Abstract: A method of production of metallic iron nodules comprises assembling a hearth furnace having a moveable hearth comprising refractory material and having a conversion zone and a fusion zone, providing a hearth material layer comprising carbonaceous material on the refractory material, providing a layer of reducible material comprising and iron bearing material arranged in discrete portions over at least a portion of the hearth material layer, delivering oxygen gas into the hearth furnace to a ratio of at least 0.8:1 ponds of oxygen to pounds of iron in the reducible material to heat the conversion zone to a temperature sufficient to at least partially reduce the reducible material and to heat the fusion zone to a temperature sufficient to at least partially reduce the reducible mate?al, and heating the reducible material to form one or more metallic iron nodules and slag.

Abstract: A mill body is machined integrally with blades that have pockets to receive PDC inserts. The insert pockets can have an orientation feature to ensure that inserts that require specific rotational orientation are put into the pockets at the right orientation for efficient milling. The orientation of some of the pockets closest to the bottom and center of the bit have their axis reoriented to a near parallel orientation to the bit center axis to allow the bit body and blade fabrication equipment access to drill the insert pocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a tattoo needle stabilization device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a device that is inserted through the sanitary cutout and engages the shaft of a tattoo needle near the point, biasing the point of the needle against the inside of the tip aperture and stabilizing the needle.

Abstract: A one-way driver includes a handle, a shaft and an engagement unit. The shaft is rotationally inserted through the handle. The engagement unit is used to engage the shaft with the handle when the handle is pivoted in a direction and allow disengagement of the shaft from the handle when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A hand tool with a bushing includes a receiving space defined in a driving head thereof, a ratchet assembly movably received in the receiving space for adapting to driving a work piece, and a bushing disposed between the ratchet assembly and an inner periphery of the receiving space. The ratchet assembly has an outer configuration substantially corresponding in geometry to the receiving space. When the ratchet assembly is operated, the bushing is able to sustain a wear of the ratchet assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench is provided which provides several advantageous aspects. One aspect of the wrench is to facilitate rapid adjustment of the jaws, which are typically spring biased toward one another. Another aspect is the ability to adjust the jaws according to Metric system measurements or English system measurements or the like. A further aspect is the quick and effective tightening of the jaws.

Abstract: A fastener system is constructed wherein the installation and removal drive surfaces intersect an enlarged core diameter in a transitional surface that extends between the installation and removal surfaces of adjacent wings. The transitional surface has a concave form that conforms to the core diameter. The projections of the driver in the system are formed in a blunt shape.

Abstract: A power line spreading device used to separate the two conductor lines of a twisted pair conductor. The spreading device includes a substantially conical body and a handle. The body further includes a groove in an outer surface orientated in a conic spiral along a length of the body wherein the diameter of the conical body gradually increases from a first end to a second end. The spreading device is engaged with the two conductor lines proximate the first end, rotated about an axis of rotation whereby the groove acts to draw the two conductor lines from a first end toward a second end of the body. The gradual increase in diameter of the spreading device causes and maintains a desired spread distance between the two conductor lines of a twisted pair connector.

Abstract: A noodle strand cutting apparatus for cutting gelatinized noodle strands used in manufacturing of instant noodles is provided with: a conveyer for conveying at least one bundle of the gelatinized noodle strands; and a rotary cutter arranged above the conveyer and intended to cut, to a predetermined length, the at least one bundle of the gelatinized noodle strands conveyed on the conveyer in a substantially horizontal direction. The rotary cutter is provided with a plurality of blades that extend side by side with a rotational axis in radial directions around the rotational axis, the plurality of blades being spaced from each other in a circumferential direction by predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A two piece punch and die button tool is used to punch a hole in a rotary mower blade. The upper punch has a circumferential radius that forms a circumferential radius in the upper side of the hole. The lower die button has a circumferential radius that forms a circumferential radius in the lower side of the hole. The upper and lower circumferential radii of the holes reduces stress risers in the hole and increases the durability and safety of the blade. The punch and die button form the circumferential radii with one stroke of the machine.

