Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multiaxial force-torque sensor having a transducer structure, with strain gauges placed in defined areas to measure the strain, from which the forces and torques are calculated, and where the transducer structure can include (e.g., consist of) two concentric rings connected with spokes. The transducer structure can be a planar mechanical structure, and all strain gauges can be applied to the same surface of the transducer structure to measure non-radial strain components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette, for example as a result of solidification of an embedding medium within a cassette. The sample is immobilized in a sample receiving chamber above a first fill level of a liquid that is suitable for counteracting the adhesion; and that the fill level of the liquid is then elevated at least until said level reaches the sample. An apparatus according to the present invention that can be used for carrying out the method comprises a sample receiving chamber and an adjusting chamber, the adjusting chamber being connected to the sample receiving chamber in such a way that a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a displacement means (5) is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that a displacement means (5) is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.

Abstract: Conventional conveying lines have required building according to the particular shapes of test tube racks and test tube holders. For this reason, at least two types of dedicated lines, one for test tube racks and one for test tube holders, have been needed in one system, so there has been a tendency for systems to be complex in structure and disadvantageous in cost. To solve these problems, this invention provides a sample conveying system designed so that test tube racks and test tube holders can move on the same line, and high in both cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial synovial fluid composition that mimics the tribological and biochemical properties of human, osteoarthritic synovial fluid for in vitro testing of implantable materials. The artificial synovial fluid comprises new-born calf serum or alpha-calf serum (iron-free or iron-supplemented) that contains a specific total protein concentration, specific protein constituent fractions (albumin, ?-1 globulin, ?-2 globulin, ?-globulin, and ?-globulin), specific trace element concentrations (Ca, Mg, inorganic P, and Fe), and a specific low-molecular weight peptide concentration important for in vitro testing of implantable materials. In addition, the artificial synovial fluid contains a hyaluronic acid concentration and level of osmolality (preferably using phosphate buffered-saline solution) to mimic the thermal stability (transition mid-point temperature, enthalpy, and entropy) and pH level as measured clinically.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a detection apparatus and its operating method. The disclosed technology provides a detection apparatus, comprising: a test chamber, an exchange chamber, and a communicating mechanism, which is provided between the test chamber and the exchange chamber and capable of rendering the test chamber and the exchange chamber separated from or communicated with each other; wherein transmission devices are positioned within the test chamber and the exchange chamber, respectively, and the transmission devices are adapted to convey a probe frame from the test chamber to the exchange chamber or from the exchange chamber to the test chamber.

Abstract: An accessory drive mechanism for a hybrid vehicle, capable of operating accessories irrespective of the travel state of the vehicle, and also capable of smoothly switching between the power which is transmitted from the traveling motor side and the power which is transmitted from the accessory drive motor side. The accessory drive mechanism is provided with a drive power take-off mechanism (20) for taking out the power from a travel drive system (D). An accessory (11) is connected to the drive power take-off mechanism (20). A first one-way clutch (C1) which can transmit the power only to the accessory (11) side is disposed between the drive power take-off mechanism (20) and the accessory (11). An accessory driving motor (an auxiliary motor (12e)) is connected to the side of the accessory (11) which is on the opposite side from the drive power take-off mechanism (20).

Abstract: Ball screw assembly comprising a screw (2) provided with an outer thread (3); a nut (4) provided with an inner thread (5); a series (6) of balls (7) able to circulate along a circulating path (10) between the screw and the nut, along which the balls are engaged in the threads thereof; and recirculating means (8) defining a recirculating channel (9) to carry balls from one end to the other end of said circulating path (10); The recirculating channel (9) comprising a return channel (14) provided on the nut and, between the ends of this return channel and the corresponding ends of said circulating path, deflecting channels (27, 28) which are defined respectively between surfaces (25) of deflecting elements (20, 21) engaged in respective holes (11, 12) of the nut (4) and local zones (26) of surfaces (16) of these respective holes.

Abstract: A ball screw with an oil-storage unit, the oil-storage unit includes an oil tank and a connector. The connector has one end formed in the form of a convex or concave structure, and the connecting end of the oil tank is also in the form of a concave or convex structure for engaging with the connector, so as to achieve quick assembling of the connector onto the oil tank through the engagement of the convex and concave structures. Since the oil-storage unit can be quickly replaced after the oil is used up, which provides an automatic and continuous self-lubricating function to the ball screw, and consequently extending the service life of the ball screw.

