Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic solar panel capable of clearing accumulated ice. The panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a plane with an overlaying glass sheet. The glass sheet has a first side towards the photovoltaic cells and a second side having a flat planar surface. The panel further includes an electrical heating web on the first side of the glass sheet between the sheet and the photovoltaic cells. The electrical heating web is configured to heat the first glass sheet sufficiently to melt the ice where it contacts the flat planar surface to cause the snow and ice to slide off the photovoltaic solar panel when the photovoltaic solar panel is at an angle from the horizontal. The electrical heating web is thermally separated from the photovoltaic cells by a transparent layer of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic solar panel capable of clearing accumulated ice. The panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a plane with an overlaying glass sheet. The glass sheet has a first side towards the photovoltaic cells and a second side having a flat planar surface. The panel further includes an electrical heating web on the first side of the glass sheet between the sheet and the photovoltaic cells. The electrical heating web is configured to heat the first glass sheet sufficiently to melt the ice where it contacts the flat planar surface to cause the snow and ice to slide off the photovoltaic solar panel when the photovoltaic solar panel is at an angle from the horizontal. The electrical heating web is thermally separated from the photovoltaic cells by a transparent layer of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring workpieces between successive die stations in a stamping press employing elongate bars with workpiece grippers mounted thereon. Two elongate support beams are mounted on vertical primary supports on opposite sides of the press. Two mounting heads are mounted on each beam and are horizontally movable thereon. Each head is independently movable and is connectible by one elongate bar to either the mounting head on the same beam or to an opposing mounting head mounted on the other beam, the choice dependent on the workpiece flow direction.

Abstract: A coupling device for releaseably securing together two objects. The coupling device comprises a first housing securable to a first object, a second housing securable to a second object, and an actuator secured to the first housing. The second housing has a hollow bore therein. At least part of the actuator is releaseably receivable within the hollow bore of the second housing. The actuator has an activated and a deactivated configuration. When in its activated configuration at least a portion of the periphery of the actuator is in an expanded state such that when situated within the hollow bore of the second housing the expanded periphery of the actuator releaseably secures the first housing to the second housing. When the actuator is in its deactivated configuration the periphery of the actuator in a retracted state permitting separation and relative movement between the first and second housings.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a transfer rail that is used to support a plurality of grippers for engaging and moving workpieces between a series of spaced apart work stations in a linear transfer press. The transfer rail forms part of a press transfer system of the type having a drive mechanism to impart three dimensional movement to the transfer rail. The tilt mechanism comprises at least one connector and at least one actuator. The connector secures the transfer rail to the drive mechanism and permits three dimensional movement of the transfer rail. The connector also permits the transfer rail to be rotated, relative to the drive mechanism, about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a transfer rail that is used to support a plurality of grippers for engaging and moving workpieces between a series of spaced apart work stations in a linear transfer press. The transfer rail forms part of a press transfer system of the type having a drive mechanism to impart three dimensional movement to the transfer rail. The tilt mechanism comprises at least one connector and at least one actuator. The connector secures the transfer rail to the drive mechanism and permits three dimensional movement of the transfer rail. The connector also permits the transfer rail to be rotated, relative to the drive mechanism, about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a transfer rail in a press transfer system having a drive frame for imparting reciprocating movement to the transfer rail. The drive mechanism comprises a drive housing securable to a transfer rail in the press transfer system, a drive bushing received and secured within the drive housing, and a drive member slidably received within the drive bushing and securable to the drive frame of the press transfer system such that movement of the drive frame causes movement of the drive member in a direction generally corresponding to the direction of the movement of the drive frame. The movement of the drive member is transmitted through the drive bushing to the drive housing and the transfer rail causing movement of the transfer rail in a direction generally parallel to the movement of the drive frame.

Abstract: A coupling device for releaseably securing together two objects. The coupling device comprises a first housing securable to a first object, a second housing securable to a second object, and an actuator secured to the first housing. The second housing has a hollow bore therein. At least part of the actuator is releaseably receivable within the hollow bore of the second housing. The actuator has an activated and a deactivated configuration. When in its activated configuration at least a portion of the periphery of the actuator is in an expanded state such that when situated within the hollow bore of the second housing the expanded periphery of the actuator releaseably secures the first housing to the second housing. When the actuator is in its deactivated configuration the periphery of the actuator in a retracted state permitting separation and relative movement between the first and second housings.