Abstract: A sheet material slitter with a guide assembly for receiving the edges of material along a slit formed in the sheet material. The slitter includes a cutting assembly in the form of a pair of cooperative slitting knives rotatably mounted in axially offset relation. A drive motor is coupled to the slitting knives and operative to counter-rotate the knives such that sheet material fed into the slitter is drawn through the slitter as the material is cut to form a slit. The guide assembly is mounted adjacent the slitting knives and comprises a pair of guide rollers rotatably supported in axially spaced relation. Each guide roller is capable of receiving a respective edge of material along the slit formed in the sheet material. The guide rollers are supported in substantially parallel relation to one another and may be supported at an angle with respect to the slitting knives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for machine cutting several parts (31, 32, 33, 34) out of a piece of material using a beam cutting technology. The invention provides a set of controlling rules and variables for cutting two dimensional shapes or patterns. One rule or a combination of several rules are used for the cutting operation depending on the shape or pattern to be cut, the shape or pattern forming the parts (31, 32, 33, 34) out of the piece of material. The present invention specifically teaches that the set of controlling rules comprises rules for the forming of a duster (3A) of parts with free form shapes, the parts being positioned so close to each other so that only the thickness of the cutting beam is found between adjacent parts whenever the shape of the parts allows it.

Abstract: A media punch includes an outer cutter configured to cut a fractional outer border pattern in a media sheet. The media punch also includes an inner cutter configured to cut a fractional inner pattern in a media sheet. The fractional inner pattern is interior to the fractional outer border pattern within the media sheet. The media punch also includes a selector configured to move between an outer cut position to engage the outer cutter alone, an inner cut position to engage the inner cutter alone, and a combination cut position to engage both the inner cutter and the outer cutter.

Abstract: A sheet material punching device comprises punching pins, a die member having die holes formed therein, a frame having a housing space defined by wall portions inside to house therein the die member and the punching pins, the frame having a longitudinal direction extending in a width direction of a sheet material W, and paper feed ports formed in the wall portions of the frame for the sheet material W to be transported through, wherein the die member being bridged across the paper feed ports is supported in a predefined length in the width direction of the sheet material W. The sheet material punching device thus configured can prevent deflection of the die member caused by a punching force applied to the die member by the punching pins during the formation of punched holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting machine, comprising: a worktable including an opening and an upper surface for supporting a workpiece; a supporting unit for supporting the worktable; a cutting mechanism mounted on a lower surface of the worktable and received in the supporting unit comprising: a motor for outputting a rotation motion; a reciprocating rod driving a saw blade moving reciprocately through the opening; a motion conversion mechanism converting the rotation motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating rod; and a saw blade clamp for clamping and releasing the saw blade.

Abstract: A saw blade is provided including a circular metal disc including a circular metal disc including a central aperture and a plurality of teeth spaced around a periphery of the circular metal disc. A first plurality of fully enclosed body slots are generally equally spaced from a center of the circular metal disc by a first distance and a second plurality of fully enclosed body slots are each disposed directly radially outward from a respective one of the first plurality of body slots. The second plurality of slots are generally equally spaced from the center of the circular metal disc by a second distance greater than the first distance. The saw blade design provides a blade with no modal frequencies in the operating frequency range.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a surface layer from food products includes a product feed which feeds a product to be processed along a product conveying direction to a removal tool. The product is pressed with a component perpendicular to the product conveying direction toward an operative surface of the removal tool. The relative position between the product feed and the removal tool is adjustable by means of an adjustment apparatus, with a control unit associated with the adjustment apparatus designed to adjust the position of the removal tool relative to the product feed in dependence on the contour of the product.

Abstract: A cable stripping tool 200 having a body 201 which comprises an arm 202, a cable mounting portion 203 and a blade assembly 205 that is movable between a retracted position and an engaging position, the cable mounting portion 203 comprises means having first and second cable mounting axes, wherein the arm 202 extends from the cable mounting portion 203 in a direction between the first and second mounting axes.

Abstract: The pin-barrel (1) is provided for a musical box in the form of a wristwatch. The pin-barrel is formed of a set of parallel pairs of strips (3, 3?), which are connected at one end thereof to a heel (2). Each pair of strips forms a tuning fork, wherein one of the strips (3?) of the pair can be set in vibration by at least one pin of a musical module wherein the vibration propagates to the other strip (3) of the pair by a longitudinal wave.

Abstract: A musical instrument neck stiffener includes a beam fabricated by embedding uni-directional material only at the upper and lower portions of the beam, and constrained by braid or bias weave material. In a preferred embodiment, the uni-directional layers are preferably made from carbon fiber tow, cloth, or pultruded carbon fiber and the braid or bias weave material is made of carbon fibers. To reduce weight, the middle section of the beam is preferably hollow. An angle neck stiffener includes a hollow tube connected to a cradle, which is bonded within an instrument neck. The angle neck stiffener bridges the connection between the instrument neck and a preferably D-shaped neck stiffener.

