Abstract: A micro-channel chip comprises two gas control channels, a liquid inlet channel, a liquid outlet channel, a piston channel, and a micro pump including two micro-valves and a plurality of micro-channels. One of the gas control channels communicates with one end of the piston channel and communicates with the two micro-valves and the liquid inlet channel respectively via the micro-channels. The other one of the gas control channels communicates with the two micro-valves and the liquid outlet channel respectively via the micro-channels. The other end of the piston channel communicates with one of the micro-valves via the micro-channels.

Abstract: Droplet actuator apparatus and system are provided. An apparatus comprises: a microfluidics system having an insertion slot for insertion of a droplet actuator; a bottom plate against which the droplet actuator would slide when inserting the droplet actuator into the insertion slot; and means for forcing a substrate in the droplet actuator parallel to the bottom plate, wherein warpage in the substrate is corrected.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for assaying an analyte comprises one or more test channels, each having a lumen; one or more reference solution channels in fluid communication with the test channels; one or more sample channels in fluid communication with the test channels; one or more sensors at least partially exposed in the lumen of the test channels; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors for measuring properties of the analyte to determine at least one of an identity, concentration, dose, and dosage of the analyte.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of an environment or process by measuring light emitted from a bioluminescent sample containing ATP, ADP, or alkaline phosphatase. The apparatus comprises a sample collection and analysis system used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The system includes an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device and one or more probe assemblies that optically cooperate with the instrument. The instrument includes a dark chamber with a reflective interior surface which may be concave or preferably spherical, and a photon detection sensor such as a multi-pixel photon counter sensor. A substantially transparent portion of the probe assembly, and liquid contained therein, focus bioluminescence toward the photon detection sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a lid mechanism suitable for use with automated instrumentation. The lid mechanism has a compact design enabling it to function in very small spaces, and therefore on very compact instrumentation. One embodiment of the lid mechanism has a nut positioned around a jackscrew; a motor translationally attached to the nut for driving rotational motion of the nut around the jackscrew and vertical motion of the jackscrew; a main shaft positioned around the jackscrew with a bearing support positioned on the main shaft; a moving support comprising a bearing guide track and positioned on the main shaft so that the bearing support is positioned within the bearing guide track; and a lid plate positioned on the moving support so that vertical movement of the moving support causes vertical movement of the lid plate and rotational movement of the moving support causes rotational movement of the lid plate. Also provided is an automated laboratory instrument having a lid mechanism of the invention.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a sample into a buffer liquid includes a pressure chamber having pressure supply means for generating an overpressure within the pressure chamber. An inlet capillary supplies a buffer liquid to an outlet end arranged in the pressure chamber, and an outlet capillary discharges the buffer liquid from the pressure chamber. The outlet capillary has an inlet end in the pressure chamber facing the outlet end of the inlet capillary to form a capillary gap. A dispenser having a dispensing end is in the pressure chamber at the capillary gap to allow the sample at the dispensing end to be dispensed into the buffer liquid entering the outlet capillary inlet end. The pressure chamber includes a sample port that allows the dispenser to be moved into and out of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal cycling can transfer heat uniformly and efficiently. The apparatus can be used in a method that reduces condensation on sample wells. The apparatus can also be manufactured to provide uniform configurations. For example, a sample, illustratively for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in each sample well and the components of the embodiment of the thermal cycler apparatus shown at including a well block, a base plate, a layer of adhesive, a peltier device, another layer of adhesive and a heat sink.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: A replaceable distributor plate, adapted for protecting a lower horizontal disc of a rotor of a vertical shaft impact crusher, includes a first portion of a bayonet joint, the first portion being adapted for cooperating with a second portion of the bayonet joint, the second portion being associated with the lower horizontal disc.

Abstract: A planetary mill is disclosed. The planetary mill comprises a self-balancing milling assembly comprising a pair of elongate floating milling chambers arranged in parallel to and on opposite sides of a main axis wherein the milling chambers are free to move outwards in a direction radial to the main axis, a drive assembly for rotating the milling assembly in a first direction of rotation about the main axis, and at least one of belt surrounding the pair of floating milling chambers such that when the milling assembly rotates about the main axis, the at least one belt limits a radial travel outwards of each of the milling chambers.