Abstract: A power transmission device is comprised of a first shaft having a first gear and a second gear and capable of being drivingly coupled with the engine; a second shaft drivingly coupled with the electric motor and the first shaft; a third gear meshing with the first gear to form a first gearing having a first gear ratio; a fourth gear coaxial with the third gear, the fourth gear meshing with the second gear to form a second gearing having a second gear ratio; a third shaft coaxial with both the third gear and the fourth gear, the third shaft being drivingly coupled with the axles; a first clutch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the third gear with the third shaft; and a second clutch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the fourth gear with the third shaft.

Abstract: A fixed spool fishing reel having a handle shaft connected to a handle to be rotated thereby and coupled to a bail arm drive of the wheel so that rotation of the handle shaft causes rotation of the bail arm. The handle shaft is coupled to the bail arm drive via a gear mechanism that enables the gear ratio between rotation of the handle shaft and rotation of the bail arm drive to be selectively altered. Also, a fixed spool fishing reel having a spool shaft and two gear wheels respectively on opposite sides of the spool shaft, both gear wheels being coupled to be driven by a rotary handle of the reel and both being selectable to be the one which drives a spool shaft oscillatory mechanism of the reel, the coupling between each of the said two gear wheels and the mechanism being via respective gearing arrangements to impart different respective ratios of handle rotary speed to oscillatory speed of the spool shaft.

Abstract: A compliant gear assembly for a gear train of an internal combustion engine includes a hub subassembly having a first hub component and a second hub component. The first hub component defines a first axis, and the compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring rotatable relative to the hub subassembly and defining a gear ring axis of rotation. The second hub component is movable relative to the first hub component between a first stop position and a second stop position. A compliance mechanism is coupled between the first hub component and the second hub component and biases the second hub component toward the first stop position. Translating the second hub component relative to the first hub component in a direction normal to the first axis attenuates torque spikes induced for example via fuel injector actuation and/or cylinder firing in an engine gear train employing the compliant gear assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push device (8) which includes a rotary pad (10) in which the inner periphery (11) is off-centre relative to the outer periphery (12) and applied to the rear (9) of the rack (3) which is thereby pushed towards the teeth of the steering pinion (5). A clearance compensation mechanism (17) includes a thrust member (19) pressed against a radial arm (18) of the pad (10) by a compression spring (20) inserted between said member and an element (23) secured to the support (13) of the pad (10). A mobile stop (21) rotatably mounted relative to the element (23) comprises toothings having staggered gear teeth cooperating with notches of the thrust member (19). The stop (21) is connected to the element (23) by means of a torsion spring (22). The notches successively cooperate with the staggered teeth.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive system for driving a wind turbine component is described. The drive system includes a motor, gearing operationally connected with the motor, and an actuator operationally connected with the gearing for actuating the wind turbine component. The auxiliary drive system is provided with one or more locks. The one or more locks are able to interlock with a component of the gearing to lock the auxiliary drive system.

Abstract: A multiple-angle transmission tool includes a first shell, a transmission stick, a first gear, a second shell, a connecting unit, a second gear, a transmission unit and a screw bolt, wherein each the first shell and the second shell has a connecting surface that has a number of recessed portions arranged in a circular manner, and each recessed portion is spaced with a protruding portion to form a restricted position to engage. Also, the first gear, the second gear and the transmission unit are located in a receiving space formed within the first shell and the second shell. When the first shell and the second shell move along the entire circumference, the momentum can be transmitted and changed when the first shell, the second shell and the transmission unit are engaged.

Abstract: Utility vehicle transmission controls include a common pivot shaft extending transversely across at least part of the operator station. The common pivot shaft has an integral collar. A shift lever has a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion of the sleeve extending over the integral collar. A differential lock lever has a lower end with a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion extending over the integral collar adjacent the shift pivot so that the shift lever and differential lock lever independently pivot.

Abstract: A compliant mechanism includes a first unit, a second unit, at least one elastic member and a driver for driving the elastic member to rotate through a predetermined angle. The first and second units collectively define a passage about which the second unit is rotatable relative to the first unit. The elastic member has a plate and first and second shafts which are coaxially connected to two opposite ends of the plate respectively and rotatably connected with the first and second units respectively. The elastic member is rotatable about a co-axis of the first and second shafts and elastically deformable when the second unit rotates relative to the first unit. The elastic member can change its resistance to the rotation of the second unit by rotating; therefore the compliant mechanism has a great safety upon receiving load and is widely applicable in many fields.

