Abstract: Provided is a semi-fixed type shoe-fixing shaft that includes a shaft rotatably mounted on a crank, a ratchet pawl swingably installed on the shaft, a ratchet engaging tooth fixed to the crank so as to catch the ratchet pawl, a ratchet spring fixed to the shaft so as to swing the ratchet pawl, a ratchet control lever connected to the ratchet spring and slidably installed on the shaft, and a shoe fixing hook fixed to the shaft. The shoe fixing hook and a fastener fixed to a cycling shoe are coupled. Thereby, the cycling shoe and the shaft are fixed, and a force for stretching an ankle is transmitted through the cycling shoe and the shaft as a force for rotating the crank. Muscles around a calf for moving the ankle can be used as a rotational force for the crank.

Abstract: A method and configuration to optimize an entire traction system available on a helicopter including an auxiliary engine by allowing the engine to provide non-propulsive and/or propulsive power during flight. The auxiliary engine is coupled to participate directly in providing mechanical or electrical propulsive power and electrical non-propulsive power to the aircraft. An architecture configuration includes an on-board power supply network, two main engines, and a system for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy between a main gearbox to the propulsion members and a mechanism receiving electrical energy including the on-board network and power electronics in conjunction with starters of the main engines. An auxiliary power engine provides electrical energy to the mechanism for receiving electrical energy via the energy conversion system and a mechanism for mechanical coupling between the auxiliary engine and at least one propulsion member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for refining copper concentrate (1). The arrangement comprises a suspension smelting furnace (2) comprising a reaction shaft (5), and a settler (6). The reaction shaft (5) is provided with a concentrate burner (8) for feeding copper concentrate (1) such as copper sulfide concentrate and/or copper matte and additionally at least reaction gas (9) into the reaction shaft (5) to obtain a blister layer (11) containing blister and a first slag layer (12) containing slag on top of the blister layer (11) in the settler (6), and a slag cleaning furnace (3). The arrangement comprises feeding means (16, 18, 23) for feeding blister from the blister layer (11) in the settler (6) and for feeding slag from the first slag layer (12) in the settler (6) into the slag cleaning furnace (3).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a permanent magnet includes a sintered compact having a composition represented by the composition formula: RpFeqMrCusCo100-p-q-r-s (where R is at least one element selected from rare earth elements, M is at least one element selected from Zr, Ti, and Hf, p is 10.5 atomic % or more and 12.5 atomic % or less, q is 24 atomic % or more and 40 atomic % or less, r is 0.88 atomic % or more and 4.5 atomic % or less, and s is 3.5 atomic % or more and 10.7 atomic % or less. The sintered compact has a structure having crystal grains constituted of a main phase including a Th2Zn17 crystal phase, and a crystal grain boundary. In the structure of the sintered compact, an average grain diameter of the crystal grains is 25 micrometer or more, and a volume fraction of the crystal grain boundary is 14% or less.

Abstract: A refractory metal matrix-ceramic compound multi-component composite material with the super-high melting point is disclosed. At least one ceramic compound A and at least one refractory bonding metal B are fused together by the smelting process to make the multi-component composite material. The fused ingredients of the multi-component composite material are mAnB, and (m+n)max=13. The positive integer m is the number of the kinds of the ceramic components A, and the positive integer n is the number of the kinds of the refractory bonding metals B. The absolute value of the combining enthalpy of the ceramic compound A is larger than the absolute value of the combining enthalpy between the ceramic compound A and the refractory bonding metal B. The multi-component composite material has the properties including over 3000° C. melting point, high stability, hardness, ductility, and fusibility in high or low temperature, fast production, and low cost.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a system and method for selectively removing metals from a metal containing substance, and more particularly to a method and system for selectively extracting metals from fly ash with one or more of an acidic extraction process, basic extraction process, and supercritical carbon dioxide (scC02) and a co-solvent extraction process. Moreover, bi-products from an industrial process, e.g., coal fired plant, may be utilized in the extraction processes.

