Abstract: A drive steel member for driving engagement with a rotary drilling machine, including a chuck adapter having main body and chuck seating elements and being constructed and arranged in fixed, sealing relation on on one end of the drive steel member.

Abstract: A protective collar for a boring bit which interfaces with a boring head whereby shear forces developed during a boring operation are transmitted through the collar to the boring head, with minimal shear force being carried by mounting bolts. A collar is connected to a boring bit, wherein a head receptacle formed by the collar seatably receives a boring head with substantially close clearance so that shear forces during boring operations are transmitted from, the boring bit to the boring head through the collar. The preferred collar is fabricated from a pipe section, such as for example steel seamless pipe. In one embodiment, a bit recess is cut for interfacing with a boring bit at the head face connection thereof. A head recess is cut opposite the bit recess for providing an exit for the water spray from the nozzle thereof. In another embodiment, the collar has an inclined face with bores alignable with the bores in the boring head when the head is mounted within a receptacle in the collar.

Abstract: A twin stick control system for a movable unit such as a ZRT vehicle includes two control sticks placed side-by-side. Each control stick controls the operation of at least one drive wheel on each side of the vehicle. The control sticks are movable from their neutral position in a first range of motion without any interference from a spring restoring force tending to return them to neutral, thus allowing the control sticks to remain wherever the operator places them in the first range of motion. A cruise control system is located to abut against the control sticks at the conclusion of the first range of motion to define a cruise control speed setting. The sticks can still be advanced forwardly beyond the cruise control speed setting, but encounter a spring force when doing so which is directed to returning the sticks back to the cruise control speed setting.

Abstract: A work transfer lock system and method includes a first work device, a second work device, a first platform, and a second platform. The system includes a locking device which locks the first platform relative to the second platform. The locking device further includes work transferring mechanisms which transfer work from the first work device to the second work device when the first platform is locked relative to the second platform.

Abstract: The vehicle dislodging system in accordance one embodiment in the present invention for a vehicle with a longitudinally extending vehicle frame includes a first arm and a drive system. The first arm has a first elongated section with opposing ends and a second elongated section with opposing ends. One of the ends of the first elongated section is pivotally connected to one of the ends of the second elongated section. The other end of the first elongated section is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame for rotational and longitudinal movement with respect to the vehicle frame. The drive system is connected to the vehicle frame and to the first arm and moves the first arm from a resting position adjacent the vehicle frame to an engaging position with the ground surface to move the vehicle longitudinally, either forward or to the rear.

Abstract: A power output device is provided with a planetary gear, an engine having a crank shaft coupled to the planetary gear, a motor secured to a sun gear and a motor secured to a ring gear. Even if there is no need to continue operation of the engine, the engine is not immediately stopped in view of the charge amount of a battery. For example, in the D (drive) range, a processing for stopping rotation of the engine with a predetermined deceleration is performed only if an ABS device is out of operation, the cancellation of reaction force is possible and the vehicle speed is within a predetermined range. Consequently, it is possible to stop the engine while preventing the reaction force from causing a sense of shock to the driver.

Abstract: A control system for controlling engine braking effect of a vehicle includes a sensor section, an actuator section and a controller section at least. The sensor section includes sensors, such as longitudinal and lateral acceleration sensors or wheel speed sensors, for determining a vehicle operating variable indicative of slipperiness of a road surface. The actuator section varies a manipulated variable, such as a throttle opening degree, an air fuel ratio or a gear ratio, of an engine and transmission system to control the engine braking torque in response to a control signal. The controller section decreases the engine braking torque by varying the manipulated variable as the road surface becomes more slippery.

Abstract: An attachment structure for free-axle air pumps in differentials positions the free-axle air pump in the dead space behind the front bumper. This simplifies the harness arrangement by removing the free-axle air pump from inside the bonnet, and prevents flying pebbles, water and the like from damaging the free-axle air pump. A rearward extension from the bottom of the front bumper passes below the free-axle air pump to provide additional protection from flying objects and splashing water.

