The regulator/brush-holder assembly (1) comprises a support (2) and an electrical circuit (5, 6) comprising a regulating element (5) connected by microwires to a trace circuit (6). The electrical circuit further includes a filtering circuit (10) separate from the regulating element and connected by microwires to the trace circuit. According to one particular embodiment, the filtering circuit comprises an insulating substrate (11) and surface-mounted components (C1, C2, S1, S2, V). A ground plane (19) and/or one or more ground pads may be provided for connection to a ground trace of the trace circuit. The filtration frequencies of the filter circuit extend from 100 kHz to 1 GHz.

A thermionic generator for converting thermal energy to electric energy includes: an emitter electrode for emitting thermal electrons from a thermal electron emitting surface when heat is applied to the emitter electrode; a collector electrode facing the emitter electrode spaced apart from the emitter electrode by a predetermined distance, and receiving the thermal electrons from the emitter electrode via a facing surface of the collector electrode; and a substrate having one surface. The emitter electrode and the collector electrode are disposed on the one surface of the substrate, and are electrically insulated from each other. The thermal electron emitting surface and the facing surface are perpendicular to the one surface.

A system, method and apparatus for automatically adapting power grid usage by controlling internal and/or external power-related assets of one or more users in response to power regulation and/or frequency regulation functions in a manner beneficial to both the power grid itself and the users of the power grid.

The rotary electrical machine is capable of functioning as a generator and outputs a continuous output voltage (Ub+) that is adjustable by an excitation current. The digital regulator (2) of the machine comprises an excitation current control means (7) and a control loop (6) that includes a device (10) for measurement, by sampling, of the output voltage (Ub+), the measurement device generating a signal sampled at a predetermined first sampling frequency (F1 e). The machine has a bandwidth that is limited by a predetermined first cutoff frequency (F1 c). The measurement device includes an apparatus for oversampling such that the first sampling frequency (F1 e) is greater than twice the first cutoff frequency (F1 c), and the control loop also includes an apparatus (12) for decimating the sampled signal.

Wind turbine systems and methods are provided. An exemplary system includes a wind driven doubly fed induction generator having a rotor and a stator, the stator providing AC power to a stator bus. The system further includes a power converter coupled to the rotor of the doubly fed induction generator, the power converter providing an output to a line bus, and a transformer coupled to the stator bus. The system further includes a solid-state switch coupled between the stator bus and the transformer.

A generator drive system for the generator (3) of an internal combustion engine (1), including a flexible drive having a traction mechanism (5) which is guided across a generator pulley (6) driving the generator (3). The generator (3) is configured and electrically wired such that the generator (3) can be temporarily driven as a motor, and the generator (3) is coupled to the generator pulley (6) or the crankshaft pulley (7) is coupled to the crankshaft (8) via an overrunning clutch (4) which allows the generator (3), when operated as a motor, running faster than the generator pulley (6) or, taking into consideration a gear ratio, the crankshaft (8).

A motor includes a frame, a shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame, and at least one disc mounted onto the shaft. At least one permanent magnet is mounted on the disc, and at least one electromagnet and at least one coil are mounted to the frame in rotational magnetic proximity to the permanent magnet. A battery is connectable to the electromagnet and the coil for energizing the electromagnet and for receiving electrical current from the coil for charging the battery. A relay switch controls the transmission of electrical power from the battery to the electromagnet. A sensor generates a signal to the relay switch to activate electrical power to the electromagnet upon sensing that the permanent magnet is positioned with respect to the electromagnet such that a magnetic force generated by the electromagnet would be effective for inducing movement of the permanent magnet and consequent rotation of the disc.

Systems and methods for reducing current imbalance between parallel bridge circuits used in a power converter of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) system are provided. A control system can monitor the bridge current of each of the bridge circuits coupled in parallel and generate a feedback signal indicative of the difference in bridge current between the parallel bridge circuits. Command signals for controlling the bridge circuits can then be developed based on the feedback signal to reduce current imbalance between the bridge circuits. For instance, the pulse width modulation of switching devices (e.g. IGBTs) used in the bridge circuits can be modified to reduce current imbalance between the parallel bridge circuits.

A double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter method are presented in which rotor side current spikes are attenuated using series-connected damping resistance in response to grid fault occurrences or grid fault clearances.

