Abstract: A wire electric discharge machine includes a wire electrode deflection detecting unit detecting a deflection of a fed wire electrode at the time of a wire automatic wire connection, a wire feeding unit feeding the wire electrode after the wire electrode deflection detecting unit detects the deflection of the wire electrode, a clocking unit clocking a time taken after the deflection of the wire electrode is detected, a determining unit determining whether the wire electrode deflection detecting unit detects the deflection of the wire electrode after the time clocked by the clocking unit exceeds a predetermined time, and a unit executing a retry operation of the automatic wire connection to rewind the wire electrode in a case where the determining unit detects the deflection of the wire electrode and continuing to feed the wire electrode in a case where the deflection of the wire electrode is not detected.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece is provided. An electrode is moved linearly in the direction of the workpiece to cause material to be removed from the workpiece, at least one end of a surface of the workpiece running obliquely to a guide edge of the electrode machining this surface. The electrode is moved at least partially with the electrode surface parallel to the surface, so that during the approach to the workpiece, areas of the workpiece having an irregular edge machined at a different intensity are formed, the difference in intensity of machining on the edge of the surface to be machined being compensated in that the surface to be machined is provided with a height profile adapted to the shape of the end of the surface to be machined. A blade ring segment and blade ring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces with a hermetically sealed joint comprising brazing a continuous layer of joining material between the two pieces. The wetting and flow of the joining material is controlled by the selection of the joining material, the joining temperature, the time at temperature, the joining atmosphere, and other factors. The ceramic pieces may be aluminum nitride and the pieces may be brazed with an aluminum alloy under controlled atmosphere. The joint material is adapted to later withstand both the environments within a process chamber during substrate processing, and the oxygenated atmosphere which may be seen within the shaft of a heater or electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A process for brazing of aluminium magnesium alloys is described applying a flux which comprises KAlF4 or CsAlF4 or both as major constituent. The flux further comprises at least one alkaline or alkaline earth metal compound selected from the group consisting of KAlF4, CsAlF4, Li3AlF6, CaF2, CaCO3, MgF2, MgCO3, SrF2, SrCO3, BaF2, and BaCO3. Preferably the flux comprises or consists of KAlF4, CsAlF4, and Li3AlF6 and optionally contains also BaF2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for high deposition welding a horizontal butt joint which can form a high deposition welded part while forming a root part when high deposition welding is carried out relative to a bevel in case of automatic welding of a horizontal butt joint, thereby achieving high deposition welding without any defect of the inside and surface of a welded cross section and reducing the number of welding passes. The horizontal butt joint high deposition welding apparatus is installed on a traveling device part in a welding direction by a welding tip so as to move in a forward direction of welding progress and a horizontal butt joint high deposition welding method, thereby preventing the molten metal from running down, allowing a user to easily handle the apparatus, reducing weight, and completing surface beads because a lower part is filled with molten metal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting weld parameters are disclosed. An example machine readable storage medium includes machine readable instructions which, when executed, cause a processor to: present a user interface; identify, for a weld based on input received via the interface, user-defined weld information including at least one of a material to be welded, an expected result of the weld, an on-hand material, or weld equipment available to be used for the weld; transmit the user-defined weld information to a welding knowledge provider; present one or more welding plans via the interface based on a response from the welding knowledge provider, the one or more welding plans including at least one of a welding device configuration, welding supplies information, or welding operator instructions; and automatically configure a welding power supply using one of the welding plans based on a selection of the one of the welding plans via the interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are engine drive welding and/or cutting systems which optimize the utilization of engine drive systems, including hybrid engine drive systems. Embodiments include modular systems which allow for the remote utilization of a battery powered module which can be separated from an engine drive generator power supply. Other embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can communicate with a load coupled to the power supply, such as welders, cutters and wire feeders to determine an optimum operational level. Further embodiments include engine drive power supplies that can be coupled together to optimize fuel and system usage.

