Abstract: In a method for operating a rotation rate sensor including a substrate and a seismic mass, the seismic mass is driven in a drive direction in parallel to the main extension plane of the sensor to carry out a drive movement, and, during a rotation of the rotation rate sensor, the seismic mass is moved in a detection direction perpendicular to the drive direction and perpendicular to the rotation rate as a result of the action of force caused by the Coriolis force. The movement in the detection direction has a deflection amplitude, and the rotation rate sensor includes a deflection support element acting on the seismic mass in such a way that the deflection amplitude in the detection direction is increased.

Abstract: A micro gyroscope for determining rotational movements about three spatial axes x, y and z, which are perpendicular to one another has a substrate (I) on which a plurality of masses (2, 3) oscillating tangentially about the z axis, which is perpendicular to the substrate (I), are arranged. The oscillating masses (2, 3) are fastened on the substrate (I) by means of springs (5, 6, 8) and tie bolts (7, 9). Driving elements (II) serve to maintain oscillating, tangential vibrations of the masses (2, 3) about the z axis, as a result of which, upon rotation of the substrate (I) about any spatial axis, the masses (2, 3) are subjected to Corolis forces and deflections caused as a result. Sensor elements detect the deflections of the masses (2, 3) on the basis of the Corolis forces generated. Some of the masses (2, 3) oscillating about the z axis are mounted in a tiltable manner substantially about the x axis which runs parallel to the substrate (I).

Abstract: A mechanism for recovering from stiction-related events in a MEMS device through application of a force orthogonal to the stiction force is provided. A small force applied orthogonal to the vector of a stiction force can release the stuck proof mass easier than a force parallel to the vector of the stiction force. Example embodiments provide a vertical parallel plate or comb-fingered lateral actuator to apply the orthogonal force. Alternate embodiments provide a proof mass of a second transducer to impact a stuck MEMS actuator to release stiction.

Abstract: A motion rate sensor for detecting the rate of movement of an article, comprising: a housing relative to which, in use, the article moves, a detection unit disposed within the housing, the detection unit including a conversion device adapted for generating detector signals caused by the motion of the article, and processing circuitry adapted for receiving said detector signals and outputting motion signals indicative of the rate of movement of the article. In embodiments, the detector signals are caused by variations in optical or light energy, in magnetic fields or radiation intensity. The variations may be caused by variations on the surface in the article, for example a random or repetitive pattern. An apparatus and method for calibrating the sensor are also disclosed, as are a system and method for determining the speed of motion of an article using the sensor.

Abstract: A container handling system may include force sensors and acceleration sensors to be attached to a container handling device, an electronics unit of the system, an oscillation device and the software, user interfaces, encrypted and wireless data transmission traffic, ID cards/readers as well as identifier number keyboards of the system. Using the container handling system, in different container handling stages can be created a code based on oscillation that identifies and secures the container and the container contents. Using container handling devices coupled to the system and using the container security system, in the logistics chain, it is possible to secure and inspect containers to be moved in different container handling stages and the container contents as well as the condition of the container.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the quality of a display substrate are provided to detect whether the substrate has been broken. The device comprises an ultrasonic emitter and an ultrasonic receiver, both of which are set on the side opposite to the processing area, and it further comprises an ultrasonic analyzer connected to the ultrasonic receiver. The ultrasonic emitter emits ultrasonic waves for testing to the substrate, the ultrasonic receiver receives the ultrasonic waves reflected from the substrate, and the ultrasonic analyzer connected to the ultrasonic receive analyzes the received ultrasonic waves to determine whether the substrate has been broken. In the present invention, the fragment on anywhere comprising the processing area and the non-processing area of the substrate can be detected, the broken substrate can be picked out overall, and thus preventing the broken substrate from damaging the production line and the products.

Abstract: A system and method for the inspection of cylindrical components using an ultrasonic transducer assembly. The system and method comprise a robot disposed on a track secured about the circumference of the cylindrical component and adapted to carry the ultrasonic transducer along the track to inspect the component. A computer system is adapted to receive scan data from the transducer assembly and construct a three-dimensional representation of the scanned portion of the component.