An arrangement adapted for letting water pass by electrical conductors and their contact surfaces related to a track of a system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be supplied with current and put under voltage. At least two or three tracks are disposed parallel to each other in a common rail structure, with at least two of these tracks being adapted to support and contain individual electrical conductors with contact surfaces put under voltage, and wherein at least one track is disposed closer to the highest point of the roadway and adjacent to a track containing one of said conductors with contact surfaces, which may be put under voltage.

A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.

The invention relates to a device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to displaceable consumers (F1-F13) that can be moved along a track, having a primary conductor arrangement (2) divided into route segments (3-7) that are electrically separated from each other, and extending along the track, wherein individual route segments (3-7) are each associated with at least one current source (3'-7') for imprinting a continuous current into each of the route segments (3-7), and to a corresponding method. The aim of the invention is to supply the displaceable consumers in an energy-saving manner with electric energy matched to demand, and to allow short reaction times when operating the device. This aim is achieved by providing the device with a means (11) for determining the total power of the displaceable consumers (F1-F13) present in each of the individual route segments (3-7) and with a means (11) for actuating the current sources (3'-7') for applying the electrical continuous current corresponding to the total power required for each route segment (3-7), or by determining, according to the method, the required total power of the displaceable consumers (F1-F13) present in each route segment and applying an electrical continuous current to each route segment (3-7) by means of the associated current source (3'-7'), said current corresponding to the total power required therein.

An electrically powered mining vehicle including a frame rollingly supported on a surface for movement over the surface. An electric motor is coupled to the frame for proving power to the vehicle. A cable is electrically coupled to the electric motor for supplying electricity thereto and a cable management system is coupled to the frame and arranged to receive and payout the cable as the vehicle moves over the surface. A sheave bracket is coupled to the frame and arranged to direct the cable into the cable management system and includes a lower plate arranged substantially horizontally, a plurality of vertical rollers that are coupled to the lower plate and are arranged to guide the cable into the cable management system, and a horizontal roller that is coupled to the lower plate and arranged to elevate the cable above the lower plate.

A breaker 162 is opened when a pantograph 101 is lowered. The pantograph 101 is connected to an overhead wire 200. Voltage and its phase of the overhead wire are detected by a detector 161. Power is supplied from a power storage device 150c to a tertiary winding 112c via a power converter 14c such that a primary side of the main transformer 110 has the same voltage and phase as the overhead wire so as to reversely excite the main transformer 110. When the voltage of the main transformer 110 has the same phase as the voltage of the overhead wire 200, the breaker 162 is turned on and then the pantograph 101 is raised, to connect the overhead wire 200 and the main transformer 110 to each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of an excitation inrush current to the main transformer 110.

Controlling a power system in a mining truck includes receiving data indicative of an expected change in suitability of the mining truck for on-trolley operation, and outputting a control command to an actuating mechanism for a pantograph responsive to the data and prior to occurrence of the expected suitability change. A mining truck and power system are further provided, wherein a pantograph having an electrical contactor is adjusted between a first configuration contacting an overhead trolley line, and a rest configuration, responsive to data indicative of the expected suitability change.

The invention relates to a current collector 1 for a device 2 that can be displaced with and against the driving direction F along a conductor line 5, comprising a current collector cart 8 for the guided displacement along a guide element 9 of the conductor line 5, and an energy transmission system. The invention solves the problem of providing a current collector and an energy transmission system, which enable an energy-conserving, contact-reliable and damage-free displacement of the current collector along a conductor line and a simple connection of the current collector to the conductor line, in that at least one first lever assembly 12L between the current collector cart 8 and displaceable device 2 is provided with a first drive lever arm 13L, the first end of which can be connected in a rotatable manner to the displaceable device 2 and the second end of which is connected in a rotatable manner to a second end of at least one first tension lever arm 14L, the first end thereof being connected in a rotatable manner to a current collector cart, wherein a first adjustment drive 15L is provided in order to be able to move the current collector cart 8 between a retracted position on the displaceable device 2 and an extended position away from the displaceable device 2, and wherein a first locking device 16; 18L; 15L is provided, in order to lock the first drive lever arm 13L when displacing the displaceable device 2 in the driving direction F in a predetermined extended position.

Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line.

A pantograph assembly configured to transfer electrical power from an overhead conductor to a machine. The pantograph assembly includes a pantograph support detachably connected to the machine, an articulated assembly, a pan rail and a carbon brush. The pantograph support includes a first link, and a second link hingedly connected to the first link. The first link is connected to the pantograph support. The pan rail is supported by the second link of the articulated assembly. The carbon brush is supported by the pan rail along a longitudinal axis of the pan rail. The pantograph assembly further includes an end horn having a bridge portion connected to the carbon brush. The bridge portion is configured to transfer the overhead conductor between the end horn and the carbon brush.