Abstract: The present invention improves the stability of welding conditions in a welding method that involves cyclically repeating forward feed and reverse feed of a welding wire. Provided is an arc welding control method involving cyclic repetition of forward feed and reverse feed of a welding wire at feed speed, generating short-circuit intervals and arc intervals, during which arc intervals, application of a first welding current is followed by application of a second welding current smaller than the first welding current, wherein the phase of the feed speed at the point in time of transition from an arc interval to a short-circuit interval is detected, and the value and/or the application duration of the first welding current is varied in accordance with the detected phase. In so doing, fluctuation of the phase of the feed speed due to outside disturbances during generation of short-circuiting can be minimized.

Abstract: A robot arm apparatus includes a base structure, a first arm, a first actuator, and an assisting device. The first arm is pivotable relative to the base structure about a first pivot axis. The first actuator is configured to pivotally actuate the first arm relative to the base structure. The assisting device is configured to apply an assist rotational force to the first arm to assist the first actuator.

Abstract: A contact tip for hot-wire welder is provided that are adapted to operate in deep and narrow recessed gaps within a work piece. Contact tips in accordance with the current invention provide for an assembly having a body portion with a cavity and an extension portion which is inserted into the cavity. The extension portion is non-electrically conductive and allows the contact tip assembly to reach into deep, narrow grooves without worry of shorting the contact tip of the consumable.

Abstract: The purpose of the TIG Glide is to stabilize the welder's torch hand/arm on the we ding surface with minimal friction to achieve the desired distance between the welding surface and the welding torch. The TIG Glide has minimal contacting surface area, allowing less heat transfer from part to hand/arm. Less heat transfer allows the welder to wear thin gloves versus thick gloves giving the welder more hand/arm maneuverability on bigger parts. This is fulfilled by the device's low friction embodiments, including/not limited to, caster wheels, ball transfers, sliding materials, etc., which are attached with securing devices to the TIC Glide base. The TIG Glide is then secured to the welder with the attachment apparatuses, wherein the welder attaches to, wears, or straps on his arm/hand/appendage a sliding device which glides along the welded piece or support and thus helps to stabilize hand/arm motion, lessen heat transfer, and improve precision.

Abstract: This welding gun (10A) is provided with a driving-force transmission mechanism (18) which converts linear displacement of an output unit of a driving unit (14) into rotational displacement of a clamping arm (16). The driving-force transmission mechanism (18) is provided with: an inclined part (94) which is integrally displaced with the linear displacement of the output unit, and which is inclined with respect to the displacement direction of the output unit; and a part (96) to be pressed which is pressed by the inclined part (94). The clamping arm (16) rotates in accordance with movement of the part (96) to be pressed which is pressed by the displaced inclined part (94), and generates clamping force.

Abstract: A method of forming tooling for fabricating a part made from a metal powder is described herein. The method includes forming a first sheet and second sheet. The first sheet includes a first protrusion defining a first cavity and a first flange extending about the first protrusion. The second sheet includes a second flange. Additionally, the method includes arranging the first sheet and the second sheet to abut together the first flange of the first sheet and the second flange of the second sheet and to define an enclosure. The enclosure includes a void defined between the first cavity of the first sheet and the second sheet. The void has a shape of the part. The method further includes welding together the first flange of the first sheet and the second flange of the second sheet along a portion of the first flange spaced away from the first protrusion.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, a cam follower operably connected to the ram, an eccentric including an eccentric outer periphery operably engaged with the cam follower, and an inner periphery, a first power shaft slidingly engaged with the eccentric, a second power shaft eccentrically engaged with the inner periphery, a timing component operably connected to the first power shaft and the second power shaft, a motor configured to drive the timing component, and a phase change mechanism engaged with the timing component and movable between a first position defining a first phase relationship between the first power shaft and the second power shaft, and a second position defining a second phase relationship between the first power shaft and the second power shaft.

