Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a main housing including first and second side walls extending in an axial direction with an opening formed between the first and second side walls, the main housing including opening portions at opposing ends in the axial direction, a movable column member formed by a tubular member and supported to the main housing, the movable column member accommodated into the main housing through one of the opening portions and connected to a steering wheel, a bearing member mounted at an inner wall of the main housing through the opening formed between the first and second side walls, and a biasing member fixed to respective end surfaces of the first and second side walls. The movable column member is supported to the main housing in a state where the biasing member biases the movable column member to the main housing via the bearing member.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a main housing formed in a box form provided with a pair of side walls extending in an axial direction of the main housing with an opening between the pair of side walls, and provided with opening portions at opposing ends in the axial direction. The steering apparatus also includes a movable column member formed in a tubular form accommodated in the main housing through one of the opening portions at the opposing ends of the main housing in the axial direction. The steering apparatus further includes a resilient member, which is a plate spring, formed in one piece configured to fix to the main housing at the pair of fixing portions in a state where the pair of thrust portions, via thrust members, are thrusting the movable column member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves.

Abstract: A damping system for a shift cable is disclosed, in which vibrations and noises that are generated by a transmission and transmitted into the interior of a vehicle through a shift cable are considerably reduced across a damper, that is positioned in a bottleneck section of a socket housing and contacts with bottleneck section, such that it is possible to effectively exclude vibrations and noises transmitted into the interior of a vehicle. Further, the present invention is advantageous in terms of the cost and weight, because a rubber damper is used instead of a mass damper, and it is possible to reduce vibrations and noises without increasing force for operating a shift lever and maximally prevent the function of reducing vibrations and noises from being deteriorated by frictional wear.

Abstract: An accelerator device includes: an accommodation part; a rotation shaft having a first end and a second end that are supported by the accommodation part; a pedal part having a first end fixed to the rotation shaft and a second end to be pressed by a driver of a vehicle in an open direction; a return mechanism part biasing the rotation shaft to be rotated in a close direction opposite from the open direction; and a seal member restricting a foreign matter from entering an interior space of the accommodation part.

Abstract: When the accelerator opening degree becomes equal to or smaller than an increase amount cancel threshold value (timing t2) while the depression force of an accelerator pedal 2 is increased than a base depression force by a predetermined increase amount of the depression force, the predetermined increase amount of the depression force is decreased at a predetermined rate, and moreover, when the accelerator opening degree becomes greater than a predetermined accelerator opening degree threshold value (timing t3) while the predetermined increase amount of the depression force is decreased, the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2 is increased with respect to the base depression force so that the increase amount of the depression force with respect to the base depression force becomes greater than the predetermined increase amount of the depression force.

Abstract: A control lever is provided for operating a working machine. The control lever includes a base portion intended to be mounted to a working machine, and a top portion which is pivotally connected to the base portion for pivoting about a geometrical X-axis. The top portion is further adapted to be gripped and pivoted by an operator in order to operate the working machine, and the top portion has an outer gripping surface for receiving the palm of the hand of an operator. At least a part of the gripping surface is arranged adjacent to the geometrical X-axis in such a way that the geometrical X-axis is situated inside the hand and adjacent to the center part of the palm of the operator when the top portion is properly gripped by the operator.

Abstract: A damper gear structure of a body-building apparatus features a unique structure with the central through-hole and driving shaft lever not contacting each other and forming a ring-shaped interval, and an additional configuration of a connecting and positioning member to combine the driving shaft lever with the damper gear main body. The damper gear can deviate the driving and connecting part beyond the outer diameter of the driving shaft lever to increase the lever arm when the driving shaft lever drives the damper gear main body, and achieves the same revolving inertia with a reduced outer diameter of the damper gear main body. In this way, the operational and production cost effectiveness are both improved. Moreover, due to the reduced outer diameter of the damper gear main body, the peripheral components can be closer or smaller, and consequently the body-building apparatus can have a light and handy design.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism for use on clipless bicycle pedals employed to achieve a mechanical advantage in the retention and release of shoe clip adapters and toe clips and other adapters. A preferred embodiment of the mechanism fits within existing clipless pedals, thus replacing existing rear retainers, and comprises a means by which it is affixed to the clipless pedal, a cleat retaining formation, a spring actuator and a specialized rearward extending spar. The cleat retaining formation has a special surface which facilitates entering a clip adapter or toe clip into retention mode. Release mode is effectuated by pressure on the spar which then engages the spring actuator to open the cleat retaining formation. The mechanism may be used on any type of clipless pedal and with any type of cleat adapter.

