Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for placing a sample in a chromatographic system. The device and method feature placing samples held in a sample loop to pressurization prior to placing such sample loop in communication with high pressure conduits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Susppended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods. Methods include techniques to provide differential measurements by varying the fluid density for repeated measurements on the same particle or cell.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting mechanical features of materials, in particular metal materials, comprising an indenter (10) adapted to be pushed against a sample material (15) in which it penetrates for a depth (h) and responsive to the hardness of the materials same. The apparatus (1) provides means for generating a measured force (F) and a transmission gear (35) which changes the rotational motion of shaft (40) of motor (30) into a linear reversible movement. The force generated is then amplified in a hydraulic way and transmitted to the indenter (10). This solution allows to lighten and to reduce the size of the mechanisms for generating the force, reducing also wear and mechanical backlash, as well as costs and overall dimensions. An advantage is also to measure with precision the stroke of the indenter with corresponding control in precision of the penetration (h) of the indenter in the sample material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining the pressure and the profile depth in a pneumatic vehicle tire which is fitted to a vehicle, wherein the pressure is detected with the aid of an arrangement comprising load sensors, which arrangement supplies force signals for a two-dimensional pattern of the force distribution which is exerted by the vehicle tire in contact with the sensors when the vehicle moves over the arrangement, wherein the tire pressure is determined from the force distribution independently of the method of manufacture or the model of the tire and of the vehicle, is characterized in that the profile depth of the tire is determined before, while or after the pressure is determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting radial flows of conductive fluid are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are used to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. The shields may be a conduit through which conductive fluid may flow. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. Generally, once the circulating electrical current flow between the electrode pairs is substantially reduced or eliminated, only the voltage difference from the localized induced electric field remains. This way, a true induced voltage may be measured, and thus an accurate value for the fluid velocity may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for water sampling and analysis, the apparatus comprising: (a) a device for water sampling at a plurality of depths comprising a hosepipe and a plurality of internal independent pipes with a plurality of sampling inlets at a plurality of water depths, and (b) a pumping system to pump a sample of water collected using the device for water sampling at a plurality of depths to an isolated module for analysis. According to one embodiment, the apparatus is an autonomous multi-parametric buoy with capabilities for multi-depth water sampling, self-maintenance, monitoring, data collection, transmission, and analysis.

Abstract: An integrated microelectromechanical structure is provided with: a driving mass, anchored to a substrate via elastic anchorage elements and moved in a plane with a driving movement; and a first sensing mass, suspended inside, and coupled to, the driving mass via elastic supporting elements so as to be fixed with respect to the driving mass in the driving movement and to perform a detection movement of rotation out of the plane in response to a first angular velocity; the elastic anchorage elements and the elastic supporting elements cause the detection movement to be decoupled from the driving movement. The elastic supporting elements are coupled to the first sensing mass at an end portion thereof, and the axis of rotation of the detection movement extends, within the first sensing mass, only through the end portion.

Abstract: A capacitive acceleration sensor that prevents sticking of a mass body, made of silicon, to a first sealing substrate or a second sealing substrate, made of glass. The capacitive acceleration sensor includes a first sealing substrate and a second sealing substrate each made of glass. The mass body is suspended between the first and second sealing substrates by a beam attached to a substrate, and one or both of the sealing substrates is processed such that the mass body only contacts with a subsection of the substrate surface.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a manufacturing process is described. The method includes generating an optical pump beam pulse and directing the optical pump beam pulse to a surface of a sample. A probe pulse is generated and directed the probe pulse to the surface of the sample. A probe pulse response signal is detected. A change in the probe pulse varying in response to the acoustic signal forms the probe pulse response signal. An evaluation of one or more manufacturing process steps used to create the sample is made based upon the probe pulse response signal. Additionally the method may be used for process control of a CMP process. Apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A laser ultrasonic device is disclosed. The laser ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic generation system capable of generating ultrasonic waves on a surface of a sample, said system comprising a first collection of optical fiber output ends arranged in a first pattern.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure sensor apparatus that reduces the dead space of a flow tube utilized to provide fluid communication between a pressure sense die and a fluid and with an absolute minimum trapped volume. A cover (e.g., plastic) with two-molded ports can be added to one side of the pressure sense die utilizing molded-in solder pins to improve ruggedness and rigidity. A temperature and a humidity sensor can also be mounted to a substrate (e.g., ceramic) in the flow path and can be connected to a programmable compensation integrated circuit on the opposite side utilizing a clip end of mounting pins or by vias through the substrate outside a pressurized area.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a pressure sensor includes: a central section serving as a diaphragm body, the central section including: an external surface deformed upon receipt of an external pressure; and an internal surface transmitting a force to a pressure sensitive element inside a housing of the pressure sensor; a peripheral section that is an exterior of the central section and welded to an outer circumference of a pressure input orifice that is provided to the housing; and a step wall provided between the central section and the peripheral section. The central section and the peripheral section are integrally and concentrically provided. The diaphragm seals the pressure input orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a predetermined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.