Abstract: This robot includes an arm and a joint provided on one end portion of the arm, and either the arm or the joint is provided with an end effector driving source to operate an end effector mounted to the arm through the joint.

Abstract: A robot includes a base a movable platform, a plurality of control arms, a first actuator, a plurality of second actuators, and a rotation mechanism. The plurality of control arms are rotatably connected to the base and the movable platform respectively. The second actuators are configured to respectively drive the control arms to swing. The rotation mechanism includes a shaft rotated by the first actuator. The shaft is rotatable relative to the base and the movable platform is positioned around at least two axes. The at least two axes include two axes substantially perpendicular to each other. The shaft is slidable relative to the base.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bracket, to which a jacket tube of a steering column supporting a steering shaft is releasably fixed by a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes at least one clamping part that is supple in the transverse direction (y direction) of the steering column arrangement and rigid in shear terms in the longitudinal direction (x direction and z direction) of the steering column arrangement.

Abstract: A steering device facilitates the assembling of a tilt lock mechanism that elastically supports movement of a movable tilt lock gear to a stationary cam in a tilt direction by a spring. The stationary cam has both characteristics of durability and an impact reduction capability. When a cylindrical part of a tilt stopper has been inserted into a through hole, the cylindrical part is enlarged in diameter, and engagement surfaces of engagement projections are engaged with an end surface of an inclined cam surface side of a stationary cam. A right end surface of a flange part of the tilt stopper is abutted against an end surface of a movable tilt lock gear. The movable tilt lock gear, a wire spring, and the stationary cam are integrated by the tilt stopper, and those four parts can be prevented from being dispersed during transportation. As a result, the assembling time can be reduced.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a casing unit, which rotatably supports a steering shaft about the longitudinal axis thereof, and a retaining part. The casing unit is held in a fixed manner relative to said retaining part up to a threshold value of a force acting on the casing unit in a parallel manner to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft in the direction of the front of the vehicle. When the threshold value is exceeded, the casing unit is movably held in a parallel manner to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes an accelerator grip control. The accelerator grip control includes a grip sleeve provided rotatably around a handlebar, an accelerator grip member fixed to the grip sleeve, a collar fixed to the grip sleeve, an accelerator position sensor that detects rotational positions of the accelerator grip member; a case member that houses the collar and the accelerator position sensor; and annular members provided between the collar and the accelerator position sensor. The annular members include outer circumferential portions that are in contact with the case member along their entire circumferences, and the annular members include inner circumferential portions that are in contact with the collar along their entire circumferences.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly includes a pedal forming in a central portion thereof a hollow portion; an axle unit movably received in the hollow portion and including a central axle and self-lubricating bearings fit to the central axle and respectively located at opposite ends of the hollow portion; and an abrasion resistant unit mounted to an end of the central axle. As such, the axle unit is coupled to a bicycle, so that when a rider applies a force to the pedal for pedaling operation, the abrasion resistant unit helps protecting the pedal from abrasion and wear induced by direct contact and thereby extends the life space.

Abstract: A collapsible guard adapted to cover tae rear wheel of a stationery exercise bicycle supported on a bicycle trainer is described. The guard has side walls, an upper wall and a front opening sized to receive the bicycle rear wheel and trainer. In one embodiment of the invention, the guard includes spaced side walls having upper edges, front edges and lower edges; and a flexible upper -all with sine edges, a front edge, and a rear edge, the side walls being releasibly attached along at least part of their lengths to the upper wall side edges, the upper wall curving downwardly from its front edge to its rear edge when the side walls are attached. In this embodiment, the side walls are foldable onto opposite faces of the upper wall. In another embodiment, the guard includes a collapsible frame with curved bands and a cover attachable over the frame.

Abstract: This drive apparatus includes a first rotation mechanism portion including a first driven gear portion rotated by a first drive gear portion rotating about a first axis and a second rotation mechanism portion including a second driven gear portion rotated by a second drive gear portion rotating about the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary index table comprising a plate, which has drivers that engage with a drive groove of a cam barrel, wherein the plate can be driven by means of the cam barrel to carry out a rotational movement about a rotational axis which in turn can be driven by means of a motor to carry out a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein the motor directly drives the cam barrel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improved process control in metal smelting through measurement of off-gas profiles in real time. A tunable laser source is projected across a volume of off-gas and detected to provide a real time profile of gas concentrations. The real time gas concentration profile may be compared with known profiles to identify problems in the smelting process or to identify when the process is complete.

