Abstract: A laminated ceramic electronic part such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor having a long mean life and an excellent reliability can be provided, even when the thicknesses of the ceramic layers are about 3 &mgr;m or less. For that purpose, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the interfaces between the internal electrodes and the ceramic layers is made to be about 200 nm or less, and the area rate of pores in a cross-sectional area of the ceramic layers is made to be about 1% or less. Preferably, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of a ceramic green sheet used for obtaining the ceramic layers is made to be about 100 nm or less, and the internal electrodes are composed of metal films formed by a thin film forming method.

Abstract: Method of producing an impulse dried wetlaid fibrous web-shaped material, such as paper or non-woven, having a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions, which have been provided in connection with impulse drying, at which the wet fibrous web is passed through at least one press nip (12) comprising rotatable roll (13) which is heated and that the fibrous web during the passage through the press nip is given a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions either by means of a patterned wire (11) and/or by a pattern on the heated roll (13). To the fibrous web there has been added a material that softens or melts in the temperature interval 100-400° C. and that at least the parts of the fibrous web that is located closest to the raised portions of the heated roll (13) are heated to such a high temperature that said material softens or melts and by that provides an increased amount of bonding points in the fibrous web.

Abstract: A process for applying glue and brazing material to a honeycomb body includes coating structured metal sheets with adhesive or binder at given positions of zones of the metal sheets to be subsequently coated with brazing material and brazed. Subsequently, the metal sheets are layered or wound into a honeycomb body having a multiplicity of channels for the passage of a fluid. A continuously adhering brazing powder is applied to all of the given positions of the layered or wound body. Excess brazing powder is shaken or blown out of the body. A corresponding device includes a transport path for structured sheets and rotatable sponge-like rollers to be saturated with adhesive or binder. The rollers are disposed laterally alongside and/or above and/or below the transport path. The rollers are rotatable by a transport motion of the sheets or drive mechanisms are provided for rotating the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-mold container having a label with an integral peelable coupon, a method of manufacturing the in-mold container, and an in-mold label with an integral peelable coupon. The method of manufacturing an in-mold blow molded bottle having an in-mold label includes providing a parison; opening a mold having a cavity; picking at least one label having an integral peelable coupon thereon from a magazine; placing the label in the cavity; retaining the label in a predetermined position with a vacuum; closing the mold on the parison; blowing the parison into the mold to create a container; bonding the label to the container to create a peelable coupon container; and, opening the mold to release the peelable coupon container.

Abstract: A method for assembling a flip-chip package having a low stress chip comprises providing a laminate chip carrier having a chip electrically connected thereon, applying the underfill material between the chip and the laminate chip carrier, providing a cover plate and applying an adhesive to the cover plate or chip or both, placing the cover plate adjacent to the chip such that the adhesive contacts the chip and the cover plate, and curing the underfill material together with the adhesive. The resultant flip-chip package has low internal stress and experiences enhanced fatigue life during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A solventless urethane adhesive layer which proves excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties is formed from the reaction of A) a low molecular weight polyester formed from a single species of linear aliphatic diol and a single species of dicarboxylic acid with B) a single species of diisocyanate.

Abstract: A lamination machine for adhesively heat laminating adjacent surfaces of two or more layers of material to each other. The machine includes upper and lower opposing conveyor belts disposed one above the other to form a lamination passage therebetween and through which layers of material travel during lamination. At least one pressure roller is tensioned against the layers to be laminated. A heating module is disposed between the entrance and pressure roller, while a cooling module is disposed between the pressure roller and an exit. The heating module provides a plurality of rigidly maintained single-structure extruded heater components for melting an adhesion constituent disposed between the layers of material in preparation for lamination.

