Abstract: Embodiments relate to stress sensing devices and methods. In an embodiment, a sensor device includes an active layer; and at least three contacts spaced apart from one another in the active layer, the at least three contacts being coupleable in a first configuration for a first operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a first ratio of horizontal to vertical components with respect to a die surface and in a second configuration different from the first for a second operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a second ratio of horizontal to vertical components, wherein a ratio of a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the first operating mode and a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the second operating mode is related to mechanical stress in the sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing strength of a corner portion of an object includes a support platform, an installation mechanism having a slidable plate mounted on the platform, a force gauge fixed to the slidable plate, a drive mechanism connected to the slidable plate to move the slidable plate, and a push-pull mechanism. The push-pull mechanism is connected to the force gauge to be pushed or pulled by the force gauge and exerts push or pull force on the corner portion of the object.

Abstract: A method of evaluating kneaded clay includes, preparing kneaded clay by mixing and kneading at least ceramic raw material and water as contained materials, measuring T1 relaxation time and/or T2 relaxation time of proton contained in the contained materials by NMR method, and evaluating a kneaded state of the kneaded clay. There is further provided a method for manufacturing kneaded clay, wherein the kneaded clay is kneaded by using the method for evaluating kneaded clay while checking the kneaded state.

Abstract: A method and pumping unit for use with an inclined wellhead. Proper address of the wellhead is accomplished through incorporation of an elbow-shaped walking beam. The forward section of the walking beam is fabricated such that its longitudinal axis is angled to address the inclination of the wellhead. The rearward section of the walking beam and the four-bar linkage system remains unchanged relative to a prior art pump jack intended for vertical wells. This modification is a simple and effective means of addressing an angled wellhead while preserving the well-known operating characteristics of a prior art pumping unit. Torque factors, polished rod position, speed, acceleration, stroke length, and effective counterbalance remain unchanged.

Abstract: An electrically driven linear actuator with a smooth motion of a ball screw provides an even load distribution as well as a stable motion of the balls and has an electric motor (5) mounted on a housing (4). A nut (8 or 16), adapted to mate with the screw shaft (7), has a pair of supporting portions (14) at an axially central position on the outer circumferential surface of the nut (8 or 16) to engage one end of a link (2). The nut (8, 16) is formed with a screw groove (8a). Oval bridge windows (10) are formed in the nut (8 or 16) through a wall with a portion of the screw groove (8a) cut out over a distance of at least two pitches of the screw grooves (8a). A bridge member (11), forming the circulating member, is fitted in each of the bridge windows (10).

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a pair of symmetrically loaded screw actuators driven from a common motor through respective drive shafts, and a protection arrangement arranged to avoid the continued application of full motor drive to one of the actuators in the event of the occurrence of a jam condition associated therewith.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A power transmission switching mechanism for office machine. The power transmission switching mechanism has simple structure and enables the office machine to commonly use a motor to execute scanning and printing works. The power transmission switching mechanism includes a rotary shaft, a drive gear mounted on the rotary shaft, an actuator reciprocally movable on the rotary shaft and a driving gear for transmitting power of a motor to the drive gear. The drive gear has an spline. The actuator can be selectively moved forward or backward to make the spline disengaged from a first gear mounted on the rotary shaft or engaged with the first gear. When the spline is disengaged from the first gear, the power of the motor is transmitted to a scanning module. When the spline is engaged with the first gear, the power of the motor is transmitted to the rotary shaft for printing work.

Abstract: A speed-varying device (10A) that can give a high gear ration with a small number of stages and that can be reduced in weight is provided. The speed-varying device (10A) is configured by combining parallel gears, and an input gear (11) provided on an input shaft (Si) and an output gears (12A, 12B) provided on an output shaft (So) are coupled to each other via a plurality of pinion shafts (Sv) that are arranged in the circumferential direction. The pinion shafts (Sv) are each provided with gears (13, 14A to 14D) having teeth different in number at both ends thereof. The gears (14A to 14D) disposed on the output shaft (So) side of the plurality of pinion shafts (Sv) are engaged with the plurality of output gears (12A, 12B) alternately in the circumferential direction. The output gears being arranged so as to be shifted from one another in the axial direction of the output shaft (So).

