Abstract: A flexible tool comprises stiffening means switchable in use from a first state of relatively low stiffness to a second state of relatively high stiffness, and subsequently switchable from the second state back to the first state.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket telescopingly disposed within the outer jacket for movement along a longitudinal axis with a cavity defined between the inner and outer jackets. A bushing is radially disposed about the inner jacket within the cavity between the inner and outer jackets. The bushing includes at least one tab engaging the inner jacket to interconnect the bushing to the inner jacket and includes at least one radially projecting pad engaging the outer jacket to frictionally interconnect the bushing to the outer jacket for interlocking the inner and outer jackets.

Abstract: A valve actuator assist system, including a first elongated generally flat portion, an aperture formed through the first generally flat portion for loosely engaging a knob member, a second generally flat portion, an axis-engaging u-section connected to first and second generally flat portions, an elongated axial rod positioned in the axis-engaging u-section, and a bracket engaged positioned adjacent the axis-engaging u-section and connected to the axial rod. The axis-engaging u-section is engaged to the axis member and the first and second generally flat portions are at an angle between 155 and 170 degrees.

Abstract: A steering wheel weight formed as a body and having a generally curvilinear shape in a plane that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body. At least one indexer extends from the body and is oriented to align the body with respect to a steering wheel armature. At least one deformable tab extends from the body and is oriented relative to the steering wheel armature so that only deformation of the tab positionally secures the steering wheel weight relative to the steering wheel armature. Preferably, the steering wheel weight is crimped to the steering wheel armature thereby securely connecting the steering wheel weight to the steering wheel armature without extraneous fasteners/connectors.

Abstract: The inertia wheel contains a left piece having its circumference extended rightward into a first ring side wall with a left-high-right-low step between a left side of the left piece and the first ring side wall, and a right piece having its circumference extended leftward into a second ring side wall. The second ring side wall wraps the first ring side wall and a left end of the second ring side wall tightly interfaces the step of the first ring side wall. An axle tube is inserted in a first through hole and a second through hole of the left and right pieces, respectively. The inertia wheel as described is simple, robust, low-cost, low-carbon, appealing, and adaptable.

Abstract: A rotation control device for a tool is disposed between a handle and a tool head and essentially comprises two ratchet wheels, a spring and two C-shaped snap rings. The two ratchet wheels are symmetrically arranged, so that when being pressed, the respective ratchet wheels will be subjected to the same force and move the same distance, thus making the engagement between the ratchet wheels and the tool head more assured while avoiding the stuck fault and improving the convenience in use.

Abstract: This automatic bicycle pedal comprises a pedal body (2) equipped at a first end (5) with first attachment means (7) and at a second end (6) with second attachment means (10), an elastically deformable lever (8) bearing the second attachment means and capable of being deformed between a first position of holding a cleat fixed to the underside of a shoe between the first and second attachment means, and a deformed second position allowing the cleat to be attached and detached in respect of attachment and detachment movements. The deformable lever comprises at least one first deformable zone (12) that can be deformed during attachment and detachment movements and at least one second deformable zone (13) that can be deformed during one of the said attachment and detachment movements, the said first and second zones having different stiffnesses.

Abstract: A gear includes a body defining a portion of a sphere and including at least one curved surface. A plurality of teeth extend from the at least one curved surface. The plurality of teeth are arranged in rows and columns that define a plurality of longitudinal and latitudinal arcuate channels along the curved surface.

Abstract: A locking plate for use in an air turbine starter has a lock plate body including an oil slinger extending away from a base. The base is positioned on an outer peripheral surface of a clutch frame. The slinger extends away from the base for a distance, and a ratio of the distance to a thickness of the base is ten and thirty. A clutch and air turbine starter, and a method of assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage positioning rotary disk includes an inner disk and an outer disk hinged on the inner disk and turnable thereon. The inner disk has at least one latch cavity to hold a latch member elastically extended outwards from the latch cavity. The outer disk has a plurality of positioning slots latched with the latch member. Each positioning slot is formed from a greater depth to a smaller depth according to turning direction of the outer disk. Hence the latch member is latched sequentially on the positioning slots during relative turning between the outer disk and inner disk to allow the outer disk to provide staged positioning function. The structure is simpler and staged positioning is easy to operate when in use, and durability is enhanced and production cost is lower.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering precious metals from source materials containing precious metals which involves leaching the source material in aqueous reducing liquor to provide a treated solid residue and processing the treated residue to recover precious metals.

