Abstract: A roller-cone rock bit in which the compensation reservoir is integrated with a hydrostatically-asymmetric seal, such as a V-seal, which provides pressure relief. This seal not only relieves overpressure during filling, and when the grease thermally expands as the bit first goes downhole, but also compensates transient overpressures during operation.

Abstract: A gage trimmer and a bit incorporating such a gage trimmer are provided. The gage trimmer has an ultra hard material layer having a circumferential surface including a cylindrical portion and a flat surface for bearing against a circumferential wall of the a hole drilled by the bit. The ultra hard material layer is formed over a substrate interface surface. The flat surface does not extend to the interface surface.

Abstract: An electronic writing instrument includes a finger pad that supports a user's finger when the user is using the writing instrument. The user's finger rests on the finger pad in such a way that a fingerprint of the user's finger can be scanned by a fingerprint scanner located in the writing instrument to obtain fingerprint data. The fingerprint data is transmitted to a computing device where the fingerprint data is converted into a private key code. Alternatively, the fingerprint data is converted into the private key code in the writing instrument and the private key code is transmitted to the computing device. The transmission may be through a wired or wireless link. The private key code is used to create a public key code, which is incorporated into an electronic signature. The electronic signature may then be affixed to an electronic document to verify that the user signed the document.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.

Abstract: The vehicle M which is a fuel cell loading type electric vehicle includes a fuel cell 30, thermoregulator 20 to adjust the temperature of the fuel cell 30; humidifier 40 to supply moisture to the fuel cell; and the high-pressure hydrogen containers 14 and 14, which is filled up with hydrogen. The thermoregulator 20, a fuel cell 30, the humidifier 40, and the high-pressure hydrogen containers 14 and 14 are disposed covering from the front position to the back position of the vehicle, and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in this order. Even when there is a collision of vehicles etc., equipment of the fuel cell system, especially a fuel cell is protected from being damaged and also the space of a vehicle compartment or a load room is fully secured, and further, behavior stability etc. is good.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped, inter alia, with a main drive engine, an electric motor, an air compressor and with an electric current source. To permit an energy-optimized, functional operation of the air compressor, the air compressor is driven by the main drive engine provided the main drive engine is running at sufficient speed, or otherwise, as required, by an electric motor, for example, via a power take-off transmission. In this context, the air compressor provides the process air required for the operation of a fuel cell that also supplies the electric motor.

Abstract: In a parallel hybrid vehicle, an revolution speed of an engine, a revolution speed of a motor/generator, and a regenerative power obtained by the motor/generator are calculated under both of released and clutched states of a lock-up clutch for each gear speed range achievable by a transmission on the basis of an estimated requested vehicular deceleration state and a driving state related to one of the gear speed ranges of the transmission and an operation state of the clutch is selected on the basis of the engine speed of the engine, the revolution speed of the motor/generator, and a regenerative power obtained by the motor/generator calculated as described above in such a manner that as a charge state of the charge device becomes smaller, the regenerative power obtained by means of the motor/generator becomes larger.

Abstract: A circuit board having an impact sensor element thereon is mounted on a depressed portion formed between a pair of thick portions of a supporting member. The supporting member includes a pair of protecting walls between which a connector leading out electrical signals from the circuit board is disposed. The supporting member is fixed to a support frame of a vehicle by screws or bolts inserted through the thick portions. The supporting member is formed with a resin material as a unitary body. Since the circuit board and the connector are mounted on the supporting member at positions protected by solid structures of the supporting member, they are prevented from being hit by vehicle parts falling apart when a collision occurs.

Abstract: An airbag case that stores an airbag is disposed on a hood inner panel at a location close to an engine compartment. The airbag case is not fixed directly to a hood outer panel. An opening is formed in a portion of the hood outer panel located on a rear side of the airbag case as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the opening, there is provided a hood garnish panel that turns over rearward upon deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted four cycle engine control device which includes an oil pressure detecting sensor that detects a pressure of lubricating oil circulated under pressure in an engine. An oil pressure detecting sensor failure judging system judges whether or not the oil pressure detecting sensor has failed. An engine speed judging system judges whether or not a speed of the engine is equal to or above a predetermined engine speed. A pressure state judging system judges whether or not the lubricating oil pressure detected by the oil pressure detecting sensor continues to be in a state of being lower than a predetermined reference pressure for a predetermined time interval or more.