Abstract: Shear test apparatus for gold and solder balls of a semiconductor substrate comprises a support element (21) on which is provided a piezo-electric crystal (24) in the direct shear load path. The crystal (24) may have a shield (25). The interface between shield and crystal, and crystal and support element may include an epoxy resin layer to distribute force and retain the components as a unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a load cell (7) and a tubular insert (3) for mounting in a bore (2) in a machine component (1), wherein the load cell (7) is structurally connected to an inner sleeve (6), which is axially displaceable inside an outer sleeve (4), which is insertable in the bore (2), the inner and outer sleeves (6, 4) having portions with mutually tapering envelope surfaces facing each other, and a flange (5) being provided for displacing the inner sleeve (6) and the outer sleeve (4) axially relative to each other for expanding the outer sleeve (4) partially for increasing the grip between the insert (3) and the bore (2), thereby giving the load cell (7) a pretension sufficient for emitting signals representative for the load acting on the machine component (1).

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to determine a force vector that is applied to a tip of a minimally invasive surgical instrument. The force acts upon the housing, is directed to the base, and causes a deformation there in special beam structures. Said deformation is detected by tension-sensitive/extension-sensitive resistors whose changes are a measure for the applied force vector. The inventive measuring element comprises special mounting elements so as to be integrated into tube-type instruments such as guiding wires, fastening zones for additional components, an overload protection, and a head shape that is adapted to the treatment process.

Abstract: An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element with a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.

Abstract: A sample frame (30; 81) for preparing a plurality of sample vessels (41, 42), in particular sample tubes, having a plurality of retainers, in each of which a sample vessel (41, 42) is situated, is characterized in that the sample vessels (41, 42) each have a cap (43, 44), which is put over the open end of the sample vessel (41, 42), the cap (41, 42) having a drilled hole (53, 54), through which the interior of the sample vessel (41, 42) is accessible, the sample frame (30; 81) has a removable cover plate (8), whose bottom side faces toward the caps (43, 44) of the sample vessels (41, 42) in the put-on state of the cover plate (8), and the cover plate (8) has an approximately funnel-shaped depression (11, 71) on the top side for each retainer, in whose center a through opening (57) through the cover plate (8) is provided, the through opening (57) aligning with the drilled hole (53, 54) of a cap (43, 44) of a sample vessel (41, 42) retained underneath when the cover plate (8) is put on.

Abstract: A self-contained momentum control system (MCS) for a spacecraft is provided for small satellites. The MCS features a miniaturized gyroscopic rotor with a rotational speed in excess of 20,000 RPM. The MCS includes at least three control moment gyroscopic mechanical assemblies (CMAs) rigidly mounted within a single enclosure, where each CMA mounted in an orientation whereby the longitudinal axis of each CMA is either orthogonal to every other CMA or is parallel to another CMA but in the opposite orientation. In order to further reduce the size of the MCS, an electronics package that is configured to interface command and control signals with and to provide power to the CMAs is included within the MCS enclosure. A plurality of shock isolation devices are used to secure each of the CMAs to the enclosure in order to reduce the launch load upon the CMAs thereby allowing the use of smaller rotor spin bearings. The MCS enclosure surrounding the CMAs and support structure is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A direct acting force limiting actuator wherein the actuator output force either directly or indirectly causes significant drag on a rotary input shaft rather than on the translating output member. Consequently, input energy is dissipated before the actuator gear train mechanical advantage amplifies the reaction forces.

Abstract: According to the invention, an actuator device comprises rollers positioned and guided by spacer rings, and an assembly consisting of said rollers and said rings is provided between a male part and a female part. The rollers include synchronization pinions arranged at the ends thereof and include, on the threaded portion located between said pinions, annular grooves used as a journal for interfacing with open bearings in the form of notches provided on each spacer ring.

Abstract: An oval gear set for use in a flow meter comprises first and second gears that are identical to each other and that are configured to engage at a fixed center-to-center distance such that the first and second gears mesh at all angular positions. Each gear of the oval gear set comprises a hub and a plurality of gear teeth. The hub comprises an oval body having a major axis and a minor axis extending through a center of the hub, and a root profile wall circumscribing the major and minor axes. The plurality of gear teeth extend from the root profile wall. Each of the gear teeth has a pair of contact surfaces with circular involute curve profiles.

