Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor is configured by a rotor core and magnetic poles. Two or more types of permanent magnets are used such that each product of coercivity and thickness in the magnetization direction becomes different. A stator is located outside the rotor with air gap therebetween and configured by an armature core winding. At least one permanent magnet is magnetized by a magnetic field by a current of the armature winding to change a magnetic flux content thereof irreversibly. A short circuited coil is provided to surround a magnetic path portion of the other permanent magnet excluding the magnet changed irreversibly and a portion adjacent to the other permanent magnet where the magnetic flux leaks. A short-circuit current is generated in the short circuited coil by the magnetic flux generated by conducting a magnetization current to the winding. A magnetic field is generated by the short-circuit current.

Abstract: A method includes forming a lamination that may be used in a rotor of an interior permanent magnet motor or further processed for use in a line-start interior permanent magnet motor. The lamination has been optimized for low cogging, minimal usage of magnet material, and maximum torque per ampere and may be further processed to include rotor bars slots to allow the lamination's use in connection with an LSIPM. In accordance with the method, the lamination is formed with magnet slots that are radially inward of the outer diameter. The magnet slots are formed in a plurality of V-shaped arrangements. Each V-shaped arrangement has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge and trailing edge are arranged such that when the leading edge aligns with a stator tooth, the respective trailing edge is generally not aligned with a stator tooth.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor is configured by a rotor core and magnetic poles. Two or more types of permanent magnets are used such that each product of coercivity and thickness in the magnetization direction becomes different. A stator is located outside the rotor with air gap therebetween and configured by an armature core winding. At least one permanent magnet is magnetized by a magnetic field by a current of the armature winding to change a magnetic flux content thereof irreversibly. A short circuited coil is provided to surround a magnetic path portion of the other permanent magnet excluding the magnet changed irreversibly and a portion adjacent to the other permanent magnet where the magnetic flux leaks. A short-circuit current is generated in the short circuited coil by the magnetic flux generated by conducting a magnetization current to the winding. A magnetic field is generated by the short-circuit current.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayered inductor, including: an inductor body; a coil part formed on the inductor body and having a conductive circuit and a conductive via; and external electrodes formed on both end surfaces of the inductor body, wherein the inductor body includes 65 to 95 wt % of a metallic magnetic material and 5 to 35 wt % of an organic material.

Abstract: The invention is an induction-based lighting system designed to provide power to model displays and other similar application, including a method of manufacturing a primary winding that interacts with secondary windings placed inside display components to provide lighting effects, such as one finds in model Christmas villages. The electrical characteristics of the primary winding can be controlled by a microcontroller to make lights in the models blink or change as a user desires.

Abstract: The invention relates to primary electrochemical cells, in addition to methods for manufacturing and discharging the same, having a jellyroll electrode assembly that includes a positive electrode with a coating comprising iron disulfide deposited on a current collector situated on the outermost circumference of the jellyroll, a lithium-based negative electrode and a polymeric separator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell design which optimizes cell capacity and substantially eliminates premature voltage drop-off on intermittent service testing by eliminating the edge effect through, for example, deliberately relieving stack pressure and/or extending the distance lithium ions proximate to the terminal end of the positive electrode must travel to undergo an electrochemical reaction in that region.

Abstract: The present relates to a method for automatically determining a finishing recipe of a manufactured component. A non-finished 3D model, consisting in a 3D representation of the manufactured component at a non-finished stage, is received at a computer. And a finished 3D model, consisting in a 3D representation of the manufactured component at a finished stage, is received. The non-finished 3D model and the finished 3D model are further processed, to calculate a finishing recipe of one or more tool(s), The tool performs a finishing operation according to the finishing recipe on the manufactured component at the non-finished stage, to obtain the manufactured component at the finished stage. The finishing recipe may include a trajectory of the tool(s), an operational parameter(s) of the tool(s). The manufactured component may consist in a blade. The finishing operation may consist in profiling, polishing, tri-blending, weld blending, twist and bow.