A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, wherein the system comprises an electric conductor arrangement for producing a magnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle, wherein the electric conductor arrangement comprises at least one current line, wherein each current line is adapted to carry the electric current which produces the magnetic field or is adapted to carry one of parallel electric currents which produce the magnetic field and wherein: the at least one current line extends at a first height level,the system comprises an electrically conductive shield for shielding the magnetic field, wherein the shield extends under the track and extends below the first height level, anda magnetic core extends along the track at a second height level and extends above the shield.

An arrangement for operating a rail vehicle includes a DC voltage intermediate circuit which is connected to an energy supply network, at least one traction inverter which is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and at its AC voltage side which is connected one or more traction motors of the rail vehicle. An auxiliary system inverter is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and is connected at its AC voltage side to a primary side of an auxiliary system transformer. Auxiliary systems are connected to a secondary side of the auxiliary system transformer via an auxiliary line. Electrical energy generated by an electrical energy supply unit is transferred via the auxiliary line, the auxiliary system transformer and the auxiliary system inverter into the DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation of the at least one traction motor.

A transport vehicle equipped with a current collector, includes: a vessel to load a load; a current collector that extends to receive electric power from an overhead line and contracts and retracts so as to be disposed away from the overhead line; and a vehicle body that rotationally drives driving wheels by at least one of the electric power from the current collector and a self-propelled driving source and on which the vessel is placed; a pantograph position detector that detects a relative position of the current collector and the overhead line; and a control device that controls a driving direction of the vehicle body or gives an instruction of information with which a direction in which the vehicle body is to be operated can be recognized, so that the relative position is brought to a position where the current collector and the overhead line are connected.

A system for transferring energy to a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, wherein the system includes an electric conductor arrangement adapted to produce an electromagnetic field which can be received by the vehicle thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle the system further includes electric and/or electronic devices which are adapted to operate the electric conductor arrangement. The devices produce heat while operating the conductor arrangement and—therefore—are to be cooled. A cooling arrangement of the system includes a structure having a cavity in which at least one of the devices to be cooled is located. The structure includes a cover limiting the cavity at the top, wherein the device(s) to be cooled is/are located at a distance to the cover. The structure is integrated in the ground at the path of travel of the vehicle in such a manner that the cover forms a part of the surface of the ground.

A cord storage apparatus includes an electric motor configured to retract a power reception cord to be connected to an external power supply and a control unit configured to determine whether or not the power reception cord is retracted away from the ground when the power reception cord is connected to the external power supply and control the electric motor to stop retracting the power reception cord when the power reception cord is retracted away from the ground.

A method for producing process vapor and boiler feed steam in a heatable reforming reactor for producing synthesis gas. The sensible heat of a synthesis gas produced from hydrocarbons and steam can be used so that two types of vapor are produced during the heating and evaporation of boiler feed water and process condensate. The method also includes a conversion of the carbon monoxide contained in the synthesis gas. The method includes an optional heating of the boiler feed water using the flue gas from the heating of the reforming reactor. The sensible heat of the synthesis gas and of the flue gas originating from the heating can be used more efficiently. The disadvantages from the flue gas heating, which are caused by the fluctuating heat supply in the flue gas duct, are avoided. A system for practicing the method is also disclosed.

A steam generator includes a substantially horizontal gas conduit (1) to guide a heating gas flow (2) and an evaporator unit positioned at least partially in the horizontal gas conduit for transferring heat from the heating gas to a flow medium which flows through the evaporator unit. The heat transfer section of the evaporator unit of the steam generator is bottom fed, which means that the inlet conduit is arranged at a lower region of the heat transfer section. The outlet conduit is arranged at an upper region. The inlet conduit allows an once through operation of the evaporator section which is necessary to enable operation under supercritical circumstances. The evaporator unit includes at least two evaporator stages (3, 4) which are arranged in a cascade. Each evaporator stage includes a heat transfer section (12, 21) and a separator (14, 23). The presence of the separators (14, 23) subdivides the evaporator unit into evaporator stages (3, 4).