Abstract: A system for controlling torque transfer in a motor vehicle includes a transfer case, a front inter-axle differential unit and a rear inter-axle differential unit. The transfer case is operative for automatically transferring torque between front and rear pairs of wheels. The front inter-axle differential unit is operative for automatically transferring torque between the wheels of the front pair of wheels. The rear inter-axle differential unit is operative for automatically transferring torque between the wheels of the rear pair of wheels. Under extreme operating conditions, the system is operative for delivering substantially all torque to a single tractive wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power steering system for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cable steering device in which the steering torque of a steering wheel is transmitted to wheels by a driven pulley provided in a driven pulley housing, cables, a follower pulley provided in a follower pulley housing and a gear box, and a power steering motor for assisting in the generation of the steering torque is provided in the follower pulley housing and not in the gear box.

Abstract: A silencer for reducing acoustic energy in an exhaust stream of gases from a combustion type source, particularly turbo-generators. In a preferred embodiment, the silencer includes an outer housing having at least one outlet opening and an inner housing provided at least partially within the outer housing. The inner housing has at least one inlet opening for receiving the exhaust stream along a flow axis and the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The inner housing further includes an acoustic energy interface surface having acoustic absorbing elements oriented in a substantially non-normal direction to the flow axis. Sound absorbing material is preferably contained between the outer housing and the inner housing. In this way, the gas flow is effectively separated from the acoustic energy without significantly increasing the back pressure or resistance to flow of the exhaust stream.

Abstract: A fall arresting ladder safety device for attachment to a fixed ladder side rail. The fall arresting device is to be used in conjunction with a body harness worn by the climber with a lanyard attached at one end to the body harness and the other end attached to the fall arresting device. The fall arresting device includes first and second arms pivotally connected in an X-configuration with each arm having first and second ladder side rail engaging portions disposed on opposite edges of the ladder side rail. A spring operably attached to the first and second arms biases the first and second arms between a fall arresting position and a climbing position. To ascend or descend the ladder, the handle portion of the first arm is pivoted upward to disengage the ladder side rail engaging portions of the first arm so that the device can be rolled up or down the ladder side rail as the climber ascends or descends the ladder.

Abstract: The invention resides in an improvement in safety net system wherein the safety net is formed from an improved material which is resistant to weakening by ultraviolet radiation, hence does not need to be dyed or treated, and therefore is shrink and sag controlled. The invention further resides in a connection and method for making such connection between a safety net and a debris net for supporting same as a unit in an assembled condition and/or an improved connection between a border member of a safety net and its associated mesh.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of an oil mist through barb outlets in a lubricating oil distributor having a mist-receiving chamber into which the barb outlets extend comprises a fitting mounted to the barb to collect oil precipitating and flowing upon the exposed surfaces of the barb and fitting and divert the collected oil away from the mist entranceway of the barb. The collected oil is thus prevented from being entrained by the mist flow through the barbs and increasing the oil output from the distributor.

Abstract: A wheel case for a vibratory device. A vibratory device for vibrating aggregate material includes a frame and a rotating shaft extending transversely across the frame, with the shaft being rotatably supported on bearings and having a wheel moveable through a circular path. The bearings and the wheel are disposed in a wheel case which includes a housing having a base, a peripheral sidewall, and a cover, with the housing being sized to receive therein the wheel and the bearings and further being adapted to contain therein a quantity of lubricating oil for lubricating the wheel and the bearings. A baffle is mounted to either the housing base or the housing cover, and extends inwardly into the housing and includes a portion disposed adjacent the wheel path. The baffle is adapted to distribute lubricating oil to the bearings in response to rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A lubrication system for the intermittent lubrication of a lubrication target, comprises a lubrication emitter having structure for generating a series of lubrication liquid droplets and carrying the droplets along a travel path by a propellent gas stream issuing from the emitter, a lubrication target located in a spaced relationship from the emitter within the travel path and a moving barrier located proximate the emitter between the emitter and target and in a non-contact relationship with the emitter. The barrier generates an intermittent disturbance to the propellent gas stream whereby the carrying of the droplets by the propellent gas stream is prevented during the time interval of the disturbance. Carrying of the droplets by the propellent gas stream occurs during the time interval in which the disturbance ceases. The barrier can take the form of a disc or a shell surrounding the target.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling an elevator is equipped with a deck-distance drive machine which by reference to positional information adjusts the distances between the individual cars in a common car sling in such a way that each car can stop at the corresponding floor accurately, i.e. without forming a step. Measured values of floor position are stored in memories and periodically updated so as to detect any changes such as, for example, building settlement. Based on this data the necessary deck-distances are calculated which are necessary for all the cars to stop without any of them forming a step. Furthermore, the method and the device can be correspondingly extended for a multi-decker elevator and for any type of control (conventional control, destination call control, etc.).

