Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a liquid against a vacuum pressure in a chamber can enable analysis of the liquid surface using vacuum-based chemical analysis instruments. No electrical or fluid connections are required to pass through the chamber walls. The systems can include a reservoir, a pump, and a liquid flow path. The reservoir contains a liquid-phase sample. The pump drives flow of the sample from the reservoir, through the liquid flow path, and back to the reservoir. The flow of the sample is not substantially driven by a differential between pressures inside and outside of the liquid flow path. An aperture in the liquid flow path exposes a stable portion of the liquid-phase sample to the vacuum pressure within the chamber. The radius, or size, of the aperture is less than or equal to a critical value required to support a meniscus of the liquid-phase sample by surface tension.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for extracting information carried in higher eigenmodes or harmonics of an oscillating cantilever or other oscillating sensors in atomic force microscopy and related MEMs work are described. Similar apparatus and techniques for extracting information using contact resonance with multiple excitation signals are also described.

Abstract: The present document describes a sensing apparatus for lowering into a well and cementing therein at a certain depth. The sensing apparatus comprises an elongated casing and a sensor device protruding from an outside surface of the elongated casing for generating measurement data and sending the data to the surface of the well using a cable extending from the sensor device along the outside surface of the casing. A flow of cement is provided between the outside surface of the casing and the well for cementing the casing in place and isolating different layers of the well. Presence of the sensor device and the cable creates an obstruction within the flow path of the cement which may result in the formation of micro-annulus around the sensor device and the cable.

Abstract: A coin recognizing device is configured in which a main-judgment-frame registration unit registers main judgment frames for each denomination including value ranges corrected so that a value range corresponding to data of at least one of recognition elements does not overlap with a value range corresponding to the same recognition element of any other denominations, an auxiliary-judgment-frame registration unit registers auxiliary judgment frames for a specific denomination including value ranges of the recognition elements of a coin of which data does not fall within the main judgment frames for the specific denomination but is to be judged as a coin of the specific denomination, and a judging unit judges a coin of which data falls within either the main judgment frames or the auxiliary judgment frames and does not fall into the reject judgment frames as a coin of a denomination corresponding to the main judgment frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of snow cover and snowfall using electrical conduction. The apparatus includes: a collection container in which the snow is flowed and is piled up and which is opened upwards; a supporting mount for supporting the collection container; a first conductor that is disposed on a bottom of the collection container and contacts the snow piled up on the collection container; a plurality of second conductors that are disposed spaced apart from each other on sidewalls of the collection container in a height direction of the collection container and contact the snow piled up on the collection container; a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the first conductor and the plurality of second conductors; and a detection sensor for determining that the first conductor and the second conductors are electrically connected to each other, based on the snow piled up on the collection container.

Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: A device for measuring the fill level in a container has an ultrasound sensor and a damping beaker with at least one antechamber. The antechamber has an inlet opening to the container and an outlet opening to the damping beaker, and has a geometric structure, which guides a fluid at least once around the midpoint of the damping beaker. The antechamber has at least two planes lying horizontally over each other. Each plane has a geometric structure, and the geometric structures of the planes are designed so that the fluid streams through the planes in opposite directions. As a result, the path to be traversed in the antechamber is lengthened, and the inflowing medium is additionally swirled. Even foamed media that quickly flow into the antechamber are effectively retained, and degassing is possible prior to entry into the measuring section of the ultrasound sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary vibrating structure gyroscope includes a ring structure, an external frame and a flexible support including a pair of symmetrical compliant legs arranged to retain the ring structure within the external frame. A metal track is provided on an upper surface of the ring structure, the compliant legs and the external frame, over an insulating surface oxide layer. Each flexible support is arranged to carry a metal track associated with a single drive or pick-off transducer. The metal track is repeated for eight circuits, one circuit for each transducer. Each circuit of metal track associated with a transducer begins at a first bond-pad on the external frame, runs along a first compliant leg, across an eighth segment of the ring structure and back along the other compliant leg to a second bond-pad on the external frame.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes driving piezoelectric transducers for enabling an oscillation of a resonator, sensing piezoelectric transducers for enabling a detection of a movement of the inertial sensor, and piezoelectric compensating elements substantially equidistantly among the driving and the sensing piezoelectric transducers, wherein the compensating elements and the resonator form corresponding capacitors having capacitive gaps, and wherein, during the oscillation of the resonator, changes in electrostatic charges stored in the capacitors are measured with the compensating elements and are modified so as to modify the oscillation of the resonator.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor (40) includes a substrate (46) and a suspension anchor (54) formed on a planar surface (48) of the substrate (46). A first folded torsion spring (58) and a second folded torsion spring (60) interconnect the movable element (56) with the suspension anchor (54) to suspend the movable element (56) above the substrate (46). The folded torsion springs (58, 60) are each formed from multiple segments (76) that are linked together by bar elements (78) in a serpentine fashion. The folded torsion springs (58, 60) have an equivalent shape and are oriented relative to one another in rotational symmetry about a centroid (84) of the suspension anchor (54).

