Abstract: A first switching member, having a claw portion engageable with a claw portion of a first gear, is slidably mounted on a crank shaft without causing any relative rotation therebetween. A first urging member resiliently urges the first switching member so that the claw portion of the first switching member is engaged with the claw portion of the first gear. A second switching member, having a claw portion engageable with a claw portion of a second gear, is slidably mounted on an intermediate shaft without causing any relative rotation therebetween. A second urging member resiliently urges the second switching member so that the claw portion of the second switching member is engaged with the claw portion of the second gear.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool structure including a main body integrally having an elbow. A pneumatic motor, a switch unit and an intake unit are disposed in the main body. A driving unit is disposed in the elbow. The elbow has a top section formed with an opening corresponding to the main body. The pneumatic motor is placed into the main body from upper side through the opening. A cover is disposed on the elbow for closing/opening the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to protect explosive components used in various tools, such as tools for use in wellbores, includes a component with an adsorptive material. Example tools include perforating gun strings that include shaped charges, detonating cords, and booster explosives. Other tools may include surface tools containing explosive components. The adsorptive material is placed inside a container. A temperature-activated mechanism is used to open the container. The temperature-activated mechanism includes an element formed of a shape memory metal or plural layers with different coefficients of thermal expansion, such as a bi-metallic strip.

Abstract: A lubrication system and method for dispensing a lubricant to threads of a drill rod and/or a spindle of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine during a rod loading or unloading operation employs a pumping system having a lubricant reservoir, a pump, an applicator, and a lubricant supply conduit coupled between the pump and applicator. A heating unit is coupled to the pumping station and heats lubricant contained within the pumping system. A control unit coupled to the pumping system activates the pumping system to dispense a volume of lubricant from the applicator to the threads of the drill rod and/or spindle in response to an operator signal or an HDD machine control signal. A lubricant may be sprayed onto the spindle/drill rod threads. Alternatively, the lubricant may be communicated through a passageway defined within the spindle to one or more apertures defined within the threads of the spindle and/or the drill rod.

Abstract: Two working pistons (AK1, AK2) strike on the anvil (10) of a drill device or a rock breaking device. One working piston (AK1) is a solid piston, while the other (AK2) is an annular piston. Both working pistons can work at the same or substantially the same rate. In general, the percussion rate acting on the anvil (10) can be doubled with two working pistons. The working pistons can be controlled in common or independent from each other. In a synchronous mode with equal phase, the impact energy is multiplied; in an asynchronous mode or a mode with opposite phases, the percussion rate is increased.

Abstract: A working tool for use with a percussion power tool and including a cushioning elongate stem (3), and a head (4) connected with the stem (3) for joint rotation therewith and for a limited axial displacement relative thereto, with the tool head (4) being adapted, with respect to its resistance associated with its cushioning properties, to characteristics of the percussion piston (5) of the power tool and with the tool stem (3) and the tool head (4) having mutually abutting each other end surfaces (10) which form at least a partially flat contact upon abutting each other.

Abstract: A drill pipe (1; 12) has a journal (2; 15) formed thereon. Integrally formed stop collars (10, 11; 16, 17) are provided at each end of the journal (2; 15). The arrangement enables rotatable tools (18) to be fitted directly to a journal (2; 15) to reduce friction between the rotatable tool (18) and the journal (2; 15). The journal (2; 15) may be of a substantially greater length than the length of the rotatable tool (18) to facilitate lubrication and cooling. Alternatively removable stop collars (30; 31) are secured adjacent the ends of a journal (28) formed on the drill pipe (25). Methods of forming the journal surface (2; 15) during manufacture of a drill pipe are disclosed. There are also disclosed methods for reconditioning an existing drill pipe (20) to form a journal (21) thereon.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system comprising a combustion engine, an electric motor and at least one nickel-metal hydride battery module forming a power source for providing electric power to the electric motor, the at least one nickel-metal hydride battery module having a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by: P>1,375−15E where P is the peak power density as measured in Watts/kilogram and E is the energy density as measured in Watt-hours/kilogram.