Abstract: A fastening structure for a ring-gear and a differential case comprises a differential case which is provided with: a ring gear having a gear section formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a plurality of notch portions formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof; a press-fitting surface whereon the ring gear is press-fitted; and a flange section which is forced against and caulked to the notch portions, at the end of the press-fitting surface. After the ring gear has been press-fitted to the press-fitting surface, the flange section is forced toward the notch portions, and thus the differential case is caulked and fastened to the ring gear. The notch portions have stepped surfaces, and thus rattling generated during torque transmission can be suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for fastening a ring gear to a differential case. The ring gear has a gear-side press-fit face annularly formed thereon, a projected portion located at an inner position relative to the gear-side press-fit face, and a notch portion located opposite to the gear-side press-fit face across the projected portion. The differential case has a case-side press-fit face which is annularly formed thereon and over which the gear-side press-fit face is press fitted, a caulk portion which is smaller than the case-side press-fit face in outer diameter and caulked to the notch portion, and a case-side smooth face which contacts the projected portion to position the ring gear with respect to the differential case. This arrangement serves to reduce the differential case in size.

Abstract: A single motor structure for operation of a panorama sunroof glass and a roll blind may include a motor supplying a motive power to the panorama sunroof glass and the roll blind, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to a side of the motor, a first actuating gear and a second actuating gear, which may be spaced symmetrically from the rotating shaft with a predetermined distance, a first actuating member combined with the first actuating gear so as to rotate with the first actuating gear to control open-shut of the panorama sunroof glass, a second actuating member combined with the second actuating gear so as to rotate with the second actuating gear so as to control open-shut of the roll blind, and a first actuating relay member and a second actuating relay member, which may be combined with each of the first actuating member and the second actuating member respectively.

Abstract: A gear unit includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft concentrically arranged to make up two concentric output shafts; and a first and a second input shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the output shafts and operatively connected to the inner shaft and the outer shaft, respectively. The inner shaft includes an inner gear attached thereto and the outer shaft includes an outer gear attached thereto. The inner gear and the outer gear are arranged in a mutually-opposing relationship. The first input shaft and the second input shaft are spaced apart from each other by a specified distance along an axial direction of the output shafts. The first input shaft includes a first input gear meshing with the inner gear and the second input shaft includes a second input gear meshing with the outer gear.

Abstract: A clutch includes an outer clutch member, an inner clutch member, and a plurality of roller members. The outer clutch member defines an opening, and the inner clutch member is at least partially positioned within the opening. The inner clutch member includes a clutch surface. The plurality of roller members is at least partially positioned within the opening between the clutch surface and the outer clutch member. The roller members define a plurality of roller surfaces separated by at least one annular groove. Each of the roller members is displaceable within the opening to position the roller surfaces into engagement with the clutch surface to lock the inner clutch member into synchronous movement with the outer clutch member in response to movement of the inner clutch member in a rotational direction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing ferronickel from a nickel sulfide or a mixed sulfide containing nickel and cobalt, obtained by hydrometallurgy of nickel oxide ore or obtained from scraps or products in process. The method for producing a ferronickel raw material is to form the ferronickel raw material from a nickel sulfide or a mixed sulfide containing nickel sulfide and cobalt sulfide, wherein treatments are performed through the following steps: (1) redissolution step, (2) deferrization step, (3) solvent extraction step, (4) hydroxylation step, (5) roasting step, and (6) washing and calcining step.

