Abstract: In a vehicle front end panel to which a front end member including at least a radiator is assembled, an air guiding portion for guiding air into the radiator is provided integrally with a body panel portion, and a low strength portion having a mechanical strength lower than that of the panel body portion is provided in the air guiding portion. Accordingly, during a minor vehicle collision, the low strength portion of the air guiding portion is preferentially broken to absorb a collision energy. Thus, collision force applied to the panel body portion can be reduced, and it can prevent the panel body portion from being broken during the minor vehicle collision.

Abstract: A truck cab suspension system provides improved durability of the truck cab structure by reducing twisting forces applied to the cab frame from the suspension system. The suspension system provides support to the rear sill of the truck by positioning two air springs on either side of the vehicle center line under the sill and two shock absorbers aligned along the vehicle center line between the air springs. The forces applied to the cab frame rear sill balance one another avoiding twisting.

Abstract: A wheel base or mobile platform providing omnidirectional motion and control. At least two offset wheel assemblies are coupled to a platform that supports a load. Each offset wheel assembly has two wheels that share a common axis and a mechanical link that is pivotally coupled to a pivot point on the rigid platform and supports the two wheels in such a manner that the common axis is displaced from the pivot point. The common axis of the wheels is free to rotate about an axis parallel to the planes of rotation of the wheels. The platform may be turned in any direction specified by a user from any instantaneous configuration or velocity in accordance with a method uniquely specifying a torque to be applied to each of the wheels while each of the wheels is in rolling motion.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system requiring seat belt use including a car seat positioned within the vehicle. The car seat has a seat portion and a back portion. A seat belt is coupled with respect to the car seat. The seat belt is comprised of a shoulder harness and a waist belt together joined with a belt buckle. The seat belt includes a buckle receptacle secured to the seat portion for receiving the belt buckle in a locked orientation. The buckle receptacle includes a release button for releasing the belt buckle from the buckle receptacle in an unlocked orientation. A sensor system is disposed within the vehicle. The sensor system includes a main sensor in communication with the transmission of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant gas restraining system including at least one gas generator located in front of a vehicle seat and adapted to discharge a gas flow into an occupant compartment of a vehicle toward a vehicle occupant seated on the vehicle seat within the vehicle when the gas generator is activated during a vehicle collision. The gas flow is adapted to come into contact with the occupant's body, to form an enlarged occupant-contact area, and to exert a pressure on the occupant's body, thereby reducing an inertial force of the occupant's body and restraining the vehicle occupant from forward inertial movement during the vehicle collision. The entire process of restraining the vehicle occupant takes place in a fraction of a second, and it will not interfere with the driver's visibility or the ability to steer or operate other controls.

Abstract: A bearing system for an engine-transmission (motor-transmission) unit transversely installed in a vehicle body of a motor vehicle, includes a first bearing element positioned between the engine and the vehicle body, a second bearing element positioned between the engine or the transmission and the vehicle body, and a third bearing element positioned between the transmission and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle having two front wheels and two rear wheels is provided.

Abstract: A control system for coupling two final control elements as regards the actuated position and the actuating force, in which each final control element is assigned a separate force-control loop, these loops being coupled to one another by way of the actual-force values prevailing at the final control elements, is to be improved as regards its versatility for different applications. According to the invention, this is achieved by virtue of the fact that the two force-control loops are coupled by a proportionality factor, thus giving a force transmission ratio between the final control elements. The control system according to the invention can be used with particular advantage in a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle, in which case one final control element is formed by a steering handle and the other final control element is formed by steered vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individuals. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a hearing device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: A screen-type spark arrestor (34) may be efficiently and compactly mounted in a muffler (10). A tubular screen is coaxial with an exhaust pipe (24) and has a first end (36) axially spaced from the pipe and star-crimped closed, and a second end (38) axially overlapping the pipe in concentric relation and crimped thereto by a crimp ring (40). The combination is mounted as a modular component by a flange (22) closing the muffler housing (12).

Abstract: In a lubrication device of four-stroke-cycle engine, a front surface portion of a lower engine case is positioned vertically, while mounting-bases for an oil filter are formed onto the front surface portion, and an oil passage extending to an oil entrance of an oil filter from an oil pump is positioned in parallel with the matching surfaces of the engine case, as well as an additional oil passage positioned for connecting an oil exit of the oil filter and a main gallery.