Abstract: In a driving system comprising an engine, a plurality of motor-generators and a plurality of coaxial differential mechanisms, rotating output axes of the plurality of motor-generators are disposed parallel to and opposite to a rotating output axis of the engine. The coaxial differential mechanisms are arranged between the engine and the motors. The coaxial differential mechanisms are disposed so that straight lines passing through rotating axes of at least two of the coaxial differential mechanisms are parallel to each other, and the output power of the engine is transmitted to the coaxial differential mechanisms through gears. It is possible to provide a small sized and high productive driving system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a disc assembly to a bicycle wheel's hub. The disc assembly is clamped to the hub using a backing member in the form of a split washer assembly. Bolts connect the disc assembly to three split washer segments. The disc assembly can be either a motor drive sprocket or a disc brake rotor.

Abstract: During ordinary travel, a direction change cylinder (51) is actuated by an orbit roll (58) by turning a steering wheel (16) right and left, so that the rear wheels (4) can be turned for direction change in response to the operation of the steering wheel. When the direction change cylinder is actuated to the limit, the right and left rear wheels can be turned for direction change into an inclined state with their rear ends approaching each other, thereby making it possible to make a pivot turn. The front and rear wheel turning devices (30, 50) are actuated to turn the front wheels (3) and rear wheels around vertical axes (27, 49) for direction change by 90 degrees (directed exactly sideways). At this time, in the rear wheel turning device, with the direction change cylinder put in the neutral position, the rear wheel transverse travel cylinders (53) are actuated to turn the rear wheels for direction change by 90 degrees.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a vehicle between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The assembly includes a bell form of a constant velocity joint being supported by a bearing mounted to one of the vehicle knuckle and the wheel hub. The bell form further includes a collar that has a connector, and a spindle of the wheel hub has a connector in close proximity to the bell form connector. A clutch ring actuated by an actuator is moved by the actuator between engagement with one of the connectors and engagement with both of the connectors.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a bogey beam pivotally connected to the chassis of the vehicle. The bogey beam supports the front axle at a forward end thereof and is connected to a suspension strut at the rearward end thereof. The pivotal connection of the bogey beam to the vehicle chassis is at a point intermediate of the forward and rearward ends. The suspension strut takes the place of a middle axle from a three-axle utility vehicle configuration to permit the construction of a two-axle embodiment of the utility vehicle without requiring a significant change in the configuration of the vehicle. Loads placed on the load bed of the vehicle are still distributed to the front axle through the connection of the chassis with the bogey beam.

Abstract: A simulated steering feel system 10 is provided including a magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12. The magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12 is utilized to impart improved feedback, torque to a steering wheel 32.

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

Abstract: A loudspeaker is disclosed in which a cone driver operates into one end of an acoustic channel having acoustically closed sides and an acoustically open front. A longitudinally extended member is mounted directly in front of, and in alignment with, the driver, so as to restrict the free space within the channel. The rear of the longitudinally extending member effectively extends within the voice coil former, such that the volume defined between the rear of the longitudinally extending member and the loudspeaker is an annulus. The profile of the longitudinally extending member differs in its vertical and horizontal planes so as to provide a lower acoustic impedance in one plane than in the other.

Abstract: An air induction system comprises an air induction body, a speaker with a first diaphragm disposed about the air induction body, and a second diaphragm spaced from the first diaphragm. A signal is generated from the first diaphragm and transmitted to the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm generates a noise attenuating sound.

Abstract: A modular hoarding includes vertical posts secured to the ground. The vertical posts are spaced apart. Detachable, horizontally oriented cross-members are secured to the vertical posts. Detachable wall panels are secured to the horizontally oriented cross-members. The wall panels are secured in abutting positions to form a modular wall structure. The cross-members and wall panels are secured to the posts and cross-members respectively so that the cross-members and panels may be detached after use. The cross-members may be secured at various selected positions along the vertical posts. Similarly, the wall panels may be secured to the cross-members at various selected positions relative to the cross-members.

Abstract: A construction material holding system for supporting a plurality of elongate materials upon a walk board without interfering with the usage of the walk board. The construction material holding system includes a plurality of support units each comprised of a support bracket that is removably attachable to a walk board, a vertical support member extending from the support bracket, a first rack attached to an upper portion of the vertical support member, and a second rack attached to an upper end of the first rack. The second rack is preferably removably attached to the first rack for allowing various configurations thereof.

