Abstract: Sockets, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, and splined sockets, that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. In general, the sockets engage the flank of the fastener at a distance of about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank away from the corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid adjustable wrench, the wrench is provided with a worm rotation window on the lower side of the fixed wrench head, the support holes are provided on the both sides of the window, the support holes are the elongated aperture holes that enable the pin shift can radially moving up and down, the spring locating holes are provided on the lower side face of the elongated aperture holes respectively, the spring holds up the pin shaft to prompt the engagement of the teeth of the worm with the teeth of the adjustable wrench head; the length of the spring after the depress at least ensure that the length of the radial displacement of the worm teeth does not exceed the height of the adjustable wrench head teeth, the adjustable wrench head teeth have at least one tooth on the top end of the clamping face side, which height higher than that of the subsequent other teeth.

Abstract: An electric tool (110) is provided with an output part (112) and a grip part (113). An elastic member (133) is provided between an outer wall surface (131a) of a trigger switch (130) and a housing inner wall surface (111a) of the grip part (113).

Abstract: In a handheld machine tool having a tool holding fixture, which has a multi-faced inner receptacle and a multi-faced outer receptacle, the multi-faced inner receptacle being configured for the connection to a first tool insert, which is able to be locked in the multi-faced inner receptacle using a locking device assigned to the tool holding fixture, and the multi-faced outer receptacle being configured for the connection to a second tool insert, which has an inner multi-faced coupling that is able to be slid onto the multi-faced outer receptacle. The locking device has an actuating element, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool holding fixture for unlocking the first tool insert from a specified locking position into a specified unlocking position.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly with magnetic securing device includes a body, a sleeve, a collar and two resilient pieces. The body has a first space and a first groove. The sleeve has a first passage, a second space, a third space, a first distance and a fourth space. A magnetic part is located in the second space. A clip is engaged with the first groove and movable within the third space. A collar is secured in the fourth space to restrict the clip to prevent the body from dropping form the sleeve. The collar has two resilient pieces received therein and each resilient piece has a third engaging portion which contacts the outer periphery of the body to provide friction when the sleeve is moved relative to the body. A driving piece is connected to the body and drives a bolt or a screw which is attracted by the magnetic part.

Abstract: A novel, simple, inexpensive and universal device and method for manipulating a magnetic object with at least a portion thereof having a substantially prismatic shape with side surfaces and an end surface such as a fastener, bolt, nut, plug, screw, and the like is disclosed. One embodiment of the device includes a head assembly having a magnetic field. The head assembly includes a body and a magnetic pole piece. The body serves to support the magnetic pole piece and the magnetic pole piece is configured to contact no more than two side surfaces of the magnetic object. The magnetic pole piece is also constructed and arranged to concentrate and shape the magnetic field into the magnetic object. The head assembly is further configured to be spatially open opposite from the magnetic pole piece so as to receive and contact the magnetic object.

Abstract: A regulator for a power tool for tightening a fastener in order to unite two or more pieces into a joint. The regulator regulates the power tool when tightening the fastener such that the fastener is tightened to a predetermined target. The regulator calculates an output signal to the power tool, which output signal is based on the product of the torque exerted by the power tool on the fastener and the angle for turning the fastener about its axis. The output signal is used for tightening the fastener to the predetermined target. The regulator is also applicable to a power tool for a rivet joint.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tool set for the installation and removal of a gasket from a hose. The tool set may include a gasket insertion tool configured to install a gasket on a hose, the gasket insertion tool being self-centering and having a plunger foot configured to install the gasket onto the hose. The tool set may also include a gasket removal tool configured to remove a gasket from a hose, the gasket removal tool being self-centering and including at least one blade configured to grab onto the gasket to remove the gasket from the hose.

Abstract: An automatic staple remover in a gun-shaped housing comprises a trigger that engages a series of levers and one or more springs that ultimately engage a rotating tumbler. Alternatively, the trigger engages an electric motor and gears, or a pneumatic motor and lever arrangement, or a combination of levers and motors to engage the rotating tumbler. Around the perimeter of the tumbler are one or more teeth capable of sliding under a staple. Positioned below the tumbler a removable receptacle catches removed staples. Additionally, the automatic staple remover can include stapler components side-by-side in the same housing that can be engaged by a common trigger. Stapler components comprise a series of levers and springs, a blade assembly, and a plurality of staples in a sleeve. Alternatively, stapler components can include pneumatic motor components or electric motor components.

