Abstract: A water meter (10) and a flow control valve (30) are housed in a common pressure vessel (16), in which the flow control valve (30) restricts flow through a metering chamber (18) to less than the normal flow, while still permitting a flow sufficient for basic human needs, rather than completely interrupting supply of the utility, and in which the flow control valve (30) is controlled electrically through a control valve (40) in an energy efficient manner so as to utilize power from a self-contained power source (27) in another device (25) at the customer site (50).

Abstract: A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.

Abstract: A retrofit assembly for installing a fuel quality sensor with a fuel level probe having a shaft extending through a tank interface into a fuel storage tank. The shaft, which comprises a magnetostrictive element extending therealong, is coupled with the fuel quality sensor. An isolation sheath is sized for receipt over the shaft and to extend between the fuel quality sensor and the tank interface. The sheath has a cross-sectional profile configured to define at least one passage between the sheath and the shaft when the sheath is received over the shaft. The passage(s) extend between a proximal end and a distal end of the sheath. Also provided is a product-level float comprising at least one product-level magnet for measuring the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank. The product-level float is configured to translate along the sheath with the level of fuel in the fuel storage tank.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.

Abstract: A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount face disposed on the rotor being tested. The rotor mount face may be machined in a surface of the rotor or provided in a separate rotor mount temporarily fixed to the rotor. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount face in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount face and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.

Abstract: Spring set configurations that include an advantageous combination of spring geometries are disclosed. Spring elements having curved and straight sections, orientation of spring element anchor points with respect to the common radius, orientation of spring element segments with respect to a specific axis, balance of the length of spring elements about the common radius, and mass balance about the common radius can be used to mitigate unwanted out of plane motion. The spring set provides planar motion while reducing undesired out of plane motion making MEMS devices substantially insensitive to the process-induced etch angle variations of the spring elements. The spring set can be used in a MEMS gyro device which maintains the desired resonant modes and consistently low quadrature error even with process variations in manufacturing causing undesirable etch angles.

Abstract: A physical amount detecting device includes: one pair of driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in a direction of a X-axis, one pair of first detection vibration arms and one pair of second detection vibration arms are vibrated in a direction of a Y axis, depending on a Coriolis force that is generated in accordance with rotational angular velocity of X-axis rotation, the one pair of the first detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated with a first phase in a direction of a Z axis in addition to vibration in the direction of the Y axis, and the one pair of the second detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated with a second phase, which is a phase opposite to the first phase, in the direction of the Z axis in addition to vibration in the direction of the Y axis.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a body, a driving mass, which is mobile according to a driving axis, and a sensing mass, which is driven by the driving mass and is mobile according to a sensing axis, in response to rotations of the body. A driving device forms a microelectromechanical control loop with the body and the driving mass and maintains the driving mass in oscillation with a driving frequency. The driving device comprises a frequency detector, which supplies a clock signal at the frequency of oscillation of the driving mass, and a synchronization stage, which applies a calibrated phase shift to the clock signal so as to compensate a phase shift caused by components of the loop that are set between the driving mass and the control node.

Abstract: A sensing frame is disclosed. The sensing frame includes a first rail and a second rail. The first and second rails are constrained to move along a first axis parallel to the first and second rails. The frame includes a base and at least two guiding arms for ensuring that the first rail and the second rail move in anti-phase fashion along the first axis. First and second guiding arms are flexibly coupled to the first rail and second rail. The first guiding arm is flexibly suspended to the base at first anchoring points for allowing rotation of the first guiding arm, and the second guiding arm is suspended to the base at a second anchoring point allowing rotation of the second guiding arm. The sensing frame includes a plurality of coupling flexures and a transducer for sensing motion of the first and second rails.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor (20) includes a substrate (26) and suspension anchors (34, 36) formed on a planar surface (28) of the substrate (26). The MEMS sensor (20) further includes a first movable element (38) and a second movable element (40) suspended above the substrate (26). Compliant members (42, 44) interconnect the first movable element (38) with the suspension anchor 34 and compliant members (46, 48) interconnect the second movable element (40) with the suspension anchor (36). The movable elements (38, 40) have an equivalent shape. The movable elements may be generally rectangular movable elements (38, 40) or L-shaped movable elements (108, 110) in a nested configuration. The movable elements (38, 40) are oriented relative to one another in rotational symmetry about a point location (94) on the substrate (26).