Abstract: A ropeless governor system is provided for governing the speed of an elevator car (2) in the event of an overspeed condition. An actuator for a safety device (30) is positioned in close proximity to an elevator rail (14) and activated to come into contact and provide a dragging force against the rail in the event of an overspeed condition. The ropeless governor is coupled to an elevator safety braking system (26, 28) such that the dragging force activates the safety brakes. A safety controller (91) is used to determine if the speed of the elevator car has exceeded a predetermined threshold level and to produce a triggering signal (96) to operate the ropeless governor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for displaying a virtual image, particularly of the control panel of an elevator cabin. The device includes a projector for projecting at least the virtual image of an elevator control panel from or near the cabin ceiling (13) onto a wall surface (9) of the cabin, in an appropriate position so that the virtual control elements (27) of the panel are recognized as such by the operator and by a control sensor for activating the control of the elevator in the classic manner.

Abstract: An elevator call button transmits infrared radiation into the space adjacent an elevator, and a call request is recognized by infrared radiation reflected from a potential passenger to an infrared receiver. Thus not only is contact with the button not required, the use of a finger or like-sized object is not required in order to place a call.

Abstract: An elevator system includes an electronic driver which transmits a multi-phased electric current through a relay to a motor driving an elevator car. Under normal operating conditions, the motor uses the current from the driver to move the elevator car in a hoistway. When electric power fails, the elevator car is moved by gravity for any necessary rescue or maintenance operations, and consequently moves the motor. The movement of the motor generates a multi-phased electric current therein. The generated current is utilized to power a display panel of a movement indicator, which is automatically connected to the motor by the relay when power fails in the elevator system. The powered display panel informs the operator of the direction and speed of travel of the elevator car.

Abstract: A rack mounted within the housing of a mechanical lock translates. The rack, which has a rectangular cross-section, has teeth along one surface. A toothed pawl pivots housing between a locked and unlocked position. The teeth on the pawl engage the rack teeth when the pawl is locked. The pawl has a window that receives a cam. The cam has a first surface that engages a surface of the window when the cam is in the locked position. In that position, the cam prevents pawl movement teeth away from the teeth on the rack. A second surface of the cam pushes against a different surface of the window when the cam is in the unlocked position. In that position, the cam disengages the pawl teeth from the rack teeth. The window has a chamfered surface to move the pawl to its locked position.

Abstract: Disc brake comprising a caliper with two elements (8, 21) positioned on opposite sides with respect to a disc (D) integral with the hub of a wheel and each associated to a corresponding floating pad (19, 19) of friction material which faces a corresponding side of the disc (D). The orientation of the two pads being adjustable separately.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake includes an improved friction disk that has at least one friction surface formed entirely from a rubber material such as a styrene butadiene rubber material. The rubber material 1) has a high coefficient of friction, 2) conforms to the shape of the mating braking surfaces, 3) is dimensionally stable so as not to unnecessarily widen the air gap of the brake when the brake is applied, and 4) exhibits acceptable wear characteristics. The rubber material also preferably does not exhibit a sharp reduction in coefficient of static friction when it is heated, e.g., due to friction from its mating surfaces and/or due to heat transfer from the electric motor or other braked element. The resultant brake is relatively light-weight, compact, and inexpensive. It is particularly well-suited for use as a static, park-and-hold brake for an electric motor or the like.

Abstract: A disc rotor for a disc brake which is designed to make it difficult to cause brake squeal includes inner and outer discs, and first and second radially extending long holes formed in the outer and inner discs. The angular intervals between the long holes are made to differ between the outer disc and the inner disc, and two vibration modes are produced to interfere with each other during braking operation by which the occurrence of a steady-state vibration mode is restrained. In addition fins are provided between the two discs, with the fins including several fins arranged to reinforce both the inner and outer discs.

Abstract: A brake disk has a thickness D1 and includes two friction plates disposed parallel to each other, between which an airflow duct having a width D2 is located in a substantially central position. The brake disk is made of a gray cast iron material containing molybdenum. The ratio of the disk thickness D1 to the airflow duct width D2 is 3.0.ltoreq.D1/D2.ltoreq.5. The brake disk has a great resistance to temperature change and a long operating life.

