A motorized drapery system having an elongated rotating drive element that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cross shaped or any other non-circular shape that is twisted. In one arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction along its entire length. In another arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction in a first section and twisted in an opposite direction in a second section thereby providing a center opening/center closing drapery. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element including at least one driver ring that includes a feature that connects to the drive element and is configured to facilitate movement along the drive element, and a plurality of idler rings that are configured to slide along the drive element. A curtain is connected to the rings and opens and closes as the rings move along the drive element.

A device and associated system for threading, cutting, and reaming pipe ends. The device and system utilize a brushless DC electric motor. The devices also include on-board electronics and operator interface(s) to provide sophisticated control and information as to the various operations. Methods of operating the devices and several different modes for performing various operations.

A device for the fine machining of a circumferential workpiece surface arranged eccentrically relative to an axis of a workpiece. The device comprises a pressure mechanism configured to press a fine-machining tool against the circumferential workpiece surface. The device also includes a drive unit configured to drive an active section of the pressure mechanism via a first drive and a second drive. The first drive drives the active section in a movement plane that runs crosswise to the workpiece axis along a first movement trajectory. The second drive drives the active section along a second movement trajectory that is at an angle to the first movement trajectory.

An apparatus reconfigures or configures a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile. The slide system can be moved mechanically and/or pneumatically and/or can use a mechanical profile. The apparatus can have a low profile and a low weight.

The invention is directed to a reusable mold for making a contact lens and the reusable mold has at least one of the mold halves is made from an oxide glass having a Knoop Hardness less than HK 350. The invention is also directed to a method for making an optical part by single point diamond turning an oxide glass having a Knoop Hardness HK less than 350.

The tool according to the invention comprises a tool body and a cassette for machining a roller. At least one machining device can be fastened, in particular detachably, onto and/or in the cassette. In particular, the machining device is a cutting device, preferably for grooving a roller. The tool has a positioning device for orienting the cassette in the tool body at a predetermined position.

A fly-cutting system is disclosed, and in particular one that comprises a dynamically-controllable actuator for controlling the position, orientation, or both position and orientation of a cutting element carried by a fly-cutting head. In certain embodiments, the actuator can adjust the position or orientation of a cutting element, or both, hundreds or thousands of times per second, enabling precise control over the shape of features formed by the cutting element in a surface of a workpiece.

Disclosed in this specification is a casting cup assembly comprising frontcurve and basecurve molds which of which includes a ring that circumscribes the respective concave and convex mold surface. When the casting cup is assembled, the rings align and minimize de-centering and tilting of the concave and convex mold surfaces which, in turn, reduces edge defects.

A method for spirally slicing meat includes (1) rotating a meat product about a first axis on a turntable; (2) stabilizing the rotating meat product along its exterior surface with a meat stabilizer apparatus comprising a paddle coupled with and extending from an arm; and (3) spirally slicing the meat product in a direction generally transverse to the first axis.

Apparatus, methods and systems for nano/micro machining. A lathe head has a microscopic pivot aperture for seating a conical tip. The conical tip is carried on a turnable part at one end thereof and is polished down to a microscopic apex. The microscopic pivot aperture is dimensioned for seating the concentric tip in the pivot aperture such that an apex of the conical tip protrudes through and beyond the aperture to a position in close proximity with the aperture. A driver system can comprise a rotator for axially rotating the turnable part, including the conical tip seated in the pivot aperture, and a forward pressure applicator for concurrently applying forward pressure to the conical tip in the direction of the pivot aperture. A light/particle beam system can be utilized to machine the rotating conical tip and the rotating turnable part, including the tip, can be easily removed after machining.