by moulding from polymeric material. The instrument has a moulded body section which has an internal bore through which air is blown by the player. The internal diameter of the bore has a restriction formed thereon so that the diameter of the bore tapers along the section for tuning or tonal adjustment of the instrument.

Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand, and is provided with an acceleration sensor 23 for detecting an acceleration sensor value and an angular rate sensor 22 for detecting an angular rate of rotation of the apparatus 11 about its longitudinal axis. CPU 21 detects a sound-generation timing based on the acceleration sensor value. Using the angular rate, CPU 21 calculates a rotation angle of the performance apparatus 11 made about its longitudinal axis in a period from a first and a second timing, wherein the first and second timing correspond to starting and finishing of swinging motion of the performance apparatus, respectively. CPU 21 determines to increase or decrease a sound volume level, in accordance with the direction and amount of the calculated rotation angle, thereby adjusting a sound volume level of musical tone.

Abstract: A musical instrument switching system includes a) a control circuit controllable for combining and routing the analog audio, the control circuit comprising a plurality of instrument pickups for transmitting analog audio, and a controller connector for allowing connection of the control circuit to a computing device, and b) a software program, installable in the computing device, for modifying the characteristics of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A tempo detection device includes: a basic feature amount extracting section which extracts a plurality of types of basic feature amounts from an input audio signal; a weighting and adding section which weights and adds the basic feature amounts of the plurality of types extracted in the basic feature amount extracting section to obtain an addition signal; and a tempo detecting section which detects BPM indicating the tempo on the basis of a periodic component included in the addition signal obtained in the weighting and adding section.