Abstract: A MEMS device (20) includes a substrate (24) and a movable element (22) adapted for motion relative to the substrate (24). A secondary structure (46) extends from the movable element (22). The secondary structure (46) includes a secondary mass (54) and a spring (56) interconnected between the movable element (22) and the mass (54). The spring (56) is sufficiently stiff to prevent movement of the mass (54) when the movable element (22) is subjected to force within a sensing range of the device (20). When the device (20) is subjected to mechanical shock (66), the spring (56) deflects so that the mass (54) moves counter to the motion of the movable element (22). Movement of the mass (54) causes the movable element (22) to vibrate to mitigate stiction between the movable element (22) and other structures of the device (20) and/or to prevent breakage of components within the device (22).

Abstract: A device for measuring, documenting, and issuing citations for noise violations comprises a mobile device for measuring the decibel sound level from a sound source, for measuring the distance from the device to the source, for capturing an image or video of the sound source, and determining whether the sound source exceeds a user-predetermined level. The device may be in the form of a hand-held gun-shaped device wherein the user actuates the trigger to record an image or video of the sound source, the decibel sound level, and the distance between the device and the source. After the data is collected, the sound-measuring device is attached to a download component. The download component accepts data from the sound-measuring component and allows the user to input additional data regarding the noise violation. The user may then use the download component to print a citation, which may include an image of the sound source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contact between an underground electric wire conduit and an underground utility pipeline in which a detectable signal is applied to an electric line wire disposed within the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline is monitored for a presence of the detectable signal. When there is a contact between the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline, the signal applied to the electric line wire is detected by a suitable signal detector disposed on the surface of the utility pipeline and/or within the utility pipeline.

Abstract: A front wheel drive bearing defect amplifier is attached to a wheel gauge mount. The amplifier includes a magnet which is positioned approximately at the center of the wheel assembly. A spacing block, including a hollow aluminum handle, is pivotally mounted onto the magnet. A shaft or pin interconnects the magnet and the aluminum block and allows rotation of the magnet, in fixed engagement with the wheel assembly. The shaft is loosely fitted through a hole in the block. Opposite ends of the shaft are rigidly secured with the magnet so as to rotate with the magnet. An aluminum tube defines a handle having one end of the handle force fitted into an opening in the aluminum block. An opposite end of the aluminum tube or handle is to be held by the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A single element of an ultrasonic transducer includes at least one combination of an equivalent series capacitor C1, an equivalent series inductor L1, and an equivalent series resistance R1. The ultrasonic transducer further includes an equivalent parallel capacitor C0. An inductor L2 is connected in series between the ultrasonic transducer and the drive circuit. A first resonance frequency of the equivalent series capacitor C1 and the equivalent series inductor L1 is F0. A second resonance frequency determined by at least the equivalent parallel capacitor C0 and the inductor L2 is Fp. A drive circuit drives the ultrasonic transducer while switching the driving frequency of the ultrasonic transducer to one of the resonance frequency F0 and the resonance frequency Fp.