Abstract: A shift-lock mechanism includes a lock member to lock or unlock a transmission range-switching member, a solenoid to be operated in response to operation of a brake on a vehicle, and an engagement arm to be engaged releasably with the solenoid. A plunger of the solenoid is movable between a retracted position outside a movement path of the engagement arm, and an engagement position is stretched across the movement path of the engagement arm. When a selector lever is manually moved into a parking range zone, the plunger is moved forwardly from the retracted position to the engagement position to allow a peripheral wall of the plunger to stop movement of the engagement arm. In response to a braking operation, the plunger is moved backwardly from the engagement position to the retracted position to allow stopping of the movement of the engagement arm to be released.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly with a button type shift knob may include a lower skirt slidably and rotatably coupled around a shift rod, an upper skirt disposed on the lower skirt and rotatably coupled to the lower skirt to allow relative rotation therebetween and to prevent relative straight motion therebetween, and a shift knob detachably attached to an upper portion of the shift rod, wherein the shift knob is slidably coupled to the upper skirt to permit an upper motion of the upper and lower skirts along a center axis of the shift rod and is eccentrically coupled to the upper skirt to prevent a relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (20) of the type for transmitting motion in a curved path by a flexible core element (22) in a conduit (24) is secured to a support structure (76) having a U-shaped slot. A support body (66) defines a groove (84) having first and second legs (86, 88) for abutting parallel edges (78) of the U-shaped slot, and a bottom leg (90) connecting the first and second legs (86, 88) for abutting a bottom edge (80). Slider arms (94) movably supported within female guides (92) are urged against snap-in retainers (102) by biasing spring members (104) establishing a locking position. A pair of locking tabs (106) projecting from the slider arms (94) into the groove (84) engage notches (82) in the parallel edges (78). An inclined face (112) is defined along the lower surface (112) of the locking tabs (106) for wedging engagement with the parallel edges (78) of the U-shaped slot to move the slider arms (94) axially to an insertion position.

Abstract: A foot pedal module (1) including an enclosure (3), a rotor (11), a foot pedal (15), two springs (17, 19) and a circuit board (33). The enclosure (3) has a trunnion (5), an outer ring (29) and a cover (39) for accommodating and protecting the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is linked with a bushing (7), a tappet, a lever (13), two haptic springs (17, 19), two damping elements (21, 23) and a driving element (27). The circuit board (33) carries an inductor array (25) which are designed as flat coils and located opposite the damping elements (21, 23). The foot pedal (15) is linked to the lever (13) and bushing (7) by a ball joint (35) and a socket (27).

Abstract: A one touch combination structure of a knob for an automatic transmission may include the knob which is provided with an operation button, an insert which is interposed inside the knob, a lever pipe which is housed in the insert and a lower end portion of which is hingedly supported to regulate shift speeds, and an operation rod which is slidably inserted into the lever pipe and elastically supported therein so as to vertically move according to an operation of the operation button, wherein a first fitting protrusion and a second fitting protrusion having different width and length are provided at an inner circumference of the insert, and a first cut groove and a second cut groove respectively responding to the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting protrusion are formed at an upper end portion of the lever pipe.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal has a pedal spindle, a pedal body and a step-in cleat engagement structure. The pedal body includes a tubular mounting portion rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The tubular mounting portion includes a center tube section that has a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension as measured from the center spindle axis to an outside surface of the center tube section along reference planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The widthwise dimension is substantially perpendicular to a cleat pedaling force direction applied to the pedal spindle, as viewed along in a direction of the center spindle axis. The outside surface of the center tube section has an overall transverse cross sectional shape that includes a generally convex arc that extends a majority of the outside surface of the center tube section on a side of the reference plane that faces the cleat engagement structure.

Abstract: In a bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit, a pair of coaxial hubs are relatively unrotatably fitted on respective coaxial output shafts, and are relatively rotatably inserted into a cage holding rollers. A pair of second bearings journal a clutch housing disposed around the cage is diametrically larger than a pair of first bearings journaling the respective hubs, and are disposed between the first bearings in the axial direction of the output shafts. An axial end portion of the cage and the second bearing on the same axial side are distant from the first bearing on the same axial side so as to have a space where a friction mechanism for applying a frictional rotation resistance onto the cage is disposed.