Abstract: Embedding a power modification component such as a capacitance inside of an adaptor board located to extend over and beyond the vias of the main circuit board so that a portion of the interposer board containing the embedded capacitance is located beyond where the vias or blinds are located. This permits that via to conduct through the opening. In this way, the capacitance and the resistance will have a closer contact point to the electrical component. A resistance can also be embedded in an opening in the adaptor board and be vertically aligned within the opening to make contact with a pad on top of the adaptor board and a pad at the bottom of the adaptor board so that electricity conducts through the embedded component.

Abstract: A placement apparatus for an optical component includes: a suction nozzle that includes a nozzle main body having a suction surface having a suction port, an optical component being sucked to the suction port, a plurality of nozzle electrodes disposed on the suction surface, each of the nozzle electrodes being brought into contact with a corresponding one of a plurality of component electrodes provided on the optical component so as to establish electrical conduction between each of the plurality of nozzle electrodes and a corresponding one of the plurality of component electrodes.

Abstract: A method of mounting an electronic component includes applying solder paste to a through-hole of a printed board on which an electronic component is mounted, placing the electronic component on the printed board with a restricting member that restricts a terminal of the electronic component from entering the through-hole, the restricting member being sandwiched between the electronic component and the printed board, performing reflow at a temperature at which the restricting member melts, and welding the terminal in the through-hole with the solder paste.

Abstract: Wire positioning devices (1) for positioning an electrical wire (2) in a processing device, include a wire guide (4) for receiving the electrical wire (2) and a lowering device (5), movable vertically in relation to a first longitudinal axis (45) of the wire (2) received in the wire guide (4). The lowering device (5) has a press piece (6), spring-loaded via at least one spring element (15), and is provided so as to be contacted against the wire guide (4), the spring element (15) being arranged in a tube (16). Also disclosed are methods for lowering thin wires (2) and for positioning them in an oscillation-damped manner, wherein a wire positioning device (1) or a processing device are employed.

Abstract: A method for installing a camshaft retrofitting kit into an internal combustion engine with a plurality of hemispherical combustion chambers in order to provide increased power. A variable camshaft timing (VCT) assembly and a plurality of displacement-on-demand (DOD) control solenoids are replaced with a VCT plug and a plurality of DOD plugs respectively. A performance camshaft is installed in place of a stock camshaft, and a performance camshaft drive assembly is installed in place of a stock camshaft drive assembly. A cam adapter may also be provided in order to extend the length and diameter of the performance camshaft. Additionally, a plurality of springs from a plurality of cam followers is replaced with a plurality of spacers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve for an internal combustion engine, comprises: (i) a primary step of forging a bulging portion at one end of a rod material to form a generally disk-shape valve head of the valve having a tapered periphery; (ii) an thickness adjustment step of machining an excessively thick portion of the valve head; and (iii) a secondary step of forging a peripheral region of the valve head to create radial slip deformations therein to form a valve face of the valve head. In the step of thickness adjustment, only the front end of the disk-shape valve head is machined without harming dense grain flow lines induced in the tapered face (16a) in the primary forging while advantageously saving the valve material and reducing thickness adjustment time. In the secondary forging, the hardness of the valve face is further enhanced.

Abstract: Provided is an x-ray device capable of suppressing reduction in detection precision. The X-ray device irradiates x-rays on an object and detects X-rays that pass through the object. The X-ray device comprises: an X-ray source that emits X-rays; a stage that holds the object; a detection device that detects at least some of the x-rays that have been emitted from the X-ray source and have passed through the object; a chamber member that forms an internal space wherein the X-ray source, the stage, and the detection device are arranged; and a partitioning section that separates the internal space into a first space wherein the X-ray source is arranged and a second space wherein the detection device is arranged.

Abstract: Interface fitting for supporting a component of a structure to be assembled on an assembly jig, comprising a component-side part, adapted to be attached to the component, and a jig-side part, configured to bear in an orientable way on the assembly jig. The support block further comprises a spacer member interposed between the component-side part and the jig-side part, which can be operated to adjust the distance between the component-side part and the jig-side part.

