Abstract: A positive displacement article sorter and method of monitoring a positive displacement article sorter, wherein the article sorter includes a frame, an endless web traveling in a longitudinal direction about the frame and an electric motor driving the endless web. The endless web is defined by a pair of continuous chains and a plurality of cross members connected at opposite ends with the chain. The positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of pusher shoes, each laterally traveling along at least one of the cross members. A sensing assembly is provided that has first and second portions. The first portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at the web. The second portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at a stationary location. The first portion of said sensing assembly is sensed with the second portion of the sensing assembly as the first portion of said sensing assembly travels about the frame. A parameter of the web is determined from an output of the sensing assembly.

Abstract: A positive displacement article sorter and method of monitoring a positive displacement article sorter, wherein the article sorter includes a frame, an endless web traveling in a longitudinal direction about the frame and an electric motor driving the endless web. The endless web is defined by a pair of continuous chains and a plurality of cross members connected at opposite ends with the chain. The positive displacement sorter includes a plurality of pusher shoes, each laterally traveling along at least one of the cross members. A sensing assembly is provided that has first and second portions. The first portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at the web. The second portion of said sensing assembly is positioned at a stationary location. The first portion of said sensing assembly is sensed with the second portion of the sensing assembly as the first portion of said sensing assembly travels about the frame. A parameter of the web is determined from an output of the sensing assembly.

Abstract: A skew detection and correction system, and method of correcting skew, in a conveyor system having an endless web that is propelled in a longitudinal direction, includes providing a skew detector and determining if at least some of the cross members of the web are non-perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and providing a differential lubricant application. The lubricant applicator is responsive to the skew detector and applies a relatively greater amount of lubricant to one lateral side of the web than to the other side of the web. This causes the side of the web receiving less lubricant to stretch more than the other side to reduce the difference in the amount of stretch.

Abstract: A skew detection and correction system, and method of correcting skew, in a conveyor system having an endless web that is propelled in a longitudinal direction, includes providing a skew detector and determining if at least some of the cross members of the web are non-perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and providing a differential lubricant application. The lubricant applicator is responsive to the skew detector and applies a relatively greater amount of lubricant to one lateral side of the web than to the other side of the web. This causes the side of the web receiving less lubricant to stretch more than the other side to reduce the difference in the amount of stretch.

Abstract: Methods to inhibit inflammation and macrophage infiltration following spinal cord injury are disclosed along with methods to modulate TNF? release from cells expressing ?d are disclosed.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding a novel human intercellular adhesion molecule polypeptide (designated “ICAM-R”) and variants thereof are disclosed along with methods and materials for production of the same by recombinant procedures. Antibodies substances specific for ICAM-R and variants thereof are also disclosed as useful in both the isolation of ICAM-R from natural cellular sources and the modulation of ligand/receptor binding reactions involving ICAM-R.

Abstract: A new linked articulation (LA) system for the connection of a leading trailer to a following full trailer in the heavy truck field. LA systems including the present invention constrain the front of the following full trailer to a position on an imaginary extension of the leading trailer's centerline. In the prior art devices, a telescoping `stiffening member` keeps the front portion of the second full trailer on the required line. The present invention uses a rigid and non telescoping tow bar to keep the front of the second trailer on the required line. The tow bar connects the frame of the first trailer to the frame of the second trailer and therefor also does the actual towing.In both the present invention and the prior art LA systems the front of the second trailer is supported by a steerable axle assembly called a `dolly`.

Abstract: A tow vehicle (3) and trailer vehicle (5) are connected by a four-bar hitch which has one arm (1) aligned longitudinally with the central longitudinal axes (12,13) of the vehicles, and a steering arm (6) which is laterally spaced from the main arm. Pivots, (7,8) at the front and rear ends of the steering arm are forwardly offset with respect to the corresponding pivots (2,4') of the main arm. The length of the main arm is no greater then about 1.5 times the length of the steering arm. The rear pivot (8) of the steering arm is offset laterally and forwardly from the rear pivot (4') of the main arm, so that the lateral offset is greater than the forward offset. An embodiment is disclosed wherein the forward pivot on the steering arm is laterally shiftable toward the forward pivot on the main arm to reduce the offtracking of the trailer for certain maneuvering and driving situations.

Abstract: A four-bar link trailer hitch comprising main and steering members, spaced apart and pivotally connected at their rearward ends to the trailer, and pivotally connected at their forward ends to the rearward end of a truck or the like. The main arm lies substantially upon the center line, as viewed in plan, and the steering arm is placed to one side, closer to the centerline at the forward end than the rear. Most of the towing load and any tongue weight is taken by the main arm. The steering arm serves to locate the trailer laterally.