Abstract: A technique that further improves the process for producing granular metal involves heating agglomerates and reducing and melting a metal oxide in the agglomerates. The process includes feeding agglomerates containing a metal oxide and a carbonaceous reducing agent onto a hearth of a moving hearth reduction melting furnace, heating the agglomerates to reduce and to melt the metal oxide, cooling the granular metal obtained by the heating, and discharging the cooled granular metal out of the furnace to recover the same. The agglomerates have an average diameter of not smaller than 17.5 mm are fed onto the hearth when the agglomerates are heated at a spread density of not lower than 0.5 on the hearth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extraction of precious metals, using halogens. It has been found that introducing halogens in the reactor in the form of hypohalites rather than free halogens simplified greatly the recycling of halogens by electrolysis. It increases the rate of addition of the halogens and significantly reduces secondary reactions with base metals such as iron. Operating under acidic conditions, the gold recovery has been found as high with hypochlorite as with elemental chlorine, with an active chlorine to ore ratio reduced by a factor of two to five.

Abstract: A power cable jacket tearing tool. A first tool body portion has a first aperture for receiving the cable therethrough, and a second tool body portion has a second aperture for receiving the cable therethrough. The first and second tool body portions are rotatably connected to one another to form a joint allowing each tool body portion to rotate relative to the other about a pivot axis that passes through the first and second apertures. The second tool body portion supports a rotatable spool for receiving and spooling the end of a selected conductor of the cable. The tool also includes a motor for driving the spool, a power source for powering the motor, and a control mechanism for controllably coupling the power source to the motor. The motor is carried by the second tool body portion, whereas the control mechanism is carried by the first tool body portion.

Abstract: A tool assembly for engaging a head of a fastener. The tool assembly includes an elongated hollow shaft member having a first end and a second end and an actuation rod member moveably disposed within the shaft member. The actuation rod member includes a first end corresponding with the first end of the shaft member and a second end corresponding with the second end of the shaft member and an expandable tip assembly. One end of the expandable tip assembly is movably coupled to the actuation rod. The other end of the expandable tip assembly includes a patterned face. A first contracted state of the expanded tip assembly allows the patterned face to mate with the head of the fastener, and a second expanded state of the expanded tip assembly allows the patterned face to securely engage the head of the fastener.

Abstract: An adjustable socket wrench extension includes a gear train of meshing gears that translates torque from a first end to a second, opposite end; a female drive fitting to apply the torque from the socket wrench to the first end of the gear train; a male drive fitting to provide the torque to a socket at the second end; a frame that retains the gear train in a plane; a plurality of locking plates on the first side of the frame; a locking tab on the first side of the frame to retain the locking plates in a relative orientation; and a pushbutton on the second side of the frame to temporarily disengage the locking tab from the locking plates so that the relative orientation between the plates may be changed, thereby changing the shape of the device.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a main body provided at an end portion thereof with an accommodation, a pawl installed in the accommodation, and a ratchet wheel rotatably installed in the accommodation and engaged with the pawl. The main body has a through hole into which a plug is detachably inserted. The through hole of the main body is provided through a surface of the main body and communicated with the accommodation. Removing the plug from the through hole of the main body enables lubricant or cleaner to be poured through the through hole into and out of the accommodation for lubricating or cleaning the internal parts of the ratchet wrench so as to make the ratchet wheel run more smoothly.

Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: A tool includes first, second and third rods which are pivotably and pivotably connected to each other. The first rod is pivotably connected between the second and third rods. Control members, resilient members and contacting members are located at the pivotal portions so as to control the first rod to be pivotable or positioned relative to the second and third rods.

Abstract: A hex wrench includes a handle with a first twist portion having a substantially helical profile through an entire length thereof, a head with a second twist portion having a substantially helical profile through an entire length thereof, and a curved transition portion connected between the handle and the head. A first mounting portion which is a regular hexagonal prism and non-twisted extends integrally from the handle, and a second mounting portion which is a regular hexagonal prism and non-twisted extends integrally from the head. As such, the hex wrench has greater strength and stiffness without reducing its malleability so as to prevent the hex wrench from being cracked or broken due to an excessive applying force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a material delivery structure, a roller, a first guide, and a second guide. The material delivery structure may be configured to receive a plurality of lengths of material. The roller may be configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the material delivery structure. The first guide may be on a first side of the material delivery structure. The first guide may be configured to guide a first number of lengths of material in the plurality of lengths of material to the roller. The second guide may be on a second side of the material delivery structure. The second guide may be configured to guide a second number of lengths of material in the plurality of lengths of material to the roller.