Abstract: A thumb pick formed as a unitary one-piece body having a substantially inflexible pick point portion including at least one slot extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the pick point portion. A pliable strap portion extends away from the pick point portion toward a tail portion including a terminal end. The pliable strap portion is designed to wrap around a musician's thumb, while the tail portion becomes engaged in the slot with the tail portion confined between the upper and lower surfaces of the pick point portion. A gusset can be included on an upper surface of the pick point portion to strengthen the inflexibility of the pick point portion. The tail portion of the strap can include a series of grooves while the slot includes a pawl designed to engage at least one of the series of grooves to secure the strap within the slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying a musical composition for a musical instrument, comprising displaying at least a portion of the musical instrument; displaying, on the musical instrument, a fingering position indicator, indicating a fingering position that is becoming due to be played; and displaying a timing indicator indicating when the fingering position is due to be played. The fingering position indicator may comprise one or more marks on the musical instrument, and the timing indicator may comprise an object moving towards the fingering position indicator on the musical instrument, wherein the object reaches the musical instrument when the fingering position is due to be played.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved technique for searching for a tone data set of a phrase constructed in a rhythm pattern that satisfies a predetermined condition of similarity to a rhythm pattern intended by a user. The user inputs a rhythm pattern via a rhythm input device. An input rhythm pattern storage section stores the input rhythm pattern into a RAM on the basis of clock signals output from a bar line clock output section and trigger data included in the input rhythm pattern. A rhythm pattern search section searches through a rhythm database for a tone data set presenting the highest degree of similarity to the stored input rhythm pattern. A performance processing section causes a sound output section to audibly output the searched-out tone data set.

Abstract: An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals.

Abstract: An effects pedal including a first stage configured to asymmetrically limit an input signal, and a second stage configured to symmetrically clip the asymmetrically limited signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing an explosive comprises a housing including at least one relief groove along an outer portion of the housing, and an inner chamber. The inner chamber includes a first hollow section and a second hollow section. The cross-sectional area of the second hollow section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first hollow section. A forward section of the housing is adapted to receive a first nose member and a rear section of the housing is adapted to receive a removable fin set.

Abstract: The invention is an antiballistic armour plate comprising one or more layers of one or more antiballistic ceramic plates laminated with a first, underlying fibre reinforced thermoplastic layer comprising a first thermoplastic material and reinforcement fibres, the antiballistic ceramic plates arranged for receiving and deforming ballistic projectiles or shrapnel, and underlain by a spall liner of one or more loosely bound sheets of antiballistic fibres arranged for receiving the ballistic projectiles or shrapnel having penetrated the ceramic plates. The antiballistic armour plate further has one or more of the antiballistic ceramic plates provided with holes distributed across the one or more ceramic plates, wherein the holes have apertures at least toward the first, underlying thermoplastic layer and provided with a thermoplastic matrix compatible with the first thermoplastic matrix material and provided with reinforcement fibres.

Abstract: An armor structure for a vehicle underbody. The armor structure includes an inner plate that is mounted proximate to the vehicle underbody, the inner plate having a plurality of first openings; and an outer plate that is mounted distal to the vehicle underbody, the outer plate having a plurality of second openings. The inner plate and the outer plate are substantially parallel and separated by a spacing. The inner plate and the outer plate each have substantially equal V bends at an obtuse angle, and the V bends in the inner plate and the outer plate are aligned. The first openings and the second openings are (i) aligned across the spacing from each other, and (ii) substantially equal in area. When an underbody blast event is encountered by the vehicle, the outer plate is forced towards, and substantially against the inner plate such that there is no longer fluid communication through the first openings.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.

Abstract: A vehicle construction in which a survivability capsule and underbody V-deflector plate are located off-center relative to the vehicle providing desirable survivability and size characteristics, and minimizing overall vehicle width providing desirable maneuverability characteristics. The survivability capsule is constructed around occupants oriented to minimize capsule width and may incorporate traditional or spaced frame construction. The location of the capsule provides the ability to incorporate a large amount of storage area into the construction of the vehicle, or to use a spaced armor array on one side of the capsule providing protection from road-side threats including EFPs, RPGs, and RKG-3s.

Abstract: A fire selector control device for a firearm with a lower receiver that is operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a selector body designed to fit within the lower receiver and extend between one side of the lower receiver and an opposite side of the lower receiver. The selector body is designed to engage a firing mechanism within the firearm and switch the firing mechanism to any one of a plurality of firing modes. First and second levers are attached to opposite ends of the body to move the body to any one of the plurality of firing options. The first lever is accessible from the exterior of the right side of the lower receiver and the second lever is accessible from the exterior of the left side of the lower receiver.