Abstract: The invention involves a method for recovering gold from a gold concentrate comprising: dissolving gold from the concentrate in an aqueous liquor to provide a gold liquor; subjecting the gold liquor to electrolysis in an electrowinning cell to provide cathode-associated gold material; leaching the cathode associated gold material in an aqueous liquor under reducing conditions to provide a treated solid residue; and smelting the treated solid residue to recover gold.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for direct smelting metalliferous material is disclosed. The invention concentrates injection of solid feed materials comprising metalliferous material and carbonaceous material into a direct smelting vessel during the course of the process into a relatively small region within a metal layer in a molten bath in the vessel in order to generate a substantial upward movement of molten material and gas from the metal layer into a region in the vessel that is above the molten bath. In particular, the invention injects the solid feed materials with sufficient momentum and/or velocity via an opposed pair of lances that are oriented within the vessel and arranged to form overlapping plumes of injected material in the molten bath.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovery of a metal using plants. The method for recovery of a metal involves bringing a protonema of a moss plant belonging to the family Funariaceae into contact with a metal-containing solution in which a metal(s) having an ionization tendency lower than that of silver is dissolved.

Abstract: A system which uses available waste acid process streams from hydrometallurgical extraction processes as absorption media for the direct production of leach grade acid solutions for return to the hydrometallurgical processing circuit for use in liberating metals from metal-bearing materials.

Abstract: The invention provides, in part, a process for extracting nickel from a source material including iron and nickel, by contacting the source material (e.g, an ultramafic ore) with an aqueous ammonia solution containing an iron-complexing agent (e.g., citrate) under suitable conditions, thereby extracting the nickel. The aqueous ammonia solution may optionally contain a sulfur-containing reductant, such as thiosulfate.

Abstract: A sharpening device for power chain saws, comprising a chain clamping unit and an advance element for advancing the saw chain. The chain clamping unit and the advance element are arranged on a base plate. In a given arrangement, the chain clamping unit and the advance element can be arranged on the base plate and different base plates having elements arranged thereon can be used for sharpening different power chain saws.

Abstract: In an automatic screw tightening apparatus, a feed head unit is movable to and from close contact with a driver bit portion. The driver bit portion contacts the screw and sucks the head portion of the screw in close contact. The feed head unit includes a longitudinal groove opened to the outside and connected to a vertically extending screw feed hole. Only a thread portion of the screw is capable of horizontally advancing and retreating in the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A multi-functional jaw wrench combined with self adjusting socket is provided. The multi-functional jaw wrench is comprised of one fixed jaw and one movable jaw at the first end of the handle and a self-adjustable socket that is rotatably attached on the second end of the handle. The self-adjustable socket comprises of many small diameter pins arranged inside of a bore surrounding a six phased rod placed at the center of the bore. The self-adjustable socket is rotatably engaged to a circular gears developed inside of a hole of a socket receiver that is developed on the second end of the handle via a socket head section. Another embodiment of the current invention of the self-adjustable socket receiver can be folded ±90 degrees to align the socket with the handle and enables a user reach a bolts located inside of a structure.

Abstract: An electrical torsion wrench includes a shank, an operational head and a handle respectively mounted to two opposite ends of the shank. The handle has a first abutment formed on a distal side and radially corresponding to an axis of the shank. A stick perpendicular extends from the first abutment. An electrical displayer is rotatably sleeved on the shank and axially adjacent to the handle for the operator to easily and clear read the operating torsion value in different visual angles. The electrical displayer has a second abutment formed on a distal side thereof and abutting against the first abutment. A curved groove is laterally defined in the second abutment for receiving the stick such that the rotary range of the electrical displayer is limited.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes and a computer control coupled to control the compound slide system. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile. An alignment device can be utilized to align the apparatus. The apparatus can have a low profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube machining device for machining the end of a tube, the tube machining device having an inner clamping unit with clamping wedges, which can be moved radially in relation to an axial longitudinal axis of the tube machining device relative to the tube to be machined for releasably fixing the inner clamping unit on the end region of a tube to be machined. Furthermore, a tool receiving unit for receiving a tool is provided, wherein the tool receiving unit is arranged concentrically in relation to the axial longitudinal axis and is mounted rotatably about this longitudinal axis relative to the inner clamping unit. To prevent foreign bodies from unintentionally falling into the tube to be machined and being lost there during the machining of the end of the tube, according to the invention the tube machining device also has a sealing body that can be introduced with the inner clamping unit into the end region of the tube to be machined.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools for cutting workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a mechanism having a moveable component adapted to move upon detection of the dangerous condition by the detection system. Movement of the moveable component contributes to one or more of the following actions to mitigate or prevent injury to the person: deceleration of the cutting tool, retraction of the cutting tool, and placement of a barrier over at least a part of the cutting tool. An actuator is adapted to move the moveable component at a high acceleration when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having electrically conductive cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a contact detection system capacitively coupled to the cutting tool, and adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a reaction system configured to cause one or more predetermined actions to take place upon detection of contact between a person and the cutting tool by the contact detection system.

Abstract: Tomatoes or other articles are placed over moving cutter blades (20) in article openings of an article locator of an article slicer (10). Article pushers (24) move downwardly and have downwardly extending pusher fins for pushing the tomatoes through the cutter blades. The article pushers are carried by a movable support plate (78) between retracted positions behind the cutter blades and extended positions over the cutter blades. 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, between positions over the oncoming line of tomatoes on an entrance conveyor (64) and over the cutter blades.

Abstract: A boom is made of telescoping boom sections. A movable cutting nozzle is on the boom and sprays water. In one embodiment, the boom is coupled to the climber section of a platform that climbs a tower. A further beam is mounted on the other side of the hydraulic elevating platform and carries a movable power pack/counterweight. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device is oriented horizontally and the platform moves horizontally on a rail. In this configuration, the elongated boom has a distal end protruding over the top edge of a dam or other structure. Depending vertically from the boom is another vertical boom carrying the cutting nozzle. This boom travels on the outer boom section of the elongated boom and extends downwardly a distance to allow the device to treat the concrete surface downward from the top edge of the structure.

Abstract: A circular cross-cut and miter saw has a supporting table and a sawing device, which is pivotable about a cross-cutting axis and has a saw blade and a movable swing guard. During a cross-cutting movement of the sawing device, a swivel mechanism produces a pivoting and/or swiveling movement of the swing guard such that the swing guard can be at least partly opened by swinging the sawing device down and closed by swinging the sawing device up. Uncomfortable and dangerous handling of the swing guard during the cross-cutting movement is avoided by a locking element of the swivel mechanism disposed such that the swing guard can be opened still further, even completely, by hand or by a workpiece to be cut, if either the locking element has been actuated or the cross-cutting movement has already been at least partially carried out.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.

Abstract: In some aspects of the invention, tool components for processing of plate-like workpieces, the tool component include an end face adjoined by a tool region provided for regrinding, the tool region being configured to undergo regrinding as a result of wear; and at least one identification mark located on the tool component to indicate the amount of shortening of the tool region as a result of regrinding.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a brush cutter. The cutter has a rotatable cylindrical drum with a plurality of flat, annular, collars mounted on the drum. The collars are fastened to the drum by their inner circular edge, are equally spaced apart on the drum, and extend transverse to the rotational axis of the drum. A cutting tooth mounting block is mounted between each adjacent pair of collars, the block located at the outer edge of the collars and spaced above the surface of the drum to provide a gap for passing chips and residue. The mounting block carries a detachable cutting tooth, the tooth extending forwardly generally tangentially from the block and terminating in a cutting edge above the collars.

Abstract: A punching tool has a safety device prevents a punching die from being undesirably released from a guide housing when the punching tool is gripped at the head. The safety device has a base guide body securely mounted relative to the punching die at least with respect to a gripping force direction acting on the punching die and a counter guide body securely mounted relative to the housing at least with respect to the gripping force direction. The guide bodies are designed to ensure a secure interaction in at least one retaining relative circumferential position while allowing release of the punching die from the guide housing in the gripping force direction in a release relative circumferential position displaced relative to the retaining relative circumferential position in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. As a result, an unwanted release of the punching die from the guide housing is securely prevented.

Abstract: A beveled-edge maker (1) for chamfering a workpiece (2), the tool comprising a knife assembly (4) adapted for attaching to a drive (5), and at least one guider (8) adapted such that the beveled-edge maker can be mounted to the edge of the workpiece and moved there along.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument for producing a harmonious scale of musical notes, said instrument having nine separate sound actuators each of which is configured to cause the musical instrument to generate a different musical tone selected from the group of frequencies comprising 174 hz, 285 hz, 396 hz, 417 hz, 528 hz, 639 hz, 741 hz, 852 hz and 963 hz, the musical instrument being configured such that physically manipulating the sound actuators causes the musical instrument to generate the musical tone corresponding to the sound actuator manipulated. The invention is also directed at a system for writing music to be played with a musical instrument incorporating the harmonious scale of musical notes as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring simultaneous display of monophonic and polyphonic characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for composing and teaching of music while learning to read music is provided that involves a user following a supported sequence of tasks that guide creativity of the user to construct a musical composition. The musical composition is constructed by assigning alphabetical characters to colors and musical notes to form a chart, forming words and phrases using the alphabetical characters, and cross-referencing the words and phrases to the chart. Various interactive components and computer software facilitate use of the method and process.

Abstract: A system for scoring a singing voice comprises a receiving means (1) for receiving a singing reference audio signal and/or a user audio signal and/or a pitch contour representation (PCR) of the reference and/or user singing audio signals; a processor means (2) connected to the receiving means (1) and comprising a pitch contour representation (PCR) module (10) for determining a PCR of the singing reference and/or user audio signal, a time synchronization module (11) for time synchronizing the PCRs of the reference and user audio signals respectively, a selection module (12) for selecting a segment of the PCRs of the reference and user audio signals based on pre-defined criteria, a cross-correlation module (13) for performing time-warped cross-correlation on the selected segments of the PCRs of the reference and user audio signals and outputting a cross-correlation score, a key matching module (14) and rhythm matching module (15) for key matching and rhythm matching the remaining unselected segments of the PCRs

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable managements system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: Penetrators and methods of manufacturing penetrators are disclosed. One method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) cold heading a piece of material to form a blank; (b) machining the blank to create the arrowhead geometry; and (c) roll forming the blank to create the base geometry. Another method of manufacturing a penetrator having arrowhead geometry and base geometry includes the steps: (a) machining a piece of material to create the arrowhead geometry; and (b) roll forming the piece of material to create the base geometry. Yet another method of manufacturing a penetrator from a blank includes the steps: (a) machining the blank to create a first surface feature of the penetrator; and (b) roll forming the blank to create a second surface feature of the penetrator.

Abstract: A vehicle and structure shield includes a flexible net subsystem including an array of rods or hard points supported by the net subsystem and configured to impact a projectile striking the net. A frame includes mounting brackets attached thereto positioning the frame in a spaced relationship with respect to the vehicle or structure. A first releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the net subsystem to the frame and a second releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the mounting brackets of the frame to a vehicle or structure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a monolithic tile made for use in a composite armor is disclosed. The tile includes cut-out and/or through thickness channels spaced from each other at a distance greater than a dimension of the channels, in a plan view of the tile.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide military personnel with a swift and accurate means to return fire at a detected shooter. In particular, the systems and methods described herein relate to an indicator for a weapon sight. In some embodiments, the indicator is electromechanical. In some embodiments, the indicator is configured to be moveable such that when the weapon sight is aligned with the indicator, the weapon points in the direction of the detected shooter. In some embodiments, the indicator is attached to the weapon itself, while in other embodiments, the indicator is attached to the weapon mount. The weapon may be located on a ground vehicle, aircraft, or may be portable. In some embodiments, the system includes a processor configured to receive a shooter's location, determine the position of the indicator based on the received shooter location, and control the indicator to move into the determined position.

Abstract: A compressor, as well as a lightweight and strong casting for a compressor, are disclosed. The compressor, which may be a reciprocating compressor for use in compressing high-pressure refrigerants such as CO2, includes substantially reduced wall thicknesses (t) compared to prior art castings. The side walls of the compressor can be manufactured to such reduced thicknesses (t) through the use of a bridge spanning across the crankcase. This not only allows the opposing side walls to be manufactured of a thinner material, but the bottom cover removably mounted to the crankcase can be manufactured from a thinner and lighter material as well. Through the use of such a bridge, the resulting compressor is not only able to satisfy current strength requirements, but at significant weight, size and cost savings as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element, which comprises a support and a coating applied by means of thermal spraying on the support, wherein the coating comprises at least two phases and at least one of the at least two phases is recessed in respect of the other phase of phases.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a control surface to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger).

Abstract: In a compressed air purification apparatus for motor vehicles, compressed air under static pressure in a pressure conduit (3) is firstly freed of impurities such as hydrocarbon compounds and oil products and subsequently dried. To ensure effective freeing of the compressed air of impurities and water vapour and provide a compressed air purification apparatus which can be used with simple means in motor vehicles, the invention provides for the compressed air being brought, before purification, to such a temperature that the gaseous impurities in the compressed air are condensed and the water present in the compressed air is dissolved as vapour.

Abstract: A disk brake pad (11) comprising a supporting base (13) with which a layer (15) of friction material is associated, characterized in that a wall (19) of said supporting base having associated therewith the layer of friction material is passed through by at least one channel (21, 23, 41) communicating with a chamber (17a, b), defined in correspondence of the supporting base, for collecting the powders produced due to the wear of the friction material.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supported gas separation membrane, comprising: preparing crystalline seeds from a synthesis mixture comprising an aluminum source, a phosphorous source, a silicon source, at least one organic templating agent and water; applying the seeds to a porous support to produce a seeded porous support; contacting the seeded porous support with a synthesis gel under hydrothermal synthesis conditions to produce a coated porous support; and calcining the coated porous support is described. A supported gas separation membrane made by this method is also described.