Abstract: A laser heating control mechanism according to this invention is a mechanism that performs proper adjustment of preheating or postheating by a simple operation in three-dimensional shaping. The laser heating control mechanism is a laser heating control mechanism for preheating or postheating a heating target object. The laser heating control mechanism includes an optical fiber that transmits a laser beam and radiates the laser beam from an opening end face, a collimation optical system that fucuses the laser beam radiated from the opening end face onto the heating target object, and an irradiation range adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance between the opening end face and the collimation optical system along the irradiation axis of the laser beam so as to irradiate the heating target object with the laser beam at a predetermined beam diameter.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine includes: an inert gas supplying device which supplies an inert gas into a machining area to adjust an oxygen concentration of a machining atmosphere; and a control device which controls a condition applied to the inert gas supplying device in supplying the inert gas. The control device includes: a storage unit which stores data about a relationship between a type of a powdery material and an oxygen concentration to be set in the machining area; a control unit which receives a type of a powdery material used for additive manufacturing and checks the type of the powdery material input against the data stored in the storage unit to determine a condition applied to the inert gas supplying device in supplying the inert gas; and a communication unit which indicates the determined condition applied in supplying the inert gas to the inert gas supplying device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an acousto-optics deflector and mirror for laser beam steering and associated techniques and configurations. In one embodiment, a laser system may include an acousto-optics module to deflect a laser beam in a first scanning direction of the laser beam on an integrated circuit (IC) substrate when the IC substrate is in a path of the laser beam and a mirror having at least one surface to receive the laser beam from the acousto -optics module, the mirror to move to control position of the laser beam in a second scanning direction, wherein the second scanning direction is substantially perpendicular to the first scanning direction. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A nozzle as a welded structure includes a nozzle body, and a buckling prevention fin joined to the nozzle body by laser welding, in which an end of the buckling prevention fin before laser welding is disposed to face the nozzle body, an installed state of the nozzle body and the buckling prevention fin includes an installed state in which a gap is formed between the nozzle body and the buckling prevention fin, and the buckling prevention fin has a beveled portion which is beveled at the end facing the nozzle body.

Abstract: A porous plate-shaped filler of the present invention is a plate shape having an aspect ratio of 3 or more, a surface shape is one of a round shape, an oval and a round-corner polygonal shape, and its minimum length is from 0.1 to 50 ?m. Furthermore, a sectional shape is one of an arch shape, an elliptic shape, and a quadrangular shape in which at least a part of corners is rounded. Consequently, it is possible to obtain the heat insulation film in which the porous plate-shaped fillers 1 are easy to be laminated and the heat insulation effect improves.

Abstract: Provided are a method of cutting a glass substrate which is capable of secure cutting by a simpler operation and an optical glass having high bending strength and dimension accuracy obtained by that method. The method of cutting the glass substrate comprising: forming selectively a plurality of reformed portions with a crack extending in the glass substrate from at least one of the plurality of reformed portions by radiating light to be focused inside the glass substrate so as to form a reformed region; and making a fracture occur in a thickness direction of the glass substrate along the reformed region so as to cut the glass substrate, wherein the crack has a tip portion at a depth of 3 to 20% of a thickness of the glass substrate from a cut surface, and an optical glass 100 is obtained by the above cutting method.

Abstract: An aperture plate for a welding apparatus includes a body defining an aperture. The body of the aperture plate includes a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. In addition, the body includes a first surface intersecting the first and second ends. Moreover, the body includes a second surface formed opposite the first surface. The second surface is nonparallel to the first surface.

Abstract: A bonded brazing ring secured to an end of a tube having a solvent or a solvent with a binder applied to the surface of the tube, and a method of adhering a brazing ring to a tube using a solvent or a solvent with a binder is provided. The brazing ring is secured to the tube prior to a brazing operation.

Abstract: A lead-free solder alloy contains zinc (Zn) as the main component and aluminum (Al) as an alloying metal. The solder alloy is a eutectic having a single melting point in the range of 320 to 390° C. (measured by DSC at a heating rate of 5° C. min-1).

Abstract: A thermally decomposable polymer composition comprising a polyester of a dicarboxylic acid and a difunctional tertiary alcohol are disclosed, which are useful in the forming of microelectronic assemblies. A representative example of a composition comprises a thermally decomposable polyester of the formula: wherein m is at least about 100.