Abstract: A control system for a waste processing machine includes an actuator and a timer operatively connected to one another, wherein at least one of the actuator and the timer are in communication with and adapted to control at least one of the feed system, the cutting system, and the power system of the waste processing machine in response to the position of the actuator and a time frame or interval.

Abstract: Portable flexible sluice box with airfoil-shaped flare is a flexible sluice box. The entire portable flexible sluice box with airfoil-shaped flare can be rolled up into a compact cylindrical roll. Portable flexible sluice box with airfoil-shaped flare comprises a flexible airfoil-shaped flare attached to a flexible riffle sheet. Flexible airfoil-shaped flare is a tube of flexible material partially filled with particulate matter to yield a flexible tube member with an airfoil-shaped cross section when laid out laid out flat on a horizontal surface. Flexible riffle sheet is a rectangular-shaped flexible sheet of material with a plurality of parallel ridges protruding from its upper surface. Portable flexible sluice box with airfoil-shaped flare may further comprise a set of two wall insert pockets and a set of two rigid inserts. This optional structure essentially adds a wall to the left and right edges of flexible riffle sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method uses a thickener to improve the effectiveness of an emulsifier. The improvement allows for low dosages of emulsifier to work well so the emulsifier does not cancel out the effectiveness of other additives in the slurry such as collectors, frothing agents, regulators, depressors, deactivators, and/or activators.

Abstract: Centrifuges have been designed in the past for centrifuging multi-welled containers, but they are limited in centripetal acceleration or have a large footprint. The invention provides a centrifuge with a high centripetal acceleration and imbalance tolerance while maintaining a small footprint and being able to integrate with laboratory automation equipment. Methods and apparatuses for centrifugation include a rotor assembly positioned within a shield assembly suspended in a centrifuge. The rotor assembly is operably connected to the motor for rotating payloads (e.g., multi-welled containers) around an axis. The shield assembly is positioned such that the center of mass is aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly and the plane containing the rotational imbalance force vector. This alignment allows rotation of the container with an acceleration of at least 2000 g (or at least 3000 g, 4000 g, 5000 g, etc.).

Abstract: An analytical laboratory system and method for processing samples is disclosed. A sample container is transported from an input area to a distribution area by a gripper comprising a means for inspecting a tube. An image is captured of the sample container. The image is analyzed to determine a sample container identification. A liquid level of the sample in the sample container is determined. A scheduling system determines a priority for processing the sample container based on the sample container identification. The sample container is transported from the distribution area to a subsequent processing module by the gripper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary switch outlet mechanism, it comprises a fixed unit, a switch unit and two outlet terminals, the fixed unit is provided with an inlet that is communicated with the water resource ever-lasting and a second outlet, the first outlet terminal is connected to the fixed unit in a rotating manner and is provided with a first outlet, and the second outlet terminal is communicated with the second outlet, and the first outlet terminal is linked to the switch unit and is provided with two locating position with the fixed unit, water comes out of the first outlet terminal when it is at the first position, water comes out of the second outlet terminal when it is at the second position. The present rotary switch outlet mechanism achieves simple structure, bigger operating surface, easier assembly, multiple functions and more convenient and faster switching process.

