Abstract: A whipstock assembly 10 for setting within a casing C on an anchor A diverts a cutting mill M to cut a window in the casing. The whipstock assembly is passed through a restriction positioned above the location where the whipstock assembly is set, is lowered past the restriction in a run in position, and is set within the casing in a set position. The whipstock assembly includes an upper whipstock body 20 having a ramp surface 22, 26, a middle lower whipstock body 60 having a concave guiding face 72, and a lower whipstock body 110 having a concave whipstock diversion face 112. A lower hinge member 118 is provided for positioning the concave whipstock diversion face for diverting the cutting mill, and at least one whipstock positioning member 80, 100 engages the casing when in the set position for positioning the middle whipstock body guiding face.

Abstract: A bailer has two externally-mounted weights. The first weight is positioned at the uppermost end and the second weight is positioned at the lowermost end of the bailer. The combination of weights increases the insertion rate of the bailer into a liquid so that the time elapsed for an insertion is reduced relative to the time required to insert unweighted bailers, top-weighted bailers, or bottom-weighted bailers. The weights also prevent wobble about the longitudinal axis of the bailer as it descends. The external mounting of the weights further prevents contamination of the liquid collected by the bailer and eliminates back pressure and turbulence caused by interior weights.

Abstract: A composite packer or bridge plug includes substantially all nonmetallic components. The design allows the setting tool metallic components to be retrieved after the bridge plug is set. The slips contain flats with mating flats on the cones which extend to one end of the cones and guides for the slips to facilitate proper slip movement into engagement with the wellbore. A lock ring rides on the nonmetallic mandrel and secures the set, using a buttress-type thread to engage into the mandrel body. Alternative designs are revealed for backup to the sealing elements to prevent extrusion. In one design, split rings are axially compressed so that they grow in radial dimension to act as extrusion barriers. In another design, tapered scored rings are rotationally locked against each other and are axially compressed so that they bend into contact with the wellbore to act as extrusion barriers. Axial travel to obtain an extrusion barrier is minimized.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an in-situ stress of an earth formation subjected to first, second and a third in-situ stresses, wherein a borehole has been drilled into the formation, the borehole containing a borehole fluid inducing a selected pressure to the borehole wall so that in a region of the formation the first in-situ stress is replaced by another stress depending on the selected pressure induced to the borehole wall.

Abstract: An improved electrical submersible pump is disclosed in which a processor downhole is utilized to monitor one or more subsurface conditions, to record data, and to alter at least one operating condition of the electrical submersible pump. Novel uses are described for downhole gas compression, the delivery of particulate matter to wellbore sites, and for the disposal of waste.

Abstract: In an underground oil reservoir, an injection well is completed low in the reservoir and a production well is provided having a horizontal leg completed relatively high in the reservoir and a vertical leg completed low in the reservoir. Water is injected with the vertical leg open and the horizontal leg closed, so that a displacement front advances in an under-riding manner between the wells and oil is produced through the vertical leg. Once the water break-through in the vertical leg occurs, it is closed and the horizontal leg is opened. A rising, horizontal, gravity-stable displacement front then advances upwardly toward the horizontal leg, through which oil is produced. The open horizontal leg acts as a low pressure sink to induce the horizontal displacement front to advance up toward it. This two-stage process is characterized by a good vertical and lateral sweep.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of sealing a subterranean zone to remedy the uncontrolled flow of fluids into and out of the zone. The methods basically comprise preparing a sealing composition and placing the composition into the zone to be sealed. The placement of the composition is controlled in a manner whereby portions of the sealing composition are continuously converted to sealing masses which are successively diverted into permeable portions of the zone until all of the permeable portions are sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes in the steel casing of an a oil or gas well, and drilling into the surrounding earth, includes a number of components controlled by hydraulic fluid. A first hydraulic motor drives a steel milling assembly and a second hydraulic motor drives a rock drilling assembly. All assemblies are supported in a housing that is conveyed by conventional jointed pipe or coiled tubing down the well casing. Control components cause a carriage carrying the milling assembly to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing, and then extend a mill bit gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by a hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components retract the mill bit and index the carriage back down to its starting position to align a rock drilling bit with the hole that was just drilled in the casing.