Abstract: A striking tool having an improved attachment mechanism to safely and securely attach the head of the tool to the tool handle. In one configuration, the attachment mechanism has a key at the upper end of the handle that is sized and configured to be received in and engage a cooperatively configured keyway on the lower side of the head. In another configuration, the attachment mechanism has a connecting element with an elongated body that extends through a tubular body portion at an upper section of the handle and into a passageway in the head. In yet another configuration, the striking tool has both attachment mechanisms. A striking member made out of harder material can be utilized for the striking portion of the head. The connecting element can connect to an aperture in the striking member. A side nail puller can be positioned on the outer surface of the handle.

Abstract: A power tool includes a motor housing defining a first air chamber with a first air inlet that receives a motor. A handle extending from the motor housing defines a second air chamber with a second air inlet that receives an electronics control module. A third air chamber with an air outlet receives a fan coupled to the motor output shaft. The fan: (a) pulls a first ambient airstream through the first air chamber from the first air inlet and into the third air chamber, bypassing the second air chamber, to cool the motor; (b) pulls a second ambient airstream through the second air chamber from the second air inlet and into the third air chamber, bypassing the first air chamber, to cool the electronics module; and (c) exhausts the first and second airstreams from the third air chamber via the air outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a rotatable apparatus may rotate the rotating handle apparatus in 15 degree increments to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground.

Abstract: A swivel handle assembly is disclosed. The swivel handle assembly comprises a ball attachment, a handle, and a friction pin. The handle is a hollow elongate cylinder with openings at each end of the handle. The ball attachment fits within the first end of the handle and extends through the first opening. The handle is rotatable around the ball attachment. The friction pin is inserted through the second end of the handle. The friction pin extends through the body of the handle and engages the ball attachment. When the friction pin is fully engaged against the ball attachment the handle is locked into position. The user can position the handle on the ball attachment in a desired position and lock the handle in place during use.

Abstract: A display board is provided, for assembling of at least one socket thereto. The display board includes a main body and a cover member. The main body is formed with a slot. The slot is open to form an open side. The main body further includes at least one assembling portion for the at least one socket to assemble thereto and a hang portion. The cover member is connected with the main body at the open side and encloses the open side. The cover member and the main body construct an annular profile. Two opposite ends of the open side are formed with two engaging slots. Two opposite ends of the cover member are formed with two ear portions. The two ear portions are engaged respectively with the two engaging slots. The cover member is for the at least one socket to abut thereagainst.

Abstract: A tool box contains a body, at least one cover, and at least one fixer. The body includes at least one first accommodating portion for accommodating plural first tools and includes at least one display zone in which at least one holding portion is defined to hold at least one second tool. The at least one fixer is disposed in the at least one display zone of the body, and each of the at least one fixer includes at least one stopper to fix the at least one second tool in the at least one display zone. The at least one cover covers the body and includes at least one receiving groove formed therein and corresponding to the at least one display zone of the body to expose the at least one second tool in the at least one display zone of the body.

Abstract: A method for toy robot programming, the toy robot including a set of sensors, the method including, at a user device remote from the toy robot: receiving sensor measurements from the toy robot during physical robot manipulation; in response to detecting a programming trigger event, automatically converting the sensor measurements into a series of puppeted programming inputs; and displaying graphical representations of the set of puppeted programming inputs on a programming interface application on the user device.

Abstract: A robot includes a work tool that performs a work to a work point, and a moving unit that moves the work tool and changes the posture thereof. A console receives an operation to designate the coordinates of arbitrary two or three points on an inclined surface. Upon this operation, a processor calculates a direction of the work tool toward the work point from a work start point based on the coordinates of the arbitrary two or three points, next, a control unit moves the work tool to the work start point, directs the posture of the work tool toward the work point in accordance with the calculation by the processor, and causes the work tool to start a process to the work point.

Abstract: Feedback control is carried out on respective servomotors so that detection angles detected by respective input-side encoders become target angles to be obtained when a leading end of a robot has moved to a positioning completion position of a first motion. Subsequently, the position of the leading end of the robot is obtained on the basis of the detection angles detected by the respective output-side encoders. The time from a time point at which the detection angles detected by the input-side encoders are brought to the target angles through the feedback control to a time point at which a vibration width of the calculated position of the leading end of the robot relative to the positioning completion position converges within a convergence range is obtained. The obtained time is set in the stopping duration of the robot.