Abstract: An acoustic wave detection probe includes a light projection section that emits measuring light to be projected onto a subject, an acoustic wave transducer disposed adjacent to the light projection section and capable of detecting an acoustic wave, an acoustic lens provided on a detection side of the acoustic wave transducer, and a housing accommodating the light projection section, the acoustic wave transducer, and the acoustic lens, in which the acoustic lens and a surface portion of the housing adjacent to the acoustic lens are formed to have an optical property in which the average diffuse reflection factor is 85% or more and the average absorption factor is 10% or less in a wavelength range of the measuring light.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to detecting fluid in medical tubing. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes controlling repetitive activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes receiving a signal from the ultrasonic receiver during an activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes determining that fluid is absent or present in a portion of the medical fluid tube based on a comparison between the signal and a threshold value.

Abstract: An automatic sonic/ultrasonic data acquisition system for collecting data from concrete railroad ties. The system has a frame, a wheel carried by the frame and constructed and arranged to rotate relative to the frame such that the wheel can roll along the top of a rail, an axle suspended from the frame and adapted to be rotated relative to the frame via rotation of the wheel, one or more sensors coupled to the axle and constructed and arranged to contact the ties as the frame is moved along the rails, and an energy source for initiating in the ties compressional and/or shear/Rayleigh waves that are sensed by the sensors.

Abstract: A distributed fiber optic acoustic sensing system comprises an elongate body having an outer surface, an optical fiber disposed on the outer surface at a first predetermined wrap angle, and light transmitting and receiving means optically connected to the fiber for. The elongate body may include at least one substantially flat face, and/or a layer of swellable elastomer surrounding the body, and/or an outer elastomeric tube surrounding the elastomer layer. There may be at least one sensor pad disposed in the outer layer, the sensor pad comprising a stiffener and at least one longitudinal fiber affixed thereto or embedded therein. There may be a body of protective material surrounding the tube, which may have an outer surface that includes at least one substantially flat face and at least one sensor pad disposed in the body.

Abstract: Apparatus that detects the pressure of water that can move through a water channel (26) towards and away from a pressure sensor (22), wherein the apparatus is constructed to avoid damage from freezing water. The water channel is constructed with a narrow channel portion (40) and a wide channel portion (42) connected in series, with the narrow channel portion lying closer to the pressure sensor. When the ambient temperature falls below the freezing temperature of water, water in the narrow channel portion freezes before water in the wide channel portion freezes, and frozen water in the narrow channel portion acts like a plug to prevent water (or ice) from moving toward the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe includes a tube having a channel disposed in the pipe through which fluid in the pipe flows. The flowmeter includes an upstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the upstream transducer propagates through the channel. The flowmeter includes a downstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the downstream transducer propagate through the channel and are received by the upstream transducer which produces an upstream transducer signal. The downstream transducer receives the plane waves from the upstream transducer and provides a downstream transducer signal. The flowmeter includes a controller in communication with the upstream and downstream transducers which calculate fluid flow rate from the upstream transducer signal and the downstream transducer signal. A method for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe.

Abstract: A measurement control section of a flow meter device causes a measurement block dividing section to divide a sampling cycle Tc into three or more, for example, four measurement blocks Tb of an equal length and causes the flow measuring section to measure the flow of a fluid in each of the measurement blocks Tb. A flow calculating section of the flow measuring section calculates an average value of flow values obtained in all of the measurement blocks in each sampling cycle Tc, as a flow value in each sampling cycle Tc. This configuration allows a flow meter device which employs an inverse transit time difference method, such as an estimation gas meter, to more effectively lessen the influence of a pulsation and to perform flow measurement with higher accuracy.

