Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for tooth clearance adjustment and linear actuation. In certain aspects of the invention, a mechanism for gear clearance adjustment comprises a retaining element, on which a first gear wheel is mounted, and a carrier element, on which a gear rack or a second gear wheel is mounted. The carrier element or on the retaining element includes at least one clearance adjustment device arranged by a fastening device.

Abstract: A return passage that connects two points of a rolling passage to allow each ball that rolls in the rolling passage to endlessly circulate is formed in a ball screw nut by attaching a circulation member to fitting holes. A protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the circulation member at a position offset from a raceway of the balls that circulate in the return passage. The circulation member is fixed to the ball screw nut when the protrusion contacts an inner periphery of an inner ring of a second bearing.

Abstract: A 7-speed transmission for a motor vehicle, in particular for a sports car, includes an input or primary shaft, an output or secondary shaft, a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth and a seventh forward speed, as well as a reverse speed. In order to obtain a compact constructional design with a small transversal size and allow a sporty drive mode in the upshift from the first to the sixth speed, in which the shift process occur in an overlapping manner and almost without any interruption of the drive force, the eight speeds are combined in pairs into four shift groups, two of the four shift groups are arranged on the input or primary shaft and two on the output or secondary shaft, respectively, and at least between the first speed and the sixth speed adjacent speeds are arranged in different shift groups.

Abstract: A machine tool transmission system includes a driving assembly, a driven gear and at least one transmission gear, at least two positioning gears and at least two retaining gears. The driving assembly includes an input unit and a driving gear driven by the input unit. The transmission gear, positioning gears and retaining gears have respectively a plurality of transmission teeth, positioning teeth and retaining teeth that include respectively a front end tooth and a rear end tooth connecting to the front end tooth and formed at a thickness greater than that of the front end tooth.

Abstract: A rotary operation device that can prevent misassembly of a rotary operation member and a rotational force transmission member, has a rotary operation member, a rotation detector, and a rotational force transmission member. The rotary operation member has a first gear and the rotational force transmission member has a second gear and a transmission axis. One of the rotary operation member and the rotational force transmission member has a first interference portion that interferes with the other member in a position misaligned from a proper engagement position where the first gear and the second gear are engaged in a proper phase relationship. The other member comprises a second interference member that interferes with the first interference portion in a position misaligned from the proper engagement position and an escape portion that receives the first interference portion in the proper engagement position to allow assembly with the one member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-lubricated gear train having the following characteristics: the gear train has at least two gears, the teeth of which mesh with each other; the gear train has an engagement area, which has an inlet and an outlet; the gear train has a casing wall, which encloses at least one of two gears that work with each other and partially or completely blocks the enclosed interior off from the environment; the casing wall has an outlet in the area of the inlet, wherein said outlet establishes a conducting connection between the interior and the atmosphere; and the distance between the dynamic enveloping circle of the gears and the casing wall is less than the tooth height.

Abstract: A double thread screw includes a mandrel, a plurality of threaded blocks mounted on the mandrel, and two ends stops mounted on the mandrel. The mandrel has a periphery provided with a plurality of locking faces. The threaded blocks are clamped between and limited by the ends stops. Each of the threaded blocks has a central portion provided with a locking hole locked onto the locking faces of the mandrel. Each of the threaded blocks has a periphery provided with two first thread grooves which intersect each other and have two opposite threading directions. The first thread grooves of the threaded blocks are combined to form two intersecting threads which are arranged successively in a staggered manner and are directed in two opposite threading directions.

Abstract: An auxiliary braking system and method of controlling the braking a towed vehicle is provided that includes a remote control that is in selective communication with an auxiliary braking unit positioned in a towing vehicle. More specifically, it is often desirable for the operator of the towing vehicle to assess the performance of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in a towed vehicle. In addition, it is often advantageous for the operator to perform real time adjustments to the performance parameters of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in the towing vehicle without having to cease driving and physically access the auxiliary braking device.

