Abstract: The present invention is a nail placement device that includes an enter rod that allows the device to extend into a confined area wherein the enter rod's diameter forms an indentation on the distal end of the enter rod and a magnetic tip disposed on the distal end of the enter rod that secures a nail to be sunk into a desired surface within the relatively confined area. The device also includes an inner rod that receives the proximal end portion of the enter rod that is weighted that enhances any force utilized to set the nail with the device and an ergonomically designed handle to accommodate the user's fingers and a raised distal end to prevent the user's fingers and grasping hand from sliding off of the handle while utilizing the device.

Abstract: An open-end ratchet wrench includes a gripping handle, an actuating arm, a head base, a ratchet wheel, two ratchet pawls, and a damping member. The head base has an actuating hole, the actuating arm has an offset latch, and the actuating hole has an enough margin. The ratchet wheel includes an outer tooth portion, a holding hole, and an opening shaped and sized to match with the gap. Each of the two ratchet pawls comprises a coupling tooth portion for coupling with the outer tooth portion of the ratchet wheel, an escaping area for escaping from the outer tooth portion of the ratchet wheel, and a resilient member to retain a firmly engagement between the coupling tooth portion and the outer tooth portion, so that the actuating arm drives the ratchet wheel to apply a single direction rotating force.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw slidably disposed in the fixed jaw, a movable member disposed in the fixed jaw for driving the movable jaw to move, a handle pivoted on the fixed jaw for being pivoted back and forth relative to the fixed jaw, a stop pin and a switch post. The stop pin and the switch post are disposed on the handle, which allows the stop pin to move to a first position where the stop pin keeps the movable member from moving along an axial direction and a second position where the stop pin allows the movable member to move along the axial direction. The switch post is provided to control the movement of the handle. The adjustable wrench has a very small maximum clamping opening angle for turning the handle away from the fixed jaw when reversely operating the adjustable wrench.

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: A coupling for an elongated handle and a tool head is provided. The coupling may be positioned at the handle upper end after the handle upper end has passed through the tool head eye. The coupling is a frustoconical shape which engages the tool head in a manner of a slip eye coupling. However, because the lower end of the handle does not pass through the tool head eye, the lower end of the handle, i.e., the grip, may have any shape. Thus, the present invention allows for use of a slip eye coupling while also allowing the handle grip to be of any shape.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a device body and a hand tool. The hand tool includes a handle unit, a coupling unit, and a tool body. The coupling unit includes a coupling element attachable removably to the device body. The tool body is connected between the handle unit and the coupling unit, and includes a working head projecting from the coupling element. When not in use, the hand tool is attached to the device body, and can be easily carried together with the device body. When removed from the device body, the hand tool can be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting and rigidly clamping a cutting tool in alignment with a lathe's spindle axis in a manner to minimize the setup time required. The method and apparatus uses the lathe's spindle chuck for establishing and clamping the angular orientation and radial position of a cutting tool retainer in order to align the cutting tool with the lathe's spindle axis.

Abstract: A tool-holding device for a lathe is provided including a lathe-attachment portion, with a base sized and shaped for placement on a lathe and attaching means for attaching the base to the lathe. The lathe-attachment portion also has a circular-perimeter, angled mounting apparatus integral with the base and having equal-sized wedge-shaped, double sloped clamping portions and a partly threaded central locking base-bore. Attached to the lathe-attachment portion is a frusto-conical multiple-tool tool-holder having a lower surface with an equal number of equal-sized wedge-shaped, double sloped clamping surfaces to mate with the clamping portions of the base. The upper surface of the tool-holder has insert pockets for attachment of tools. A central bore extends through the tool-holder for locking the tool-holding device to a lathe or other machine.

Abstract: An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw drum for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided and a cutoff device for cutting the carrier into a desired size. The cutoff device includes an adjustable beam positionable into multiple angular positions relative to a flow of the plurality of containers depending on the desired size of the multipack.