Abstract: Provided is a valve unit which opens/closes a flow path and includes a unit-main body having a pressure-adjustment chamber formed therein, a film sealing an opening of the pressure-adjustment chamber, a pressure-receiving plate adhered to the film, a valve body connected to the pressure-receiving plate, and a spring urging the valve body to the film. The pressure-adjustment chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which the liquid flows, a wall portion facing the pressure-receiving plate, and a first-concave portion facing the pressure-receiving plate. The inlet is opened/closed by the valve body and is provided in the first-concave portion. A gap between the wall portion and the pressure-receiving plate is smaller than that between the first-concave portion and the pressure-receiving plate. The wall portion makes the first-concave portion extend from the inlet to a side opposite to the outlet side, with respect to the inlet.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler can include a riser and a nozzle turret rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A drive assembly supported in the riser can be coupled to the nozzle turret for rotating the nozzle turret. The drive assembly can have a reversing gear drive, a reversing mechanism, and a manually adjustable arc setting mechanism including a pair of arc tabs. A position of one of the arc tabs is adjustable through the arc setting mechanism to change a size of an angle through which the nozzle turret oscillates back and forth. The manually adjustable arc setting mechanism is further adjustable to allow the nozzle turret to continuously rotate.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing module and method of spraying a plurality of droplets of a liquid adhesive includes a dispenser assembly and a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a dispersion baffle, and at least one channel. The nozzle body includes a nozzle outlet for discharging a liquid adhesive and at least partially defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a gas passage extending therebetween. The dispersion baffle is positioned within the gas passage to define a dispersion chamber and a consolidation chamber. The at least one channel extends through the dispersion baffle to fluidly connect the dispersion chamber to the consolidation chamber to restrict the pressurized gas received within the dispersion chamber and distribute the pressurized gas into the consolidation chamber according to a predetermined flow distribution. Thereby, the pressurized gas sprays a plurality of droplets of the liquid adhesive according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An air gun with sucking function comprises a gun body, an air intake control set and an airflow switching and controlling element. The air gun with sucking function of the present invention employs the airflow switching and controlling element disposed inside the gun tube of the gun body for switching an airflow flowing direction and converting an airflow ejection into a sucking airflow in order to meet various work requirements by switching to different functions. When it is switched for sucking airflow for cleaning, dust can be prevented from flying around and therefore is healthier for breathing.

Abstract: A device for packaging, dispensing and using fluid contents having a liquid to pasty consistency, includes: a container having, at its front portion, a downstream opening, an element for conveying the contents including an upstream opening, an axially extended passage and a front downstream opening for dispensing the contents, the passage being elastically deformable and capable of being in an idle state having a maximum interior volume or in a compressed state having a smaller interior volume, an upstream valve element, a downstream valve element, a front wall, wherein is situated the front downstream dispenser opening, a movable annular actuating element associated with the passage of the conveying element and consisting of an elastically deformable annular side wall, which limits the passage laterally and externally. The side wall is positioned on the outside and includes an outer side wall of the device, which is at least partially accessible for actuating.

Abstract: The device (110) for dispensing a fluid composition includes: a container (30) containing a heterogeneous mixture (14); a member (34) for dispensing the fluid composition; a delivery element (32) including: a fluid guide conduit (42) defining an axis (A-A?) for the flow of fluid through a central passage (50); a filtration member (44) configured so that the heterogeneous mixture (14) inserted into the guide conduit (42) passes through the filtration member (44); the filtration member (44) including at least one openwork filtration wall (56) delimiting a plurality of filtration openings (58); the heterogeneous mixture (14) including particles (20) in suspension, the filtration openings (58) having a transverse expanse smaller than the mean diameter of the particles (20) in suspension; and the particles (20) in suspension being formed by beads.

Abstract: A device for painting a curved outer surface of an aircraft includes a paint applicator having a plurality of spray painting heads each assigned to one of a plurality of different base color supply units containing one of polyurethane aircraft paint and ink. The device further includes a spatially adjustable positioning device configured to move the paint applicator relative to the curved outer surface and at least one sensor device configured to determine a three-dimensional geometry of the curved outer surface. The device also includes a control unit configured to coordinate a movement of the positioning device with a paint output of the paint applicator, wherein the control unit is configured to alternately activate each of the plurality of spray painting heads so as to produce a picture motif so as to derive a two-dimensional driving geometry based on the three-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus for liquid sheeting is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a channel to contain a flow of liquid and a coupling to a liquid source. The channel may include one or more channel ends that may be coupled to the liquid source. The apparatus may also comprise a liquid sheeting component having a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel, the liquid sheeting component comprising an outlet extending through a bottom of the channel and a first sheeting element extending from inside the channel through the bottom of the channel, wherein the first sheeting element and the outlet are adjacent and extend the length of the liquid sheeting component and the liquid sheeting component divides the channel longitudinally into at least two side-by-side sub-channels such that a bottom portion of the channel is divided and a top portion of the channel is undivided.

