Abstract: Methods and systems for heating an oxygen sensor. One system includes an oxygen sensor and controller. The oxygen sensor includes a heater and an electro-chemical measurement cell and a heater. The controller is coupled to the oxygen sensor and is configured to, for each of a plurality of stages of a regeneration process, determine a predetermined temperature for heating the oxygen sensor to, determine a predetermined internal resistance value of an electro-chemical measurement cell of the oxygen sensor associated with the predetermined temperature, apply a pulse-width-modulated signal to the heater, and monitor an internal resistance of the measurement cell while applying the pulse-width-modulated signal to the heater to determine when the internal resistance of the measurement cell reaches the predetermined internal resistance.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis sensor assembly comprising a housing member defining a sensor cartridge slot, a rotatable shaft with a magnet and retained in a sleeve, and a rotatable arm coupled to the shaft. A sensor cartridge is mounted in the slot through the interior of a connector socket and an opening between the slot and the connector socket. A plate on the sensor cartridge covers the opening. The sensor cartridge includes a terminal header and a separate board mounted to the terminal header. The board includes the sensor. Deformable posts on the terminal header and the sensor assembly extend through respective apertures in the board and the terminal header for securing the board and the sensor cartridge to the terminal header and the sensor assembly respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.

Abstract: Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow.

Abstract: A system for estimating a flow rate of an agrichemical includes a conduit delivering the agrichemical from a repository to an application in a field, and a flow meter connected in-line with the conduit. The flow meter provides an estimate of a flow rate of the agrichemical through the conduit.

Abstract: A microwave window for the spatial, pressure-impervious and diffusion-impervious separation and microwave connection of a first space from/to a second space, and a level-measuring system that works according to the radar principle, is provided with a barrier that has two opposite sides and is at least partially permeable to microwaves. To provide a microwave window that makes possible a reliable sealing of a process space and exact measurement, the microwave window has the barrier designed as a disk on at least one side of which at least one plano-convex dielectric lens, which has an essentially homogenous body.

Abstract: A time-domain inertial sensor comprising: a support structure having an electrode plane parallel to an x-y plane of an x-y-z mutually orthogonal coordinate system, wherein the support structure's largest dimension lies within the x-y plane; a proof mass having a first surface parallel to the x-y plane; wherein the proof mass is springedly coupled to the support structure such that the first surface is separated from the electrode plane by a gap; a driver configured to drive the proof mass to oscillate with respect to the support structure in approximately only the x-direction such that, while oscillating, the gap does not vary significantly; and a first, time-domain, proximity switch disposed to switch from an open state to a closed state each time the proof mass is in a first reference position with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: An angular acceleration detection device includes a rotating weight, a fixed portion, a support beam, and a detection portion. The rotating weight is rotatable about a Z-axis with respect to the fixed portion by action of an inertial force generated by an angular acceleration about the Z-axis. The fixed portion is disposed at a position spaced from the rotating weight. The support beam is disposed in an X-Y plane between the fixed portion and the rotating weight, the support beam elastically supporting the rotating weight with respect to the fixed portion. The detection portion outputs a detection signal corresponding to stress generated in the support beam. A gravity center position of the rotating weight is aligned with the support beam when viewed in a Z-axis direction.