Abstract: Conditioning devices for conditioning blades are provided. A conditioning device includes a first rod and a second rod, at least one of the first rod and the second rod rotatable about an axis, the first rod and the second rod oriented to define a blade conditioning zone therebetween, the blade conditioning zone being defined by a blade conditioning angle between the first rod and the second rod. The conditioning device further includes a stationary magnet and a movable magnet. The movable magnet is connected to the one of the first rod and the second rod and rotatable about the axis. The movable magnet has an opposite magnetic orientation relative to the stationary magnet. Rotation of the one of the first rod and the second rod adjusts the blade conditioning angle.

Abstract: A tool is described for removing a lid from a container. The tool comprises a rigid elongated body member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the first end of the body member having an irregular perimeter. A flange has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flange being attached to the second end of the body member at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body member. A curved tip is formed at the distal end of the flange, the curved tip terminating in a free distal edge. The tip of the tool is adapted to engage the lid of the container for repeatedly applying leverage force to the lid for prying the lid from the container.

Abstract: A watch winder case is disclosed to include two opposite end plates connected to each other through two first support bars and two second support bars. Two first side plates are respectively abutted and inserted between one of the two first support bars and one of the two second support bars, and a second side plate is abutted and inserted between the two second support bars. Thus, the structural strength and structural stability of the watch winder case can be enhanced.

Abstract: A tire repair tool includes a body portion and a cartridge portion. The tool is used to inject an adhesive or glue and a patch assembly into a puncture in a tire, while the tire is still engaged with the wheel, in order to permanently patch a punctured inner tube of the tire. More particularly, a spring is used to eject a patch assembly and adhesive through an outlet tube of the tool and into the existing puncture of the outer tire. A patch is affixed over a puncture in the inner tube by the adhesive to permanently patch the inner tube without having to remove the tire from the wheel or rim.

Abstract: A striking tool for pounding or hammering is revealed. The striking tool includes a handle, a neck and a head. The neck is extended from one end of the handle and the head is formed by extension of one end of the neck. The neck has resilience. The head consists of a first head threaded with a first striking element and a second head threaded with a second striking element. The design of the structure minimizes bounce of the handle.

Abstract: A power tong having a self-contained hydraulic power system within its rotating body converts mechanical energy from at least one mechanical link to hydraulic energy within the self-contained hydraulic power system. Energy applied from the non-rotating portion of the power tong is transferred to the mechanical link that links the fixed portion with the rotating portion of the power tong thus removing the need for rotary seals. The mechanical energy transferred to the self-contained hydraulic power system within the rotating body is used to extend and retract one or more grippers in contact with, for example, a tubular of well equipment drill strings.

Abstract: A ratchet line wrench tool includes a generally open head member and a handle connected thereto. The head member has a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end and an inner hollow portion. The head member further includes a ratchet gear having a generally C-shape with an open portion on one end that corresponds to the open portion of the head member and a plurality of outer surface teeth along an outer surface of the ratchet gear. The head member further includes a ratchet pawl disposed within the head member and engaging with the outer surface teeth enabling coupled rotation of the ratchet gear. The ratchet line further includes a removable tool insert having an insert portion having outer surface teeth and being sized and configured to close the open portion of the ratchet gear.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench has a through cavity in which a reversing lever is disposed. The reversing lever has a pair of protruding lips formed thereon opposite from one another. A cooperating ledge is formed on the head in the cavity and on the pawl which is adjacent to the reversing lever. A spring-loaded pusher is disposed longitudinally in a blind bore in the reversing lever and the pusher engages a pocket in the pawl. A cover plate is disposed on a shelf recessed on the bottom of the wrench and spaced apart from the reversing lever.

Abstract: A pipe wrench includes a body and a first jaw has one end fixed to the body, and a second jaw is slidably located in a first recess defined in the top of the body and is located beneath the first jaw. A resilient member is connected between the body and the second jaw. A first link has one end pivotably connected to an end of the second jaw. A second link has the first end thereof pivotably connected to the mediate portion of the first link. An adjustment member threadedly extends through a closed end of the body and contacts against the second end of the second link. The second jaw is quickly slid by the resilient member and controlled by the adjustment member, so that the object can be released and clamped quickly.