Abstract: An alignment tool for positioning and aligning the adjacent ends of pipes in optimum desired relation for joining the tubular sections by welding. The alignment tool comprises a first and second annularly shaped clamping rings and a plurality of swivel assemblies connecting and circumferentially spaced about the first and second clamping rings, wherein the swivel assemblies adjust the distance between the first and second clamping rings and adjust the first and second clamping rings transversely and axially with respect to each other. Each swivel assembly comprises a first swivel portion connected to the first clamping ring, a second swivel portion connected to the second clamping ring, and a threaded bolt extending through the first swivel portion and the second swivel portion.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of forming tooling used to form a material. The method includes positioning a first susceptor made from a first susceptor material between first and second dies. At least one of the first and second dies includes a forming surface having a desired shape. The method further includes positioning a second susceptor made from a second susceptor material between the first and second dies such that the first susceptor is interposed between the second susceptor and the forming surface. Additionally, the method includes positioning a first bladder between the first and second dies such that the second susceptor is interposed between the first bladder and the first susceptor. Also, the method includes inflating the first bladder to concurrently deform the first susceptor and second susceptor into the desired shape.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of parts to form a unitary body. At least two sintered parts are provided. At least one of the sintered parts has at least one internal cavity. Each of the parts is formed of a hard metal composition of material. The at least two sintered parts are assembled into the shape of a unitary body. Each of the at least two sintered parts has a joining surface and when each joining surface is brought into contact the surfaces form a bonding interface therebetween. The assembled parts are subjected to a vacuum or gas atmosphere, without the application of external pressure, and to a temperature sufficient to fuse the at least two sintered parts together at the bonding interface to form the unitary body.

Abstract: Methods and devices for joining a composite panel, which may comprise a non-metallic intermediate layer disposed between two external metallic cover layers, to a further component are disclosed. The composite panel and the further component may be disposed so as to at least partially overlap. The object of economically and reliably joining composite panels may be achieved in that by way of a positioning unit, at least one auxiliary joining element is brought to bear on the composite panel and is fixed to the composite panel. The composite panel in a region of the at least one auxiliary joining element may be subsequently joined to the further component.

Abstract: A rigging table and system for assembling trusses using a rigging table. An embodiment of a rigging table includes a base having a generally longitudinal axis and a generally lateral extent, and at least two bunk assemblies moveable along the base in at least the generally longitudinal axis such that each bunk assembly is capable of being positioned on the base relative to another bunk assembly. Each bunk assembly may include a frame extending along the lateral extent of the base, a pair of guides slidably positioned on the frame to move generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base toward and away from each other and able to be fastened in position on the frame, and a pair of automated clamp members each positioned relative to and moveable with one of the guides on the frame, to accommodate assembly of different sized trusses.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a hand-held power tool comprising at least one acceleration sensor, said hand-held power tool being monitored for any faults and the operating behavior thereof being influenced when a fault is sensed. The disclosed method involves the following steps: having the acceleration sensor sense vibrations of the hand-held power tool, comparing the sensed vibrations with previously stored reference vibrations, identifying a fault of the hand-held power tool when the sensed vibrations differ from the reference vibrations by a predefined measure.

Abstract: Sharpening device for sharpening blades mounted on cutting machines, comprising two grinding wheels (2, 3) supported by respective movable supports (20, 30) adapted to move said grinding wheels (2, 3) from a standby or rest configuration in which the grinding wheels (2, 3) are positioned at a predetermined distance from the blade (4) to an active configuration in which the grinding wheels (2, 3) are in contact with a cutting edge (40) of the blade (4) and vice-versa along a predetermined trajectory (R2, R3). The movable supports (20, 30) are adapted to move said grinding wheels (2, 3) along respective arcuate trajectories, such that the contact of each grinding wheel (2, 3) with a respective side of the cutting edge (40) of the blade (4) is progressive, whereby the contact between the grinding wheels and the blade increases progressively when the device passes from the standby rest configuration to the active configuration.

Abstract: A microelectronic device is formed by providing a substrate having a recess at a top surface, and a liner layer formed over the top surface of the substrate, extending into the recess. A protective layer is formed over the liner layer, extending into the recess. A CMP process removes the protective layer and the liner layer from over the top surface of the substrate, leaving the protective layer and the liner layer in the recess. The protective layer is subsequently removed from the recess, leaving the liner layer in the recess. The substrate may include an interconnect region with a bond pad and a PO layer having an opening which forms the recess; the bond pad is exposed in the recess. The liner layer in the recess may be a metal liner suitable for a subsequently-formed wire bond or bump bond.

