Abstract: A bicycle electric actuator unit basically has a housing, an electric drive part and a cable holding member. The electric drive part is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to an electrical cable. The cable holding member is provided at an outer surface of the housing to hold a portion of the electrical cable. The bicycle electric actuator unit can be for example part of an electric bicycle component such as an electric front derailleur or an electric rear derailleur.

Abstract: A robotic limb structure which is capable of achieving high speeds. In the context of a biped, the structure is used for a pair of hind limbs. The limb structure includes a primary driven link—such as a thigh pivoting about a hip joint in the case of a hind limb. Secondary links are pivotally connected to the primary driving link. Auxiliary links are provided to constrain the motion between the links. Elastic trim elements are also provided to define a “relaxed” state for the limb and to influence the resonance characteristics of the structure. The control system takes advantage of the resonant characteristics of the structure as a whole.

Abstract: A bicycle control device that includes a bracket configured to be mounted to a handlebar, a first lever pivotally mounted to the bracket and defining a first pivot axis, a second lever that includes a first user contact part pivotally mounted to the first lever that pivots about a second axis, and a first electrical switch mounted to one of the first lever and the second lever. The first electrical switch is operated in response to pivotal movement of the second lever about the second axis. The first pivot axis is positioned between the second pivot axis and the first user contact part.

Abstract: A steering yoke is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical body that can be formed from a laminated sheet of metal and polymer. The hollow cylindrical body includes a substantially uniform wall thickness. Further, the hollow cylindrical body can include a first half, a second half, a seam extending at least partially along the body between the first half and the second half, an upper end having a surface, and a lower open end. The steering yoke can also include a bearing surface coupled to the surface of the upper end of the hollow cylindrical body and a spring perch disposed in the lower end of the hollow cylindrical body. The spring perch can include a spring pocket configured to support and retain a spring for supplying a biasing force to the yoke.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly comprises a column support bracket fixed to a vehicle structure and disposed about a steering column. A position lock selectively prevents or facilitates movement of the steering column relative to the column support bracket in an adjustment plane and defines an adjustment range of the steering column along a non-adjustment direction intersecting the adjustment plane. A lateral stabilizer biases the steering column toward a stabilized position lying within the adjustment range of the steering column along the non-adjustment direction.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a device such as a baby carriage, wheelchair or the like, having an actuator apparatus including first and second relatively displaceable parts movable between a first and second position. When the first part is arranged, in the first position it actuates a brake, and in the second position causing the brake to be in a non-braking state. The actuator is arranged, in the absence of external influence, to adopt the first position. A locking member is releasably attachable to the actuator for locking the first part in the second position, and unlocking of the first part in the second position upon application of a force. The first part is rotatable relative to the second part about a axis for displacement between the first and the second position, and includes a retaining mechanism arranged to connect the locking member to the actuator.

Abstract: A handlebar arrangement for a bicycle or the like includes a handlebar having two opposing sides and adapted to turn a front wheel at a first pivot. Two tie rods are each pivotally attached at a forward end thereof proximate one of the ends of the handlebar at one of a pair of second pivots. Each tie rod terminates at a handle. In different embodiments, each handle is pivotally attached to the rearward end of one of the tie rods, or the handle of each tie rod includes a rotational bearing where connected to the tie rod, or each tie rod is pivoted to allow substantially 180 degrees of horizontal pivoting of the tie rod with the handlebar, and substantially 90 degrees of vertical upward pivoting of the tie rod with the handlebar, or each tie rod may be mutually pivotally connected with a connecting rod.

