Abstract: The present invention discloses a guiding device for guiding a dispenser to draw solution from at least one well on a microplate. The guiding device includes a column body whereon a first opening and a second opening are formed on opposite sides, and a slotting structure passing through the column body and communicating with the first opening and the second opening. A pipe of the dispenser passes through the first opening, the slotting structure and the second opening to reach inside the at least one well on the microplate for drawing the solution contained in the at least one well.

Abstract: Spherical mechanical linkages may include a yoke defining a first axis and a second axis, a crank rotatably coupled to the yoke about the first axis; a deflecting member that defines a plane and that is coupled to the crank along a third axis, and a rocking frame slideably coupled to the yoke in the plane defined by the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the yoke about the second axis. One or more components of the spherical mechanical linkage may be symmetric about an axis. A payload, such as a mirror or a camera, can be mounted on the linkage as part of a multi-axis tracker.

Abstract: An actuating device has a string element (16) for actuating a shading system (10), which string element is guided at least with one half loop (19) within an actuating device section (15) of the actuating device (11), with a gripping element (17) guided displaceably at the actuating device section in the longitudinal direction of the section. The gripping element has an actuating element (29, 30), which can be reached and operated with a thumb, for detachably connecting the gripping element with the string element. The actuating element is mounted pivotably at the gripping element. The actuating element has a mount (31) for receiving a section of the string element on a side facing the string element. The mount is U-shaped or C-shaped for partially enclosing the string element and/or for extending behind a string member (26) of the string element.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) comprising an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing and a ball screw is disclosed. The ball screw and ADU housing may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (MRTB). Further, the ball screw may be situated at least partially about the ADU housing, an outer surface of the ADU housing may include a first ADU raceway, and an inner surface of the ball screw may include a second inner ball screw raceway. Either or both raceways may comprise hemispherical structures.

Abstract: A linear guide including a guide rail, a carriage, a drive screw and a connection arrangement is provided. The guide rail defines a linear travel path. The carriage is mounted to the guide rail for motion along the linear travel path. The drive screw is operably mounted to the guide rail. The connection arrangement couples the drive screw to the carriage to convert rotary motion of the drive screw to linear actuation of the carriage along the linear travel path. The connection arrangement provides a single degree of linear freedom between the drive screw and the carriage in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the linear travel path. The single degree of linear freedom permits relative motion between the screw and the carriage to relieve internal binding between the relative components.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator for translating rotational motion to linear motion. The actuator includes a motor, a screw assembly, a bearing assembly, and first and second lubrication systems. The screw assembly includes a housing, a threaded screw shaft disposed within the housing, a nut assembly, and an extension tube. The threaded screw shaft is rotatable by the motor. The nut assembly is arranged to move in either direction along a longitudinal axis of the threaded screw shaft when the threaded screw shaft is in rotational motion, thereby moving the extension tube between an extended position and a retracted position. The bearing assembly is arranged to provide support to at least a portion of a length of the threaded screw shaft. A pathway of the first lubrication system is remote and isolated from a pathway of the second lubrication system.

Abstract: Connection between a drive shaft and a driven shaft, and this connection is realised by means of a drive gearwheel on the drive shaft and a driven gearwheel on the driven shaft, whereby the drive gearwheel and the driven gearwheel are affixed in a housing, and this housing is on the one hand connected to a housing of the motor, and on the other hand is connected to a housing of the driven apparatus, and whereby the drive gearwheel or the driven gearwheel is a ring gear with internal toothing and the remaining gearwheel of the connection is a pinion with external toothing.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) may comprise a ball screw having at least one tab extending from an inner surface thereof and/or an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing that interfaces with the at least one tab. The bail screw may include three tabs extending from the inner surface thereof. An outer surface of the ball screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded portion of an inner surface of the ADU housing, and/or the ADU housing may interface with the at least one tab, and the ball screw may be rotated to translate a ball nut situated concentrically over ball screw axially. The ADU housing may include a gear train assembly having a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one receptacle.

Abstract: A plurality of ejector pins are made to project before a molten resin containing reinforcing fibers is injected into the inside of a cavity through pin point gates in a web forming portion in the inside of the cavity and at positions outside the pin point gates in the radial direction. The plurality of ejector pins are retracted from the inside of the cavity after the flow of the molten resin containing reinforcing fibers injected into the inside of the cavity through the pin point gates impinges on the plurality of ejector pins and is divided and before a tooth portion forming portion in the inside of the cavity is filled with the molten resin containing reinforcing fibers. Accordingly, weld lines which extend along the radial direction are formed at positions outside the ejector pins in the radial direction, and the molten resin is filled in portions formed after the ejector pins are retracted.