Abstract: An oil-free compressor for a rail vehicle includes a multi-piece compressor housing, a first piston cylinder supported in a first opening in the compressor housing, a second piston cylinder supported in a second opening in the compressor housing, and a multi-piece crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor housing. The crankshaft assembly is linked to pistons of the first and second piston cylinders by respective connecting rods. The connecting rods connect to a wrist pin associated with each of the pistons, and the wrist pins are respectively supported by a dry lubricant bushing to the associated piston. The compressor housing may have at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may form respective halves of the compressor housing that are secured together with mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A fluidized reactor system for removing impurities from a gas and an associated process are provided. The system includes a fluidized absorber for contacting a feed gas with a sorbent stream to reduce the impurity content of the feed gas; a fluidized solids regenerator for contacting an impurity loaded sorbent stream with a regeneration gas to reduce the impurity content of the sorbent stream; a first non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive an impurity loaded sorbent stream from the absorber and transport the impurity loaded sorbent stream to the regenerator at a controllable flow rate in response to an aeration gas; and a second non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive a sorbent stream of reduced impurity content from the regenerator and transfer the sorbent stream of reduced impurity content to the absorber without changing the flow rate of the sorbent stream.

Abstract: Provided is a novel hydrogen separation membrane formed of a Nb—W—Mo-based alloy. A method for separating hydrogen using the hydrogen separation membrane and hydrogen separation conditions are selected by a particular procedure. A hydrogen separation membrane formed of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator collector plate assembly including at least one electrically conductive sheet adapted to be electrically grounded; a rib or baffle in physical and electrical contact with the at least one conductive sheet; and a hollow structure physically associated with the rib or baffle adapted to contain a cooling liquid.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for separating particulate solids from a gas stream. The process can include regenerating a catalyst in a regenerator, separating particulate solids in first and second cyclone stages, passing the gas stream from the second cyclone stage to an external third stage separator, and passing the gas stream from the external third stage separator to a cyclone recirculator to obtain a clean gas stream.

Abstract: A method is provided for reclaiming an evaporated liquid from an air stream including transferring the evaporated liquid from a first quantity of air into a second quantity of air, wherein the second quantity of air is smaller than the first quantity of air. A device for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A mechanical vessel may effectively and simultaneously displace a first undesired gas from within water with a second desired gas, and remove at least one alkaline species and oily matter from the water. The vessel raises the pH of the water and reduces the lime requirement for subsequent lime softening. The vessel receives the water containing the first gas and passes the water through a series of gasification chambers. Each gasification chamber may have a mechanism that ingests and mixes a second gas into the water thereby physically displacing at least a portion of the first gas into a vapor space at the top of each gasification chamber from which it is subsequently removed. There is an absence of communication between the vapor spaces of adjacent chambers. An acid is added to remove the alkaline species, where the first gas is an optional by-product that is also removed.

Abstract: A system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter comprising an inlet for receiving exhaust gas. A zoned heater is arranged in the inlet and comprises a resistive heater comprising N zones, where N is an integer greater than one. Each of the N zones comprises M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than one. A control module selectively activates one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates others of the N zones.

Abstract: Embodiments of recirculating filtration and exhaust systems for material processing systems are disclosed herein. A material processing system configured in accordance with one embodiment includes an enclosure for processing a workpiece, the enclosure having an enclosure inlet and an enclosure outlet. The system also includes a first flow path fluidly coupled to the enclosure inlet and the enclosure outlet, and a first filtration assembly in the first flow path. The first filtration assembly draws airflow from the enclosure and returns the airflow to the enclosure. The system further includes a second flow path in fluid communication with the first flow path upstream from the enclosure inlet, and a second filtration assembly in the second flow path. The second filtration assembly draws airflow from the first flow path and returns airflow to the first flow path.

Abstract: Hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in air separation modules, are generally made from solution spinning. Typically, solvent is present in the bore of the fiber for the spinning process. This solvent, in addition to the solvent already present in the polymer casting solution, may cause voids in the fiber material. By adding a polycarboxylic acid to the polymer casting material, these voids may be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a steam nozzle of an automatic coffee machine. The automatic coffee machine comprises a steam nozzle and is connectable to at least one steam source. Cleaning of the steam nozzle is obtained by steam generated by the steam source. A device for cleaning a steam nozzle of an automatic coffee machine that comprises a sanitization chamber adapted to house the steam nozzle, the sanitization chamber being configured to be in communication with a steam source of the automatic coffee machine. An automatic coffee machine provided with such a device.