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus for coherent ultrasonic imaging. A receiver array has a plurality of receiver elements on a substrate to detect in-phase and quadrature components of a received signal corresponding to a transmit signal. Each of the receiver elements includes a receiver transducer and a thin-film transistor (TFT) receiver circuit. The TFT receiver circuit includes a quadrature detector having a mixer to mix a received signal with a reference signal in a composite bias signal that is distributed across the plurality of receiver elements. A transmitter is acoustically coupled to the plurality of receiver elements to generate the transmit signal through an imaging medium.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an extended field of view (EFOV) image. A 3D imaging probe is moved along the skin of a patient above the anatomy which is to be included in the EFOV image. As the probe is moved, images are acquired from a plurality of differently oriented image planes such as a sagittal plane and a transverse plane. As the probe is moved the image data of successive planes of one of the orientations is compared to estimate the motion of the probe. These motion estimates are used to position a succession of images acquired in one of the orientations accurately with respect to each other in an EFOV display format. The display format may be either a 2D EFOV image or a 3D EFOV image.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a supporting body which has an opening; a pressure detecting portion which includes a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal; a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with the opening, or outside of the opening; a sealing film which closes the frame body; and a silicone oil which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for collecting aerosol particles from a gas stream, having a collector body enclosing a collector channel, a particle trap in the collector channel, and an injection duct for injecting a discrete microdroplet of an elution reagent. The particle trap may be a centrifugal impactor, a bluff body impactor, or an electrostatic impactor. Aerosol particles are deposited on the surface during collection and are subsequently eluted with a microdroplet or a series of microdroplets as a concentrated liquid sample so that the sample can be analyzed in situ or conveyed to a detector for analysis. The collector serves as an aerosol-to-liquid conversion module as part of an apparatus for detecting and analyzing aerosol particles, and may be used in an integrated environmental threat assessment system, for example for characterization of aerosolized chemical and biological weapons, or for industrial or environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.

Abstract: A load indicator comprises a load bearing assembly of first and second load bearing members (23, 22) connected together to bear a lateral load applied to the first member (23), the first load bearing member defining a cavity (25) with the second load bearing member such that it is frangible above an indicator load, and the cavity (25) containing an indicator liquid which escapes from the cavity once the first load bearing member is fractured by said load. The load bearing members (22, 23) comprise cylindrical members arranged concentrically with the outer member (23) having a portion of reduced thickness to render it frangible and to define the cavity (25). The cavity (25) includes an internal volume within the second load bearing member (22). The load indicator may be configured as a load bearing pin to connect two components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a measurement apparatus for measuring a material property. The method includes steps of (a) providing a pressure sensing component having a first and a second surfaces; (b) disposing a first and a second electrodes on the first surface; and (c) disposing an elastic member having a first and a second portions on the first surface, wherein the first and the second portions of the elastic material have different values of an elastic coefficient, and cover the first and the second electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A force-measuring ring includes an annular housing which contains at least one piezoelectric measuring element, and a pressure transmission element which is attached to the housing via inner and outer circular-annular membrane areas. The inner and outer membrane areas of the force measuring ring are situated on opposite sides of a symmetry plane defined by the at least one piezoelectric measuring element.

Abstract: Sample or specimen retrieval may be performed via a tool that includes a multi-section tool bit which carries a plug. A cutter of the tool bit forms (e.g., drill, mill, bore, ream) a hole in a structure. A mandrel on a leading section of the tool bit sealing engages the plug in the hole from a blindside of the structure. A sample chamber of a trailing section of the tool bit extends into the hole through a passage in the plug and is opened. Optionally an auger portion of the trailing section rotates to acquire the sample in the sample chamber. The sample chamber is closed and withdrawn from hole and the mandrel seats in the passage to seal the plug. The trailing section is separated from the leading section, and retrieved along with the sample. Such may be particularly suitable for use with submersible ROVs.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting fragments from a substrate subjected to an exploded munition, including a predetection element for removing large fragments from a sheet of the substrate; a detection and removal element for locating fragments embedded within the sheet and for removing located fragments from the sheet; and a capture element for capturing removed fragments.

