Abstract: A pressure sensor device has a sensor detecting pressure of a gas that is introduced from the outside, a heater for heating the sensor, a package containing the sensor and the heater, a circuit portion producing an output signal that represents the pressure of the gas based on the detection output detected by the sensor, and a circuit containing portion containing the circuit portion. The package and the circuit containing portion are structured from separate cases and are disposed separately with a connecting structural member interposed therebetween. The connecting structural member 90 includes electrode lead pins connecting between the sensor within the package and the circuit portion within the circuit containing portion, insulated pipes for covering the outer peripheries of the electrode lead pins, and coil springs covering the outer peripheries of the insulated pipes.

Abstract: Provided are an electrode device, a pressure sensor and an electronic pressure meter. The electrode device may comprise: an electrode portion; and an elastically deformable portion arranged on a radial peripheral of the electrode portion. The electrode portion is integrated with the elastically deformable portion such that when a force is applied to the electrode device, the elastically deformable portion can be deformed correspondingly and the electrode portion can be displaced axially.

Abstract: A wind turbine is proposed which has a plurality of construction sections each having at least one connection region for connecting at least two construction sections to one another, a plurality of fasteners to fasten at least two connection regions of two construction sections to one another, and an identifier for each fastener to distinguish it from other fasteners. A testing device to test the fasteners of a construction section of a wind turbine having a tool section for tightening and/or retightening the fasteners to obtain a desired tightness and/or to test the fasteners with regard to tightness, and a detection unit for detecting an identifier of each fastener.

Abstract: System and method for manufacturing an apparatus for measuring shear strength and viscosity of sediments that extends both the maximum rotational rate attainable and the maximum torque sustainable, and includes a high data acquisition rate and data storage. The apparatus can accurately measure, for example, but not limited to, peak, evolution, and residual values of the undrained shear strength, yield, and viscous and plastic flow (including hardening and softening) characteristics of cohesive sediments at various pre-set and variable values of the rotational velocity of the vane sensor.

Abstract: System and method for using an apparatus for measuring shear strength and viscosity of sediments that extend both the maximum rotational rate attainable and the maximum torque sustainable, and include a high data acquisition rate and data storage. The apparatus can accurately measure, for example, but not limited to, peak, evolution, and residual values of the undrained shear strength, yield, and viscous and plastic flow (including hardening and softening) characteristics of cohesive sediments at various pre-set and variable values of the rotational velocity of the vane sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of a specimen. The apparatus can accurately measure, for example, but not limited to, peak, evolution, and residual values of the undrained shear strength, yield, and viscous and plastic flow (including hardening and softening) characteristics of cohesive sediments at various pre-set and variable values of the rotational velocity of the vane sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a refractory material to a surface by inserting a nozzle and a neck of a welding gun through a channel in a refractory material, positioning the refractory material on the surface using the welding gun, firmly pushing the welding gun into the channel of the refractory material until the nozzle of the welding gun, an anchor embedded in the refractory material and the surface are in contact, welding the anchor of the refractory material to the surface with the welding gun, and removing the nozzle and the neck of the welding gun from the channel in the refractory material.

Abstract: A measuring device and system for measuring physical properties of individual fluids in a multiphase flow flowing through a pipe includes a measuring section with at least two separate and elongate chambers that are formed by at least one longitudinal barrier, at least one of the chambers including a system for measuring the physical properties of the multiphase flow that flows through the chambers. The measuring device is characterized in that the internal diameter of the pipe is smaller at the location in which the measuring section is positioned, in that there is a constriction in the inner pipe wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A technique for actively damping internal vibrations in a scanning probe microscope is disclosed. The excitation of various mechanical movements, including resonances, in the mechanical assembly of an SPM can adversely effect its performance, especially for high speed applications. An actuator is used to compensate for the movements. The actuator may operate in only the z direction, or may operate in other directions. The actuator(s) may be located at positions of antinodes.

Abstract: A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.

Abstract: In an operation amount detecting apparatus, a brake pedal is coupled with an operation rod by a coupling shaft, respective end portions of an elastic member are supported at support positions of a brake pedal by support shafts, the brake pedal is away in a direction orthogonal to an axis line direction of an operation rod with respect to the coupling shaft, an intermediate portion of the elastic member is relatively displaceably coupled by the coupling shaft and a coupling hole, and the elastic member is disposed with output strain sensors which detect an elastic deformation amount of the elastic member and output the elastic deformation amount as a brake operation amount.

