Abstract: A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference is provided inside a housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon. A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection is also provided inside the housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon and an external load acts thereon. A load detecting circuit applies voltage to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubbers to determine the external load based on a difference between a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference and a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, or methods for testing a mattress system are described herein. Apparatuses and systems can include a robotic arm assembly and a mannequin to simulate natural human motion or movements that occur during use of a mattress system. The apparatuses and systems described herein can test a mattress system for firmness and/or durability. Also described herein are methods for testing a mattress system with a robotic arm assembly and a mannequin.

Abstract: A method and a gas flow meter for measuring gas flow. A cylinder is supported in the flow meter with a horizontal orientation. A piston is disposed movably within the cylinder, the piston having a surface which forms a clearance seal with a surface of the cylinder. The piston may have a low-friction coating such as diamond-like carbon. A gas flow to be measured is received at a gas inlet, and directed to the cylinder so as to move the piston within the cylinder. The gas flow is directed by valves and conduits alternately to the two ends of the cylinder, for measuring the gas flow in both directions of the cylinder. From the detected movement of said piston electrical signals representative of the gas flow are generated.

Abstract: A measuring tube, a measuring system and a method for determining and/or monitoring flow through a measuring tube, comprising a measuring tube, on which ultrasonic transducers are releasably placeable. The ultrasonic transducers transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals, which pass through the measuring tube approximately coaxially to the measuring tube axis. A connecting line between the centers of the ultrasonic transducers situated at an angle relative to the measuring tube axis and extends on a side of the measuring tube axis, on which the measuring tube outlet is located.

Abstract: Provided is a complex sensing apparatus for a steering system. In the complex sensing apparatus in accordance, since an insertion projections of a first PCB are inserted into a through-holes of a second PCB to be press-fitted to each other, the first PCB is securely coupled to the second PCB. In addition, since a support member configured to surround and support an edge of the first PCB is coupled to the second PCB, the first PCB is more securely coupled to the second PCB. Accordingly, since there is no probability of separating the first PCB from the second PCB and there is no probability of occurrence of cracks in a soldered part between the first and second PCBs, reliability of products can be improved.

Abstract: A system for testing the efficiency of a test HEPA filter, the system comprises a dilution system and a sampling system. The dilution system processes samples collected upstream of the test HEPA filter. The dilution system has a test portion and a calibrated portion. The calibrated portion aids in determining the dilution ratio of the test portion thereby rendering the dilution system self-calibrating. The sampling system receives upstream samples via the dilution system, and downstream samples collected directly downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system incorporates a flow rate balancing system to ensure accurate counts with respect to samples collected upstream and downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system works well with particle counters fitted with relatively weak fans to draw in samples for counting; this is achieved by connecting the sampling system to both the inlet and exhaust outlet of a particle counter.

Abstract: A crash simulation system has a parallel carriage (4) guided to move in a translatory manner and at least one camera (11-13) with an associated brake device. The brake device includes a contactless brake.

Abstract: Methods of measuring at least one rheological property of diamond particles used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond are disclosed. Diamond particles are provided including a plurality of unsintered diamond particles. A rheological property (e.g., a torsional mechanical property or other flow property) of the diamond particles is measured. By comparing the measured value of the torsional mechanical property to that of a baseline known to correlate to the desired target specification, it may be determined whether the diamond particles are within an acceptable range relative to the target specification. Such a method may be incorporated into methods for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond compact to ensure the quality of a polycrystalline diamond table thereof.

Abstract: A linear actuator with a reversible electric motor (3,11,26,27,34), which over a transmission (4,12,24,25,35) drives a non-self locking spindle (5,14,22,23,36), by which a tube-shaped positioning element can be moved axially, in that it with one end is connected to a spindle nut (6,15) on a spindle (5,14,22,23,36). The actuator comprises a quick release (9,13) for releasing the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) from the electric motor (3,11,26,27,34) and the part of the transmission (4,12,24,25,35) that lies from the motor (3,11,26,27,34) to the quick release (9,13) such that the spindle (5,14,22,23,36) is set to rotate by the load on the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37). The actuator further comprises braking means for controlling the speed of the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) during the outer load, when the quick release (9,13) is activated.