Abstract: A system for evaluating cutting efficiency of root canal rotary instruments is provided. The system includes a root canal rotary instrument, a driving unit, a cutting object, a prestressing force providing unit and a feeding unit. The root canal rotary instrument is attached on the driving unit, and driven thereby. The cutting object is pressed by the prestressing force providing unit to contact the root canal rotary instrument. The feeding unit feeds the cutting object to the root canal rotary instrument, and the root canal rotary instrument cuts an uncut surface of the cutting object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing system for a worm engaging with a worm wheel as part of a steering gear, wherein the bearing system comprises at least one bearing with an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling bodies that are movably accommodated between the outer an inner rings, the bearing being pivotally arranged in a bearing seat for accommodating the outer ring of the bearing, and wherein the inner ring accommodates one of the two shaft ends of the worm in order to seat said shaft end of the worm radially in the housing of the steering gear. For an improved dampening of the worm at least one spring element, which exerts a spring force on a region of the outer ring of the bearing, is provided at the bearing, said spring force supporting a pivotal motion of the worm toward the worm wheel.

Abstract: A manual valve is formed with a drain input port that closes if a shift is made to the D position, and opens for draining if a shift is made to the N position. A switching valve communicates an output port of a pressure regulating valve portion and an oil passage of a clutch and closes a drain port during engine operation when a line pressure is applied, and cuts off communication between the output port of the pressure regulating valve portion and the oil passage of the clutch and communicates the oil passage with the drain port during an engine automatic stop when the line pressure is not applied. The drain input port and the drain port are connected by a drain oil passage.

Abstract: A modular shift device for an automatic transmission having a first module adapted for pushbutton operation of the transmission's safety lockout, and a second module that when coupled to the first module, modifies operation of the transmission's safety lockout to that of shift shaft tilting and eliminates the pushbutton.

Abstract: A gearshift lever for switching a gear range of a vehicle transmission includes a lever body, which accommodates a detent rod, and an operation unit, which is arranged on the lever body. The operation unit is pushed to disengage the detent rod from a detent receptacle formed in a base plate and cancel pivoting restriction of the lever body. The operation unit includes an inclined surface on which the detent rod slides. The inclined surface moves the detent rod in a direction in which the detent rod disengages from the detent receptacle when the operation unit is pushed. The operation unit also includes a coil spring, which biases the operation unit in a direction that is the same as a direction in which the operation unit is pushed to hold the detent rod in contact with the inclined surface, and a mount, which positions the coil spring.

Abstract: Robots, and atomic force microscopes including robots, that utilize in-plane actuators to provide large out-of-plane working volumes and forces.

Abstract: A adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting part that can be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and an adjusting part that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part. The adjusting part rotatably supports a segment of the steering spindle, and the segment is adjacent to a steering wheel side end of the steering spindle that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part between a first end position and a second end position, along an adjusting path, when adjusting the adjusting part. The steering-wheel side end is adjusted through at least part of the adjusting path in a coupled manner in one direction of a length adjustment of the steering column, and in one direction of a height or tilt adjustment of the steering column. A front guide pin is mounted at the adjusting part or on the mounting part, and the pin engages in at least one elongated hole provided in the other of the two parts.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member, a shift control unit movable in a first direction and in a second direction, and an operating member operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along a shift operating path from a rest position to a first shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the first direction, and the operating member is coupled relative to the base member to move along the shift operating path from the rest position to a second shift position for causing movement of the shift control unit in the second direction, wherein the first shift position is located between the rest position and the second shift position.

Abstract: An operation mechanism for locking or unlocking the front suspension system of bicycles includes a base with a lever frame pivotably connected thereto. The control cable is connected to the lever frame which has a pin. A movable member is located in the base and includes two hooks and two slots are defined through the hooks. The base includes an axle which extends through the center of the lever frame and the two slots. The pin on the movable member is removably hooked by the hooks. A cover is mounted to the base to hide the movable member. The movable member is movable along a push rod and biased by a resilient member. A operation rod inserted into the base and pushes the movable member to remove the pin from the hooks so as to release the control cable.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal rotates a pedal rotor when depressed. Rotors located on both sides of the pedal rotor are relatively rotatable to the pedal rotor. Second helical teeth of the rotors project toward the pedal rotor and engage with first helical teeth of the pedal rotor to bias the rotors when the pedal rotor rotates in the accelerator opening direction. The pedal rotor is rotatable to an accelerator full-close position without interfering with the first helical teeth when the pedal rotor rotates in an accelerator closing direction. A first biasing unit biases the rotors in the accelerator closing direction. A second biasing unit biases the accelerator pedal or the pedal rotor in the accelerator closing direction.