Abstract: Copper is chemically extracted from crude ores by first roasting it at temperature up to 500° C. for 90 minutes, then treating it with ammonium salt followed by leaching with sulfuric acid to obtain a soluble copper mass for further purification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a compressed lump of metal scrap that is capable of compressing various kinds of collected metal scrap into a standardized form so that the metal scrap can be directly introduced into a blast furnace. A through hole is formed in a compressed lump of metal scrap during manufacture of the compressed lump of metal scrap so that the compressed lump of metal scrap can be efficiently melted and the interior of the compressed lump of metal scrap can be observed.

Abstract: A steel rule die making system produces a steel rule dies having an operative surface that form creases and cut patterns in a sheet material to form a box blank. The system includes a die manufacturing station having an indexing bench that securely holds a substrate. At least one slug driver device is disposed adjacent the die manufacturing station to drive the penetrating point of a slug into the substrate. The upper surface of the slug head defines a segment of the operative surface of the steel rule die.

Abstract: A hammer or other hand tool has a head to which is attached a handle. The handle has a plurality of spring steel rods extending substantially the length of the handle and extending into the head where the rods are affixed by a plate. Spacer plates with holes are positioned at spaced locations along the rods. The rods and spacer plates are encased in a rubber material that forms the outer surface of the handle. The rods and spacer plates at the end of the handle form a reinforced lanyard hole. A collar is formed on the handle adjacent the head. The head of the hammer has angled deflecting pads adjacent the striking faces. A raised rim on the head opposite the handle forms a stand surface to enable the barrel shaped head to stand with the handle projecting upwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.

Abstract: A method and programmed apparatus for cutting graphics from substantially-identical sheets with graphics and registration marks printed thereon using a plotter and controlled cutter and sensor movable over the sheets, including: (1) sensing work-surface positions of the marks of a sheet and calculating an expected work-surface position for each such mark based on the work-surface positions of other marks of the sheet; (2) classifying each mark as active or inactive based on a first error criterion and applying the classification to corresponding marks of a subsequent sheet, the active marks being fewer than the total number of printed marks; (3) sensing the work-surface positions of the active marks of the subsequent sheet; and (4) cutting the graphics from the subsequent sheet based on the sensed positions of the active marks, thereby reducing the time for accurate cut-processing of the subsequent sheet.

Abstract: There is described a method for processing stacks of sheets (SS) into bundles (5) of securities, in particular banknote bundles, the method comprising the steps of cutting successive stacks of sheets (SS), each carrying an array of multiple security prints arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, into successive sets of bundle strips (S; S*), and cutting the successive set of bundle strips (S; S*) into successive sets (2) of consecutive bundles (5) of securities. This method further comprises the step of counting the number of substrates within each bundle strip (S; S*) prior to cutting thereof into the successive sets (2) of consecutive bundles (5).

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed and which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel, a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife, and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and the second, cutting position for the cutter knife, and a magnet mounted on the track member and which releasably magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in either of the first non-cutting position, or the second, cutting position.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base and a carriage mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. The carriage includes a food product tray and an associated slide rod with a food product pusher mounted on the slide rod. The slide rod is removably attached to the tray to facilitate simple removal of the product pusher.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pair of saw blades, including a first blade and a second blade, which are arranged to rotate around the same rotational axis in opposite directions. Each of the blades has its own blade body and peripheral cuffing elements, wherein the blade body of the first blade has a front side, which is turned towards a back side of the blade body of the second saw blade, and wherein the cutting elements form overhangs protruding from said front or back side. Said front and/or back side have/has a circumferential ridge, which is arranged peripherally inside of the cutting elements and to slide over a corresponding part or a corresponding ridge on the opposite back side and/or front side, wherein the ridge/ridges is/are made in one piece with the blade body in question and serves/serve as a spacer means to prevent the cutting elements with their overhangs to hit each other during rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A sampling device for removing a surface portion from a substrate. The device includes a frame structure and a cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a pivot body having a first end supported at a pivot point on the frame structure, and a cutter supported for rotation about a rotational axis at a second end of the pivot body. The cutter has a semi-ellipsoidal shape and a drive motor is operably connected to the cutter. The pivot point is located in spaced relation to the rotational axis. The cutter is operable to cut a surface portion of a substrate during pivotal movement about the pivot point.