Abstract: A robot, such as a painting robot for painting components such as motor vehicle body components, is disclosed having a plurality of robot elements that are pivotable relative to each other. At least one flexible supply line may run from a proximal robot element to a distal robot element. The supply line may be axially displaceable in the proximal robot element relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply line, so that the supply line can perform an axial compensating motion during a pivot motion of the robot.

Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a spherical joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation about three axes, the spherical joint connecting a first element and a second element of the robot, and three actuators for moving the spherical joint. The three actuators include a first actuator coupled to the first element, a second actuator coupled to the second element and the first actuator, and a third actuator coupled to the second element and the first actuator. The second actuator and the third actuator act in parallel and coupled together. The first actuator acts in series with the second actuator and the third actuator about a first axis of the three axes. An angular range of movement about the first axis is greater than an angular range of movement about either a second axis or a third axis of the three axes.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake. The operating mechanism includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block by a tubular holder. The manual brake lever is fixed to the tubular holder. The mechanism also includes a locking device adapted to fix the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a transfer element connected to the tubular holder. The transfer element is adapted to transmit movement of the manual lever to the parking brake.

Abstract: A steering wheel has at least one shift paddle which is coupled to the steering wheel in such a manner that the shift paddle is movable relative to the steering wheel in order in a contactless manner to trigger a shifting operation. In order to improve the ease of operation when actuating the shift paddle on the steering wheel, the steering wheel is distinguished by a slotted guide mechanism by which a shifting sensation is generated during movement of the shift paddle.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a rim with an armature substantially encapsulated by foam. The foam includes a major foam member and a separate minor foam member. The major foam member has a cross-sectional profile effective to cover a major cross-sectional extent of the armature and define a gap in the foam member adjacent the armature. The gap has a maximum cross-sectional width which is equal to or less than the cross-sectional width of the armature, and is substantially filled by said minor foam member.

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: A wire stripping apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a clamping device for holding a first portion, a cutter having a plurality of first edges, the first edges being movable toward and away from one another in a first direction wherein the first edges provide a cut in the insulation of the wire at the second portion, and a remover having a plurality of second edges, the second edges being movable toward and away from one another in a second direction different from the first direction wherein the second edges move toward one another to grasp a third portion adjacent to the second portion of the wire away from the first portion of the wire. The remover is movable in the lengthwise direction of the wire wherein the remover moves in the lengthwise direction of the wire away from the first portion to remove the insulation from the wire.

Abstract: A spiral light bulb changing device includes an elongated member that has a handle connection portion and a bulb engagement portion. The bulb engagement portion has a pair of extension sections forming a slot adapted for receiving a spiral light bulb. Each of the extension sections has an upper surface. The upper surface of each of the extension sections has a plurality of wells therein. The wells are aligned with each other along a line traversing and orientated perpendicular to the slot. A pair of spacing prongs is provided. Each of the spacing prongs is removably positioned in one of the wells such that the slot is positioned between the spacing prongs. The spacing prongs each have a length such that the spacing prongs are adapted to abut a base of the light bulb when the slot receives the straight distal section of the spiral light bulb.

Abstract: A biaxial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. The opposing ends are rotated 90° from each other. A first set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a first end and rotates about a first hinge; a second set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a second end and rotates about a second hinge. A first portion of the first set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the first set of tool drivers. A first portion of the second set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the second set of tool drivers. When tool drivers are in an open position, internal stops prevent the tool drivers from opening past a predetermined angle. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position.

Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.

Abstract: Methods are described for calibrating a turning machine having a first rotatable portion or chuck for holding a workpiece. The first rotatable portion has a first feature associated therewith. The method comprises the steps of using a measurement probe to determine the position of the first feature, rotating the first rotatable portion through an angle, and using said measurement probe to determine the new position of the first feature. The extension of the technique to swivel head mill-turn machines is also described.

Abstract: There is provided a machine tool which holds a large number of tools and capable of performing various kinds of works without replacing the tools, which is easy to operate and which allows faster and accurate operations with less number of movable parts. A front tool post (141) and a back spindle (120) are configured to be integrally movable in a Y-axis direction, and a plurality of front working tools (140) and a plurality of back working tools (130) are disposed on the front and back tool posts (141) and (131), respectively, in a plurality of tiers in the Y-axis direction.