Abstract: A device for both installing and uninstalling a drain trim ring. The device comprises a body, a flange, and a male drive. The length of the body corresponds to the interior diameter of a trim ring, thereby creating fitment therebetween and holding the device securely in place within the trim ring. After the device has been inserted into a trim ring, an individual can then apply rotational force to the device via a socket wrench, or other such device, applied to the male drive. The rotational force applied to the device is then applied to the trim ring due to the frictional engagement between the device and the trim ring, thereby allowing the trim ring to be screwed into or out of the corresponding drain shoe.

Abstract: A polygonal wrench tool has a stick body, a mounting tube, a positioning ball and a spring. The stick body has an insertion end, a first positioning trough, a first distance, a second positioning trough, and a second distance. The first distance is defined between a center of the first positioning trough and the insertion end. The second distance is defined between a center of the second positioning trough and the insertion end. The mounting tube is slidably mounted around the stick body and has a ball hole and a third distance defined between a center of the ball hole and a tube end of the mounting tube. The third distance is larger than the first distance and is shorter than the second distance. The positioning ball is accommodated in the ball hole and abuts the engagement portion. The spring presses the positioning ball.

Abstract: A locking quick release cap for use on styli or small pocket tools that provides protection for styli tips and protects users from exposed sharp tool tips. A stylus or small pocket tool is machined with retaining groove at the tip end, which is inserted into the locking quick release cap. The locking quick release cap includes a spring loaded slide and an internal locking ball that locks into the tool end retaining groove when fully engaged. The fully engaged assembly allows for easy carry, protecting both the user and the tool tip.

Abstract: A system for automatic chip breaking used in a cutting machine is illustrated, wherein the cutting machine has a cutter and a spindle actuator. According to control information, the spindle actuator controls the cutter to move along with a first axis to cut a workpiece, and the chips are produced. The system for automatic chip breaking includes a signal collection device, a controller, and an actuator. The signal collection device electrically coupled to the cutting machine collects the control information. The controller electrically coupled to the signal capturing device triggers a control signal according to the control information. The actuator installed between the spindle actuator and the cutter is electrically coupled to the controller, and controls the cutter to vibrate along with a second axis according to the control signal, wherein the second axis and the first axis have a specific angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter for cutting printed substrates, having a supporting plane adapted to receive a printed substrate comprising a plurality of images separated by a plurality of edges perpendicular to each other in a feeding direction (F), and a plurality of cutting units suitable for cutting the printed substrate along said edges in a longitudinal direction (L), parallel to the feed direction (F), and in a transverse (T), perpendicular to the feeding direction (F). Each cutting unit has a pair of parallel blades, spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the width of the edges, a backing plane arranged underneath the supporting plane of the cutter and suitable to provide a backing surface to the blades during cutting, and a connecting arm which extends from a frame of the cutting unit on which the blades are mounted to the backing plane in a direction opposite to the cutting direction.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting sheets of building materials, such as, for example, laminate baseboards, chair rails and crown molding, at an angle. The cutting tool includes a base connected to a cutting platform with a hinge connection. The cutting platform can be set to a range of angles relative to the base by a cutting platform actuator. The cutting platform further includes a blade that can be moved downward on the cutting platform to cut the building material.

Abstract: A microtome has a cutting device which is adjustably mounted on an arrangement of guide tracks. At least one electrical load, which is electrically connected to a current source, is provided on the cutting device. The current source is connected to the electrical load by the arrangement of guide tracks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bread-knife blade for machine saws, which bread-knife blade (1) blade has teeth (2) with a tooth edge (E), a tooth breast (H) at the front of the tooth, seen in the sawing directing, a tooth back (F) behind the tooth edge (E), and a tooth bottom (B) between the tooth breast of each tooth and the tooth back of next tooth in front thereof, and tooth gaps, wherein a tooth gap (G) is defined as the space between the tooth edges (E) of two subsequent teeth (2), which knife blade has two flat sides (L, R), a right side (R) and a left side (L), when the knife blade is regarded obliquely from above in the sawing directing, wherein said tooth edge (E) consists of a point.