Abstract: A system and method of utilizing a food cutting guide that has a base having a circular first and circular second planar surface. The guide has a plurality of grooves formed in at least one of the planar surfaces and at least one centering guide formed on the at least one of the planar surfaces to facilitate cutting equal size slices and/or sections of food.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a web of a flexible material, in particular paper, moved along a direction of motion of the material, in which individual sections are produced from the material web by a first double-carriage linear motor and a second double-carriage linear motor, which are arranged parallel to the direction of motion of the material and each have a first carriage and a second carriage in the direction of motion of the material. Each of the carriages has a driving element.

Abstract: In order to make holes with different spacings between them, a punching tool is provided with punching dies on its circumference and interacts with an impression cylinder. Between two punching operations, either of the punching dies and the impression cylinder is driven, at times, at a circumferential speed that is greater or smaller than the movement speed of the material web that is to be punched or is stopped briefly and, until the next punching operation, brought once again to a circumferential speed that corresponds to the movement speed of the material web that is to be punched.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive and a blade. The drive is configured to be operatively coupled to a tubular member. The drive is configured to move the tubular member from a first location with respect to the blade to a second location with respect to the blade. The blade is configured to rotate about an outer surface of the tubular member and to cut the tubular member as the drive moves the tubular member from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus capable of high-speed and accurate detection of a lateral displacement and a skew of a sheet. A motor laterally shifts the sensors during sheet conveyance by a conveying motor, to determine first and second positions of the sheet lateral edge detected respectively by first and second sensors. A finisher controller determines a third position of the lateral edge of the sheet closer to a sheet trailing edge, based on the first and second positions and an amount of conveyance of the sheet from when the first position is detected to when the second position is detected. A lateral displacement of the sheet is corrected by laterally shifting the sheet according to the third position of the sheet lateral edge.

Abstract: In a system, at least two picker support elements are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and at least two picking elements are connected to each of the picker support elements. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the picker support elements and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the picker support elements and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface.

Abstract: In the case of a stripping device (3) for use with a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in particular a punch (2), for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element (21) arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34) which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (15, 34) being provided, a device for securing against rotation is provided to essentially prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating.

Abstract: A rotary cutting is provided which includes a machine frame, a cutting roll rotatably mounted on the machine frame, and a counter roll mounted on the machine frame. The cutting roll and/or the counter roll are formed from an inner core and an outer sleeve disposed around the inner core. The outer sleeve is spaced apart from the inner core. At least one counter bearing is disposed on the inner core, on which the outer sleeve is supported.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces to be processed. In some embodiments, the gauge system may have a plurality of stops for positioning the end of a workpiece at distinct distances from a processing station. In some embodiments, the plurality of stops may be arrayed along a rail assembly having an adjustable length.

Abstract: A peg turner for a stringed instrument comprises an elongate body portion extending along an axis. The body portion defines first and second opposing ends. A recess is formed in the first end of the body portion, and a tapered peg turner slot is formed in the recess. The tapered peg turner slot comprises an opening at the first end of the body portion, sized to accept a tuning peg of a string instrument. Tapered sides extend from the opening along the rotational axis toward the second end of the body portion, tapering inward to form a compressive coupling for turning the selected peg about the axis with the body portion of the peg turner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of organ pipes including at least 54 pipes, characterized in that said set has a variation in the richness of the harmonics generated by said pipes during use, and in that the ratio of the intensity of the first harmonic to the intensity of the fundamental is at a maximum at a frequency between 150 and 500 Hz, preferably between 200 and 300 Hz, wherein said maximum is different by at least 20 dB with respect to the ratio of the intensity of the first harmonic to the fundamental of the pipe producing the lowest frequency note.

Abstract: A harmonica is provided comprising a blow reed plate having a plurality of blow reeds, a draw reed plate having a plurality of draw reeds, and a comb having a plurality of air channels therein, wherein each blow reed and each draw reed corresponds to one of a plurality of musical tones, wherein the plurality of air channels are grouped into a first group of air channels and a second group of air channels, wherein blowing air through a first subset of the first group of air channels produces the musical tones of a first musical chord and drawing air from the first subset of the first group of air channels produces the musical tones of a second musical chord, and wherein blowing air through a first subset of the second group of air channels produces the musical tones of a third musical chord and drawing air from the first subset of the second group of air channels produces the musical tones of a fourth musical chord.