Abstract: A refueling safety system for a vehicle with a switch attached to a fuel door to prevent a vehicle's engine from functioning while the fuel door is opened and being refueled.

Abstract: A substantially V-shaped cylinder block is provided with a chain arrangement for transmitting the rotation of a crankshaft to camshafts, a chain cover for covering the chain arrangement at the front side of the cylinder block, and a mounting bracket fixed to a mounting portion disposed at the top of an engine bank of the cylinder block and to a mounting portion disposed at an outer side of a cylinder bank of the cylinder block.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a pair of right and left propelling wheels, an engine disposed rearwardly of axles of the propelling wheels, a pair of right and left transmission cases corresponding to the propelling wheels and supporting the propelling wheels, respectively, a pair of right and left HSTs coupled to the transmission cases for outputting power thereto, respectively, a center case housing a power distributor for transmitting power from the engine to the pair of right and left HSTs, and a mower unit disposed forwardly of the propelling wheels. The center case is disposed forwardly of the axles of the propelling wheels.

Abstract: An engine motion restrictor for limiting movements of a vehicle engine relative to a vehicle structure, the engine motion restrictor including a first strength member connected to an intermediate member through an elastomer mount, and a flexible cable which connects the intermediate member to a second strength member.

Abstract: The subject inventive steering damper assembly includes a rotor sleeve having open first and second ends and a drive plate disposed in the open second end. A core is co-axially disposed in the rotor sleeve closing the open first end of the rotor sleeve and defining a magnetic fluid chamber with the sleeve. A Magneto-Rheological fluid is disposed in the magnetic fluid chamber. The drive plate is flexible to provide manufacturing and operational tolerance, and is securely attached to the open second end of the rotor sleeve. Flexibility is derived from at least one aperture disposed in the drive plate. The aperture may be formed in a variety of shapes including elongated, round and oval shaped apertures.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a torsion bar, which is twistable around its axis for an amount corresponding to a steering torque applied to a steering shaft, a torque sensor, an electric motor, which is driven through a drive circuit to provide the steering shaft with steering assisting force, and motor control means for obtaining a steering torque from a digital signal transmitted from sensor and outputting a drive Duty signal to the drive circuit so that a current suitable for the steering torque is supplied to the electric motor. The torque sensor includes a permanent magnet, a magnetic body, and a Hall IC having a galvanomagnetic element, an AD converter circuit, and a serial communication circuit for digital communications with the motor control means through a communication line and a power supply ground line.

Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which is capable of effectively enhancing its muffling effect without any substantial increase in size, weight or manufacturing cost. The exhaust gas ejected from an exhaust port of the internal combustion engine is divided in the muffler into at least two flows. The divided exhaust gas flows are subsequently impinged against each other before the divided exhaust gas flows are finally discharged from a final exhaust port to the external atmosphere. More specifically, this muffler comprises an expansion chamber into which the exhaust gas is to be introduced from the exhaust port, and the expansion chamber is provided with at least two impingement openings for enabling the exhaust gas to be divided into at least two exhaust gas flows which are designed to be subsequently impinged against each other.

Abstract: Acoustic attenuation materials are described that comprise outer layers of a stiff material sandwiching a relatively soft elastic material therebetween, with means such as spheres, discs or wire mesh being provided within the elastic material for generating local mechanical resonances that function to absorb sound energy at tunable wavelengths.