Abstract: A spiral cutting device includes a blade, a blade driving shaft, a guiding device, a driving device, and a controller. The blade is for processing a roller. The blade driving shaft drives the blade to move toward the roller. The guiding device moves in a guiding direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the blade. The driving device is movably supported on the guiding device and rotates the roller. The controller controls a feeding amount of the blade, a moving speed of the driving device, and a rotate speed of the roller to spirally cut the roller. When an outer surface of the roller is unfolded to a plane, the blade path of the blade is in sinusoidal shape or in cosinusoidal shape.

Abstract: A modular cutting tool holder portion for a metal-working machine includes a first engagement face configured for clamping engagement with a corresponding second engagement face of a complementary modular cutting tool holder portion. The first engagement face includes a base surface and interlocking elements in the form of exactly four projecting protrusions or exactly four recesses. Each interlocking element includes a non-contact surface spaced from the base surface. The non-contact surface includes two opposing edges between which it extends, and two abutment surfaces each extending from a respective one of the two opposing edges to the base surface and being configured for the clamping engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting retainers on a continuous strand is provided. The apparatus may include a rotary head member configured to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis. The rotary head member may include a center hole substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis and configured to receive the strand. A retainer forming member may be supported on the rotary head member and may include a cutting edge directed substantially inward toward the longitudinal axis. When the rotary head member rotates about the longitudinal axis and the strand is continuously pulled through the center hole along the longitudinal axis, the cutting edge may intermittently or continuously cuts retainers about an outer surface of the strand.

Abstract: This invention provides a slitter assembly with automated adjustment of slitter elements that allows for driven rotation of elements on the associated drive shaft during operation while enabling the elements to be moved freely along the drive shaft during setup and subsequently secured to the shaft free of lateral movement. This ensures that adjustment of the slitter elements is accurate, repeatable and reliable. In an illustrative embodiment, the slitter elements each comprise a pair of coaxial members including a blade member and a locking member. The blade member contains a slitter blade and overlies the locking member which is nested therewith. The locking member directly engages the drive shaft surface with a wedge assembly structure. The members are spring-loaded with respect to each other so that the two surfaces are normally biased to cam together and exert a hoop stress on the drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention is based on a power tool, in particular a stationary saw, having a guard device which has a guard element. It is proposed that the guard device has an actuator system, which is provided for monitoring an opening which is formed at least by the guard element and is adaptable to at least one geometric feature of a workpiece.

Abstract: A kerf lock is provided for the retention of die cutting dies in die slots of a retaining board. A retaining system is also provided and includes a plurality of lock slots oriented substantially perpendicularly to a direction of insertion of a die cutting die. The lock slots have open faces to permit communication with the die slots. When the kerf lock is located within a lock slot it extends into the die slot until a die is inserted into the die slot. Upon initial insertion of a die into the die slot, the kerf lock compresses laterally. Once the die is completely inserted, the kerf lock exerts a normal force against the die in the direction of the die slot wall opposite the open face. An inserted die cutting die can thus be securely held within the die slot.

Abstract: A tool for parting, in particular for sawing, includes a carrier blade that has a toothing portion with a finite, geometrically determined toothing, and a receiver for fixing the carrier blade to a tool spindle of a power tool. The tool spindle can be driven in oscillation about its longitudinal axis. The toothing is disposed at a distance from the receiver and is configured to be advanced perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal axis, such that the toothing is realized in a non-uniform manner along the toothing portion. The toothing portion has a middle region and end regions that adjoin the middle region and that are provided with strengthened corner teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed are several examples of apparatuses for suppressing the blast and flash produced as a projectile is expelled by gases from a firearm. In some examples, gases are diverted away from the central chamber to an expansion chamber by baffles. The gases are absorbed by the expansion chamber and desorbed slowly, thus decreasing pressure and increasing residence time of the gases. In other examples, the gases impinge against a plurality of rods before expanding through passages between the rods to decrease the pressure and increase the residence time of the gases. These and other exemplary suppressors are made from an intermetallic material composition for enhanced strength and oxidation resistance at high operational temperatures.