Abstract: Robotic manipulators may be used to manipulate objects. Manipulation data about manipulations performed on objects may be generated and accessed. This data may be analyzed to generate a profile indicating how an object may be manipulated. A portion of the profile may be transmitted to a particular robotic manipulator. For example, the portion may be based on a manipulation capability of the robotic manipulator. In turn, the robotic manipulator may use the portion of the profile to manipulate the object.

Abstract: A robot teaching device for teaching a robot offline, capable of setting target, advance and rotation angles of a tool, so that a flat and stable posture of the tool can be obtained. The teaching device has: a storing part which stores a combination of a plurality of processing portion shapes and the target and advance angles associated with each processing portion; a first setting part which sets the target and advance angles associated with the selected processing portion shape, as target and advance angles with respect to the designated processing portion shape; and a second setting part which rotates the tool about a longitudinal axis thereof while maintaining the target and advance angles, so as to calculate the rotation angle of the tool, wherein a height of a face plate of the robot from a horizon plane in the virtual space is maximum at the rotation angle.

Abstract: An endoscope captures images of a surgical site for display in a viewing area of a monitor. When a tool is outside the viewing area, a GUI indicates the position of the tool by positioning a symbol in a boundary area around the viewing area so as to indicate the tool position. The distance of the out-of-view tool from the viewing area may be indicated by the size, color, brightness, or blinking or oscillation frequency of the symbol. A distance number may also be displayed on the symbol. The orientation of the shaft or end effector of the tool may be indicated by an orientation indicator superimposed over the symbol, or by the orientation of the symbol itself. When the tool is inside the viewing area, but occluded by an object, the GUI superimposes a ghost tool at its current position and orientation over the occluding object.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a system for automatically and precisely positioning a robotic arm and method thereof. A control computing apparatus of the present disclosure controls a probe of the robotic arm to touch one of the positioning devices, and acquires a moment variation of each of the axes from a moment sensing device of the robotic arm, and then computes the distance between a geometric center of the touched positioning device and a coordinate origin according to a geometric feature of the touched positioning device, and then positions the robotic arm according to the moment variations of the axes and the distance between the geometric center of the touched positioning device and the coordinate origin. Therefore, the technical effect of quickly, precisely positioning the robotic arm without the error accumulation can be achieved.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a rotary transformer configured to transmit data. In some implementations, the rotary transformer may include a primary transformer component with a primary winding magnetically coupled to a secondary transformer component with a secondary winding. The rotary transformer may also include a resonant circuit including a frequency determining element and an amplifier. The frequency determining element may consist of the primary and secondary windings connected in parallel to respective capacitors. The primary transformer component may be coupled to a fixed-frequency signal generator. The rotary transformer may include a modulator coupled to the secondary transformer component and configured to vary the phase of the resonant circuit to generate an output signal and a demodulator coupled to the primary transformer component and configured to demodulate the output signal.

Abstract: A robotic gripper includes a gripper palm, a first pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the first pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint, and a second pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the second pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint. A web member is attached to the first pair of adjacent fingers, the web member having a web portion having a gripping face, the web portion disposed between a first one of the first pair of adjacent fingers and a second one of the second pair of adjacent fingers.

Abstract: An example robotic gripping apparatus includes a robotic wrist and a motor contained within the robotic wrist. The motor includes a drive shaft that rotates about a primary axis during motor operation. The robotic gripping apparatus also includes a cylindrical worm gear, connected to the drive shaft, that encircles the motor and rotates about the primary axis during motor operation. Additionally, the robotic gripping apparatus includes two or more robotic fingers, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The robotic gripping apparatus further includes two or more spur gears corresponding to the two or more robotic fingers. Each spur gear is attached to the proximal end of the corresponding robotic finger. Each spur gear engages the cylindrical worm gear and rotates the corresponding robotic finger when the cylindrical worm gear rotates about the primary axis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, robotic testing device is provided for more closely emulating human movement during robotic testing of a user device. In some embodiments, the robotic testing device may facilitate use of multiple robotic implements configured to interact with a mobile device during testing of the mobile device. One or more of the multiple robotic implements may be configured to move simultaneously, in succession, separately, and/or otherwise interact with a mobile device during performance of a test command on the mobile device. Further, a holder of the mobile device may be configured to move during performance of a test command on the mobile device.