Abstract: A safety harness with a front D-ring includes an upper body portion and a lower body portion. A front D-ring is positioned at a front of the upper body portion where a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap cross. A single length of webbing is used to form a first end of the first shoulder strap, form a first end of the second shoulder strap and connect the front D-ring in a fixed position relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap. The single length of webbing is wrapped around a cross-piece of the front D-ring and the first end of the first shoulder strap is formed from a first loop of the single length of webbing sewn together and the second end of the second shoulder strap is formed from a second loop of the single length of webbing sewn together.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated ladder comprises two outer casing parts, two inner casing parts, an arched lock piece, and an extension spring. The inner casing parts pivotally engages with the outer casing parts and the arched lock piece is located in the inner casing parts. The spring has one hook end thereof engaging with the locating tab of one of the inner casing parts. The arched lock piece is an integral piece providing with two parallel arched parts spacing apart from each other. Each of the parallel arched parts further provides three short posts extending outward from a facial side thereof to be slidably received in the three arched openings on the inner casing parts respectively. A hook tongue extends outward from one of the flat connecting parts to engage with the other hook end of the spring.

Abstract: A security and safety locking system for a portable tree stand, the system having a mounting plate to be permanently attached to the tree stand, for mounting the tree stand to a tree, a lock lug for fastening the mounting plate to the tree, and a locking block for lockably receiving a portion of the lock lug, to prevent unauthorized removal thereof.

Abstract: a flexible, bag-like, receptacle for use when removing a vehicle oil filter. The receptacle has a body which is larger at the open upper end to receive the filter and to catch drips and spills. After the filter is removed by grasping the exterior of the receptacle and contained filter, the contents may be sealed for disposal. In one embodiment, the receptacle has an integrally formed glove or mitt.

Abstract: To be used with an internal combustion engine having a crank case wherein engine oil is contained, and an engine internal oil pressure system structured to distribute lubricating oil to moving and wearing parts of the engine from the crank case, an engine pre-lubrication system which includes an oil reservoir to contain a quantity of engine oil to be supplied through an oil flow corridor of the reservoir to the engine internal oil pressure system for pre-lubrication of the engine. The pre-lubrication system is structured to constantly maintain an acceptable supply of oil within the reservoir and will supply pre-lubricating oil upon a burst of air being initiated and directed into the oil reservoir, through an air flow corridor, so as to displace oil contained in the reservoir out through the oil flow corridor for pre-lubrication of the engine.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: An improvement for lift equipment having a lift cage and a counterweight movable in a lift shaft with travel buffers at at least one end permits override of safety brake operation when buffer travel occurs. The invention comprises a blocking device which blocks operation of the safety brake, and may include a blocking lever connected to a trip lever mechanism of the safety brake and a blocking element which controls the movement of the blocking lever.

Abstract: A load bearing member, such as a polymer cord reinforced belt, includes at least one element of a different material having a characteristic that distinguishes it from the polymer fibers that make up the strands of the cord. The element of second material has a configuration that is repeated along the length of the load bearing member. The configuration of the second material element provides a readily detectible indication of localized strain on the load bearing member. As the load bearing member is strained over time, the configuration of the second material element is also altered. Analyzing the configuration of the second material element along the length of the load bearing member provides information regarding the condition of the belt.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly, such as a polymer cord, reinforced belt, includes at least one element of a ferromagnetic material associated with each cord that comprises one or more non-ferromagnetic materials. The ferromagnetic element is associated with the cord such that a physical characteristic of the ferromagnetic element changes responsive to strain on the non-ferromagnetic fibers. In one example, the ferromagnetic element is a steel wire that breaks in areas that are strained, caused by bending fatigue, for example. Detecting a number of changes (i.e., breaks) in the ferromagnetic element along the length of the load bearing assembly provides an indication of the belt condition.

Abstract: A friction applying apparatus and a linear guide apparatus having the same, according to the present invention can uniformly contact allover contacting faces of sliding members to the contacted members so as to reduce abrasion in the sliding members and the contacted members, and may maintain appropriate frictional force and precision. In the friction applying apparatus forcing the sliding members moving along guide rails for generating friction, the sliding member is made of a material having elastic modulus being 5000 MPa or less and Vickers hardness being 400 or more.

