Abstract: A rotation control device for a tool is disposed between a handle and a tool head and includes two ratchet wheels, a spring and two C-shaped snap rings. The two ratchet wheels are symmetrically arranged. When pressed, the respective ratchet wheels will be subjected to the same force and move the same distance, thus making the engagement between the ratchet wheels and the tool head more assured, while avoiding the stuck fault and improving the convenience in use.

Abstract: An assisted opening multitool handle comprising a handle housing having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handle housing having first and second longitudinal regions, the handle housing having an interior surface defining a channel region. The assisted opening multitool handle further comprises a tool member pivotally attached to the handle housing and operatively configured to be positioned in a closed orientation within the channel region and configured to rotate in an opening direction to an open orientation.

Abstract: Auxiliary tool handling devices incorporating ergonomic-advantage designs selected from auxiliary handles, active movable forearm supports, foot pads, and wheels and various combinations of these are disclosed that allow many common tools to function in a safe, secure, convenient, ergonomic and efficient manner in performing many common chores.

Abstract: A method of cutting a laminated material 10A made of at least first and second plates that are laid one on another and fixed together includes holding the laminated material 10A between a pad 71 and a clamp base 73, so that an edge 14a of the first plate 14 is positioned between an edge 71a of the pad 71 and an edge 73a of the clamp base 73; and cutting a protrusion of the second plate 12 protruding from the edge 14a of the first plate 14 by moving a punch 75 along the pad 71 in a direction from the second plate 12 toward the first plate 14 and by using the first plate 14 as a die to cut the protrusion of the second plate 12. The method is capable of precisely cutting the protrusion of the second plate 12 protruding from the edge 14a of the first plate 14 through a reduced number of processes.

Abstract: A power miter saw of the type which has an upper fixed blade guard and a lower swinging blade guard for covering the lower reach of an installed blade when the saw is in its rest position and for exposing the lower reach of the saw blade when moved to its operational position, the saw comprising an adjustable length elongated linkage mechanism interconnecting a frame support and the lower blade guard for moving the lower blade guard in response to movement of the saw between the rest and operational positions, such that the lower blade guard covers the lower reach of the blade when the saw is in its rest position and uncovers the blade when the saw is moved to its operational position, the linkage mechanism permitting the exposure of a blade arbor to facilitate changing of the blade.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably mounted on the base, a blade and motor assembly pivotally coupled to a frame support that is attached to the table, and a power cord coupled to the blade and motor assembly. The frame support, the base, and/or the blade and motor assembly also comprises a handle portion that includes a grip with an opening disposed at an outer end thereof, with the grip also having a pair of arcuate surfaces disposed at opposing sides thereof for retaining the power cord when wrapped around both surfaces.

Abstract: A hand-held portable tool to remove primers from spent firearm cartridges, comprising a depriming rod, a lever, and a handle. Compression of the lever with hand pressure while a cartridge is mounted on the depriming rod and is trapped inside the handle pushes the primer out of the cartridge without the use or need of any type of springs, dies or shell holders for various calibers.

Abstract: A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator unit includes a first electric motor assembly formed by mounting one of a pair of electric motors to one of a pair of electric motor covers, wherein the first electric motor assembly is detachably mounted to a pump case so as to rotate a first control shaft around its axis line, and a second electric motor assembly formed by mounting the other one of the pair of electric motors to the other one of the pair of electric motor covers, wherein the second electric motor assembly is detachably mounted to the pump case so as to rotate a second control shaft around its axis line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end cap for a rodless cylinder (101) provided with a sealing strip (110). The end cap comprises an end cap body (102, 104) and a channel (105). The end cap body (102, 104) is configured to sealingly fit to a cylinder body (101). The channel (105) is formed in the end cap body (102, 104) and adapted to receive the sealing strip (110). The end cap includes a clamping lever (15) pivotally affixed to the end cap body (102, 104), with the clamping lever (15) including a clamping surface (90) that clamps the sealing strip (110) within the channel (105) when the clamping lever (15) is moved to a substantially closed position.

Abstract: Clamping device for cylinder sleeves of a pump system, and a piston pump or plunger pump for conveying drilling fluid during drilling of boreholes, particularly in the field of oil and natural gas production, and its use. Pump system includes a pump unit and a driving rotary drive unit. Clamping device for cylinder sleeve of a piston pump or plunger pump includes a cylinder sleeve receptacle, a clamping element provided at the pump, and cylinder sleeve or a portion of the cylinder sleeve provided between the clamping element and the cylinder sleeve receptacle, Clamping element and cylinder sleeve receptacle are connected by a connecting apparatus.

Abstract: A sealing system for a pump includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of a plunger. A primary seal is translatable within the chamber in sealing relation with the housing. The primary seal includes first and second elastomeric members adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The first and second elastomeric members are spaced apart from one another a distance greater than or equal to a maximum stroke of the plunger. A secondary seal is spaced apart from the primary seal and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. A chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressurizing device maintains a pressure of barrier fluid at a magnitude greater than a peak pressure of a fluid pumped by the plunger such that the pumped fluid is restricted from entering the barrier fluid chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.

Abstract: A machine for preparing coffee and milk based beverages having a steam generator, a first apparatus for producing coffee as well as a source of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product. The second apparatus includes a beverage preparation device associated with a second dispenser connected via first line to a first connector unit of the second apparatus to receive a concentrated fluid product pre-diluted in the first connector unit and, via a second line, to the source of liquid milk to complete dilution and obtain a diluted product to be dispensed from the beverage preparation device.

Abstract: A coffee machine for preparing coffee, especially based on coffee pads, includes a continuous heater provided with a water-guiding tube that is thermally connected to at least one heating rod via at least one contact surface. A pump transports water through the continuous heater. The contact surface is embodied in such a way that it is flat between the tube and the at least one heating rod. The coffee machine structure provides a simple and cost-effective solution for a continuous heater, and ensures good heat transfer.

Abstract: A processing machine for soybeans and soybean-embryos is provided, with improved efficiency in the deodorizing and drying processes and the capability to perform a deactivating process in a stable manner. A closed container is divided into individual sections by partitions. In each section, the temperature conditions for the deodorizing and drying processes can be independently determined, so that these processes can be performed within the same closed container and yet at different temperatures. A space is provided above a screw conveyer within the closed container. A heater is wound around the closed container so that the temperature can be freely regulated.

Abstract: An insertion hole (83a) is provided in a packing (83) and a rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a). A sliding portion (83b) forming an air clearance (83c) is provided on the outside of the packing (83). The rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a) with a grease G applied to the circumferential surface thereof. When the rotating shaft (81a) is inserted, the grease G is shaved off by the sliding portion (83b) and a sufficient amount of the grease G is stored in the air clearance (83c). Consequently, frictional sound and heat are and thus reduced between the rotating shaft (81a) and the packing (83), the sliding portion (83b) can come into tight contact with the rotating shaft (81a), thereby enhancing airtightness.

Abstract: An automatic juicer turns and pushes an upward facing juicing cone into a fruit for releasing and collecting juice. The juicer includes a base containing a motor, gear and shaft assembly which rises as a unit with the juicing cone. A fixed guide extends upward from the base and inner and outer shafts reside inside the fixed guide and are driven by the motor and gear assembly to rotate and advance the juicing cone into the fruit. The juicing cone, strainer and a bowl release and catch the juice. The outer shaft includes threads to vertically advance and retreat the outer and inner shafts when the outer shaft turns. The inner shaft rises with the outer shaft and lifts and rotates the juicing cone, thereby releasing juice from the fruit. The bowl is fixed to the base.

Abstract: A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering a printing plate includes a support surface. A first registration member provides an electrical signal to the printing plate when contact is established between the first registration member and a first edge of the printing plate. Each registration member in a set of two or more registration members receives the electrical signal provided to the printing plate when contact is established between an edge of the printing plate and the registration member. A set of two or more sensors detects a presence of the electrical signal received by a registration member. A plurality of actuators is operable for moving the printing plate towards a registration member. A controller determines a presence or absence of contact between the printing plate and a selected registration member based on information provided by each sensor. The controller selectively operates at least one of the actuators to move the printing plate towards the selected registration member.

Abstract: A thermal indicator using indicia formed by opaque ink applied to a thermal imaging material element is described. The ink is substantially the same color as the imaging element background and remains substantially hidden until the imaging element background changes color when heated. Time-temperature exposure indicating labels can be prepared using a printer with direct thermal type and ink jet type print heads.

Abstract: A microcavity structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the microcavity structure includes a first substrate, which has a region of interest. A second substrate with a perforation therein is bonded to the first substrate. The perforation coincides with the region of interest. In a specific embodiment, the first substrate is implemented via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. A smoothing layer is included between the PCB and the actuator. A bonding gasket adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for a spin-stabilized explosive projectile, said device incorporating a screen obstructing a transmission channel linking a detonator and a pyrotechnic relay, said screen comprising two half-screens able to move with respect to one another and transversally with respect to said channel, said two half-screens obstructing said channel when contacting one another, wherein said two half-screens are able to slide in a bore hole carried by a rotor coaxial to said projectile, said rotor is able to pivot on the axis of said projectile and carries said channel, said two half-screens locked into the position obstructing said channel by at least two locks, a first lock or inertial lock which retracts when said projectile is fired and a second lock or centrifugal lock formed by a spiral spring surrounding an external cylindrical surface of said rotor and applied against the ends of said half-screens.

Abstract: A less than lethal projectile and method of producing the same comprising of a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing a shot within. The sealed filled polymeric pouch is formed in a form, fill, and seal machine. An automatic loading ammunition machine is fed empty shell casings; the ammunition machine automatically loads the empty shell casing with pre-determined quantities of wad, primer, and gun powder, and subsequently moves the sealed filled polymeric pouch into a projectile compartment of the empty shell casing producing a fully-loaded shell casing to be loaded into a barrel of an ammunition. The polymeric pouch is capable of being inserted into various shell casings depending on the intended use thus allowing for officers and soldiers to select from an array of munitions when confronted with a situation where less than lethal means are required.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for launching and fabricating projectiles. In some embodiments, one or more ring airfoil projectiles are launched from a gun. Yet other embodiments pertain to the launching of projectiles that disperse tracer or irritant chemicals upon impact. Yet other embodiments pertain to apparatus and methods for molding of munition components.

Abstract: A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile.

Abstract: A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear transport device. A platform car of the linear transport device is detachably mounted on a rail fixed to a base in an opposing direction along which the platform car faces the mounting surface of the base. A linear motor that drives the platform car is provided. The linear motor includes a stator disposed on the base and a mover disposed on the platform car so as to face the stator. One of the stator and the mover is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet. A relative position variable mechanism for relatively displacing the stator and the mover so as to reduce the magnetic suction force generated between the stator and the mover is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment. Also, a top portion and a support frame of the pseudocontainer include fittings with receiving openings configured to receive parts of a positioning device (e.g., a crane) to stack and align the body atop intermodal container. The fittings may be formed in accordance with ISO standards.

Abstract: Structure for mounting batteries in a guideway electric vehicle driven by a battery-driven motor is provided, with which balancing in weight of the vehicle is properly achieved, batteries can be cooled enough, battery rooms are completely sealed from the passenger room, and running stability of the vehicle is ensured.

Abstract: A steerable truck for a railway car is provided with a truck frame that is steered so as to be aligned with the tangential direction of a curved track by controlling only the steering angle of a rear wheelset. During travel along a curved track, the steering angle, which is the angle in a horizontal plane of the centerline of the rear wheelset with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the center of the truck frame and the center of the curved track, is larger than the steering angle which is the angle formed between the imaginary straight line and the centerline of the front wheelset. As a result, a steerable truck for a railway car which has excellent ability to travel along a curve and which can be actually realized simply and at a low cost is provided.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet includes a modular platform having top and bottom major walls which respectively have left and right stacked and held segments confronting each other. The stacked and held segments respectively have depression and supported regions. A spacer extends downwardly from each of the supported regions to have a base region confronting the corresponding depression region. A hollow strut extends upwardly from the base region through the corresponding depression region, and has an open end joining with the corresponding depression region. With the hollow struts, the structural strength of the spacers can be increased so as to prevent deformation thereof when the plastic pallet is subjected to a heavy load.

Abstract: A baby valet assembly that is removably attachable to a tabletop comprising a base structure having a mounting bar removably coupled to a means for attaching the base to a tabletop such as a retractable C-clamp and a tray having a substantially planar eating surface with a raised lip removably coupled to the mounting bar. The mounting bar is removably coupled to the tabletop for the purpose of providing a security post for a toy.

Abstract: A furrow opener is operable as part of a nonsingulating air seeder and includes a rotatable disc to open a furrow. The opener also includes a vented seed catch pan positioned adjacent one side of the disc. The catch pan is operably coupled to a seed conduit of the air seeder to receive seed in a pressurized air stream from the seed conduit. The catch pan presents a seed inlet configured to receive seed from the seed conduit, a seed outlet positioned to deposit the seed within the furrow, and an elongated chamber extending between the inlet and outlet. The catch pan presents multiple vents spaced between the inlet and outlet, with the vents allowing pressurized air flow to escape from the chamber to ambient without passing through the outlet.