Abstract: A composite knife made from layers of Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) is disclosed. It includes a middle layer of fibrous preform including a hard insert placed longitudinally at its periphery. The hard insert, after sharpening, represents the cutting blade portion of the composite knife. The composite knife further includes a carrier which forms the load bearing member of the cutting blade, as well as forming the integral handle of the composite knife. The carrier portion of the composite knife includes at least one top and at least one bottom layers of fibrous preform, sandwiching the middle layer that contains the cutting edge portion of the knife. A metallic material is infiltrated within the fibrous preforms and extends throughout the composite blade structure forming the MMC knife, the metallic material bonding the middle layer within the carrier, and bonding the top and bottom surface of the hard insert within the carrier.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in removing the foliage from stems of leafy vegetables and sprigs of herbs are shown and described. The device has a body that is sized and shaped to fit comfortably into a one hand. The body can be generally flat and can have at least one edge following a convex curve. A trimming blade projects outwardly from at least a portion of the convexly curved edge of the body. A selection of apertures of different sizes extends through the body. The user can select an aperture large enough to allow the stem to pass through, but too small for the foliage to pass through. During use, a user can use the trimming blade to trim off unwanted parts from a sprig of herb or a piece of leafy vegetable, pass the sprig through a selected aperture sized to remove the foliage therefrom, and cut the foliage to the desired size by rocking the trimming blade along its length over the foliage.

Abstract: In opening and closing scissors, separation between both blades caused by inclination of one blade body relative to the other blade body is prevented or reduced. Specifically, with a head being in contact with a movable blade, a coil spring comes into contact with a head at one end and with the bottom of a counterbore at the other end. This pressing force allows a stationary blade to tightly abut on the movable blade. A taper face is formed at the stationary blade side of the head to press and expand the one end of the coil spring radially outside a pivot.

Abstract: A safety razor removes hair from skin using the cutting blade comprising a sharp edge along an elongated side of a planar surface. An outer comb has a row of outer teeth running along the planar surface on an outside of the cutting blade, each outer tooth is substantially perpendicular to the sharp edge and spaced with a gap between the row of the outer teeth and the planar surface of the cutting blade. Ends of the row of outer teeth comprise outer teeth tips. An inner guard runs along the planar surface on an inside of the cutting blade. The sharp edge of cutting blade is recessed up to a skin surface contour, the skin surface contour defined by the outer teeth tips and an edge of the inner guard. The sharp edge of cutting blade longitudinally bends to cause further recess relative to the skin surface contour.

Abstract: A shaving razor with a handle having a gripping portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a head. A cartridge mounted to the handle and has a shaving surface with at least one blade having a blade edge, and an opposing surface. The cartridge has a forward and a rearward pivot position relative to the handle. A pivot locking mechanism positioned on the head of the handle having a pusher member that slides toward and away from the cartridge between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The pusher member in the engaged position directly contacts the opposing surface of the cartridge forcing the cartridge in the forward position preventing the cartridge from pivoting with respect to the handle. The pusher member in the disengaged position is spaced apart from the opposing surface of the cartridge in the forward position allowing the cartridge to pivot relative to the handle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a protrusion length of a protrusion portion on each side of sheet after cutting even when there is variation in positions of cords embedded in the sheet, apparatus with imaging unit that images cross-sectional profile in width direction of sheet including protrusion portions, and generates waveform data from imaging of cross-sectional profile, detect maximum height-positions of crests and of troughs of waveform data, set, based on waveform data, a maximum height-position of crest closest to width end of sheet as maximum height-position of end crest, set a position corresponding to an edge of protrusion portion of sheet, located on more width end side than maximum height-position of end crest, as minimum height-position of a terminal trough, detect distance in width direction of sheet between maximum height-position of end crest and of the terminal trough, and measure protrusion length of protrusion portion based on detected distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting head assembly (100) for a centrifugal cutting apparatus. The cutting head assembly (100) comprises a plurality of cutting stations (101) each provided with a cutting element (104, 204) for cutting or reducing food products. The cutting stations (101) being separately mounted adjacent one another on a rim structure (102, 202, 302, 402). The cutting head assembly (100) further comprising fixing elements (103, 203) for securing the cutting stations (101) to the rim structure (102, 202) and a first set of gap setting elements (105, 205, 305) arranged for adjusting the position of the rear edge of the cutting stations (101) with respect to the front edge of the cutting elements (104, 204) of adjacent cutting stations (101). The gap setting elements (105, 205, 305) being arranged for adjusting the position of the rear edge of the cutting stations (101) with respect to the rim structure (102, 202, 302, 402).