Abstract: A tortilla warmer control system is disclosed for controlling preparation and dispensing of tortillas. The control system includes a control unit capable of receiving inputs from a user, and providing outputs. The control unit receives user inputs including: a frequency of heating sessions, a number of tortillas to be heated and dispensed during each heating session; and tortilla texture. The control unit provides outputs including: a speed at which tortillas are to be conveyed through a heating sub-system of the tortilla warmer, and/or a temperature to be provided during each heating session; and a heating session initiation signal. The user inputs received by the control unit can also include a selected rate at which the tortillas are to be dispensed during the heating session. The outputs provided by the control unit can also include a rate at which tortillas are introduced into the heating sub-system.

Abstract: A grill having a bottom section and a middle section for expanding the diameter of the bottom section and at least one insert for separating the opening formed by the bottom section to allow smoking or an open fire. Different cooking surfaces are thereby a grill, a flat frying surface, an open area for receiving and holding a reservoir of water, such as a pot, and an open area for receiving a wok. There is also a hearth section for enclosing at least a portion of the exterior of the bottom section. It also envisions a smoker or ash guard expandable to fit either diameter to protect the cook and provide a surface for placing items attached to the stand apart from the heat source.

Abstract: A kabob rotisserie for cooking multiple kabobs comprising: a top plate, where the top plate includes a plurality of holding nests and each nest receives a kabob skewer; a bottom plate, where the bottom plate includes a plurality of holding nests and each nest receives a kabob skewer; a rotating shaft, vertically extending through the top plate and bottom plate; a heating element attached to the rotating shaft, where the element is positioned inside the kabob skewers; bearings provided at the top and bottom of the rotating shaft; a cover, where the cover contains the kabob rotisserie; and a motor, where the motor rotates the rotating shaft. In one exemplary embodiment, the top plate may include eight or less holding nests and the bottom plate may include eight or less corresponding holding nests.

Abstract: A tool for removing an interchangeable cooking insert from a grill has a handle end and an engagement end. A handle extends from the handle end toward the engagement end. A support arm extends from the handle toward the engagement end. The support arm has a first lateral edge defining a first lifting hook and a second lateral edge defining a second lifting hook. The first lifting hook and second lifting hook are configured to engage a portion of the cooking insert. A support pin extends across the support arm between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. A latch member is pivotally coupled to one of the support arm and the handle. The latch member includes a first end selectively engageable with a portion of the cooking insert and a second end extending through the handle for actuation of the latching member by a user.

Abstract: The invention provides a drawer type microwave oven having a turntable functioning as a uniform heating mechanism with a visual effect, while maintaining the ceiling height of a heating chamber and having improved usability. A turntable drive mechanism 40 utilizing a thin deceleration mechanism and a pivot mechanism is disposed in a space 19 formed between a bottom wall 17 of the drawer body 4 and a bottom wall 12 of the heating chamber 3, and a power transmission mechanism is engaged in a detachable manner in conjunction with the movement of the drawer body 4 together with the door. Thus, a drawer type microwave oven capable of performing uniform heating by pivot rotation while maintaining the ceiling height of the heating chamber is realized.

Abstract: A convection grill including a body having a base and a lid, and defining a cooking chamber, and a convection system coupled to a wall of the base. The convection system includes an air conduit defined at least in part by a front panel and a back panel, the air conduit including an intake aperture, a duct, and an exhaust vent. The convection system also includes a fan assembly including a convection fan positioned within the duct proximate to the intake aperture, and a motor coupled to the convection fan by a motor shaft. The back panel includes a first end distal from the wall, a second end proximate the wall, and a cross section having a substantially continuous curve between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a main body including a cutting device and a brake device received therein. The cutting device includes a motor with a driving shaft and a blade disc is connected to the driving shaft. The brake device includes an operation member movably connected to the main body, a spring connected to the main body, a brake frame pivotably connected to the main body, and a brake disc connected to a driving shaft. The operation member has a push member which contacts the brake frame and the spring. When the operation member is moved downward, the push member releases a force applied to the brake frame and the spring, so that the brake frame applies a force to the brake disc to brake the juice extractor. When the operation member is moved upward, the push member applies a force to the brake frame and the spring, so that the brake frame releases a force applied to the brake disc.

Abstract: A juice machine includes a lid, and the lid includes an upper casing, a feeding barrel, and a block member. The feeding barrel is installed on the upper casing, and the feeding barrel is hollow inside. The block member is surrounded around an external side of the bottom of the feeding barrel. The juice machine can enhance both juice squeezing efficiency and juice yield.