There are provided a generator internal pipe section that extends in the horizontal direction inside a steam generator; and a communication pipe section that is connected to the generator internal pipe section and is provided with a communication path, wherein one end of the communication path is connected to the pipe path at an upper end of a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling water in the pipe path and the other end of the communication path is positioned at the downside in the vertical direction in relation to one end of the communication path, and wherein one end side and the other end side of the communication path are connected at a position existing at the upside in the vertical direction in relation to one end.

A catalytic tank heater includes a catalytic heating element supported on an LPG tank by a support structure that holds the element in a position facing the tank. Vapor from the tank is provided as fuel to the heating element, and is regulated to increase heat output as tank pressure drops. The heating element is internally separated into a pilot heater and a main heater, with respective separate fuel inlets. The pilot heater remains in continual operation, but the main heater is operated only while tank pressure is below a threshold. Operation of the pilot heater keeps a portion of the catalyst hot, so that, when tank pressure drops below the threshold, and fuel is supplied to the main heater, catalytic combustion quickly expands from the area surrounding the pilot heater to the remainder of the catalyst.

A waste heat steam generator for a gas and steam turbine power plant is provided. The generator has economizer, evaporator and superheater heating surfaces which form a flow path and through which a flow medium flows. An overflow line branches off from the flow path and leads to injection valves arranged downstream at a flow side of a superheater heating surface in the flow path. The overflow line permits a brief power increase of a downstream steam turbine without resulting in an excessive loss in efficiency of the steam process. The brief power increase is permitted independently of the type of waste heat steam generator. The branch location of the overflow line is arranged upstream of an evaporator heating surface at the flow medium side and downstream of an economizer heating surface.

A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.

An evaporator surface structure of a circulating fluidized bed boiler having a furnace that is enclosed by sidewalls and has a bottom and a ceiling. The evaporator surface structure includes at least one vertical and separate evaporator surface unit that is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the furnace. The at least one evaporator surface unit (i) is formed of planar water tube panels that extend from the bottom of the furnace to the ceiling of the furnace, and (ii) consists of two cross-wise joined vertical water tube panels.

A livestock guide and manipulator panel prod is disclosed by this invention wherein electronic shocking circuitry is provided in combination with a hand-held livestock guiding and directing panel having electronic prods of said circuitry arranged on the surface of the panel.

A stock or cattle prod for applying an electric shock to stock to induce them to move when loading them for transportation or through a cattle chute or the like comprises a handle having a high voltage generator and a battery therein. A head, which is angularly rotatable relative to the handle structure, is provided, this head having electrical contact means adapted to electrically, conductively contact said handle in any selectable angular position therebetween the head being adapted to extend forward from said handle and comprising a shaft carrying the contact means and, forward from this shaft terminating in a pair of spaced conducting tips or electrodes. The handle is constructed to insulate and protect the high voltage conductors and to provide a convenient switch for energizing the tips. The handle and shaft are constructed to afford rotation of the tips to any desired angle with respect to the operator's hand, both the handle and head being provided with external electrical insulation means effective to protect the operator from the electrical shock voltage, insulation while maintaining the electrical connections to the tips. The head on which the tips are mounted is relatively flat and is adapted to be held in face engagement with an animal's body, this facilitating the effective handling of the prod during use.

A knock down spring whip assembly including a hollow housing which serves as a handgrip, and also stores a spring subassembly formed of lengths of helically wound springs of sequentially increasingly larger diameter size to move between a telescoped position within the housing and an extended whipping position projecting from one end of the housing with the springs wedgingly engaging each other in an end to end arrangement. A removable closure unit is provided for plugging the other end of the housing to define a storage compartment. The closure unit includes an integral magnet for retaining the spring subassembly in the telescoped position, where the closure unit can be replaced with other types of closure units. The housing includes a tapered end and an annular constriction for providing both a wedging engagement of the projecting springs as well as a positive locking action. Weighted ball bearings can be included within one of the springs for spiral rotation therethrough to provide an additional striking force. The striking spring can be replaced by a solid rod for an increased striking force. Preferably, the tip portion at the striking end is also removable to permit the spring whip assembly to be disassembled into its component parts.