Abstract: An environmental testing and monitoring system uses a sampler to hold resin or other adsorbent for contaminants and pollutants uptake from water or air, and preferably includes remote real-time sensors that detect and transmit physical and/or chemical data by wireless or wired telemetry and GPS systems. The sampler and sensors may be attached to a fixed or floating buoy system that is capable of solar charging or may be affixed to other supports to allow precise placement in, and easy retrieval from, various structures and environments including fresh and saltwater, soil and sediment, water and sludge pipes and vessels, air, and gaseous streams and emissions. Time-measured, mass-balanced data sets may be achieved from the extended-time-accumulated values from the resin/adsorbent sampler left in place for an extended time, and preferably from the real-time sensors that transmit a steady stream of information throughout said extended time.

Abstract: Two new sample cells for use with a new nanocomposite material process system are described. A new computer automated processing system incorporates integrated impedance spectroscopy sensing and electric directed morphology, particularly for use with new nanocomposite materials. The two new mold and sensor cells solve the problem of sample deformation during curing by adding a vented cavity behind the electrodes; and, the problem of air entrapment and bubble formation in a sample by providing a channel for injecting the sample from top to bottom.

Abstract: A dew formation testing device has an adjustment tank capable of adjusting the temperature and humidity of air to predetermined temperature and humidity, a testing tank installed separately from the adjustment tank and having a sample base that has a mounting surface, onto which a testing sample W can be placed, and that is capable to cool the mounting surface, and ducts that link the adjustment unit and the testing tank. The testing tank is provided with an air guide member that, when air flowing into the testing tank through the duct flows onto the sample base from a side of the sample base, guides the air in the direction tilted downward at a predetermined angle, the guidance being performed at a position right above the sample base at an end thereof which is on the upstream side of the air flow.

Abstract: A reciprocating pedal transmission for a pedal-powered vehicle. Two pedals are selectively connected to a driveshaft by one way clutches. A reversing gear mechanism forces the non-pushing pedal to travel in a direction which is opposite to the direction of the pushing pedal. The non-pushing pedal may also be used to input force (a pulling force) if desired. The arcuate range of motion is infinitely variable. The user may reverse the pedal travel at any time using only the forces applied by the feet.

Abstract: A push-pull chain actuator (1) comprises a housing with a chain exit/entry opening (4) and a sprocket (2) arranged to engage a push-pull chain (3). The sprocket (2) causes the polygon effect. The actuator comprises a first chain guide part (10a) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) around the sprocket (2) and a second chain guide part (10b) for guiding said push-pull chain (3) at the correct angle between the chain exit/entry opening (4) and the sprocket (2). The second chain guide part (10b) is shaped as a meandering path to counteract the polygon effect. Alternatively, the second chain guide part (10b) can be shaped and dimensioned to reduce chain oscillations caused by the rollers (8c) engaging or disengaging the chain exit/entry opening (4) at the end of the second chain guide part (10b).

Abstract: A dual electromotive furniture drive has a housing with a drive motor, which is drive-coupled to a rotation speed reduction gear mechanism, which moves rotation-locked spindles longitudinally, wherein the rotation speed reduction gear mechanism and the spindles are arranged in the housing. An end switch limits the end positions of the spindles. A pressure piece is arranged on the spindles on the side facing away from the rotation speed reduction gear mechanism. The pressure piece is operatively connected to an adjusting element which is fixedly mounted on a moving furniture component. The spindles are inclined relative to the horizontal at an obtuse angle. The dual electromotive furniture drive is configured to adjust the back rest and/or the foot rest of a slatted frame. This design has a low parts count, and optimally transfers the internal forces, in particular through the housing walls.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a breakaway drive system that includes an actuator, an actuator breakaway, a shaft breakaway and a drive shaft. The actuator breakaway is operably connected to the actuator and is configured to rotate when the actuator is displaced. The shaft breakaway includes a breakaway mechanism for disengagingly connecting the actuator breakaway to the shaft breakaway. The shaft breakaway rotates in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are operably engaged and does not rotate in unison with the actuator breakaway when the shafts are disengaged. The drive shaft is operably connected to the shaft breakaway such that rotation of the shaft breakaway causes rotation of the drive shaft. An external force on the drive shaft that exceeds a threshold causes rotation of the shaft breakaway such that the breakaway mechanism disengages the shaft breakaway and the actuator breakaway.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes first, second, third and fourth meshing gear-pinion pairs. The transmission produces a first speed ratio through a power path that includes first and second input shafts, a gear coupler and the first, second and third gear-pinion pairs. The transmission also produces a second speed ratio through a power path that includes the second input shaft, the gear coupler and the second, third and fourth gear-pinion pairs.

Abstract: In a stepwise automatic transmission, a mass is concentrated in a longitudinal direction thereof. The stepwise automatic transmission includes an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with a rotation speed of the input shaft, first and second power transmission mechanisms, and a second clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with rotation speed of the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is disposed rearward of the input shaft. When the first clutch is connected, the first power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second clutch is provided on the intermediate shaft. When the second clutch is connected, the second power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the intermediate shaft to the output shaft. A front end of the second clutch is located forward of a rear end of the first clutch as viewed from an axial direction of the input shaft.

Abstract: An engagement mechanism amplifies an applied force to a lever by torque conversion about a rotation point to a higher reaction force that is applied to a master cylinder assembly for operation of a hydraulic clutch or brake system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial robot, having a multiple-axis robot arm, with a base, a carousel that is rotatably supported relative to the base in reference to an axis and a mechanical stop device provided to limit a rotary motion of the carousel relative to the base. The stop device has a slider situated on the base, with stops situated at its ends, a trailing stop situated in the slider and a drive dog situated on the carousel. The drive dog and the slider are designed so that the drive dog is introduced into the slider by a corresponding rotary motion of the carousel relative to the axis and pushes the trailing stop against the relative stop. The trailing stop includes a plastically deformable damping element, which is provided to brake the carousel due to a plastic deformation caused by the trailing stop being pushed against the relevant stop by the drive dog.

Abstract: A jointed arm has an upper arm member joined to a second shoulder member, a first forearm member joined to the upper arm member by a first bending and stretching mechanism, and a wrist member joined to the first forearm member by a second bending and stretching mechanism, the first forearm member has a first turning mechanism that rotates the second bending and stretching mechanism, a hand section is joined to the wrist member by a second turning mechanism, and the rotation axes of the first and second turning mechanisms are offset. The upper arm member has a housing recessed portion that houses part of the first forearm member, part of the first turning mechanism, and part of the second bending and stretching mechanism in a state in which the first forearm member bends toward the upper arm member and the wrist member bends toward the first forearm member.

Abstract: A spherical transmission joint has an input shaft connected to a driving source to rotate, an input link fixed to the input shaft to be rotated by the input shaft and having a bent shape, a coupler link rotatably mounted to a first rotary shaft mounted to the input link and having a bent shape, an output link rotatably mounted to a second rotary shaft mounted to the coupler link and having a bent shape, and an output shaft fixed to the output link. This spherical transmission joint for rotating power transmission of inclined shafts is widely used for transmission joints with certain gradients since a rotating angle between an input shaft and an output shaft is ranged wide.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly is provided, including a rack and a stepped gear. The rack has an array of rack teeth. The rack is moveable in a generally linear direction as an amount of force is exerted on the rack in the linear direction. The stepped gear includes an inner step and an outer step. One of the inner step and the outer step has a set of teeth. The set of teeth are meshed with the array of rack teeth. A center axis is oriented at about a center of the outer step. An axis of rotation is offset from the center axis of the stepped gear, and is configured to create a variable gear ratio between the set of teeth of the inner step or the outer step of the stepped gear and the array of rack teeth as the rack is moved in a linear direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a multiple piece shifter cable system. The cable pieces may each have a core section with a connector and a conduit section with a connector. The core connectors may be coupled together to connect the core sections of the cable pieces and the conduit connectors may be coupled together to connect the conduit sections of the cable pieces. When the conduit connectors are mated together the core connectors may automatically be mated together, and the core connectors may automatically be locked together as well. In at least some implementations, the conduit connectors may permit adjustment of the total length of the conduit during assembly, and a clamp may be provided to maintain the conduit connectors in a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A user control knob retention system includes a nut (20) which has a base (25). The base includes two opposing nut end faces (23a, 23b), and a threaded bore (21) aligned with a base central axis (29). A wall (27) extends transversely from a first one of the nut end faces. The wall defines an inner surface (42) which comprises a circular arc coaxial with the central axis. The wall extends at least partially around a circumference of the base to define a capture space (26). An insert (30) rotatably retained within the capture space includes a body having a cylindrical shape. A retention barb (34) disposed on an outer cylindrical surface of the insert is configured for engaging an interlocking element (54) formed on an interior bore (58) of a user control knob (50).

Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a drive plate configured to rotate integrally with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a center plate, a side plate, an elastic member for absorbing torque fluctuations, and a block member configured to be engaged with the drive plate and attached to the side plate, wherein the side plate includes plural accommodation portions accommodating the elastic member, and at least one of a recessed portion and a first window portion which are provided at a position corresponding to a position of the block member, and the block member is attached to a portion of the side plate between adjacent accommodation portions in a circumferential direction of the side plate.

Abstract: A torque tube includes a ring gear having a first axial end, a second axial end opposite the first axial end, an inner surface including a plurality of teeth, and an outer surface with a mating portion formed adjacent to the first axial end of the ring gear. The torque tube also includes a barrel portion joined to the second axial end of the ring gear at a radial location inward from a radial location of the mating portion. The barrel portion extends axially away from the ring gear.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing valve cover components includes a torque transfer tool that mates with an extending portion of the valve cover assembly and has a multi-faceted segment to receive a torque-supplying wrench. A hydraulically-actuated wrench has a head with a multi-faceted portion that engages the corresponding multi-faceted segment of the torque transfer tool. The wrench's hydraulic cylinder rotates the wrench head upon actuation. The multifaceted segments can be splined. Also disclosed is a reaction tube against which the wrench can be braced prior to actuation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic wrench extension includes an input head connected to an output head via a fluid conduit. The input head is adapted to receive an input torque and convert the input torque into hydraulic fluid pressure. The fluid conduit is adapted to communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the input head to the output head. The output head is adapted to convert the hydraulic fluid pressure into torque for applying to a fastener. The hydraulic wrench extension may comprise an articulating linkage adapted to house the fluid conduit and provide a configurable orientation of the wrench extension for traversing obstacles and accessing difficult-to-reach fasteners.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench including a holding portion, a neck portion, a switching member, a controlling rod, a blocking member, and a ratchet driving head is disclosed. The neck portion which is located at the top end of the holding portion has a cavity. The cavity has a first recess and an opening. The first recess is used for receiving a compressible elastic member and a ball. The opening is used for receiving and tightly fitting with a bendable elastic member. The switching member has a second recess to hold the bottom of the bendable elastic member, and the switching member has two adjacent arc grooves at its bottom. The controlling rod links the switching member to shift the switching member in the cavity to allow the ball to be pressed into one of the arc grooves. The controlling rod can be applied to shift, rotate or both shift and rotate the switching member in the cavity.

Abstract: Screw driver-holder apparatuses, systems and methods are provided and can include a screw and a screwdriver. The screw can include a threaded screw body and a screw head, and the screw head can include a socket and a screw head surface surrounding the socket. The screwdriver can include a hollow sleeve with a longitudinal bore and a first end defining a screw engagement surface and a driving shaft positioned within the longitudinal bore of the hollow sleeve and rotatable relative to the hollow sleeve. The driving shaft can further include a first end extending beyond the first end of the hollow sleeve, a second end opposite the first end, and a stop restricting axial movement of the sleeve towards the second end of the driving shaft. The first end can include a protruding tip adapted for engaging the socket of the screw head.

Abstract: A multi-scale mechanism comprising a rotatable driving shaft; a first scale mounted along the axis of said rotatable driving shaft, said scale including first and second sets of coarse scale divisions for indicating a coarse range of magnitude in two different systems of units as a function of the position of said first scale with respect to said rotatable driving shaft; a second scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in one of said systems of units; a third scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in the other of said systems of units; said third scale operatively connected to said rotatable driving shaft; and a gear assembly coupled to said rotatable driving shaft and connected to said second scale and said third scale, said gear assembly having a predetermined gear ratio such that said second scale and said third scale are each caused to move at the same time but at a different rate that is a function of their respective system of units.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a device body and a hand tool. The hand tool includes a handle unit, a coupling unit, and a tool body. The coupling unit includes a coupling element attachable removably to the device body. The tool body is connected between the handle unit and the coupling unit, and includes a working head projecting from the coupling element. When not in use, the hand tool is attached to the device body, and can be easily carried together with the device body. When removed from the device body, the hand tool can be used.

Abstract: A featherboard assembly for use with a work table. The featherboard assembly includes a featherboard having a body and an axis. The featherboard assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism associated with the featherboard for attaching the featherboard to the work table. The adjustment mechanism permits the featherboard to be adjusted on the table along a first axis and permits the featherboard to be adjusted along a second axis. The adjustment mechanism is capable of locking the featherboard against movement along the second axis while the featherboard is moved along the first axis and locking the featherboard against movement along the first axis while the featherboard is moved along the second axis.

Abstract: Personal cutting devices in the form of hand held punches for producing jewelry display cards include two aligned templates having identical patterns of apertures and being securely mounted in a frame such that a space between the templates accommodates a piece of cardstock. There is a spring biased movable member having elongate cutting elements designed to pass through the apertures in both templates, and an activation lever on which indicia is printed to show the aperture patterns produced by the punches. A housing protects the mechanism. Each punch is specifically designed to produce a display card that can hold and display a single article of jewelry such as a pair of earrings, a necklace or a brooch. The punches vary in size according to the template patterns. The punches enable the jewelry designer to use any card stock, including a business card, to display an article of jewelry.

Abstract: A fence attachment apparatus for a table power tool equipped with an existing rip fence has a longitudinal member that includes a first side member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a cutting-side lateral surface, and a fence-side lateral surface. The longitudinal member has a bridge member that extends transversely from the first side member and connects to the first side member along a major portion of the first side member adjacent to the top surface. The fence attachment has a sliding member in sliding engagement with the top surface of the longitudinal member, where the sliding member has a top sliding surface and a bottom sliding surface. A slide mechanism is disposed between the bottom sliding surface of the sliding member and the top surface of the longitudinal member, where the slide mechanism provides longitudinal movement to the sliding member.

Abstract: Provided is a cutter that is applicable to a cutting device with variable structures and that allows exchange of a cutting blade safely and smoothly with a simple structure. The present invention provides a cutter comprising: a slider; a holder member that retains a cutting blade; and a removing-and-installing member that removes or installs the holder member from or into the slider in a condition that the cutting blade is shielded with a cover member, wherein the cover member is provided with a projection portion while the holder member is provided with a groove portion, and when the removing-and-installing member is installed into the slider along with the holder member, the projection portion is adapted to travel in the groove portion so as to expose a cutting edge of the cutting blade through a cutout.

Abstract: A roller system including a frame, a plurality of arm assemblies configured to apply a force to a surface, each arm assembly including an arm pivotably connected to the frame and a roller assembly pivotably connected to the arm and having a plurality of rollers configured to engage with the surface, and a pressure distribution system configured to adjust the force applied to the surface by at least one of the plurality of arm assemblies.

Abstract: An isolation sub for use in a perforating system that includes a pressure activated firing head. The isolation sub is set between the pressure source that is used to initiate the firing head. A pressure regulator in the sub is responsive to fluctuations in pressure difference between the pressure source and wellbore and isolates the firing head when the pressure difference is at or approaches a designated pressure difference that could initiate the firing head. The pressure regulator includes a spring loaded piston that seals the firing head from the source pressure before the pressure difference activates the firing head.

Abstract: An weapon system comprising: a plurality of barrels, wherein the barrels are disposed coaxially around a main shaft and wherein the barrels are held in place by at least one barrel rack; and a plurality of intermeshing, counter rotating cylinders, wherein the cylinders include a central hole for the main shaft or a lower shaft and a plurality of coaxial half-holes disposed around the central hole at the edge of the cylindrical shape to form a chamber when the cylinders mesh. An ammunition belt comprising: a first and second ammunition case, wherein each ammunition case comprises: a casing having a first and second end, wherein the first end is adapted to receive and hold a primer and the second end is adapted to receive and hold propellant and a projectile, wherein the first ammunition case is attached to the second ammunition case.

Abstract: A firearm cooling apparatus includes an apparatus housing having a housing interior; at least one vent opening in the apparatus housing and communicating with the housing interior; a fan in the housing interior adjacent to the at least one vent opening; a fan motor drivingly engaging the fan; a source of electrical current disposed in electrical communication with the fan motor; a switch disposed in electrical communication with the fan motor and the source of electrical current; a tubing connector rotatably carried by the apparatus housing; and an elongated, bendable, flexible and resilient cooling tube disposed in pneumatic communication with the housing interior through the tubing connector and having an air discharge end opposite the tubing connector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a blank safety device is provided that includes: a body defining a cylindrical bore having a closed distal end, the body also defining an proximally extending internal cavity in communication with the cylindrical bore; a bullet plug received within the cylindrical bore, the bullet plug being configured to distally displace within the cylindrical bore towards the closed distal end in response to the impact of a fired bullet; and a back section received within the internal cavity in the body, the back section defining an internal chamber that is sealed with respect to a proximal bore for receiving a firearm attachment.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine (20) contains an ammunition belt (34) of linked ammunition cartridges (36) to be fed into a machine gun (12), the magazine (20) including a front opening (26?), enabling a leading end of the ammunition belt (34) to be accessible for feeding the machine gun (12) and for linking with a trailing end of another ammunition belt (34), and a rear opening (26?), enabling a trailing end of the ammunition belt (34) to be accessible for linking with a leading end of another ammunition belt (34). An arrangement of consecutive and adjacent ammunition magazines (20) allows movement of an ammunition belt (34) from the distal magazine (20b) into the proximal magazine (20a) towards the machine gun (12) during operation, enabling continuous feeding of ammunition belts (34) into the machine gun.

Abstract: Buoyant armor for jacketed rounds includes an outer, laminate reinforced strike face having a hardness greater than 640 Brinell. The strike face is configured to strip the jacket off a projectile as it passes through the strike face and to rotate the projectile. An inner, laminate reinforced strike face is separated from the outer, laminate reinforced strike face by a spacer layer. Foam greater than 40 mm thick is disposed behind the inner strike face and is configured to disperse a round and/or its fragments and to provide buoyancy to the armor.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the movement of a system such as a hydraulic servo controlled gimbal systems. The system includes a plurality of actuators and sensors that sense the position of the actuators. On start up, a control system determines the present orientation of the system and compared it to a user defined desired orientation. The system operates in a first mode on start up where the control system moves the actuators so that the system is moved form the present orientation to the desired orientation at a controlled rate. Once the desired orientation is reached, control is then passed to a user controlled device such as a joystick.

Abstract: A gas lubrication structure is provided with a high-temperature-side cylinder, an expansion piston lubricated relative to the high-temperature-side cylinder by gas, and a layer provided to the outer peripheral surface of the expansion piston and composed of a material flexible and having a higher linear expansion coefficient than the base material of the expansion piston. The thickness of the layer under normal temperatures is not less than the size of the clearance formed between the layer and the high-temperature-side cylinder. Also, even if the layer is thermally expanded under use conditions, the layer under normal temperatures has a thickness enabling a clearance to be formed between the layer and the high-temperature-side cylinder.

Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.

Abstract: A device for feeding milk from a storage container (8) to a dispensing device (3), containing a feeding line (9), whose intake end (9a) is detachably connected to the storage container (8), and with a cleaning possibility for at least a portion of the exterior of the feeding line (9). In order to enhance a device of this type such that the cleaning is simplified, a cleaning mechanism (11) be provided for the exterior of the feeding line (9), which comprises a rinsing area (12) for holding the portion of the feeding line (9) that is to be cleaned. The rinsing area (12) contains a hot water intake opening, a steam intake opening, a cleaning agent intake opening, or cold water intake opening (17), and also a connection opening (14) for the detachable introduction of the portion to be cleaned.