Abstract: An elevator installation with hoistway doors has door panels that can be laterally displaced beyond the width of the hoistway, and/or they can be at least partially displaced into the hoistway wall resulting in an elevator installation with improved utilization of building space, which also requires less effort to install. The door frame of the hoistway door assembly is transformed into a flat, wide hoistway wall module with integral hoistway doors such that building space hitherto required in the hoistway by the hoistway wall is reduced. The hoistway wall module is either inserted between the landing floors, or else several such hoistway wall modules are fitted together vertically and form a largely freestanding modular hoistway wall which forms between the elevator installation and the building an interface which is either self-supporting or supported individually on each floor.

Abstract: A gradual release mechanism for use in a hand brake device engageable with a railway car. Such gradual release mechanism comprising an operating shaft for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally of the shaft. A clutch flange portion disposed intermediate both ends of shaft, the clutch flange having a clutch surface. A sleeve concentrically disposed and threadedly mounted on the shaft for rotational movement therewith, the sleeve having a clutch surface opposed to the clutch surface of the clutch flange portion of the shaft. An externally threaded surface on the operating shaft engageable with an internally threaded surface on the sleeve, the threads having a pitch between about 0.60 inch and about 1.00 inch. A ratchet wheel received about the shaft, such ratchet wheel having oppositely disposed clutch surfaces positioned for engagement by the clutch collar portions respectively. A pinion journaled on the shaft and adjacent the sleeve.

Abstract: In a disc brake in which the caliper is supported by a mounting slidably in the axial direction of the rotor via a pair of pin sliding means, the pin sliding means is such that a center of the caliper side axial portions (i.e. collars) mounted rotatably and integrally movably in the axial direction in insertion holes of the caliper is eccentric with respect to the center of the mounting side axial portions (i.e. slide pins) fitted rotatably and slidably in the axial direction into the installation holes in the mounting.

Abstract: A damping device with variable damping force, including a cylinder, in which a piston rod is arranged axially movably, and an adjustable damping valve which is activated as a function of the compression travel of an axle part. The adjustable damping valve is activated by a generator device. The generator device includes an equidirectional device which causes an equidirectional regulating variable to take effect on the adjustable damping valve independently of the compression direction.

Abstract: Damping-valve body, in particular for a piston-cylinder unit filled with damping fluid, having separate passages for two directions of flow, at least some of the passages having an outlet opening that is at least partially covered by at least one valve disk. Each passage has a rib that extends radially, relative to a first direction of flow of the damping fluid, from a boundary wall of the passage and bears a valve support surface for the at least one valve disk.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, especially a hydrodynamic torque converter or fluid clutch, comprises a housing arrangement with a housing hub area, where a circumferentially extending fluid passage space is provided. This space is in fluid-exchange connection with a working fluid space in the housing arrangement and also in fluid-exchange connection or capable of being brought into such connection with a fluid passage opening provided in a power takeoff element. At least certain areas of the fluid passage space are divided into chambers arranged around the circumference.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the viable wear life of friction materials used on mechanical stamping hydraulic clutch/brake units by controlling the hydraulic clutch pressure to compensate for clutch wear.

Abstract: A driving arrangement with a free-wheel coupling has a coupling sleeve (1) and a coupling hub (10) rotatably supported in the coupling sleeve (1). Both are connected, via locking pawls (24), so that, during driving of the coupling hub (10), a slaving of the coupling sleeve (1) takes place. However, a faster rotation of the coupling sleeve (1) is allowed so that the coupling sleeve (1) can overtake the coupling hub (10). Belleville springs (25, 29) achieve a breaking effect with large lagging masses. The Belleville springs (25, 29) are kept non-rotational relative to the coupling hub (10) and are supported on the end faces (8, 9) of the coupling sleeve (1). The Belleville springs (25, 29) are pre-tensioned by means of a friction face (26).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch assembly for selectively connecting a source of rotative power with a driven component having an input shaft rotatable about a shaft axis features a driven member mounted for rotational movement about the shaft axis. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes an armature disk constructed and arranged to be drivingly connected with the driven component. The armature disk is stamped within an annular portion thereof to provide oppositely facing convex and concave surfaces, and a frictional material is fixedly disposed within the concave configuration of the convex and concave surfaces. The friction material and the driven member have gripping surfaces, which interengage when a magnetic coil assembly is energized.

Abstract: The actuation device includes a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated via a release member. A measuring member of a measuring arrangement detecting an actual release is in tractive force driving engagement with an associated mating member whose position represents the actual release along a measurement path, which engagement is essentially free from play.

Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch arranged in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission in a housing having a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement arranged in the housing, which preferably comprises a pressure medium force ring cylinder. The friction clutch can be actuated by means of this pressure medium force cylinder arrangement via a release bearing arrangement which is moveable coaxial to the friction clutch. A measuring arrangement associated with the release bearing arrangement or a release bearing arrangement side of the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement or friction clutch detects an actual release with a plurality of measurement receivers arranged in the housing so as to be distributed about the clutch axis.

