Abstract: A drill bit is provided for drilling holes in hard, reinforced material, including reinforced concrete. According to one aspect of the invention, wear-resistant inserts are provided in a cross-shaped pattern. The inserts ensure that the entire bottom surface of the drilled hole is engaged during each drill bit revolution. The inserts may be secured in pockets or slots. Fluid entry ports may be located between the inserts for efficient handling of drilling fluid and removal of drilled material, without impairing the structural integrity of the drill bit. According to another aspect of the invention, the drilling surface is separated into two or more stages to increase drilling efficiency, especially through composite material such as reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A self-advancing drilling system comprising a drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus having at least one leading fluid cutting nozzle, means on the drilling apparatus to provide forward movement to the drilling apparatus, the drilling system further comprising a drill string formed from recoverable flexible hose.

Abstract: A rotatable steerable drill string in which guidance module controls the direction of the drilling. A magnetorheological fluid in the module supplies pressure to pistons that apply forces to the wall of the bore and thereby alter the direction of the drilling. The pressure applied by the magnetorheological fluid is regulated by valves that apply a magnetic field to the fluid so as to increase or decrease its fluid shear strength thereby controlling the actuation of the pistons and the direction of the drilling.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an annular cam rotatably located in a housing with a drill shaft extending through the cam and housing. The shaft can be rotated for drilling purposes and be moved longitudinally in the housing for shifting purposes. The cam has grooves in its outer surface for receiving a cam follower carried by the shaft which rotates the cam as the shaft is moved longitudinally for shifting purposes. The shaft may be moved longitudinally in one direction to a position to engage members of a clutch such that when the shaft rotates, it rotates the housing. The shaft is movable in an opposite direction to disengage the clutch members and then is movable to locate the cam follower in the groove at different positions to allow the operator to control the longitudinal position of the shaft for turning purposes or for drilling straight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a down the hole drill hammer assembly providing a full piston area exposure to driving fluid pressure by the omission of the usual finger valve from the upper piston area and providing the piston with blind bores at each end and passages through the piston wall enabling predetermined communication between the blind bores for exhausting pressure fluid through the drill bit assembly. Fluid transfer passages are also provided in the inner wall of an outer wear sleeve of the drill hammer assembly.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair is advantageously provided with a rate-of-turn feedback sensor and with forward/reverse motion, lateral motion, and vertical motion acceleration feedback sensors that are integrated into a closed-loop wheelchair servo control system to differentially control the rotational speed of wheelchair opposed motor-driven wheels and thereby obtain improved wheelchair motion stability through reduction/elimination of likely wheelchair spin-out and wheelchair tipping during wheelchair operation.

Abstract: An electric vehicle braking control device includes a battery, an electric motor driving at least one wheel with electric energy of the battery, an electric energy re-generating mechanism that restores electric energy generated to the battery, a static pressure generator generating fluid pressure according to a brake pedal depressing force, a dynamic pressure generator generating a fluid pressure substantially equal to that generated by the static pressure generating mechanism, a first braking mechanism connected to the static pressure generating mechanism, a second braking mechanism connected to the dynamic pressure generating mechanism, a valve disposed in a fluid conduit connecting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism to the second braking mechanism to generate designated differential pressure with no steps, and a control that controls the valve to generate a differential pressure corresponding to the fluid pressure equivalent to the re-generating braking force applied by the electric energy re-genera

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes positive and negative side conductors for bridge-connecting semiconductor switches, constituted to a wide conductor, and laminated by sandwiching an insulator between them. A semiconductor apparatus includes positive and negative side conductors extended from its case, and an electrolytic capacitor connected to the extension portion of the positive and negative side conductors. A power converter uses the semiconductor apparatus.

Abstract: A side panel for a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile is disclosed. The side panel extends from the windshield portion of the snowmobile to the pan portion. The side panel is hingedly attached at a front edge to the snowmobile so that the side panel opens outwardly along vertically oriented hinges. The side panel includes a windshield to protect the operator's legs. The side panel also includes an airbox which provides an air charge to the engine for combustion. In addition, an airbox, divisible into two parts is also disclosed. The airbox includes a portion adapted to be attached to the interior of the side panel or to a belt guard. A second portion of the air box can be disposed within the engine compartment.