Abstract: A method of dip-coating a segmented multifocal lens (1) having a segment with a curved portion and a straight line portion, includes the steps of: placing the lens (1) on a basket support (21); immersing the lens (1) vertically in a coating solution bath (16); and withdrawing the lens (1) vertically from the bath (16); wherein the step of placing the lens (1) is performed such that the straight line portion of the lens (1) is in a vertical plane; and wherein, before or during the step of immersing the lens (1), the lens (1) is inclined to an inclined position between a vertical position and a horizontal position of the lens (1), in which inclined position the segment is downwardly inclined and the straight line portion of the segment remains in the vertical plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing cleaning and providing barrier coatings to interior wall surfaces of small diameter metal and composite piping systems in buildings. An entire piping system can be cleaned in one single pass by dry particulates forced by air throughout the building piping system by an external generator, and the entire piping system can be coated in one single pass by a machine connected exterior to the piping system. Small pipes can be protected by the effects of water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of piping systems such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol F, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE)-free coating compositions for metal substrates including an under-coat composition containing a polyester (co)polymer, and an under-coat cross-linker; and an over-coat composition containing a poly(vinyl chloride) (co)polymer dispersed in a substantially nonaqueous carrier liquid, an over-coat cross-linker, and a functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer. Also provided is a method of coating a metal substrate using the BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE-free coating system to produce a hardened protective coating useful in fabricating metal storage containers. The coated substrate is particularly useful in fabricating multi-part foodstuffs storage containers with “easy-open” end closures.

Abstract: Medical device surfaces, for example a plastic catheter or metal guide wire, are disclosed with a lubricating coating made from Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide mucilage. The coated device surfaces may be prepared with a variety of techniques offering improved alternatives to conventional coatings.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall and at least one pair of mated interior walls, the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the at least one pair of mated interior walls depending longitudinally between an inlet end and an outlet end. The at least one pair of mated interior walls is disposed laterally between the first and second sidewalls. At least one deck depends between the first and second sidewalls, and is divided into longitudinally depending sections by the at least one pair of mated interior walls. The apparatus also includes an exciter coupled to the at least one deck.

Abstract: An article carrier (100) has a mounting portion (1) adapted for connection to a conveyor. A connecting member (4) is rotatably connected to the mounting portion (1) and is rotatable relative to the mounting portion (1) about a first axis of rotation (R1). A carrier portion (3) is rotatably connected to the connecting member (4) and is rotatable relative to the connecting member (4) about a second axis of rotation (R2), wherein the first axis of rotation (R1) is spaced apart from the second axis of rotation (R2). A releasably lockable carrier support means (5) is provided to support the carrier portion (3) in a carriage position when in a locked state, and to allow rotation of the carrier portion (3) to a discharge position when in an unlocked state.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles to an imaging zone. A camera generates image data from the stream at the imaging zone for processing by a computer. The computer comprises a pattern recognition system for identifying defects in areas from the image data, and for ranking identified defects. The pattern recognition system is programmed to operate according to multiple defect criteria. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display the areas identified from the image data as thumbnails on the interface arranged according to rank of the identified defects in the areas, in each of at least two defect criteria. The areas from the generated image data will normally be defined around each identified defect with the defect central therein. These areas, or thumbnails, can overlap.

Abstract: A MEMS-based particle manipulation system which uses a particle manipulation stage and a plurality of laser interrogation regions. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the particle manipulation stage. In one exemplary embodiment, the particle manipulation stage is a microfabricated, flap-type fluid valve, which sorts a target particle from non-target particles in a fluid stream. The laser interrogation stages are disposed in the microfabricated fluid channels at the input and output of the flap-type sorting valve. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the sorting, and to control or adjust sort parameters during the sorting process.

