Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer member configured to abut against an image carrier for carrying a toner image to form a transfer nip; and a power supply configured to output a bias voltage for transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto a recording medium nipped in the transfer nip. The bias voltage includes a first voltage for transferring the toner image from the image carrier onto the recording medium in a transfer direction and a second voltage having an opposite polarity of the first voltage, the first and the second voltages being alternately output. A time-averaged value of the bias voltage is set to a polarity in the transfer direction and is set in the transfer direction side with respect to a median between a maximum and a minimum of the bias voltage.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device, a number-of-revolutions determining unit, and a stopping unit. The fixing device includes a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image, a fixing member that fixes toner to a recording medium, a pressure member that conveys the recording medium, a driving unit that rotates the pressure member to allow the fixing member to perform slave rotation, and a number-of-revolutions sensing unit that senses the number of revolutions of the fixing member. The number-of-revolutions determining unit determines, based on the number of revolutions of the fixing member sensed by the number-of-revolutions sensing unit, the number of revolutions of the driving unit. The stopping unit stops the driving unit when the number of revolutions determined by the number-of-revolutions determining unit is not equal to a specific number of revolutions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a transfer unit. The transfer unit includes a transfer bias power supply and transfers a developed image onto a transfer body. The transfer bias power supply includes a first power supply unit that generates a non-transfer electric field, a second power supply unit that generates a transfer electric field, a first switching controller, and a second switching controller. The first switching controller controls start of supply of the transfer electric field in accordance with a first time constant when switching from the non-transfer electric field to the transfer electric field is performed. The second switching controller controls stop of supply of the transfer electric field in accordance with a second time constant when switching from the transfer electric field to the non-transfer electric field is performed.

Abstract: A processing apparatus that an uninterruptible power supply system supplies power to and carries out a process. The processing apparatus includes an electric energy amount determination part that determines, based on a charged amount of electric energy in the uninterruptible power supply system, an amount of maximum electric energy that the uninterruptible power supply system can supply; and a function selection part that selects, depending on the amount of maximum electric energy, functions that can be used for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, a method of controlling a power save state of the image processing apparatus, and a non-transitory recording medium storing a power save control program are provided. In response to detection of a power save transition factor that triggers transition to a power save state, the image processing apparatus determines whether a power save extension factor is detected, extends transition to the power save state at least during when the power save extension factor is being detected, and causes transition to the power save state according to the detected power save transition factor when the power save extension factor is not detected.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a cleaning subject moving in a predetermined direction, having; a cleaning member that rotates in an opposite direction from the predetermined direction at a contact with the cleaning subject, thereby gathering toner from the cleaning subject; and a shielding member that is disposed between the cleaning member and the cleaning subject in the predetermined direction relative to the contact and prevents the toner on the cleaning member from moving to the cleaning subject.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus sets a polarity of a voltage applied to the brush to an opposite polarity to the polarity of the voltage applied to the brush when the residual toner of the secondary transfer on an intermediate transferring belt passes through the position opposed to the brush, and on the other hand, the polarity of the voltage applied to a primary transfer roller is set to the opposite polarity to the polarity of the voltage applied to the primary transfer roller when a toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transferring belt in the primary transfer portion (N1), for allowing an image forming operation to be suspended less frequently in a case of executing a cleaning mode for eliminating the residual toner of the secondary transfer from the brush member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body including a metal frame, and a holder configured to hold a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged in an arrangement direction. The metal frame includes a main body portion, a first extension portion and a second extension portion. The main body portion extends in the arrangement direction and is disposed in a position not overlapping the photosensitive drums in an axial direction of the photosensitive drums, and further has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the arrangement direction. The first extension portion and the second extension portion extend from the first end portion and the second end portion of the main body portion, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and parallel to a side of the holder, which is parallel to the arrangement direction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge component. The method includes providing a printer cartridge component having a flanged organic photoconductor (OPC) drum with a flange portion and a cylinder portion. The flange portion has a drum cylinder engagement end attached and inserted in a locked position with a flange lock in a first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes unlocking the flange lock so that the flange portion is in an unlocked position in the first end of the cylinder portion. The method further includes securing the unlocked flange portion. The method further includes removing the cylinder portion from the secured unlocked flange portion to obtain a removed cylinder portion and a removed flange portion. The method further includes assembling the removed flange portion with a replacement OPC drum cylinder portion to obtain a remanufactured printer cartridge component.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, an image forming unit having a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged in an arrangement direction, and a changing member disposed outside the image forming unit in an axial direction of the plurality of photosensitive drums and configured to move in the arrangement direction and move at least a part of the image forming unit between a first position and a second position. The main body includes a metal frame made of a metal sheet and disposed on a same side in the axial direction that the changing member is disposed. The metal frame includes a support portion configured to support the image forming unit and a guide portion configured to guide movement of the changing member. The guide portion is integrally formed with the support portion.

Abstract: An image carrier surface treatment device is disposed opposite an image carrier rotatable in a first rotation direction and carrying a toner image. The image carrier surface treatment device includes a roller rotatable in a second rotation direction while contacting an outer circumferential surface of the image carrier. The roller includes a shaft projecting from each lateral end of the roller in an axial direction thereof. A rolling-element bearing is fitted on the shaft of the roller to support and position the roller inside the image carrier surface treatment device.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a first cartridge and a second cartridge. The first cartridge includes a first wall having a first opening, a first shutter configured to open and close the first opening, and a first operating portion configured to operate together with the first shutter. The second cartridge is mountable onto and demountable from the first cartridge and contains a developer. The second cartridge includes a. second wall facing the first wall and having a second opening corresponding to the first opening, a second shutter configured to open and close the second opening, and a second operating portion configured to operate together with the second shutter. The first cartridge further includes a third operating portion. When the second cartridge is mounted onto the first cartridge, the first operating portion and the third operating portion operate together through the second operating portion.

Abstract: A pressing member applies a pressing force to a trailing end in a direction which intersects a predetermined reference direction, allowing the pressing force to have both a first component in the predetermined reference direction and a second component perpendicular to the predetermined reference direction. A trailing end is pressed in the predetermined reference direction by the first component. In the mounted state, the leading end is in contact with the reference member at two contact surfaces including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface defines a first positioning direction being perpendicular to the first contact surface and intersecting the predetermined reference direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer device capable of preventing a unit such as a transfer device from dropping when detached from an image forming apparatus. The retainer device includes a transfer device detachably attached to the image forming apparatus; a guide member to supportably guide the transfer device with respect to the image forming apparatus when the transfer device is detached from the image forming apparatus; and a stopper, disposed on the guide member, configured to contact the transfer device when the transfer device is moving in a direction separating from the image forming apparatus and stop the transfer device from dropping from the image forming apparatus. The guide member is switchable between a separation regulating state and a guidable state so that the transfer device is prevented from dropping when detached from the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive drum driving head, which comprises drum flange, drum shaft and boss, wherein the drum flange is disposed on the end portion of a photosensitive drum and connected with the photosensitive drum; the drum shaft is axially extended from the end portion of the drum flange; the boss is axially extended from the end face of the drum shaft and engaged with a recess in a driving head of image forming apparatus; three vertical convex teeth radially extended along the boss and engaged with power transmission portions are formed on side wall of the boss, perpendicular to the drum shaft, extended along an axial line of the photosensitive drum, and provided with mating surfaces formed by longitudinal cutting angles on end faces of the vertical convex teeth; at least one mating surface is engaged with an edge of a twisted bevel of the recess.

Abstract: A method and electrostatographic printer for forming a multi-color image on a web-fed receptor material. The method includes receiving a toner image on a first toner image-collecting device in a first color unit; transferring the toner image images on the first image-collecting device at a single transfer point to the final toner image-collecting device in a final colour unit; and transferring the toner image or images collected on the final toner-image collecting device in the array of at least two image-collecting devices directly or indirectly to the receptor material at a single transfer point at one side of the receptor element using a transfer device such that the collected toner image transferred from the final toner image-collecting device using the transfer device contain the individual images from all image-forming stations in the multiple colour units, wherein at least one of the image-collecting devices is a seamless belt.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressing member, a stationary member, a metal member, flanges, a first heater, and a second heater. The pressing member is rotatably pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member to form a nip therebetween. The metal member is fixedly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member over an area other than the nip. The flanges are disposed at axial edges of the metal member in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the metal member. The first heater is disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the metal member to heat an axial middle portion of the metal member. The second heater is disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the metal member to heat axial end portions of the metal member. The first heater is disposed farther from the nip than the second heater.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a waste toner conveying device including a primary conveyor to convey waste toner discharged from a plurality of primary cleaners and a secondary conveyor to convey waste toner discharged from a secondary cleaner. A relay conveyor conveys the waste toner discharged from the primary conveyor and the secondary conveyor. A waste toner container receives the waste toner discharged from the relay conveyor. The primary conveyor, the secondary conveyor, and the relay conveyor are disposed at one end of the image forming apparatus in a front-to-rear direction thereof. A secondary conveyor outlet of the secondary conveyor is disposed below a primary conveyor outlet of the primary conveyor and above an inlet of the waste toner container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer member that transfers a toner image to a surface of a recording medium, a transport member that transports the recording medium, with the surface of the recording medium on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer member facing down, a fixing member that fixes the toner image onto the recording medium while nipping and transporting the recording medium, and a guide member that contacts a back side of the recording medium to guide the recording medium toward the fixing member, the guide member having a clearance part, the clearance part being formed in a portion that guides an outer side portion of a width direction of the recording medium, the clearance part being so shaped as to be clear of the back side of the recording medium.

Abstract: A hand-holdable painting apparatus comprising a main body with a handle, wherein the main body is arranged to removably engage with a paint applicator; and a paint reservoir receiving bay coupled to or integral with the main body, wherein the paint reservoir receiving bay is arranged to removably receive at least a portion of a paint reservoir. The main body is arranged to provide a paint flow path between an outlet of a paint reservoir in the paint reservoir receiving bay and an inlet of a paint applicator engaged with the main body. The hand-holdable painting apparatus further comprises an interlock configured to inhibit the paint reservoir receiving bay from receiving a paint reservoir unless a paint applicator is engaged with the main body.

Abstract: A roll-on applicator for use in applying a flowable media to a surface includes a housing which is constructed and arranged so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber which is in communication with the first chamber, a generally-spherical ball received within the first chamber, a spring-biasing valve received within the second chamber and a sealing insert positioned between the ball and the valve. The sealing insert is moveable between a first position wherein a flow passageway between the first and second chambers is open and a second position wherein the flow passageway between the first and second chambers is closed.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing oral care implement (100). In one aspect, the oral care implement comprises a body (105) comprising a handle (120), a head (110) coupled to the handle, and an internal cavity (140, 150) containing an oral care material; and a roll-on applicator (130) rotatably mounted to the body, such that the oral care material is delivered from the internal cavity to an exposed portion of the roll-on applicator (130) due to rotation of the roll-on applicator.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a frame in which a carriage configured to reciprocate along a predetermined direction is disposed, and a unit disposed to be openable with respect to the frame. A first engaging portion is formed on the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is capable of restricting a movement of the carriage at least in the predetermined direction with use of a securing component including a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion. When the securing component is attached to the carriage, and then the unit is closed with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engaging with each other, the securing component is sandwiched and fixed between the frame and the unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical tool with batter pack ejection assist mechanism. The electrical tool includes a housing receiving a motor and a transmission mechanism, a tool accessory driven by the motor for the operation, a battery pack slidably mounted to the housing for providing power and a locking mechanism for locking the battery pack after being mounted. The electrical tool further includes an ejecting assembly for assisting in the ejection of the battery pack when the locking mechanism unlocks the battery pack, the ejecting assembly includes a contacting member for contacting and ejecting the battery pack and a driving member for driving the contacting member for ejecting the battery pack. The contacting member is movably connected to the housing, and the driving member is arranged in the housing and contacts the contacting member.

Abstract: The link module according to the invention comprises a plurality of linking bars adapted to connect two coupling hubs, and grease suitable for lubricating the connection between the plurality of linking bars and the coupling hubs. The link module comprises a package that is provided with an envelope surrounding the linking bars and the grease in a manner impervious to the grease, in particular in the absence of coupling hubs and/or a lid.

Abstract: A clamping device for the releasable connection of a first profile section with a second profile section, wherein the clamping device can be introduced into a recess provided in the first profile section, and is provided with at least one hook element for purposes of engaging with the first profile section and with a clamping element. Thus, the at least one hook element can be brought into a releasable retentive engagement with at least one locking element of the first profile section that is complementary to the former. The clamping device comprises for this purpose a plate, wherein the at least one hook element is aligned in the plane of the plate on the first profile section, and the clamping element is provided on the opposing side of the plate relative to the hook element, so as to clamp the plate against the second profile section.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a mechanism for fastening the cover of a vacuum sealing machine, which comprises an upper-cover top cap, an upper-cover bottom cap, a base, a handle, a rotating shaft and a locking mechanism. Said upper-cover top cap and said upper-cover bottom cap are fixedly connected to form an upper cover; said handle passes through said upper-cover top cap; the lower end of said handle is fixedly connected with the rotating shaft; the two ends of said rotating shaft are respectively fixedly connected with said locking mechanism; and said upper-cover bottom cap is provided with a bracket for supporting said rotating shaft. The utility model reduces the force required by the handle through the handle and the locking mechanism to fulfill the aim of saving labor.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar has a controlled heating on its threaded end (or other engagement portion for engaging a coupler), which extends beyond the threads, and provides improved mechanical properties at the end. The heating may be a controlled heating that case hardens the threaded end, including heating of an unthreaded portion beyond the threaded portion. The heating may be done in multiple steps, for example with a heating/hardening, follow by cooling, a reheating for tempering, and a recooling. The bar end may be threaded into a coupler or splice, with the heated end extending axially beyond (outside of) the coupler. Regions of the reinforcing bar beyond the heated end may be untreated, and therefore weaker than the thermally-treated bar end. The resulting coupling or splice may therefore be able to achieve bar break (failure at a location in the bulk of the bar, away from the coupler).

Abstract: A bollard apparatus for use as a vehicle barrier including one or more bollard members, and one or more separate foot members each adapted for ground engagement by placement upon (or shallow-mount embedment within) a ground or floor surface. To each of the foot members is fixed at least one bollard member upstanding therefrom. At least one collar member is positioned within a respective through-opening in a respective foot member wherein the collar member is fixed to the base end of a bollard member and circumscribes the bollard member thereat. The collar member is upstanding from the surface of foot member from which the bollard number is also upstanding.

Abstract: A thermic torpedo for preparing and delivering reinstatement materials has an internal chamber defining at least one compartment for containing graded aggregate and a second compartment for containing a stabilising agent, an external skin for insulating the contents of said internal chamber, a cap or lid for securely containing the contents of the torpedo in which is located at least one telescopic probe which can be driven through the compartments to heat and/or mix the contents thereof and at least one aperture through which the reinstatement materials may be expelled for delivery to a work site.

Abstract: A pontoon boat lift features tanks adjacent opposite sides thereof with upper walls slopes upwardly in a laterally outward direction. In lowered positions of the tanks, top ends of the sloped walls remain above water for visual and physical guidance of the pontoon boat into a position placing pontoons thereof between the outwardly sloped walls and over submerged portions of the lowered tanks, thereby allowing subsequent seating of the pontoons on said sloped walls during raising of the air tanks to lift the pontoons from the water. Buoyancy control for raising and lowering of the tank is effected by controlling air and water content thereof. The tanks are arranged to trap sufficient air therein to keep the lift buoyant to prevent sinking without using legs to support the boat lift on the sea, lake or river bed. The lift is adjustable in width and length for boats of varying size.

Abstract: In various embodiments, lined underground reservoirs and/or insulated pipeline vessels are utilized for storage of compressed fluid in conjunction with energy storage and recovery systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a tower (30) intended to protrude along a tower axis (B-B?) in a floating laying structure (10) and assemblies (34A, 34B) for gripping and moving the pipe (12) in order to guide the movement of the pipe (12) towards the expanse of water (11) along a laying axis (C-C?). Each gripping and moving assembly (34A, 34B) is borne by the tower (30). The tower (30) is formed by a barrel (32) extending along the tower axis (B-B?), said or each gripping assembly transversely protruding from the barrel (32) relatively to the tower axis (B-B?).

Abstract: An enhanced riser control system may employ electrical tensioners coupled to a drilling riser by wires. The electrical tensioners may provide quick response to a tension controller to handle positioning of the drilling riser. The electrical tensioners of the enhanced riser control system may be combined with hydro-pneumatic tensioners in a riser hybrid tensioning system. A controller within the enhanced riser control system may be configured to distribute tension to electrical tensioners and to control electrical tensioners to adjust the length of the first and second wires. The electrical tensioners may be used, for example, to suppress vortex-induced-vibration (VIV) and control drilling riser recoil.

Abstract: A top-tensioned riser (TTR) is supported by a tensioning system on the deck of a floating platform. The tension ring may include an elastomeric layer which permits small angular and lateral displacements of the tension joint. The tension joint comprises a tapered section to resist the bending moment and shear imposed by the vessel's motion. The riser tension joint may be supported laterally by rollers below the tension ring. The rollers react on the tapered section when the riser strokes up and down. The tapered section may be engineered to maximize the use of the tension joint, and to reduce bending moment and shear loads imposed on the tensioning system. In certain embodiments, there may be a small gap between the rollers and the tapered section. In certain other embodiments, the rollers may be spring-loaded to increase the stability of surface equipment on the upper terminus of the riser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rock bolt comprising an elongate shaft extending between opposite leading and trailing ends and a deformed section disposed proximal to the leading end, the deformed section being configured such that a protrusion extends outwardly beyond an outer surface of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention discloses a containment module applicable as an auxiliary containment element for the execution and maintenance of cuts, fills, walls, etc., and more generally for the construction of several types of civil works; the module is essentially L-shaped having a long section and a short section substantially forming a right angle, the connection between them being reinforced by means of a bevel, and where the base of the long section is rough for increasing the friction with the soil.

Abstract: A soil reinforcement system including angled soil reinforcement elements to resist seismic shear forces and methods of making same are disclosed. For example, the soil reinforcement system includes an array or grid of angled soil reinforcement elements installed within the ground, wherein the angled reinforcement elements are designed to absorb and/or resist earthquake-induced seismic shear forces by transferring the applied shear forces into axial compressive and tensile forces within each of the angled reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A large scale geotextile tube includes a plurality of shelves that extend across the width of the geotextile tube with each shelf formed of a web of geogrid material or geocell material. As one moves from the bottom of the geotextile tube to the top of the geotextile tube, the width of each shelf decreases. The geotextile tube can be surrounded by an envelope formed of geogrid material.

Abstract: A method for acquiring multiple images of objects, the method includes: longitudinally transferring objects through multiple tunnels of a first, second third and fourth longitudinal transferors to first, second and fourth imaging areas and rotating the object about their longitudinal axis between imaging areas; acquiring images of first, second, third and fourth sides of the object at the first, second, third and fourth imaging areas respectively; wherein at least one longitudinal transferor has a movable portion that when placed in a certain position exposes at least a substantial portion of at least one tunnel.

Abstract: A portable storage tank for use with a vacuum truck for the collection and discharge of a waste particulate material which includes a storage tank, waste collection and discharge assemblies and an air pump assembly. The air pump assembly is operable to induce negative and positive pressures within the storage tank. The collection assembly includes a vacuum inlet for fluid flow between the vacuum inlet and the storage tank inlet during air pump operation to induce said negative pressure. The waste discharge assembly includes a discharge conduit for conveying a pressurized fluid flow and entrained collected material from a tank materials outlet to an outlet end while the air pump assembly is operated to induce a positive pressure.

Abstract: A method and a system. The system includes a substantially horizontal space adapted to receive objects but prevent objects from being piled one over the other; multiple tunnels and multiple gas openings configured to convey a gas pressure that induces objects to enter the tunnels.

Abstract: In a rotary cutting tool used for milling operations, a reversible indexable cutting insert is removably secured in a cutting body. The cutting insert has two opposing end surfaces interconnected by a continuous peripheral surface, including three side surfaces alternating with three corner surfaces. The side and corner surfaces intersect with both end surfaces at side and corner edges, respectively, with each side edge having a major cutting edge, and each corner edge having a corner and minor cutting edge. Each major and minor cutting edge slopes away from first and second end points, respectively, of its mutually associated corner cutting edge, towards a median plane. A first imaginary straight line extending perpendicular to the median plane and intersecting any one of the corner cutting edges at any point along its length except the second end point, passes through the median plane inside an insert boundary line.

Abstract: A milling insert and a milling tool for the milling of a slot in a work piece. The milling insert includes an under side, an opposite upper side that forms a chip surface and is parallel to an extension plane, and an edge side disposed between the upper side and the under side. A cutting edge, which extends between the edge side and the chip surface, has a primary main cutting edge, a secondary main cutting edge, and an end cutting edge. The end cutting edge connects the primary main cutting edge and the secondary main cutting edge and borders on the primary main cutting edge at a primary transition point and on the secondary main cutting edge at a secondary transition point. A normal to the extension plane of the chip surface forms an acute clearance angle with the edge side along the cutting edge. The end cutting edge is curved from the primary transition point to the secondary transition point.

Abstract: A milling insert having an upper side, an under side, a clearance face disposed between the upper and under side, and at least one cutting edge that includes two main edges, which converge toward a nose edge. The cutting edge is formed between two ground part surfaces situated on both sides of a cutting edge line, by on one hand, a primary clearance surface, which is included in the clearance face and is off-plane from a lower, secondary clearance surface, and, on the other hand, a peripheral chip surface, which is included in the upper side and situated on a higher level than a land disposed inside, and which is narrower than the primary clearance surface and has a width of at least 0.3 mm. The milling insert may advantageously be used in milling tools for gear hobbing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cutting insert comprising an upper and a lower surface and one or more edge surfaces which connect the upper surface and the lower surface together, wherein provided at the transition of at least one edge surface at least to the upper surface is at least one cutting edge, wherein the upper surface adjoining the cutting edge is in the form of a chip surface and the edge surface adjoining the cutting edge is in the form of a tool flank. To provide a cutting insert in which the chip break range is enlarged and the risk of damage to the cutting insert and/or the tool and/or the workpiece by coiling chips is reduced it is provided according to the invention that at least one recess is provided in the tool flank at a spacing from the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: In a precision machine tool wherein a spindle head 20 that is movable in the up and down direction is disposed on a column 14 disposed on a bed 10 and a water storage space for storing temperature-regulated cooling water is formed inside the column 14, the column 14 has, in a lower part thereof, intake ports 38a and 38b through which cooling water is led into the water storage space, the column 14 has, in an upper part thereof, a drain opening 40 through which a cooling water is led outside, and an air vent hole 49 through which air in the column is discharged is formed at a position higher than the drain opening 40.