Abstract: A vehicular hood device has a hinge serving also as a coupling link mechanism. The hinge in a usual time allows a hood to make opening and closing movements about a hinge pin connecting a second link to the hood. When an obstacle collided with the vehicle to lift the hood by an actuator, the hinge enables the extended first and second links to determine a hood raise position. The hinge includes a stopper pin. The stopper pin has strength designed to be cut by operation of the actuator but not to be cut by a usual hood opening and closing force, thus preventing the hood from floating in a usual time. Because the hood opening and closing in the usual time and the hood lift upon collision are possible by a simple structure having only the stopper pin, a number of parts can be reduced to suppress the cost.

Abstract: A method for determining an initiation threshold value for an automatic braking process, in which an automatic braking process is used and a brake pressure is produced which is greater than the brake pressure which corresponds to the operation of the brake pedal by the driver. Short distances between vehicles increase the risk of accidents. If a driver operates the brakes when there is a short distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, in the vast majority of cases, the driver of the following vehicle is often required to perform an emergency braking due to the short distance between the vehicles. To improve the safety of vehicles, an emergency braking is performed, as quickly as possible, when the distance between vehicles is short. This emergency braking, within what is physically possible, ensures rapid deceleration of the vehicle and thus helps to avoid rear-impact accidents.

Abstract: In an autonomously navigating robot system orientation is effected on the basis of a current laser projected line pattern (44,48) taken by a camera (20) and on the basis of previous examinations of the course and arrangement of reflected line patterns (44,48) obtained during projection of said line patterns by means of a laser projector (18) in different known directions in the surrounding.

Abstract: With a vehicle comprising a motor (5) and at least one rotatable element (1, 2; 10) which follows the ground, at least one rotatable element (1, 2; 10) is connected to a steering mechanism for controlling the direction of travel of the vehicle. The steering mechanism comprises means (11) for adjusting the momentary distance from the axis of rotation of at least a part of a rotatable element (1, 2; 1 0) to the ground or means for adjusting the momentary coefficient of friction of at least a part of a rotatable element (1, 2; 10). Thus, the vehicle has a simple steering mechanism.

Abstract: A motor vehicle torque transfer case pump drive which is mounted in the front of a torque transfer case where it mounts to a motor vehicle transmission and includes a drive arrangement, such as a chain drive, a belt drive or a gear drive. This permits an auxiliary hydraulic pump to be driven directly from the torque transfer case, thus eliminating the need for a power take-off (PTO) adapter to drive the auxiliary hydraulic pump.

Abstract: To provide a swing arm for a vehicle which can ensure the rigidity of a fastened portion of the swing arm to a final gear case with a simple configuration. A swing arm for a vehicle pivotably mounted on a body frame and having a swinging end fastened to a final gear case on which a rear wheel is mounted. A reinforcing plate is provided in the vicinity of the swinging end of the swing arm and fastened to the swing arm at two positions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular hood assembly comprising at least one actuator for lifting up a rear end of a hood to a given height when a vehicle collides with a protective object. The actuator comprises a rod having a constricted portion with lower rigidity than the other part thereof. The actuator is operated responsive to collision of the vehicle with the protective object to cause the rod to lift the hood and when the protective object further encounters a secondary collision with the hood, an impact load exerted to the protective object and the hood is concentrated on the rod to cause the constricted portion of the rod to bend for thereby retaining the hood at its lifted position without causing the rod to return to its original position.

Abstract: A vehicle hood apparatus having an actuator for lifting a vehicle hood upon collision of an object with a vehicle. The actuator has an actuator block defining a cylinder therein. A locking member is urged to project into the cylinder. Upon such collision, a gas generator is operated to generate gas to raise a piston pin rapidly to lift the hood, where upon the locking member projects into the cylinder to lock the piston pin in its raised position and hold the hood at its lifted position. As the locking member is included in the actuator, the piston pin does not have its locked position affected by the quality of work done for attaching the actuator to the vehicle body, as opposed to the case where it has to be locked to the vehicle body. As the locking and elastic members are held in the actuator block, the actuator is easier to assemble than when they have to be held on the piston pin.

Abstract: A system for use with a motor vehicle that minimizes injury after a loss of control event. The motor vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and an engine. The system includes a control which detects a loss of control event and automatically actuates a brake system and/or a steering system and/or commands an engine controller to reduce power output of an engine.

Abstract: A small motorized cart apparatus or “go-cart” apparatus includes an improved brush cage arrangement that covers and protects a user during operation, enveloping the user above and on the sides of a user occupying the driver's seat. The brush cage is pivotally attached at the front of the cart apparatus near the front, steerable wheels. A seat back tube extends along the sides of and over the top of the driver's seat. A latch mechanism includes locking parts on the brush cage and on the seat back tube that form a rugged connection that is preferably positioned just above the head of the driver when the brush cage is in a lowered position. This enables the driver to use one hand to release the mechanism when the cage is to be opened. One or two hands can be used to grab the cage to pull it down toward the driver and into engagement with the locking mechanism on the seat back tube when a closed position is desired for the brush cage.

Abstract: A working vehicle having a propelling transmission for transmitting power of an engine to drive wheels, the propelling transmission being attached to body frames as offset to one side transversely of a vehicle body to produce a utility space in the other side, with a PTO apparatus for transmitting power supplied from the propelling transmission to an external working implement. The PTO apparatus (40) includes an input shaft (42) extending longitudinally of the vehicle body and drivably connected to the propelling transmission, and an output shaft (43) extending parallel to and spaced from the input shaft and drivingly connected to the external working implement. A mounting mechanism (30; 50) is provided to attach the PTO apparatus to vehicle body frames (8). The mounting mechanism selectively fixes the PTO apparatus to at least two pivotal postures about the input shaft.

Abstract: A system for supporting the torque of an internal-combustion engine has a support arranged transversely in the vehicle. This support has a strut as well as a support arm. These two support parts are connected with one another by way of an elastic bearing, the strut being fastened on a camshaft housing and the support arm being fastened on the side member of the vehicle. The elastic bearing is connected with the vehicle body structure, for example, on a spring strut dome, by way of a console.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including a reduction mechanism 5 for transmitting an output of a steering assist motor 1 to a steering mechanism through a worm 3 and a worm wheel 4, in which the worm wheel 4 is formed by a thermosetting synthetic resin filled with a sheet 6 of aramid fibers having a low attacking property to a counter member and an effect of improving the abrasion resistance of the synthetic resin. Even when the reduction mechanism is used in an engine room or the temperature of the reduction mechanism is raised by frictional heat with heightening power, the reduction mechanism is durable, and further the gears have excellent abrasion resistance and toughness and improved durability.

Abstract: An acoustic receiver for sensing acoustic waves and generating orthogonal triaxial acoustic response data representative of said acoustic waves is disclosed. The receiver has at least four acoustic sensors oriented in at least four different directions. Each of the acoustic sensors is adapted to produce an electrical signal in response to an acoustic wave impinging thereon. The inventive acoustic receiver also includes means for combining the electrical signals to yield orthogonal triaxial acoustic response data. In one embodiment the means for combining the electrical signals comprises wiring the acoustic sensors in two series pairs to produce a combined output along two of the three orthogonal axes and orienting at least one acoustic sensor substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the acoustic receiver.

Abstract: A venturi expander is mounted on a speaker enclosure to receive the rearward-propagated sound waves and to extend the propagation path. The venturi expander's reflective sides direct the rearward sound to the sides or top or bottom of the speaker enclosure to produce a reflected sound surrounding the speaker enclosure and producing sound to the sides of the speaker substantially as projected from the front of the speaker.

Abstract: A projection screen and a projection screen system for an acoustic room. A projection screen includes a flexible screen material mounted within a system of retainers. The screen material is tautly retained within the a system of retainer members, and may be treated so that its airflow resistance is variable. Acoustical material is disposed on the wall behind the screen. Acoustical paneling is chosen according to the acoustical characteristics of the room, so that acoustical modal pressure peaks and nulls forming primarily along the length of the room can be reduced. The projection screen can be surrounded by further acoustical material, so that the entire wall can be used to tune the room. The acoustical material surrounding the projection screen is mounted within a second retainer system in which covering fabric is retained.

Abstract: Embodiments of a foldable sawhorse are shown and described, which may be collapsed to a very flat shape, with one of the leg frames fitting inside the central open area of the other so that the two leg frames are co-planar. This way, the two leg frames preferably do not contact each other except at their mutual pivot point(s), and they do not interfere with each other. Preferably, the bottom surfaces of all portions of the sawhorse that touch the ground are broad, smooth, substantially continuous across the whole width of the sawhorse. The bottom surfaces preferably have no protrusions, such as feet, that might promote sinking into the ground or catching excessively on the ground/floor. The preferred sawhorse has one or more platforms that are fixedly attached to their respective parts of the sawhorse in such ways and in such angles that their top platform surfaces are level with the ground or other supporting surface when the sawhorse is unfolded.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating rotative force using spring according to the present invention permits rotative force of an input shaft to be intermitted to an acceleration gear by an intermitting gear, an available time for the rotation of an output shaft to be confirmed by an indicating means, and the operation to be stopped by a stopping means. In addition, the apparatus causes the rotation of the output shaft to be stopped exactly in ‘0’ position of the available time by a setting means.

Abstract: A stairlift has a vertically displaceable load-receiving device on which a platform, hinged ramps and barriers are disposed, vertically movable barrier-actuating bars, which protrude downward over the load-receiving device and individually link the barriers, a spring-loaded pretensioning device for the platform, which forces the platform upward, a tilt lever on the platform, which interacts with a tilt stop of the guide body and swings the platform up and down in the unloaded state, and two lifting bars linked to the platform, for interaction with rotating stops of the barriers in order to move the barriers out of the lowermost into the horizontal position as the unloaded load-receiving device is lowered.

Abstract: A bracket assembly and method for coupling a motor to a hoist machine comprising an adapter plate for coupling to a motor face and sized to cover the face of the motor and accommodate an existing motor register on the hoist machine, a drum flange member coupled to the hoist machine to reduce vibrations, the drum flange member having a central cavity for receiving the motor shaft, a second flange member having a bushing sized to the motor shaft, and a coupling plate positioned between the first and second flange members, the coupling plate made of a resilient material such as a plastic. Each of the first and second flange members and coupling plates have hole portions radially positioned and in alignment with one another, the drum flange having holes formed therein for accommodating a connecting rod such as a bolt to securely fasten the drum flange to the drum brake of the hoist machine.

Abstract: To ensure durability of a one-way clutch, by reducing surface pressures applied to side bearings, a one-way clutch has end bearings that are disposed between an outer race and an inner race and that maintain concentricity between the races. In a supporting structure wherein one of the outer race and the inner race is fitted to a stationary member and the other race is fitted to a rotational member, a clearance of a fitting portion between the stationary member and one of the races is narrower than a clearance between the rotational member and the other race. A load resulting from whirling of the rotational member is absorbed by the greater clearance, and a high load resulting from radial movements of the race fitted to the stationary member and a weight of the race is supported by the stationary member. Thus, loads applied to the end bearings are reduced.

Abstract: To prevent an operational feeling from deteriorating due to an operation of the other brake operating member under a superior braking condition caused by one brake operating member in a vehicle brake control device in which a pair of brake operating force transmission systems are connected to a single wheel brake, each of brake operating force reducing means capable of weakening the brake operating force transmitted to the wheel brake is arranged at both brake operating force transmission systems.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device includes an airtight cylindrical casing; at least one compressible springy ball arranged in the cylindrical casing; a main piston mounted in the cylindrical casing above the at least one compressible springy ball and reciprocated to compress the at least one compressible springy ball, the main piston having a piston rod extended out of the cylindrical casing; a damping substance flowing in the cylindrical casing; and a plurality of main piston valves respectively installed in said main piston for enabling the damping substance to flow between an upper chamber in the cylindrical casing above the main piston and a lower chamber in the cylindrical casing below the main piston.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, includes a cylinder filled with damping medium and in which a piston fastened to a piston rod axially moveably therein. The piston divides the working cylinder into two working spaces. The damping force for the directions of rebound and compression are influenced by nonretum valves acting in the respective directions. A damping valve of variable damping action is additionally provided in series with each of the nonreturn valves so that the damping valve is active in both the rebound and compression directions.

Abstract: A protective case for a musical instrument such as the violin or viola which is of the soft fabric material and which can be placed within a conventional harder musical case. A method of manufacturing such a case wherein first and second layers of fabric are placed in registry and sewed together, and subsequently inverted to form a first section, third and fourth layers of fabric are also placed in registry with the first section being intermediate thereof, the first section and third and fourth layers being sewed and subsequently inverted.

Abstract: A clutch includes a stopper secured to a gear housing of a motor. Once the stopper is secured to the gear housing, the stopper restrains axial movement of rolling elements by restraining axial movement of a support member, which rotatably supports the rolling elements, to retain the rolling elements within a collar. A driven-side rotator of the clutch includes reinforcing ribs for reinforcing engaging projections of the driven-side rotator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vibration damping device (2). This includes at least two elements—a primary element (3.1) and a secondary element (3.2)—, which are limited in movement in relation to each other. The primary element (3.1) and the secondary element (3.2) can be coupled together using a spring coupling. The means to implement spring coupling include at least one spring device (4.1, 4.N).

Abstract: A lock-up clutch of a torque converter or the like includes an annular clutch outer mounted in a side cover, a clutch inner connected to a turbine impeller, a driving friction plate axially movably connected to the clutch outer, first and second follower friction plates connected to the clutch inner for movement toward and away from each other with the driving friction plate interposed therebetween, an inner chamber defined between the first and second follower friction plates, and an outer chamber faced by outer sides of the first and second follower friction plates. When the inside of the outer chamber is put at a pressure higher than that in the inner chamber, the follower friction plates can be brought into pressure contact with the driving friction plate, and an urging force on the follower friction plates is not applied to the side cover.

Abstract: A currency receiving device for receiving currency from a user, comprising a body adapted to be moved by a person, a currency input controller, attached to the body, to receive and count deposits of currency, a currency receptacle, operatively connected to the currency input controller, to receive currency from the currency input controller and to store the currency, and a source of power, to provide power to the currency input controller, wherein, upon receiving a first deposit of currency at a first location, the currency receiving device may be moved to a second location to receive a second deposit of currency at the second location.

Abstract: In a coin mechanism to which the present invention is applied, a coin of five hundred yen whose holding is released is distributed by a fifth distributing device to a return passage or a coin containing passage. The coin of five hundred yen distributed by the fifth distributing device is distributed by an eighth distributing device to a coin tube or a coin box. As mentioned above, the coin whose holding is released is distributed to a change outlet, the coin box, or the coin tube at a front stage of entering the coin containing part. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide another distributing device at a part of the coin tube like the prior art, and the number of coins to be contained in the coin tube is increased. Furthermore, it is possible to set the number of coins to be contained in the coin tube at a small number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for progressively transporting workpieces in a longitudinal direction from a receiving station, through at least one processing station of a press, including transporters for the workpieces, where the transporters are moved back and forth in a longitudinal direction, cyclically and in synchrony with the movement of the slide of the press, and in a crosswise direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for picking up and releasing the workpieces. The transporter may be driven in the longitudinal direction by an external drive that is synchronized with the eccentric shaft of the press by signaling. The movement of the transporters for releasing the workpieces in the crosswise direction is derived from the movement of the press slide by direct mechanical coupling.

Abstract: A guiding and stacking system, is provided particularly for guiding and stacking sheet metal parts which are supplied by a press system. The system has a distributing guide which branches the parts flow to two or more guiding and stacking belts. In their entirety or in parts, the guiding and stacking belts operate in the start/stop operation and thus permit the transfer to mechanical gripper devices or manual removal of the sheet metal parts.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding elongated tobacco articles, whereby, on a wrapping machine, a mass of articles, oriented a given way, is fed along an annular path in a hopper connected to at least one channel for feeding the articles and in which the articles are fed in an orderly column.

Abstract: A chip component take-in apparatus takes in and guides downward prismatic chip components stored in a bulk state in a storage chamber one by one in a predetermined direction. When a first take-in member and a second take-in member are relatively moved up and down in each flat face contact state, the chip components in face contact with the flat faces of the take-in members are gradually guided to a center along guide ways. The guided chip components in the longitudinal direction thereof are taken into a passage constituted by grooves and are moved downward along the passage by self-weight.

Abstract: A device for transporting printed products including a plurality of individual pocket grippers, each pocket gripper having a first connector on one side and a second connector on a second side, and having gripping elements for gripping a printed product. A plurality of transport units is also provided, with each transport unit being movable along a track and being releasably attached to the first connector of a respective one of the plurality of pocket grippers. Also disclosed is a method for transporting printed products including the steps of gripping a printed product in a gripper pocket, moving the gripper pocket along a track, and releasing the gripper pocket while the printed product remains gripped.

Abstract: An impact cradle for supporting a moving conveyor belt. The impact cradle includes a plurality of support structures. Each support structure includes an elongate support member and first and second wing cushion support members for supporting impact bars. Each wing cushion support member includes a first end including a plurality of apertures and a second end including a plurality of apertures. Each aperture in the first end of a wing cushion support member is spaced apart a uniform distance from a counterpart aperture in the second end of the wing cushion support member. A first fastener and a second fastener are inserted respectively through a selected pair of counterpart apertures to connect the first and second ends of the wing cushion support member to the support member. Each pair of counterpart apertures is adapted to dispose the wing cushion support member at a selected inclined angle with respect to the support member to conform to the inclined edges of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A feed apparatus (1) comprising a conveyor belt (2), said conveyor belt (2) comprising modules (3) with an upper (4) and a lower (5) surface, said modules (3) by first means (6) comprising hinge eyes (7) being pivotally hinged to each other perpendicular to the feed direction, and that the feed apparatus (1) in addition comprises at least one rotatable and toothed driving wheel (8) meshed with the conveyor belt (2), and that the pressure receiving surface (10) of the teeth wholly or partially has contact against at least the outer surface (13) of its own hinge eye (7). Hereby an optimum force transmission to the belt itself is achieved, which occurs by means of the teeth of the sprocket wheel having their application of force at the hinge eyes, thus making the force transmission occur close to the center line of the axis of the hinge eyes, just as there is a good lateral steering of the belt, so that the risk that the belt hops off the toothed wheel is minimized.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a disc member supported such that a portion thereof protrudes outside the body case, and rotated to output a signal in accordance with its rotation direction and rotation angle, a first switch operated by pushing-in the disc member toward the body case, a second and a third switches separately operated by pivoting the disc member about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation plane and orthogonal to the pushing-in direction, a storage device storing a plurality of items, a display device displaying a cursor and a plurality of the items read from the storage device, and a control device moving the cursor displayed in the display device, selecting and executing the displayed items or other items required for communications in accordance with the operations of the disc member and the first to the third switches.

Abstract: An actuating system for a vehicular interior comprises a panel (12) with a front face and a module element (14) for assembly in an opening (16) of the panel (12). The panel (12) has side walls (18) which are perpendicular to the front face. The panel (12) and the module element (14) have cooperating latching elements which comprise a detent (26) and a latching edge (22). The detent (26) is configured on an elastically deflectable tongue (24) and comprises a ramp surface (28) cooperating with the latching edge (22).

Abstract: A switch device includes a first case and a second case. Stationary contacts are enclosed within the first case that is sealed by a cover. An operating lever configured to actuate a movable contact is partially received by a window hole within the cover. An engaging hook is unitary part of or is coupled to the outside surface of the second case. Stationary terminals project from the stationary contacts. The second case encloses the first case and the cover. The first case and the cover are made of resins having an arc resistance. The second case is made of a thermoplastic resin that is more flexible than the first case.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling microorganisms within the air.