Abstract: The valve, has an orifice and cooperating poppet with the poppet situated to approach the orifice to an extent determined by a controlling crosshead that reciprocates axially in response to manipulation of the mud flow moving through the valve. The amount of restriction provided by the valve is varied by selected manipulation of the drilling fluid flow controls at the surface. Pressure provided to controlled machinery is regulated by a valve by-pass channel. Changes in the standpipe pressure indicates the state of the valve action achieved down hole.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with setting wellbore isolation tools, such as packers or bridge plugs. The release mechanism typically includes a release piston which selectively isolates equalization ports extending from the interior to the exterior of a setting tool body. The release piston may be activated to allow equalization of pressure across the sealing elements of a set isolation tool, typically by applying pressure to the annular space above the isolation tool. The release mechanism may be used to allow a tool body (such as a setting or retrieving tool) to be removed from a set isolation tool under conditions in which high pressure differential exists across the isolation tool.

Abstract: A fire protection system for a building having a periphery with a roof situated thereon. The roof is supported by rafters which are angled downwardly from a ridge to at least one eave thereof. The eave extends beyond the periphery of the building a predetermined distance. Included as components of the invention are a water supply for supplying water and a plurality of supply pipes connected at a first end thereof to the water supply and extending to the building such that the water may flow from the reservoir tank to the building. Also included is a plurality of above ground distribution pipes. The above ground distribution pipes include at least one vertical pipe situated vertically on the periphery of the building with a lower end thereof connected to a second end of the underground pipe and a plurality of horizontal pipes connected to an upper end of the vertical pipe and extending along the length of the eave on an underside thereof.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with a forward folding tool bar that is pivotally mounted on the draw bar for rotation about a transverse pivot axis as part of the folding and unfolding of the tool bar. The tool bar is provided with a tower apparatus having a passageway therethrough for alignment with pivot linkages for providing a floating movement of the pivotally mounted wing members with the wing fold actuators forming a rigid link in the pivot linkages. An unfold finger is mounted on the draw bar where the tower mechanism would be positioned upon the rotation of the tool bar into an intermediate transport position such that the unfold finger is positionable within the passageway through the tower apparatus. The unfold finger is spring-biased and incorporates lost movement slots to allow the unfold finger to yield when the passageway is blocked as the tower apparatus is moved over the unfold finger.

Abstract: A trimming machine includes a centrifugal clutch for transmitting power from an internal combustion engine to a cutting blade. A manually operated throttle lever controls an output from the internal combustion engine by adjusting an opening of a throttle valve via a throttle wire. A friction member arranged to oppose to a clutch drum of the centrifugal clutch. A first swinging member is connected to the friction member and swings between a braking position to be pressed against the clutch drum and a releasing position to be spaced from the clutch drum. A second swinging member is connected to a connecting point at an intermediate portion of the throttle wire and pivots about a pivoting pin thereof with respect to the first swinging member when the throttle wire is moved by operating the throttle lever.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which facilitate underbalanced drilling and completion of wells. In a described embodiment of a well control valve, the valve is opened and closed when a drill string is displaced therethrough. A shifting device is carried on a drill bit and deposited in the valve when the drill string enters and opens the valve. The valve is closed and the shifting device is retrieved from the valve when the drill string is tripped out of the well. A packer hydraulic setting tool usable in conjunction with the well control valve in underbalanced completions is also provided.

Abstract: A one cone drill bit is equipped with multiple jet flow guiding grooves along the cone. The multiple grooves connects to a circular groove axially centered on the nose end portion of the cone. The circular groove sweep the cuttings and mud flow across the drilled face and up the well borehole.