Abstract: A conductive leather with high conductivity and durability and a steering wheel with such conductive leather. The conductive leather includes a coating layer formed of a base coat layer and a top coat layer, both made up of resin based materials. The top coat layer includes a first top coat layer formed on the base coat and a second top coat layer formed on the first top coat layer. The resin based material used in the second top coat layer is a crosslinked resin and the resin based material used in the first top coat layer is non-crosslinked resin. At least one of the first top coat layer and the second top coat layer includes carbon-based conductive particles.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline and a method for transferring energy from a flywheel is provided. The vehicle driveline includes a power source, a clutch drivingly engaged with the power source, a transmission drivingly engaged with the clutch, a power transmission device drivingly engaged with one of the power source, the clutch, and the transmission, a controller in communication with the power transmission device, and a flywheel drivingly engaged with the power transmission device. The power transmission device facilitates a transfer of energy from the flywheel to one of the clutch and the transmission. The power transmission device also facilitates a transfer of energy from one of the power source, the clutch, and the transmission to the flywheel. The controller directs the transfer of energy to and from the flywheel.

Abstract: A member produced by powder forging which retains machinability and improved fatigue strength without having an increased hardness and can retain self conformability after fracture splitting; a powder mixture for powder forging; a process for producing a member by powder forging; and a fracture splitting connecting rod obtained from the member produced by powder forging. The member produced by powder forging is one obtained by preforming a powder mixture, subsequently sintering the preform, and forging the resultant sintered preform at a high temperature. The free-copper proportion in the sintered preform at the time when the forging is started is 10% or lower, and the member obtained through the forging has a composition containing, in terms of mass %, 0.2-0.4% C, 3-5% Cu, and up to 0.4% Mn (excluding 0), the remainder being iron and incidental impurities, and has a ferrite content of 40-90%.

Abstract: An operational rod coupling arrangement includes a motion member constituting part of a motion mechanism, an operational rod having a coupling hole at one end to be pivotally coupled with the motion member for transmitting an operational force and a connecting member configured to clamp the end of the operational rod in cooperation with a portion of the motion member. One of the motion member and the connecting member includes a shaft portion and the other of the motion member and the connecting member includes a bearing portion in which the shaft portion is insertable. The shaft portion, extending through the coupling hole, is insertable into the bearing portion. An engaging portion and an engaged portion for preventing withdrawal of the shaft portion from the bearing portion are at different positions than the shaft portion and the bearing portion in the connecting member and the motion member, respectively.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle is provided. The crank assembly includes an integrally formed unitary body. The body includes an arm first portion and an arm second portion extending on an angle from one end of the arm first portion. An enclosed cavity is disposed between the arm first portion and the arm second portion. The cavity has a first width at a first end in the arm first portion and a second width at an end of the arm second portion, the cavity and the arm first portion defining a first wall thickness in a first direction, the cavity and the arm second portion defining a second wall thickness in a second direction. The first wall thickness and the second wall thickness are substantially equal. A boss portion extends from an end of the arm second portion opposite the first arm portion.

Abstract: Provided is a drive apparatus of a hybrid vehicle, configured in such a manner that the occurrence of a resonance phenomenon is minimized and that the efficiency of utilization of the space occupied by a torque limiter mechanism is improved. A drive apparatus 100A for a hybrid vehicle is configured in such a manner that a torque limiter TL is provided in the path of power transmission between an inner shaft 2a and a generator 60 at a position between the generator 60 and a motor 70. The torque limiter TL axially overlaps with at least a part of the stator 65 of the generator 60 and/or at least a part of the stator 75 of the motor 70.

Abstract: Force of used spring can be weak, wear amount of power transmission member (gear or the like) can be reduced, and generation of strange noises can inhibited. When the dial cam is rotated and the recess of the outer peripheral surface faces the front end portion of the pin of the connection shaft, the connection shaft, which is biased by the force of the coil spring, is connected to the bevel gear, which engages with the bevel gear and is rotated, via the clutch teeth. Thus, the connection shaft is rotated, and the output shaft is rotated together with the connection shaft. That is, the power of the motor is transmitted to the output shaft. Since the coil spring is used for connecting the connection shaft to the bevel gear, the force of the coil spring can be reduced.

Abstract: An engine starting device includes: a starter motor; a pinion unit coupled to an output-shaft side of the starter motor by a spline, for sliding in an axial direction; and a ring gear which meshes with a pinion gear of the pinion unit pushed out by a push-out mechanism, and receives a transmission of a rotation force of the starter motor, thereby starting an engine. The pinion unit includes, on all teeth on distal end portions in a meshing axial direction of the pinion gear meshing with the ring gear, synchronization surfaces which are a pair of surfaces parallel with the meshing axial direction, and have a thickness thinner than a tooth thickness of the pinion gear.