Abstract: The harmonica according to the invention includes a comb or windchest supporting at least one reed plate on which are mounted sound reeds and a peripheral shell allowing to hold the harmonica, said shell including at least one cover plate. Each of its reed plates is sandwiched between the pressing face concerned of the comb and the corresponding cover plate by pressing means for bringing said cover plate closer to the comb between the mouthpiece face of the instrument and the pressing tabs on the side of the bell of the instrument.

Abstract: A mute detachably attached to a brass instrument includes a fixed part and a plurality of branch pipes, each including a main pipe and an auxiliary pipe. The branch pipes are unified together and inserted into a bell pipe of a brass instrument. The fixed part is attached to the tapered portion of a bell pipe and interposed between the interior of the bell pipe and the exterior of the main pipe. The branch pipe is designed such that the auxiliary pipe is connected to the main pipe at an interconnect part, at which an air flow propagating through the main pipe is partly branched into the auxiliary pipe.

Abstract: Tambourines and methods for playing tambourines are disclosed, which may overcome drawbacks inherent to the designs and playing techniques of conventional tambourines and tambourine-like percussion instruments. A tambourine includes a peripheral frame, a plurality of sound producing elements coupled to the frame, a rigid first rod coupled to the frame and extending substantially diametrically across the frame, and one or more rigid additional rods coupled to the first rod. A method for playing a tambourine having a peripheral frame and a plurality of sound producing elements coupled to the frame includes holding the tambourine by gripping a rigid first rod coupled to the frame and extending substantially diametrically across the frame, and by one or more rigid additional rods coupled to the first rod.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: A method for perforating a well using a rust resistant well perforating gun can include disposing coatings over the rust resistant well perforating gun to prevent rust, loading a charge into a charge hole, engaging a detonation cord with the charge and an actuator, engaging the charge loading tube into the gun carrier, lowering the rust resistant well perforating gun into the well, actuating the actuator, and exploding the charge to: form a high pressure in the gap, allow jets to pierce the recesses to produce high energy pulses, and fractionate the formation using the high energy pulses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to both reduce a degree of explosive shock waves and to absorb a degree of explosive blast energy from the undercarriage of a vehicle which comprises the use of one or more layers of rigid closed-cell spray polyurethane foam, applied to the armored undercarriage of the vehicle. This invention combines two key aspects: 1) blast suppression or mitigation materials that absorb energy and 2) traditional military hardened armor solutions. The effectiveness of spray applied rigid foam has been proven to both dramatically reduce shock waves and absorb energy from explosive blasts (e.g., IEDs).

Abstract: A recoil mechanism for an auto-loading firearm, having a gas-operated action bar assembly. One or more compression springs are used, mounted on associated retaining rods contained in a stationary orientation on the firearm. The springs are linked to the firearm's gas system at one end, and bear against stops affixed to ends of the spring retaining rods. The entire mechanism is contained within a forward grip mounted on the firearm, the grip optionally being provided with mounting rails.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a rifle barrel having a gas port for a gas operated weapon system comprising: an inner barrel; a gas redirection tube operably associated to the inner barrel so that expelled gas from a cartridge travels out of the gas port and into the gas redirection tube; a sleeve arranged around the inner rifle barrel defining a void between the rifle barrel and the sleeve surrounding the rifle barrel; and, filler material carried in the void defined between the inner barrel and the sleeve wherein the gas redirection tube is disposed within the filler material between the sleeve and the inner barrel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a rifle barrel sleeve system for a gas operated weapon system comprising: a rear sleeve surrounding a rear portion of the rifle barrel; a front sleeve surrounding a front portion of the rifle barrel; a gas elbow support surrounding the rifle barrel disposed between the rear sleeve and the front sleeve having a gas chamber allowing gas to escape from a barrel gas port into the gas elbow; and, a void defined between the rear sleeve, front sleeve, gas elbow and barrel having filler material.