Abstract: A yoke unit includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a resin section. The first yoke includes multiple first magnetic pole teeth. The second yoke includes multiple second magnetic pole teeth. The first magnetic pole teeth and the second magnetic pole teeth are arranged alternately. The resin section makes the yokes integral with each other. The resin section includes a recessed part formed in an inner surface of the resin section. The recessed part is arranged between the first magnetic pole tooth and the second magnetic pole tooth.

Abstract: A return container for a sensor device and methods of forming a sensor device return container are disclosed. Generally, the apparatus may include a deflecting blade, a handle, and an indicator. The deflecting blade has a shaft and planar portion extending from respective ends. The planar portion can be placed proximate a working surface associated with a conveyor bearing and movable to provide the tension force on the belt. The handle is connected to the shaft and provides a torque when the handle is moved about an axis of the shaft. As an initial torque is applied to the shaft, the planar portion applies a first force against the working surface. The indicator is on the handle and measures the tension force on the belt when the handle provides a sufficiently increased torque such that the planar portion minimally deflects the working surface to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A portable soil testing apparatus and method including a device to mix a soil sample in a cup with water to create a slurry, immersing a sensor in the slurry to detect a soil property and recording the soil property along with location information. The soil testing apparatus includes a frame, a computer secured within the frame, the computer operatively connected to a touch screen display and a pump. The pump providing water from a tank and into a cup containing a soil sample. A stirring station including a stirring rod and a motor is controlled by the computer and mixes the soil sample and water to create a slurry. A sensor is then immersed in the slurry to detect a desired soil property. The soil property data is then recorded by the computer on a storage medium, transmitted to a user or displayed.

Abstract: A testing system includes a base, a frame installed on the base, a platform, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a locating component, a third driving mechanism and a control unit. Two guiding tracks and a sliding component which slides along the two guiding tracks are disposed under two sides of the platform. The second driving mechanism is connected to the sliding component, and the third driving mechanism is disposed on the sliding component and connected to the locating component. The control unit is for controlling the first driving mechanism to drive the platform to move in a first direction, so that the locating component presses a portable electronic device disposed on the base. The control unit is further for controlling the second driving mechanism and the third driving mechanism to drive the locating component to move in a second direction and a third direction.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, having at least one movement sensor which is configured to detect a first monitoring space of the monitoring device and at the same time a second monitoring space of the monitoring device which differs from the first monitoring space. Also a method for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: detection of a first monitoring space of the monitoring device by at least one movement sensor; and simultaneous detection of a second monitoring space, which is different from the first monitoring space, by the at least one movement sensor.

Abstract: A system includes a frame having multiple separate supports and multiple flexible rails. Each support is configured to be secured in a position apart from another support, and each flexible rail is configured to be coupled to the supports and placed under tension. The system also includes a sensor head configured to be mounted on the rails and to move back and forth along the rails. The sensor head is substantially self-contained and configured to receive operating power over the rails. The frame may further include a tensioned member configured to be coupled to the supports, and the sensor head can be configured to move back and forth using the tensioned member. The sensor head can be self-contained in that the sensor head does not push and pull any wiring assembly during movement along the rails.

Abstract: A system and method for lowering a pantograph includes a frame that may be extended or retracted. The system and method may include various structure for retracting the frame and for increasing a rate at which the frame is retracted. In particular embodiments, an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor may be used to retract the frame during normal operations, and a continuity circuit operably connected to the motor may accelerate the rate at which the motor retracts the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a linked crank mounting device for use with a switch rail, comprising: an input terminal or series of input terminals; an actuator; an output connector; and attachment means for rigidly attaching the linked crank mounting device relative to the railway; wherein the input terminal or terminals are for receiving input power, the output connector is directly or indirectly mechanically linked to at least one of a switch rail or an output connector of a further linked crank mounting device, and the actuator applies the input power to the output connector.