Abstract: A modular engine enclosure comprised of a hood and baffle is provided to channel cooling air along passages formed between their adjacent surfaces to the radiator of a water cooled engine. The passages provide acoustic air barriers and along with selected enclosure surfaces covered with sound absorbing foam, serve to contain engine sounds within the enclosure. The passages receive air from a generally upright inlet opening and direct it evenly over the top surface of the horizontally oriented radiator. After being drawn through the radiator, the air is exhausted generally horizontally out the back of the engine compartment. The modular construction of the enclosure allows it to be easily raised and/or removed so that maintenance and service activities can be performed on the engine and its components.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a novel hood coupling apparatus is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a frame provided with a compartment and a hood. The hood is coupled to the frame by at least one hinge and at least one latch. The latch includes a stationary portion associated with the frame and a movable portion associated with the hood, and the hinge includes a first portion associated with the frame and a second portion associated with the hood. The latch is configured for the stationary portion to engage the movable portion in a particular location when the hood is closed, and the second portion of the hinge is configured to assume an approximate position with respect to the first portion of the hinge, and thereby to the frame, upon engagement of the latch, the latch thereby aligning the hood and the second portion of the hinge to the frame when engaged. The work vehicle may also include a hood biasing device and a hood positioner for controlling the amount of opening of the hood.

Abstract: A powerplant includes an engine (22) that may be disposed on a vehicle chassis 12 including a cab (14) or may be a stationary engine such as a generator set, and has a fuel delivery system (54) through which combustible fuel is introduced into the engine for combustion to power the engine. A tank (42) is disposed on the chassis below the cab at one side of the chassis. A bulkhead (70) divides the tank into a fuel supply reservoir (50) for holding a supply of fuel for the engine and a second supply reservoir (52), the latter reservoir holding a supply of fluid other than engine fuel. A first supply conduit (56) supplies fuel from the fuel supply reservoir to the engine fuel delivery system, and a second supply conduit (66) supplies fluid from the second supply reservoir to a portion of the powertrain. A return conduit (68) returns fluid from the powertrain to the is second supply reservoir and includes a walled passage (72) passing through the fuel supply reservoir.

Abstract: A vehicle that has a drive train with an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a number of ground engaging wheels. An operator-adjustable throttle control is monitored to provide a position signal corresponding to position of the throttle control. A sensor provides an observed speed signal corresponding to speed of the vehicle and a controller responds to the position signal and the observed speed signal to generate a target speed signal and an error signal. The target speed signal corresponds to a desired speed of the vehicle and is generated from a predetermined relationship between vehicle speed and throttle control position in accordance with the position signal. The error signal corresponds to a difference between the target speed signal and observed speed signal. The engine responds to the error signal to provide the desired vehicle speed for all operating speeds of the vehicle including a stopped or idle condition.

Abstract: A mounting and stabilizing arrangement for an engine with first and second end portions is disclosed. The mounting and stabilizing arrangement is adapted for use in a work machine with a frame assembly which includes a pair of side rails. A crossmember is connected between the pair of side rails. A bumper assembly is connected to the frame assembly at one end portion of the work machine. A pair of spaced mounts are connected to the crossmember. Each of the pair of mounts are positioned in a spaced relationship from a respective side rail. A single stabilizer is connected on the bumper assembly so that the first end portion of the engine is connected on the stabilizer and the second end portion of the engine is mounted on the pair of mounts to align the engine parallel with the pair of side rails of the frame assembly.