Abstract: Provided is a polishing head of a CMP apparatus that is improved in the evenness of polishing. The polishing head includes a polishing pad, an air bag brought into contact with a rear surface of a wafer on the polishing pad and is configured to press a front surface of the wafer against the polishing pad, and a top ring surrounding the air bag and the wafer. A portion of the air bag brought into contact with a peripheral portion of the wafer is thicker in film thickness than a portion of the air bag brought into contact with a central portion of the wafer.

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer, which includes a central region, a peripheral region, and a main polishing region located between the central region and the peripheral region. At least one annular groove is located in the main polishing region of the polishing layer. A peripheral groove is located in the peripheral region, and the peripheral groove includes grid-shaped grooves. At least one radial extending groove is located in the main polishing region of the polishing layer, and the at least one radial extending groove is connected with the at least one annular groove. A polishing system including the polishing pad and a polishing method using the polishing pad are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing pad for chemical-mechanical polishing. The polishing pad has a substrate with two opposing surfaces and a plurality of columns projecting from at least one of the surfaces of the substrate in spaced relation to each other. The invention also provides an apparatus utilizing the polishing pad and methods for using and preparing the polishing pad.

Abstract: A device for continuously feeding media from an unpressurised container to a pressurised chamber without depressurising the chamber is described. The device comprises a cylinder having two chambers defined by a top wall, and bottom wall, and a dividing wall intermediate the top and the base walls. The top wall comprises an inlet aperture for inlet of media and a pressure equalisation aperture. The dividing wall comprises an inlet aperture for receipt of media from the first chamber and a pressure equalisation aperture in fluid communication with a first pressure equalisation conduit that extends from the second aperture to a top of the first chamber. The bottom wall comprises an inlet aperture for supply of media to the blasting machine and a pressure equalisation aperture in fluid communication with a second pressure equalisation conduit that extends from the pressure equalisation aperture to a top of the second chamber.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable abrasive recycling system is provided. The abrasive recycling system includes one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of the abrasive recycling system, and slurry supply mechanism that operates, at least in part, based upon the sensed characteristic to control the operation of the abrasive recycling system. The abrasive recycling system further includes a substantially vertically arranged configuration of component parts. Methodology corresponding to the automatic operation of the abrasive recycling system is also provided.

Abstract: A polishing tool unit (1) includes a brush-shaped grinding stone (4) and a tool holder (2). The tool holder (2) includes a shank (2a), a sleeve (6), a gear screw (30), and a nut (36). The nut (36) is screwed onto a bolt portion (34) of the gear screw (30). The brush-shaped grinding stone (4) is connected to the front side of the nut (36) and held by the tool holder (2). The gear screw (30) is rotatable relative to the shank (2a) and the sleeve (6) about the axis (L). While rotation of the nut (36) about the axis (L) is regulated, the gear screw (30) is rotated, whereby the nut (36) is moved and the protruding amount of linear grinding members (3) is adjusted.

Abstract: A hollow shaped socket insert adapter rotatively driven by a single socket driver for tightening, loosing, and removing various sizes of nuts/bolts. The socket insert adapter defined by an outer configuration that includes a plurality of outer flat walls having a shape and size to conform to and to fit into a cavity of a socket driver body of the socket driver, the outer configuration defining a plurality of outer flat walls and further defining one or more rounded outer corners. The socket insert adapter further defined by an inner configuration having one or more inner flat walls and one or more rounded inner corners. The hollow shaped socket insert adapter may include a rim on one end that enhances structural integrity, inhibits disengagement with a socket driver, and facilitates manipulation of the socket insert adapter.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head which has a through hole, a first recess, a second recess and a closed portion. A ratchet member is located in the through hole and is engaged with a pawl in the first recess. The control unit is located in the second recess and has a control member, an engaging member and a resilient member. The control member has a cylindrical rod with a slot and a notch. The engaging member is located in the slot and has a receiving recess, two contact areas and a recessed section. The resilient member is located in the notch and the receiving recess. The engaging member is restricted by the closed portion and biased by engaging member which restricts the cylindrical rod so that the control member is rotatably located in the second recess to push the engaging member to move the pawl.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved offset torque drive assembly and system capable having application of accurately torqueing a fastener in an opening offset from a channel or other fasteners in inaccessible locations. The offset torque drive assembly and system comprises a housing formed in upper and lower enclosure portions that encompasses an input gear and an output gear there-between. The input gear has a tool adapter portion configured to receive the drive shaft of the drive means so as to rotate the input gear. The output gear has a socket fastener aperture configured to receive and move the fastener by application of torque forces upon the input gear operably connected to the output gear. The output gear may be provide with a socket adapter portion configured as a cupped-socket portion to efficiently and effectively torque a fastener along lengths of an elongated threaded rod. The offset torque drive system includes the offset torque drive assembly with a spline drive and a spline insert.