Abstract: Provided is a range switching device for performing switching among drive, reverse, and neutral ranges of a transmission. The device includes a first switching valve driven by a first actuator and a second switching valve driven by a second actuator. The valves switch an oil channel to transmit the oil pressure from an oil pressure supply source between first state and second states. When the first and second switching valves are in the first and second states respectively, the oil pressure is transmitted to the forward fastening element. When the first and second switching valves are in the second state and first states respectively, the oil pressure is transmitted to the reverse fastening element. When both the valves are in the first or second state, oil pressure transmission to the forward and reverse fastening elements is substantially blocked.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including three frictional engagement elements is configured to set engagement pressures of first and second frictional engagement elements at the time when a predetermined shift speed is established such that a torque capacity of a third frictional engagement element becomes smaller than torque capacities of the first and second frictional engagement elements in the case where an engagement pressure is generated in the third frictional engagement element at the time when the predetermined shift speed is established.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device operates a bicycle component by moving a winding member that moves a take-up member relative to a fixed member in first and second directions. A positioning member is movably arranged with respect to the fixed member between a non-holding position and a holding position to selectively engage a positioning ratchet that is fixed to the take-up member. In the holding position, the positioning member prevents the take-up member from moving in the second direction by selectively engaging one of at least three engaging portions of the positioning ratchet. A preventing member is movably arranged with respect to the positioning ratchet such that the preventing member prevents the positioning member from engaging an intermediate engaging portion of the positioning ratchet while the winding member moves the take-up member in the first direction.

Abstract: A combination torsion spring is configured such that a predetermined reaction force is generated in a coil circumferential direction without a center of a wound coil tilting even when applied with a load. A first torsion spring and a second torsion spring of the combination torsion spring are each provided with a coil. Each coil is formed by spirally winding a copper wire in a different winding direction from one another. The inner diameter of the coil of the first torsion spring is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the coil of the second torsion spring. In the combination torsion spring, the coil of the second torsion spring is inserted into the coil of the first torsion spring.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle steering wheel including a circular rim, a grip forming a part of the rim and being held by a user, and input units formed inside the rim. Each input unit includes first and second input switches to be actuated by a pressing action of a user's thumb, and a third input switch provided between the first and second input switches to be actuated by a sliding action of the user's thumb on the third input switch while the user is holding the grip. The first input switch is located at a position of the user's thumb that can be placed without applying any force when the user is holding the grip. The second input switch is located at a lower position where the user's thumb can be placed without changing positions of other four fingers when the user is holding the grip.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle including a peripheral steering wheel, a grip forming a part of the wheel and being held by a user, and input units formed inside the wheel. Each input unit includes a first input switch to be actuated by a pressing action of a user's thumb, a second input switch to be actuated by a pressing action of the user's thumb, and a third input switch provided between the first input switch and the second input switch to be actuated by a sliding action of the user's thumb on the third input switch on the wheel while the user is holding the grip. The input by the first input switch allows a cyclic change to be performed for changing drive modes.