Abstract: A razor head that includes a housing having a top face defining a shaving window delimited by a front guard and a rear cap together defining a tangent plane, at least one rigid cutting member, each freely mounted in the housing, and having a cutting edge portion extending along a cutting edge portion axis, and having a cutting edge accessible through the shaving window, a guided portion extending along a guided portion axis, and a bent portion intermediate the cutting edge portion and the guided portion. An angle measured between the cutting edge axis and the tangent plane is between 5° and 30°.

Abstract: The present invention describes a string trimmer support attachment. The device includes a base on which the shaft of a string trimmer can be secured. The present invention further includes a pair of legs that are pivotally attached to the base. The legs can be folded so as to be aligned against the string trimmer shaft when not in use. Alternatively, the legs can be folded outward so that the legs are roughly perpendicular to the string trimmer shaft in order to support the head of a string trimmer in an upright and angled orientation that is convenient for changing the trimmer line. Further, in the unfolded configuration the legs are disposed at an angle relative to one another to provide a stable support for the string trimmer, wherein the string trimmer proximal end acts as a third portion a tripod when the legs are deployed.

Abstract: Eating utensils, kitchen utensils, and cooking utensils are created comprising utensil, having at least one material, with at least one function. At least one material selected from group consisting of glass, crystal, ceramic, and porcelain, including glass-ceramic, silicone, clay, and stone; wood, bamboo, resin, plastic, and bio-plastic; and metal and metal alloy. At least one material comprising glass, crystal, ceramic, and porcelain having advantages including washable, reusable, long lasting, environmentally friendly, not cold to the touch, do not conduct heat, not hot for hands and mouth, do not get rusty, more sanitary than plastic, chemically resistant, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, manufactured from non-stick material, easy to clean, and recyclable. At least one material useful for making utensil selected from group consisting of part of utensil, and entire utensil.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a lock of hair such as a dreadlock is provided. The device comprises a housing encasing a motor activated by a controller. A grooming element for encasing the dreadlock is rotatably situated within the housing. The housing comprises a clamping mechanism for securing the device to the dreadlock. Once the dreadlock is secured by the clamping mechanism, the grooming element rotates around the dreadlock to integrate new hair growth into the dreadlock. The grooming element comprises a plurality of trimming components for removing any excess hair that did not integrate into the dreadlock.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer is provided and may include a first member having a plurality of blades, a second member having a plurality of blades that slide relative to the plurality of blades of the first member, a driver that drives at least one of the plurality of blades of the first member and the plurality of blades of the second member and a plate-shape member that projects upward from an upper surface side of one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A motorized shears with adjustable blade separation unit includes a housing and a motor coupled to a moving blade gear which drives a moving blade. A battery case body contains a battery pack and a means by which to charge the battery pack through an electrical outlet. The unit can be placed in automatic mode or semi-automatic mode by actuating a mode switch. When the unit is in semi-automatic mode the user can tap a touch sensor to activate blade movement. When the unit is in automatic mode environmental factors will determine the speed at which the moving blade moves. In some embodiments the touch sensor may be a touch screen which relays information from the unit and allows the user to change a variety of settings.

Abstract: A two-part rotary knife blade (2300, 3300) for a power operated rotary knife. The knife blade (2300) includes a carrier portion (2302, 3302) and a blade portion (2350, 3350), the blade portion configured to be received in a nested relationship by the carrier portion and being releasably secured to the carrier portion by an attachment structure (2370, 3370). The attachment structure (2370, 3370) including a plurality of projections (2372, 3372) extending from one of an outer wall (2354, 3354) of the blade portion (2350, 3350) and the inner wall (2304, 3304) of the carrier portion and a plurality of sockets (2374, 3374) disposed in the other of the outer wall of the blade portion and the inner wall of the carrier portion, each of the plurality of projections being received in a respective different one of the plurality of sockets to releasably secure the blade portion to the carrier portion.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a driven gear that is rotated by the motor. The driven gear is vertically-oriented within the housing and has an upper portion and a lower portion. The drive mechanism also includes a connecting rod coupled to the driven gear to translate rotary motion of the driven gear into reciprocating motion, and an output shaft coupled to the connecting rod to reciprocate relative to the housing through a cutting stroke and a return stroke. The drive mechanism further includes a counterweight coupled to the driven gear for rotation with the driven gear. The counterweight moves through the upper portion of the driven gear during the cutting stroke of the output shaft, and moves through the lower portion of the driven gear during a return stroke of the output shaft.