Abstract: A guitar neck made as a unitary part, including its frets and nut, is provided with a coating of sufficient hardness to resist string wear. Slots arrayed longitudinally along the back of the neck permit the neck to be light in weight, while being made of a material rigid enough to resist warping from string tension. Due to this integral configuration, the neck does not require a trussrod.

Abstract: A holder, comprising a retaining device adapted to selectively couple with an item and a base adapted to selectively couple with a surface, and a clamp assembly coupled with the retaining device and base. The clamp assembly allows relative adjustment of the retaining device and base members.

Abstract: A reed warp mouthpiece system includes a mouthpiece with a bottom side having a concave cavity, a table portion and a rectangular window exposing a tone chamber and extending from the table portion. A reed is disposed on the bottom side of the mouthpiece spanning the cavity and includes a heel portion extending over the table portion and a tapered portion extending from the heel portion and covering the rectangular window. A plurality of parallel slits is provided in the reed. A ligature surrounds the mouthpiece and reed to secure the reed to the mouthpiece. This ligature includes a flexible strap having opposing ends defining a flexible strap length and opposing edges running between the opposing ends and defining a width. The length passes around the mouthpiece and the reed and the width is equal to the heel portion length so that the flexible strap completely covers the heel portion.

Abstract: A support structure for a percussion instrument has a support member configured to suppress the transfer of vibrations to the floor surface, and provide stability during performance. The entire percussion instrument and a portion or all of the pedal device are elastically supported above the floor, on the support member through the first vibration isolating members. Vibrations from the percussion instrument member and the pedal device are dampened by the first vibration isolating members. The first vibration isolating members are provided between the support member and the percussion instrument member, to suppress the transfer of vibrations to the floor surface, while the support member is stably supported on the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing musical information. A user can perform a musical piece, using a real musical instrument (e.g. a guitar), which is received as audio input. The audio input is then assessed to determine whether it meets various quality standards—for example, whether the user played at the right pitch, at the right time, or at the right volume. If the audio input meets the standards, audio output is then provided of a professional performance of the musical piece, such that it sounds as if the user is performing the professional audio. The standards can be adjusted to different levels, depending on the user's skill on the musical instrument. At an easy level, low standards may be applied, such that even unskilled or beginner musicians can sound like a professional. For more skilled users, the standards may be more difficult to meet.

Abstract: Provided is a program for musical performance which causes a computer of a musical performance apparatus to function as a posture variation acquisition unit 101 for acquiring the posture variation of a controller 5 per frame based on the angular velocity with respect to the posture or movement of the controller 5, a volume parameter setting unit 102 for setting a volume parameter for deciding the volume according to the posture variation, and a sound signal output unit 106 for outputting a sound signal of the volume according to the volume parameter.

Abstract: Photodiodes in combination with an amplifier of transimpedance configuration provides an optical vibration detector having a linear frequency response with a light emitter and sensor of sufficiently small size to be inserted between strings of a musical instrument in order to provide signals suitable for amplification. The frequencies of vibrating strings of a musical instrument can be converted in accordance with either of two converter embodiments to control a music synthesizer, an automatic music transcription arrangement or the like.

Abstract: A software application configured to enable a single controller trigger to send arbitrarily complex sequences of keystroke and/or MIDI control messages to a multi-media device. Examples of multi-media devices include DJ players, video game systems, music, entertainment, and lighting control applications. Each trigger of the controller can be uniquely programmed to generate a complex sequence of keystrokes and/or MIDI control messages, allowing more complex and higher performance control of the multi-media device.

Abstract: An index calculating unit calculates a tonality index of a signal component of each area of an input signal transformed into a time frequency domain based on intensity (for example, power spectrum) of the signal component and a function (quadratic function) obtained by approximating the intensity of the signal component. A music determining unit determines whether or not each area of the input signal includes music based on the tonality index. The present technology can be applied to a music section detecting apparatus that detects a music part from an input signal in which music is mixed with noise.

Abstract: An index calculating unit calculates a tonality index of a signal component of each area of the input signal transformed into a time frequency domain based on intensity of the signal component and a function obtained by approximating the intensity of the signal component. A similarity calculating unit calculates a similarity between a feature quantity in each area of the input signal obtained based on the index and the feature quantity in each area of the reference signal obtained based on the index calculated on the reference signal transformed into the time frequency domain. A music identifying unit identifies music of the input signal based on the similarity. The present technology can be applied to a music search apparatus that identifies music from an input signal.