Abstract: A seed metering apparatus having a selectably actuated panel positioned between the metering apparatus and discharge chute, the panel moving between an open position and a closed position such that seeds may be more accurately spaced and metered without disrupting the drive mechanism of the seed metering apparatus. A seed metering apparatus where metered but non-discharged seeds are returned to a seed reservoir for subsequent metering and planting.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a bed, a first guide assembly, and a second guide assembly. The first and second guide assemblies are moveably disposed on the bed and spaced apart from each other. At least one of the first and second guide assemblies are actuated when a sensor detects that a workpiece is mispositioned.

Abstract: An apparatus including a strake section having a plurality of helical fins separated by at least one helical opening. A method including forming a helically shaped fin that independently maintains the helical shape once formed.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: An underwater traveling vehicle includes: a vehicle body 2; an endless track means 3 which is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body 2; a drive means which is provided in the vehicle body 2 so as to drive the endless track means 3; and a thruster 4 which is provided in the vehicle body 2.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member pivoted for movement between a closed setting and an open setting and is of a load over center design. A single control mechanism is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables. A primary release mechanism is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism is arranged to move the hook members to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.

Abstract: A method for marking a first tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a directional pointer into a second tube and directing the directional pointer toward the first tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an apparatus for transferring fluid. The apparatus has a fluid transfer component, a fluid receiving component, a fluid supply, and a fluid motivating component. The fluid transfer component has a first surface, a second surface, a non-random pattern of distinct pores each defining a pathway between the first and second surfaces, a single entry point at the first surface, and a single exit point at the second surface. The pores are disposed at preselected locations to provide a desired pattern of permeability. The fluid receiving component comprises a fluid receiving surface. The fluid supply is adapted to provide a fluid in contact with and at a constant fluid pressure with the first surface of the fluid transfer component. The fluid motivating component is adapted to facilitate transport of the fluid from the first surface through the pores to the second surface.

Abstract: A film deposition device includes a nozzle configured to inject a plurality of particles to a target; and a suction unit provided around the nozzle and configured to suck particles that are rebounded from the target among the plurality of particles injected from the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a fluid to a convolutely wound roll of web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus provides for a fluid applicator having a manifold and a first surface. The fluid is fluidly displaceable from the manifold to the first surface through at least one opening disposed therein. The convolutely wound roll of web substrate is disposable upon the first surface. At least a portion of the fluid is fluidly displaced from the first surface to the convolutely wound roll of web substrate. Any of the fluid not fluidly displaced from the first surface to the convolutely wound roll of web substrate is not displaceable back into then manifold.

Abstract: A method of making an animal litter that includes geopolymerized ash, wherein, the animal litter is made from a quantity of a pozzolanic ash mixed with a sufficient quantity of water and an alkaline activator to initiate a geopolymerization reaction that forms geopolymerized ash. After the geopolymerized ash is formed, it is dried, broken into particulates, and sieved to a desired size. These geopolymerized ash particulates are used to make a non-clumping or clumping animal litter. Odor control may be accomplished with the addition of a urease inhibitor, pH buffer, an odor eliminating agent, and/or fragrance.

Abstract: A pet toy comprising a toy body preferably in the shape of a ball, and at least one toy enhancing strip bonded to the surface of the toy body. The toy enhancing strip is edible, preferably shelf-stable and water soluble so as to be at least partially dissolvable by the pet's saliva as the toy is mouthed or chewed by the pet. The enhancing strip can comprise a breath freshener, a dental agent, a medicinal agent and/or a pet attractant. The toy body can also include a second enhancement strip bonded to the toy body to avoid masking the attractant or reducing the effectiveness of another agent.

Abstract: Generally, a joint stabilized planar motion stretching system for an animal. Specifically, a method of stretching an animal which includes joint stabilization and straight plane motion of the stretched anatomy about the stabilized joint.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coal boiler that makes it possible to reduce the height of the boiler and shorten the period of construction. The coal boiler includes a first furnace in which a combustion gas generated by burning coal and air ascends; a second furnace in which the combustion gas supplied from the first furnace flows downward; and a heat recovery area in which the combustion gas supplied from the second furnace flows upward.

Abstract: Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.