Abstract: A monotube suspension damper including a cylinder tube having a fluid chamber and a gas chamber, a piston dividing the fluid chamber into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber, a primary fluid flow path across the piston including flow control valves which throttle fluid flow, a secondary fluid flow path across the piston parallel to the primary flow path including flow control valves which throttle fluid flow, and a tubular connecting rod on the cylinder tube connected to the piston. A valve spool is supported on the piston for linear translation between closed and open positions blocking and unblocking the secondary flow path. A control rod inside of the connecting rod is disposed between the valve spool and a flexible diaphragm exposed to pneumatic pressure in an expansible load leveling chamber between sprung and unsprung masses of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the unwanted extension of a hydraulic lock when the lock is subjected to relatively high dynamic loads. The lock includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston slidably mounted therein. The piston is secured to a piston rod which passes outwardly through one end wall of the cylinder. The lock is placed in tension when the piston rod is being extended and in compression when the rod is being retracted. A flow channel is formed in the piston through which fluid is exchanged from one side of the piston to the other. A manually operated spring biased control valve is mounted in the flow channel which is normally held closed by a set spring. Fluid is allowed to flow when the valve is manually opened or when the lock is placed in tension by some external force that overcomes the biasing force of the set spring. A velocity sensitive restrictor is also mounted in the flow channel that closes the channel when the lock is placed in tension by a dynamic force above a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A fixing arrangement with damping for fixing a device (1) to be protected from vibration, which device includes at least one mounting portion via which the device is fixed to a portion of a support (2) by fastening means (3, 4). The arrangement includes at least two piezoelectric elements (5, 6), each of which has its electrodes electrically shunted by an individual or shared impedance of determined structure. At least one of the elements (5) is used in bending and is interposed between a portion of the support and a mounting portion of the device to be protected. At least one of the elements (6) is used in compression and is interposed between one of the fastening means and either the support portion or the mounting portion.

Abstract: A utility bag is provided, comprising a flexible base having two opposing outer edges and two upwardly extending end panels; a pair of opposing flexible side panels attached to and extending upwardly from the opposing outer edges of the base, each of the side panels having a top edge and opposing side edges, and wherein each of the end panels of the base are attached to a lower portion of adjacent side edges of the opposing side panels; a pair of flexible upper panels attached to and extending substantially perpendicular from the top edges of the side panels, each of the upper panels including two downwardly extending end panels, wherein each of the downwardly extending end panels is attached to the end panel ofthe base and to an upper portion of an adjacent side edge of the side panels; flexible closing device, such as a zipper, cooperating between the upper panels and extending between the end panels of the base for closing and opening the bag; and wherein at least one of the side panels includes a first st

Abstract: A clutch and brake control system that allows a clutch in a standard transmission vehicle, such as a concrete truck or dump truck, to be controlled by pressing and releasing of the brake pedal. The brake pedal is coupled to the vehicle clutch so that pressing on the brake disengages the clutch and releasing the brake engages the clutch. By coupling the brake pedal to the clutch, the driver can use a single foot pedal to control the movement of the vehicle. This frees the driver from leg strain caused by constant pressing and releasing of the clutch pedal while dumping materials that the vehicle contains. The coupling of the brake to the clutch may be activated when the standard transmission vehicle is in a special low gear designed for dumping the vehicle load. This is an optional safety feature that exists in the vehicle to ensure that the clutch and brake pedal are not coupled together while the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

Abstract: A coupling device with two parts which are coaxially rotatable relative to one another, comprising a friction coupling whose friction plates are alternately connected to each of the rotatable parts. Further the coupling device comprises an actuating device for the friction coupling, which comprises an annular chamber formed in one of the rotatable parts and containing a highly viscous fluid. A rotational member is arranged in the annular chamber and is drivingly connected to the other one of the rotatable parts. The actuating device, when the rotatable parts rotate relative to one another, causes an increase in pressure of the highly viscous fluid for the purpose of loading the friction coupling. When the relative rotation between the rotatable parts exceeds a given value, the increase in pressure is checked to limit the torque transferred through the friction coupling.