Abstract: A complete-cut station for separating several packages from a coherent film. The complete-cut station may comprise several cutting tools, each cutting tool having cutting knives for separating one or more packages from the coherent film. At least one of the cutting tools may be adjustable with respect to its position relative to another cutting tool. In addition, a common lifting gear for all cutting tools may be provided to lift the coherent film to engage the cutting tools. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for separating packages from a coherent film using the complete-cut station of the present invention.

Abstract: A workpiece cutting method basically includes providing a workpiece proximate to a first blade including a first cutting edge. The method further comprises moving a second blade including a second cutting edge in contact with the first blade such that the first and second cutting edges of the first and second blades cooperatively engage to cut the workpiece while maintaining the first and second cutting edges parallel to each other.

Abstract: A workpiece cutting apparatus that basically includes a fixed blade, a moving blade and a cleaning component. The fixed blade is configured to fixedly receive a workpiece. The moving blade is moveably mounted relative to the fixed blade, and the moving blade and the fixed blade are arranged relative to each other to shear the workpiece that is fixed relative to the fixed blade. The cleaning component is arranged relative to the moving blade to remove a deposit from the moving blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for slicing a food product (1), wherein a control system is adapted to monitor at least one status parameter, and to determine, in dependency on the at least one status parameter and at least one specification, whether a predefined condition was met, which especially requires a maintenance measure. The invention further relates to a device with a robot (18) for displacing a food product, wherein a control system is adapted to monitor at least one status parameter, and to determine, in dependence on the at least one status parameter and a motion program, whether a predefined condition was met, which especially requires a maintenance measure. The present invention furthermore relates to a device for slicing a food product (1), wherein at least one camera (15, 16, 17) is provided, which is adapted to capture at least one piece of information in relation to the cutting unit (3) and/or the food product (1) and the food product slices (7), respectively.

Abstract: A cutting system includes a dam, a cylinder, a hydraulic controlling module, and a PLC controlling module. The hydraulic controlling module includes a reversing valve connected to the cylinder. The PLC controlling module is connected to the reversing valve and adapted to output a control signal to locate the reversing valve in a first open position or a second open position. When the reversing valve is in the first open position, the reversing valve allows the high pressure oil to flow into the cylinder from the hydraulic controlling module, thereby to causing the piston module to push the dam to cut the gate mark; when the reversing valve is in the second open position, the high pressure oil flows back to the hydraulic controlling module.

Abstract: A modular cutdown machine for window coverings includes a center control module and first and second cutting modules at opposite ends of the center control module. Control, power and cleanup functions are contained within the center control module and are distributed to each of the cutting modules. One cutting module can be operated without the other cutting module in place, and repair or service can be performed by the interchange of modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a weld tab on an article. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a base member including at least one rolling element for contacting an underlying surface, the base member having a leading end and a trailing end; a cutting apparatus operably connected to the base member, the cutting apparatus including: a cutting member positioned proximate the leading end of the base member, the cutting member sized to coincide with a size of the weld tab; and a handle member proximate the trailing end and operably connected to the cutting member, the handle member for modifying a position of the cutting member relative to the base member.

Abstract: A cutter knife includes a cutter body 1 having a sliding contact portion 20 making sliding contact with a cutting object, a cutter member 2 having a cutting blade 22 for cutting the cutting object, a holder member 3 holding the cutter member 2 with the cutting blade 22 being protruded from the cutter body 1, and a biasing member 4 biasing the cutter member 2 to press the cutting blade 22 against the cutting object with a constant pressure when the sliding contact portion 20 of the cutter body 1 is in sliding contact with the cutting object.