Abstract: A link actuating device connects an output member to an input member through three or more link mechanisms for alteration in posture. Each of the link mechanisms includes end portion link members on input and output sides, and an intermediate link member. The link mechanisms are of such shapes that geometric models representing the link members by straight lines are such that input and output side portions are symmetrical to each other relative to an intermediate portion of each of the intermediate link members. Immobilizing mechanisms are provided in all of the link mechanisms to immobilize the output member in an arbitrary attitude relative to the input member. A structure body is provided to connect the input and output member to each other while being in contact with contacted portions formed in the input and output member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of agglomerating iron oxide-containing residual substances, in particular scale and mill scale, wherein the residual materials and the paper sludge are dried and comminuted and agglomerates are produced by means of hot briquetting from the mixture comprising the residual substances and the paper sludge. In this way, mill scale briquettes of high strength and density can be produced which in steelmaking processes can then be charged into an electric arc furnace for the purpose of recycling the iron contained in the residual substances.

Abstract: It is known that a foamed slag can be produced on stainless steel melts in an electric arc furnace by introducing a mixture of metal oxides, limestone, carbon and a binder in the form of briquettes into the furnace so that the briquettes become arranged there in such a way that the metal oxides are reduced by the carbon and the limestone is thermally dissociated at the metal-slag interface beneath the slag and the resulting gases bring about foaming of the slag by bubble formation. This foaming on steels having a high chromium content, due to the significant uptake of chromium oxide by the slag, leads to problems which result from the physicochemical properties of slags having a high chromium oxide content.

Abstract: A method for the production of silver nanowire comprising the steps of: heating a first solution comprising a polyol and a salt; adding a second solution comprising a polyol and a silver nitrate; adding a third solution comprising a polyol and an organic polymer as a template carrier creating a combined solution; stirring the combined solution at an elevated temperature for a time period followed by cooling the combined solution; and washing the combined solution and isolating the silver nanowires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a solution containing zinc sulphate, so that at least one of the rare metals such as indium, gallium and germanium can be separated from it. A portion of the metals to be separated can be precipitated from zinc sulphate solution by neutralizing the acidic solution and at least a portion is cemented by means of metal powder. The solid precipitates that are formed can be combined and treated subsequently in some suitable way to leach out the desired metals.

Abstract: Valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium can be economically recovered from various lithium secondary battery-related wastes by the inventive method which comprises liquid-phase leaching a scrap powder containing Co, Ni, Mn, and Li, and purifying and solvent-extracting the resulting leaching solution to recover each of said Co, Ni, Mn, and Li, wherein the liquid-phase leaching is performed by a two-step counter-current leaching using an inorganic acid solution or a mixed solution of an inorganic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A stand for receiving a corkscrew having a body with a bottom portion having a magnetic metallic bottom surface or a magnetic member. The stand comprises a bottom portion for contacting a horizontal surface; a top portion being opposed to the bottom portion, and a peripheral wall at least partially extending between the bottom and top portions. The top portion defines a base for receiving the corkscrew's body, the base comprising a magnetic member or a magnetic metallic upper surface adapted to magnetically affix the bottom portion of the corkscrew's body to the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a threaded coupling between two riser joints, comprising:—a frame (11) provided with a space (12) for receiving the coupling;—a first drive wheel set (20) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (21, 22) driven by a first drive motor (23) for rotating a main nut of the coupling; and—a second drive wheel set (40) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (41, 42) driven by a second drive motor (43) for rotating a locking nut of the coupling. The drive wheels of the second drive wheel set are located on a level above the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set to allow them to engage with and rotate the locking nut when the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set are in engagement with the main nut.