Abstract: An actuation device for a friction clutch which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a transmission arrangement includes a pressure medium force cylinder arrangement for actuating the friction clutch via a release member having a release bearing arrangement. A measuring arrangement detects an actual release state, i.e., an instantaneous position of the release member. A control/regulating valve arrangement is connected with a pressure medium source, a pressure compensation opening, and with the pressure medium force cylinder arrangement. The pressure medium force cylinder arrangement is actuated depending on the actual release state and on a desired release state.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive belt assembly includes a belt support that facilitates proper engagement between the drive belt and corresponding links of a step chain. The belt support preferably is positioned between a drive sheave and an idle sheave within the loop traveled by the drive belt. The belt support includes at least one moveable support member that moves responsive to movement of the drive belt while urging the drive belt into proper engagement with the step chain links.

Abstract: In the handling of cigarettes in the region of a cigarette-packaging machine or the like, the first filling operation of containers, conveying sections and cigarette magazine (12) is problematic because the cigarettes (21) are conveyed largely under their own weight during operation of the installation. In order to avoid impairment of the cigarettes as the installation is filled therewith, the containers, conveying sections and the cigarette magazine are assigned supporting and guide elements which are moved downwards or horizontally within the (empty) spaces in accordance with the filling operation, with the result that the cigarettes pass into the corresponding space with support and guidance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an arrangement for checking items (3) belonging to a commissioning order and transported on a conveyor path (1) with respect to product type and number of items (3) by aid of sensing devices (10) connected with a computer (4′). Here, each one of the items (3) is optically or opto-electronically, respectively, checked, optionally after having been individualized and aligned, while being transported.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is disclosed for providing selectively spaced products for packing in cases. The conveyor assembly includes a feed conveyor belt for supplying products and first and second pick conveyor belts. A diverter conveyor belt is disposed between the feed conveyor belt and the first and second pick conveyor belts, and adapted to selectively align the feed conveyor belt with either the first pick conveyor belt or the second pick conveyor belt. A first pick motor is operatively associated with the pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of a first pick conveyor belt. A second pick motor is operatively associated with the second pick conveyor belt for selectively controlling the speed of the second pick conveyor belt. A sensor is operatively associated with the diverter belt for sensing product on the diverter belt.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for transporting goods, such as luggage at airports, wherein the goods are placed into containers which are moved along conveyor tracks by a driving device. The containers are either moved together with the frames over a conveyor track or without the frames over a conveyor track, whereby the conveyor track driving device can directly engage and drive the container when the frame is not present.

Abstract: A measuring and classifying apparatus (transferring apparatus) for chips includes an immovable base and a turn table (transferring member). The turn table is rotatably disposed on an upper surface of the immovable base, and is provided with receiving concavities for receiving chips with the immovable base and suction passes for chucking the chips. The chips are transferred above the immovable base while being chucked in the receiving concavities. The suction passes are formed at the upper corner portions of the receiving concavities, so that the chips are chucked in such a manner that gaps are provided between the chips and the upper surface of the immovable base.

Abstract: Signatures are transported straddling on a saddle-shaped support of a conveying device by circulating drivers and are removed by means of a blade of the conveying device and are transferred to a lift-off device. The conveying device is lowered in the region of blade and the drivers push the signatures onto the essentially fixed blade. As a result of the conveying device being lowered in the region of the blade the drivers dip down after the signatures are pushed onto the blade and no longer grip the signatures.

Abstract: An ice transporting assembly transports ice and includes a sleeve and a tapered auger. The sleeve defines a frusto-conically shaped channel with an inlet having an inlet diameter and an outlet having an outlet diameter less than the inlet diameter. The tapered auger is mounted for rotation within the sleeve and is sized and adapted for positional agreement with the frusto-conically shaped channel. Ice at the inlet is transported through the frusto-conically shaped channel and out of the outlet by rotating the tapered auger about a rotational axis. Another embodiment of the ice transporting assembly includes a reducing sleeve having an upstream conduit section with an upstream conduit diameter, a downstream conduit section with a downstream conduit diameter less than the upstream conduit diameter and a tapered conduit interposing the upstream conduit section and the downstream conduit section. The tapered conduit defines a tapered channel that receives the tapered auger in positional agreement.

Abstract: A rim assembly for a roller assembly and method of forming a rim assembly for cargo mover systems are disclosed. Various steps and construction details are developed for affecting the response of the rim assembly to operative conditions. In one detailed embodiment, the roller assembly has a rim assembly having a rolling surface whose operative surface characteristics are set by the material of the surface material; and structure is disposed inwardly of the rolling surface which affects the bulk behavior of the roller assembly. In one particular embodiment, the roller assembly is adapted for use with moving doors or wall panels in elevator systems.