Abstract: A lamination machine for adhesively heat laminating adjacent surfaces of two lengths of material to each other. The machine includes a flatbed pre-laminating station with upper and lower pre-lamination conveyor belts and banks of heater components immediately above and below. At least one pre-lamination belt is vertically movable to establish and adjust a gap between belts while its associated bank of heating elements is vertically pressuredly movable to thereby tightly maintain proximity of heater elements, belts, and laminate materials. Situated immediately downstream is a pressure roller independently vertically movable to establish and adjust laminate gap distance and, during lamination operation, tensioned against a lower conveyor belt guide roller and movable by a roller pressure driver toward the guide roller.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire filling station includes a support and seal arrangement on which one side wall of the tire is supported and sealed, and a tire filling bell that presses and seals against the opposite side wall of the tire and then supplies pressurized air into the tire. The filling bell includes outer and inner rings that are concentrically slidable relative to each other. One of the rings is selected for the filling operation depending on the size of the tire. The support and seal arrangement includes plural plate members that are joined and sealed together to form a continuous support and seal surface, or moved laterally apart to allow a transport apparatus to carry and support the mounted tire from underneath. The tire filling station is adaptable to different models and sizes of mounted tires even in a mixed process flow, in an automated manner.

Abstract: Header to support one end of a rewind roll and to close off at least one end of the casing, used particularly for fly screens, and that includes:

Abstract: The strength properties of chemical cellulose pulp (particularly kraft pulp) are improved by substituting a cold impregnation soak for conventional impregnation procedures. After steaming, wood chips are soaked in an alkaline liquid at a temperature of about 80-110° C. (preferably 80-100° C., or 90-105° C.) for between one-half-72 hours (typically about 2-4 hours) at a pressure of about 0-15 bar (preferably about 1-5 bar), to dissolve at least about 8% of the wood (preferably about 10-20%) and at least about 15% of the lignin. The alkaline liquid used preferably contains sulfide (e.g. black liquor, green liquor, white liquor, or mixtures thereof), but almost any alkaline liquid having an alkali concentration of about 1.0 mole of NaOH/liter or less (typically about 0.75 m/l or less) is suitable. The wood chips are then raised to a cooking temperature of about 145-180° C. and cooked to produce the cellulose chemical pulp.

Abstract: A former for producing a tissue web and a process of making a tissue web using the former. The former includes a forming element, an inner dewatering belt, and an outer dewatering belt. The inner and outer belts converge to form a stock inlet nip. The inner and outer belts are guided over the forming element and thereafter separating from one another in the area of a separation point. At least one suction element is positioned adjacent the inner belt on a side which is opposite the outer belt. Alternatively, a conditioning device is positioned adjacent the outer belt. The process includes forming the tissue web in the area of the forming element, guiding the inner and outer belts around the forming element, and separating the inner and outer belts in the area of the separation point. Alternatively, the process includes conditioning the outer belt.

Abstract: An extended-nip press device comprises a press shoe extending in a cross-machine direction and a support for supporting the press shoe. Between the shoe and the support are arranged a plurality of loading cylinders for moving the shoe toward a backing member such as a counter roll to apply pressure to a fibrous web passing through the nip between the shoe and counter roll. Each loading cylinder comprises a first cylinder member fixed on the shoe and a second cylinder member fixed on the support, and a connecting member that slidably engages both cylinder members. The connecting member can slide relative to the first cylinder member with a first stroke length L1 that is smaller than the stroke length L2 between the connecting member and the second cylinder member. Accordingly, the connecting member can remain essentially aligned along the lengthening direction of the loading cylinder.

Abstract: An intermediate material is formed by coating at least a half of the surface of a function selecting material having at least one of physical property values that are different from those of a casting metal material forming a cast product with a coating metal material and the casting metal material is cast together with the intermediate material to form a composite body in casting the product.

Abstract: In order to provide a die structure for injection molding of a light alloy free from gas defects, and a method of molding a light alloy parts using the die, the die structure is used for converting a light alloy into a semi-molten state, wherein a solid phase and a liquid phase coexist, or a molten state at a temperature just above a melting point and injecting the molten metal into an interior cavity portion, and S1/S2 of a gate sectional area S1 with respect to a maximum sectional area S2 of the cavity of the mold which area is almost perpendicular to the flowing direction of the melt therein is set in a range of 0.06 to 0.5.