Abstract: An open end wrench is provided with a handle; and spaced first and second jaws secured to and projecting from the handle, the first jaw including a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface together arranged in an angled pair, and the second jaw including a fourth engagement surface. The second engagement surface is closer to a bottom of the first jaw than the first engagement surface. The second engagement surface extends at an angle between 2-degree and 7-degree with respect to a virtual center line passing an opening between the spaced first and second jaws. The fourth engagement surface extends at an angle between 2-degree and 5-degree with respect to the virtual center line. The second engagement surface is not parallel to the fourth engagement surface.

Abstract: Pliers include upper structure including an upper jaw and handle extending therefrom, and lower structure including a lower jaw and handle. The lower jaw may pivot relative to the upper jaw, and the lower handle may pivot relative to the lower jaw. An overcenter linkage operatively connects between the upper and lower structure, biasing the lower handle and jaw away from the upper handle and jaw, respectively, when in a jaw-opening position, and enabling the lower jaw and handle to be retained in a closed configuration when the linkage is in a jaw-closing position. A lock member is movable between a locking configuration preventing pivoting of the lower handle from the closed configuration and retaining the jaws in a closed position, and a release configuration enabling the lower handle to be moved away from the closed configuration, allowing the jaws to move to an open position.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

Abstract: A cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper surface, a side surface, and a first cutting edge located at an intersection of the upper surface and the side surface. The upper surface includes a pair of raised parts located opposite to each other with a perpendicular bisector of the first cutting edge interposed therebetween. A top of each of the pair of raised parts includes at least two protrusions oriented toward a direction along the perpendicular bisector in a top view. Each of the at least two protrusions includes a first protrusion located on a side closest to the perpendicular bisector, and a second protrusion which is located on a side further away from the perpendicular bisector than the first protrusion, and is located at a higher position than the first protrusion. A cutting tool including the cutting insert, and a method of manufacturing a machined product by using the cutting tool are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive train for a hedge trimmer, the drive train being arranged, in use, to provide power to a downstream mechanism, the drive train comprising: a motor having an output shaft; a pinion coupled to the output shaft; a reduction gear arranged to be driven by the pinion, the reduction gear contained within a gear housing; a flywheel engageable to the output shaft, wherein the flywheel is arranged within the gear housing.

Abstract: A method for disassembling two ultrasonically welded elements, one of the elements comprising, at a surface opposite the other element, an energy director that concentrates the heating during ultrasonic welding and forms a material junction between the two assembled elements after the ultrasonic welding. The method includes the steps of positioning a wire between the two assembled elements, so as to be secant to the energy director, said wire having suitable mechanical characteristics allowing it to cut the junction formed by the energy director and moving the wire between the two assembled elements so as to cut said junction.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon fiber aggregate cutting an edge material of a carbon fiber base material composed of carbon fibers to obtain a cut piece, and forming the cut piece into a web and/or into a nonwoven fabric to obtain a carbon fiber aggregate.

Abstract: A device for cutting a wafer provided with grooves on its upper surface having its lower surface supported by a flexible film secured to a frame. This device includes a system for locating the grooves and for positioning the frame with respect to a cutting system, and setting means for positioning the wafer in front of the locating system so that the located area is at a determined distance from the locating system.

Abstract: A device for cutting a textile yarn during its feed to an operator element such as a textile machine for its processing or a member for feeding it to such a machine. The device includes a blade member inserted into a housing presenting at least one aperture for passage of the yarn, the blade member carried by a movable support element subjected to an actuator for its movement. The movable support element being able to assume two working positions, a first position in which the blade member is spaced from the yarn and a second position in which the member cooperates with the yarn and cuts it. The actuator include a bistable electromagnet, a spring mounted about the movable support member urging the blade member into the cutting position.

Abstract: A dispenser for repeatedly discharging a predetermined length of a continuous web of material, especially paper towels, comprises a feed roller (14) with the continuous web of material wound thereon and a cutting drum (20) incorporating a cutting device (24, 32), the continuous web of material being directed in contact to at least part of the cutting drum (20). The dispenser is characterized in that the cutting device (24, 32) comprises at least two cutting knives (24) with cutting blades (26), which cutting blades (26) are operable between an active, extended position projecting beyond the outer circumferential surface of the cutting drum (20), and an inactive retracted position; wherein each cutting knife (24) is provided with a cam follower (44) engaging a stationary cam path (46) of a camming mechanism (40).

