Abstract: A combination apparatus for vehicles with or without an open bed comprising an elevated viewing perch or observation stand with a seat, a luggage/personnel carrier/kayak carrier, a pontoon boat, a fishing platform, and a farm plow. The viewing perch can be mounted on an open bed vehicle such as ATV's, trucks or the like vehicles and have a ladder-type frame on rear wheels. The frame can be used as a utility trailer for hauling equipment, game or an injured person, and readily converted to an elevated position and used as a viewing or hunting stand. The apparatus can be raised to the elevated position by hand or by a winch, can serve as a tent shelter with bunk-type cots placed inside, and can be wired for lighting, energized by the vehicle's battery.

Abstract: A universal ladder lock and method for locking a ladder to a vehicular rack is provided which utilizes a mounting frame that may be secured to existing vehicular racks. Affixed to the mounting frame is a lock housing which slidably and rotatably supports an elongate lock arm. A hook is provided on one end of the elongate lock arm for hooking around a portion of one or more ladders. One or more stop elements are secured to the elongate lock arm for limiting longitudinal movement of the elongate lock arm. The stop housing also preferably provides one or more lock member supports which may be utilized to receive a locking pin, or in a preferred embodiment, a padlock. The locking pin or padlock prevents movement of the stop element affixing the elongate lock arm in a position with the hook around the ladder to thereby lock the ladder with respect to the vehicular rack.

Abstract: A ladder leveling device, the Holding Bracket of which, is hand attachable to the left inner side, the right inner side, the left outer side and the right outer side of all standard extension ladders utilizing proprietary hole location specs., standard nuts and bolts and proprietary conical shims. Leveling is accomplished by dropping a threaded level rod through specified holes in the Holding Bracket and securing in place with an ordinary wing or hex nut.

Abstract: A food preparation line having a generally U-shaped configuration. A first section providing a heated storage compartment. A second section providing a cooled storage compartment. The first section arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the second section. A third section attached to the second section and having a pass-through area. The heated storage compartment has two access openings such that the compartment may be restocked and emptied from two different locations respectively.

Abstract: A wireless transmission control apparatus is used to control movement of an elevator car of an elevator system that is installed in a building, and includes a wireless car calling unit for transmitting a car calling signal wirelessly, a main control unit associated with a machine room of the elevator system, and a car control unit associated with the elevator car. The main control unit includes a machine room transceiver device for receiving the car calling signal, determines whether the car calling signal is legitimate and a right of priority service for the legitimate car calling signal, and wirelessly transmits a car dispatch signal corresponding to the legitimate car calling signal. The car control unit includes a car transceiver device for receiving the car dispatch signal. The car control unit controls the elevator car to move to a specific floor of the building in response to the car dispatch signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag bearing of a bearing and brake unit for a vehicles wheel, the drag bearing having a) at least one holding device for fastening the drag bearing, b) an integrated cylinder of a cylinder and piston unit provided with a cylinder's axis and c) a wheel carrier which is centered on a rotational axis and is configured to receive a wheel bearing. The drag bearing is furthermore provided with d) a guide arm which is connected integral with the remaining drag bearing, which is oriented substantially parallel to the rotational axis and to the cylinder's axis and which is provided with guide ways serving to receive brake pads.

Abstract: A remote control device 1 simplified in construction and with an improved usability and a baby carriage 100 possessed of the device 1 are disclosed. The remote control device 1 is connected via wire cables 2 and 3 to a folding and a handle switching mechanism 111 and 112. A pair of pulleys 10a and 10b rotatably supported by a support shaft 4 are rotated by a rotary plate 20 so as to wind the wire cables 2 and 3 thereon, respectively. The rotary plate 20 is rotatably supported between the pulleys 10a and 10b. A switching plate 40 is operated to select one of the pulleys 10a and 10b representative of a selected one of the folding and handle switching mechanisms. The switching plate 40 drives said rotary plate to assume a pre-established rotational angular position at which the rotary plate is capable of actuating and then rotating a selected one pulley 10a or 10b.

Abstract: A force application device for a vehicle's braking system in the form of a variable gear system, in which, in response to a braking command by the driver, an adjusting device adjusts a proportioning device, which proportions the force fed from the force generator in such a way that it corresponds to the braking command. The force generator is disposed in a fixed position, thus decreasing the overall size of the force application device. In the force application device, energy recovery of the elastic energy of deformation contained in the disk brake during force application conditions is achieved by feeding the energy back, during release of the brake, into a force generator, which is constructed as a spring brake actuator and which makes the energy available for brake actuation. Thus the principle of an energy see-saw is implemented.

Abstract: A rotor has an array of grooves formed on the brake pad contact surface. The array is preferably formed as a repeating pattern of regularly spaced grooves. The repeating pattern of grooves creates a plurality of radially and circumferentially offset rings of grooves. The rings can radially overlap. The rotor is preferably ventilated having two brake pad contact surfaces separated by a plurality of vanes. The grooves are preferably arranged on the brake pad contact surfaces between the vanes. The grooves can have various configurations and shapes. The array of grooves increases friction between a brake rotor and brake pads, and decreases the thermal gradient and thermal distortion on the brake pad contact surfaces.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a load between an upper conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower conveyor extending along a second axis, vertically displaced from the first axis. The transfer mechanism includes first and second spaced, generally parallel rails having first ends pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor and opposite second ends. The rails are movable between a first position wherein the rails are generally co-planar with the upper conveyor and a second position wherein the rails extend from the upper conveyor at a predetermined angle. A transfer conveyor has a first end pivotably mounted to the second ends of the rails and a second opposite end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extension structure of a swivel wheel, which comprises a base seat and an extension rod. The base seat has a guide groove defined by a bottom face and two sidewalls. The front end of the bottom face has a projective stop block. The two sidewalls have lock grooves at the front and rear ends thereof. The extension rod has a guide rod matched and sleeved into the guide groove. The bottom of the guide rod has a groove to let the stop block abut thereon timely. Two sides at the rear end of the guide rod have tenons capable of being locked in the lock grooves timely. The swivel wheel at the front end of the extension rod can extend out a predetermined distance to obtain an extended supporting point, thereby preventing a traveling suitcase from falling down because of an unstable center of gravity.

Abstract: An annular friction liner for a bridging clutch of a torque converter. The liner has a radially extending friction surface engageable with a reaction surface of the torque converter. The friction surface has a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves extending from a radially inner edge of the friction surface to a radially outer edge thereof. Each groove extends along a serpentine path and has a series of contiguous groove sections which interconnect end-to-end at a substantial angle to one another. This groove path provides a mixing module for promoting turbulence.

Abstract: A reversible one-way clutch (90) is positioned in parallel with a friction pack (62, 72) to drive a planetary transmission (10) in low gear and reverse. The clutch (90) has a biasing plate (96) secured to its surface to bias the clutch (90) in a direction so that the transmission (10) operates in either low gear or reverse gear. The biasing plate (96) is hydraulically actuated to bias the clutch (90) between low gear, neutral, and reverse gear.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging two rotating members in a transmission. The clutch assembly includes an inner ring defining an outer diameter and an outer ring defining an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the inner ring. A plurality of rings extend through the clutch assembly between the inner diameter of the outer ring and the outer diameter of the inner ring. The plurality of rings provides selective locking engagement between the inner and outer rings. The clutch assembly also includes a cage for maintaining each of said plurality of rollers in position with respect to said inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A stator using a ratchet one-way clutch including an inner race having concave portions on the outer periphery thereof, a claw member to be fitted into one of the concave portions on the outer periphery of the inner race, a spring biasing the claw member toward the outer periphery of the inner race, and an outer race having on the inner periphery thereof a pocket receiving therein the claw member and the spring and arranged so as to be concentric with and rotatable relative to the inner race, wherein at least one of the inner race and the outer race has a bearing function.

Abstract: A wheel hub device includes a driving barrel and a hub shell mounted rotatably on an axle of a bicycle. When the shell is rotated via the barrel to move the bicycle forward, a coupling socket disposed in the shell threadedly engages the barrel and frictionally engages the shell. A coil spring is disposed between the shell and the coupling socket such that a sudden termination of rotation of the barrel while the bicycle continues to move forward due to inertia, imparts a frictional force to the coil spring to enable the coil spring to keep biasing against the coupling socket and against the biasing force of a associating spring disposed between the coupling socket and a sliding member, thereby disengaging the coupling socket from the shell to permit smooth idle rotation of the latter and to prevent rotation of the barrel with the shell.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for controlling rotation of an input (12) in the most preferred form of a brake includes a housing (50) which can be positioned in either first or second positions. In the first position, a piston (66) moves out of its cavity (64) in the housing (50) and forces a plate (76a) including the piston (66) and an interface facing (80) toward an interface disc (20) while a release spring (92) located in a countersink (74) acts on a fastener (98) to move the first plate (76a) away from the interface disc (20). When flipped to the second position, the piston (66) moves out of its cavity (64) in the housing (50) and forces a second plate (76b) interconnected to the first plate (76a) away from the interface disc (20) while engaging springs (90) sandwiched in cavities (70) between the housing (50) and the first plate (76a) including the interface facing (80) force the first plate (76a) toward the interface disc (20).

Abstract: A conveyor roller having a spring loaded telescoping tubular axle with tapered hexagonal shaped ends allowing quick replacement in the side frame openings of a conveyor when the openings are worn to an oversize. The tapered hex ends also provide for a tight fit between hex ends and hex holes in the frame to lessen relative motion (rattling) between the two surfaces that causes wear and noise. The roller can be installed from either side of the conveyor because the axle is collapsible from either end.

Abstract: A method for measuring the diameter of coins in coin validators, comprising the steps below:

Abstract: A sort bin for unloading sorted lumber pieces on a conveyor is disclosed. The sort bin comprises a compartment having first and second spaced-apart walls for containing the lumber pieces in a pile, an entry located at an upper portion of the compartment for introducing lumber pieces, and an exit located at a bottom portion, the conveyor being below the exit and spaced apart therefrom. The sort bin further comprises a support for supporting the pile of lumber pieces contained in the compartment. The support is movable along a course extending between an upper position adjacent to the entry and a lower position below the exit of the compartment; and has side members for preventing a spill of lumber pieces on the conveyor when the support is in its lower position. One of the side members is pivotable between a standard position and an unloading position.

Abstract: A feed conveyor is operable in a first direction to deposit a stream of articles across a width of a downstream conveyor operating along a second direction, the second direction being at an angle to the first direction. The feed conveyor is an extendable conveyor that is accurately controlled for circulating speed, extension speed and retraction speed, to deposit articles transversely onto the downstream conveyor in a tightly spaced, grid pattern. The extension and retraction speed are controlled by a first servomotor and the conveying speed of the feed conveyor is controlled by a second servomotor.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus permits to intermittent indexing with freely and independently setting stop position of work tables and stopping period adapting to each individual work station. The transporting apparatus sequentially transports a work table across a plurality of work stations. The transporting apparatus has a linear transporting path linearly connecting a plurality of work stations and guiding linear motion of the work table, a cylindrical cam engaging with a contactor provided on the work table for driving the work-table for linear motion, and the cylindrical cam having a stopping zone formed corresponding to each position of the work station and having no axial displacement relating to cam rotation angle and a transporting zone formed corresponding to a position between the work station and having an axial displacement relative to cam rotation angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting non-round containers includes a pair of carriages coupled to associated motors for rotation independently of each other on a common axis. Each carriage carries a corresponding plurality of semi-circular gripping fingers, which may be moved toward and away from each other by controlled rotation of the carriages. The fingers are widely separated from each other to accept non-round containers at an in-feed station, and to permit removal of the containers at out-feed and reject stations. For transporting the containers between stations, the finger are brought closely together to grip the containers for indexing, and springs on one of the carriages resiliently urge the associated fingers toward the fingers on the opposing carriage for accommodating size variations among the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for levitating objects has an elongated diaphragm and a transducer. The diaphragm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is fixed to a horn and the second end portion is fixed to a supporting member. The transducer is connected to only the horn. The transducer vibrates the diaphragm and an object is levitated above a surface of the diaphragm by radiation pressure of a sound wave generated from the diaphragm. Therefore, the elongated diaphragm can be vibrated by one transducer in a stable condition with a simple structure.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting parts includes a first electrical switch, a second electrical switch and an automatically movable stop. In another aspect of the present invention, an accumulating power roll conveyor system has two or more independently driven zones. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides for a part physically contacting against and actuating a switch as the part is located in a zone corresponding with the switch.

Abstract: A motor mounting configuration for a roll out table reduces bearing wear and allows the motor of the roll out table to be quickly removed and reinstalled. A method for retrofitting a roll out table with a motor mount configuration that allows the motor to be quickly removed and reinstalled includes the use of a hold down element. In addition, the retrofit roll out table includes a bearing configuration designed to better withstand the harsh operating environment of the roll out table. Further, the improved roll out table includes a coupling between the motor and the roller shaft that allows for adjustability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preform carrier for carrying a preform used to blow mold plastic bottles and the like. The preform is cylindrical and has an open end defining a neck. The preform carrier includes a base and retaining means for retaining the preform carrier to a pallet used for transporting preforms from one location to another location, such as from a heating station to the blow mold. The preform carrier also has a plurality of resilient gripping fingers extending from the base and adapted to be received through the open end of the perform and to extend into the neck of the perform. The gripping fingers securely and releasably carry the preform from one location to the other location.

Abstract: A tube conveyor arranges the location of the output drive roller such that the upper edge of the conveyor belt lies in a plane, defined by the upturned edges of the belt inside the tubular housing. A saver plate is mounted to each side of the output roller to reduce side spillage of particulate matter being transported.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly and efficiently disassembling a conveyor belt system. The conveyor belt rotates about pulleys which are mounted on a first frame. A drive pulley is mounted on a second frame. When assembled, the drive pulley mounted on the second frame contacts the conveyor belt system causing it to tighten around the pulleys mounted on the first frame. The first and second frames are held together by a quick release mechanism. When the quick release mechanism is released, the first and second frames can be separated and the conveyor belt tension is released and the conveyor belt may be easily removed from the pulleys mounted on the first frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a conveyor belt arrangement for transporting and/or turning flat material, transport surfaces (2) of belts (2) receiving a twisting and being guided over rotating, disk-like guide elements (1, 11), the guide elements (1, 11) being provided with a recess (22) guiding the belts (5), wherein the recess (22) is bordered by surfaces (16; 17, 18, 19), one of which is electrically conducting and edges (17, 18, 19) contain friction-reducing materials or consist of the latter.

Abstract: In the present invention, a media conveyor belt (1) presents an arrangement that will allow the publishing of all kinds of messages, thus maximizing its utilization. This media conveyor belt has a purpose to allow the display of every kind of message and information on its external surface, innovating not only its arrangement but also in its utilization. The media conveyor belt (1) is characterized by presenting, in its upper surface (2), the application of messages (3).

Abstract: A feeder conveyor belt system applies force to the upper surface of objects and assists in moving the objects over a planar surface The feeder conveyor belt is mounted on a suspension system which allows the feeder conveyor belt to adjust to the contour of objects being transported.

Abstract: An apron weigh feeder for use in the heavy bulk materials industry includes a feeder frame, a head drive shaft, a pair of tail traction wheels, and a plurality of carry and return rollers. A pair of drive sprockets is mounted on the head drive shaft. The tail traction wheels are aligned with the drive sprockets, respectively. A pair of endless crawler chains is reeved about the drive sprockets and tail traction wheels, respectively. A plurality of flights is fixed to the crawler chains to define a carrying surface of the apron weigh feeder. The carry rollers support the crawler chains and carrying surface. The carry rollers are supported rotatably by a plurality of carry roller support frames, which are mounted on the feeder frame. The weigh scale assembly is substituted in place of at least one of the carry roller support frames.

Abstract: A selector switch (10) for selecting or manipulating at least one function of a consumer product. The selector comprises an operating element having at least one operating area. The selector switch (10) comprises two momentary action switches (22,24;26,28;30,32;34,36) underneath the operating area to control the desired function.

Abstract: The organic MEMS according to the present invention comprises a polymeric substrate comprising a substrate surface including a first region and a second region. A polymer coating is applied to the first region to provide a coating surface that is spaced apart from the substrate surface. A terminal is disposed on the second region. A metallic trace is affixed to the coating surface such that the metallic trace forms a flexible extension over the second region. The extension has a rest position where the extension is spaced apart from the terminal, and a flexed position where the extension is disposed towards the terminal. An actuator is used to provide an electric field to deflect the extension from the rest position to the flexed position. By changing the spacing between the extension and the terminal, it is possible to change the electrical condition provided by the MEMS.

Abstract: In one embodiment a light source is provided to illuminate one or more keys. Each has at least one glyph. The color of each glyph corresponds to the light source.

Abstract: According to a method of Producing a key top for a Pushbutton switch of the present invention, a base layer made of an insulating resin that can be Plated with metal, an electroless Plating layer to be formed on the surface of the base layer, and a polymer coating layer, if required, are stacked on the surface of a key top body. Alternatively, an electroplating layer formed by electroplating is further formed on the electroless plating layer. Therefore, a Plating layer can be directly and easily formed on the insulating resin, whereby a key top for a Pushbutton switch having a sensation of metal and being rich in design is obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact, lightweight and low-cost operating apparatus for a switchgear. A second cam (50) turned counterclockwise by an electric motor begins to maintain contact with a closing lever (37) at a first angular position (POS1), turns the closing lever (37) counterclockwise to energize a circuit-making coil spring (77), and causes a closing latch (48) to lock the closing lever (37). The second cam (50) further turning counterclockwise becomes separated from the closing lever (37) and actuates a cam switch (156) at a second angular position (POS2) to interrupt an electric current supplied to the electric motor. The second cam (50) further turns due to inertial turning of the electric motor and is braked by a elastic brake member (159) at a third angular position (POS3), whereby the second cam (50) stops within a specific angular range &Dgr;&thgr; of rotation. Despite its simple structure, the elastic brake member (159) can halt the second cam (50) in a reliable fashion.

Abstract: A method for laser-assisted separation and enrichment of silicon isotopes such as 28Si, 29Si and 30Si on the basis of infrared multiple-photon dissociation of silicon halides represented by Si2F6, wherein the silicon halides are irradiated synchronously with multiple infrared pulsed laser beams at different wavelengths.

Abstract: An iPVD apparatus (20) is programmed to deposit material (10) into high aspect ratio submicron features (11) on semiconductor substrates (21) by cycling between deposition and etch modes within a vacuum chamber (30). The modes operate at different power and pressure parameters. Pressure of more than 50 mTorr, for example, is used for sputtering material from a target while pressure of less than a few mTorr, for example, is used to etch. Bias power on the substrate is an order of magnitude higher for etching, producing several hundred volt bias for etching, but only a few tens of volts for deposition. The alternating etching modes remove deposited material that overhangs edges of features on the substrate, removes some of the deposited material from the bottoms (15) of the features, and resputters the removed deposited material onto sidewalls (16) of the features. The substrate (21) is cooled during deposition and etching, and particularly during etching to substantially below 0° C.

Abstract: A sensor element containing a porous layer is provided for detecting a physical magnitude of a measured gas, such as for determining the concentration of a gas component of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The porous layer includes pores of a first pore type whose diameters correspond to at least half the layer thickness of the porous layer.

Abstract: An emission control system is disclosed for determining a concentration of oxygen in a flow of gas which has a sensor. The sensor has a diffusion barrier, an electrolyte material, and a counter-electrode. The counter-electrode is configured to support the diffusion barrier, and the electrolyte material is disposed between the diffusion barrier and the counter electrode. Also disclosed is a method of producing the sensor and emission control system.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte layer or body capable of being co-fired with an insulating ceramic substrate or body to be used as a gas sensor laminate. The gas sensor laminate is preferably composed of an alumina substrate (1) and an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (6) bonded to the alumina substrate (1) by firing. The oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer or body is formed from partially or wholly stabilized zirconia, which layer contains alumina in an amount of 10% to 80% by weight, particularly 30% to 75% by weight. In this manner, another ceramic layer; particularly, a ceramic layer (7)-of alumina can further be bonded to the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer. The relative density of the ceramic layer can be 60% to 99.5%, preferably 80% to 99.5%.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrodeposition bath having a reduced volatile organic content. The bath contains a resinous phase dispersed in an aqueous medium, the resinous phase including an active hydrogen-containing ionic electrodepositable resin and a curing agent therefor. The improved electrodeposition bath further includes a boron-containing compound in an amount sufficient to retard the growth of microorganisms in the bath. Also disclosed is a method of electrocoating a conductive substrate using the improved electrodeposition bath of the invention. Substrates which are coated using the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming method wherein an aqueous dispersion is prepared in a vessel of an apparatus. The aqueous dispersion contains an electrodeposition material including a fine particle coloring material, and a polymer which is chemically dissolved, or is deposited and precipitated, by a change in pH. The vessel is able to hold a liquid, and has therein an image supporting member. The image supporting member has at least an electrode, which can supply current or an electric field in accordance with an image pattern, and a surface which can support an image; and a counter electrode which forms a pair of electrodes together with the electrode. The electrodeposition material is deposited and precipitated to form an image by supplying current or an electric field in accordance with an image pattern to the image supporting member and the counter electrode and by changing the pH value of the aqueous dispersion in the vicinity of the image supporting surface of the image supporting member.

Abstract: A method of immersing a substrate into electrolyte solution for electroplating, the method comprising connecting an electric source between an anode immersed in the electrolyte solution and a seed layer formed on the substrate. A first voltage level of the seed layer is biased to be equal to, or more positive than, a second voltage level of the anode. The substrate is then immersed into the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a surface of a substrate for electrolytic or electroless plating of metals in integrated circuit manufacturing. In one embodiment the method includes forming a barrier layer on a substrate. A metal-seed layer is then formed on the barrier layer. The method continues by performing in situ surface treatment of the metal-seed layer to form a passivation layer on the metal-seed layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a continuous electrochemical treating line and a method for electrochemically treating at least one surface of a continuous web moving through an electrolyte solution contained within a tank. The apparatus includes at least one electrode extending across the surface of the continuous web in combination with at least two rigid, non-conductive, and non-polar bumper devices also extending the continuous web surface. The bumper devices include a slick contact surface positioned against the continuous web surface at spaced apart locations that prevent the continuous web from moving outside a pass-line through the electrolyte solution and arcing against the electrode. The bumper devices may comprise either a bumper strip or a conduit.

Abstract: A solid cryolite/alumina mixture is used as the anode in an electrolytic aluminum winning process. The mixture may be used in the form of a crust formed on the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A new plastic container compacting device, which is mainly used individually, and has as its main object to facilitate the collection of PET containers in a clean and efficient manner, by reducing their volume and the consequent benefits in the collection, transport and stowage stages thereof. Said new plastic container compacting device provides a fixed base on a straight plane (G) on which the PET container or bottle to be compacted is placed and which by means of a cap (A), the tight closures (B) and the head (D) firmly secures the container or the bottle to the device being operated. Having previously removed the cap from the latter, the operation of the lever (C) causes in turn that of the rod (E) and the latter that of the pushing piston (F), said operation results in a firm compaction resulting from the force applied in combination with the plastic submitted to it.