Abstract: An integrated drop style handlebar including a left and right palm support. Each palm support is attached to the forward portion of the handlebar frame adjacent to a hood. Each palm support extends laterally outward away from the handlebar's middle portion. An upward facing surface on each palm support is positioned to support a distal lateral portion (the portion of the palm distal to the thumb and proximal to the fifth metacarpal bone) of a rider's palm while the web of the hand is placed on a hood. Each palm support preferably also provides a large enough surface to support substantially all of a rider's palm when the web is not placed on a hood.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for including a camshaft, a plurality of cam blocks disposed in an axial direction on the camshaft, a housing member including an arc concave portion, a cap member which is fixed to the housing and includes an arc concave portion, a roller bearing interposed between the arc concave portion of the housing member and the arc concave portion of the cap member so as to rotatably support the camshaft, and annular first and second control rings which are separately provided from the camshaft, and are press-fitted and fixed to an outer surface of the camshaft at opposite side portions of the roller bearing in the axial direction. Surfaces of the first and second rings that face each other are formed as slide surfaces, and the slide surfaces come in contact with opposite side surfaces of at least one of the housing member and the cap member to receive an axial load.

Abstract: Provided is a movable blade including, at a part including a movable blade leading edge which engages with a stationary blade, a blade edge portion which is thinned toward the movable blade leading edge. The blade edge portion is formed by shaving.

Abstract: A buckle release tool includes a housing element having a convex back surface ergonomically sized to conform to a human hand and a tool element. The housing element includes a rounded perimeter surface having several shallow slots. A tool element dome is provided on the front surface. The tool element dome includes a soft plastic tip surface. A seat belt cutter and a window hammer are housed in an embodiment of buckle release tool. A separate, storage element for the buckle release tool is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including an extendable (e.g., telescoping) pole with a handle at a first end and a light-bulb gripping unit at a second end. The gripping unit may include an adhesive member including a series of removal, disposable adhesive sheets having a “tacky” surface for controlling a light bulb during removal and installation. Different gripping units are configured for different light bulb types.

Abstract: A dual-handled ratcheting socket wrench having a drive head and a pair of handles pivotably attached at opposite ends of the drive head, and a manually-withdrawable, quick-release pin extending through each handle and the drive head to form a hinge. The quick-release pin can be withdrawn manually from the aligned holes without the use of a hand tool. The dual-handled ratcheting socket wrench can have a locking mechanism for independently securing the handles at a variable pivot position relative to the drive head. The dual-handled socket wrench allows a mechanic to apply substantially equal, co-rotational force to each handle.

Abstract: The hex drive screw holder includes a spring-loaded end piece having a slot across which the neck of a screw may slide and of which engages and aligns the screw head against the screwdriver bit. The spring-loaded end piece is supported by opposing arms that attach to a urethane body that abuts a depth stopper, which attaches onto the body of the screwdriver bit. The urethane body has a hexagonally shaped hole through which the screwdriver bit passes through. The spring-loaded end piece only moves a small distance to accommodate the screw head and is composed of a urethane composite along with the urethane body. A spring imposes a biasing force on the urethane body and a pressure loading sleeve secured to the screwdriver bit. The hex drive screw holder supports a screw head against a screwdriver bit during installation into a work surface, and provides a means of ingress and egress of the screw to and from the spring-loaded end piece.

Abstract: A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes an open ended pliable thin-walled polymer guide track and cutting tool designed to track along said guide track to cut the cast and to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual.

Abstract: A perforating method comprising the steps of providing a pair of rotatable members, each rotatable member having anvils and perforating blades, rotating the first rotatable member in a clockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in a counterclockwise direction, and rotating the first rotatable member in the counterclockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in the clockwise direction.

Abstract: A manually fed working machine including a working tool, a feeding area in front of the tool, a detector covering at least a section of the feeding area for a contactless detection of human skin, the detector including at least one radiation unit and at least one receiver unit. The at least one radiation unit emitting radiation towards the section of the feeding area, the radiation being emitted with at least two different wavelengths in the wavelength range between 900 nm and 1500 nm, whereas the at least one receiver unit receives the radiation reflected from the section of the feeding area, and a signal evaluation unit connected with the detector calculating the quotients or differences of the intensities of the reflected radiations received by the receiver unit and the at least two different wavelengths emitted from the radiation unit.

Abstract: An improved guillotine cutter for a printer is disclosed. The guillotine cutter includes a guillotine blade having a cutting motion that helps to urge the cut media from the exit chute of the frame. This reduces the likelihood of the cut media becoming pulled into the frame of the cutter, requiring that the user fish the cut media out. The guillotine cutter further provides a frame having integrated bearing surfaces for supporting many of the movable components of the cutter. This minimizes the complexity of the assembly of the cutter, reducing the number of parts (by elimination of separate bearings and other such additional components) and time required to assemble the cutter.

Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus includes a base including an arm selectively movable with respect to the base. The arm is selectively rotatable about a first arm axis. A base plate is engaged with the arm. A tool is configured to be detachably coupled to the base plate. The tool is movable with the base plate when coupled to the base plate. The apparatus includes a first mode with the tool coupled to the base plate and the arm being selectively rotatable about the first arm axis, a second mode with the tool coupled to the base plate and the arm being constrained from rotating about the first arm axis, the arm being substantially stationary with respect to the base; and a third mode with the tool detached from the base plate.

Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The holders include adjustable hinges attached to plates that moves the center of gravity of the ammunition holder to move underneath the gun until the holder is balanced relative to the gun. The plate deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun to deflect the spent cartridges to one side away from both the gun and the gun operator. The containers can be ammunition belt boxes or pouch bags. Frames can allow for bags to form a deflection surface to deflect spent cartridges away from the gun.

Abstract: A standoff protection device intended to fully cover a door and incorporating at least one mobile panel hinged on hinges having an axis of rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of the door. The device incorporates at least one connecting rod linked to the door by a first pivot and to the mobile panel by a second pivot. The orthogonal projection of the axis of the second pivot in the plane of the door is located between the first pivot and the orthogonal projection in the plane of the door of the axis of the hinges of the mobile panel. The device incorporating a fixed standoff protective panel integral with the door. The fixed panel includes a first lateral edge extending beyond an external edge of the door parallel to its axis of rotation, and a second lateral edge contiguous with the mobile panel when the door is closed.

Abstract: A window cover for a vehicle that has an aperture located in place of a window. The window cover has upper and lower reflectors that are pivotally movable with respect to the window cover. The upper reflector is beneath an upper armored plate and the lower reflector is behind a lower armored plate. The reflectors are pivotally linked together. Slats are placed between the upper and lower reflectors that block a trajectory of a projectile from entering a window aperture over which the window cover protects. The slats are placed so as to be as optically thin as possible, meaning the edge thickness is all that will be seen across the reflectors.

Abstract: A net deployment system which, in one example, includes lengthy housing with a channel therein, a net folded in the channel, a lengthy bladder fixed to the housing and in the channel behind the net, attachments between the net and the bladder, and at least one inflator charge for inflating the bladder to deploy the net out of the channel.

Abstract: A brew basket with an integrated separate cavity providing for a water bypass or additive conduit all of which may be added to the brewed beverage, as it exists its brew basket discharge spout during a brewing cycle. An integrated separate cavity is provided partially around the perimeter of the brew basket, as along its upper flange, for some angular distance, and which cavity tapers into a downward conduit, which conduit extends under the bottom of the brew basket, and empties into the same discharged port through which the brewed beverage is discharged from the brew basket and into a lower decanter, during performance of a brewing cycle. Additives such as flavoring, sweeteners, and even cold water may pass through the separate cavity, for intermixing with the brewed beverage, in order to add to its flavoring, sweetening, or even cooling, depending upon whether coffee, hot tea, or ice tea, has been selected for the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A cooking device, for insertion into food, having a shell with a top portion and a bottom portion, securable together at a latitudinal cross section of the shell. The top portion has one or more steam holes to allow seasoning placed in the device to permeate the food during the cooking process. The cooking device can be stood on its base in an upright position for filling with seasoning, and can then be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upright position during the cooking process, without seasoning that is not in a gaseous phase running or spilling out of the steam holes.

Abstract: A square baler comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the baler in dependence on the first, second and third signals representing the mass of a bale, the force of the piston of the baler, the energization of the actuator respectively and an input target value for the mass of the bale wherein the first signal is fed back in a first control loop and compared with the target weight to generate a target force, the second signal is fed in a second control loop and compared with the target force to generate a target energization, the third signal is fed in a third control loop and compared with the target energization to control the energization of the actuator.