Abstract: An actuator for a grille shutter assembly of a vehicle has a motor connected to an output via a gear train. The output has a connection for connecting to louvers of the grille shutter assembly. The gear train has a gear ratio which is variable depending on the actuation angle of the output shaft. Optionally, a return spring is arranged to resiliently return the output shaft to an initial actuation angle when the motor is not active.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fast movement of printing press components with integrated fine adjustment, in particular in flexographic printing presses, characterised in that the distances in particular between the printing press components impression roller (43), printing roller (44), and anilox roller (45) are determined by means of spindles (10) that have at least two aligned threaded sections of slightly different pitch comprising a pitch part A (11) and a pitch part B (12) in which at least one nut A (20) and nut B (21) having a corresponding pitch engage, wherein at least one of the nuts (20, 21) is integrated into the base parts comprising basic frame (40), carriage (41) or bearing block (42) and fixed either on the spindle (10) or in the bearing seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for joint action upon at least two different elements of a motor vehicle door lock, with at least one sheathed cable having a core and sheath, wherein the sheathed cable is provided in the longitudinal extent thereof with at least two force transmission units which are designed for interaction with a first element at one end and with a second element at the other end upon action on the sheathed cable, and one of the two elements is designed as an actuating lever, wherein the other element is a closing/opening element operating on a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A synchronization device for a transmission, includes a sliding sleeve a blocking synchronizer ring and a change wheel. In a force flow region between the blocking synchronizer ring and the change wheel, ramps for producing a servo force axial with respect to the shaft are provided on at least one component part.

Abstract: An actuator with a position detection mechanism includes a main body, a transmission mechanism, a quick-release mechanism and a position detection mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a worm gear with protruding keys and a lead screw shaft. The quick-release mechanism is mounted onto the lead screw shaft and includes a clutch gear with key slots for disengaging or engaging with the protruding keys in order to move axially relative to the worm gear. The position detection mechanism includes a variable resistor, an actuating gear mounted on the lead screw shaft to rotate altogether therewith and a driving gear connected to the variable resistor and engaged with the actuating gear. When the worm gear disengages from the clutch gear, a particular resistor value is formed at the variable resistor; therefore, disengaged or engaged positions of the worm gear and the clutch gear can be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A gearing arrangement that includes a gear and a pinion with intermeshing teeth. The gear includes a base pitch and the pinion includes a base pitch. The geometry of the tooth flanks of the gear and the pinion are constructed to accommodate various values of axis misalignment. The base pitch of the gear is always equal to the operating base pitch of the gear pair. Similarly, the base pitch of the pinion is always equal to the operating base pitch of the gear pair. Therefore, the base pitches of the gear and pinion are always equal to one another and to the operating base pitch.

Abstract: In the strain wave gearing, an involute positive deflection tooth profile of a low pressure angle of less than 20° is used as the basic tooth profile for the rigid internal spur gear and the flexible external spur gear in order to increase the effective tooth depth. Continuous meshing of the two gears in the tooth trace direction is made possible by shifting the external teeth so that the linear parts of the rack tooth profiles coincide when viewed along the tooth trace direction. The root rim thickness of the front end of the external teeth of the flexible external spur gear is set to an optimal thickness and the root rim thicknesses at various positions other than the front end of the external teeth in the tooth trace direction are set to appropriate values.

Abstract: A strain wave gearing speed changing apparatus for changing an input speed to an output either greatly slower or faster, the apparatus has a coaxial pair of circular splines that includes a first circular spline having a tooth number TA and a second circular spline having a tooth number TD. A coaxial pair of flex splines includes a first flex spline having a tooth number TB and a second flex spline having a tooth number TC. The first flex spline meshes with the first circular spline and the second flex spline meshes with the second circular spline at two, preferably more meshing engagements. A wave generator is connected to one of the input and output shafts of the apparatus. Two splines of one of the two coaxial pairs being fixed together to operate flexingly on the wave generator that may have equal spline tooth engagement pitch circle circumference lengths.

Abstract: A sensor device having at least one sensor element, such as a Hall sensor element, and at least one magnet element that can move in relation to the sensor element. The sensor element has a number of differently magnetized regions. The sensor element is configured to issue a sensor signal, which represents a condition defined by a magnetization of a region of the magnet element located in the measurement range of the sensor element. The sensor element determines the condition by means of one of at least three pre-defined sensor signal values.