Abstract: A first hydraulic circuit leads, as clutch control pressure, pressurized oil supplied from a first hydraulic pump, to a transmission control device after regulating the pressurized oil, and leads, as torque converter operation oil, pressured oil to a torque converter, and leads pressurized oil to an oil cooler. Through a second hydraulic circuit, pressurized oil from a second hydraulic pump is distributed to a circuit portion downstream of the pressure regulation valve and upstream of a safety valve and to a circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler. A flow control device changes a proportion of a rate of flow in the second hydraulic circuit so that a proportion of the rate of flow to the circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler increases as pressure at an entrance of the torque converter increases.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench having ratchet structure, a ratchet body, a socket wheel, and a ratchet clutch. The ratchet body is received into the ratchet structure and is rotatable about a first axis. The socket wheel is received in an aperture in the ratchet body and includes a plurality of tool members that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a second axis that intersects the first axis but is not coincident with the first axis. The ratchet clutch is configured to control relative rotation between the ratchet structure and the ratchet body about the first axis.

Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, an exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The exchangeable extension link has a first connecting end removably linked to the handle, and a second connecting end defining a sectioned cavity. The sectioned cavity includes a reduced-diameter internally serrated cavity section and an enlarged-diameter non-serrated cavity section. An adjustable geometric fitting having an externally serrated base is received and retained within the sectioned cavity. A spring is located within the non-serrated cavity section, and is adapted for normally urging the externally serrated base of the geometric fitting into the internally serrated cavity section. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably joined to the geometric fitting of the extension link, and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (1) having functional regions to be operated manually, in particular a sample holder (2), a cutting device (3), a section removal system (4), and a section collection pan (5). A microtome (1) is described in which the particularly firm contact or adhesion of sectioning waste fragments and, in particular, of thin sections can be at least largely avoided. For this purpose, the microtome (1) according to the present invention is characterized in that the components of the microtome (1) that can be brought into contact with paraffin sections are embodied in electrically conductive fashion.

Abstract: An opening cutter assembly for forming an opening perforation line in a plastic packaging film by rolling the plastic packaging film between the opening cutter assembly and an anvil roll of a rolling mechanism when the plastic packaging film is fed through the rolling mechanism. The opening cutter assembly includes an opening cutter shaft, at least one opening cutter seat, and at least one opening cutter blade. The opening cutter shaft has at least one containing compartment. The opening cutter seat is installed in and engaged to the containing compartment by a cutter seat mounting mechanism. The opening cutter blade is mounted to each opening cutter seat. When the opening cutter blade gets worn out due to long term operation and must be replaced, simply dismounting the cutter seat mounting mechanism allows the opening cutter seat and the opening cutter blade to be removed from the containing compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a moving receiver includes a plurality of cutting devices and a transport mechanism for selectively moving the cutting devices perpendicular to the feed direction of the receiver. Each cutting device includes two parallel cutting wheels and a pressure wheel arranged so that the cutting wheels are pressed laterally against the pressure wheel to form two cutting areas and a chad area arranged laterally between the cutting areas. A drive mechanism rotates the cutting wheels or pressure wheel of two or more of the cutting devices so that the rotating cutting wheels engage the moving receiver to cut the moving receiver parallel to its feed direction. A controller receives a job specification including two or more specified cut locations and causes the transport mechanism to laterally position two or more of the cutting devices to cut the moving receiver in the specified cut locations.

Abstract: A rip fence for a table saw including a front rail and a rear rail. The rip fence includes a front clamping mechanism having a locking tip positioned adjacent to the front rail, a pivotable activation plate and a handle. A rear clamping mechanism is positioned adjacent to the rear rail, and the activation plate is coupled to the rear clamping mechanism where the handle is movable between a release position and a locking position. The activation plate includes a rolling member movable between an upper end and a lower end of the activation plate, wherein when the handle is moved from the release position to the locking position, the rolling member moves from the upper end to the lower end of the activation plate, causing the activation plate to move the rear clamping mechanism into engagement with the rear rail.