Abstract: An operating element arrangement and method controls the longitudinal and transverse movements of a motor vehicle by using a manually actuatable regulating element which is stationary in the vehicle longitudinal direction and controls the longitudinal movement of the vehicle as a function of the actuating force exerted on the regulating element in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The regulating element also serves to control the vehicle transverse movement of the vehicle. For this purpose, the regulating element is arranged movably in the vehicle transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse movement of the vehicle is controlled as a function of the transverse deflection of the regulating element or as a function of the actuating force exerted in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a steering system for an articulated tracked combine composed of (i) a forward unit having a pair of differentially-connected powered non-steering wheels or tracks and (ii) a tracked rearward unit having powered steerable tracks. This steering system includes a pivoting articulation joint interconnecting the forward unit and the rearward unit. The rearward unit is fitted with a differential tracked steering system in steering connection with an operator steering wheel for steering of the articulated tracked combine. Optionally, such novel steering system includes a pair of steering articulation cylinder assemblies connected between the forward unit and the rearward unit. An angle sensor is mounted at the joint for sensing the relative position of the forward unit and the rearward unit. Another sensor is mounted at the steering wheel to sense its position.

Abstract: A process for production of a tube profile element having a swaged closed head end includes the steps of chamfering an unswaged end of a tube profile element having a first diameter to provide a chamfered end on the tube profile element having a chamfer angle of less than 45° relative to a longitudinal axis of the end portion of the tube profile element, supporting the tube profile element in a retaining tool such that an end portion of the tube profile element having the unswaged chamfered end thereon extends beyond the retaining tool, providing a swage tool having a negative die capable of swaging the end portion of the tube into a swaged closed head end having a maximum second diameter larger the first diameter of the unswaged end of the tube, and moving the swage tool toward the end portion of the tube and swaging the unswaged chamfered end of the tube, by the negative die of the swage tool, into the swaged closed head end of the tube profile element.

Abstract: A device and a method for achieving sound reduction within a frequency band in a transport system for gaseous medium, the transport system being arranged between an inlet, which is connected to a sound source, and an outlet. The transport system comprises with a plurality of interconnected channel parts (1-7) and exhibits at least one module (8, 9) comprising at least one reflection attenuator (4) with a resistive length (a2, b2) and at least one reactive attenuator (3) with a reactive length (a1, a3, b1, b3). The resistive length is brought to constitute a quarter of a wavelength of the center frequency of the frequency band and the reactive length is brought to constitute a quarter of a wavelength of a frequency between, respectively, the lower and upper limit frequencies of the frequency band.

Abstract: &lgr;/4-absorber with an adjustable band width comprising at least one &lgr;/4-resonator (2) whose opening region (4) comprises a perforated head part (5). A further development of this &lgr;/4-absorber is provided with a soft and/or heat exchanging material (7) in the floor region (3).

Abstract: A fall protection device that includes at least a pair of lifeline anchors that are affixed to a wall frame before the frame is tilted up into place. The anchors include a base body that extends outward so that the device can clear the roof overhang so that it can remain in place throughout the construction of the roof. Support members provide sufficient rigidity so that the device has the requisite pull resistance to meet all applicable regulations. A lifeline mount arm is mounted on an upward extension of a base body, and the lifeline is secured between a pair of mount arms.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a scaffold assembly for use on a roof, including: a base for placement on a first plank disposed on a scaffold bracket attached to the roof; an outer member having a lower end attached to the base; an inner member telescopingly received in the outer member and attachable to the outer member at at least one lengthwise location; and an upper plank support attached to an upper end of the inner member for placement thereon of a second plank.

Abstract: A horizontal support member in the form of rod, pipe or tube is disposed transverse to and displaced from a rigid or utility pole proximate a messenger cable supporting a cable. The support member is supported on and a part of a projecting arm extending outwardly from a bracket attached to the utility pole. The support member is further provided with flanges on the ends thereof to prevent hooks on the end of a lineman's ladder from slipping off the ends of the support member. The support member is long enough not only to provide engagement for both hooks of the lineman's ladder but also could be extended so that the ladder hooks cannot slide off the support member as long as the hooks of the lineman's ladder are astraddle the projecting arm. The projecting arm is of sufficient length to position the top of the ladder below the front face of an electrical equipment cabinet which may be hung on and bolted to a pole bracket.