Abstract: Sound boards having an elongate, approximately trapezoid shape, provided on the front face with a central longitudinal profiled string-carrier member and on the reverse side with a central profiled reinforcing member or beam, and with two side profiled members or sound bars, symmetrically disposed with respect to the reinforcing beam are provided. In such sound boards the cross-section of the reinforcing beam has a central portion with an increased height or thickness and two adjacent, symmetrical side portions or wings having a height or thickness which tapers gradually towards the outside through a concave arcuate profile up to a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: Sound chests having a sound board connected to a hollow body which includes a bearing structure to which there is connected an outer shell are provided. In such sound chests the bearing structure includes a bottom wall or chest-bottom, and a top member or upper block, a central longitudinal batten or backboard, and two side battens or planks, which extend between the chest-bottom and the upper block, remote from and close to the sound board, respectively; and a plurality of longitudinally staggered, transverse stiffening members or bridges each of which is connected centrally to the backboard with its ends connected to the side planks. Methods for making such sound chests are also provided.

Abstract: An improved sustain block of stringed instruments has a string path defined within a sustain block that has a bottom opening with a string ball end nest to anchor a musical instrument string within and a top opening directly connected to a bore portion disposed within an upper portion of the sustain block and a channel portion connecting the bore portion to the bottom opening. The string path defines a geometric curve that allows the musical instrument string to make contact with the sustain block along almost the entirety of the path thereby allowing better transfer of the musical qualities of the vibrating string to be transferred to the musical instrument. The shape of the string path is selected to ensure maximum contact.

Abstract: A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.

Abstract: A drum rug lays flat for a performance, and includes a rigid drum stop extending upwards from the front edge to prevent the bass drum from edging forward during a performance. The drum rug includes left and right flaps that can be releasably connected to drum rug left and right edges to form an enclosure, with the flaps forming the ends of the enclosure and the body of the drum rug forming the sides of the enclosure. Equipment can be placed in the enclosure for carrying, and the drum rug can be laid flat to support drums for performances.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a tuning device on a headstock of a string instrument and a bracket-mountable tuning device are disclosed. A primary arm with a plate attaches to a spring arm with a clamping arm by a releasable ratchet engagement. The clamping arm is reciprocable to the plate. A tuner attaches in a rotatable engagement to the plate opposite a mounting surface. An instrument headstock can be positioned between the plate mounting surface and clamping arm and the clamping arm moved toward the plate to a clamping position with the headstock trapped therebetween with substantially constant pressure on the headstock. The tuner is substantially hidden from the front view of the headstock. The clamping arm is maintained in the clamping position by the ratchet engagement until the ratchet engagement is released.

Abstract: Plural electronic musical instruments 2 obtain proficiency level related information, that includes items such as usage amounts of plural support functions which are used by a user in performing a playing practice of a practice piece during a period from a previous practice to the last practice and a proficiency level of a playing technique of a practice piece, and supply the information to a server 1. The server stores the received proficiency level related information in a database 14. Upon receipt of the information, a controlling unit 12 of the server 1 sends back the electronic musical instrument 2 information indicating the support function most suitable for practicing the practice piece determined on the basis of the received information and a series of information stored in the database containing the proficiency level related information including the item of the proficiency level corresponding to an aimed level.