Abstract: A removable inspection panel for use with a projectile containment assembly in a shoot house or on a firing range where the firing of live ammunition is carried out is provided. The inspection panel is removably attached to a supporting structure between the supporting structure and a projectile containment assembly. The inspection panel is removable from the top of the supporting structure, for example, for periodic inspection of the condition of the inspection panel. Any detectable damage to the surface of the inspection panel facing the projectile containment assembly indicates immanent failure of the projectile containment assembly.

Abstract: A firearm including a barrel, receiver, indirect gas system and an adjustable gas block. Four positions of adjustment are provided for on the adjustable gas block, each of which provides a different setting to regulate gas flow into the host firearm's operating system. A position of adjustment is selected based on how the firearm is being used. The provided positions of adjustment are calibrated for the standard use of the host firearm, use of a silencer, use of the firearm under hard or adverse conditions or when it is necessary to increase the firearm's rate of fire, and to block the flow of gas into the operating system. The provided gas block is designed to function with an indirect gas operating system, but could be adapted for use with a direct gas impingement system as well. Excess gas from the operating system is not vented from the gas block thereby eliminating the generation of additional muzzle flash and sound. No tool is required to manipulate the adjustment mechanism of the gas block.

Abstract: A two piston cylinder providing asymmetrical expansion and retraction capabilities is disclosed having two linked expansion chambers and a single chamber for retraction. The retraction chamber is situated between the two expansion chambers, and the expansion chambers are linked together by a tube passing through the piston that provides hydraulic fluid to both the retraction chamber and one of the expansion chambers.

Abstract: A facility for introducing hop into a tank has a hop receiving tank that can be hermetically sealed and has an outflow and an inert gas supply at its bottom. The facility furthermore has a mixing apparatus that has two inlet pipes on its inflow side and an outlet pipe on the outflow side. This facility is adapted to a method for introducing hop into a tank, in which hop is put into a hop receiving container, air is expelled from the hop receiving container by inert gas and the hop with beer or “young beer” is supplied to the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a drink or liquid food from a capsule (3) containing a substance to be mixed with water injected at pressure into the capsule, the apparatus comprising a mixing unit (4) with a capsule insertion channel (14), a capsule holder (8) with a mixing wall (22), an injecting head (10) for injecting water into the capsule, and an opening and closing mechanism (12) for producing a relative movement between the capsule holder and the injecting head to open and close the injecting head on the capsule holder. The insertion channel is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane (HZ).

Abstract: An appliance for heating and frothing a milk-containing liquid. The appliance includes a steam supply arrangement having an outlet with an opening for delivering into the milk-containing liquid bubbles of steam. The outlet is associated with a valve for adjusting the bubble size of the steam bubbles delivered into the liquid from the steam outlet opening.

Abstract: A fryer, having respective tail pipes of a pulse combustor including: a forward pipe that extends outward and obliquely upward from a left or right side surface of a combustion chamber to reach an inside of a cooking zone, and bends in a C-shape along an inner surface of an oil bath, which is divided into left and right halves, with a return pipe mutually connected to the forward pipe in a U-shape in the back side center of the oil bath. The pipe then bends in a C-shape parallel to the forward pipe along the inner surface, which is divided into left and right halves, and from the upper left or right of the combustion chamber to reach an air chamber whereby in the oil bath, a cooking zone in which cooking oil is heated by the surrounding tail pipes is formed.

Abstract: A racking system for a deep fryer, wherein the deep fryer contains cooking oil, the racking system includes a housing; at least one rack that carries a food product; an actuator operatively associated with the rack to raise and lower the rack within the housing. The system further includes a sensor that detects a property of the cooking oil; and a controller that receives a signal to initiate a cooking cycle based on the property and sends a signal to permit activation of the actuator to raise and lower the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus, a loop burner element, and a method for surface-roasting a food product wherein the roasting apparatus comprises (a) a conveyor which carries the food product and (b) at least one non-linear ribbon flame burner element or element assembly which preferably applies a ribbon flame to at least the upper and side surfaces of the food product as it is conducted through the roasting apparatus.