Abstract: A device for distributing an oil-air mixture to various lubrication channels disposed in a bore (10) of a machine housing, comprises at least one cylindrical distributor (1) which is sealed on at least one of its front sides (8) towards the bore wall by a sealing ring (7) and whose axial position in the bore (10) is determined by at least one spacer (2), whereby the distributor (1) and the spacer (2) are introduced individually into the bore (10).

Abstract: The automatic dish serving system includes: a supply center for supplying articles such as food and drink; a customer's seat to which the articles are served; a carrier wagon traveling along a route between the supply center and the customer's seat for carrying the articles of food and drink loaded on the carrier wagon; and a route guide device for guiding the carrier wagon so as to take an appropriate route, wherein the customer's seat is provided with a turntable for retaining the served articles of food and drink and provided with an arrival portion to which the carrier wagon arrives and wherein the carrier wagon is provided with a transfer device for transferring the articles between the turntable and the carrier wagon.

Abstract: A double brake protection device for elevator is provided. The device comprises at least one of emergency means and electromagnetic means coupled to brake in order to effect a stepwise stopping procedure for preventing elevator from free falling after brake is released.

Abstract: A bicycle cable disc brake is provided with a cam assembly that has improved efficiency during movement under high pressure. Basically, the cable disc brake has a cable housing, a pair of friction members and an actuated mechanism. The first friction member is movably coupled to the caliper housing between a release position and a braking position. The second caliper is also coupled to the caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to the first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween. The actuated mechanism is movably coupled to the caliper housing to move the first friction member from the release position towards the second friction member to the braking position. The actuated mechanism has a pair of cam members movably arranged between an axially retracted position and an axially extended position with a guide member interconnecting the cam members during movement between the axial retracted position and the axially extended position.

Abstract: The invention is a brake disk. The brake disk has at least one friction ring which can be engaged by a brake shoe on at least one side. The friction ring is divided into at least two ring segments having mutually facing end areas configured to be coupled with one another adjacent a junction and separation area. A separation gap is formed between the mutually facing end areas, which mesh with one another. At least one connection device is positioned in the junction and separation area for coupling the ring segments together.

Abstract: An eddy current braking apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stator, a coil of wire, and a drum. The stator has a plurality of poles and is mountable to a frame of a vehicle. The coil of wire is wound about each of the plurality of poles and wherein adjacent coils are electrically connected to form an electromagnet. The drum is adapted to receive a wheel and tire assembly and wherein the drum is rotatably mounted to a vehicle axle, and wherein an eddy current is developed between the drum and the stator, from the relative motion of the drum with respect to the stator, thereby retarding rotation of the drum and wheel and tire assembly.

Abstract: The compensator consists of at least one flexible and preferably elastic braiding (8), fitted up outside onto the cylinder (1) of the shock absorber, seal-fastened with its own ends onto said cylinder by means of suitable fastening means (19, 10) and carried out in such a way as to contain a chamber with variable volume (C) occupied by oil and communicating with at least one of the inside chambers of the shock absorber, for instance with the chamber with the larger volume, by means of holes provided on said cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus that minimizes shock/vibrational motion in interposer sockets. The ability to control shock/vibration can ensure successful operation and substantially increase socket lifetime. The present invention discloses a device for maintaining a heat sink in a desired relationship to a mounting base while limiting the transmission of shock and vibrational motion to and from the heat sink includes a fastener extending from the mounting base, a spring compressed between the fastener and the heat sink, and a damper compressed between the fastener and the sink wherein the fastener maintains the spring and the damper in a compressed state such that the spring and the damper bear on said heat sink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock-on device including a member and a grounding pad. A first end of the member is configured to be connected to a guide frame of a rail vehicle. The grounding pad is attached to a second end of the member. The grounding pad may be attached to the member in any location suitable for collecting ground from the guide beam during use. A pair of lock-on devices is installed on the vehicle, such that one is located on each side of the guide beam. Since the lock-on device is attached to the guide frame of the vehicle and engages the underneath of the guide beam, any force tending to tip the vehicle will cause the lock-on device to “grab” the guide beam. The relationship of the guide beam and the grounding pad prevents the vehicle from tipping. Thus, track jumping and roll over are inhibited.

Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.