Abstract: A flexible endless conveyor belt with fold-over capacity contains support cables longitudinally oriented and internally disposed to the belt. The support cables are distributed throughout the medial portion and the flaps of the belt. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinged areas intermediate the flaps and the medial portion further contain fold cables of a significantly smaller cross-section than those contained in the medial portion and the flaps. In a second embodiment of the invention the hinged areas do not contain fold cables. The first and second embodiments can additionally include transverse cables oriented transversely to the support cables, thus providing third and fourth embodiments of the present invention. The four embodiments can additionally contain grooves in the hinged areas or can contain no grooves, thus providing four additional embodiments.

Abstract: A water bottle attachment with releasable concentrated flavor whereby a liftable spout is provided with a plunger portion. The plunger portion includes a cylindrical upper portion engaged by the cylindrical collar whereby upward movement of the liftable spout will not move the plunger portion and subsequent downward movement of the liftable spout will move the plunger portion downwardly. The plunger portion includes a lower plate, portion whereby the downward movement of the plunger portion will cause the lower plate portion to force a quantity of concentrated flavoring against a breakable seal to such a degree that the breakable seal will break allowing the concentrated flavoring to mix with water within a water bottle.

Abstract: A case for holding two compact discs or the like including first and second cover parts pivotally connected together so that they can be pivoted between a closed position facing each other and an open position. The cover parts and the structure for pivotally connecting them together is of the type for holding a single compact disc. A tray comprises a planar body portion and an anchor portion, the tray body portion including an annular rosette of fingers on each side thereof for releasably securing a compact disc thereto, the tray body and the tray anchor being pivotally connected together and the tray anchor being secured to one of the cover parts. As a result, when the cover parts are pivoted to an open position the tray body can be pivoted about the tray anchor to facilitate installation and removal of compact discs from both sides of the tray body.

Abstract: A rack is provided for holding a set of syringes. The syringes may be conventional syringes or unique syringes that have a hollow elongated barrel engaged by a plunger with unique relative lengths. The rack is configured to rest on a flat surface and hold the syringes so that the syringes are horizontal relative to the flat surface for easy viewing. The rack has a series of cradles adapted to hold the barrels of syringes. Each cradle has a slot configuration with an open top, two opposing sides and a bottom surface so that all of the syringe barrel can be seen to enable a user to quickly identify the contents of the syringe based on indicia on the barrel. The cradles preferably have raised portions that act as locking extensions to provide a tight fit with the syringe barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sales pack for receiving one or more products having inherent stability, and in particular tools, with a protective packaging of plastic for at least partially receiving the product, the protective packaging being made in the form of a rigid film of plastic with its own stability, which hugs the outer contour of the product at least partially with a form fit—in the manner of a skin pack—and an additional rear covering of paper, paperboard, card, plastic or the like being joined to the rigid film of plastic. In this case, the covering (4) comprises only a subregion of the rear side of the rigid film of plastic (2).

Abstract: A video cassette storage container formed as a one-piece member of polypropylene where the container has a smooth outer contour and configured sidewalls and hinge area to provide an extremely aesthetically pleasing and efficient storage container. The container further has square feet on one end thererof for endwise standing of the video storage container. The container also has a recessed front for easy opening where the recessed front is also arcuate or scalloped so as to extend inward into the container to assist in holding and centering video cassette tape. The container also has ribs on the inner surface thereof which automatically centers the video cassette and its associated literature into the storage container during manual insertion of a cassette therein.

Abstract: A retaining device for sewing machine bobbins of various sizes is formed of flexible material, generally arcuate in cross section, defining a majority of a circle but open at an outer side. The retaining device thus defines a pair of opposed flanges or sidewalls which, upon placement of a bobbin in the holder, spread apart elastically, then return to a closed position capturing the two opposed circular discs of the bobbin within the holder. In a preferred embodiment the bobbin holder is generally toroidal in shape but for the open side, forming a continuous circular trough within which bobbins of various sizes can be placed.

Abstract: A carton is provided for packaging, shipping, and dispensing a metal-backed printing blanket onto a printing press cylinder in a controlled fashion. A lengthwise slit or opening can easily be formed in a panel of the carton from which only an end of the metal-backed printing blanket may be removed. Parallel reference lines may also be included on the carton which permit alignment marks to be drawn on the printing blanket such that it may be properly inserted into a locking device of the printing press cylinder. Graspable sides of the carton facilitate tension and alignment control as the printing blanket is dispensed onto the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic roll film such as Brownie film, particularly to a sealing tape, used for the photographic roll film, which can seal a roll of film easily and reliably without the need for licking adhesive on a sealing tape as in a conventional one. The sealing tape includes a bonding portion and a release portion which are made of a single tape base. The bonding portion has a bond layer coated on the tape base for securing the sealing tape to a surface of light-shielding paper, the release portion made of a folded-over portion formed by folding over the tape base includes a tacky layer and a release layer inside the folded-over portion which are coated on the tape base separately and directly face each other and an end of the tape base is secured to the end portion of the bond layer.

Abstract: A multipart tray (1) comprises tray elements (2, 3, 4) which can be folded to form a container and in which, when open, the support points for each such tray element are coplanar with the support points of each other tray element. The multipart tray (1) can comprise three tray elements (2, 3, 4) in a linear arrangement. The container can provide a plurality of enclosures arranged to be opened in sequence. The container is intended for use as a sterile field.

Abstract: Product packaging is provided with a shell forming at least one portion in relief and a sealing film connected to the shell except at the one portion in relief, so as to form at least one product reservoir. The shell is covered at least in part by a flap. The flap is integral with or secured to the shell and/or the film via two opposite edges.

Abstract: A protective wrap is disclosed that includes a single solution to protecting rigid angled products that require vertical and horizontal strength of interior forms or posts as well as a resilient cushioning property of a flexible poly-based based product to prevent damage upon impact from mechanical or manual handling. Many applications will benefit from the opportunity to reduce costs through a reduction in packing materials and in downgrading the corrugated construction or eliminate the exterior protection of corrugated boxes. The protective wrap includes at least one layer poly-based material, such as of a closed or open cell foam secured between laminated layers of paper or, alternatively, laminated to one layer of laminated paper with the flexible poly-based material exposed. The protective wrap is formed to a rigid right angle, a C-channel, or any angled shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable dispenser (10) for dispensing a unit dose of a solid product contained in a disposable blister pack (25). The dispenser (10) includes a housing (11), a back plate (30), and a dispensing tray (40). The blister pack (25) containing product is positioned between the housing (11) and the back plate (30), and the product is dispensed through the back plate (30) into the dispensing tray (40) where it can be acquired for use. A puncture tab (35) is integrated into the back plate (30) for aiding in rupturing the backing (28) of the blister pack (25) to dispense the product more easily.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus includes a medicine tray, the tray including at least one closeable compartment, an information card, the information card containing at least a photograph of medication to be taken by a patient and textual information concerning the medication and a coupling means for attaching the medicine tray to the information card.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a lower cap, an inner container and an upper cap. The lower cap and the upper cap are firmly combined together with a front post and a rear post of the lower cap respectively mating with the upper cap. A space is formed between the upper and the lower caps for the inner container to be positioned therein when not in use. The inner container is pushed and swung out of the space for using cosmetics stored in chambers formed in an upper portion of the inner container and a mirror is fixed in a lower portion of the inner container.

Abstract: A compact portable pack for holding diapers, wet baby wipes, and reclosable disposable bags. The pack comprises a container base of plastic material comprising a rectangular sidewall and a partition wall. The rectangular sidewall extends between two opposing ends and includes pairs of parallel sides. The partition wall intersects all sides separating the container base into a wipe compartment at one end and a diaper compartment at the other end. The wipe compartment holds wet baby wipes while the diaper compartment holds diapers. Lids of plastic material are integrally hinged to the rectangular on different sides and at opposite ends of the container base. Each lid is movable between open and closed positions. In the closed position the lids engage the container base to close the diaper compartment and wipe compartment. A resilient clip is supported by the lid covering the diaper compartment and retains reclosable disposable bags.

Abstract: Reusable bulk packaging comprises a plastics bag having an opening which is closable by means of a zip fastener attached to the body of the bag, typically by means of an adhesive or by welding. Exemplary packaging is a flexible intermediate bulk container or a pallet cover (1). The plastics bag may be made out of bubble film, optionally laminated to aluminium foil.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for protecting electronic components from damage during transport or “drop testing.” A packaging system of the present invention includes a novel cover tape bonded to a carrier tape, which cover tape includes a foam layer attached thereto on its underside. The foam layer prevents excessive movement of the electronic components within the cavities, thereby protecting the leads and other parts of the components from damage. The method for protecting the components in the cavities of the carrier tape includes attaching the foam layer on the underside of the cover tape before sealing the cover tape on the carrier tape. When the cover tape is bonded to the carrier tape with the components placed in the cavities, the foam layer prevents excessive movement of the components therein.