Abstract: A robot skeletal component may be configured to support and power a robot. The skeletal component may include an elongated inner core and a battery coupled to and substantially circumscribing the inner core. The robot skeletal component may be configured to connect to a joint via a quick release flange. A casing may enclose the battery. The casing may be configured to seal punctures. The robot skeletal component may include a heating element to heat the battery. The robot skeletal component may be configured to transport fluid, data, and/or electrical power. The inner core may include a plurality of surface elements to transfer data and/or electrical power. The inner core may include a hollow interior, and the hollow interior may include a plurality of non-interconnected chambers configured to transfer fluid. The inner core may include insulators to insulate the inner core from the surface elements and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle that includes an inner column tube, a steering shaft supported at least in part by the inner column tube and having a longitudinal axis, a top bracket adapted for receiving a least a portion of the steering shaft and for mounting the steering column assembly within the automotive vehicle, and a telescoping motor subassembly adapted for selectively driving the steering shaft in a fore or aft direction. A telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is coupled during normal operation to a column housing, the telescoping motor subassembly and the inner column tube, wherein the telescoping motor subassembly mounting structure is adapted to detach from the column housing in the event of an impact exceeding a predetermined first impact load.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating pedal feel. The system includes a brake pedal having a support, a brake pedal arm pivotably attached at a pivot connection to the support, and a torsion spring mounted at the brake pedal arm pivot connection. In addition, a compression spring, spaced apart from the pivot connection, is connected to the support and to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A top cap is provided for a bicycle handlebar stem. The top cap includes a cap body, which has a lower portion forming a fitting cylinder of a reduced diameter and a radially expanding circumferential shoulder atop the fitting cylinder. A barrel extends from a bottom of the fitting cylinder. The barrel forms a downward-facing hollow blind hole. The cap body forms a bolt head hole extending therethrough and coaxial with and communicating the blind hole. The barrel forms slits, which define a tightening section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.

Abstract: An extension tool is provided for operating handwheels, such as those found on locomotive handbrakes. The tool includes a spinning handle and a tool body. The handle freely rotates about a longitudinal axis and provides a user with a spinning grip, allowing him or her to quickly and easily turn a handwheel. The tool body includes two or more jaws that clamp to the handwheel. The tool body additionally includes a screw mechanism for selectively tightening or releasing the jaws, in order to respectively attach or detach the tool from the handwheel as desired. Preferably, the screw mechanism further includes a drawbar that extends through an interior of the handle, and is adapted to move longitudinally to rotate the jaws. The drawbar is moved by rotating a threaded drawbar nut at an end of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a strap hand crank that includes a bent steel rod that has a proximal portion and a distal portion and is bent to allow a user to fasten the strap hand crank to a winch to be easily turned or rotated, a metal cylinder with a swivel action capability that has a distal end and forms the proximal portion of the bent steel rod, a rubber cover that provides additional comfort, grasping capability and avoids static electricity that covers a handle that forms the distal portion of the bent steel rod and that moves forward or rewinds and makes the strap hand crank easier to turn and an end cap that is disposed on the distal end of the metal cylinder to cover and protect the distal end of the metal cylinder.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly includes a housing. The cam follower assembly includes a first cam follower and a second cam follower to contact a cam surface. The cam follower assembly includes a first holding element coupled to the first cam follower, and a second holding element coupled to the second cam follower. The second holding element is assembled with the first holding element and received in an opening of the housing, where the first holding device moves relative to the second holding device. An adjusting element of compressible material determines the relative movement between the first holding device and the second holding device. The first cam follower moves relative to the second cam follower according to the relative movement between the first holding element and the second holding element. The first cam follower and the second cam follower maintain contact with the cam surface according to their relative movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pendulum mechanism having a pendulum flange and pendulum masses, which are fastened by means of bolts on both sides of the pendulum flange and are guided by means of rollers and can be pivoted slightly relative to the pendulum flange, where at least two pendulum masses are arranged on the pendulum flange so as to be circumferentially adjacent, and one pendulum mass has a lateral surface that faces the adjacent pendulum mass, and the contour of the lateral surface is at a substantially acute angle.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a substantially discoidal centrifugal flange and a plurality of centrifugal pendulum-type absorbers. Each centrifugal pendulum-type absorber includes a first pendulum mass and a second pendulum mass. The first pendulum mass is arranged above a first surface of the pendulum flange, and the second pendulum mass is arranged above a second surface of the pendulum flange. The first pendulum mass and the second pendulum mass are firmly connected to each other by means of at least two spacing bolts in each case. The pendulum flange has a plurality of cutouts in which the spacing bolts are guided. A second spacing bolt of a first centrifugal pendulum-type absorber and a first spacing bolt of a second centrifugal pendulum-type absorber are guided in at least one first cutout.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm comprises a first crank arm member having a first sensor-mounting surface and a second crank arm member having a second sensor-mounting surface. A first sensor is mounted to the first sensor-mounting surface, and a second sensor mounted to the second sensor-mounting surface.