Abstract: A transmission assembly comprising an overrunning clutch assembly comprising a race having an inner annular contact surface, a plurality of sprags provided along the inner annular contact surface of the race, and defining a drive space, means for retaining the plurality of sprags along the inner annular contact surface of the race, a shaft having a drive portion with a drive diameter sufficient to cause rotation of the shaft in response to a rotation of the race when the drive portion is positioned at least partially within the drive space and means for moving the drive portion of the shaft at least partially into and out of the drive space.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.

Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for transferring drive torque from a primary shaft to a secondary shaft. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rotary members. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A first spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one end segment of the split first ring. A second spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the opposite end segment of the split first ring. A moveable pin actuator controls movement of the first and second pins for establishing distinct operational modes.

Abstract: A ratchet type one-way clutch in which an outer ring is made of aluminum is improved in durability. In order to solve such problems as an increase in the number of parts, complication, bulkiness, an increase in weight and an increase in cost, there is provided a one-way clutch with the lock-up function also having the function of idly rotating only in one direction and the function of blocking the rotation in both directions. In a ratchet type one-way clutch having an outer ring having a pocket in the inner periphery thereof, an inner ring disposed coaxially with the outer ring and having a notch in the outer periphery thereof, a pawl contained in the pocket and fitted in the notch of the inner ring for transmitting torque between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a resilient member for biasing the pawl toward the inner ring, the outer ring is made of aluminum, and the inner peripheral side surface of the outer ring is subjected to a hardening process.

Abstract: A one-way clutch adapted to be disposed in parallel with a hydraulic friction element includes a first plate adapted to connect to an inner member of the hydraulic friction element and a second plate disposed so as to face the first plate in an axial direction thereof and adapted to connect to an outer member of the hydraulic friction element. The first plate has pocket portions concavely provided in an axially internal surface thereof. The second plate has notched portions concavely provided in an axially internal surface thereof, and pawls are tiltably mounted in the pocket portions of the first plate. The first plate is formed integrally with the inner member of the hydraulic friction element.

Abstract: A face clutch coupling device between rotating members comprises a first clutch element and a second clutch element which have face teeth and are movable relative to one another between a disengagement position and an engagement position in which the rotating members are coupled for rotation with one another. The device also comprises braking members which are associated with the clutch elements and by virtue of which, when there is relative motion between the rotating members, a preliminary driving interaction of the rotating members is brought about in the engagement position.

Abstract: Freewheel hub, especially for bicycles and similar contrivances comprising a hub axle, a hub shell arranged concentrically thereto, a rotator arranged concentrically to said hub axle for receiving a sprocket wheel with pinions and a freewheel means disposed with ratchet pawls. Roller bearings are employed for the rotatable support of said hub shell relative the hub axle and for the rotatable support of said rotator relative said hub shell and comprise roller bodies each respectively disposed at a predetermined distance from one another.

Abstract: A multiplate lockup clutch for use in fluid, principally in a torque converter is provided with a multiplicity of friction plates. Each of the friction plates is provided on a friction surface thereof with at least one combined groove, preferably, a plurality of combined grooves. Each combined groove consists of a first groove and a second groove. The first groove extends from an inner circumferential edge to an outer circumferential edge of the friction plate and communicates an inner circumference and an outer circumference of the friction plate with each other. The second groove intersects the first groove and extends in a circumferential direction of the friction plate. As an alternative, a multiplate lockup clutch useful in fluid, primarily in a torque converter is provided with a multiplicity of friction plates, and each of the friction plates is shaped in a waveform as viewed in a circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic actuator includes a shaft having a first end portion and a second end portion and a nut having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the nut is coupled with the first end portion of the shaft. A bearing is disposed around the second end portion of the shaft for rotatably supporting the shaft. An electrical coil is disposed around the shaft between the nut and the bearing for receiving electrical current and producing magnetic flux. A ferromagnetic can is disposed around the shaft having a peripheral surface extending between the shaft and the outer peripheral surface of the nut for establishing a path for magnetic flux flow there between. The peripheral surface of the can is interposed between the electrical coil and the bearing partitioning the electrical oil inside the can and the bearing outside the can.

Abstract: A process for achieving engagement of a power source with a high inertia load by use of a clutch provides for the sequential engagement of the clutch until the speed of the power source drops to a first threshold, at which time the clutch is disengaged until the speed of the power source recovers to a second threshold. The process is repeated until the power source operates above the first threshold for a set period of time. The process may be terminated, leaving the clutch either engaged or disengaged, after a certain number of sequential attempts at engagement and disengagement have been made, or after a certain period of time has elapsed. The invention also relates to a system and associated process by which a microprocessor obtains various data regarding the operational state of a power source, load, and a clutch interposed therebetween. The data includes the speed of the power source and pressure, temperature and filter conditions of the associated clutch.