Abstract: A rotary cutter device includes a rotating body, a plurality of rotary blades, a fixed blade, a feeding portion, and a control portion. The rotating body is configured to be rotatable around a central axis. The plurality of rotary blades are provided on the rotating body. The fixed blade is provided facing a trajectory that cutting edges of the plurality of rotary blades describe when the plurality of rotary blades rotate. The feeding portion is configured to feed a sheet-shaped object along a linear feed path that passes close to the fixed blade. The control portion is configured to rotate the plurality of rotary blades around the central axis toward the fixed blade from the opposite side of the feed path from the fixed blade.

Abstract: An automatic card-cutting apparatus provided with plural transfer rollers to transfer paper, plural slitter heads to cut the paper in a transferring direction, and a lateral cutter portion to cut the paper in a lateral direction at right angles with the transferring direction to conduct divisional cutting of the paper into plural cards. Each of the plural slitter heads is provided with a side head disposed as to be freely position-adjusted in the lateral direction to cut a side edge portion of the paper into belt shape, and a middle head having an upper blade of disc and a pair of lower blades each of which contacts each of left and right side edge portions of the upper blade, disposed as to be freely position-adjusted in the lateral direction to cut a longitudinal middle waste portion of the paper into belt shape.

Abstract: The slicing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the device (18; 28) for setting the cutting thickness of the product to be sliced can be actuated via an adjusting device disposed in the installation space (B; B?), wherein the passage region of the device (18; 28) through the machine housing (11; 21) is sealed at least against splash water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade for cutting machines and to a method for producing such a blade. The blade has a main body made of a first material and a cutting body made of a second material and having at least one cutting edge formed thereon. The second material has a higher hardness than the first material. The cutting body is joined along a joining line to the main body.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a capo and related methods of use. Operably, the capo may be secured to the neck of stringed musical instruments to barre its strings. Suitably, the capo may (1) generally feature a replaceable and adjustable strap, (2) be configured for quick relocation among the frets of a stringed musical instrument with a tapering neck, and (3) be configured for quick adjustment of the pressure applied to strings barred thereby.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is disclosed that may include a body having a longitudinal axis extending from a butt end to a striking end thereof and at least one hole extending through the thickness of the body substantially along or through an axis that is different from the longitudinal axis; and a grasping mechanism having a first grip plate at a first end thereof and a second grip plate at a second end thereof, and at least one shaft extending through the hole. The percussion instrument may further include a compliance mechanism disposed between the first and second grip plates, enabling the first and second grip plates to move closer together in response to a compressive force applied. One or more recesses or bores may be used for a more compact design, and the at least one hole may be on an angle to accommodate different drumming styles.

Abstract: According to embodiments herein, a circular, semi-circular, or generally rounded piano keyboard is shown and described. In particular, in an illustrative embodiment, the piano keyboard is a fully to nearly-fully circular stage piano keyboard that surrounds a keyboardist, allowing for up to 360 degrees of key-play. Other, e.g., wearable, embodiments of the circular piano keyboard are also described, such as a curved keytar or a curvaceous “keydress.