Abstract: An injection-molded resin face gear is provided that can suppress deterioration of gear accuracy caused by shrinkage of resin material after injection-molding, and allow accurate and smooth rotation transmission. An injection-molded resin face gear 1 includes a boss 3, a disk-shaped web 4, and a teeth section 5. The boss 3 has an axis hole 2. The web 4 is formed on an outer circumferential side of the boss 3 in an outward radial direction. The teeth section 5 is formed on an outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The teeth section 5 includes a cylindrical section 13, a disk-shaped section 14, and a plurality of teeth 15. The cylindrical section 13 is connected to the outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The disk-shaped section 14 is formed on one end side of the cylindrical section 13 in the outward radial direction. The teeth 15 are formed evenly spaced on an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical section 13 such that one side surface of the disk-shaped section 14 is a bottom land 16.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a base, a flange, a connecting arm, a plurality of elastic members, and a plurality of fasteners. The elastic members is positioned between the base and the connecting arm. The fasteners are movably connected to the connecting arm, and fixedly connected to the base.

Abstract: In a shift lever device, when the shift lever is operated from a position C to a position N, a pusher slides along a select sliding region of an indexing section due to biasing force. In the indexing section, an anchor is formed at positions over the entire range of the select sliding region by a secondary resin penetrating completely into a through hole in a primary resin. Therefore, lifting of the secondary resin relative to the primary resin can be suppressed during molding of the secondary resin.

Abstract: An electronic pedal assembly including a treadle, a pedal arm connected to the treadle, and a rotor assembly about which the pedal arm rotates. The assembly also includes one or more Hall sensors positioned within a cavity in the rotor assembly and one or more magnets that fixedly attached to the rotor assembly. The Hall sensors detect the position of the treadle by monitoring the positions of the magnets. Also, a method of monitoring an electronic pedal assembly using one or more magnets and one or more Hall sensors.

Abstract: An energy storage device including at least one shaft member, at least a pair of flywheels including a first flywheel and a second flywheel larger than the first flywheel, each flywheel associated with the at least one shaft member, a clutch assembly associated with each of the flywheels, at least one low power input device, and a power take off means associated with the second flywheel, wherein the first flywheel is rotated using a low power input device and is accelerated to a predetermined rotational velocity whereupon the clutch assembly engages to connect the first and second flywheels allowing inertial and kinetic energy to transfer between the flywheels to accelerate the second flywheel.

Abstract: A power screwdriver is disclosed including a screw advance mechanism for advancing a screwstrip, and a hinged feed track for feeding the screwstrip to the screw advance mechanism.

Abstract: An improved connecting rod of a tool head includes a hollow rod having an assembly end and a tool head inserting end. The tool head inserting end is recessed axially to form a slot, and a radial through-hole is placed therethrough. An internal slider is assembled into the slot in an axial sliding and non-rotating state. The internal slider has a tool head abutting end and a radial groove. A magnetic member is assembled onto the tool head abutting end. An elastic bracing member is assembled between the internal slider and the inner wall of the slot, and elastically supports the internal slider. A control bead is assembled into the radial groove of the internal slider, and shifting elastically with assembly of an elastic member. One side of the control bead is aligned with the radial through-hole of the slot, so it can be protruded in a positioning state.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for chip breaking, controlling cutting tool wear, and the like in turning, boring, and other applications, including: engaging a workpiece with a cutting tool in a feed direction along a toolpath, superimposing an oscillation in the feed direction on the toolpath, and dynamically or non-dynamically varying the oscillation superimposed in the feed direction on the toolpath such that interrupted cuts and chips of a predetermined length or less are produced. These systems take full advantage of computer numerical control (CNC) methodologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of minimal quantity lubrication cutting and grinding that can improve cutting and grinding properties and extend the life of tools. The minimal quantity lubrication cutting and grinding method of the present invention comprises supplying a compressed fluid containing 0.1 to 15 percent by volume of oxygen together with a cutting and grinding oil (particularly preferably an oil composition comprising an ester) to processing spots of a workpiece.

Abstract: A guide for a saw band or blade of a sawing machine is provided. The guide includes a bracket and high-strength sliders, which are mounted to a bracket for a lateral guide of the saw band or saw blade and which serve for gliding contact to a side face of the saw band or blade. The sliders are high-strength guide plates, provided with an edge upstream in reference to the direction of motion of the saw blade or saw band, which is at least partially arranged in a straight manner or with a constant curve, with the edge or its tangents extending tilted at an angle from approximately 0° to 90°, preferably from 20° to 70°, in reference to the direction of motion of the saw blade or the saw band. Furthermore, several guide plates are mounted to the bracket at a distance from each other, forming clear spaces.