Abstract: A safety device for a ladder, as embodied by the invention, is applied to a ladder that comprises side rails and a plurality of rungs interconnecting the side rails. The safety device comprises a plurality of side safety supports that are stored in their stored position in one rung of the plurality of rungs. The side safety supports are extendible from the one rung to a stabilizing extended position in which the side safety stabilizers are in contact with a supporting surface. Thus, the ladder safety device provides lateral stabilizing support for the ladder.

Abstract: An improved lubricating device for a four-stroke engine which permits the engine to operate upside down for a longer time and which has a better lubricating effect. This device comprises a first partitioning portion dividing the lubricating oil reservoir into a first and a second chambers, and a second partitioning portion further dividing the second chamber into a first and a second sub-chambers. The first partitioning portion includes a concave portion, having an opening for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber, which is adapted to receive some lubricating oil. Also, the first partitioning portion is provided thereon with a check valve which allows irreversible flow of the lubricating oil mist between the first chamber and the second sub-chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the distance between opposing sides of an elevator door system is presented. The invention enhances the ability of an elevator door safety system to discriminate between false targets and true obstructions. The method detects distance between a first plurality of emitters and a first plurality of receivers mounted on the opposing sides of the elevator door system. The method comprises emitting an energy beam from an emitter. A halo component of the energy beam, having a predetermined wide angle, is sampled with the plurality of receivers to provide a set of energy signals indicative of intensity of the halo component energy sampled. From the set of energy signals, a vertical distance from the center of the pattern to an intersection of the halo component with the first plurality of receivers is determined. The distance between the first plurality of emitters and receivers is then calculated utilizing the predetermined wide angle and the vertical distance.

Abstract: An abrasive coating is provided on the friction surface of a braking element, such as, but not limited to a disc brake pad. The abrasive coating is capable of removing a protective coating from a rotor during the initial breaking in period of the brake pad. Additionally, the abrasive coating is capable of polishing away surface irregularities on an improperly resurfaced rotor. The abrasive coating is characterized in that no noise is generated during the establishment of the burnish relationship between the brake pad and the rotor that is attributable to the abrasive coating. The abrasive coating is preferably in the form of two parallel stripes substantially centered on the brake pad away from the leading and trailing edges and extending from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge such that the stripes are substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A braking system, particularly for use in a motor vehicle includes a hydrodynamic retarder having a stator blade wheel and a rotor blade wheel. A line system through which flows a working fluid of the retarder includes the retarder as well as a cooler. The retarder further includes an inlet throttle and/or an outlet throttle. Measures are taken to keep the braking momentum of the retarder below the full value during the turning on of the retarder.

Abstract: A durable device for wheeled luggage is disclosed. The durable device, made of a highly durable material, raised above a rear side shell of the luggage for a predetermined distance, is mounted on a pedestal of the luggage and above a wheel for avoiding the scratch of the shell of the luggage when the luggage is carried in and out of buildings with ascending steps.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a motor vehicle friction clutch for cooperation with a motor vehicle transmission having subdivided switching steps. The mechanism includes a release member displaceable by a compressed air for carrying out a clutch release process, a valve arrangement for selectively supplying the compressed air, and a measurement arrangement for detecting an actual release position of the release member. The valve arrangement carries out the application of pressure fluid to the release member in accordance with (1) a reference variable provided by an actuation arrangement and which represents a reference release position of the release member, and (2) the detected actual release position. The measurement arrangement is so constructed that when the detected actual release position exceeds a predetermined switching threshold release position, a shifting signal is provided for shifting the transmission in subdivided switching steps.

Abstract: A shift by wire vehicle transmission system includes control methods that are especially useful for controlling the transmission under start-from-stop conditions. Since the master clutch must be manually operated under such conditions, the invention includes a method of determining whether the clutch is open or closed. The rotational speed of the engine output shaft is compared to the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft and if the difference between those speeds is greater than a preselected value, the clutch is determined to be open. Another use of the disclosed method is to provide an indication to the driver whether a desired gear has been engaged. A visual or audible signal indicates to the driver that the desired gear is not yet engaged. Once engagement is confirmed, the signal is turned off and the driver knows that the desired shift has been accomplished.