Abstract: In a die-casting machine having an injection cylinder device (10) for injecting molten material to a casting die and a boost cylinder device (20) for boosting a hydraulic oil supplied to the injection cylinder device (10), back-pressure of the injection cylinder device (10) and back-pressure of the boost cylinder device (20) are synchronously controlled by a flow-rate control valve (17) capable of continuously adjusting flow-rate of the hydraulic oil discharging channel (16). Accordingly, boosting characteristic can be made in accordance with burr critical boost curve, thereby avoiding burr occurrence in die-casting products in advance. Therefore, high-quality die-casting products without burrs can be manufactured even in a high-speed casting method or using low-accuracy dies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for ventilation systems which include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside a building) to cooler exterior fresh air which is drawn into the building. The present invention in particular provides an apparatus whereby, during a defrost cycle, interior air may circulate through both of the fresh air and exhaust air paths for delivery back into the building, i.e. the warm interior air, used as defrost air, may be able to circulate from the interior of the building into the ventilation apparatus and back to the interior of the building. The apparatus can thus use interior air as defrost air while diminishing or avoiding the creation of a negative air pressure in the building.

Abstract: An assembly of two heat exchangers is readily formed or disassembled using spring clips to hold the two heat exchangers in assembled relation. The arrangement is such that the spring clips do not exert undesirable tension or compressional forces against either of the cores of the heat exchangers, but rather, exert only torsional forces at the points of connection.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly comprises a tubular casing (1) housing product conduit pipe (8) and a rod (14) extending through each pipe (8). The rod (14) being reciprocatingly moveable along the pipe (8) and having a scraping means (15) projecting from it such that upon reciprocation of the rod (14) within the pipe (8) the scraping means (15) will scrape product residues from the inner walls of the product conduit (8), allowing improved heat transfer to be achieved whilst the assembly continues to operate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger made of an aluminum alloy having a radiator part (10) and an oil cooler part (11) in combination and manufactured integrally by the brazing method, wherein a refrigerant tank (13) for covering and sealing the oil cooler part is made of an aluminum alloy, an aluminum alloy containing Si in an amount from more than 7.0 wt % to 12.0 wt %, Fe in an amount from more than 0.05 wt % to 0.5 wt %, Cu in an amount from more than 0.4 wt % to 8.0 wt %, Zn in an amount from more than 0.5 wt % to 10.0 wt %, and the balance of aluminum and inevitable impurities is used as a filler material of brazing sheets that are used for the oil cooler part and are brazed in the tank, and the refrigerant tank is assembled integrally with the radiator part and the oil cooler part by brazing with the brazing material.

Abstract: Disclosed an integrated refrigerator evaporator having a plurality of pipes and fins which is manufactured by injection molding with plastics. According to the present invention, pipes and fins are molded by means of at least one plastic plates, and a heat exchanger is formed by molding the pipes and fins in a series of “S” shape. A first bending section formed by the heat exchanger, which is molded in a series of “S” shape, is inserted into a mold main body to manufacture a header cap. A first header cap is manufactured by injecting melted plastic material body into the mold main body under the state of covering a mold cap. The first header cap is engaged with a first header main body comprising the first header cap and the refrigerant inlet and outlet. The refrigerator evaporator according to the present invention results in a relatively lower product cost than the evaporator composed of a metal substance as well as a high recyclability.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a refrigerant cycle, a coolant cycle, a refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger, coupling these cycles so as to transfer heat, and valve for operating mode-dependent control of the refrigerant flow, whereby the air conditioning system can be operated not only in air conditioning mode but at least also in a heat pump or reheat mode. An internal combustion engine exhaust gas/coolant heat exchanger is connected upstream in series to the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger in the coolant cycle at least in the heat pump mode; and/or in the reheat operating mode the refrigerant/coolant heat exchanger functions as a condenser/gas cooler, connected upstream in series on the coolant side to the supply air/coolant heat exchanger. In addition or as an alternative, a drying operating mode can be provided for drying the supply air/refrigerant heat exchanger with reversed air conveying direction.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A downhole production well control system is provided for automatically controlling downhole tools in response to sensed selected downhole parameters. The production well having a production tubing string therein with multiple branches, i.e., zones. Communication and transmission of power (i.e. telemetry) over the production tubing string is by way of a combination of a hardwire system in the main borehole and a short hop system at the branches or laterals. Each zone includes a downhole control system and appropriate completion devices for controlling fluid flow. An acoustic or electromagnetic transceiver is associated with each control system for communication and/or transmission of power. An electrical conductor runs from the surface downhole along the production tubing string in the main borehole for communication and/or transmission of power, hardwired systems are well known.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a plurality of magnet members, which can be arcuate or longitudinal, covering a majority surface area of the tool body. In the embodiment of the invention having longitudinal members, magnet protectors are secured immediately adjacent to a corresponding magnet member for deflecting striking force of the metal particles being attracted to the magnet during rotation of the tool. A trap space if formed between the magnet and an adjacent magnet protector for retaining more metal particles within the magnet assemblies.

Abstract: A subsea production system is provided for producing a number of subsea wells which may be arranged in groups. Each of the groups of subsea wellheads is connected to deliver production flow to a subsea manifold and each subsea manifold is connected to deliver production flow to a production riser. A plurality of production risers each being connected to receive production flow from one of said subsea manifolds extend from the subsea manifolds for groups of wells. A deep draft floating spar is located generally above the subsea wellheads with mooring lines and has a production platform located above the sea surface and has buoyancy and ballast chambers to control floatation. The spar structure defines a riser bore receiving the production risers extending from the subsea wellheads to the production platform. The spar is also capable of being shifted laterally by its mooring lines for positioning above a selected well to thus permit well intervention activities as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for actuating a hydraulically controllable device (102) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a downhole hydraulic fluid source (134), a hydraulic fluid passageway (136) providing a communication path between the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) and the hydraulically controllable device (102), a valve (144) disposed within the hydraulic fluid passageway (136) and a downhole electronics package (138). The downhole electronics package (138) receives a signal from the surface to operate the valve (144) from the closed position to the open position such that hydraulic pressure from the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) actuates the hydraulically controllable device (102).

Abstract: A tool, for mounting on a powering vehicle for transport, vertical motion and pivotal motion about a horizontal axis, provides a frame having connecting structure to interconnect with the powering vehicle. The frame carries extracting structure having plural laterally spaced extracting tines extending forwardly from the lower frame portion. At least one extracting tine has at least one depending vertical fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a horizontal plane upon insertion through the earth; at least one extracting tine has at least one laterally extending horizontal fin to increase tine strength and direct tine motion in a vertical plane upon insertion through the earth; and at least one extracting tine has at least one soil retaining plate to aid support of material thereabove. The fins and plates tend to separate earth above and below the course of their insertion.

Abstract: A lawn aerator that is attachable to a piece of mechanized lawn care equipment, such as a self-propelled lawn mower, lawn tractor and the like, for aerating a lawn. The lawn aerator includes a frame having first and second opposite ends, with the frame including mounting structure connected thereto adjacent the first end to enable mounting of the frame to the piece of mechanized lawn care equipment. In addition, an aerator assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame so that the aerator assembly is pivotable relative to the frame between a ground engaging position and a disengaged position. The aerator assembly includes a plurality of caster assemblies each of which includes at least one tine head assembly including an aerator wheel connected to a pivot head.

Abstract: A local area network cable capable of high speed signal transmission has a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors enclosed within a jacket. Each of the twisted pairs has a different twist frequency than any of the other pairs, and at least one of the pairs has a direction of twist that is different from the other twisted pairs, that is, it may have a right hand twist where the other pairs have a left hand twist. In a four pair cable, two of the pairs, of different twist frequency, have imparted thereto a right hand twist, and two of the pairs have a left hand twist.