Abstract: A piston which has alternating high and low regions on the compression face for the purpose of inducing turbulent mixing of the fluid being compressed is described. This piston design is intended for, but not limited to, use in internal combustion engines, where the turbulence induced better mixes the fuel/air charge during compression before ignition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a composite adsorbent comprising at least a zeolite-containing CO2 removal adsorbent and 10% or more of a metal oxide having a heat capacity of at least 20 cal/mol-° K (83.7 J/(mol·K). The composite is preferably used in a multi-layered adsorption system in a cyclic adsorption process. The adsorption system comprises two or more layers wherein the first layer is at least a water vapor removal adsorbent, such as activated alumina, and the second layer is the novel composite adsorbent. The adsorption system is preferably used in a PSA prepurification process prior to cryogenic air separation.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.

Abstract: A vane electrostatic precipitator (VEP) controls the air flow so that the entrained air particles are continuously subjected to a stress in the form of drag as they flow in front and behind vanes electrodes in the precipitator. It is not based on achieving laminar air flow over the collecting plates. Instead, efficient collection is achieved by operating with a narrow air stream and using vane electrodes in various configurations with porous back plates that gradually reduce the flow rate of the entrained air thereby allowing the particles to precipitate and collect on the vanes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-functional nonwoven fabric for filter that has excellent properties to adsorb various toxic/harmful substances such as odorous substances, VOCs, allergens, and pathogenic viruses, has antibacterial/antimold properties, and suppresses pressure loss to a minimal level, and the present invention also provides a method that can produce such a nonwoven fabric in a simple manner. Due to the simple steps of immersing the nonwoven fabric in an aqueous polypeptide solution and further treating it with a metal salt, it is possible to obtain a nonwoven fabric for filter having excellent adsorption properties in which the fiber surface of the nonwoven fabric is coated with insolubilized polypeptide that has been crosslinked with a metal. Also, a method that can produce such a filter in a simple manner was found.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic apparatus for controlling internal condensation includes a light receiving module including one or more photovoltaic cells in a waterproof enclosure, at least one primary lens sealed to the waterproof enclosure for concentrating sunlight, a waterproof breather membrane regulating the pressure of the air located inside the enclosure, and a regenerative desiccant in a thermally decoupled dryer tube or thermally coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. Smaller breather membrane vents and/or positive time delays between the temperature of the desiccant and the temperature of the enclosure may prolong an adsorption phase of the desiccant, which may substantially contribute to efficiency, reliability, and autonomous control of condensation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.

Abstract: A syngas treatment plant is configured to remove sulfurous compounds from syngas in a configuration having two flash stages for a physical solvent to so enrich the acid gas to at least 40 mol % H2S or higher as required by the Claus unit and to flash and recycle CO2 back to the syngas feed. Contemplated methods and configurations advantageously remove sulfur to less than 10 ppmv while increasing H2S selectivity at high pressure operation to thereby allow production of an H2S stream that is suitable as feed gas to a Claus plant.

Abstract: An air dryer cartridge 100 configured for use on both conventional air dryer systems having internal purge air valving and newer air dryer systems wherein at least some of the purge air valving is located in the cartridge. The air dryer cartridge 100 has a first connector 112 for mating with a corresponding connector of a conventional air dryer system, and a second connector 156 for mating with a corresponding connector of a newer-style air dryer system. When the cartridge 100 is installed on a conventional air dryer system, purge air valving 144/146 within the cartridge is deactivated causing the cartridge to act as a conventional air dryer cartridge. When the cartridge 100 is installed in a newer-style system, the purge air valving 144/166 within the cartridge is activated thus enabling the system to function as designed.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system capable of high efficiency operation and a compact structure. The air conditioning system is provided with a desiccant and a heat pump. The desiccant absorbs air moisture and the heat pump employs the treating air as a low-temperature heat source while employing the reproducing air as a high-temperature heat source to supply reproducing air with heat for reproducing the desiccant. Heat exchange occurs between the reproducing air before being heated by the heat pump.

Abstract: The machine (1) comprises a support structure (3), in which the following are provided: a refillable water reservoir (4); a boiler (6) provided with an electric heater (7, 8); a pump (9) for supplying a flow of water from the reservoir (4) to the boiler (6); a first electric connector (5) for connecting the machine (1) to an AC supply voltage source; a dispensing unit (35) which is connected to the boiler (6), for dispensing a flow of hot water and/or steam, and to which the following can be coupled: a dose-holder unit (36) for receiving a dose, pre-packaged or loose, of a substance for the preparation of a beverage; a unit (24) for controlling operation of the machine (1); and at least one operating device (25) which can be operated so as to activate preparation of a beverage.