Abstract: Clutches are provided with electrically controlled actuation elements for selectively moving a sleeve between engaged and non-engaged positions. The electrically controlled elements may include rotary motors driving a sleeve through a ball screw connection. An actuator having a distance amplification element for driving the sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises plural sprags to be arranged between an outer ring and an inner ring, a retainer made of wire bent in a square-U zig-zag form so that the wire alternately extends in an axial and peripheral directions of the retainer to form sprag windows for holding the sprags, and side plates arranged on opposite sides of the retainer as viewed in the axial direction of the retainer. At least one protrusion corresponding to each of the sprags is formed on an inner wall of at least one of the side plates opposite to the sprags and extending toward the corresponding sprag.

Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus which can be used in the power train between the prime mover and the transmission of a motor vehicle has a first flywheel connectable to the prime mover, a second flywheel coaxial with and receiving torque from the first flywheel by way of a damper, and a friction clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque between the second flywheel and the input element of the transmission. The energy storing elements of the damper and the bearing between the two flywheels are installed radially inwardly of the friction surfaces of the second flywheel and the axially movable pressure plate of the friction clutch. This renders it possible to reduce at least the radial dimensions of the apparatus without reducing the diameters of the friction surfaces.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated rotary clutch includes a housing, a triangular rotor, an input gear, an eccentric shaft, a main shaft, a shifting piston, and a mechanism to operate the shifting piston. The rotor orbits in an inner elliptical opening of the housing and forms fluid chambers which are filled with a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid circulates through fluid passages which extend between all fluid chambers when the shifting piston is positioned to allow such fluid circulation, thereby resulting in a disengagement of a drive and driven member. When the shifting piston is driven to restrict the fluid circulation, the driving force is gradually applied to the driven member. A full-scale power flow is reached when the shifting piston is positioned to completely cut off the fluid circulation between the fluid chambers and when the force exerted by the drive member is transmitted through the fluid onto the driven member.

Abstract: A coin discrimination device which provides for positive transport of coins past a sensor is provided. In one embodiment, a rotating disk, slightly inclined to the vertical, includes a plurality of pockets for receiving coins from a hopper bowl. The disk and bowl are configured to efficiently load the pockets with no more than one coin per pocket. As the disk rotates, the coins, which are thus registered in a desired location in the pockets, are transported by the rotating disk past a sensor. When, based on the sensor data, the item in a pocket is recognized as an acceptable coin, a controllable ramp is lowered to divert the coin out of the pocket and into a path to place the coin in an acceptance bin or bag.

Abstract: In a handler attracting and transporting ICs by the use of a vacuum pick-up head, a control system is provided which provides for removing a jammed IC without the need for opening the door of the constant temperature chamber, if the vacuum pick-up head's failure to grasp an IC should cause jamming. A jam detecting means detects the occurrence of jam to interrupt the operation of the handler, whereupon a motion control means is activated to move the vacuum pick-up head to and stop it at a position distant from the site of jamming whereby the space above the site of jamming is cleared. This allows for removing the jammed IC by using a manipulator rod inserted through a through-hole formed through the outer wall of the constant temperature chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the linear positioning and for the position recognition of a substrate, comprising a linear transport for conveying the substrate, a sensor whose sensor field is set to a freely selectable braking position along the conveying path of a substrate feature of the substrate, and a controller connected to the linear transport and to the sensor for decelerating and stopping the linear transport, so that the substrate feature comes to rest in an onserting position.

Abstract: A container distribution apparatus having a frame surrounding a revolvable turret, the revolvable turret comprises intermediate transport members in the shape of slots adapted to receive containers from a feeding member such as a conveyor belt, to transport and to deliver containers to accumulator members located between the revolvable turret and the processing machines, to retrieve containers from accumulator members, and to transport containers to a exiting member such as a conveyor belt, each accumulator member is capable of carrying containers to and from a processing machine. A synchronization unit coordinates the transfer of containers to and from the accumulator members by activating a drive mechanism in a step-like manner to rotate the revolvable turret and by activating the opening and closing of gates located at the junction of the intermediate transport members and the accumulator members.