Abstract: A shift device includes a knob that is rotatable about an axis and movable when pushed in the axial direction. An alternating action generation unit switches the knob, whenever the knob is pushed, between a base position and a hold position, which is separated from the base position in the axial direction. A base position return unit returns the knob to the base position when the knob has been rotated from the base position. A push restriction unit restricts pushing of the knob that has been rotated from the base position. A rotation restriction unit restricts rotation of the knob that is located at the hold position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shift device capable of improving positioning accuracy of a center of pivot of an operating member. In a shift lever device, a supporting shaft is formed to a retainer, and a supporting hole is formed to a shift lever plate. Furthermore, by sliding the retainer in the support shaft axial direction with respect to the shift lever plate, the supporting shaft is inserted into the supporting hole, and the shift lever plate is supported by the retainer so as to be capable of pivoting. Positioning accuracy of the supporting shaft 116 with respect to the retainer, and positioning accuracy of the supporting hole 16 with respect to the shift lever plate can be increased as a result. The positioning accuracy of the center of pivot of the retainer is thereby capable of being improved.

Abstract: A bicycle component actuation apparatus basically comprises a base member; a user operating member and a controller. The user operating member is movably mounted to the base member from a rest position to a first operated position. The controller detects operation of the user operating member to operate first and second electric components, one of which is not a shifting device. The controller operates one of the first and second electric components upon the controller detecting the user operating member being moved to the first operated position. The controller operates at least the other of the first and second electric components upon the controller detecting the user operating member remaining at the first operated position for a period of time longer than a first prescribed time.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gear shifter for use with a transmission is provided. The gear shifter includes a housing that defines a gate and a gear shift lever having a first end and a second end. The gear shift lever is at least partially received within the housing so that the first end is guided by the gate. The gear shifter includes a shifter block received within the housing and including a plurality of detents. One of the plurality of detents includes at least one pocket defined adjacent to the one of the plurality of detents so as to be in communication with the one of the plurality of detents. The at least one pocket and the plurality of detents are each sized to receive a portion of the second end of the gear shift lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tongue module for a robot which is installed in an android face robot formed to have a similar external appearance to a human face and to express feelings. The tongue module includes a tongue body made of composite silicon material and formed to have smooth texturing; a front and rear driving unit configured to move the tongue body in front and rear directions by using a crank arm and a first servo motor; an up and down driving unit configured to bend the tongue body in up and down directions by using wires and a second servo motor; and a linear rail assembly configured to move the tongue body in a straight line.

Abstract: A securing element (1) with an annular body (3, 12a, 26) and with holding tongues (4) which emerge from the annular body (3, 12a, 26) and end at a hole (6) in the securing element (1), which hole is centred with respect to the centre axis (5) of the securing element (1), wherein the hole (6) leads axially in the same direction as the centre axis (5) through the securing element (1) and, at the radial narrowest points of the hole (6), is bounded at least by end edges (7) formed on the end sides of the holding tongues (4), and wherein in each case at least two surfaces (8, 9) bounding part of the holding tongue (4) meet and end at the respective end edge (7), and of which one of the surfaces (8) is formed on the front side of the holding tongue (4).

Abstract: An accelerator pedal for a vehicle includes: a foot pad to which a pedal effort is applied by a driver; a cover which is connected to correspondingly thereto; a vibration producer which is disposed between the foot pad and the cover and is vibrated by an electric signal; and a vibration transmitter which is extended in a longitudinal direction of the foot pad.

Abstract: Control devices and systems for self-propelled machinery and related methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a control device for self-propelled machinery includes a central portion disposed between a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion and at least one pressure sensitive trigger control provided over either the first or the second gripping portion. The trigger control can be configured to reduce a speed of the self-propelled machinery by actuating a portion of a potentiometer for varying an electrical signal carried by the control device. In some aspects, the control device can electrically communicate with a control unit of the self-propelled machinery.