Abstract: A multi-sectional utility pole includes at least two sections of straight pipe, which are joined and connected by a slip joint connection. The slip joint preferably consists of two mating conical sections, with one attached to each section of the pole. The slip joint is compressed with the aid of rings, which are attached to the pipe, and a key and slot. The two conical sections are fastened together with bolts that pass through the female conical section and thread into the male conical section of the slip joint. The pole is easily assembled on the ground and the pole sections are fungible with other sections of the same diameter. The sections are also inexpensively manufactured. The conical sections can be swaged from the ends of the pipe, or can be fabricated separately and welded on to the ends of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to elements, cases, shells, panels, and channels to cover cables, particularly for electric and/or electronic apparatuses provided on a working plane and Iike or on a floor, characterized in that they comprise an at least a covering element to cover and/or contain functional components and the panel for connection of the cables of the apparatus.

Abstract: A leaded semiconductor device package for nonsoldering assembling is disclosed. In the package of the invention, both leads of a semiconductor device package are flattened, cut and bent by automatic machines on the bais of conventional packaging process. Unlike a conventional semiconductor device package which is electrically connected to a circuit by soldering, the flattened and bent parts of both leads of the semiconductor device package can be electrically connected to a circuit by elastically contact and directly assembling without soldering.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection medium is provided having first and second overlying interconnection layers. Each interconnection layer includes parallel conductors, and the conductors of the first and second interconnection layers are oriented orthogonally to each other. The conductors can be interconnected to form at least two electrical planes, with the conductors of the electrical planes being substantially interdigitated on each interconnection layer, portions of each plane appearing on both layers. The interconnection medium advantageously is employed as a multichip module. A method of designing such an MCM includes providing arranged conductive regions in a spaced manner, cutting selected sections to form signal conductor paths, and then filling spaces between like power and ground conductors.

Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for directly attaching a device or package on flexible organic circuit carriers having low cost and high reliability.

Abstract: A resin seal apparatus includes a movable bottom die vertically moved by an elevator mechanism, a transport mechanism horizontally moving the movable bottom die having placed thereon a printed circuit board with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon, an intermediate die abutting against a periphery of the printed circuit board when the movable bottom die is moved upward, a film of resin stretched by a film stretch mechanism over the intermediate die and the printed circuit board, a die for a chip, pressing a back surface of the semiconductor chip via the film of resin, and a top die pressing a top surface of the intermediate die via the film of resin. This apparatus allows a PCB with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon in the form of a flip chip to be sealed with resin in a reduced period of time to fabricate an electronic component.

Abstract: A substrate of multilayered structure having a plurality of sets of an insulation layer and a wiring line layer, and having one face for mounting a semiconductor element thereon and the other face on which external connection terminals are to be provided, the face for mounting a semiconductor element being provided with pads to be bonded to an electrode terminal of the semiconductor element, the other face being provided with pads to be bonded to an external connection terminal, such as a terminal formed of a solder ball, and the wiring line layers on both sides of an insulation layer being connected with each other by vias piercing the insulation layer, wherein the surfaces of the pads to be bonded to an electrode terminal of a semiconductor element are flat and are in the same plane. A method of manufacturing such a multilayered substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for substantially continuously drilling and disposing of drill cuttings and dust to minimize airborne contamination while providing protection against overload. A drill stem with a bit is advanced by a drill head to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one parameter of the fluid flow. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of drilling dependent on the signal level of the parameter being monitored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jacket tube (6) for a device for drilling holes and forming an anchorage in the earth or rock. The inventive jacket tube (6) is coupled with a drill pipe (3) and/or a drill bit (1) or a drill hammer and is configured with a plurality of through openings across its periphery. Once the borehole (2) has been made, or after an anchor has been introduced, the jacket tube can be filled with a hardenable suspension. According to the invention, the jacket tube consists of at least one expanded metal element (6) which has evenly distributed through openings (9) and connecting elements (7, 8), especially sleeves, at the ends for connecting to a drill bit (1) and/or other jacket tube elements (6). The borehole (2) is therefore easy to produce and the jacket tube (6) can be anchored securely.