Abstract: A braking apparatus comprises a first contact unit arranged on the rotary shaft side of a wheel, at least a second contact unit for contacting the first contact unit for generating a friction force, an actuator for pressing the second contact unit against the first contact unit, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator, wherein the control unit performs the position control operation for moving the second contact unit in such a manner that the interval between the first contact unit and the second contact unit is smaller than a preset distance, and the force control operation for pressing the second contact unit against the first contact unit in accordance with the required braking force.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering damper (9) is designed to be fitted inside a steering sleeve (3) between the steering sleeve (3) itself and a steering pin (2) that is coaxial with the sleeve (3) and having an axis of rotation (A). The damper (9) comprises a cylindrical lining (11), that can be fixed to the steering sleeve (3), and a cylindrical wall (13), that can be fixed to the steering pin (2). The lining (11) and the wall (13) form between them a gap (16) designed to hold a hydraulic fluid (17) and divided into a first and a second chamber (28, 29), which are in fluid communication with each other through a conduit (30). The damper (9) further comprises a blade (25) attached to the cylindrical wall (13) and designed to push the fluid (17) from one to the other of the chambers (28, 29) when the steering pin (2) is rotated relative to the steering sleeve (3).

Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes: a damper mass having a housing member with an accommodation space, an independent mass member housed within the accommodation space with a slight spacing therebetween so that the independent mass member is independent of the housing member and is freely displaceable within the accommodation space of the housing member to come into impact on the housing member via an elastic member; and a metallic spring member to be fixed at a plurality of fixing portions thereof on the vibrative member for elastically supporting the damping mass vibrative member, such that the housing member of the damper mass is fixed to a portion of the metallic spring member through which an principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member extends, and that a center of gravity of the damper mass is located on the principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for braking or decelerating a moving mass, as well as a suitable braking and damping element.

Abstract: A collapsible bag construction includes a telescoping handle mounted on a bracket with a portion of the bracket extending along the bottom edge of the collapsible bag and cooperative with a supplemental or auxiliary rigid bottom panel that may be removed to permit the collapsible bag to be folded for storage.

Abstract: A collapsible multi-compartment cargo organizer including a top compartment and a bottom compartment disposed atop one another. Each compartment is accessed though either a top or side zipper opening. The cargo organizer is particularly well suited to store items in the back of a sports utility vehicle, van, or station wagon.

Abstract: A brake is provided that includes a friction disc assembly having two opposing friction discs separated by at least one resilient biasing member. A brake disc is positioned between the friction discs of the friction disc assembly and is splined to rotate with the shaft. A side of each friction disk that faces the brake disc is covered with a friction material. In normal operations, the friction discs are spaced apart from the brake disc. When it is desired to slow the rotation of the shaft, a release member contacts and compresses the friction disc assembly against a housing causing the friction material on each of the friction discs to contact and slow rotation of the brake disc. The present invention is particularly suited for use as a clutch brake for slowing rotation of an input shaft disposed between a clutch and a transmission of a vehicle.

Abstract: A housing arrangement for a friction clutch, especially for a multi-disk clutch, where the housing arrangement is designed approximately in the shape of a cup and is provided with a bottom area and an edge area for connection to a flywheel. At least one air through-opening is provided in the bottom area, each opening being bounded by a front edge and a rear edge with respect to the direction of rotation, the front edge being axially offset toward the interior of the housing with respect to said rear edge.

Abstract: Each clutch disk has a hub area designed to be connected nonrotatably to a power takeoff element and a friction surface area designed to be clamped between opposing friction surfaces. Each clutch disk has a torsional vibration damper arrangement including two cover disk elements connected to the hub area for rotation in common, and a central disk element connected to the friction surface area for rotation in common. The central disk element is or can be brought into torque-transmitting connection with the cover disk elements via a damper element arrangement. The central disk element has a damper element interaction area and, radially outside the damper element interaction area, a friction surface carrier area, which is offset with respect to the damper element interaction area in the direction of an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch, which assembly includes a housing; a pressure plate connected to the housing for rotation in common around an axis of rotation and which is free to move axially with respect to the housing; a stored-energy device, which pretensions the pressure plate in the axial direction with respect to the housing; a wear-compensating device which acts in the path of support between the stored-energy device and at least one of the housing and the pressure plate and comprises at least one wear-compensating element which is free to move when wear occurs and/or when wear is compensated; an indicator arrangement, comprising at least one indicator opening in the housing and at least one indicator element on a wear-compensating element.