Abstract: A guide fence assembly for use with a work table of a table-based device, where the assembly includes an elongated fence body that extends in a longitudinal direction between front and rear ends thereof, and a front glide member that is attached to the elongated fence body. The front glide member is configured and arranged to glide along a front rail of the table-based device. Preferably, there is at least one magnetic element attached to the elongated fence body at a position between the front glide member and the front end of the elongated fence body. The at least one magnetic element is configured and arranged to apply a magnetic attraction force directed in the longitudinal direction toward the rear end of the elongated fence body. Preferably, there is also a locking mechanism for locking the guide fence assembly into a locked position with respect to the work table.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and neutralizing remotely activated explosive devices in a combat zone, especially one of relatively limited geographic area such as an urban setting. The apparatus is configured for mounting on or within an airborne drone and includes both transmitting and receiving circuits and antennas. The apparatus detects radio transmissions by analyzing received signals using standard RF direction finding techniques and a spectrum analyzer or other signal processing circuitry. Signals may be classified as threats using predetermined criteria, and the direction of threat signals may be assessed to allow for a determination of an enemy position from which an explosive is to be detonated. The apparatus also transmits a jamming signal which may serve to detonate devices within the dynamic RF footprint of the transmitting antenna. The drone also includes a highly directional low frequency audio device which is periodically directed randomly and at suspected enemy positions.

Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology, self-charging 14, unmanned electric vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29. The comprehensive system provides protection from mines on existing pathways in desert environments using a self-sufficient energy source. In addition, the total system utilizes only Green Technology for all modes of operation.

Abstract: A device for detecting the absolute position of a cylinder rod is provided. A cylinder assembly has a cylinder body with a gland member positioned thereof. The gland member has a rod opening extending therethrough. An adjustable sensor is mounted on the gland member, the adjustable sensor being operable to read one or more detectable features of the cylinder rod. The adjustable sensor can be incrementally adjusted relative to the cylinder rod to optimize the gap provided between the adjustable sensor and the cylinder rod, allowing the sensor to detect the motion and absolute position of the cylinder rod. The detectable features may be three tracks of data including first timing data and position data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for hydraulic fluid supply between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive unit, switching hydraulic fluid flow direction to the hydraulic drive unit or stopping hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic drive unit when measured hydraulic fluid pressure crosses a predetermined pressure threshold value. The method further comprises calculating an amount of mechanical work done by the hydraulic drive unit and warning an operator or limiting hydraulic fluid flow rate to the hydraulic drive unit when the calculated mechanical work for the drive cycle is less than an expected amount of mechanical work. The apparatus for practicing the method further includes a pressure sensor associated with a hydraulic fluid supply conduit between the pump and the drive unit, and an electronic controller programmed to operate the drive system according to the method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotary actuator comprises a chamber within a housing. A piston within the chamber is operable to rotate about a fixed point. A primary inlet is disposed within the housing. The primary inlet allows fluid to pass between the chamber and a primary fluid source.

Abstract: A fluid operated linear drive in which on the outer periphery of a centering portion (24) fitting in a housing tube (4) at least one housing cover (5) has an annular groove (28) accommodating an annular seal (32). The outer flank (36), which is on the side of the housing tube (3), of the annular groove (28) is a component of cap part (42), which is coaxially mounted on the centering portion (24) and fixed on the housing cover (5). This division into two parts facilitates production of a flash-free annular groove (28) without fettling.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool (10) for use in controlling quantity of congregatable particulates, such as coffee, contained in a receptacle. The tool (10) includes support means (20) and a blade (18). The support means (20) are adapted to be supported by a wall of the receptacle. The blade (18) is for contacting an upper surface of the congregated particulates. The tool (10) is movable relative to the receptacle wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing unit for a coffee machine. The brewing unit comprises a brewing chamber in which a dose of coffee powder can be lodged, an inlet for supplying water to the chamber for preparing a coffee beverage, a first piston providing a moveable wall for adjusting the chamber internal volume, which wall has an outlet for delivering the coffee beverage out from the chamber, and a valve assembly for opening/closing said delivery outlet. Advantageously a second piston is provided which moves the first piston and supports the valve assembly. The second piston is also moveable with respect to the first piston, for actuating the valve assembly.