Abstract: A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle has a right crank arm and at least one toothed crown that is coupled to the right crank arm. At least one damping element is arranged between the right crank arm and the toothed crown to be in abutment against respective faces of the right crank arm and the toothed crown.

Abstract: The engine starter includes: a starter motor; a pinion unit (30) for sliding in an axial direction on an output shaft of the starter motor; and a ring gear (100) which meshes with a pinion pushed out by a push-out mechanism (60) and receives a transmission of a rotational force of the starter motor to thereby start an engine, and the pinion portion (30) includes a pinion gear divided in the axial direction into two pinion gears which are a first pinion gear (35) having a protruded shape for synchronization, for first colliding with the ring gear upon start of meshing with the ring gear, and a second pinion gear (34) for serving to transmit the rotational force after the meshing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing titanium metal powder from a melt. The apparatus includes an atomization chamber having an inner wall that is coated with or formed entirely of CP-Ti to prevent contamination of titanium metal powder therein. The inner surfaces of all components of the apparatus in a flow path following the atomization chamber may also be coated with or formed entirely of CP-Ti.

Abstract: There is provided a method for extracting aluminum ions from argillite. The process comprises leaching the argillite with an acid such as HCl so as to obtain a composition comprising the aluminum ions and iron ions; at least partially removing the iron ions from the composition by substantially selectively precipitating the iron ions by adding a base and at least partially removing the precipitated iron ions so as to obtain an Al-rich composition; and optionally purifying the Al-rich composition by adding a base for substantially selectively precipitating the aluminum ions, by means of a hollow fiber membrane, or by a liquid-liquid extraction.

Abstract: An attachment including open end box wrench adapted to be attached to and to be driven by a power tool though an input gear of the attachment, the input gear driving an output gear and the wrench

Abstract: A combination structure includes a head part and a grip cover. The head part includes a bottom end having a front side formed with a first stage portion, a rear side formed with a second stage portion, a left side formed with a third stage portion, a right side formed with a fourth stage portion, and a middle portion provided with a grip body. The grip cover includes a slot inserted by the grip body of the head part. At a top end of the grip cover, a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion are provided. The first, second, third and fourth connecting portions of the grip cover are respectively to the first, second, third and fourth stage portions of the head part. Accordingly, the head part and the grip cover are embedded to each other with increased fitness therebetween.

Abstract: A socket includes a body having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis, a receptacle formed in the first end of the body, and an aperture in the body positioned between the first and second ends. An interior of the receptacle is visible through the aperture from a location exterior of the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an increased moment of applied force to a tool. An elongated member extends the effective length of tool shanks. The elongated member has tool support to fit a range of tools, such as wrenches, to the elongated member which increases the distance from the fastener to the point of applied force, thereby increasing the moment of the applied force.

Abstract: An industrial precision safety cutter and a method of using the same, the industrial cutter having a cutter head. The cutter head has a reinforcing body, a first prong extending from the body, a second prong extending from the body, and a cutting edge extending from the body. The first prong has a rounded end. The cutting edge extends between the first and second prongs. The industrial cutter has an extendable length handle removably connected to the cutter head. The industrial cutter may be used in applications in the nuclear power industry.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a deposition material to a crucible that melts the deposition material includes: a wire supply roll around which the deposition material is wound as a wire; a nozzle corresponding to the deposition crucible for guiding the deposition wire to the deposition crucible; and a wire cutting unit disposed between the wire supply roll and the nozzle for guiding the deposition wire to the nozzle, and for cutting the deposition wire to a predetermined length.

