Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing direct reduction iron and a reduction firing apparatus. The apparatus may be a dual-chamber stepping reduction furnace, a single chamber stepping reduction furnace or a single hearth down-draft reduction furnace, wherein the dual-chamber stepping reduction furnace includes a left chamber, a right chamber, a material containing device, a step mechanism, a slag distributing device, a charging device, heating burners, a fume extraction path, a charging device, a material receiving tank having a sealing cap and a slag discharging path.

Abstract: An alternative ironmaking process for simultaneously producing a highly metalized iron/steel product, coke from coal, an iron/steel product from an iron rich feedstock, and, optionally, energy using heat recovery. The simultaneous process is performed in the environment of a non-recovery or heat recovery coke oven. The iron rich feedstock is layered on top of a coal bed. The iron rich feedstock and coal bed are heated in the presence of a reducing gas to reduce the iron oxides of the iron rich feedstock into the iron/steel product and to devolatilize the coal into coke. After quenching the iron/steel product and coke, the iron/steel product is separated from the coke.

Abstract: A process for making a precipitation hardenable stainless steel alloy is described. The process includes the step of melting a martensitic steel alloy having the following composition in weight percent, about Carbon ?0.03 max. Manganese ?1.0 max. Silicon ?0.75 max. Phosphorus 0.040 max. Sulfur 0.020 max. Chromium 10-13 Nickel 10.5-11.6 Titanium 1.5-1.8 Molybdenum 0.25-1.5? Copper ?0.95 max. Aluminum ?0.25 max. Niobium ?0.3 max. Boron 0.010 max. Nitrogen 0.030 max. and the balance being iron and usual impurities. The process also includes the step of adding calcium to the alloy while molten. The calcium combines with available sulfur and oxygen to form calcium base inclusions selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfides, calcium oxides, calcium oxysulfides, and combinations thereof. In a further step, the alloy is processed to remove at least a portion of the calcium base inclusions. The alloy is then solidified.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench for use in connection with medical instruments comprises a handle and a drive element which is rotatable around an axis (M) with respect to the handle. The wrench is adapted to tighten or loosen a respective element and a ratchet mechanism which is in connection with the drive element and which permits movement with respect to the handle in a first direction of rotation (R1) and blocks movement in the other direction of rotation (R2). The handle comprises a flat arm, wherein the ratchet mechanism is arranged on a bearing surface of the flat arm, and wherein the drive element extends through an opening in the flat arm in which opening the drive element is rotatably arranged.

Abstract: A steering device for a ratchet screwdriver includes a base. The base has a receiving hole defined therein. Two receiving grooves are defined in the base. A moving slot is comparted from receiving hole. A ratchet rod is partially received in the base. The ratchet rod includes a spindle and a ratchet wheel disposed on the spindle. Two blockers are respectively received in the two receiving grooves. Each blocker has unidirectional teeth formed on one end thereof for selectively engaging with the ratchet wheel. A housing is sleeved on the base. The housing has a protrusion disposed on an interior thereof for inserting into the moving slot.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench has a through cavity in which a reversing lever is disposed. The reversing lever has a pair of protruding lips formed thereon opposite from one another. A cooperating ledge is formed on the head in the cavity and on the pawl which is adjacent to the reversing lever. A spring-loaded pusher is disposed longitudinally in a blind bore in the reversing lever and the pusher engages a pocket in the pawl. A cover plate is disposed on a shelf recessed on the bottom of the wrench and spaced apart from the reversing lever.

Abstract: An adjustable spanner for quickly turning an object includes a moving member, a first jaw, a second jaw, and a grip. The moving member is movably joined to the grip. The first jaw is adjustably jointed to the moving member. The second jaw is pivotally joined to the grip and cooperates with the first jaw to clamp the object. A user grasps the grip when using the adjustable spanner.

Abstract: A tool may loosen seized bolts by sending shock waves into the bolt shank and thread areas via axial blows with a pneumatic hammer on the center of the bolt head prior to removal. The tool may allow impacts to be centered on the bolt head without damaging the bolt head or without worry of the bit jumping off the bolt. The tool may be comprised of a separate driver and one or more sockets.

Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers may be employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: A torque wrench including an elongated beam having a first end and a second end, a drive post attached to the first end of the elongated beam, a handle attached to the second end of the elongated beam so that force applied to the handle transfers torque to the work piece, a scale attached to the second end of the elongated beam, and a laser source disposed on the first end of the elongated beam, the laser source being configured to direct a laser beam toward the second end of the elongated beam such that the laser beam strikes the scale.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism used for securing fasteners is described. The torque limiting mechanism consists of a shaft, a torque gear having a plurality of ball bearings, a threshold bearing and a variable force applying subassembly. The torque limiting mechanism further consisting of a lock bushing and retaining ring placed circumferentially around the proximal end of the shaft. The lock bushing and retaining ring reduce structural misalignments and increase the accuracy of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a method for feeding a continuous tape (3) for forming labels (2) is disclosed, according to which a pair of rollers (5) advances the tape at an advancing speed that is calculated on the basis of the rotation speed of one cutting roller (6) that cuts the tape into labels, (2) at a signal that is indicative of the cut that occurred and at a positioning error of an actual image present on the tape with respect to a reference image. The real image is detected by a linear camera (9) or by a matrix camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for “dye-to-order” carpet manufacturing that address deficiencies in the carpet manufacturing industry, some of which are discussed above. In one embodiment, an improved manufacturing system is provided that allows manufacturers to change colors “on the fly” (e.g., within a single roll) with minimal waste. In another embodiment, a dye-to-order processing system is provided that maps multiple orders to undyed carpet rolls such that usage of the undyed carpet rolls is optimized.

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: The microtome (10) includes a base (12) having a tank (14) filled with a bath (16) mounted thereon. A feeding mechanism (20) for feeding select amounts of specimen to be sectioned protrudes through the base (12) into the bath (16). A cutting mechanism (40) spans the tank (14) and includes a reciprocating carriage (42) above the feeding mechanism (20). The carriage (42) is disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of reciprocation and includes a vibrating blade (62) hanging down from the carriage (42). The combined motion of the carriage (42) and the vibrating blade (62) slices samples from the specimen extruded by the feeding mechanism (20), which permits consistent and uniformly thick samples with minimal surface irregularities, especially for large specimens. A controlling mechanism (80) coordinates operation of the feeding mechanism (20) and the cutting mechanism(40).

Abstract: A waste stripping unit in a packaging production machine (1), positioned downstream of a cutting unit (3) for cutting one or more flat substrates (4). The stripping unit includes a frame (16) supporting two rotary tools cooperating with one another (17, 18). At least one of the two tools (17, 18) is formed with a mandrel (27) and a removable sleeve (28), and the sleeve can be inserted on, fixed to and driven in rotation by the mandrel (27). One tool has protruding needles for the stripping and the other tool has a flexible strip cooperating with the needles.

Abstract: A table saw is provided having a splitter extending along the saw blade in order to prevent so-called kickback of a workpiece to be cut, which is caused by the rotating saw blade. A removal preventing member, such as a nut with a loosening preventing function, is attached to the front end of a fixing screw, whereby the user may not accentually excessively loosen the fixing screw, thereby preventing the screw from being removed from a threaded hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for cutting food, such as fruit and vegetables, comprising a cutting part (2) having several blades (1) and an actuation part (3), said parts being mounted, so that they can pivot counter to each other by means of a pivot bearing (9), and the actuation part (3) is pressed against the cutting part (2) in order to cut the food to be cut. Said device also comprises a cover part (5) that is affixed onto a collecting container (6) for the cut food, whereby the lid part (5) has an opening (7) with a passage (8) for the cut food. It is provided that the pivot bearing (9) is accommodated in the opening (7). The invention also relates to a multifunctional device for the kitchen, and having a device (100) for cutting food, such as fruit and vegetables.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting equipment for automatically cutting off workpieces from a material tape. The cutting equipment includes an electrical control box, a base board, a material-feeding mechanism, a material-transferring mechanism, a material-pulling mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The material-feeding mechanism includes a supporting bracket, a material disc and a disc-driving device. The material-transferring mechanism mounted on the base board includes a pad board, a first supporting board and a second supporting board. The material-pulling mechanism disposed above the material-transferring mechanism includes a driving component and a material-pulling component. The cutting mechanism mounted on the base board includes a lower supporting plate, an upper cutting plate and a transferring cylinder. The upper cutting plate disposes at least one cutting blade.