Abstract: A low pressure accumulation table for accumulating products is described herein. The accumulation table includes an inlet, an outlet, at least one feed conveyor and at least two accumulation conveyors. The feed and accumulation conveyors define an accumulation surface. The feed conveyor and the two accumulation conveyors are so mounted side by side that the feed conveyor alternate with the two accumulation conveyors. The two accumulation conveyors, when energized, convey the products from the accumulation surface towards the outlet at a rate which is a function of the conveying speed of the two accumulation conveyors.

Abstract: A machine tool/parts sorter assembly includes a machine tool having a frame and a workstation at which multiple parts are cut from a workpiece as it is moved in a horizontal plane relative to the workstation. A sorter is coupled with the machine tool frame for separately guiding different parts to different discharge areas adjacent the machine tool. The sorter includes a guide member adjacent the workstation for receiving the parts from the workstation, a pair of spaced, downwardly inclined guide chutes for discharging parts to separate discharge areas, and an actuator for selectively moving the guide member to discharge parts thereon into the guide chutes.

Abstract: A zero back-pressure conveyor system of the type having a continuous transport element for urging articles along a predetermined conveyor path employs a frame that supports the continuous transport element and is formed of first and second side on opposite sides of the continuous transport element. Articles being transported along the conveyor system are supported on wear strips that are fashioned as segments along the conveyor path and are each individually actuatable between distal and proximal positions with respect to the continuous transport element. Preferably, the wear strips are actuated in pairs by operation of an articulated mechanism that precludes tilting of the articles during coupling and decoupling with respect to the continuous transport element. The articulated motion is achieved by operation of a support bar coupled to the associated wear strip, the support bar having at least one pair of pivotally coupled coupling arms.

Abstract: In a drive system for a mail processing machine a comparatively simple and clear design of the driving tracks and of the bearings for the respective shafts is obtained by feeding drive energy from a common drive motor to a bevel gear drive and a step gear drive. Thereby, the output shafts of the bevel gear drive and the step gear drive have identical sense of rotation because of the sense of rotation reversal within the respective gear drive. The bevel gear drive, at its output, provides a continuous rotation, and the step gear drive provides an intermittent rotation. From the output shafts of the bevel gear drive and of the step gear drive, respectively, driving connections can be led to the driving shafts for a continuously moved conveyor chain for documents and to an intermittently moved conveyor chain for documents, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning each of a plurality of electronic component holder heads each for holding an electronic component, at a selected one of a plurality of positions of at least one stop station, including a plurality of rotary members each of which is rotatable about a common axis line and is stoppable at the at least one stop station, the electronic component holder heads being carried by the rotary members, respectively, such that each of the holder heads is movable relative to a corresponding one of the rotary members in a direction parallel to the common axis line, and (a) a circumferential position selecting device which selects, for the stop station, one of a plurality of circumferential positions which are spaced from each other in a direction of rotation of the rotary members about the common axis line, so that at least one of the rotary members is stopped at the selected circumferential position and accordingly the electronic component holder head carried by the one rotary member is position

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a vibrating feeder applies a drive signal to a vibrating mechanism connected to the vibrating feeder at a first predetermined power level, and subsequently applies the drive signal to the vibrating mechanism at a second predetermined power level which is greater than zero and lower than the first predetermined power level whereby an amplitude of vibration of the vibrating feeder converges towards a target amplitude. Another method and apparatus of controlling a vibrating feeder applies a drive signal having a phase to a vibrating mechanism connected to the vibrating feeder at a first phase and subsequently applies the drive signal to the vibrating mechanism at a second phase which is different from the first phase, whereby an amplitude of vibration of the vibrating feeder converges towards a target amplitude.