An electrified livestock controller for guiding animals, preferably pigs, doubles as a gate and a prod. The controller comprises a central panel of generally planar dimensions, comprising a plurality of central, vertically disposed ribs separated from one another by elongated slots. One or more similar accessory panels are hingedly connected to each side of the central panel. The hinge structure facilitates adjustment of the controller for deployment in a variety of configurations. The hinge structure comprises a detent system having a plurality of indexing disks which, when yieldably mated together, facilitate positioning of the panels in a custom configuration. Suitable flush mounted electric strips are defined on all of the ribs, to provide a shocking effect without tissue damage. The system includes a removable cattle prod which, besides functioning as a handle, can be withdrawn from the handle to separately prod animals. Either concurrently with or independently of rib electrification, audio and/or visual effects may be generated to cause Pavlovian conditioning in the animals. A preferred visual effect of ascending motion, which may be induced by a revolving curtain displaying a spiral image, motivates the animals like a prod. The curtain is best operatively disposed behind the vertical ribs of at least one of the panels.

A knock down spring whip assembly including a hollow housing which serves as a handgrip, and also stores a spring subassembly formed of lengths of helically wound springs of sequentially increasingly larger diameter size to move between a telescoped position within the housing and an extended whipping position projecting from one end of the housing with the springs wedgingly engaging each other in an end to end arrangement. A removable closure unit is provided for plugging the other end of the housing to define a storage compartment. The closure unit includes an integral magnet for retaining the spring subassembly in the telescoped position, where the closure unit can be replaced with other types of closure units. The housing includes a tapered end and an annular constriction for providing both a wedging engagement of the projecting springs as well as a positive locking action. Weighted ball bearings can be included within one of the springs for spiral rotation therethrough to provide an additional striking force. The striking spring can be replaced by a solid rod for an increased striking force. Preferably, the tip portion at the striking end is also removable to permit the spring whip assembly to be disassembled into its component parts.

A battery operated hand held device for use in handling or controlling livestock, particularly cattle, swine, sheep and horses. This invention provides a novel alternative to conventional electric livestock prods, which deliver an electric shock to the animal. While operating on the principle of external stimulus to invoke a flight response, this invention relies on vibration and/or sound rather than painful electric shock. This unique mode of action satisfies the needs in the livestock industry for low stress handling equipment and techniques with the welfare of the animal as a priority.

Disclosed is a container system that is adapted to be accessed by horse mounted users. The container system finds particular application in storing equestrian implements, such as riding crops. The container is mounted at an elevated height upon a fence and additionally includes rounded forward faces. Thus, the container is easy to access by riders and presents less of a danger to the horse and its rider. Furthermore, the container is advantageously formed from a weather resistant plastic material.

A device designed to prod livestock is intended to create an audible sound to aid in the controlled movement of animals. The device takes the form of a long pole comprising an upper end provided with a comfortable handle and a wrist strap and a lower end provided with a whistle. To use, the user would hold the device by the handle in one hand and whip it in a fast, circular motion, causing the whistle to make a sound. When done near an animal, the sound will cause the animal to move away, thus allowing the user to control the movement of the animal. The device is suitable for use by farmers, ranchers, auctioneers, herdsmen, or anyone who loads or moves livestock.

A paper towel cabinet includes a first side wall and a second side wall, a pivotally mounted front wall defining a door, a back wall extending between the side walls, and a paper towel tray having an opening to provide access to paper towels. The paper towel cabinet also includes a module assembly comprising a first module having a front surface extending transversely relative to the first side wall and toward the second side wall. When the door is in an open position, the front surface prevents paper towels leaning toward the door from falling out of the cabinet. The cabinet also includes a bar mounted proximate to the opening and having a length extending between the side walls. The bar is positioned between a stack of paper towels and the opening when the stack of paper towels is placed on the paper towel tray.

A station combines a toilet paper dispenser, dispenser for dispensing hand wipes, a dispenser for dispensing surface antibiotic wipes, and a deodorant feature. The station includes a toilet paper dispenser made from a plastic type material and the toilet paper dispenser may be a single or double roll dispenser. The station cover houses a battery-operated fan that pulls air from inside the dispenser. A tray inside the dispenser holds a fragrance cup holding a quantity of deodorant. The base holds one or two rolls of commercial toilet paper, each of which rolls on a hollow plastic axle to hold a bottle containing wipes. A microswitch may be integrated in the cover to disengage the fan when the cover of the unit is open.

An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.

The invention is an apparatus for pre-plating railway ties, including switch ties of varying lengths. An infeed deck and singulator feeds individual ties, each provided with identifying indicia, to a pre-scanner. Using the scanned indicia, a control system accesses stored data to determine a preliminary drill pattern. A scanning and drilling station positions, secures and scans the tie. The scan results are combined with the stored data to produce a corrected optimal drill pattern, which is used to drill the tie. The drilled tie moves to a plate and screw loading station, where the proper plates and fasteners are attached. A fourth station inspects the assembled tie. If it is properly assembled, the screw spikes are tightened and the plated tie moves to an outfeed deck, where it is marked for identification and removed for storage and shipping.

The present invention is generally directed to a grinder tool preferably having one or more of the following aspects or features: (i) some, preferably most, of the footprint of its bit being shielded by the disc; (ii) the peripheral edge of the disc is at least partially covered by a rock stop hard surface layer; (iii) non-rigid mounting hardware structured to provide a non-rigid mechanical connection between the well and the bit sub-assembly (for example, the non-rigid mounting hardware may include: a rubber isolator; a mesh isolator; and/or a fluid filled isolator); (iv) a stump grinding tool rotating disc assembly having at least one first type bit sub-assembly (including a bit) and at least one second type bit sub-assembly (including a bit), where: (a) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, (b) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, and (c) the first bit footprint geometry is different than the second bit footprint geometry; (v) a rotating disc assembly includes a disc that includes multiple guide protrusions extending axially from both axial ends of the disc around an angular range leading the angular position of each bit sub-assembly; (vi) a rotating disc assembly having rollers built into the peripheral edge of the disc; and/or (vii) disc assembly with a bit holder member that extends over a portion of the opposite axial faces of the disc.

Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.

A simulation apparatus includes a storing unit that stores therein information about a shape of a blank piece to be cut out from raw wood, information about a final shape of a wooden piece obtained by compressing the blank piece, and image data of a surface of the blank piece. The apparatus also includes detecting unit that detects a knot appearing on the surface of the blank piece by image recognition using the image data; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of the detected knot using shape information on the blank piece; and a determining unit that determines, in accordance with the shape of the estimated knot, a cutting location and a cutting shape of the blank piece in such a manner that the cutting location and shape include a part and a thickness of the knot is substantially the same as that of the compressed blank piece.

A support stand for movable support of a power tool features the use of rollers to support a tool mount along an elongated track. The track features a cover arrangement disposed over the surfaces on which the rollers move so as to avoid sawdust or other debris from building up on the track and interfering with smooth rolling motion of the tool mount. The stand is assembled in a working position by attaching two stand sections end to end to form the track, and is also configured for arrangement into a collapsed condition in which the stand sections stack one atop the other for space efficient storage and convenient transport.

An automated lumber handling system laser-scans the top profile of multiple stacks of lumber, each of which contain boards of a unique size. Based on the scanned profiles, the system determines the order in which individual boards from a chosen stack should be transferred to a numerically controlled saw. The saw cuts the boards to proper size, and in the proper sequence to facilitate orderly assembly of a roof truss or prefabricated wall. In some examples, the system lifts individual boards by driving two retractable screws, or some other piercing tool, down into the upward facing surface of the board. A track mounted cantilever, holding the screws and a laser unit, translates over the lumber stacks to retrieve and deliver individual boards and, while doing so, the laser repeatedly scans the stacked lumber profiles on-the-fly to continuously update the profiles. The open cantilever design facilitates replenishing the stacks of lumber.

The present invention relates to a one-touch chamfering-amount adjustment device for a chamfering machine which specifically carries out a chamfering process on the welding bead surfaces of objects to be processed (such as metal sheet materials and pipes). In the present invention, the moment after a chamfering-amount-adjustment piece has been manipulated so as to rotate, a position-setting pin is inserted into a securing recess in the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece and as this happens the chamfering amount is precisely adjusted in units and at the same time locking to the predetermined chamfering amount is automatically maintained, yet nevertheless the adjustment of the chamfering amount is achieved in a straightforward fashion with one touch, and, when the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece is manipulated, a cutter shaft moves vertically and as it does so the chamfering amount is adjusted in such a way that the chamfering amount can be immediately and rapidly adjusted even during working regardless of any cutter rotating action.

The invention relates to a machining tool (14) for machining materials by removing material, in particular for wood or wood-like materials, metals, plastics and/or composite materials. The machining tool is provided to be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (1) and comprises at least one row (17, 18, 19) of individual cutters (2, 2″) arranged in the peripheral direction and having cutting edges (3, 3″) which at least partly overlap. The cutting edges (3, 3″) have a rake angle and are located at an axial angle (λ) in relation to the axis of rotation (1). The axial angle (λ) lies in a range from 55° to 55°.