Abstract: A chain saw includes a housing, an oil supply system disposed in the housing, a trigger linkage assembly, and a switch controlled by the trigger linkage assembly. The oil supply system includes an oil can and an oil pump assembly connected with the oil can via an oil inlet tube. The trigger linkage assembly includes a switch trigger. The chain saw further includes a pressing member driven by the trigger linkage assembly. When the switch trigger is not activated, the pressing member is located at a first position and can press the oil inlet tube tightly to isolate an oil circuit of the oil supply system. When the switch trigger is pressed down, the pressing member can be driven by the trigger linkage assembly to a second position to release the pressing for the oil inlet tube so that the oil circuit of the oil supply system is allowed to flow.

Abstract: A device for limiting the depth of a cut, which is to be used in portable machine tools, includes at least one cut-depth guide unit, and at least one stop unit that has at least one stop element. The stop element has, for the purpose of limiting the depth of a cut, a movement potential relative to the cut-depth guide unit along a cut-depth guide track of the cut-depth guide unit. The cut-depth limiting device further includes at least one stop movement unit which is configured to allow the stop element a further movement potential relative to the cut-depth guide unit, at least one of along and about an axis of movement, at least when in a state of operation.

Abstract: A construction laser system includes a rotation laser and a laser receiver. To determine a direction in which the laser receiver lies in sight of the rotation laser, a digital code respectively assigned uniquely to the respective rotation angle ranges includes a state value sequence based on a defined sequence of states relating to the laser beam. In the respective rotation angle ranges, the corresponding sequence of states is respectively generated by successively occurring crossings of the respective rotation angle range. On the receiver side, an output signal is generated as a function of incidence of the laser beam. With the aid of an output signal sequence of successively generated output signals, which is acquired by the evaluation unit, the state value sequence corresponding to the acquired output signal sequence is identified, permitting final determination of the corresponding rotation angle range in which the laser receiver lies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laser guided tractor trailer docking apparatuses and methods of making and using the same. Specifically, apparatuses are provided for projecting a laser line emanating from a tractor trailer loading dock to guide a tractor trailer driver backing the tractor trailer into proper position at the loading dock.

Abstract: A construction laser system includes a rotating laser with self-leveling and a laser receiver. The system performs a self-leveling recalibration process by which-the self-leveling is checked automatically for quality and the related calibration data is updated automatically. A sequence of N calibration measurements is defined, where N is greater than or equal to three. The calibration measurements are obtained by the rotating laser and the laser receiver with a respective azimuthal alignment of the stand while the position of the laser receiver remains unchanged. As part of each calibration measurement, one output signal dependent on the laser beam impingement position is detected. The respective output signals or specified impingement positions are evaluated in pairs correlated with the respective I-th azimuthal alignments. The quality of the beam leveling functionality is thereby checked. If the requirements are not met, the previously stored calibration data can then be updated automatically.

Abstract: A levelling device (10) comprising a body portion (12) having one or more level indicators (14) mounted therein and a pair of electrical socket pins (28) extending outwardly from a first side of the body portion (12) arranged to be received in apertures (29) provided in a power socket of a wall plate (26).

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries. The locking assembly has flexible members adapted to exert a constant compressive force against the tiles during the tile leveling process.

Abstract: A contour measuring apparatus includes: an arm including a stylus in a distal end and being swingable with respect to a cabinet; an attitude change mechanism configured to change an attitude of the arm within a swing range; a stopper configured to make contact with the arm when the arm moves nearer to an installation part of an object to be measured within the swing range; and a controller configured to operate the attitude change mechanism based on a power-off command and return the arm to a mechanical limit position in which the arm makes contact with the stopper.

Abstract: A device for locating points on a surface includes a base and at least two extendable arms coupled thereto.

Abstract: The feeding system for an injection molding machine includes a drying barrel, a suction pipe, and a pressing cover. The injection molding machine includes a feeding pipe. The drying barrel is configured for receiving material used in the injection molding machine. The suction pipe is connected between the feeding pipe and the drying barrel. The material is configured to be introduced into the feeding pipe through the suction pipe. The pressing cover is slidably received in the drying barrel and configured for pressing the material to squeeze out air existing in the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change material injection device, which is disposed in a housing or a vehicle headlamp in which a predetermined heat source is provided. The phase change material injection device is configured to eject a phase change material, which has been changed into a gas from liquid by heating of the heat source, into the housing, and may include: i) a container storing the phase change material in a liquid state; ii) a discharge unit disposed at the container for discharging a predetermined amount of the phase change material in a gas state; and iii) a valve unit having an ejection port connecting the discharge unit with the inside of the housing, disposed at the container, the valve unit selectively opening and closing the ejection port based on the internal temperature of the housing.

Abstract: One aspect is a material drying system with a conductive bin at least partially filled with harvested material. A frequency generator is configured to generate radio frequency energy and a controller is coupled to the frequency generator for controlling the radio frequency energy. At least one conductive shape located within the harvested material and coupled to the frequency generator and controller. The frequency generator and controller provide the radio frequency energy to the at least one conductive shape such that a system capacitor is formed by the combination of the at least one conductive shape and the conductive bin and with harvested material forming a dielectric therebetween such that friction of water molecules in the harvested material is induced quickening drying thereof.

Abstract: One aspect is a material drying system with a conductive bin at least partially filled with harvested material. A frequency generator is configured to generate radio frequency energy and a controller is coupled to the frequency generator for controlling the radio frequency energy. At least one conductive shape located within the harvested material and coupled to the frequency generator and controller. The frequency generator and controller provide the radio frequency energy to the at least one conductive shape such that a system capacitor is formed by the combination of the at least one conductive shape and the conductive bin and with harvested material forming a dielectric therebetween such that friction of water molecules in the harvested material is induced quickening drying thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted dehydration system including a vacuum chamber, a gas compressor, a heating coil, and a vacuum pump is provided. A sealing member removably attached to an opening of the vacuum chamber is opened to introduce one or more instruments into the vacuum chamber. The gas compressor, in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, recirculates a pressurized gas into the vacuum chamber. The heating coil within the vacuum chamber heats the recirculating gas, which contacts the instruments positioned therein and transfers heat energy into interstitial cavities and to surfaces of the instruments or onto other moist components, for example, hands to vaporize moisture present therein. The vacuum pump, in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, creates a negative gas pressure in the vacuum chamber to exhaust the vaporized moisture entrained in the heated recirculating gas from the vacuum chamber to dehydrate the instruments or the moist components.

Abstract: An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and channel lining portions which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and heats a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes: forming a foam layer; forming a preliminary upper by laminating an outer layer, an inner layer, and the foam layer intermediate to the outer layer and the inner layer; and molding the preliminary upper to a shape having: a contour to substantially fit at least a portion of a foot to provide at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an upper assembly (10) for footwear (100), comprising an upper (14) having a sole-sided upper end region, and an upper bottom (16). The sole-sided upper end region is joined to the upper bottom (16). The upper (14) includes an outer material layer (18) having a sole-sided outer material end region (18a), and an upper liner (20). The upper bottom (16) comprises a first water vapor permeable assembly sole (30) and an upper bottom laminate (32) including a first water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer (34). The outer material layer (18) in the sole-sided outer material end region (18a) is joined to the first water vapor permeable assembly sole (30).