Abstract: Provided is an impact type electric tool. A striking mechanism is used, which uses a hammer having striking claws that are equally arranged in the rotational direction and an anvil having struck claws. A relationship between a striking energy E, which the hammer has right before striking the anvil, and a disengaging torque TB, which is applied between the hammer and the anvil right before the hammer is disengaged from the anvil, is set as 5.3×TB<E<9.3×TB in the case of three claws and set as 9.3×TB<E<15.0×TB in the case of two claws, so as to perform striking by skipping one of the claws of the hammer and the anvil when a high torque is required. Accordingly, the electric tool achieves output of a high torque while maintaining a favorable operational feeling during striking.

Abstract: A torque output tool includes a torque output assembly for outputting torque, a transmission mechanism for driving the torque output assembly to rotate about a central axis, a prime mover for driving the transmission mechanism, and a housing for containing the prime mover. The torque output assembly includes a torque output element including an insert hole, an inner transmission surface for driving a first work head inserted in the insert hole, an outer transmission surface for driving a second work head mounted on the torque output element, a magnetic element for attracting the second work head driven by the torque output element, and a bracket for supporting the magnetic element outside the insert hole. The inner transmission surface is located inside the insert hole and the outer transmission surface is located outside the insert hole.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a shaft with a working region disposed at a first end of the shaft and configured to drive a fastener, a shank portion disposed proximate a second end of the shaft and configured to couple the shaft to a power tool, and a reduced diameter torsion zone disposed between the shank portion and the working region, the torsion zone extending from a first shoulder closer to the working region to a second shoulder closer to the shank portion. A length (L) and a radius (c) of the torsion zone have been optimized so that approximately half of breakages occur in the working region and approximately half of breakages occur in the torsion zone.

Abstract: A bit holder has a shank at a proximal end thereof and a blind bit-accepting hole at a distal end thereof, shaped to receive a correspondingly-shaped tool bit. The bit holder has at least one locking mechanism which includes an angled path defined in the bit holder, opening into a side of the bit-accepting hole, extending away from the bit-accepting hole in a proximal direction at an acute angle A from a central axis. A locking element is slideable in the path. A sleeve around the shank is biased towards the bit-accepting hole by a spring, such that a distal end of the locking element extends slightly into the bit-accepting hole. Moving the sleeve towards the proximal end of the bit holder retracts the locking element from the bit-accepting hole, thereby releasing the bit. A spring-loaded plunger in the blind hole may be used to eject the bit automatically when the locking mechanism is released by the sleeve.

Abstract: A product may include a first section that may be disposed around an axis. A second section may be connected to the first section to pivot relative to the first section between a first operative position and a second operative position. In the first operative position, the first section may be aligned with the second section along the axis. In the second operative position, the first section may form a crank to rotate the second section. A graduated piece may be fixed to the first section and an indicator piece may be fixed to the product to indicate torque relative to the graduated piece.

Abstract: A driving tool is provided with a driver for driving out a fastener from a nozzle, a balancer, and a balancer biasing member for biasing the balancer in a direction away from the nozzle. The balancer moves in the direction away from the nozzle by a biasing force of the balancer biasing member when the driver moves toward the nozzle.