Abstract: A method is provided of using a cooking appliance having a first heating assembly having a first cooking surface, a second heating assembly having a second cooking surface, and a guide post. The method includes causing the guide post to be placed into a receiving aperture. The method further includes translating the first heating assembly from a first operative position to a second operative position, wherein the placement of the guide post into the receiving aperture causes the first heating assembly to translate in a substantially linear manner and to be maintained substantially parallel to the second heating assembly during translation of the first heating assembly from the first operative position to the second operative position. The method also includes removing the guide post from the receiving aperture and causing the guide post to be placed in a resting aperture.

Abstract: A cooking medium filter system determines a quality of a cooking medium. The cooking medium filter system includes a filter container, a filter medium, a pump, a sample chamber, and a controller. The filter container receives the cooking medium from a cooking vessel. The filter medium is disposed in the filter container and removes contaminants from the cooking medium. The pump conveys the cooking medium along a filter path from the filter container to the cooking vessel. The sample chamber is disposed in the filter path downstream from the filter medium. The sample chamber includes an electrode disposed therein. The sample chamber receives therein a quantity of the cooking medium that is sufficient to immerse the electrode therein. The controller controls operations of the filter pump and controls the electrode to measure a property of the cooking medium that is associated with the quality of the cooking medium.

Abstract: A motor-driven automatic cooking vessel stirring device having boil-over sensing and a boil over alarm that sounds when boil-over becomes imminent. The motor-driven automatic cooking vessel stirring device beneficially also provides for temperature sensing and can include electronic controls that control stirring rates and a clock-timer.

Abstract: Tableware (F) put inside a heating chamber (20) of the disclosed heat cooking device (1) is heated by means of high-frequency waves, steam, hot air, or a combination thereof. The heating chamber is provided with a circulating fan (51) and an air supply/emission fan (31). An air supply tube (36) to the heating chamber and an air emission tube (37) from the heating chamber are provided to a blowing duct (33) that links the air supply/emission fan and an emission port (32). An ion generator (44) is disposed at the air supply tube. A duct switching device (40) that selects whether to introduce positive/negative ions generated by the ion generator into the heating chamber or to release the ions to the outside of the heat cooking device is provided to the air supply tube and the air emission tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to impart a random curvature to frying pre-formed snack pieces in a multi-layer fryer through the use of a contoured submerger. The shape of the contours of a contoured submerger imparts a random final curvature to each snack piece as snack pieces pass through a glass transition during frying. The contours are chosen so as to achieve a desired bulk density for the packaged fried snack products. Such method and apparatus are also useful in controlling the amount of change in bulk density or amount of settling of a packaged product during shipping or handling.

Abstract: An assembly for cooking food products in a substantially upright orientation comprising a mold housing including one or more food mold chambers, each structured to configure the food product being cooked to correspond to the interior dimensions and configuration of a mold chamber in which it was cooked. Each mold chamber is further structured to retain an uncooked, substantially liquid food composition therein during the cooking procedure. A heat source is disposed either externally or internally of the mold housing and generates sufficient heat to cook a food composition disposed within the mold chamber. A frame assembly is utilized to operatively support one or more mold housing in the substantially upright orientation, such that a heat source may be incorporated into the frame assembly to provide adequate cooking temperatures to the corresponding mold chamber(s) of one or more supported mold housings.

Abstract: An agricultural round baler has a press chamber with inlet and rear outlet for ejecting a bale. A pressing device in the press chamber causes the harvested crop to rotate. A pickup device and a conveying and cutting device are provided upstream of a storage chamber that extends to the inlet of the press chamber and receives harvested crop in a storage phase of the baler. An element that interrupts or releases flow of harvested crop from the storage chamber to the press chamber is provided and acted on by a control and governing device. The storage chamber is a flat shaping and pressing channel for the harvested crop conveyed in the storage phase of the baler operation. The channel has a height-adjustable end and a cross-section that at least temporarily in the storage phase tapers in flow direction of harvested crop to the press chamber.

Abstract: A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane.