Abstract: An apparatus to hold, store and cut extra wide rolled materials includes a long rectangular enclosure having a guided cutter and is capable of holding one (1) or more rolls of sheet materials for cutting to an exact length. During cutting, the rolled material is pulled out and placed over a cutting platform that runs along the length of the enclosure. A circular cutting blade being smoothly guided along a slot which extends along a length of the apparatus cuts the material. Additional storage compartments are provided which may be affixed to outer end portions of the apparatus to hold small associated items such as tape, thread, writing instruments, craft items, and the like.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a saw can include a work surface and a blade at least partially extending through the work surface. In at least one embodiment, the saw can further include a sensor and a light emitter, wherein the light emitter can be configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam onto at least a portion of the work surface. In various embodiments, the sensor can be can be configured to detect a plurality of saw conditions and, owing to communication between the sensor and the light emitter, the light emitter can be configured to emit the first light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a first saw condition and emit the second light beam onto the work surface when the sensor detects a second saw condition.

Abstract: A method for constructing a base for holding a moving sawhead along a linear path using a ladder with a carriage base attached thereto is disclosed. A vertical slide is attached to the carriage base and also attached to the powered sawhead so that the blade is capable of cutting in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A paper cutter includes a base having a stationary blade; a fixing seat fixed to the base adjacent to one end of the stationary blade and having a connecting portion extending upward from the base, wherein the connecting portion is atop, peripherally formed with a plurality of teeth, and is formed centrally with a through hole for allowing a shaft to pass therethrough; a connecting element having a rotatory portion that is formed with a slot for allowing the shaft to pass therethrough and being atop provided with recesses for receiving the teeth; and a movable blade having a lower edge formed as a curved edge and having a front end fixed to the rotatory portion. Thereby, when the movable blade is pushed downward, the connecting element is driven to rotate and move along the teeth while approaching and sliding with respect to the stationary blade.

Abstract: A saw guide for guiding the blade of a saw during cutting of a workpiece comprises a housing having a basal surface and a guide surface adapted to be positioned on a workpiece to be cut, such that with the basal surface engaging a surface of the workpiece, the guide surface extends across the surface to be cut at a forward position of the housing, such that a cutting member in face to face contact with the guide surface may be guided during cutting of the workpiece, and measuring means for measuring a position of the guide surface with respect to the workpiece such that, in use, the position of the guide surface may be monitored by reference to said measuring means, during a cutting operation of the workpiece. The saw guide enables a cut to be made with continual reference to the measuring means.

Abstract: An explosion-driven setting tool includes a setting mechanism (12) driven by a propellant (23), an ignition unit (18) for igniting the propellant (23), a receptacle (15) for receiving a propellant holder (20), a data communication interface (31) for receiving and transmitting data of the propellant holder (20), and a data processing unit (30) for receiving data transmitted by the data communication interface (31) and connected with a display (50) for displaying the propellant supply level (27) of the propellant (23) in the propellant holder having a housing (21) with an interior space (22) for receiving the propellant (23), and a data storage identification unit (40) in which the propellant supply level (27) is stored for being read-out.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor includes a hollow outer can having an interior-threaded proximal end and a radially closed distal end with a bore, a barrel nut having a barrel bore and an outer-threaded distal threading to the can, and a baffle. The baffle has an intermediate wall with a bore and extends outward to the can interior to prevent fluid passing across other than through the bore. A proximal baffle wall has a bore aligned with the other bores and is shaped to secure to the barrel and extends outward not as far as the outer can interior to permit fluid passage. The baffle is shorter than the can's interior length to have the can, the nut, and the baffle define a plenum extending from the proximal end portion to the nut so that the proximal baffle wall directs fluid from the barrel backwards as a muzzle brake.

Abstract: A mechanism or drive (100) for a weapon is described, which is characterized by only a limited acceleration of the breech (20) and a jerk- and recoil-free operation, thereby reducing the inertia force and the required power and increasing the repetition rate. The reduction of the required power also results in a reduction of braking power in the case of a quick stop. For this purpose, the rotational motion of preferably a motor (50) or the like is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech (20) using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end limit positions, the rod (3) and the yoke (1) are arranged radially and displaceable relative to each other so that the yoke radius changes when the yoke (1) is rotated. A control cam (6) radially guides the rod (3).

Abstract: A trunnion nose guard is a flanged cylinder having internal threads which allow it to thread onto the outer threads of the trunnion nose of a Browning .50 caliber machine gun. The flange of the trunnion nose guard has a face adapted to fit against the front face of the trunnion or against a shim that is interposed between the trunnion front face and the flange. The flange also has at least one hole for receiving a spring-biased locking pin that may be provided on the trunnion front face. The axial length of the trunnion nose guard is selected so that, in use, the trunnion nose guard protects all of the threads of the trunnion nose, but does not extend substantially beyond the end of the trunnion nose.

Abstract: A bolt catch assembly configured for operating with rimfire ammunition for use with a firearm including a receiver with an exposed receiving chamber. The assembly includes a bolt catch actuator housing supported in seating fashion relative to the receiving chamber and communicating with an attachable magazine. A catch actuator is supported in elevatable fashion relative to an end of the actuator housing. A bolt catch component and integrally formed actuator catch engaging portion is slaved to the catch actuator in order to be displaced in response to elevating motion exerted upon the catch actuator, such as by a follower component biasingly disposed within the magazine. The follower, in its uppermost displaced position within the attached magazine, engages a tab associated with the catch actuator which extends over a communicating interior of the bolt catch actuator housing in communicating alignment with the exposed receiving chamber.

Abstract: A valve arrangement has an adjustable control valve (10) including a control slide (12) for actuating at least one consumer connection (A, B) and an LS control line. The differential pressure of two actuating pressures (xa, xb) serves for the actuation of the control slide (12). Since the actuating pressures (xa, xb) also actuate a logic valve, which in turn influences an additional valve, and/or actuates a pressure compensator connected upstream to the control valve (10), the difference of the two actuating pressures (xa, xb) initially displaces the control slide of the control valve. The higher or the lower of the two actuating pressures (xa, xb) either actuate the further valve in the form of the additional valve, and/or influences the pressure compensator.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.

Abstract: A tamping device for applying a tamping force to ground coffee in a portafilter. The tamping device has a tamper and a guard. The tamper has a reciprocating tamping base. The guard defines a passageway through which the tamping base reciprocates. The passageway fits closely around the tamping base.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also disposed within the cup unit. The brewing element is constructed in a shape which retains its integrity without any external support even under pressure such as needed for espresso drink preparation. The beverage preparation device operates by extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit, processing it in a heating/cooling chamber, and returning the processed liquid at a predetermined pressure and time duration to the cup unit. The operation is performed in accordance with preprogrammed instructions associated with an instruction source provided on a sealed cover of the cup unit.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a beverage brewing unit for receiving a single-serve capsule and including a capsule holding assembly for holding a capsule in a position during insertion by gravity of the capsule in the brewing unit; and a water injection assembly for at least partially enclosing the capsule and providing water in the capsule. The capsule holding part forms a front part of the unit and is mounted to the capsule injection assembly in a manner to be displaceable along a substantially horizontal path whereas the water injection assembly is located in a rear fixed part of the unit. The beverage machine has an outermost casing. One of these brewing unit assemblies can be moved or telescoped out or through this casing for inserting/removing the ingredient capsule and retracted into the outermost casing for bringing the brewing unit into its capsule extraction configuration.

Abstract: A device for making tea, which device comprises a brewing chamber (2) for enclosing a tea-pad, means for supplying heated water through one or more openings in the upper wall of the brewing chamber, and a restricted opening (8) in the lower wall (1) of the brewing chamber (2), so that tea is squirted into a liquid collection chamber (10) underneath the brewing chamber (2). The lower wall (11) of the liquid collection chamber (10) is provided with a substantial circular ridge (14) around the location where the tea hits the lower wall (11) of the liquid collection chamber (10).