Abstract: A roller-type compression-incision-cutting unit for packaging material webs comprises: a motor-driven roller (2) provided with at least one projecting incision-cutting profile (3); a driven counter-roller (4) provided with at least one abutting counter-profile (5); kinematic means (6) for directly transmitting motion, in a synchronised fashion, between the roller (2) and the counter-roller (4), the kinematic means being connected to respective shafts (2a, 4a); adjustable pusher elements (7), adapted to allow an incision or cutting contact between the roller (2) and the counter-roller (4); at least one rolling element (10, 11) interposed between the roller (2) and the counter-roller (4), and adapted to separate the rotation of the motor-driven roller (2) from the rotation of the thrust rings of the driven counter-roller (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for slicing food products, comprising a driven circular blade rotating about a blade axis revolving on a track about a center axis, and a cover element rotatable relative to the circular blade on the side of the circular blade facing away from a product to be sliced. A holding device is provided that is designed for counteracting the self-rotation of the cover element about the blade axis.

Abstract: A table saw fence having a guide rail, a fence beam having a front portion and a rear portion, and a fence face disposed adjacent to the fence beam. The fence face is movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the fence beam. A fence face locking mechanism is provided for locking the fence face relative to the fence beam. The locking mechanism has a handle disposed on the front portion of the fence beam and is movable between a first position where the fence face is locked relative to the fence beam and a second position where the fence is unlocked relative to the fence beam.

Abstract: A front part of a guide section is made to be a detachable separate sub fence having a guide face, a face of the guide section to which the sub fence is fitted, is made to be a second guide face in parallel with the guide face rising from the top face of a table. The second guide face is in a plane in the rear of the guide face.

Abstract: A vise clamping tool for a table-type circular sawing machine includes a rotating arm assembly connected to a supporting shaft. The rotating arm assembly has a first rotating arm connected to the supporting shaft and a second rotating arm provided with a clamping component. The second rotating arm is pivotally connected to the first rotating arm around a first pivoting axis oriented along the horizontal direction.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes, a cutting machine, such as a table-top circular saw having a table for placing thereon a workpiece, and a cutting machine body having a saw blade rotated by an electric motor. An insulation member may be attached to a tilt support shaft that vertically movably supports the cutting machine body relative to the side of a body support section constituted mainly by a table, so that conduction of a radio frequency current from the cutting machine body to the body support section is blocked.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a table for placing a workpiece thereon. A cutting unit is mounted to the table. A support leg device includes a support leg, an operation member and a motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism is coupled between the support leg and the operation member, so that the movement of the operation member is converted into the movement of the support leg.

Abstract: A band saw has a housing, a pair of wheels rotatably disposed on the housing, a drive unit connected to one of the wheel, a continuous band saw blade supported by the wheels, and a guide movably attached to the housing. The guide is positioned to contact with the band saw blade in a thickness direction of the band saw blade in order to restrict movement of the band saw blade in its thickness direction.

Abstract: A band saw blade includes left and right set teeth which are set in right and left directions with respect to a running direction of the band saw blade, and a straight tooth which is not set. A ridge line at a tip of each of the set teeth and the straight tooth is formed into a convex curved line protruding most at a central portion in a thickness direction of the saw tooth. The ridge lines at the tips of the left and right set teeth and of the straight tooth are continuous with one another when viewed from the running direction of the band saw blade. A height difference between the ridge lines of the saw teeth is in a range of 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm. Meanwhile, a height difference between an inner corner portion of each of the left and right set teeth and the central portion in the thickness direction of the ridge line of the straight tooth is in a range of 0 mm to 0.03 mm.

Abstract: The “Resonant Apparatus for Conducting Sound Waves” is for an electric string instrument, such as, but not limited to, a member of the guitar, bass, mandolin or violin family. The invention comprises a resonant apparatus and at least two connectors, to conduct sound waves from the vibrating string(s) of the musical instrument through the first connector to the resonant apparatus through the second connector to an electric pickup or plurality of pickups. The invention provides for proper phase alignment between the vibrating string or strings and the electric pickup or plurality of pickups.

Abstract: A percussive shaker instrument with improved control in producing rhythmic sound and capable of producing different percussive sounds in a single shaker is disclosed. The shaker comprises one or more channels filled with a striker material. The channel isolates the striker material from the striker material in other channels and from any other part of the shaker. The striker material is freely movable within the channel such that it may collide with a striking surface when the shaker is moved.