Abstract: A music analysis apparatus has a feature extractor and an analysis processor. The feature extractor generates a time series of feature values from a sequence of notes which is designated as an object of analysis. The analysis processor computes an evaluation index value which indicates a probability that the designated sequence of notes is present in each of a plurality of reference music pieces by applying a probabilistic model to the time series of the feature values generated from the designated sequence of notes. The probabilistic model is generated by machine learning of the plurality of reference music pieces using time series of feature values obtained from the reference music pieces.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument whose operation is similar to a harmonica, and which can be played easily by anyone familiar with a harmonica. The instrument measures positive or negative pressure at the mouthpiece, with a MEMS (Micro-electro-mechanical system) pressure sensor, which produces an electronic signal, which is then converted to pre-sampled sounds of a variety of instruments via an on-board synthesizer, and is capable of sending MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signals to control other electronic musical instruments or devices.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a chord progression based upon a diatonic major key may include the steps of casting a dodecahedron to determine the diatonic major key, casting a octahedron to determine a chord based upon the diatonic major key and casting a cube to determine a playing strategy for the chord.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is capable of generating tones in correspondence with individual ones of a plurality of sound generation parts and allocating desired sound colors and pitch ranges to the individual sound generation parts. A display area for displaying information related to the plurality of sound generation parts is presented on a display device. The individual sound generation parts are set either in a sound generating state or in a non-sound-generating state. The display area is divided in order to set sub display areas corresponding to one or more of the sound generation parts having been set in the sound generating state. The information related to the sound generation parts, having been set in the sound generating state, is displayed in the corresponding sub display areas.

Abstract: A percussion instrument including an acoustic chamber housing having a zigzag shape, a material chamber housing having the zigzag shape, a sound board having the zigzag shape arranged between the acoustic chamber housing and the material chamber housing to form an acoustic chamber defined by the acoustic chamber housing and the sound board, and a material chamber defined by the material chamber housing and the sound board, and particulate material arranged in the material chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a fabric which lays flat on the ground and has a plurality of handles and/or drawstrings which, when lifted, allow ammunition casings to collect at one or more common points and will allow recovery of the casings. This invention will greatly reduce the burden of picking up ammunition casings that most firearms owners suffer through.

Abstract: An anti-sniper targeting system where a spherical omni-directional depth stereoscopic camera, a radar, and microphone identify, detect, and determine target positions and bearings, detect target weapon flash, detect glint, track bullet trajectory, coordinate, track, share, and assign targets. Target bearings and ranges are determined by sound and heat signature detection from an infrared camera, from glint, and radar to rapidly position a fire control arm with a camera onto assigned targets rapidly from calculations on target positions and optimal trajectory. It can account for firing corrections due to target range and wind effects using wind sensors, pressure, temperature, and earth curvature accommodating for bullet trajectory over large ranges. It can be an offensive sniper system whereby a target is locked in spite of movements, such as from a vehicle using stabilizing gyros and accelerometers, image processing, or sensor data to adjust for movements.

Abstract: The pistol comprises a frame (1) containing a barrel (4) slidably mounted. The pistol further comprises a firing mechanism comprising a hammer (11) mounted so that it can pivot at the rear of the pistol, and a trigger (10) secured to an actuating arm (15) that acts on means (19) of arming the hammer (11) and retaining it in the armed position. The means for arming and retaining the hammer (11) comprise a link (19) directly connected to the hammer (11) by an articulation (20) and which is actuated via a lever (40) pivot-mounted in the frame (1). The lever has a top end actuated by the barrel as the latter moves into its forward position in order to cause the lever (40) to pivot, and a bottom end acting like a cam on the link (19) by pushing it backwards in order to rearm the hammer (11).

Abstract: The invention provides a motor-driven movement system for moving a movable element, the system comprising at least two actuators, each provided with means connecting it to the movable element and each dimensioned to be capable, on its own, of driving the movable element, a central control unit being connected to the two actuators in order to be capable of sending a position setpoint (Pos1, Pos2) to one or other of the actuators. According to the invention, the system further comprises control means for simultaneously controlling both actuators in terms of force in response to the position setpoint sent to one of the actuators. The invention also provides a method of driving such a system and a method of testing such a system.

Abstract: A control device for a reservoir charging pump of a braking system of a vehicle includes: an actuating device designed to actuate the reservoir charging pump into at least one normal mode having a normal rotational speed, and a receiving device designed to receive a variable provided by a vehicle-specific component with respect to a supply voltage provided to the reservoir charging pump. The actuating device is additionally designed to ascertain whether the variable received lies outside a normal value range that is specified for the normal mode, and, if necessary, to actuate the reservoir charging pump from the normal mode into at least one deviation mode having at least one setpoint rotational speed deviating from the normal rotational speed.