Abstract: An attachment structure for drive cables include a first fixing member and a second fixing member separate from the first fixing member, which are designed to fix the drive cables in a non-slidable manner. The first fixing member is disposed behind a pivot body of a robot so as to pivot together with the pivot body. The second fixing member is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first fixing member in a direction parallel to a rotational axis of an arm of the robot. The drive cables are fixed so as to be convexly curved upward in a portion between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (1) and a motor vehicle is described. The arrangement (2) comprises a main bracket (3) which is to be attached to the motor vehicle (1), a steering column (4) with a steering shaft (5). The steering column (4) is rotatable in relation to the main bracket (3) between a driving position and a parking position. The arrangement also comprises a driving adjustment bracket (9) which is rotatable in relation to the main bracket (3) and in relation to the steering column (4). The arrangement comprises a driving adjustment locking system by means of which the steering column (4) is lockable in different positions in the driving position, and locking means with which the steering column (4) may be locked in the parking position.

Abstract: A terminal supporting apparatus is provided with: a hub that is attached to an end of the outer cable and is provided with a flange on an outer periphery; a cushion member that is provided to surround the outer periphery of the hub and abuts on the flange at both a front surface and a back surface of the flange; and a housing that houses the cushion member. The cushion member includes a large-diameter portion that abuts on the flange. At least within a range contacting with the hub, at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion is fixed to an inner surface of the housing, while a clearance is formed between the cushion member and the inner surface of the housing over an entire region of an end surface of the large-diameter portion in a cable axis direction.

Abstract: An accelerator device includes a first cover that provides an internal space for housing a return spring and a failure region where the first cover engages a second cover. The failure region has a thickness configured to be thinner than a thickness of a body of the first cover. When a pedal rotates to open an accelerator, a second cover side friction member creates a force that pushes the second cover toward an outside of the device. The force is relayed to a contact portion of the first cover via a contact portion of the second cover and causes a failure of the failure region. As a result, the return spring is prevented from falling out of the internal space when the body breaks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a button set for gas valve, which is characterized by that, multiple oil chambers are set on inner wall of the axle hole of the axle hole on the upper cover of the button set in relation to the surface of the rotating axle; this could accommodate lubricant and reduce the contact area between the rotating axle and axle hole, thus improving the rotating smoothness of the rotating axle within the axle hole and reducing the machining accuracy.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system incorporates various embodiments in design and processing to achieve a very high ratio of energy stored per unit cost. The system uses a high-strength steel rotor rotating in a vacuum envelope. The rotor has a geometry that ensures high yield strength throughout its cross-section using various low-cost quenched and tempered alloy steels. Low-cost is also achieved by forging the rotor in a single piece with integral shafts. A high energy density is achieved with adequate safety margins through a pre-conditioning treatment. The bearing and suspension system utilizes an electromagnet that off-loads the rotor allowing for the use of low-cost, conventional rolling contact bearings over an operating lifetime of several years.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is provided that is capable of increasing torsional rigidity without increasing a size of an elastic member in a radial direction. A torsional vibration damper includes a boss member and a disk plate provided coaxially with each other; an elastic member being elastically deformable in a rotation direction of the boss member; a cam member rotating integrally with the boss member; a torque transmission member transmitting rotation torque between the boss member and the disk plate; and a socket member provided between the torque transmission member and the elastic member and having a contact surface coming in contact with the torque transmission member. The torque transmission member is capable of entirely reciprocating in a radial direction of the boss member in accordance with rotation of the cam member, and elastically compresses the elastic member when it moves outward in the radial direction of the boss member.

Abstract: A crank arm is provided, which includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member used for joining the first connecting member. The first connecting member has a first wall surface, the first wall surface is provided with a joint wall of an annular structure, and a wall surface of the joint wall is a concave-convex surface. The second connecting member is provided with a second wall surface opposite to the first wall surface, an annular wall and two facing ribs extend from the second wall surface, and the annular wall and the ribs have a groove there-between for fitting the joint wall therein. Therefore, a contact area of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is increased, and a shear force resisting function is provided.

Abstract: In a sprocket for a bicycle having a radial bearing acting as a bearing portion, an axial load acting on the bearing can be easily adjusted without having to dismount the components of the bicycle after the bicycle has been assembled. An elastomer is used as a component for an anti-rotation mechanism of an adjusting nut which serves to adjust the axial load of the radial bearing, so that an excessive load is not applied on the radial bearing, which would result in a defective rotation. Further, the axial load acting on the radial bearing can be easily adjusted without having to dismount the components of the bicycle after the bicycle has been assembled.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided. The gearbox includes two mutually opposite walls and at least one shaft that supports at least one gear, the shaft passing through the gearbox from one of the two mutually opposite walls to the other. Each one of the ends of the shaft is coupled rotatably to a respective wall by a respective bearing. The gearbox also includes at least one rigid tension member, which is internal to the gearbox and acts between the two mutually opposite walls to perform their traction.