Abstract: A scented article manufactured from a sintered metal powder. The metal powder may be one or more metals, one or more alloys, or any combination or mixture thereof. The scented article is of a weight sufficient to sink to a depth in the water and shaped such that, when urged through the water, the lure moves in a substantially oscillating motion. The scented article is impregnated with a scent, such as a fish attractant, that is slowly diffused in the water as the scented article is urged through the water. A method of manufacturing a scented article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch with sounds includes a switch body provided therein with a recording device and a time controller. In using, a piece of sounds or music a user likes is recorded beforehand by the recording device, and then the length of time for sending forth the sounds or the music is preset by the time controller. When the switch body is turned on, the recording device will be started to send out the sounds or the music recorded in advance, and the sounds or the music will not stop until the time preset on the time controller, able to make a user relaxed and happy when turning on the switch, and hence eliminate dull and monotonous impression during turning on a conventional switch.

Abstract: A musical instrument and acoustic/electrical pickup is provided. The instrument includes acoustic and/or electrical pickup capabilities but also retains the feel of an acoustic instrument. The pickup is removable from the instrument.

Abstract: A multi-key electronic music instrument includes a main body and a circuit board having an integrated circuit (IC). The main body includes operational keys distributed in at least two rows and functional keys. The IC saves at least seven electronic sounds corresponding to music notes of Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La and Si in the diatonic scale, functional programs and electronic games. Each of the operational keys corresponds to at least one music note. When one of the operational keys is pressed down, the IC generates a sound corresponding to the music note. When the functional key is pressed, the IC executes the corresponding function in the functional programs, such as raising or lowering a tone of the music note. When the electronic games are played, the operational keys and the function keys are used as controlling keys to play games.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillatory, magnetically-activated position sensor. According to this invention, mechanical motion changes the linkage of magnetic flux between a magnet and an inductor having a magnetic core. The resulting change of flux through the core modulates its permeability responsive to the mechanical motion. The inductor is comprised by an electronic oscillator circuit, the oscillation amplitude, and frequency, of which is thereby modulated responsive to the mechanical motion. Circuitry for detecting the oscillation amplitude, and for generating a sensor output signal responsive to the mechanical motion is provided. Matrix operation of sensors according to this invention is also taught. A key position sensor for a musical instrument manual, or clavier according to this invention is provided. A clavier key comprising plural key sensors according to this invention is also taught.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a cover for use with a munitions launcher including a housing with a face. The cover may include a lid, a defined passage through the lid, and an actuator. The lid may be configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher. The defined passage through the lid may be sized to allow a munition to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher. The actuator may be configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher. Movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher may uncover at least one munition that was substantially covered prior to the movement of the defined passage and substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a launcher coupled to a vehicle and configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle and configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the munition. The system may also include a flexible, peel-away connector coupled to the launcher, the peel-away connector comprising an adhesive for coupling to at least a portion of the munition. The flexible, peel-away connector may be configured to route electrical signals from the launcher to the munition during transport and detach from the munition as the munition exits from the launcher during a launch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, a launcher configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle may comprise a first housing, circuitry, and a second housing. The first housing may define a tube configured to hold a munition for transportation. The circuitry may provide electrical communication with a munition present within the tube. The second housing may define a tube corresponding to the tube defined by the first housing. The second housing may be configured to mount to the first housing so that the tubes defined by the first housing and the second housing combine to house and launch a munition.

Abstract: Protective armor panels comprising a polymer layer having upper and lower faces generally forming a sheet and a plurality of metal strips each having an upper edge, a lower edge and side faces, said side faces being oriented generally traverse to the upper face of said polymer layer and positioned at least partially within the polymer layer, are disclosed.

Abstract: A bullet-resistant armour element for use as a tessellation in a flexible armour matrix has a hard main body and a facing over said main body, such as layer of polymeric or polymer matrix composite material, wherein the facing has an acoustic impedance which is substantially lower than the acoustic impedance of the main body. Groups aid elements tessellate to form an aperture between the adjacent elements, and a cover element is arranged to cover said aperture. Limit stops restrict the degree of articulation between the adjacent elements. The elements include a deflector for deflecting bullet splash and traps for collecting bullet splash.