Abstract: A transport-securing arrangement for a pressure plate assembly of a multi-disk clutch including a housing arrangement connectable to a flywheel, a pressure plate coupled to the housing arrangement for common rotation therewith, a stored-energy device having one side supported on the housing arrangement and another side supported on the pressure plate arrangement. The pressure plate assembly also includes an intermediate plate connected to the housing arrangement for common rotation therewith and a first clutch disk with a friction surface area positioned between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate. The transport-securing arrangement comprises a plurality of connecting elements, preferably bolt elements, for tightly connecting the intermediate plate to the housing arrangement.

Abstract: A process for adjusting a friction clutch system of the type including a housing arrangement; a pressure plate; a stored-energy device supported against the housing and the pressure plate; a wear-compensating device installed in the path of support between the stored-energy device and one of the housing arrangement and the pressure plate, this device having a detection element on the pressure plate, which in association with a stop element fixed with respect to the housing arrangement, detects the amount of wear which has occurred in the friction clutch; a clutch-release mechanism for exerting force on the stored-energy device in the direction opposite its relaxation direction in order to carry out release operations; and a transmission shaft braking arrangement which is activated when a brake-release position is reached during a clutch-release operation.

Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a multi-disk clutch includes a housing arrangement, a pressure plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as an axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation and an intermediate plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as the axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation. A release distance preset arrangement for the intermediate plate includes at least one sensing element on the intermediate plate which rests on an assembly which shifts position during the performance of a releasing movement of the pressure plate. The at least one sensing element allows the intermediate plate to execute a releasing movement corresponding to the shift of this assembly. The at least one sensing element contacting the assembly is pretensioned by an intermediate plate release force-generating arrangement acting on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A clutch including an output hub on an output frame, an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub. An input hub is attached on an end of the input shaft, and a spring engages the input hub and the output hub. A locking spring clamp attaches the spring to the input hub. The input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. An electronic control system for the clutch is also described that makes possible the use of the apparatus for electromechanical joint control in an orthotic or prosthetic device.

Abstract: A currency processing system comprises a first currency bill processing device having a plurality of output receptacles and a second currency bill processing device having at least one output receptacle. The second currency bill processing device is communicatively interfaced with the first currency bill processing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting fraud upon a money or token accepting device is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus operates in a coin path configured to accept and direct a coin. Prior to credit being provided for a coin or other item of value, the method and apparatus detects and/or analyzes objects in the coin path. The fraud detection system may comprise a sensor mounted to monitor a coin rake or other gating device and/or one or more emitter/detector pairs located in the coin path that transmit energy across the coin path for detection by a detector. The emitter/detector pairs may utilize complex signal schemes to detect fraud perpetration devices. Upon detection of fraud, the money acceptance system will not provide credit or product and a warning or signal may be provided to authorities or to tilt the machine to prevent further attempts at fraud.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the transport of plates from a plate transport device to a plate storage rack or similar device, including a robotic arm having at its free end a plate engagement structure, the plate transport device is provided with a recess over which the plate can be centered and into which the plate engagement structure can be moved to engage the plate from the bottom side thereof and lift an remove the plate from the plate transport device.

Abstract: The purpose of this patent is an “Automatic alternating fruit feeder to a cell receiver in quincunxes”, the use of which is explained in the title of the invention.

Abstract: A conveyor device capable of conveying a belt-like material from a lower site to an upper site without elongating the belt-like material and without applying unrequired stress thereto.

Abstract: A non-marking web conveyance roller has a generally irregular surface with a plurality of rounded up features that promotes superior venting of entrained air. The surface finish of the roller, formed by a thermal spray process, prevents the formation of impression and honing defects on the conveyed web.

Abstract: A contact assembly for an accumulation conveyor includes a support member having a cavity dimensioned to receive a force producing device. A contact member is positioned between the force producing device and the conveying rollers and reciprocates with respect to the conveying rollers. The contact member includes a wheel assembly which, when vertically reciprocated by the force-producing device, places the drive belt into driving contact with the conveying rollers. The wheel assembly is configured to move in a substantially transverse direction to the direction of movement of the drive belt to maintain alignment between the drive belt and the contact assembly.