Abstract: Provided is a technology capable of preventing arithmetic operation accuracy from deteriorating even when a bipolar transistor used to form a Gilbert multiplier core has poor characteristics. A correction current generating circuit (3) uses a constant current source (301) to feed a constant current I0 to an emitter of a bipolar transistor (Q7) being a first replica transistor having the same current gain ? as bipolar transistors (Q1 to Q4) that form the Gilbert multiplier core (101), to generate a current of ?·I0 on a collector side thereof. The current is output as a correction current ?·I0, and is added to each of one of input signals (±K1·Vy) of the Gilbert multiplier core (101) as a bias current, to thereby eliminate influence of the current gain ? on an output signal being a multiplication result.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor including a drive extension mode. In one aspect, an angular rate sensor includes a base and at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to the base, the masses having a center of mass. At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass. At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor. Additional embodiments can include a linkage that constrains the masses to move in the extension mode.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for determining whether a structure of bonded layers includes locations where the layers are weakly bonded. Embodiments include evaluating the frequency response of the structure in response to vibrational inputs. Alternate embodiments include evaluating the non-linear response of the structure using a modal analysis. Further embodiments include obtaining the vibrational information with an accelerometer contacting the structure, while additional embodiments include exciting the structure with an impact force, which may be applied at multiple locations on the structure's surface. Still further embodiments include performing a MAC, COMAC, and/or FRF analysis. Still other embodiments include varying the amplitude of the input vibration. Additional embodiments locate the areas of weakened bonding. Still other embodiments include methods and apparatuses for simulating a laminated structure with defective bonding, such as kiss bonding.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) comprising: a ceramic wear surface disposed about a first aperture of an EMAT tip portion, a transducing coil means disposed within a volume of the EMAT tip portion; where at least one magnet and an insulative surface may be interposed between the ceramic wear surface and the insulative structure. Optionally, a signal transmitting means may be configured to conduct a signal from the transmitting coil means via a second aperture of the tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an array of piezoelectric elements, a flexible substrate connected to the array of piezoelectric elements, and an organic circuit system formed on the flexible substrate and connected to the array of piezoelectric elements. The flexible substrate is configured to substantially conform to a surface of a test object. The organic circuit system is configured to cause the array of piezoelectric elements to send sound signals into the test object.

Abstract: A displacement sensor for sensing the displacement of a movable component of a device is provided. A flexible element of the displacement sensor includes a mounting portion mounted to the device and a coupling portion spaced apart from the mounting portion. A displacement conversion mechanism is coupled to the movable component and is further coupled to the coupling portion of the flexible element. The displacement conversion mechanism is configured to convert a larger displacement of the movable component into a smaller displacement of the coupling portion of the flexible element. The flexible element is arranged such that a displacement at the coupling portion causes the flexible element to bend.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensor is used as a strain sensing element to determine frame foot loading of a generator. Three FBGs may be used in tandem to form a basic Frame Foot Loading Module (FFL Module). Two modules are fixed on each vertical support gusset at the corner of the generator frame, with one module on the front of the gusset and a second module on the back of the gusset. Thus, each gusset may be instrumented with six FBG strain gauges or sensors. The gussets are chosen on each of the four corners of the generator. For two-pole generators the first three gussets at each corner may be used and, for four-pole generators the first four gussets may be used.

Abstract: An electromagnetic speedometer for a boat having hull containing an opening includes an electromagnetic coil supported by the hull for establishing an electromagnetic field in the water adjacent the hull opening. A plurality of electrodes are supported by an arrangement that both closes the hull opening and supports the electrodes in engagement with the water adjacent the hull opening. The electrodes are connected by conductors with a velocity measuring circuit arranged above the hull interior surface. Preferably, the electrode support arrangement includes guide tubes supporting the electrodes for removal relative to the boat hull, thereby to permit cleaning of the electrodes. The guide tubes are closed by valves when the electrodes are removed from the assembly. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is of the end-fired type, and in another embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is annular and is arranged above and below the hull.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a supporting member, a pressure sensor, a force transmission member, and a limiting member. The supporting member includes a receiving portion and a mounting portion protruding from an end of the receiving portion. The pressure sensor is fixedly received in the receiving portion of the supporting member. The force transmission member includes a main body received in the mounting portion, a transmission portion and an assembly portion protruding from opposite ends of the main body, the transmission portion fixedly extending through the pressure sensor. The limiting member extends through the assembly portion and is fixedly connected to the mounting portion of the supporting member, thereby preventing the force transmission member from rotating. The assembly portion of the force transmission member protrudes from the supporting member, and abuts against an end of the supporting member.

Abstract: The force calculation system of the present invention is provided with: an air blowing unit for blowing air at a predetermined pressure; a flow passage for air blown from air blowing unit; a sensing unit for changing the ease of flow of air that flows through a flow passage by deforming when an external force is given; a storage unit for storing in advance the flow volume-force correspondence information showing the correspondence between the magnitude of the force received by the sensing unit and the flow volume at which air blown from air blowing unit flows through the flow passage; and a processing unit for calculating the magnitude of external force received by the sensing unit, on the basis of the flow volume of air flowing through the flow passage as measured by a flow volume meter; and the flow volume-force correspondence information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a user's cleaning activity, comprising a squeezable housing and a sensor housed within the housing, wherein the sensor is configured to sense at least pressure exerted to the monitoring device by the user during the cleaning activity.

Abstract: On the one hand the invention relates to a distribution apparatus 41 for hand held distribution of fluid samples with a data carrier and a first communication interface. On the other hand it concerns a positioning device 21 comprising a first holder 23 adapted for holding the distribution apparatus 41, a second holder 25 adapted for holding a target container 63, an actuator for effecting a relative movement of the first and the second holder 23, 25, and a second communication interface. These two components are part of a sample distribution system 11 which is also subject matter of the invention, including its use in a process for sample distribution. A relevant aspect of the invention is that the data carrier of the distribution apparatus contains information determining the operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A method and system for locating subsurface ore bodies. Samples of near surface soil are collected over a predetermined geographical area. The samples are analysed to discover any chemical anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying possible subcropping mineralization. A tine (22) and collection tube (24) engage into subsurface soil and samples are drawn up the tube into a dust collection module (12). Sub 5 micron particles are captured on an electrostatically charged tape (40). Consecutive samples are indexed on the tape e.g. with a barcode. Collected dust samples are ablated by a laser ablation cell (72) and the ablated sample analysed by a mass spectrometer for presence of ions indicating presence of a resource body, such as a body of ore, minerals or hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of collecting a urine sample including appropriately locating hydrophobic sand with respect to the urine sample. Use of the hydrophobic sand including providing a barrier in the form of at least one layer of the sand; and collecting a urine sample by appropriately locating the sand with respect to the urine.

Abstract: A method of simulating non-destructive testing with the aid of at least one probe. The method comprises the steps of measuring inspection parameters, in particular related to the position of the probe in space and generating synthetic signals corresponding to a non-destructive testing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering and raising a pick arm is disclosed herein. An example of the apparatus includes a shuttle assembly having a first direction of movement and a second direction of movement, and a lift assembly rotatably coupled to the shuttle assembly. The apparatus additionally includes a cam coupled to the lift assembly to transform rotary motion of the lift assembly into substantially linear motion that allows the pick arm to lower as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly in the first direction and that raises the pick arm as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly in the second direction. Other components and attributes of the apparatus are also disclosed herein, as are additionally examples of the apparatus. A method of lowering and raising the pick arm is further disclosed herein.

Abstract: A ball-screw assembly isolator is provided, and includes a housing; a ball-screw, a bearing assembly, a retaining member, a first compressible member and a second compressible member. The bearing assembly is located between the housing and the ball-screw. The bearing assembly includes an outer race. The retaining member is secured by the housing. The first compressible member is positioned between the housing and the outer race. The second compressible member is positioned between the outer race and the retaining member. The retaining member is configured to be preloaded to exert an axial force upon the first compressible member and the second compressible member.

Abstract: In a wave gear device, similarity-curve tooth profiles BC and AC are adopted as addendum tooth profile shapes for gears, the tooth profiles being derived from a movement trajectory M1 of an external tooth of a flexible externally toothed gear having zero deviation (?=1), in relation to an internal tooth at a main cross-section. Profile shifting is performed on the external tooth along the tooth trace for a movement trajectory M3 of the external tooth to share a bottom portion with the movement trajectory M1 at the main cross-section from the main cross-section to an inner edge. Profile shifting is performed on the external tooth along the tooth trace for the movement trajectory of the straight-line tooth-profile portion of the external tooth from the main cross-section to the outer edge to be consistent with the movement trajectory of the straight-line tooth-profile portion of the main cross-section.

Abstract: A unit type wave gear device (1) has a unit housing (2), one end of which is defined by a two-stage cross roller bearing (7). The two-stage cross roller bearing (7) has: an inner cross roller bearing formed by an inner ring (13), an intermediate ring (12), and inner rollers (17) inserted into an inner track (16); and has an outer cross roller bearing formed by an outer ring (11), the intermediate ring (12), and outer rollers (15) inserted into an outer track (14). A flexible externally-toothed gear (22) affixed to the intermediate ring (12) is rotatably supported by the unit housing (2) via the outer cross roller bearing. An input shaft (4) affixed to the inner ring (13) and a wave generator (23) affixed to the input shaft (4) are rotatably supported by the intermediate ring (12) via the inner cross roller bearing. A unit type wave gear device can be realized in which the number of components are reduced and a large moment load is applied.

Abstract: An analyser is disclosed for optical analysis of a biological specimen. In at least one embodiment, the analyzer includes optics which includes a camera, intermediate optics and front optics. The intermediate optics is movably arranged and the front optics is fixedly arranged. An analyser for optical analysis of a biological specimen, in at least one embodiment includes a robot for transporting a slide to be analysed. The robot is controlled by at least three motors to allow movement of the robot in three dimensions. The robot includes a handling device configured to grip the slide.

Abstract: In a multi-joint robot (1) including a first arm member (A1) providing a U-shaped portion (10) composed of two protrusion units (11, 12) parallel with each other, and including a second arm member (A2) connected to two protrusion units of the U-shaped portion so as to be rotated and such that both sides of the second arm member are supported by two protrusion units, the first arm member is formed by two half form portions (31, 32) that are divided between the two protrusion units of the U-shaped portion and are divided on a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of the second arm member. Moreover, the first arm member includes a coupling unit (45a, 45b) for coupling two half form portions to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. By the steering column, a manipulation convenience of the driver can be increased by performing a tilting or telescoping operation by using a pressure of air or oil without using an adjusting lever. Further, the number of components and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced by easily adjusting an operating force of the actuator using a pressure of air or oil and an operating force of the lever according to the type of the vehicle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control cable having an outer casing provided with helically twisted metallic wires. The outer casing is light-weight, has a satisfactory buckling resistance, and can suspend generation of a vibrational noise. A control cable (1) is provided with an outer casing (2) and an inner cable (3). The outer casing (2) is provided with a liner (21), a plurality of wires (22) helically twisted around the liner (21), and a covering layer (23) formed on an outer side of the wires (22) in a radial direction of the outer casing (2). The material of the wires (22) is an aluminum alloy, and the pitch of the wires (22) is 10 to 35 times an outer diameter of a shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control panel (4) that has a front plate (2) and a rear plate (3) adjacent to each other placed one in front of the other, a knob hole (5) that is located on the control panel (4), a retractable and rotary knob (6) that moves inside the knob hole (5) and a bearing (7) that is disposed into the knob hole (5) and supports the knob (6) so that the knob (6) slidably move therein by surrounding the knob (6), and wherein the knob (6) is provided to operate silently inside the bearing (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control panel (2), a push-pull type and rotary knob (3) which is disposed to the control panel (2), a casing (5) which is produced from plastic, fixed to the back side of the control panel (2) and which forms a housing for the knob (3), and which has a cylindrical side wall (4), more than one light source (8) which provides the periphery of the knob (3) to be illuminated by emitting light, a printed circuit board (9) whereon the light sources (8) are integrated and a light guide (14) which transmits the light received from the light sources (8) to the periphery of the knob (3).

Abstract: A pendulum absorber assembly for a torque converter including a first spring retainer, a second spring retainer, and a floating flange positioned between the first spring retainer and the second spring retainer. The pendulum absorber assembly also includes a drive plate affixed to the floating flange, a plurality of arcuate springs disposed between the second spring retainer and the drive plate, and a plurality of pendulum weights affixed to the second spring retainer, wherein at least one of the pendulum weights is made of tungsten alloy.

Abstract: A right crank arm assembly for a bicycle, comprises a right crank arm, a first annular element directly coupled with said crank arm at at least one first coupling portion of said first annular element and at least one second annular element coupled with said crank arm and of a smaller size than said first annular element. The first annular element comprises a toothing that extends radially towards the outside along a primitive circumference having a predetermined diameter. Said at least one first coupling portion is entirely contained in a first area extending radially towards the outside starting from an ideal circumference having a diameter at least equal to ? of said predetermined diameter. Such an annular element constitutes the front sprocket of the crank arm assembly of the present invention and consists of a simple toothed band. Such a front sprocket is particularly light in weight.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a crank arm that includes a first outer shell, a second outer shell, and a pedal attachment structure. The first outer shell is a one-piece, pressed sheet metal member with the projecting part being a bent portion that defines the first pedal axle opening. The first outer shell has a projecting part projecting from the first outer shell in an axial direction. The first and second outer shells are adhesively attached together to form an interior cavity. The pedal attachment structure includes an abutment face with a recess formed in the abutment face such that the abutment face contacts the first outer shell adjacent the first pedal axle opening and the projecting part of the first outer shell is disposed in the recess of the pedal attachment structure.

Abstract: A crankset comprises an axle assembly, a drive-side crankarm, and a non-drive crankarm. The drive-side crankarm is attached at a first end portion thereof to a first end portion of the axle assembly. The non-drive crankarm is attached at a first end portion thereof to a second end portion of the axle assembly. Each one of the crankarms has a plurality of longitudinal holes therein extending between the first and second end portions thereof. The longitudinal holes each extend through an end face of a respective one of the crankarms at the first end portion thereof. The drive-side crankarm is bent inwardly toward the second end portion of the axle assembly after the longitudinal holes are formed therein. Only one of the longitudinal holes of the drive-side crankarm intersects an axle fastener engagement hole that extends through the first end portion of the drive-side crankarm.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission input element, a transmission output element and a gear ratio changing system in a torque path between the transmission input element and the transmission output element. A torsional vibration damping arrangement with an input region and an output region is provided in the torque path. A first torque transmission path and, parallel thereto, a second torque transmission path, and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths, are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement includes a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous reactor a method for manufacturing nanoparticles. The reactor of the present invention includes: a plurality of first inputs for individually inputting a plurality of reagents; a first mixing part connected to the first inputs to mix the reagents; N number of first reaction units, each comprising a plurality of first diverging channels and a first converging channel to form a channel having the first diverging channels and the first converging channels alternately connected to one another in series for N times of diverging-converging actions, wherein N?1, and the first diverging channels of a 1st one of the first reaction units are connected to the first mixing part; and a first output connected to the first converging channel of an Nth one of the first reaction units, so as to output a product of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A process for recovering hard material particles which are present in a residue quantity, which is in a free-flowing or pourable form, of a hard metal which has a matrix consisting of a steel, nickel or a nickel alloy, in which the hard material particles are embedded, comprising the following production steps: pouring the residue quantity into an acid bath which contains a strong acid having a pKa value measured at room temperature of <4, adding an oxidant to the acid bath, wherein by adding the oxidant or the acid a redox potential of the acid bath is set which is within a desired range of 300-800 mV, dissolving the matrix of the residue quantity, and depositing of the hard material particles contained in the acid bath after dissolving the matrix.

Abstract: A device and method for removing impurities in aluminum melt. The device comprises an upper furnace body, a lower furnace body, an intermediate partition plate, a crucible, heating elements and a charging opening. The intermediate partition plate is mounted between the upper furnace body and the lower furnace body. The upper furnace body, a mixing chamber and the heating element are above the intermediate partition plate. The crucible is amounted in the lower furnace body. The heating element is provided around the lower furnace body. The lower furnace body is provided with the charging opening and a pipeline. The upper furnace body is provided with an inlet valve and an exhaust valve. The mixing chamber and the crucible are connected by a jet pipe passing through the intermediate partition plate. A ceramic seal pad is used for sealing between the mixing chamber and the jet pipe.

Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods are described herein that provide an effective inert blanket over a metal surface (hot solid (charge) metal or molten metal) in a container such as an induction furnace. The system includes a container of metal and a system configured to delivery biphasic inert cryogen toward the metal. The delivery system may include a lance disposed at the top of the container. The lance has a hood that directs both a flow of liquid cryogen and a flow of vaporous gas toward the metal surface. The liquid cryogen contacts the metal surface, generating a volume of expanding gas over the metal surface. The vaporous cryogen creates a reinforcing vapor that slows the expansion rate of the expanding gas, localizing the expanding gas over the metal surface.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head and a handle. The head is assembled with a switch member and an active mechanism which provides a ratchet function. The switch member is switched to selectively engage the active mechanism, so that the active mechanism may be fixed or be rotatable to achieve the ratchet function. Therefore, the wrench is provided with the function of ratchet which makes the wrench easy to use and with the function of fixing which makes the structure strength of the wrench strengthened. Conveniency of using wrench is improved.

Abstract: A pliers includes a first member having a first head and a first handle. The first handle has an enlarged end portion and a grip area adjacent the enlarged end portion. At least a portion of the grip area has a smaller cross-sectional area than the enlarged end portion to define a rear lip located at an interface between the grip area and the enlarged end portion. The pliers also includes a first grip having a first open end and a second open end. The first grip is positioned on the grip area of the first handle. The first handle extends through the first open end and the second open end such that the rear lip of the first handle retains the second grip on the grip area of the first handle.

Abstract: A torque-indicating wrench includes a handle, a strain gauge, a lever, a head and a driving mechanism. The strain gauge is placed in the handle. The lever including a first end inserted in and pivotally connected to the handle and abutted against the strain gauge and a second end placed out of the handle. The head includes a tubular portion non-pivotally placed around and on the handle. The driving mechanism includes a bit-rotating element pivotally placed in the head and formed with a crank pivotally connected to the second end of the lever.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a holding member is connected to the front end of the handle. A first part is connected to one end of the holding member and is connected to a second part connected to the front end of the handle. The first part has a first recess defined transversely therethrough. A second recess and a third recess are respectively in one side of the first part and communicate with the first recess. The second recess is located between the first and third recesses. A control unit has two pins which are movably cooperated with the first, second and the third recesses. The second pin is connected to the first pin. When pushing the first pin toward the second pin, the first part is shifted from the second part so that a blade is inserted into or removed from the first and second parts.

Abstract: Methods suitable for producing textured surfaces in surfaces of objects, by which the methods are able to achieve a desired three-dimensional surface topography and optionally a desired subsurface microstructure through the use of a controlled modulation machining technique. The methods include selecting a predetermined surface texture for a surface of a body, and then imposing a superimposed sinusoidal feed-modulation on a cutting tool so as to move the cutting tool in a feed direction relative to the body while machining the body with the cutting tool and generating a machined surface of the body. The surface texture of the machined surface is intentionally controlled by at least the modulation amplitude and the modulation frequency of the superimposed sinusoidal feed-modulation.

Abstract: A method and device for cutting a pleat-folded web material into a plurality of pleat-folded towelettes. A cutting station has one or more rotary knives that rotates axially and carry a one or more blades having a non-linear, typically curved, cutting edge. The pleat-folded web passes continuously through the cutting station in a direction transverse to the axis of the rotary knife, and is severed into units of pleat-folded towelettes by the cutting edge of the rotary knife at a predetermined length.

Abstract: A band saw has a blade tension adjustment to permit the blade tension to be reduced during times when the saw will not be used for a time. A sensor is connected to the blade tension adjustment. The sensor inhibits saw operation if the tension adjustment is set to a reduced tension setting. The sensor enables the saw operation if the tension adjustment is set to a full operating tension setting.