Abstract: Freewheel device 1, of the type comprising an outer race 2 which has an inner track 3, an inner race 4 which has an outer track 4, a freewheel 6 situated between the tracks of the said races, at least one member 7 forming a bearing intended to keep the said races 2, 4 concentric, and at least one lateral retaining endplate 12, secured to one of the races in order axially to hold the freewheel 6 and the member forming the bearing with respect to the said race. The endplate 12 comprises a first radial portion 12a adjacent to the corresponding holding member 7 for retaining it axially, and a second more or less radial portion 12b cut into tabs projecting into an annular groove 21 formed in one of the races, the said endplate coming into contact with a side wall 21a of the said groove.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch mechanism for clutch friction, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a cover (8) with a base (80), a pressure plate (3) with a front friction face (30) to co-operate with a clutch friction, means (9) for linking in rotation, with axial mobility, the pressure plate (3) with the cover (8), and, inserted between the pressure plate (3) and the cover (8) base (80), a diaphragm (2) with an external peripheral portion (21) axially stressing the pressure plate (3) in the opposite direction from the cover (8) base (80) and extended inwards by fingers (23) to counter at will the action of said peripheral portion (21), a boost elastic (assistance) washer (7) acting on the diaphragm (2) fingers (23) in the disengaging direction resting on the cover (8), the mechanism being equipped with a device (90) taking up the wear of at least the friction clutch linings; the boost (assistance) washer (7) being axially arranged between the pressure plate (3) and the diaphragm (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a friction clutch comprising a reaction plate, a friction disk, bearing at its external periphery friction linings, a pressure plate (1), a cover (2) fixed on the reaction plate, elastic means operating axially (3) between the cover and the pressure plate (1) through support means (14), a wear take-up device including ramp means (11) axially set between the support means (14) and the pressure plate (1), said ramps (15) being adapted to co-operate with counter-ramp means (4). Said wear take-up device further comprises a toothing (18) with which a worm (13) co-operates, the counter-ramp means (4) being integral with said toothing (18) and means (20) driving the worm (13) in rotation being provided, the worm (13) and the means (20) driving the worm (13) in rotation being borne by a support (12) integral with the ramp means (11).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch has an armature, a rotor housing accommodating a stator housing and an exciting coil having negative and positive terminals. A passage is formed to extend from an outer peripheral surface of the stator housing to the negative terminal and the positive terminal. The passage is filled with a conductive metal member having a melting point lower than that of the stator housing between the outer surface of the stator housing and the negative terminal. When frictional heat generated between the armature and the rotor housing exceeds a preset value, the metal member melts and flows to the positive terminal, thereby short-circuiting the coil. As a result, a fuse between a power source and the clutch is fused, thereby turning off the clutch. Therefore, the clutch does not need to have a thermal fuse therein and is reduced in size without increasing power consumption.

Abstract: A shift-locking device for a vehicle transmission includes a manual shaft mechanically connected with a shift lever for rotating to a first position, a second position and a third position through operation of the shift lever, and mechanically connected to a parking control mechanism disposed in the transmission case. A first shift-locking shaft is connected to a brake pedal for rotating from a first position to a second position, and a locked member is provided on the manual shaft. A first lock member provided on the first shift-locking shaft is adapted to engage the locked member when the first shift-locking shaft is in the first position. A spring urges the first shift-locking shaft to the second position to release engagement between the locked member and the first lock member.

Abstract: An elongated cylindrical roller tube is rotatably supported between frame members by a pair of bearing units secured to opposite end portions of the tube. Each bearing unit includes a tubular shaft supporting a hexagonal stub axle for axial movement between an outwardly projecting position engaging a frame member and an inwardly retracted position against the bias of a coil spring confined within the shaft. An anti-friction bearing is mounted on the tubular shaft and is retained within the roller tube by an annular adapter. An annular dust cover snap-fits onto the outer end portion of the tubular shaft for protecting the bearing, and the stub axle is retained within the shaft by detents which permit pulling the stub axle from the shaft for axle replacement.

Abstract: A people mover such as an escalator or moving sidewalk is driven by a motor having a relatively small axial dimension and is configured to fit in available space, avoiding the need for a machine room for these components, thereby simplifying the incorporation of the people mover into a new or existing building design.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.

Abstract: A component feeder is provided in which damage to chip components is minimized, being capable of efficiently discharging chip components aligned in a line. A bulk case is attached on the top portion of an outer storage housing capable of being supplied by a large number of chip components. Chip components are supplied from the outer storage housing to an inner housing of a component-storage housing via a supplying path. A predetermined number of the chip components in the inner housing is fed at a time to the outer housing via a communicating path in accordance with rotation of a rotary drum so as to be dropped into an aligning groove and aligned by a lug member of the rotary drum. The number of components in the outer housing is reduced, resulting in high efficiency of aligning and reduced damage to components. The chip components slide down on the aligning groove to be discharged to a discharge path, via the gate, aligned in a line.