Abstract: An assembly for cutting foam, nonwoven, rubber, and composite products has a guide having a longitudinally extending guide edge formed with a longitudinally extending and outwardly open groove. A longitudinally extending row of cutting elements extends along the guide edge, and element each has an entrainment dog projecting inward into the groove, a support riding on the guide edge and having sides each formed with a pair of longitudinally spaced and outwardly open recesses, a base outward of the support, and a wedge-section cutting tooth forming a cutting edge outside the base and having a pair of longitudinally extending flanks converging at the cutting edge. Coupling links extend between and have ends set in the recesses of adjacent cutting elements. Pivot pins extend through the ends of the links and through the supports at the bases. The base is of a maximum width greater than a width of the assembly at the pins.

Abstract: A single station shaper sander that uses a quick change retractable shaper and a quick change retractable profile sander is described. The shaper generates a profile in a substrate, and then the sander sands the profile in the substrate without intermediate removal of the substrate. Both the shaper and sander are retractable, moving away from the substrate when retracted, and are moved into contact with the substrate when engaged. Either an operator or automatic controls may be used to engage and retract the shaper or sander, so as to minimize operator access to dangerous moving surfaces on either. Further, each sander or shaper may have removable tools that are temporarily affixed to a spindle, affording tool changes of 15 seconds or less.

Abstract: The table saw mill trolley rolls on rails. A log holder is pivotally attached to the trolley for pivotal movement about first and second axes. A support is fixed to the holder. A log tensioner and log indexer are attached to the support. Centering pins on the tensioner and indexer engage log ends. The trolley supports a log with an indexing shaft axis transverse to the blade axis. A first slot is cut in the log. The log is pivoted about the first axis and the trolley is returned to the start. The log is rotated about the second axis and then pivoted about the first axis to support by the trolley. A second slot that intersects the first slot is cut forming a first log flat surface.

Abstract: A guidance assembly for circular saws includes a monobloc structural unit that incorporates a first, discontinuous annular subassembly and a second, flat inverted at 90 degrees U-shape elongated frame subassembly. A pair of angle beams is spacedly adjustable that is positionally adaptable to support various bases of circular saws. The guidance assembly further includes a fence subassembly, placed beneath the monobloc structural unit, with which is interconnected and cooperates. To prepare the cutting operation, the blade angle of a circular saw is matched to the required angle by rotating first and second subassemblies relatively to fence subassembly. For cutting, a wooden board is placed under first and second subassemblies, so that, laterally, is positioned against a first and a second hollow bars of fence subassembly.

Abstract: In a chain saw, an operating shaft member axially rotated by a manual operation of a rotating lever is disposed so that an axial direction thereof may be inclined against an attaching surface of a guide bar in which a saw chain is wound around a circumference thereof, a driving bevel gear attached to an end portion of the operating shaft member meshes with a driven bevel gear attached to an end portion of a rotating shaft member, and the rotating shaft member is axially rotated. Thus, the guide bar is moved in a longitudinal direction thereof to adjust tension of the saw chain.

Abstract: A guide and safety guard for a table saw, of the type having a table top and a powered saw blade with an exposed saw blade portion projecting above the table top and a movable guide fence positionable on the table top on a far side of the saw blade, has a support rail having opposite ends coupled to support members in a desired spaced relation to the guide fence of the table saw, a guard block mounted by a sleeve portion so as to be slidable on the support rail in axial directions thereon, and rotatable on the support rail so that it can be moved out of and into operative position, wherein the guard block has a height projecting above the table top in the operative position that is greater than the height of the exposed saw blade portion for protecting the hand of the user, and a guard extension fixed to a trailing side of the guard block for protecting the wrist and lower arm area of the user.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a wooden perch which is affordable, has a reduced chance of infection or infestation, and provides increased comfort for animals. The method of fabricating a wooden perch generally includes the steps of providing a piece of wood and using a wood crafting assembly to create natural, randomized contours along the exterior of the piece of wood to complete the wooden perch. The piece of wood is rotated along its length across a wood crafting assembly in two opposite directions to create an interwoven sine-wave pattern along its length. Random parts of the wood are then applied to the wood crafting assembly at random angles with random pressure levels to create a natural contour along the length of the perch. Mounting hardware may be included to aid in securing the perch to various surfaces, such as an indoor bird cage or an outdoor bird feeder.