Abstract: A selective removal of metal and its anion species that are detrimental to subsequent hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion from the biomass feed in a continuous or semi-continuous manner prior to carrying out catalytic hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of the biomass that does not reduce the effectiveness of the hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treatment while minimizing the amount of water used in the process is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cleaning a surface by providing a cleaning composition having a prevulcanized natural rubber latex, at least one detergent additive and aqueous ammonia and other bases to provide a pH of the cleaning composition of at least 8, applying the cleaning composition to the surface, allowing the composition to form an elastic rubber film/membrane and removing the elastic rubber film/membrane from the surface with the unwanted matter attached to the membrane.

Abstract: A mandrel holder head with release/fastening device of the mandrel for rolling metallic tubes comprises a mandrel holder (1) which accommodates within an internal seat a half collar (2) of externally cylindrical shape through an opening in the side wall. In the internal seat are accommodated both an end part (52) of the mandrel shank and the half collar (2) through the opening. The half collar has an internal cavity with a second longitudinal side opening which accommodates a second part (51) of the shank of diameter smaller than that of the first part (52). The half collar is divided along an axial direction into two cylindrical parts (21, 22) which have different diameters. The locking member (30, 31) of the half collar (2) holds it in the mandrel holder (1) seat in working conditions, while allowing shank release with an axial movement in locked conditions.

Abstract: A heat-insulated wound hose is formed by a process, in which a metal wound hose is at first upset, such that turns, which are spaced apart by adjacent axial wall areas of individual turns, form at least one uninterrupted jacket wall surface. A ceramic-based coating is subsequently applied to the at least one uninterrupted jacket wall surface. The coating is then cured, and the wound hose thus formed is subsequently pulled apart, whereby adjacent axial wall areas of adjacent turns are detached from one another and thereby the coating is broken up at partitions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a gun barrel by cold forging a cylindrical blank in a barrel hammering machine, which has a plurality of forging hammers distributed around the circumference of the blank and acting radially on the blank, wherein forging hammers having ribs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank are used in order to forge longitudinal grooves in the blank during the cold forging.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is easy to use, practical, light, compact, mobile tool, designed for restoration of the formwork props. This tool very effectively removes uneven places and dents present inside the formwork prop without the need for electric power. No special premises or sites are needed for restoration of the formwork props. The tool is very compact and easily packed into a case-shaped box. When performing formwork prop restoration works, no special physical power of a person is necessary. All of the previously mentioned characteristics are ensured by the special design of this tool, where one ending is inlet into the damaged formwork prop close to the place, which is to be repaired, while the other ending, when using the screwdriver, is rotated around its axis. This rotary motion in one ending of the tool pulls the wedge, which is in the other ending of the tool, and, in this way, it spreads the plates, which touch the walls of the formwork prop, and evens them.

Abstract: Machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces by punching include a punching tool including a punch and a punching die, a drive unit for moving the punch and the punching die relative to each other along a stroke axis for cutting a workpiece part free from a plate-like workpiece, a hold-down device that is movable along the stroke axis and that includes a stripper that contacts an upper surface of the plate-like workpiece while the plate-like workpiece is punched through by the punch, a detection device for detecting a reference position of the hold-down device along the stroke axis, wherein the stripper contacts the upper surface of the workpiece at the reference position, and a numerical control unit for positioning the stripper at a particular distance from the reference position such that a workpiece part that has been cut off can be moved away from a processing region.

Abstract: A cutting member for a shaving razor includes an elongated blade portion that tapers to a cutting edge, an elongated base portion that is integral with the blade portion, and a bent portion, intermediate the blade portion and the base portion. In some implementations, at least part of the cutting member has a thickness of at least about 0.005 inch (0.127 millimeter).