Abstract: A removable toaster basket assembly to be removably received in a toasting slot of an electric pop-up toaster facilitates inserting and removing food articles in the toasting slot for toasting of the food article. The removable toaster basket assembly includes an elongate substantially planar frame for resting on an upper surface of the toaster and defines a rectangular slot therethrough. A handle extends from one end of the frame. An elongate basket is slidably received in the slot, the basket having ends and sides which define an open top for receiving a food article. A stop on the basket limits translation of the basket with respect to said frame to maintain the basket captive within the frame.

Abstract: Compacting apparatus (10) for waste material defines a feed space (14), in which material (16) for compacting is received in use, and a pressing chamber (16). The apparatus includes a moving assembly (40) for moving material from the feed space into the pressing chamber, a pressing member (20) movable within the pressing chamber to move material in use out of the pressing chamber, and a shearing arrangement (70, 72) for shearing the material as it moves out of the pressing chamber.

Abstract: Provided is an endless printing belt which is capable of reducing ink leakage from a back surface, reducing a loss of ink due to volatilization in the case of applying volatile ink, ensuring a smooth feeding action of the printing belt to achieve accurate positioning of a printing portion, and enhancing belt strength so as to suppress deformation of the belt. In an endless printing belt mainly made of thermoplastic resin provided with interconnected cells, a surface of the belt constitutes a surface for a printing surface, a side surface is rendered ink-impermeable, and a back surface of the belt includes an ink-impermeable portion and an ink-permeable portion.

Abstract: An ink roller cover device of a portable type label printing applicator so that the ink does not dry-up easily in stored or standby state by closed storage of the ink roller. An ink roller is stored in a cover including a fixed cover part which can cover and store a part of a roller body in a standby state of the ink roller and a complementary movable cover part which covers and stores the other parts of the roller body when the cover parts are closed in a standby state of the ink roller. The movable cover part is capable of exposing the roller body towards a printing device in an operating state of the ink roller. An operating lever moves the ink roller with the movable cover part away from the fixed cover part.

Abstract: An improved ink system for a single pan design of a rotogravure printing press includes: the reservoir enclosing a substantial portion of the gravure cylinder; the intake section bottom having a slope at the bottom of the intake section; an intake port through the bottom of the intake section; an outtake port through the bottom of the outtake section; the outtake section bottom having a slope at the bottom of the outtake section sloping toward the outtake port; a dam release lever connected to the gate and extending outside of the reservoir, a plurality of channels through the vortex promoter; a pre-wipe bar located between the doctor blade and the vortex promoter; journal port seals located on each side of the gravure cylinder; and an angled doctor blade holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reactive shaped charge, a reactive liner, and a method for penetrating a target are generally described herein. The reactive shaped charge comprises a reactive liner having a matrix of reactive metal particles in a hydrocarbon fuel, a high explosive, and an inner barrier separating the reactive liner from the high explosive. The hydrocarbon fuel fills the interstitial spacing between the reactive metal particles, and the matrix is tightly packed or compresses to exhibit a solid like property.

Abstract: An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about ?40° C. of less than about 4.

Abstract: The compression of ballast for a rail track takes place after two-stage cleaning by a cleaning machine. For this purpose, cleaned ballast is dispensed and a first ballast layer is thereby formed. The rail track which is laid on the first ballast layer has lateral oscillations imparted to it by a front stabilization unit, and the first ballast layer is thereby compressed. The formation of a second ballast layer takes place by a second chute, which second ballast layer is subsequently compressed by a rear stabilization unit.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: A body frame structure having practically sufficient strength is provided. The body frame structure has a simple structure that can be obtained by simple joining operation. Vertically and horizontally arranged first and second frame members are weld-joined to an outer panel with an end portion of the second frame member facing a side surface of the first frame member. The first frame member is placed in a straddling manner on the outer panel and the end portion of the second frame member weld-joined to the outer panel and is weld-joined to both the second frame member and the outer panel. In this manner, even when the vertically and horizontally arranged first and second frame members are laser-welded to the outer panel, the joint strength can be improved without using a joint plate.

Abstract: A rail car with a double longitudinal tub floor. The car may comprise a car body supported on a frame, the principal element of the frame being a longitudinal center sill assembly. The frame is in turn supported on a pair of wheel trucks. The car body includes a pair of generally vertical end wall assemblies joined to a pair of generally vertical side assemblies. The box is closed on the bottom by a floor assembly. The floor assembly includes a pair of longitudinal tubs. The longitudinal tubs are divided into tub segments and supported by cross-bearer assemblies. The cross-bearer assemblies are joined to the center sill assembly. The longitudinal tubs are supported primarily by the center sill assembly, both directly by joining each tub's lateral inboard edge to the center sill, and indirectly by joining the tub's chord end edges to the cross-bearer assemblies. Diagonal braces may be attached to the cross bearer assemblies and the side assemblies to help prevent bowing of the sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of furniture, such as a sitting/standing table, wherein an adjustable element, such as a table top, may be adjusted by a drive unit (8) based on an electric motor. An electrical control unit (6) has a plurality of externally accessible gates and is arranged so as to meet a number of requirements for services and/or optional special functions which may be modified, activated or deactivated with a plurality of external modules (5) configured with a plug (11) when said plug is inserted into a gate (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a burner which uses solid fuels, especially waste plastic fuels. Burner size is minimized by having multiple combustion chambers concentrically located around a rotating screw conveyor. Heat efficiency is improved by having air passages disposed around the combustion chambers, thus preheating air for the combustion prior to its delivery to the combustion chambers, while simultaneously thermally insulating the combustion chambers against the environment. Waste plastic is transported from a fuel hopper to the combustion chambers by a rotating screw conveyor having the spiraling auger blades. Speed of screw conveyor rotation controls the consumption of waste plastic and, thus, the amount of thermal energy generated in the burner.

Abstract: A method and device for cooling hot crude gas and slag from entrained flow gasification of liquid and solid combustibles at crude gas temperatures ranging from 1,200 to 1,800° C. and at pressures of up to 80 bar in a cooling chamber disposed downstream of the gasification reactor by injecting water. The cooling water is distributed, with a first portion being finely dispersed into to cooling chamber and a second portion being fed at the bottom into an annular gap provided between the pressure-carrying tank wall and an incorporated metal apron for protecting said pressure-carrying tank wall. The second portion of the cooling water flows upward in the annular gap and trickles down the inner side of the metal apron in the form of a water film.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber.

Abstract: A method for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The method features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and the device for displaying sewing processes to allow simulation of the formation of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns in sewing machines (1) and embroidery machines or in sewing simulators close to reality is provided. In the representation on the monitor (3) features, such as colors and the structure of the sewing material (2), are considered. By activating a simulation mode, the drive for the stitch formation unit can be disabled.

Abstract: A method of tufting novel loop pile carpets is provided to allow the use of four or more colors of yarn at sufficient stitch density to provide for a solid appearance of any of the selected colors at any location on the carpet.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from an ocean floor or seabed employs a subsea debris basket. The basket eliminates the absolute necessity of a cargo barge or any other supporting vessel that might be required to remain in a field until the objects on the ocean floor can be lifted. The present invention provides a non-weather sensitive solution. The present invention affords the safe operation in that all lifting and lowering is performed in a subsea environment next to the ocean floor or seabed. The present invention enables operation to be completed with the use of an ROV or remotely operated vehicle. The present invention provides improved offshore efficiency, less time being required to recover debris from the seabed to the underwater salvage basket or debris basket. The present invention enables the possibility of use of an A-frame or simple crane to lower debris into a subsea basket. The basket can be reused or redeployed in the field if desired.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus (2) including a frame (4), a mooring wheel (6) and a locking system, wherein the mooring wheel includes a circumferentially located mooring rope engagement portion and is rotatably coupled to the frame; and the locking system is adapted to prevent rotation of the mooring wheel when in a locked configuration and to permit rotation of the mooring wheel when in a released configuration, whereby when the locking system is in the locked position, the mooring wheel is configured such that the forces exerted by a mooring rope against the mooring apparatus act along an axis which passes substantially through a rotational axis of the mooring wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for mutually aligning the scales of a rope streamlined by means of scales articulated to rotate about its axis, the alignment being necessary to enable such a rope to be wound onto the drum of a winch. It mainly consists of a device presenting a bevelled front face and comprising a cavity extending from front to rear, inside which passes the rope before it is wound. The cavity presents a longitudinal opening with two lateral edges, each edge following, from front to back, a profile in helical form, the two helices being coaxial to each other and with the axis of symmetry of the cavity. The wall of the cavity is also configured so as to follow the cross-sectional profile of the scale all along its path in the device.