Abstract: A string for a musical stringed instrument includes (a) a core wire and (b) a wrap wire coiled tightly around the core wire. The wrap wire is an aluminum-copper alloy having between about 2 wt % and about 10 wt % aluminum.

Abstract: A guitar aid enables a user to selectively position and control tension and angle of a guitar pick for a richer sound with decreased strain on the user's hand and fingers. The guitar aid includes a band that can be adjustably sized to fit a user's finger. A guitar pick can be coupled directly to the band. The guitar pick can define a raised portion or ridge on the upper surface of the pick that serves as a first engagement feature for a first user finger, such as the user's thumb. The lower surface of the pick can include at least one outwardly projecting rib that serves as a second engagement feature for a second user finger, such as the user's index finger. The positioning of the pick with respect to the ring and the pair of engagement features cause a user to hold the pick at the proper angle and with appropriate tension when playing a guitar or other stringed instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a guitar string regulator.

Abstract: Various systems to aid a visually impaired musician to learn musical notation. The system includes a microprocessor with a memory adapted to store musical notation. Multiple transducers are operatively attached to the microprocessor. The transducers are spatially located on and/or in contact with a part of the body of the visually impaired musician. Responsive to the musical notation, the microprocessor is configured to signal the transducers to provide a physical or tactile sensation to the part of the body of the visually impaired musician.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a virtual instrument playing system.

Abstract: A music tempo calculation system uses a microphone to input ambient music; the input is then processed in real time to display beats per minute (BPM). Input from the microphone is decomposed by a detector into a plurality of digital signals ranging from a most sensitive signal to a least sensitive signal. A software-implemented algorithm is applied to the time between peak music values to determine tempo. BPM is then output to a display to provide feedback to performing musicians regarding tempo. The sensitivity of the detector adjusts automatically to compensate for changes in music volume. In another embodiment, the calculated tempo is used to control motors used to animate toys. Once BPM is known, the moment of an upcoming beat can be anticipated. It then becomes possible to start, stop, and reverse directions of a motor in anticipation of an upcoming beat thereby providing the appearance the animated toy is responding to music beat.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for outputting a sound corresponding to a musical instrument which is input by using a voice are provided. The method includes identifying a sound including an original sound, identifying an output sound object corresponding to an acoustic characteristic of the original sound, and outputting the output sound object, corresponding to musical characteristics of the original sound. Further, various aspects are provided which are related to the method and the apparatus which enable inputting sounds of a musical instrument using a voice.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electronic cymbal assembly including a hi-hat clutch for mounting a hi-hat to a hi-hat stand post; a top cymbal; a self dampening trigger system attached to the underside of the top cymbal; a bottom cymbal; an input jack box mounted to the underside of the bottom cymbal; and a hi-hat cymbal mounting post. The cymbal assembly may be mounted using a magnetic ring configuration or a threaded pole configuration.

Abstract: A micro-practicing device emulates a portion of a full size instrument. The micro-practicing device includes a fingerboard with fret wires dividing the fingerboard into frets. In order to emulate the portion of the full size instrument, a length of each fret substantially matches lengths of frets of full size instruments. At the same time, the fingerboard is sized to enable increased portability. The device includes capacitive sensors adapted to detect the longitudinal and transverse positions of the user's fingers on the frets, and to communicate that positional information to a body portion. The body portion transmits the positional information to an external musical module, which converts the positional information into musical tones.

Abstract: A cord material suitable for use in lined textile structures with a gliding component includes a plurality of uniform strands, and a deviant strand. The deviant strand is different from the uniform strands in some characteristic affecting aerodynamic or hydrodynamic properties of the cord, such as size or surface properties. Each uniform strand can have a substantially equal cross section area, while the deviant strand has a cross section area at least five times greater than one of the uniform strands. The strands can be braided or woven together. A major benefit of the material can be that vibration induced drag is significantly reduced or eliminated in lines made with the material. Another advantage is that lines made from the material can have more consistent, predictable line drag, which can improve the quality of handling.

Abstract: A counter-flying object system comprising a sensor array including at least one active sensor configured to detect and track the flying object, and a missile launcher configured to launch an interceptor to intercept the flying object, wherein upon launching of the interceptor, the sensor array is configured to determine the location of the interceptor and send said object and interceptor locations to a control system, the control system being configured to provide mission data to the interceptor based on said object and interceptor locations for guiding the interceptor toward the flying object and activating a fragmentation warhead on or in the vicinity of said flying object when a lethality criteria is met.

Abstract: A loaded weapon detection system is presented including a mobile device handled by a first user and a weapon handled by a second user, the weapon configured to receive at least one projectile, where either the weapon or the projectile has an electronic beacon associated therewith, the electronic beacon transmitting at least one signal detected by the mobile device when the first user handling the mobile device is within a predefined radius of the electronic beacon associated with the weapon or the projectile. The mobile device issues at least one loaded weapon notification to the first user handling the mobile device while a positional relationship is maintained between the electronic beacon and the mobile device handled by the first user.

Abstract: Vehicle armour comprises a ceramic panel (1) with a spall covering (6) on a front surface thereof, a rear surface of the ceramic panel being bonded to a stiff support plate (3). A plastically deformable layer (9) is arranged behind the support plate and contiguous therewith. Spacer means define a substantially planar space (14) arranged to be located between the plastically deformable layer (9) and a vehicle hull (13). There may be a frontal plate comprising a ceramic layer (3) bonded between two layers (4, 5) of high strength carbon or glass.

Abstract: An Anti-Ballistic chair having a back portion, a seat portion, and an Anti-Ballistic panel within at least one of the back portion, and the seat portion, wherein the Anti-Ballistic portion comprises at least a first layer of Anti-Ballistic material formed from high-strength synthetic fibers extending in a first direction, and at least a second layer of Anti-Ballistic material formed from high-strength synthetic fibers extending in a second direction, different from the first direction.

Abstract: An armored door panel includes a planar device having a layered arrangement including a protection layer comprised of a ballistic material and an outer surface layer arranged on the outer side of the protection layer. The planar device is affixed to an existing door to prevent ballistic projectile from penetrating the door.

Abstract: A combined hydraulic and pneumatic actuation system including a cylinder, a first piston, and a second piston. The cylinder may include a first cylinder portion configured to hold or retain a first fluid and a second cylinder portion configured to hold or retain a second fluid. The first piston can be operatively coupled or in fluid communication with the first fluid, and the second piston can be operatively coupled or in fluid communication with the second fluid. The second piston may be disposed between the first cylinder portion and the second cylinder portion. In an embodiment, the first piston can move or translate axially within the cylinder independently of the second piston, and an increase in pressure in the second cylinder portion can actuate the first piston and the second piston. Further, in embodiments, the first fluid can comprise a liquid, and the second fluid can comprise a gas.

Abstract: A stepper motor including: a plurality of actuators, each having an actuation rod movable between retracted and expended positions, the actuation rod having an actuation pin movable along with the actuation rod; and a shuttle rotatable about a shaft, the shuttle having a plurality of pockets corresponding to the actuation pin of the plurality of actuators, the plurality of pockets being partially offset from the plurality of pins such that actuation of one or more of the plurality of actuators moves the actuation rod and corresponding actuation pin into a corresponding one of the plurality of pockets to rotate the shuttle about the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for a rotatable closure part of a valve, in particular a pneumatically or hydraulically actuatable rotary drive for a disk or throttle valve, with a housing, in which a drive piston that is sealed from a cylindrical housing casing is arranged and is suppliable on one side with a pressurizing medium, which preferably has a tubular piston skirt, with a drive shaft, which is guided on one side out of the housing and drives in a rotating manner the closure part indirectly or directly, wherein the drive piston executes either an axial shift movement against the effect of at least one return spring in the case of a one-sided supply with the pressurizing medium or a back and forth shift movement in the case of an alternating supply with a pressurizing medium, wherein the piston skirt experiences an axially oriented guidance in the housing via at least one axial groove formed in it, into which a straight-line guide cam permanently connected with the housing engages, and wh

Abstract: A bi-directional pneumatic actuating unit includes a unitary structure having a central base member, a pair of opposed inflatable pneumatic chambers for applying force in different directions, one mounted on either side of the central base member, and air supply and exhaust access ports connected to each of the pneumatic chambers for selectively supplying air to and exhausting air from each of the pneumatic chambers.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake assembly comprising a fluid conduit containing hydraulic fluid, a cylinder having a port fluidly connected to the conduit, and a piston positioned in the cylinder. The piston includes a recess having a depth at least 30% of a length of the piston. The assembly further includes a rod having an inner end positioned in the recess and an outer end outside the recess. In one embodiment, the piston moves relative to the cylinder along an axis, and the piston further includes a primary piston seal and a secondary piston seal separated by a seal spacing. The rod can axially overlap the secondary piston seal. For example, the inner end of the rod can be positioned axially between the primary piston seal and the secondary piston seal, and is preferably axially closer to the primary seal than to the secondary seal.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated brake booster includes a housing which consists of a bottom and a cover having an intermediate piston through which tubes, through which attachment screws are to pass, extend. The front end of the tube is threaded, and a peripheral groove is provided behind the thread, a flange being crimped in the groove behind the cover in the housing. The master cylinder is attached via the lugs thereof, which are fitted into the front end of the tube against the front surface of the cover and locked by the nut screwed onto the thread. The front end of the tube has a peripheral groove receiving the flange that consists of a ring and a sleeve, the lip of which penetrates into the groove by crimping. A gasket completes the seal.

Abstract: Pressure shift adsorption (PSA) process for producing a gas stream enriched with compound X from a feed gas stream, using N adsorbers with N?5, each adsorber being subjected to a pressure cycle having a phase time corresponding to the duration of the pressure cycle divided by the number of adsorbers, and a series of active steps, characterized in that each adsorber n follows the pressure cycle with an offset of one phase time with respect to the pressure cycle of the adsorber n?1 with n?N, and during each phase time, only one active step or a part of active step takes place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a “dry” particulate filtering apparatus for diesel engines, in particular for marine diesel engines, as well as a method of operation and regeneration of said apparatus. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterised in that it comprises a plurality of independent compartments which are arranged in parallel with respect to the flow of the exhaust gases to be treated, and in that it comprises, on each of said compartments, shut-off means that allow a single compartment to be excluded from the filtering during the regeneration operations of the filtering means, which primarily takes place by means of a countercurrent pulse of compressed air flowing into the filtering means.

Abstract: A composite membrane comprising: a) a porous support; b) a gutter layer; and c) a discriminating layer; wherein at least 10% of the discriminating layer is intermixed with the gutter layer.

Abstract: A fuel vapor processing apparatus may include a canister, a closing valve provided in a vapor passage connecting the canister and the fuel tank, an actuator coupled to the movable valve member, and a control device coupled to the actuator. The control device may perform a learning control, in which a valve opening start position is learned based on a stroke distance of the movable valve member, which is given at the time when an internal pressure of the fuel tank is reduced by a predetermined pressure value while the moving distance of the movable valve member is changed such that (a) the movable valve member moves from the reference position to a learning start position at a first speed in a valve opening direction and (b) the movable valve member moves further from the learning start position at a second speed in the valve opening direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning of gases, particularly sealing gas, comprising a separator unit (3), particularly for separating liquids and/or particles from the gas flowing through the apparatus, and a collecting container (1) for the trapped substances, said apparatus being characterized in that the separator unit (3) has a cyclone separator (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oenological product intended to be used in making wine or spirits. This product includes a piece of wood made of compressed pieces of oak wood.