Abstract: A web product cutting and screening machine includes a first conveying unit having a first movable roller set, a second conveying unit having a second movable roller set movable relative to the first movable roller set and defining with the first movable roller set a first gap therebetween, and a cutter movable across the first gap to cut off a web product, producing a head cut piece, normal cut pieces and a tail cut piece. During screening operation, the second movable roller set can be moved away from the first movable roller set to screen the heat cut piece and the first movable roller set can be moved away from the second movable roller set to screen the tail cut piece, and therefore the web product cutting and screening efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A system (8; 9; 50) is described of walls for catalytic beds of synthesis reactors (1), in which there is a wall (14) in direct contact with a catalytic bed (7) for containing it, said wall (14) having a plurality of portions (17) permeable to the gases and a plurality of portions (19; 54; 55) impermeable to the gases, said portions (17) permeable to the gases being equipped with slits (18; 52, 53; 60; 70) of a size such as to allow the free passage of the synthesis gases through them but not the passage of the catalyst, in which the slits are obtained with milling, water cutting or electro-erosion processing.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting pipe or the like from the inside out includes a housing assembly. A first blade actuating wedge assembly is inside the housing assembly and is movable along a longitudinal axis. The first blade actuating wedge assembly has multiple first tapered blade actuating wedges. Each cutting blade is supported in a manner such that a position of the cutting blade relative to the housing assembly along the longitudinal axis is substantially fixed. Each cutting blade is coupled to a respective one of the first tapered blade actuating wedges such that movement of the first tapered blade actuating wedge assembly along the longitudinal axis causes each cutting blade in the first plurality of cutting blades to move perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A sheet metal blanking die assembly, comprising a lower part, an upper part and guide columns is described. The die assembly upper part and lower part present flat parallel mutually opposing horizontal portions. The lower flat portion is arranged to receive the sheet metal, the upper flat portion presenting a plurality of punches. On the flat lower portion, blanking recesses are present to receive the respective punches and at least one detachment die, below which a brake is present, said brake presenting a through cavity positioned coaxial to that of the detachment die. The brake presents a plurality of contact zones arranged to brake the fall of the individual laminations and possibly to enable the formation of a lamination pack. Means are provided to cool and/or to lubricate just the contact zones between the laminations or the lamination pack and the brake.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting food items includes a base having an opening and being configured to support one or more blade inserts in the opening. At least one guide is coupled to the base and is configured to accommodate first and second telescoping members, the first telescoping member being nested within the guide, the second telescoping member being nested within the first telescoping member and the first and second telescoping member being slidably movable in a reciprocating manner along an axis relative to the base. A compression member is coupled to the first telescoping member and movable to a first maximum distance from the top portion of the base. A striking member has a weight sufficient to impart a concussive force on the compression member and is coupled to the second telescoping member and movable to a second maximum distance from the compression member.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life.

Abstract: A base for manual candy block cutter includes a cutting platform. The cutting platform has a side to which a measuring rack with a scale marking section is mounted. The measuring rack has a side that is away from the cutting platform and is provided, in a slidable manner, with cutting stop board. The cutting platform is provided with a cutter seat at the side adjacent to the measuring rack. The cutter seat has a side that is away from the cutting platform and is provided with a cutter pivoted to an end thereof. A cutter retainer is provided to extend both the cutter and the cutter seat. In a cutting operation, the cutting stop board is moved to align a marking of the scale marking section and an object to be cut is positioned against the cutting stop board in order to control the size of a cut piece.

Abstract: A knife assembly for attachment to an industrial paper trimming or cutting machine having a primary blade and a backbone blade where the cutting edge of the backbone blade is offset at an angle ? from the cutting edge of the primary blade. The knife assembly is removably attached to a cutting machine configured to move in a reciprocating motion to trim edges from soft bound single paper products.