Abstract: A shaft assembly with a roller bearing arrangement is provided. The shaft has a tooth system with a specifiable number of depressions and elevations. The roller bearing is a bearing with a specifiable number of roller bodies. The roller bearing may be a needle bearing with roller bodies in the form of bearing needles. The number of depressions may be equal to, or greater than, the number of roller bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting rod for reciprocating compressor, in particular a connecting rod converting the crank rotating motion into linear axial motion. The rod (1) having means capable of compensate efforts and ensure alignment and deflection of the piston (P) inside the cylinder (C). Such means comprising at least two regions (5, 6) capable of oriented resilient deformation, being such regions (5, 6) formed in the body (2) and oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A power transmission device in which a motor and a reduction gear are connected through a fluid coupling, includes: a fan for reduction gear cooling provided at an input shaft of the reduction gear; and a protective cover configured to cover the fluid coupling, wherein the protective cover is provided with an air intake for the fan, and a guide unit that guides air drawn in from the air intake to the fan.

Abstract: A transmission for a muscle-powered vehicle having an auxiliary motor, in particular for a pedelec, including a housing which can be fitted on the vehicle, a first drive shaft mounted in the housing for feeding in muscle power, said first drive shaft being coupled to an approximately coaxial output shaft for driving the vehicle, and further including, approximately at a right angle to said first drive shaft, a second drive shaft for connecting the auxiliary motor, which second drive shaft acts on the output shaft via an angular gear. The angular gear is formed by a crown gear on the output shaft and a sprocket on the second drive shaft, which sprocket engages in the crown gear.

Abstract: Provided is a method in which, when discarded batteries such as lithium-ion batteries are treated by a dry process, slag having a reduced viscosity is obtained to heighten the recovery of valuable metals. The method for recovering valuable metals includes a dry process (S20) which includes a melting step (ST21), a slag separation step (ST22), and an alloy separation step (ST23), the slag having an aluminum oxide content of 5 mass % or higher but less than 20 mass % and an iron content in terms of metallic iron amount of 20-40 mass %. Furthermore, silicon oxide and calcium oxide are added as a flux in the melting step (ST21) so that the slag has a melting point of 1,400° C. or lower, and the melting step (ST21) is conducted at 1,400° C. or lower. Thus the recovery of the alloys can be heightened.

Abstract: Carbide pellets including relatively small amounts of metallic binder are produced by steps of pressing, comminuting, shaping and sintering. The carbide pellets may be used as wear resistant hard facing materials that are applied to various types of tools. The carbide pellets provide improved mechanical properties such as hardness and abrasiveness while maintaining required levels of toughness and strength.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for magnetic nanoparticles and bulk nanocomposite magnets.

Abstract: A method of starting a smelting process in a smelting vessel includes heating frozen slag and forming molten slag and draining molten slag from a forehearth connection via a forehearth and establishing a clear flow path through the forehearth connection and thereafter hot starting the smelting process.

Abstract: A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first tubular and a second tubular comprises a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first cam gear, a first plurality of clamp members disposed within the first cam gear, and a torque gear. Each clamp member is pivotally coupled to the torque gear. Each clamp member is configured to pivot between a withdraw position radially spaced apart from the first tubular and a gripping position engaging the first tubular. In addition, the clamping system comprises a clamp actuator. The clamp actuator includes a mounting shaft, a first clamp drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft, and a torque drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft. The first clamp drive gear is configured to rotate the first cam gear and the torque drive gear is configured to rotate the torque gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting support tileframes for electrical devices includes a mechanism for holding the tileframe, inserted into the said tileframe or guided for holding by the user, two or more chucks, whose number varies according to the number of screws to be fixed on the tileframe, each of which is equipped with an insert for holding and directing the rotation of one of the screws, and in which the chucks are activated, simultaneously and in the same direction, either to screw tight or unscrew said screws, by means of a screwing attachment, which can be attached temporarily to the apparatus.