Abstract: A tube loading system includes an endless vacuum belt wrapped about two rollers; a servo motor for incrementally rotating at least one of the rollers so as to move the vacuum belt; a vacuum plenum in contact with an inner side of the belt and over which the belt rides for applying a vacuum to one side of a portion of the vacuum belt in order to hold a tube having an open end on an opposite side of the portion of the vacuum belt; a source of vacuum fluidly connected to the vacuum plenum; a pin chain having a plurality of pins spaced therealong for receiving the open ends of the tubes thereon, the pin chain being positioned adjacent the vacuum belt and the pins extending in a direction substantially parallel to the portion of the belt such that the open ends of the articles are positioned over the pins; and a conveyor for supplying the tubes in a line one at a time to the portion of the vacuum belt such that each tube is held by the vacuum thereat and as the belt moves, each tube is deposited on a respective pi

Abstract: At least one driving sprocket (H1) and the neighbouring driven sprocket (H2) carrying the two pairs of chains of the compartment conveyor (T) are connected to each other by means of a dog clutch (2, 4) operated by an actuator (15) controlled by the control panel (19) of the packaging machine. The driving shaft (L) on which the said sprockets (H1, H2) are mounted is turned by an electric motor (1) of the electronic speed and phase control type.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A spring connection for a vibratory conveyor having a trough member including a side wall, includes two fasteners which are welded to the side wall. The connection includes a spring connection plate with corresponding fastener holes to receive the fasteners. Nuts are threaded onto the fasteners and torqued down to clamp the connection plate onto the side wall of the trough member. The spring connection plate carries a spring bracket with a mounting hole for connection to one or more springs.

Abstract: A roller conveyor has rollers mounted on laterally-spaced side frames by brackets that have a frame attachment opening extending through a base portion of the bracket, and a roller shaft end receiving aperture extending through a flange portion of the bracket. The shaft receiving aperture is aligned at an oblique angle with respect to the frame attachment fastener opening such that when a fastener is inserted through the frame attachment opening and the bracket installed on a respective side frame, the shaft receiving aperture becomes misaligned with the end of the roller shaft to an extent sufficient to lock the shaft end in fixed relationship with the bracket and maintain a bias force on the fixed connection between the shaft receiving aperture of the flange and the roller shaft end.

Abstract: A car washing apparatus having a continuous conveyor that moves along a conveyor path and a guide rail with an upper surface on which wheels of the vehicle roll thereby moving the vehicle from the proximal end to the distal end upon conveyor movement. The guide rail has a concave recess surface formed in the rail facing upwardly to receive and seat a vehicle wheel. A roller member, mounted to the continuous conveyor engages and drives the wheel until the wheel is driven into the recess surface. The first roller disengages the wheel while the conveyor continues to move. Subsequently, a roller member re-engages the wheel and pushes the wheel from the recess surface.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for a check-out conveyor assembly is disclosed. The check-out conveyor assembly includes a frame member having a pair of opposed side rails that receive a series of guides including an idler guide and a drive guide. A conveyor belt encircles the series of guides and is rotatable within the side rails. A quick release assembly is mounted on each of the side rails and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the quick release assembly is moved to the locked position the idler guide is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position. When the idler guide is at the engaged position the drive guide is able to rotate the conveyor belt. The quick release assembly comprises a take-up arm rotatably secured to a first end of a push bar and a release handle rotatably secured to a second end of the push bar. The release handle is pivotally fixed to the side rail.

Abstract: A flexible conveyor belt having layers of oppositely extending cord members which abut each other at the lateral centerline of the conveyor belt. The angle of the cord members in each successive layer may be opposed to that of the previous layer. The conveyor belt includes an elastomeric body having spaced apart edge portions and a top and bottom surface. An internal stretch limiter, such as an angularly woven fabric, is disposed in the central region of the belt along the lateral centerline of the belt. Because the angle of the cord members in each successive layer are opposed to each other, the belt is strengthened. Because the angled cord members abut each other along the lateral centerline, the sideways forces acting on the belt are negated.