Abstract: An agricultural cutting blade has top and bottom surfaces and mounting apertures extending through top and bottom surfaces. A cutting edge support surface (e.g. that may be a flat, pointed or rounded) is formed on the cutting blade body with the cutting edge support extending along a side of the cutting blade body transversely between the top and bottom surfaces. A clad material deposited upon the cutting edge support such as by laser cladding process. The clad material can be built up, that is layered in partial or full overlapping relation to provide at least 2 and often more than 4 layers of clad material at one or more locations. A cutting edge provided by the clad material that may be a ground surface into a laser clad bead.

Abstract: Provided is a hands-free harmonica mounting system and method of use designed as a live performance tool with several advantages not provided by commercially available hands-free harmonica holding devices. The present system and method allows musicians to play one instrument with their hands such as guitar, drums, keyboards, etc., while simultaneously playing hands-free harmonica through an electrically amplified audio system. It is further designed to facilitate consistent sound input and air trajectories from the harmonica to the microphone to prevent plosives. The system and method also provide fast and secure attachment, removal, and re-attachment of the harmonica to a simple bracket structure that is easily attached and removed from a standard microphone, all without any moving parts and without the use of any tools. The system and method further provide effortless transitions between singing and harmonica playing using a single microphone.

Abstract: An attachment is provided, which is to be clipped to the bell of a contemporary wind instrument, hereinafter called a horn, such as a trumpet, trombone, euphonium, etc., permitting musical playing by lip control alone, eliminating the need for valves, or scale slides. An attachment bracket is designed to support one, or more, tubular waveguide reflectors. The waveguide reflectors each have a proximal end near the bell end of the horn and extend relative to the horn's mouthpiece, toward a distal end, at a calculated position, producing a fundamental pitch of one scale tone lower or higher, as may be required, from the fundamental pitch of the horn. A single port may be added to the horn calculated to produce a fundamental pitch, one tone higher than the fundamental pitch of the horn, providing the sharps and flats for a full chromatic scale.

Abstract: A percussion instrument holder that allows attachment to a user mounted carrier. The holder allows adjustment for positioning about the user, and pivoting of the holder to allow the holder to pivot or rotate up to allow the holder with instruments to fit a narrower space. The holder further allows for pivotal attachment of individual drums to link or pivot allowing the linked drums to articulate. The holder can also consist of members that allow a connected drum to move in horizontal position, angle, or height of the drum. A plurality of unique drum connecting members is disclosed that allow the connecting members to connect onto drum tension rods or on a drum lug. The plurality of connecting members can be fabricated from multiple pieces that can interconnectably be locked into position.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide an adjustable drum pedal assembly. One or more levers may be slideably adjustable with respect to a drive shaft of the pedal. The one or more levers may include a mount for a drum beater, a drive cam mechanism, or the like. Further, a footboard of the pedal may be slideably adjustable with respect to a position relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus, including: a key that is pivotable by depressing and release operations between: a pivotal movement start position corresponding to a non-key depression state; and a pivotal movement end position corresponding to a key-depression end state; a hammer body that is pivotable between: a pivotal movement start position; and a pivotal movement end position for imparting inertia to the key depressing operation; and an elastic portion to apply elastic force to at least one of the key and the hammer body, wherein the elastic portion is configured not to apply the elastic force to the key and the hammer body in the non-key depression state and configured to start to apply the elastic force in a direction toward the pivotal movement start position to the at least one of the key and the hammer body from a certain point in a forward stroke of the key depressing operation.

Abstract: A fanciful shaped rosin and protective element for use in connection with the bow of a stringed instrument, wherein said fanciful shape is selected from one or more of the following shapes: heart, star, flower, plant, cross, letter, number, animal, football, soccer balls, baseball, basketball, human shape, shamrock, skull, Christmas tree, wreath, six pointed star, crucifix, planet, crescent moons, clef symbols, notes, rests, fermata, punctuation symbols, QWERTY keyboard symbols, percent symbol, ampersand, LOL, and a smiley face. The protective element preferably comprises a protective fabric attached to said rosin.