Abstract: A method and system for installing rivets is disclosed. The method involves positioning a rivet through a structure to be joined. The method further involves positioning a first rivet gun on a first side of the rivet and positioning a second rivet gun on a second side of the rivet. The method also involves synchronizing firing of the first and second rivet guns, so as to cancel forces that otherwise would propagate into the structure during installation of the rivet.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of manufacturing a near-net shaped hollow shaft useful for high power applications such as gearboxes for wind energy industry. The method involves providing a concast bloom (of a round or rectangular or of any polygonal cross section) or an as-cast round ingot from which a hollow perform is prepared using hollow die punching, followed by process of heat treatment, proof-machining and stress relieving.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for assembling or disassembling a blade of a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a tower resting on a base, a rotor including at least one rotor blade having a blade connection flange and a nacelle mounted atop the tower, a hub rotatably connected to the nacelle and including a hub connection flange adapted to be detachably connected to a blade connection flange of a rotor blade. Thy wind turbine further includes a first positioning element adapted to be attached to the nacelle or to the tower in a top area and a second positioning element adapted to be joined to the blade in a root blade area, where the first and second positioning elements are configured to cooperate to provide an accurate position of the blade connection flange prior to connection to the hub connection flange.

Abstract: A method and device for producing motor vehicle chassis parts is provided. The motor vehicle chassis parts can be subjected to tensile stress, compressive stress and torsion and the mechanical strength of the motor vehicle chassis parts can be adjusted over the respective cross-section. The motor vehicle chassis parts have high ductility and temperature stability and are made of an AlSiZnMg alloy by permanent mould casting.

Abstract: Recoaters for powder-layer three-dimensional printers which are capable of producing enhanced powder layer uniformity and powder-layer three-dimensional printers having such recoaters are described. The recoater comprises a bridge, two supports, one at either end of the bridge, a powder reservoir, and a substantially rectangular plate which extends between the two supports and contains an opening through which the powder reservoir either extends into or through or through which build powder can be fed into the powder reservoir. The plate has a length to minimum width ratio of no more than about 7.0 and a length to maximum width ratio of no more than about 5.0, the plate being adapted to brace the bridge into a perpendicular relationship with the first and second supports when the recoater is being controllably moved and the powder reservoir is dispensing powder to form a powder layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reprofiling wheelsets (1) rotatably mounted in axle bearing housings (6) on rail vehicles on underfloor wheelset lathes (12; 14) equipped with machining tools, a machine control for the machining tools, drive rollers (15), axial guide rollers (17), measuring rollers (13) as well as clamping devices (21; 22) to engage the axle bearing housings (6).

Abstract: A cutting insert, a cutting tool and method of manufacturing a machined product. The cutting insert includes: upper and lower surfaces; a side surface; a cutting edge; and a rake portion on the upper surface. The cutting edge includes major and minor cutting edges that are convex toward outside of the main body portion. The minor cutting edge has a curvature radius smaller than a curvature radius of the major cutting edge. The rake portion is inclined and approaches the lower surface as moving from the major cutting edge toward inside of the main body portion and is located along the major cutting edge. An inclination angle of the rake portion becomes smaller as moving from a part continuous with one end of the major cutting edge toward a part continuous with center of the major cutting edge.

Abstract: A machine tool 1 includes a turret (4, 104) to which a tool unit 2 is adapted to be radially mounted, a cylindrical turret pivoting driving shaft (5, 105) for transmission of pivoting driving force to the turret (4, 104), a rotary tool driving shaft (8, 108) adapted to be rotated with respect to an indexing axis for transmission of rotation driving force to a tool (7, 107) of a rotary tool unit (2b, 102b) mounted on the turret (4, 104), and a unit pivoting driving shaft (12, 112) adapted to be rotated with respect to the indexing axis independently of the rotary tool driving shaft (8, 108) for transmission of pivoting driving force to the rotary tool unit (2b, 102b) mounted on the turret (4, 104) to change the direction of the rotation axis AX2 of the tool (7, 107). The rotary tool driving shaft and the unit pivoting driving shaft are coaxially arranged inside the turret pivoting driving shaft.

Abstract: There are provided a workpiece and a gripping mechanism capable of shortening the handling time not involved in machining, shortening the overall time required for producing a plurality of finished members, accurately positioning the workpiece even if there is an axial dimension error, lessening waste of a material and reducing the burden of disposal of discharged chips. The workpiece has a shape in which plural raw blanks that become products by material removal are integrally molded. The gripping mechanism comprises a free moving means that relatively and freely moves a gripper and the workpiece, and a positioning means for defining the axial gripping position of the gripper and the workpiece.