Abstract: A device for producing an absorbent body includes crushers that are each configured to crush a supplied pulp sheet into fluff pulp and that each include a plurality of rotating blades, a duct in which the fluff pulp is carried by air, and a rotating fiber stacking drum that includes an adsorbent molding section that molds the fluff pulp carried by air from the duct into an absorbent body with a desired shape. Further, the crushers are staggered in an axis direction of the rotating blades.

Abstract: A second mold is placed on a planar surface of a first mold to form a first mold cavity, which is filled with a first material slurry containing a first material powder and the molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a first molded part on the planar surface of the first mold. A third mold is placed on the planar surface of the first mold from which the second mold is removed and on which the first molded part is formed, thereby forming a second mold cavity. The second mold cavity is filled with a second material slurry which contains a second material powder different from the first material powder so as to mold the slurry in contact with the first molded part. The molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a second molded part on the planar surface of the first mold.

Abstract: The present document describes filler apparatus, washing and maintenance support station and methods of using the same. The support station is for supporting a filler container, a volumetric container and/or a sliding plate of the filler apparatus. The washing and maintenance support station comprises a support main frame; a filler container corresponding mating connector on the support main frame for releasably connecting with a filler container mating connector; a volumetric container mount receiving section on the main frame below the filler container corresponding mating connector for releasably mounting a volumetric container mount; and a sliding plate receiving support on the main frame below the volumetric container mount receiving section for releasably supporting a sliding plate substantially flat section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades. The tool includes a first layer and a second layer that are oppositely disposed. The first and second layers include working surfaces that support at least one working element when the working element is applied to a work piece. Additionally, an intermediate structure is included between the first and second layers. The intermediate structure can include a plurality of components extending in the area between the structural surfaces and the working surfaces.

Abstract: Controllable cleavage of a work piece is achieved through the use of capacitive clamps and application of a large tensile force. Capacitive clamps are used to secure the ends of a work piece with strong electrostatic forces. The capacitive clamps secure the ends of the work piece by creating electrostatic forces like those experienced by the plates in a parallel plate capacitor. After introduction of a crack along a side surface of the work piece, the application of a tensile force along the central axis of the work piece causes the crack to rapidly propagate and cleave the work piece into two or more pieces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter include extruder screws. Some embodiments of extruder screws include a screw body for placement in an extruder barrel, a plurality of ridges on the outer surface of the screw body that extend helically from an inlet end to an outlet end of the screw body, each adjacent pair of the ridges defining a channel, and one or more notches each extending across one of the plurality of ridges and between an adjacent pair of the channels. The notches can permit a material to flow from one channel into an adjacent channel, and the notches can define crosscuts that extend along the screw body and helically rotate in an opposite direction relative to the plurality of ridges. Furthermore, some extruder screws can further comprise one or more splitter rings.

Abstract: A kneading apparatus for a thermoplastic resin, includes: a plasticizing cylinder which has a high pressure kneading zone and a pressure reduction zone; a screw in the plasticizing cylinder; a downstream side seal mechanism which shuts off communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone; and a pressure reduction zone pressure adjusting mechanism which is connected to the pressure reduction zone and which controls a pressure of the pressure reduction zone so that the pressure is not less than an atmospheric pressure and the pressure is not more than a maximum pressure of the high pressure kneading zone that is achieved when kneading a molten resin with a pressurized fluid, when the downstream side seal mechanism shuts off the communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone.

Abstract: A multi-component micro-pellet useful as a consumable material for making objects by powder based additive manufacturing is disclosed. A method of making said micro-pellet is also disclosed. An object made by using said micro-pellets is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of temperature control of a shaping tool or components of a shaping working machine is performed by a temperature control medium disposed in at least one temperature control branch of a temperature control system. A previously ascertained relationship between geometrical data of the at least one temperature control branch and through-flow amounts of the temperature control medium is provided, and a reference through-flow amount is set by the previously ascertained relationship for the geometrical data of the at least one temperature control branch.

Abstract: A masonry oven constructed with the aid of molds. An exemplary foam mold set to produce assembly pieces on site for the construction of a pizza oven. The mold set allows do-it-yourself homeowners, construction companies and the like to construct a custom pizza oven by simply pouring high˜temp concrete into various molds and assembling and finishing the assembled oven core.