Abstract: A gearbox housing includes a housing body enclosing a housing interior and having a passage opening for a gearbox output shaft surrounded by a connecting surface. A plurality of bores is formed in the housing body and extends through the housing body wall to fill oil into or drain it out of the housing interior, detect the oil level in the housing interior and vent the housing interior. The bores, which are provided as an oil filling opening, an oil draining opening, a venting opening and a level measuring opening during operation, are positioned in such a manner that they can be introduced into the housing body from two adjacent housing sides. This enables machining with a single clamping, with the result that changeover times are unnecessary and the housing body is consequently easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A gearbox supporting device of a wind turbine that has a rotor, a substantially horizontally oriented rotor shaft, a gearbox, and a main frame. The gearbox supporting device includes at least one rolling bearing arranged between a rotor hub and the gearbox and at least two supports on the gearbox. The supports each have at least one central supporting body, at least one frame and a plurality of flat elastomer bodies that are clamped between the frame and the central supporting body. The central supporting body is supported only on one side.

Abstract: A gearbox supporting device of a wind turbine with a rotor, a substantially horizontally oriented rotor shaft, a gearbox and a main frame. The gearbox supporting device includes at least one rolling bearing arranged between a rotor hub and the gearbox and at least two supports on the gearbox. The supports each have at least one central supporting body, at least one frame and a plurality of flat elastomer bodies that are or can be clamped between the frame and the supporting body. At least two of the supports are fixed bearings for absorbing at least 50% of the rotor thrust acting in the axial direction of the rotor shaft during the operation of the wind turbine.

Abstract: An improved transmission is provided including a splitter shaft having a concentric cavity defined in a distal end thereof and an outer wall surrounding the cavity. The outer wall has an increased thickness in order to reduce failure and fracturing in the outer wall area. A bearing hub adapted for supporting a larger bearing is also provided. The improved transmission may include a system for utilizing existing lubrication lines in order to lubricate a center section of the transmission. The components of the present invention may be provided as part of a kit for retrofitting an existing transmission in order to reduce failures and increase lifespan.

Abstract: An engine starting device is basically provided with a resistor, a bypass circuit and a switch. The resistor is configured to be disposed in series between a starter motor and a battery. The bypass circuit is disposed in parallel with respect to the resistor. The switch is configured to selectively open and close the bypass circuit, the switch opening the bypass circuit in response to commencement of engine startup, and closing the bypass circuit in response to the battery voltage approaches a maximum value during engine startup.

Abstract: A method of recovering Fe from steel-making slag is disclosed. The method includes the steps of melting steel-making slag having a higher Fe content than iron-making slag by heating the steel-making slag to a first temperature; cooling the molten slag to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature and then maintaining the same at the second temperature for a predetermined time to thus precipitate Fe in the molten slag, thereby forming and growing an Fe-rich phase; rapidly cooling the slag to room temperature; and crushing the solidified slag and magnetically separating a magnetically-susceptible portion from a magnetically-unsusceptible portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks by introducing a reducing gas into a high-pressure reducing unit (1) where the reducing gas is consumed by reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks and then the reducing gas is withdrawn as top gas from the high-pressure reducing unit (1). At least one subportion of the top gas is admixed to a feed gas as recycle gas (15). The reducing gas is generated by CO2 being separated off from the gas mixture obtained from the addition of the recycle gas (15) to the feed gas after one or more compression steps. The recycle gas (15) is added to the feed gas in at least two recycle gas substreams that are separated from one another with recycle gas substream pressures at various distances from the high-pressure reducing unit (1).

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an apparatus in the form of a cartridge opener for bottles and methods of using the same. Preferable embodiments of the apparatus are in the form of rifle cartridges. Further disclosed is a cartridge bottle opener featuring a unique opener with a tooth that is properly sized, weighted and cut in dimensions that are best suited for rapid entry of a beverage and removal of a bottle cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool including one or more shock absorption components disposed in the tool and adapted to protect various components of the tool in the event the tool is dropped or otherwise sustains an impact force. In an embodiment, the tool includes shock absorption foam disposed above and below an electronic display. The tool may also include a shock absorption component disposed under an end cap of the tool to absorb a shock or impact force to the tool when the tool is dropped on the end cap.

Abstract: A pliers apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises two arms, two jaws, struts and a switch allowing the apparatus to function as a ratcheting device, pliers and clamps.

Abstract: A drive center constituting a machine tool accessory being used on a lathe for holding workpieces that are mounted between the headstock and the tailstock (between centers). The drive center comprises a head having an adjustable spring-loaded center point and a number of removable, adjustable spurs that are capable of penetrating a workpiece sufficiently to provide torque for the turning process. The head is attached to a shank with a standard taper to fit the spindle of a lathe. A cylindrical guard is supported coaxially by the external surface of the head so that the guard radially encircles the head and the spurs but is able to slide axially and rotationally with respect to the head. A spring causes the guard to extend axially beyond the spurs except when pushed back by the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention includes a saw table, which can be converted into a parallelogram position. Converting the saw table into a parallelogram position allows for the angle of the blade relative to the fence and work-piece to change with ease. This invention also comprises an adjustable blade guard, which facilitates various cuts on or through work-pieces with minimal efforts.

Abstract: An auxiliary fence system which mounts on a mitre saw, for accommodating the cutting of material at each selectively of the various angles available on the mitre saw. There is provided a longitudinally extending stationary fence-frame having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The fence-frame overlays a stock table, and vertical back-fence of the mitre saw. Bolts secure the fence-frame to the stock vertical back-fence utilizing through-holes with counter-bores disposed along a vertical back-fence portion of the fence-frame. These through-holes having counter-bores, locationally correspond with through-holes disposed along the stock vertical back-fence of the mitre saw. The fence-frame further includes an aperture, being generally centered about a blade of the mitre saw. The fence system includes multiple angle-dedicated inserts, each selectively of which operatively engage and removably secure within the aperture.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tuned blade includes a base and a tire cutting edge made of a tool steel having a vanadium content which is at least about 8 percent. For example, the tool steel can have a combined vanadium, cobalt, and tungsten content that is at least about 15 percent. The tool steel can be formed into a simple block via a powder metallurgy process. The simple block can be milled into an ultrasonic tire cutting horn shape comprising a tuned blade including a base and a tire cutting edge. The ultrasonic steel tire cutting horn can be heat treated to provide the tool steel with a Rockwell hardness, for example, of at least about 50 HRC and less than about 64 HRC. The ultrasonic steel tire cutting horn can include a low friction or wear resistant coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for changing the pitch of a string or strings of a string instrument.

Abstract: A non-electrical stringed instrument sound effects device includes a crosspiece, having a string interface, and a strapping system that is configured to removably fasten the crosspiece, including the string interface, around a plucking or strumming hand of a player of the stringed musical instrument. A method of creating a sound effect using the device includes attaching the device to a plucking or strumming hand of a player of a stringed musical instrument such that the strapping system extends around the hand and the crosspiece is disposed adjacent the outside of the hand, positioning the hand in a conventional plucking or strumming position such that the string interface of the crosspiece extends across at least one of the strings, and manipulating the string interface of the crosspiece against the strings while plucking or strumming to achieve a desired sound effect without use of electrical power.

Abstract: A Music Wheel user interface or apparatus having a substantially flat surface area and being formed by a plurality of wheels stacked on top of each other. Each wheel can independently move in clockwise and anticlockwise directions. The face of each wheel displays relevant and fundamental information for musical instructions. Certain parts of the faces of certain wheels are cut out, or have windows, allowing the inscriptions of pitches or key tonalities letter, number, and symbol notes on the faces of the wheels at the bottom to be seen. The sizes of the wheels are ascending from top to bottom to allow the inscriptions on the rim of the wheels at the bottom to be seen. During operation, at least one wheel is stationary and three are movable. All moving parts can move independently of each other.

Abstract: A beat analysis module is described for determining beat information associated with an audio item. The beat analysis module uses an Expectation-Maximization (EM) approach to determine an average beat period, where correlation is performed over diverse representations of the audio item. The beat analysis module can determine the beat information in a relative short period of time. As such, the beat analysis module can perform its analysis together with another application task (such as a game application task) without disrupting the real time performance of that application task. In one application, a user may select his or her own audio items to be used in conjunction with the application task.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining media files based on activity levels are described. An example method includes receiving information indicative of a first speed of the computing device, and receiving information indicative of a geography of a location of the computing device. The method further includes determining, from a plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a first media file based on the geography of the location of the computing device and also having a tempo that substantially matches to the first speed of the computing device. The method includes providing an indication of the first media file to a media player, and based on a change in the first speed of the computing device to a second speed, determining from the plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a second media file having a tempo that substantially matches to the second speed.

Abstract: This document describes a device for receiving and displaying graphical representations of digital music tracks and their components (in the form of digital interactive phrases, or “DIPs”). The device allows a user to play the music tracks using a new format, blend, mix or mash different music tracks together, via a digital interactive phrase process, and produce and listen to the blended, mixed or mashed digital music.

Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm further includes components that provide full auto firing capability. These components include a specially designed auto bracket that cooperates with a modified bolt carrier and a modified upper receiver.

Abstract: A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.

Abstract: A failure detecting device of a fault detection system includes a detection time calculator, which calculates a stroke time T3 required for a piston to travel between one end and another end of an actuator based on detection signals from a first sensor and a second sensor, a statistical processor that performs a predetermined statistical calculation with respect to the stroke time T3, and a fault response detector, which detects whether or not a fault of the actuator has occurred based on a processing result of the statistical processor.

Abstract: Device together with hydraulic system for actuating at least one first hydraulic consumer and at least one second hydraulic consumer.

Abstract: A central release unit for a hydraulic clutch actuator has a plastic cylinder housing which is produced by injection molding and which has at least one cylinder wall provided, on an outer circumference, with a reinforcement sleeve. The reinforcement sleeve can be fastened to the cylinder wall after the injection molding of the cylinder housing, for which purpose a snap-action connection is provided on a forward end, which faces away from the pressure connection piece, of the reinforcement sleeve. The connection is formed by a radially inwardly bent detent portion of the reinforcement sleeve and by a rib integrally formed on the outer circumference of the cylinder wall. The reinforcement sleeve has a main portion which adjoins the detent portion and which is of conical shape complementary to an outer circumferential surface, which is of conical form in the reinforcement region, of the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A piston and carrier assembly for an engine is provided. The assembly includes a thrust washer positioned at an interface of the carrier and the piston. The assembly also includes a retention means provided in cooperation with the thrust washer and a top surface of the carrier. The retention means is configured to restrict movement of the thrust washer relative to the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steel piston having cooling channel without flash, including an upper piston part having a circle shape outer wall and an inner wall formed inward from the outer wall with a desired distance, and a lower piston part having a circle shape outer wall and an inner wall formed inward from the outer wall with a desired distance on the place corresponding each other when they are coupled, in which one or more concave grooves are formed on the outer wall of the upper piston part, and two concave grooves are formed on the inner wall of the upper piston part, and the inner circumference surface of the upper end of the outer wall of the lower piston part is carved as much as a desired depth, and therefore, a stepped portion is formed between the inner and the outer circumference surfaces, and the inner and outer circumference surfaces of the upper end of the inner wall of the lower piston part are carved as much as a desired depth, and a protrusion is formed at the middle of the upper e

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder having a top and bottom face wherein a rotatable piston is movably disposed. Top and bottom pistons rods that are rotatably removable and couple to the top and bottom faces of the piston. The piston rods are interchangeable so that the top piston rod can be exchanged with the bottom piston rod. The hydraulic actuator apparatus further includes top and bottom end caps, which sealably couple to the top and bottom faces of the hydraulic cylinder, and the end caps support connection to external components and have thru holes, which allow their respective piston rods to emerge from the hydraulic cylinder. The end caps are also interchangeable so that the top end cap and the bottom end cap can be switched. The hydraulic actuator apparatus is symmetric and can be rotated with respect to its connection to external components.

Abstract: Method for treating impurities contained in exhaust gases of ships to reduce sulphur oxide and other emissions. In order for the method to purify wash water exiting from an exhaust gas scrubber sufficiently enough to be directly dischargeable to sea, and in order for a purification unit used to be small enough to be easily placed onboard a ship, exhaust gases are scrubbed in the exhaust gas scrubber and wash water containing impurities and exiting from the scrubber is supplied to the purification unit, circulated in an effluent circuit, and filtered through a semipermeable membrane of a filter to obtain purified effluent and a residue containing impurities, when necessary, the pH value of the purified effluent is adjusted to be at least 6.5, after which it is discharged into the sea or recycled to the scrubber while the residue containing impurities is led back to the effluent circuit.

Abstract: A filter assembly and method of operating the filter assembly includes a hinge attached to a first end of a filter while a lifting mechanism is attached to a second end of the filter. The lifting mechanism lifts and releases the second end of the filter causing an impact such that dust and debris caught in the filter is dislodged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic or oleophobic microporous polymer membrane having a structurally induced drip-off effect, to methods for producing the membrane according to the invention, to the use of the membrane in the sterile filtration of gaseous fluids, and to the use of the membrane as a liquid barrier in liquid-containing systems to be vented.