Abstract: A tea pot includes a lower container assembly comprising an internally threaded open top, a releasable bottom, and a diaphragm for dividing space of the lower container assembly into a lower beverage chamber and an upper passage chamber, the diaphragm having holes for communicating the beverage chamber with the passage chamber and an annular flange projecting into the passage chamber; and an upper container assembly comprising an externally threaded lower portion secured to the top of the lower container assembly, a releasable top, a bottom dividing the upper container assembly into upper ingredient chamber and lower passageway chamber, a cylindrical channel integrally formed with the bottom of the upper container assembly and projecting into the passageway chamber, and an annular gasket put on the channel and blocking the holes when the upper and lower container assemblies are threadedly secured together; and a strainer in the ingredient chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device having a water circulation system that includes a water source with an outlet, a pump with a support member for holding and securing the pump in the device, and an integral water conduit having an inlet and outlet for guiding water from the water source to the pump. The conduit outlet is connected to the pump and the water source outlet is connected to the water conduit inlet via an annular sealing member that forms an integral protruding portion of one of the conduit inlet or the source outlet. The pump support is integral with the water conduit, in particular with the conduit outlet.

Abstract: An assembly structure of a rigid body and an elastic body is provided. The rigid body made of glass or ceramics has a chamber and an opening exposing the chamber. The elastic body made of plastics has an indentation and a through hole inside the indentation. The assembly structure further contains an interface element attached to a bottom side of the chamber and has an extension element corresponding to the opening of the chamber. The interconnection between the rigid and elastic bodies is achieved by joining the extension element with the indentation so that the rigid and elastic bodies could be easily put together and separated. The advantages of the rigid body such as robust to deformation and fine surface finish are thereby combined with the advantages of the elastic body such as easy shaping and assembly.

Abstract: The carbonation device includes a cap system selectively mounted to the mouth of a liquid container. The cap system includes a cap, a rotatable control ring coaxial with and selectively attached to the cap, a reaction vessel selectively attached to the bottom of the cap, and an elongate distribution tube selectively mounted to the cap. The reaction vessel is filled with a preselected amount of carbonating material such that when the control ring is rotated in one position, water may be introduced into the vessel to initiate the carbonation reaction. In another position, the carbonating gas flows into the liquid via the distribution tube. Other rotated positions permit locking and unlocking of the control ring. The carbonation device also includes a drop-in configuration that serves as a self-contained carbonation distribution vessel.

Abstract: A drawer-type cooking device and a method for controlling opening and closing of a door thereof, in which an opening/closing direction and an absolute position of a door by a manual opening/closing operation by a user can be detected with a simple structure even when the door is in a door-open state in an intermediate position, is provided. A rotation sensor 26 is disposed in relation to an output shaft of a motor 25 for driving a door capable of opening and closing an opening of a cooking device body in an opening/closing direction. A microcomputer 20 controls drive of the motor 25 including a rotation direction by receiving an input of a detection signal of the rotation sensor 26,which is a sensor for generating two rotation pulses having different phases (for example, pulse train signals with a 120-degree difference) from the motor. A control device can determine the rotation direction of the motor 25 based on the two rotation pulses therefrom.

Abstract: A can crushing apparatus for crushing a can is presented. The can crushing apparatus includes an elongated structure, a piston drive assembly, a can crushing chamber, a can holding plate, a deflector guide, a control, a safety switch, a push button switch and an attachment means. The piston drive assembly includes a piston designed to crush the can. The piston includes a hammer attached with a hammer plate and a cylindrical housing for securing the piston. The hammer is extendable in a downward direction and retractable in an upward direction. The deflector guide transfers a crushed can to a can collecting bin. The control provides electric power to the can crushing apparatus. The safety switch prevents hand injuries caused by the accidental positioning of hands by a user on the crusher.

Abstract: A solar-powered waste compactor comprises a waste container for housing waste, a compactor ram actuated by a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for compacting the waste in the waste container, and a hydraulic power unit operably associated with the hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly for powering the compactor ram. The hydraulic power unit comprises a motor/pump assembly including a pump unit, a single-phase electric motor driving the pump unit and a flow control valve operating the motor/pump assembly at first or second flow rate depending on an operating pressure. The hydraulic power unit further comprises a battery unit, a solar panel to charge the battery unit, a DC-to-AC inverter, a single-phase AC power inlet connectable to a source of a single-phase electrical power grid, and a reversing contactor providing the electric current only from the inverter or the power inlet at any given time.

Abstract: An imprinter includes a printing base for mounting a card and a print paper to be imprinted on a predetermined area thereof, a carriage that is movable above the printing base, a roller shaft arranged at a position of a predetermined height from the card mounting surface of the printing base, a roller including an outer periphery of hard material a center boss that is in rotational engagement with the roller shaft and elastic members provided between the outer periphery and the center boss of the roller. The elastic members are radially deformed during imprinting operation to cause the outer periphery of the roller to radially move relative to the center axis of the roller shaft into a state of eccentric circle in vertical section, so that the embossed information of the card may be transcribed onto the print paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the temperature control of inking groups (6) and dampening solutions of an offset printing press (2), wherein, in order to achieve the temperature control of the inking groups (6), a heat transfer medium that has previously been circulated by the inking groups (6) in a temperature control circuit of said inking group (34) is optionally cooled, and wherein, in order to achieve the temperature control of the dampening solution, the dampening solution that has previously been circulated by the inking groups (6) in a temperature control circuit of said inking group (34) is optionally cooled.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic training system includes a firing block assembly housed in a first container, a pressure-armed trigger module having two triggers housed in a second container, and a power pack/switch system that connects the firing block assembly and triggers. The first and second containers are remote from each other, and may be made from common objects that might be found in combat zones. Quick-release pins inserted through components of the firing block prevents their separation by exploding ordinance within the firing block, maintaining close electrical contacts within the firing block. The pressure-armed triggers employ a mechanical system that energizes an electrical circuit when pressure is released. Such triggers are arranged such that opening or moving the container triggers an explosion at the remote firing block assembly.

Abstract: A method for determining one or more of an impact level and direction of a weapon as it strikes a target. The method including: providing an elastic element in the weapon; providing a piezoelectric member attached to the elastic element such that elongation and/or depression of the elastic element will generate an electrical power output from the piezoelectric member; and determining the impact level based on the output of the piezoelectric member.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic charges that include an explosion generator and an explosive having an outer surface divided into n segments, each segment having kq multiple ignition points for the explosive, k and q being integer numbers greater than 1. The kq multiple ignition points for the explosive are linked by ignition lines forming, for each segment, at least two interleaved partial networks for synchronous ignition of the kq multiple ignition points, each of the partial synchronous ignition networks being linked to a respective partial network detonator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stackable projectiles having a warhead and a propulsion unit. An adaptor enables the warhead to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. Furthermore, an adaptor couples different profiles of warheads and propulsion units and allows projectiles to be stacked without need for design modifications. The assembled projectile can be fired electrically or mechanically.

Abstract: A projectile system for impeding vessel movement is provided. The system includes a projectile device that contains a superoxide material for generating an exothermic reaction when exposed to water. At termination of flight, the projectile releases the superoxide material into the surrounding water. A delay can be set to enable the projectile to release its payload underneath the water surface, creating both a disturbance in the water and large gas bubbles to affect the trajectory of the target surface vessel.

Abstract: A paintball includes first and second half shell portions, each with a recess that can hold liquid containing dyes or other marking pigments. The liquid in the second half shell portion is relatively viscous, or becomes so after being placed in the second shell portion. The second shell portion can then be inverted and the liquid will stay within it. Neither shell portion includes a barrier to hold the liquids in place. The second half shell portion can then be placed on and joined with the first half shell portion to form a paintball.

Abstract: In order to facilitate entering or exiting in a cable railway system, at least one part of the floor of the passenger region adjoining the passenger gondolas is formed by a transport device, which is configured to transport the passengers located thereon in the direction of movement of the passenger gondolas. The transport device can be formed by one or more conveyor belts, which follow the path of the passenger gondolas for a distance such that the passenger can comfortably change over from the transport device to the gondolas.

Abstract: A covering for a bogie of a rail vehicle lends the entire rail vehicle a low aerodynamic tractive resistance in the region of the bogie. The novel covering has a peripheral wall for surrounding the bogie and a fastening device for rotationally guiding the peripheral wall at the upper edge thereof on a superstructure of the rail vehicle. The covering is covered at the lower edge of the peripheral wall by an underbody-like end member that has fastening means for attaching the same to the bogie.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for moving the buffers of articulated cars of railway vehicles travelling on a curve. The devices are disposed between two adjoining cars (6, 6?) articulated by a transversely centered coupling or linkage (12), said cars (6, 6?) including a front-end projecting element (9) which is joined to the coupling or linkage (12) extending from the rear end of the next car. In all embodiments of the invention, as the buffers (3) move sideways under the action of skids (2) or other means towards the center of the curve at the part of the device closest to the wheels (7) on the inner part of the curve, the sideways movement of the car into the curve is limited as the buffers (3) come into contact with the corresponding surface of the wheel set, obstructing the sideways movement of the car.

Abstract: An automated trackside railed car discharge gate operating system is disclosed which can automatically unload a string of cars “on the fly” and without the need for a separate indexing system. The system includes a pair of carriage-mounted tool systems for opening/closing capstan-operated railcar gates disposed to travel along a carriage track and including visual devices that acquire and track capstans and coordinate tool orientation and operation.

Abstract: A rail road car such as a double tub coal gondola car has a center sill that is narrow in the middle between the two tubs, and wider at the draft arms. The center sill has a transition section that provides a smooth, gradual transition between the respective bottom flange portions of the two without sharp changes in direction in the stress fields in tension and compression, and with little or no out of plane eccentricities in load path, and with a tendency to minimize or avoid local stress concentrations. The center sill includes a set of access apertures and corresponding bridges or ties that maintain the lateral halves of the center sill flange main portion in appropriate relationship to each other with respect to resistance to buckling. The tubs fasten mechanically to the sides of the center sill.

Abstract: A rail vehicle with a vehicle door connected to an associated door frame via a seal is provided. The seal as well as other mechanical components have to be lubricated. Therefore, a door region is equipped with at least one device for automatically dispensing lubricants for lubricating the seal and/or the mechanical components.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-play entertainment table includes a first section and a second section hingedly attached together by a hinging device. A plurality of leg members are removably attached to the underside of the folding table. The top surface of the folding table is adapted with an indentation for receiving a game table insert. The game table insert can be for any type of desired game such as chess, checkers, poker, plain or another suitable game. An assembly of collapsible chairs is included.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a barricading structure and method for providing an activity surface are provided. The barricading structure may be, for example, a railing. The apparatus comprises a mountable backsplash attached to the barricading structure, a foldable support platform attached to the mountable backsplash via multiple connectors, and a locking system for locking the mountable backsplash to the barricading structure. The foldable support platform comprises a first inlay fitted into a support structure for providing an activity surface to hold objects. The connectors are accommodated in slots provided on the mountable backsplash. The accommodated connectors are hinged to the mountable backsplash using a hinge pin to facilitate pivotal connection of the foldable support platform to the mountable backsplash. The apparatus may comprise leg supports for supporting weight of the foldable support platform. The apparatus is made of a weather resistant material and a heat resistant material.

Abstract: An rear seat table assembly for a vehicle, the rear seat table assembly may include a rear seat table placed in front of a rear seat console, wherein the rear seat table includes an upper table and a lower table which may be selectively foldable around a table hinge portion pivotally connecting the upper table and the lower table, a locking unit arranged in the rear seat console and selectively lock the rear seat table to the rear seat console so as to maintain or release a locking state of the rear seat table, a rotation unit rotatably connecting the rear seat table and the rear seat console for allowing the rear seat table to be fixed after the rear seat table may be rotated upward centering around a rotation axis (axis X) which may be fixed to an upper side of the rear seat console, and a swiveling unit connected between the rotation unit and the rear seat table for allowing the rear seat table to swivel centering around a swiveling axis (axis Z).

Abstract: A foldably constructed force-resisting structure comprises a top member and a bottom member foldably constructed and assembled from one or more blanks of sheet material, preferably corrugated paperboard, initially in a flat condition. The top member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded downwardly from the base panel. The bottom member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded upwardly from the base panel. The top and bottom members are assembled in nested relation to define an interior of the force-resisting structure between the base panels, which are at least substantially parallel to one another. The force-resisting structure includes a vertical support rib structure in the interior defining an X-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. The support rib structure is foldably constructed from the top member base panel and/or the bottom member base panel and provides vertical support for a load disposed on the base panel of the top member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile folding table with attached seating having an improved lift-assist mechanism. In particular, the table includes a gas cylinder that provides a force tending to extend the cylinder to assist in folding the table into a storage position, the cylinder providing substantially no force to resist rapid extension thereof. Preferably, a mobile folding table according to the present invention also includes a stabilizing mechanism including center bench legs attached to a center leg structure that is maintained substantially upright whether the table is in an unfolded use configuration, in a mobile folded storage configuration, or in the process of being folded or unfolded. In this manner, the attached benches are prevented from freely tipping when the table is being folded or moved.

Abstract: A burner includes a primary air-coal mixture duct coaxially extended through a secondary air wind box, a pulverized coal separator supported within the primary air-coal mixture duct, a secondary air duct including an inner secondary air duct and an outer secondary air duct coaxially formed around the primary air-coal mixture duct, a primary air-coal mixture conical outlet coupled with the outlet of the primary air-coal mixture duct, and inner secondary air and outer conical outlets coupled with the outlets of the inner secondary air and outer secondary air ducts respectively. The conical outlets are arranged to delay the mixing time of the primary air-coal mixture and secondary air flows through the primary air-coal mixture and secondary air ducts and to prolong the residence time in the center recirculation zone under the reduction ability so as to effectively reduce the formation of NOx.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotatable disk assembly for a seed meter to dispense individual seeds at desired intervals. The rotatable disk comprises a seed disk including a plurality of circumferentially spaced seed apertures about the periphery operatively connected to a vacuum source, a substantially nonmagnetic backing disk member having a plurality of vacuum apertures and also in communication with the vacuum source, a resilient disk member adjacent and engageable with the nonmagnetic backing disk comprising a plurality of magnetic portions engageable with a magnetic source and adapted to occlude the seed aperture and disrupt communication with the vacuum source. The seed disk, substantially nonmagnetic backing disk member and resilient disk member are also rotatably mounted within a housing on a conduit. The vacuum source is operatively connected to the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle thread tension control device including a fixed portion, a shaft having an external thread portion, a thread tension dial, first and second thread tension discs, and a spiral movement member. The spiral movement member includes an internal thread portion meshed with the external thread portion while being movable relative to the external thread portion in a spiral direction relative to the axis, and a scale including marks arranged serially and side by side in the spiral direction. The spiral movement member adjusts the needle thread tension by moving towards or away from the second thread tension disc while rotating in a circumferential direction by meshing between the external thread portion and the internal thread portion. The needle thread tension control device also includes a thread tension spring applying respective biasing forces to the spiral movement member and the second thread tension disc.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a vessel for oceanographic research and the development and maintenance of renewable energy resources. The vessel can have a hull, a keel with a keel cooler, skegs, watertight interior bulkheads, a main deck, topsides, insulation, sonar tubes, a sonar transducer, an engine room, a propulsion system, propellers and rudders that are operable independently and in tandem, engines with vibration isolation mounts, fuel tanks, a hydraulic bow thruster, generators, a pilothouse, a navigation station, a steering device, a dog house, living quarters, a communication system, lighting, escape hatches, and a knuckle boom crane. The hull can be adapted to sit level on a mudflat during a low tide, enabling crew to initiate emergency repairs to the vessel without having to return to port. The vessel can also have a dynamic positioning processor enabling for continuous vessel positioning.

Abstract: System for the active and passive stabilization of a vessel (10), such as ships, boats, rigs, barges, platforms and cranes operating in a maritime environment, which vessel (10) is provided with tanks (Ha-d) to provide buoyancy and/or ballast, which tanks (11a-d) are provided with openings (12a-d) in the bottom, which openings (12a-d) are facing the medium in which the vessel (10) is floating. The tanks (11a-d) are independent of each other and the openings (12a-d) are so large that a sufficient volume of fluid can pass without cavitation or other resistance, and the system includes means (13a-d) for supplying fluid to the tanks (11a-d), controlled to counteract the effects of external forces on the movements of the vessel (11). The invention further includes methods for the passive and active stabilization of the vessel by use of the system.

Abstract: A self-levelling system comprising a base (10) fixed onto a first external load-bearing structure subjected to natural stressing forces, a second internal flat structure (21) which is to be self-levelled, and a movable fixing system between said first and second structure.