Abstract: A portable non-contact sensor system including a laser generator subsystem, a laser detector subsystem, an an analysis subsystem. The laser generator subsystem is configured to project a plurality of laser pulses at a surface of an object that is to be characterized. The laser detector subsystem is configured to receive return laser pulses from the object. The analysis subsystem is configured to analyze the received return pulses and characterize the object.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include an acoustic sensor having piezoelectric material housed in a cartridge and sealed with a solid nonporous stainless steel cover. The systems include additional elements to tune the performance of the acoustic sensor for measuring shockwaves on the surface of an aircraft, such as a helicopter. In particular, the system includes several vibration isolating elements including foam pads and O-rings disposed between the cartridge and the cover for isolating the piezoelectric material from aircraft vibration and turbulence. Additionally, the systems and methods include circuitry for converting analog electrical signals generated by the piezoelectric material, in response to acoustic signals, to digital electrical signals.

Abstract: An integral regulator and gauge for a vacuum device consists of a circular regulator having the vacuum gauge inside thereof such that the regulator and gauge rotate about a common radial axis. An opening defined in a boss extending from the bottom of the regulator engages a sloped shoulder defined on the inside surface of a circular port in which the regulator is disposed, varying the size of an opening which allows air to bleed into the vacuum chamber to regulate the strength of the vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exposing an integrated circuit by ablating the polymer coating initially covering the integrated circuit, characterized in that it includes the combined application of a laser radiation and a plasma onto the coating initially covering the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a property of a multiphase fluid comprising a mixture of at least an oil phase and a water phase travelling through a conduit, the method comprising measuring the thickness of the liquid mixture, measuring the permittivity of a portion of the multiphase fluid, combining the thickness measurement with the permittivity measurement to obtain a derived value for the permittivity of the liquid mixture, and using at least the derived permittivity of the liquid mixture and a relationship between a single phase liquid property and a corresponding two-phase property of the liquid mixture, to obtain a calculated water-to-liquid ratio of the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A measuring transducer of vibration type, especially a Coriolis mass flow meter, having a housing and a mass flow tube, wherein the mass flow tube is formed into a helix having a first loop and a second loop; wherein the mass flow tube has a securement element which affixes a peripheral point of the first loop relative to a neighboring peripheral point of the second loop; and wherein the mass flow tube has an oscillation exciter on a side lying opposite the securement element along the mass flow tube. The mass flow tube has provided between the oscillation exciter and the securement element at least one add-on part acting as a canceling mass.

Abstract: A device used in making differential measurements of a flow includes an open-ended tubular flow obstruction and a support arm. The flow obstruction has an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall. The support arm has a first end coupled to an exterior wall of a conduit and a second end coupled to the flow obstruction. The support arm positions the flow obstruction in the conduit such that a first flow region is defined around the flow obstruction's outer annular wall and a second flow region is defined by the flow obstruction's inner annular wall. The support arm's first end and second end are separated from one another with respect to a length dimension of the conduit. Measurement ports provided in the flow obstruction are coupled to points at the exterior wall of the conduit by manifolds extending through the flow obstruction and support arm.

Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.

Abstract: A system for preparing a refrigerant sample for analysis including a pressure regulator assembly including a pressure regulator and provisions for heating a refrigerant sample contained within an interior region of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator defines an inlet through which the refrigerant sample is delivered and an outlet through which the refrigerant sample is expelled. The system also includes a filter assembly having an inlet that is fluidly connected to the outlet of the pressure regulator to receive the vaporized refrigerant sample from the pressure regulator, at least one filter for removing contaminants from the refrigerant sample, and an outlet that is configured to be coupled to a refrigerant analysis system for analyzing a composition of the refrigerant sample.

Abstract: A vehicle stabilizing means comprising a cradle (23) supported from a mounting (17) to lie to one side of the mounting, a rotor (19) supported from the cradle between a pair of spaced supports (25) to be rotatably supported by the supports, a drive coupled to the rotor enabling the rotor to rotate at a substantially constant angular velocity, the rotor being rotatable about a first axis, the supports located to the side of the cradle remote from the mounting, the cradle further comprises a base (31) which is rotatably supported from the mounting to be rotatable around a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of the rotor and which intersects the first axis of the rotor, the mounting intended in use to be fixed to the vehicle such that in operation the mean orientation of the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis of stabilization.

Abstract: The starter includes an electromagnetic switch includes a first solenoid for pushing out the pinion shaft to an engine side and a second solenoid for opening and closing a main contact through which a current is supplied to a motor. The first and second solenoids are disposed coaxially with the pinion shaft. The first and second plungers included in the first and second solenoids, respectively are disposed overlapping with each other in the axial direction of the starter such that a rear portion of the first plunger enters inside the second plunger when they are deenergized.

Abstract: A drive system including a partition wall; a drive device positioned on a first side of the partition wall, wherein the drive device includes at least one first member positioned on said first side of said partition wall. An actuator for actuating the drive device, where the actuator is positioned on a second side of the partition wall so that the partition wall is between the drive device and the actuator, and where the actuator includes at least one second member positioned on the second side of said partition wall. The second member of the actuator is magnetically coupled to the first member of the drive device, where movement of the second member causes movement of the first member, and to a device including a drive system.

Abstract: A cylinder device is capable of heightening the feed accuracy of a screw shaft and stably controlling the feed speed of a conveying unit in a wide speed range. A ball screw shaft is inserted through a hollow shaft motor having an end fixed to a housing, and a decelerator that is a planetary reduction gear unit connected to the hollow shaft motor. Each of a pair of ball screw nuts, which are disposed to face each other and between which the hollow shaft motor and the decelerator are placed, meshes with the ball screw shaft. An internal gear is connected to a spacer disposed at an end of an output gear of the decelerator. An external gear connected to the ball screw nut meshes with the internal gear. The output gear of the decelerator meshes with a connection shaft by splines.

Abstract: A device for reducing rattling noises in a variable-speed transmission having a main shaft, two countershafts and gear wheels that are mounted, with some radial play relative to the main shaft, for rotation around the main shaft. To engage a gear, a respective loose gearwheel can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the main shaft. In a first embodiment, at least one loose gearwheel is mounted on the main shaft by at least one roller bearing, and the roller bearing is axially fixed relative to the main shaft by at least one flexibly resilient element. In a second embodiment, the loose gearwheel is supported, by a roller bearing on a component that is fixed to the housing and has radial play. The roller bearing is axially fixed relative to the component fixed to the housing by at least one flexibly resilient element.

Abstract: A shift control device in a saddle-ride-type vehicle includes a lost motion mechanism and a locking mechanism. The lost motion mechanism is disposed between a shift spindle and a shift drum and engages a shifter-side rotary member on a shift spindle side and a drum-side rotary member on a shift drum side, in a relatively rotatable manner while accumulating a force. The locking mechanism is engaged with the shifter-side rotary member and the drum-side rotary member, respectively, so as to restrict the rotation of the shifter-side rotary member and the rotation of the drum-side rotary member, individually.

Abstract: A transmission for an internal combustion engine that allows a fit length between a dog and a dog hole to be made longer and gear splines to be made longer, without having to increase an axial length of the transmission. A transmission selectively performs gearshifting by using a shift fork to slidingly move a shift gear of the transmission axially and by using a dog clutch to engage the shift gear with, or disengage the shift gear from, an adjacent gear. When the shift gear slidingly moves, a gear-side spline portion of the shift gear slidingly moves over a shaft-side spline portion.

Abstract: The invention provides for a power steering apparatus comprising of a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis. A rack is disposed within the housing and supported for movement along the longitudinal axis by a bearing. A pinion supported by the housing is in meshing engagement with the rack. The bearing disposed around the rack includes a wall of a continuous varying radial thickness that circumferentially surrounds the rack. An adjustment device supported by the housing is connected to the bearing and rotatably adjusts the bearing relative to the longitudinal axis. The continuous varying radial thickness of the wall positions the rack as the bearing is rotated by the adjustment device relative to the pinion ensuring proper meshing engagement between the rack and the pinion.

Abstract: The invention involves a gearbox, especially for adjustment devices in motor vehicles, with a plastic worm drive. The invention provides that the worm drive has an encircling, circular flat contact surface perpendicular to the worm axle and a number of removal pockets in the form of recesses that are interposed axially between contact surface and the worm axle and at the same time arranged in a level recessed to the level of contact surface, whereby an encircling bevel is formed in the transition area from level of removal pockets to the level of the circular contact surface.

Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a manual transmission automatically performs a selecting operation and a shifting operation through the driving of one motor according to a shift step level of a shift lever at the time when a driver operates the shift lever.

Abstract: The present gear mechanism includes a base body member, a first gear supported on the base body member so as to rotate about a first rotational axis, a second gear capable of being meshed with the first gear, a support member supporting the second gear so as to rotate about a second rotational axis and placed on the base body member so as to be movable in approaching and leaving directions respectively toward and away from the first rotational axis, and a retaining member engaged in a threaded hole formed in the base body member and capable of being turned so as to move in the approaching and leaving directions, and directly or indirectly engaged with the support member to restrain the support member from moving in the leaving direction away from the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A structure for a tilt-telescopic steering device, without requiring particularly high accuracy effectively prevents a steering wheel from being positionally displaced in a secondary collision. When an adjustment lever 18a is turned, tilt-locking serrated sections 54 of a pair of tilt-locking eccentric cams 23a and 23b are pressed against curved edges 53 of support plates 40. Moreover, a telescoping locking serrated section 62 of a telescoping locking eccentric cam 58 is pressed against the lower surface of an inner column. In a secondary collision, each of the serrated sections 54 and 62 engage with a mating surface thereof, to thereby prevent a steering wheel 1 from being displaced and moved.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement is disclosed to provide an articulated machine with an arrangement that allows two frame structures to both articulate and oscillate relative to one another. The linkage arrangement includes a three point pivot arrangement with an angled link. Two of the pivots provide for articulation while two of the pivots provide for oscillation. The two pivots involved for oscillation are of lower overall height than the overall height for the two pivots providing the articulation, thereby reducing overall machine height while maintaining structural integrity.

Abstract: A spur-gear mechanism, especially a bevel spur-gear mechanism, having one or more transmission stages is provided. The transmission stages are accommodated in a gear mechanism housing having two side surfaces and two base surfaces. Guided out of the gear mechanism housing is a drive shaft on which is fixedly secured, beyond a housing, an axial fan wheel. A spacer flange for connection to a motor spacer is formed on the gear mechanism housing. The spacer flange is provided with central openings in an extension of the base surfaces and with lateral openings in an extension of the side surfaces.

Abstract: An electric motor and a vehicle drive device having the same are provided. The electric motor includes a core unit having plural core assemblies fixed to a case, an annular bus ring attached to the core unit, plural supporting members attached the plural core assemblies, respectively, an attachment member holding a first sensor and fixed to a portion of a terminal accommodating portion such that the first sensor is soaked in an oil stored in the case, and an attachment member holding a second sensor and fixed to a portion of a terminal accommodating portion such that the second sensor is positioned at a second position for measuring a temperature of the coils between adjacent terminal accommodating portions which are not soaked in the oil.

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 bearing wrench comprising a casing as main support, with at least one piston coupling hole, a synchronizing device, and closing caps, power cylinder, a cylinder thrust spring and a connection screw between the boxes, wherein the synchronizing device with the help of the cylinders exert force on the bolts for the securing thereof and with the advantage of being able to releasing by the same synchronizing device housed in the nut driving wrench which may be hydraulically and manually used.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a handle and a pawl is pivotably connected to the handle. The pawl is selectively engaged with a positioning unit in the handle. A ratchet wheel has a through hole defined through the center portion thereof and the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel are engaged with the engaging teeth of the pawl. Two clamp members are inserted in the through hole of the ratchet wheel and each have an extension. Each extension has a slot defined in top and bottom thereof. The two extensions extend toward opposite directions. Two ring-shaped covers are respectively connected to the top and the bottom of the ratchet wheel and each cover has two openings defined in the underside thereof. The extensions extend through the openings. Pins extend through the covers and are engaged with the slots. The clamp members are movable to clamp objects of different sizes.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a driving head, a retaining ring engaged in the driving head, a driving member rotatably engaged in the driving head and having a gear, and a pawl engaged in the driving head and having a lever arm extended from a shaft, and one or more teeth formed on the lever arm for engaging with the gear and for determining the driving direction of the driving member by the driving head and the handle, the shaft includes a slot for engaging with the retaining ring and for allowing the retaining ring to apply a spring biasing force onto the shaft and to force the teeth of the lever arm to engage with the gear.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A tool, such as fixed-joint pliers, has first and second levers which are movably joined. The levers are joined at a joint comprising a housing and a coupler. The housing is defined by a first housing portion of the first lever and a second housing portion of the second lever. The housing has an interior area which houses a biasing member, such as a torsion spring. The coupler may comprise first and second bushings which extend through a passage through the housing and the torsion spring therein, and a male fastener which extends through one of the bushings and into engagement with the other bushing. The pliers have a thin profile and are biased to an open position for use.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlled fastening, comprises a body (11) coupled to which is one of different removable inserts (17, 17?, 17?). The insert comprises a transponder (18) which sends setting signals to the apparatus when it is mounted on the apparatus. The apparatus in turn comprises transmission means for programming into the transponder (18) information which shall be inserted into the signals which shall subsequently be sent by the transponder to the apparatus.

Abstract: Machine and method for machining large crankshafts, which allows simple and reliable synchronization of the rotation of said crankshafts (14) at all points, where said machine has a machining tool (1) configured to move along at least one guide (2) between a first end supporting element (3) and a second end supporting element (4), comprising a first electronic angular position sensor (6) situated on a first rotation shaft (7) of said first end supporting element (3), also comprising a second electronic angular position sensor (8) located on a second rotation shaft (9) of said second end supporting element (4), so that the rotational movement of said first end supporting element (3) is electronically synchronized with the rotational movement of said second end supporting element (4) at all times during the machining of the crankshaft (14).

Abstract: A tool for the machining of workpiece surfaces includes at least one adjustable, geometrically defined cutting edge. The tool additionally includes an adjusting device for the adjusting of the distance of the cutting edge to the central axis of tool. The adjusting device has a drive shaft that acts on an adjusting slide via a gearbox, which determines the distance of cutting edge from the central axis of tool. The adjusting slide may be a round slide arranged eccentrically to the central axis of tool. The gearbox may have a high reduction and may directly act on the adjusting slide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a cutting knife of a microtome or ultramicrotome equipped with motors for moving the cutting knife. The method may include determining/defining at least two segments of the cutting knife according to a division of the previously defined width of the cutting knife, selecting a segment of the cutting knife, and positioning the cutting knife in an operational position by motorized movement of the cutting knife, the selected segment of the cutting knife being positioned to cut the specimen.

Abstract: A device and method for separating tickets from a roll of raffle tickets having two or more strands, the individual tickets being transversely joined to twin tickets having corresponding identical identifiers. The strands are separated longitudinally into individual strands and at least one strand, the seller's tickets, is further separated transversely into individual tickets for use in a hopper to draw a winning ticket.