Abstract: An actuator including a plurality of mounts for facilitating connection of the actuator to a variety of mounting bracket configurations for securing the actuator within an assembly. Also provided is a clutch assembly including an input member, an output member and pawls. Torque is transferred through the clutch when applied to the input member in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. When torque is applied to the output member, the clutch permits rotation in only one direction of rotation.

Abstract: Assembly for supporting and retaining sheets of glass, particularly in a machine for machining the sheets of glass; the assembly possesses a support structure, a plurality of suckers carried by the support structure to hold the sheet of glass in an unambiguous reference position on a horizontal plane and, for each sucker, a corresponding actuator for vertically displacing the suckers between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of automotive body styles along an assembly line. The apparatus includes a plurality of antler nests, at least one antler nest for each automotive body style to be processed on the assembly line. Each antler nest is transported along the assembly line by a carriage. An exchanging station is provided to exchange one antler nest for another. The antler nests can be exchanged while a rate of production on the assembly line is maintained.

Abstract: Device for receiving, directing and dropping containers arranged randomly inside hoppers of rearranging machines and the like, which is formed by at least two side walls and by a back wall and comprises automatic rotating mechanisms for directing the container, which are arranged inside the device and extend in a substantially transverse direction with respect thereto, which mechanisms may be rotationally actuated by associated actuators so as to cause dropping of the container present inside the device, directed in a predefined manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for turning the top side of planar objects (1, 2) such as plywood or particle boards into the underside, the apparatus comprising an importing conveyor and an exporting conveyor, and a board turner assembly mounted between the conveyors. The board turner is formed by at least two sets of turning fingers (5, 6), each one of the sets having its fingers aligned in the same plane and being adapted to rotate about a common axis parallel with said plane. The construction of the conveyors is such that it permits the fingers (5, 6) during their rotary motion to pass through gaps of the conveyors. Each one of said sets of turning fingers (5, respectively 6) are arranged to be turned independently from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of a conveyor section (2) for containers (A, B, C, D, E) which are conveyed on said conveyor section and which are to be filled with items (3) or with a bulk material through a filling funnel (5), at a filing station (4). The containers are arranged in a filling position. According to the invention, the conveyor section (2) is configured with at least one circulating synchronous belt drive or chain drive (6) with its own intermittent actuating drive (7) and spaced-out container engagement knobs (8) in the area directly before, at and/or after the filling station (4). Said engagement knobs (8) ensure that the containers (A, B, C, D, E) arriving on the conveyor section (2) with their tops open are individually handled at a faster ate as they are moved into the filling position and, after filling, as they are moved out of the filling position, and can optionally be returned to the conveyor section (2) at the output end.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for transporting a vehicle skid (14). The system includes a frame structure (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (26) and a plurality of support rollers (30) carried by the frame section. The support rollers are journaled for rotation about axes (32) transverse to the longitudinal axis and have a peripheral support surface (34) for supporting the vehicle skid. The system further includes drive means (36, 38, 42) for displacing the vehicle skid (14) along the frame structure (24) . To permit rapid acceleration and braking of the vehicle skid, the drive means includes at least one continuous drive belt (36) having a toothed inner surface for engagement with a drive gear (38) and a toothed outer surface for engagement with a projection (40) on the vehicle skid.

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: A conveyor apparatus transports materials along an incline. The apparatus includes an endless base conveyor belt that is tensioned between lower and upper end rollers and is aligned with the incline. A drive means drives the base belt at a selected speed and in a selected direction along the incline. An endless and freely hanging tension-less overhead conveyor belt is provided above the base belt, and has a substantially flat conveyance surface for conforming to and covering materials placed on the base belt. A drive roller of the tension-less overhead belt is coupled to the upper end roller of the base belt so as to drive the tension-less overhead belt at a speed and direction similar to that of the base belt.

Abstract: A belt conveyor system using a mechanism that can either create a seal between the skirt and the belt or allow the skirt to make floating contact with the belt regardless of the directional movement of the belt.