Abstract: An integrally formed high density ceramic pellet, for use in a ballistic armor plate, has a longitudinally extending body portion and an impact receiving end face. The impact receiving end face includes an impact receiving proximal segment that is convexly curved and a distal segment that merges with a top surface of the body portion. The distal segment has lateral surfaces that have a region including at least a portion which is concave in configuration or a region including a substantially smooth angled configuration. A cross-sectional area of the distal segment at the area of merger is greater than a cross-sectional area taken across a nominally designated base of the proximal segment. The length of the contour line of the outer surface of the distal segment is between 5 and 25% of that of the entire integrally formed impact receiving end face.

Abstract: An example armor system includes a first ceramic matrix composite armor layer, a second ceramic matrix composite armor layer, and a monolithic ceramic armor layer directly bonded to the first and the second ceramic matrix composite armor layers.

Abstract: A method for rapidly firing a semi-automatic firing unit (22) having a trigger (24), a receiver (21) and a barrel (23). The firing unit (22) is placed in a handle (20) so as to enable only reciprocating linear movement along a constrained linear path (P). The user grasps the handle (20) and places their trigger finger (74) firmly on a finger rest (70). In use, the user generates a forward activation force (200) that urges the firing unit (22) forwardly so that the trigger (24) collides with the stabilized finger (74), stimulating the first round of ammunition in the receiver (21). A recoil force (202) from the discharging ammunition pushes the firing unit (22) rearwardly so that the trigger (24) separates from the stabilized finger (74). The intensity of the forward activation force (200) can be varied by the user on-the-fly to proportionally change the firing tempo.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a valve assembly is provided between the supply air inlet and the magnetic valve that is activated by a position threshold sensor that can be activated by the actuator element and/or a pressure threshold sensor registering the actuating pressure on the magnetic valve and connects the magnetic valve directly to the supply air to increase the availability of the actuator device when the position threshold sensor detects the attaining of a specified operation position of the actuator element or the pressure threshold sensor detects the failure to attain a specified minimum pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas front the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system includes an air separation unit configured to separate air into an oxygen rich stream and a nitrogen rich stream and a purity control system configured to receive input indicative of a target diluent level. The purity control system is configured to control the air separation unit to adjust an oxygen percentage and a nitrogen percentage of the oxygen rich stream based on the target diluent level.

Abstract: A method for extraction of gas from liquid provides for reliable and accurate extraction of gases dissolved in fluids and routing the extracted gas to an analytical instrument. An extraction module comprises one or more fluorosilicone membranes molded into the shape of a flattened disk. The membranes are retained in a housing in a spaced apart relationship. The membrane is permeable to target gas(es), but not to the fluid. Porous support members support the membranes and prevent damage to them and the housing defines separate fluid flow paths for the fluid and the gas extracted from it. Fluid is passed over the membrane in a first fluid phase; target compounds in the fluid diffuse across the membrane to a second fluid phase until equilibrium is achieved.

Abstract: A rapid cycle, gas permeable, adsorbent-containing (“RCA”) paper suitable for separating at least a portion of a first gas from a second gas in a gas mixture to produce a product stream enriched in the first gas. The RCA paper contains p-aramid fibrids and zeolite.

Abstract: A method for removing negatively-charged gas molecules includes the steps of: adsorbing negatively-charged gas molecules by a substrate carrying a positively-charged substance or a positively-charged substance and a negatively-charged substance on the surface of the substrate or in a surface layer of the substrate; and desorbing the aforementioned negatively-charged gas molecules adsorbed on the aforementioned substrate, from the substrate using a fluid. According to the present invention, negatively-charged gas molecules are removed or detoxified by adsorbing the same by a substrate carrying a positively-charged substance, or a positively-charged substance and a negatively-charged substance, on the surface of the substrate. Thereby, it is possible to provide a simple process by which negatively-charged gas molecules are able to be effectively and economically removed or detoxified.

Abstract: A drain liquid relief system for a subsea compressor is provided. The system includes a suction scrubber a drain storage tank for collecting drain liquid contaminating the compressor flow in the drain storage tank. The system further includes an intermittently pressurizing device and a suction line connected to the bottom of the drain storage tank. The suction scrubber is connected to the compressor suction nozzle and/or a compressor casing drain line, the suction scrubber being further connected, via a first check valve, to the drain storage tank for collecting the drain liquid in the drain storage tank. The intermittently pressurizing device is adapted to intermittently pressurize the drain storage tank to intermittently blow the drain liquid out of the drain storage tank through the suction line.