Abstract: In the present invention, a CPU identifies musical notation data to which music playing data corresponds, and determines whether the musical notation data has been played using a right-hand, a left-hand, or both hands. When the pitch of the identified musical notation data and the pitch of the music playing data match, the CPU sets a clear flag in the identified musical notation data to “1” to indicate that the note has been correctly played. Then, the CPU extracts the number of occurrences and the number of times cleared for each musical performance technique type, and acquires an achievement level based on the difficulty level of the song by accumulating achievement levels for each musical performance technique type which are calculated based on their accuracy rates acquired from the extracted number of occurrences and number of times cleared and difficulty levels according to their types.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument for producing musical notes comprises an onset signal sensor for sensing the initiation of a note played on the musical instrument. An electronic fingerboard determines the pitch of the note sensed by the sensor. The electronic fingerboard comprises a silicon rubber membrane, a first layer of film, a second layer of film and a spacer member between the first and second layers of film. The first and second layers are movable relative to each other between a first inactive position in which the first and second layers are separate from each other along their respective lengths and a second active position in which the first and second layers are in contact with each other at a user selected point along their respective lengths. The pitch is determined by the resistance between the first and second layers at the user selected point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating sound from an object that is not a traditional musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to an object capable of producing sound waves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to a second musical instrument capable of producing sound waves.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, which enables facilitation of work for mounting and dismounting a key switch and install hammers and the key switch with high accuracy, and provision of a touch feeling similar to one provided by an acoustic grand piano while keeping the device compact in depth. The device comprises swingable keys, a hammer support formed by a synthetic resin molded article, hammers pivotally supported by the hammer support, and a key switch including switch bodies provided in association with the hammers and a switch board. The hammer support has a switch mounting part formed with an opening vertically extending therethrough. The key switch is removably mounted to the switch mounting part, with the switch bodies facing the hammers from above via the opening and the switch board placed on the upper surface of the switch mounting part.

Abstract: A key switch for an electronic piano, which makes it possible to increase an allowable range for shift of a movable contact without increasing the size of the key switch of the three-contact type. The key switch includes a substrate having first to third stationary contacts arranged thereon side by side in the lengthwise direction of a pivotal member as one of a key and a hammer. Each stationary contact has a common contact and a non-common contact. The common contact has an extended portion extending between two non-common contacts. The key switch has first to third movable contacts arranged side by side on an elastic switch body, for being sequentially brought into contact with the common contacts and non-common contacts of the stationary contacts as the switch body is pressed by the pivotal member, to thereby output signals indicative of key depression information.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a semi-automatic firearm supports the weight of a firing unit (receiver, barrel and trigger) in a slide stand on or from a support structure so that a user does not have to bear any or at least a significant portion of the firearm's weight. Through a sliding interface, the firing unit is manually pushed by a user's thumb(s) to slide forward in the slide stand until a trigger actuator depresses the trigger. The trigger actuator may include a rod or a rest for a user's finger. Recoil energy from a discharged bullet pushes the firing unit rearwardly back to the starting position. The slide stand can include a convex or articulating base for variable aiming, or a fixed base for sharp-shooting.

Abstract: A system to access a passenger compartment, said system having a door hinged to a chassis frame by a first horizontal articulated joint and forming an inclined ramp, wherein said system comprises an actuator to move said door, linked to said door and said chassis frame, a step plate at least partially covering the outside of said door and hinged to said chassis frame by a second articulated joint parallel to said first articulated joint and with a hinge pin offset to the first articulated joint, said step plate linked to said door by a drive element connected to said door by a third articulated joint and to said step plate by a fourth articulated joint, the pins of said first through fourth articulated joints being parallel to one another and form the four summits of a parallelogram deformable between open and closed positions of said door.

Abstract: A device for controlling an underwater actuator by using an ambient pressure potential at the operating depth may include a chamber including a first cavity, a second cavity and a third cavity; the first cavity including a gas at a first pressure including one of at surface atmospheric pressure, lower than surface atmospheric pressure, or a vacuum; the second cavity including a first fluid at a second pressure including at least one of at underwater ambient pressure or higher then underwater ambient pressure and being connected to a underwater fluid supply; the third cavity including a second fluid at a third pressure including at least one of underwater ambient pressure or higher than the underwater ambient pressure and being connected to the actuator.

Abstract: An air dehydration membrane module is provided with a sweep gas which is taken from the waste gas of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. No additional compressor is required, other than the compressor forming part of the PSA unit. In another embodiment, the sweep gas includes the combination of dried product gas, taken from the dehydration membrane module, and a supplemental gas, which may be ambient air, or permeate gas from an air separation membrane, or waste gas from a PSA unit. An air ejector combines the streams, without the use of an additional compression step, and the combined gas is used as a sweep stream for the dehydration module. The invention also includes the method of selecting an optimum point at which the sweep gas is injected into the module.