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a first area and a second area. The footwear also includes a sole structure that is coupled to the upper. The sole structure includes a bladder that contains a fluid. Moreover, the footwear includes a tensile structure that is coupled to the first area of the upper, that extends through the sole structure, and that is coupled to the second area of the upper. The tensile structure is operably coupled to the bladder. The tensile structure is operable to flex the bladder due to an increase in tension in the tensile structure.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes: an upper sole portion; and a pod assembly having a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the upper sole portion, wherein the pod assembly extends from a lateral heel portion of the sole to a medial forefoot portion of the sole such that the plurality of pods compress substantially in sequence through a gait cycle of a wearer.

Abstract: An inner shoe for a ski boot has an upper which has a flexible upper material and is connected via an articulated connection to a sleeve. The sleeve is formed of a sleeve material that is harder than the upper material. A ski boot, in particular formed as an alpine ski boot, includes such an inner shoe.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative sheath configured to wrap around the calf, ankle and top of foot, with either frontal, side or back fastening closures. Additionally, the sheath is held in place under a shoe's bottom with a chain, hook and loop, elastic or leather stirrup like strap. Boot Leg Fashion provides a way for people to have the appearance of wearing fashion boots at a fraction of the cost. Boot Leg Fashion is a product line of ready made articles and themed kits containing fashionable embellishments and accessories to decorate the included bootleg fabric which wraps around the calf and fastens under the shoe.

Abstract: A heel is readily and firmly fastened to the insole of a woman's heeled shoe. A fastening bolt (15) with a head (15a) is screwed through a washer (16) and an insole (12) into a reinforcing shaft (14) embedded in a heel (13). The reinforcing shaft (14) includes a thin lower portion (14a) having a small external diameter fixed to a thick upper portion (14b) having a large external diameter. The thick fastening bolt (15) is screwed into the thick portion (14b) such that the heel (13) is firmly fastened to the insole (12) with the reinforcing shaft (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely performing an operation on a roof including a frame assembly configured to be positioned on the roof, a pivot assembly configured to couple to an external anchor point such that the frame assembly is positioned between the pivot assembly and an operating position, and a flexible control line including a first segment having a first end coupled to the frame assembly and extending in substantially a first direction to a second end disposed at the operating position, and a second segment having a first end coupled to the frame assembly and extending in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction through the pivot assembly, which redirects the second segment to the first direction, to a second end at the operating position, wherein pulling the second ends of the first and second segments controls movement of the frame assembly on the roof.

Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.

Abstract: The SnowSqueeg is a tool used to simplify removing snow for residential and commercial use. It makes the process much faster and can be used on many different surfaces due to its RUBBER STRIP AND RAISED BACKING. Its design eliminates the tool from getting caught up on cracks and can be used on many surfaces. It relieves the strain and pressure on your back that you often get from lifting with conventional snow shovels.

Abstract: A suction mouth (10) for mounting on the front of a subsea mining tool and to be pushed into sediment. The suction mouth comprises a hollow body (12) having an entrance opening (14) and an exit opening (16), wherein the body converges from the entrance opening towards the exit opening. The entrance opening has a lower lip (20) and an upper lip (22), and the upper lip comprises an extension (22a) projecting forwardly and upwardly relative to the lower lip to form a canopy over the entrance opening. The suction mouth (10) may include a valve (30) on the body downstream of the entrance opening which is operable to selectively provide a further entrance opening into the body. Where such a valve is present, the consistency of the material sucked in can be regulated.

Abstract: An underwater trenching apparatus comprising a soil cutting arrangement having a forwardly disposed cutting portion and a rearwardly disposed non-cutting portion, a soil removal device configured to remove soil from a location forward of the soil cutting arrangement and barrier device located and configured substantially to prevent passage of soil to the non-cutting portion of the soil cutting arrangement. The soil cutting arrangement is typically a rockwheel or chain cutter. The soil removal device is typically a dredge pump or eductor.