Abstract: The invention encompasses improvements in noise attenuation systems for reducing the audible noise level generated during earth boring operations using a hard surfaced rotary drill bit, and in dual bore-cutting elements for performing sequential first and second bore cutting to the design bore-gauge.

Abstract: A drill including a body having mortises (7), and a solid hard metal head (4) having a plurality of bits (3) and secured to the drill body over the end surface (5) of the head (4) and additionally secured to the drill body over portions of side surfaces (6) located in a radially outer region of the head (4), extending substantially parallel to a rotational axis (A) of the drill and extending into mortise means (7), with the side surfaces (6) including first surfaces, which are associated with at least some of the bits (3) and are subjected to pressure acting in a rotational direction of the drill during operation of the drill.

Abstract: A solid hard metal head for a drill, including two main cutting edges (2) arranged substantially diametrially opposite each other, and two auxiliary cutting edges (3) likewise arranged substantially diametrically opposite each other, with associated main cutting edge (2) and auxiliary cutting edge (3) form an acute angle (&agr;) there between, and with the auxiliary cutting edges (3) being arranged, with respect to the rotational direction (&ohgr;) of the drill, in front of the respective, associated therewith, main cutting edge (2).

Abstract: The drill bit for drilling rock has an elongated shaft and at least one cutting plate at one end. A clearance angle &bgr; of the cutting edges, at least in segments, increases with increasing distance from the rotary axis. A wedge angle &ggr; of the cutting edges, at least in segments, decreases with increasing distance from the rotary axis.

Abstract: An amount of distortion of an axle (2) caused by a load that is applied on a vehicle and transmitted to the axle (2) through a transmission member (3) is measured and then a value of the load based on the measured amount of the distortion is measured. A load concentration unit (5) is provided between the transmission member (3) and the axle (2) and receives the load concentrically.

Abstract: The ATV transmission includes an epicyclic arrangement, which serves as a drive-differential. One road wheel is geared to the planet-carrier or spider, and the other to the ring gear, while the engine drives the sun. An idler-gear between the ring and its road wheel means that the ring and the spider rotate in opposite senses, whereby a large gear ratio between the sun and the road wheels can be provided. Steering of the vehicle is provided, by driving the road wheels at different speeds. This is accomplished using a steer-differential, which is identical to the drive-differential; rotating the sun of the steer-differential imposes a corresponding differential speed on the road wheels.

Abstract: A robot capable of moving against gravity uses at least one vacuum cup assembly having means for applying a lubricant on the working surface so the cup may slide on the surface as the robot is maneuvered with the aid of powered wheels. The wheels and vacuum cup assemblies are coordinated to move on varied surfaces. The robot module may be equipped with various task-performing assemblies, and may be employed in caravans, trains, or separately in swarms. The vacuum cup assemblies include a pair of springs working against each other to provide stability and flexibility at the point of attachment to the body of the robot.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle which is modeified to a truck capable of conveying a cargo so that it conveys a predetermined quantity of cargoes and which can be used for various applications. This vehicle includes a driving portion (11) and a steering portion (12), can move back and forth, can convey cargoes (35 and 36) and people (32) to be conveyed, and is driven by operator (30)on the vehicle. When the self-propelled vehicle (10) is moved back, the operator (30) can use it as a truck by operating the steering portion (12) without getting on the viecle.

Abstract: A wheelchair motorizing apparatus which is mounted to a wheelchair frame utilizing a guide. The guide is oriented in a generally upright configuration. A support is movable along the guide for positioning upwardly and downwardly relative to the existing wheels of a wheelchair. A driven wheel is connected to the support and engages the ground surface when the support is moved into the downward position.

Abstract: A removable battery pack housing arrangement for a light-weight powered personal vehicle includes a first connector affixed to the battery pack housing. A U-shaped bracket is affixed to the vehicle frame and includes a vertical wall that secures a second connector so that the first connector and the second connector are brought into mating engagement when the battery pack housing is positioned on the bracket. The battery pack housing includes a handle for carrying, and a latch mechanism for securing, the battery pack housing in a precise location on the bracket.