Abstract: A system for providing pneumatic power to a vitrector includes first and second output ports, an output valve, an isolation valve, and three manifolds. The first and second output ports provide pressurized gas to power a vitrector. The output valve alternately provides pressurized gas to the first and second output ports. The isolation valve provides pressurized gas to the output valve. Two manifolds fluidly connect the output valve to the first and second output ports. A third manifold fluidly connects the isolation valve to the output valve. When the isolation valve provides pressurized gas to the output valve, the output valve operates at a high rate of speed to alternately provide pressurized gas to the first and second output ports thereby powering the vitrector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to adjust the lateral clearance between upper and lower blades of shearing machines are described. An example apparatus includes a first blade opposite a second blade and movably coupled to a frame of the shear press via a ram, wherein the first and second blades are to receive a strip material. A lateral clearance adjustor slidably coupled to the ram shifts the first blade laterally relative to the second blade. A sensor determines a clearance position and a first drive member moves the lateral clearance adjustor from an initial position to the clearance position. A second drive member operatively coupled to the ram drives the first blade toward the second blade to shear the strip material.

Abstract: A toroidal cloth is provided comprising a plurality of closed-loop toroids interconnected together, the method comprising: providing a first toroid having a first proximal portion and a distal portion; providing a second toroid having a second proximal portion and distal portion; providing a third toroid having a third proximal portion and distal portion; overlapping the second toroid and the third toroid; forming an interconnection between the first, second and third toroids by looping the first proximal portion through the second and third toroids, the first proximal portion passing through the interior of the first toroid adjacent to the first distal portion to cause the first distal portion to be positioned adjacent to the second and third proximal portions; and wherein the interconnection and each subsequent interconnection is formed to provide a triangulated toroidal cloth structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slide pull apparatus for aiding in pulling a slide on a semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus includes a shell configured to partially enclose a rear portion of a slide on a semi-automatic pistol, the shell including: a plate having an aperture of a size configured to surround at least a portion of a rear aim sight on the semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus additionally includes at least one finger tab projecting from the slide pull, the finger projection having a size configured to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand, wherein pulling on the at least one finger tab in a rearward direction causes the slide to move in a rearward direction, thereby facilitating loading of the semi-automatic pistol.

Abstract: The actuator unit includes a hollow body defining a sliding chamber within; a piston mounted sliding inside said sliding chamber such to provide an actuation force and operated by a fluid fed from the outside; a body having one transmission end for the transmission of said actuation force prolonged outside said sliding chamber and one hooking end hooked to said piston, amplification means being interposed between said body and said piston to amplify said actuation force so as to obtain an amplified actuation force.

Abstract: A high pressure piston for use within a liner sleeve of a reciprocating pump comprises a dual-durometer elastomeric seal having first and second coaxial seal sections and, in certain embodiments, a circumferential bearing ring. Interactions of the seal components, including seal elastomers, result in stress redistribution within the seal which maintains sealing preload, with corresponding improved extrusion resistance and seal durability. When a bearing ring is present, a pump's pressure stroke causes at least a portion of the bearing ring to elastically expand radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap, thus tending to block elastomer extrusion by establishing sliding contact between the bearing ring's external surface and the liner. On the pump's return stroke the slightly wider extrusion gap allows cooling water directed generally toward the proximal flange of the piston hub to better cleanse, as well as cool, the liner wall.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid such as water under pressure to the exchangeable holder, while the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a top end having a generally concave cooking surface adapted to also act as a base stand; and a bottom end comprising a plurality of posts adapted to also act as a food preparation device holder upon vertically rotating the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling bars comprises an accumulator rotatable about a horizontal axis. The accumulator has a plurality of notches spaced angularly around its axis. A drive rotates the accumulator about its axis to sequentially locate the notches at a first station at which long bars are received in the notches and accumulated into batches; a second station at which the batches are tied into bundles; and a third station at which the bundles are delivered from the notches to a bundle collector.

Abstract: Screw press, with small dimensions, particularly suitable for the compaction of solid waste for disposal also using sorted-waste collection. The screw press comprises an initial large-diameter screw section with a wide-pitch helix, communicating laterally with the bottom opening of the loading hopper (1) in order to remove the material from the hopper and feed it to a following small-diameter screw section with a small-pitch helix, surrounded by an internally scored stator body. This produces the feeding and compaction of the material which also occurs in conjunction with the action of a constriction which acts on the discharge mouth of this latter screw section. A press of this type has the two screw sections (3, 4) which are separated and arranged parallel to each other and one above or around each other, so as to form overall a press which no longer has as its length the sum of the lengths of the two screw sections.

Abstract: A printing cylinder for a printing machine or printing sleeve for forming a printing cylinder that includes a plurality of cups for forming a supporting inner structure of the printing cylinder or printing sleeve. Each cup includes a central disc, a radially outer edge, and a first conical surface part. The first conical surface part of one cup at least partially bears against an adjacent cup in order to form a connection between the one cup and the adjacent cup. The radially outer edges of the plurality of cups together define a substantially cylindrical surface.