Abstract: A heat transfer element includes two wings extending from a ridge. The ridge includes a first end and a second end. Each of the wings includes an edge. The first end of the ridge is placed at a higher elevation than the second end of the ridge when a plane defined by edges of the wings is placed horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pasta filata cheese product, such as a Mozzarella-type cheese, in a continuous process without emulsifier or pH regulator additives requires preparing a typical pasta filata-type cheese curd and supplying the curd in cut pieces to one end of a processing chamber (14). The chamber (14) has an agitator (18) which rotates to work, knead, stretch and move the curd through the chamber. At the same time, steam is injected into the curd in the chamber through a plurality of injection nozzles (23) spaced along the length of the chamber (14) to heat and cook the cheese while it is simultaneously mechanically worked. The cooked product exiting from the chamber (14) is molded to a desired shape.

Abstract: A rotating blade food preparation device (10) for cutting, shaving, slicing, and peeling, vegetables and fruits, cheese, tofu, bread, and other food products, includes a handle (12), a frame element (16) connected to the handle (12), and a rotating blade assembly (28) operably secured to the frame. The rotating blade assembly (28) has one or more cutting elements (30) for cutting, slicing, shaving and peeling fruits, vegetables, cheese and other foods. The rotating blade assembly (28) is operably secured to the frame (16) by a shaft (18) allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly at various angles in relation to the frame (16), and fixing the rotating blade assembly (28) in a desired position for use.

Abstract: An improved baler designed in such a way as to allow for the continuous compression of foraged material and the ability to tie off rectangular bales without stopping a continuous compression mechanism within the baler. The baler includes a semi cylinder that moves up and down to compress the foraged material in the compression area while at the same time more material is added by a feeding apparatus above and below the semi cylinder during the down and up motions of the cylinder. The baler also includes a separate area for storing uncompressed material while other material is being compressed and tied off. A computer is included to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: A machining oil applying apparatus that applies machining oil onto a thin metal plate that is being conveyed toward a press apparatus includes: an upper surface applying unit that is impregnated with machining oil, contacts an upper surface of the thin plate and applies the machining oil onto the upper surface; a lower surface applying unit that is impregnated with the machining oil, contacts an lower surface of the thin plate and applies the machining oil onto the lower surface; and an applying unit moving portion that causes the upper surface applying unit and the lower surface applying unit to move reciprocally in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the thin plate, wherein the upper surface applying unit and the lower surface applying unit always move in respectively opposite directions perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: The invention describes a machine (10) for the in-line transformation of single-use products, comprising at least one unwinding group (12) for one or more reels (14) of web-shaped material (100), which constitutes the base support for said product, at least one printing group (18), arranged downstream of said unwinding group (12), capable of heat-printing decorative patterns, trademarks and/or inscriptions with a paraffin or natural wax-based ink (W) and/or mixtures thereof on the web-shaped material (100), and at least one folding and cutting group (20), arranged downstream of the printing group (18), wherein the printed web-shaped material (100) is folded and cut to form said products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier, especially a value document or security paper, having a substrate (20) and, applied on the substrate, a coating (12) into which, through the action of laser radiation, markings (14) are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images. According to the present invention, it is provided that the coating (12) includes a laser-radiation-absorbing layer (22) and a printing layer (24) that is disposed over the absorbing layer and that is at least partially transmissive to the laser radiation, and that the printed substrate is pressed (26) during or after the imprinting of the at least partially transmissive layer (24).

Abstract: Sequentially subjecting an imaged ablation-type printing member having a silicone topmost layer to, first, a cleaning liquid that is not a solvent for silicone, followed by subjecting to a second cleaning liquid that is a silicone solvent, conditions the printing member for subsequent printing with high-solids inks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printer which can facilitate temperature control of a machine-plate cylinder section, can allow simple setup, and can facilitate maintenance of printing quality in continuous printing. In the printer, a machine plate is mounted on the outer circumference of a machine-plate cylinder section 12 fixedly provided on a machine-plate drive shaft 1. A fluid whose temperature is regulated is circulated in the machine-plate cylinder section 12.

Abstract: A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: A method for providing permanently colored steel shot for shot shells through anodizing and shells manufactured utilizing the shot.

Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive.