Abstract: A compact cooling system includes a mounting panel adapted to receive a plurality of at least three cooling units, a cooling fan, and a fan drive mechanism. The mounting panel supports the fan and drive mechanism in a manner allowing rotation of the fan about the axis of rotation. A front side of the mounting panel is adapted for receiving and supporting the cooling units in a pattern defining a cantilevered, tubular polygonal solid disposed about the fan. The mounting panel includes a convex central region extending into the tubular polygonal solid and receiving the drive mechanism in operative connection to the fan. By virtue of this arrangement, a very compact cooling system is provided. The tubular polygonal shape of the cooling units, when mounted on the mounting panel, forms an air duct for directing a flow of cooling air induced by the fan through the cooling units.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for cooling a heat generating object. A coolant is passed through a heat exchanger so that heated air passing through the heat exchanger is cooled. A fan unit is selectively positioned adjacent to a first side of the heat exchanger. When activated, the fan unit draws the cooled air through the heat exchanger and directs the cooled air towards the heat generating object. The fan unit may be repositioned along a second side of the heat exchanger so as to redefine the flow of air drawn from and directed towards the heat generating object.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system for mobile platforms is provided. In one embodiment, a heat conductive block is coupled with an integrated circuit package. A first proximal end of a first section of heat conductive tube is coupled to the metal block, and a free end of the first section of heat conductive tube is configured to sealably couple with a second free end of a corresponding second portion of heat conductive tube. Additionally, a first portion of a wick is disposed within the first section of heat conductive tube.

Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling unit has a heat receiving unit that receives heat from a body radiating heat; a radiator disposed at a distance from the heat receiving unit and radiating recovered heat; a liquid coolant transporting heat generated at the heat receiving unit to the radiator; and a hollow tube disposed so that the liquid coolant circulates between the heat receiving unit and the radiator, a circulating flow of the liquid coolant formed by an elevating force of air bubbles generated from the heat received at the heat receiving unit, the radiator having an air pocket forming one part of the circulation path of the liquid coolant together with the hollow tube and capable of collecting the air bubbles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multicircuit heat exchanger, i.e. a heat exchanger capable of circulating more than two media. Through delimiting zones in the heat exchanger package, a further medium can be placed in heat exchange with one of the two media normally being circulated. Several such delimited zones may be arranged in the same heat exchanger package, and the zones may even overlap each other for mutual heat exchange. The present invention thus provides a multicircuit heat exchanger comprising plates (1) with a pattern of grooves and inlet and outlet connections. The plates are placed in a package and brazed together to form separate ducts for two main media between alternate pairs of plates. According to the invention, at least one delimited zone (8, 9, 10) is defined between alternate pairs of plates, to block off a first medium whereas a second medium is allowed to flow through.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for heat extraction of a refrigerating fluid such as CO2, comprising at least one collecting box defined by a solid body (41) with a thick wall capable of resisting the high pressure of said fluid, and communicating with a row of flat tubes (44). In order to limit bulkiness in the width of the heat exchanger, only one part of the length of the cross section of the tubes is located opposite the inner volume of said body, whereby tightness of the fluidic communication between the tubes and the inner volume is obtained by means of a cradle (50) in the form of a shaped strip receiving the body and brazed thereto on the periphery of the tubes. The heat exchanger can be used to air condition passenger compartments in vehicles.

Abstract: A method of exchanging heat is disclosed. Process fluid is passed through a dry indirect contact heat exchange section while a main air stream is also passed through that section. The process fluid is passed through a second indirect contact heat exchange section while a second air stream is passed through that section. A third air stream is passed through a direct contact heat exchange section and mixed with the second air stream to define the main air stream. Evaporative liquid is selectively distributed over the second indirect contact heat exchange section and over the direct heat exchange section. The distribution of evaporative liquid over one section is independent of the distribution of evaporative liquid over the other section.

Abstract: A system for producing a mixed gas-oil stream which contains solid particulates wherein gas is to be separated and compressed downhole in a turbine-driven compressor before the gas is injected into a subterranean formation. The stream is passed through an upstream separator to separate out the particulates which pass through a first and second set of slots into first and second passages, both of which empty into a bypass through the turbine whereby the separated particulates do not contact the rotary vanes of the turbine thereby alleviating the erosive effects of the solids in the produced stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects the presence of a fluorescent tracer dye, a change in capacitance, or a change in fiber optic electrical properties to determine whether or not a TCP gun has fired. The method and apparatus detects the number of charges fired to determine whether or not all TCP guns have fired and also determines the contributions of injection wells to producing wells by introducing fluorescent tracers into injection wells and detecting the presence of the fluorescent tracers at production wells. The invention places fluorescent dye particles in a gravel pack to sense when a gravel pack is deteriorating by detecting the tracer dye particles in the well flow.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for cementing branch wells from a parent well is disclosed herein. A cementing valve that is releasably coupled to a cementing stringer is used during cementing operations. The cementing valve is comprised of a valve body and a moveable member, each of which have openings formed therein. Movement of the moveable member opens or closes the cementing valve. The method involves releasably attaching the cementing valve to a cementing stinger, running the cementing valve downhole, positioning the cementing valve in a previously open branch outlet, and cementing the branch outlet and branching chamber into position within the well.

Abstract: A fluid cutting tool and method for perforating or severing tubular members from inside. The tool is especially suited for use with a rotational drive system, such as a downhole motor, to separate downhole structures, such as stuck production tubing. The cutting tool preferably takes the form of an elongate metal body with an open first end connectable to the end of a downhole motor. The downhole end of the tool may be conical. A fluid conduit within the body of the tool communicates with the fluid channel in the downhole motor. Ports in the sides of the tool body direct jets of cutting fluid out the side of the tool. The tool attached to the motor is fed downhole until the tool is at the desired location in the well. Then the motor is operated to rotate the tool while cutting fluid is pumped through it. This causes the jets of fluid to be directed at the inner surface of the production tubing (or other tubular structure). This process is continued until the tubing is perforated or severed, as needed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: Expanding packers for use in oil or gas wellbores, with and without casing, for isolating a casing annulus or geologic formation from the remainder of the wellbore and for increasing production flow rates. These expanding packers are useful in completing sidetracked wells.

Abstract: A packer for use in extreme service applications comprises a radially expandable packing element, a plurality of slip members above the packing element and a plurality of slip members below the packing element. The slip members are each provided with corresponding setting cones disposed adjacent thereto for radially expanding the slips. In addition, a scoop for use in extreme service application includes a double slot-and-pin locking mechanism for engaging the scoop and lock ring retainer.

Abstract: Modern subsea wells utilise an electrohydraulic control system which switches hydraulic power to various control components in dependence on received control signals. The mounting and interconnection of the control components tends to be complicated. The invention provides a manifold comprising a first manifold body 6 having a number of openings and flow passageways therethrough. The manifold body is selectively configurable by selecting predetermined openings in order to achieve a desired configuration of flow passageways between control devices 1, 2, 13, 4. The manifold simplifies the interconnection of the hydraulic components and provides greater flexibility in the location of the components. The manifold body also provides a platform for mounting the control devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for offshore production of hydrocarbon fluids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a buoyant structure secured to said base and connected or adapted to be connected to a subsea well or wells. The key characteristics of the apparatus are that: (A) the apparatus includes storage facility means for fluid(s) received from the subsea well or wells and/or for processed fluid(s) produced by the apparatus; (B) the buoyant structure is tethered to the base by a plurality of flexible tethers; and (C) the buoyant structure comprises (i) a sub-surface housing containing facilities for processing fluids received from the subsea well or wells via said storage facility in said base; and (ii) a column extending upwardly from the housing to a level above the sea surface. The invention also relates to the buoyant structure per se.

Abstract: A viscosity handling system for facilitating the movement of certain fluids. The system utilizes kinetic energy in the form of a rapidly and repetitively moving component that imparts energy in the form of heat to surrounding fluid. The system is particularly useful in applications, such as downhole pumping systems, used to produce hydrocarbon-based fluids from beneath the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A device for protecting the internally threaded end portion of a tubular member includes an externally threaded portion for engaging the internally threaded portion of the tubular member and a collar for engaging the exterior of the internally threaded end portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A packer for use inside a casing of a subterranean well includes a resilient element, a housing and a rupture disc. The resilient element is adapted to seal off an annulus of the well when compressed, and the housing is adapted to compress the resilient element in response to a pressure exerted by fluid of the annulus of a piston head of the housing. The housing includes a port for establishing fluid communication with the annulus. The rupture disc is adapted to prevent the fluid in the annulus from entering the port and contacting the piston head until the pressure exerted by the fluid exceeds a predefined threshold and ruptures the rupture disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing pressure and draining a high pressure water system includes a valve comprising a valve body having an inner cavity for water to flow therethrough, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid connection with the inner cavity, a valve seat assembly comprising a first biasing member exerting a force against a valve plunger cooperating with a seal to thereby substantially close the valve at or above a predetermined system pressure, and an override comprising a manual activator having a second biasing member and a cooperating member positioned to transmit to said valve seat assembly a force applied by an operator, to thereby manually open the valve when pressure exceeds the predetermined system pressure.

Abstract: A rotatable tiller apparatus for use in mixing soils in situ, including: (a) a vertically oriented rotatable drive shaft, connected to and driven by a motor external to the apparatus; (b) a drive assembly connected to the drive shaft; (c) at least two vertically oriented, rotatable cutting shafts connected to the drive shaft through the drive assembly and at least one support plate; (d) a sprocket assembly within the drive assembly connected to the drive shaft, the sprocket assembly comprising at least one rotatable sprocket for each cutting shaft; (e) a device for rotating the sprockets in a direction counter to the rotation of the drive shaft, the device being driven by the motor, the sprockets being rotatable in the same direction and at the same speed as one another; and (f) at least two tine assemblies arranged vertically in tandem along each of the cutting shafts, each tine assembly including at least one tine with at least one blade at its end.

Abstract: A soil-working machine comprising a chassis, a rotor connected to the chassis, driven in rotation during work about a substantially horizontal axis directed transversely to a direction of forward travel of the machine, at least one guard connected to the chassis with an articulation of pivot type, the axis of which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and at least one adjustable retaining device which limits, downward only, the angular travel of the guard about the articulation. The soil-working machine additionally includes at least one locking device which limits, upward, during transport, the angular travel of the guard so as to keep the latter in the position defined by the setting of the retaining device.

Abstract: A manually-operated, water-powered digging tool which does not utilize a pressure gauge, and a process for digging holes with such tool.

Abstract: A mixing hoe including an elongated handle and a hoe blade attached to the handle is adapted for mixing material in a walled container. The blade forms a bottom edge, opposing upper edge, and first and second opposing side edges. The upper edge has adjacent edge sections extending outwardly and downwardly, from a central recess or opening in the blade upper edge, to respective first and second side edges. The upper edges are bent backward for creating flow patterns. The first and second side edges extend downwardly and inwardly from the upper edge sections outer extremes to the bottom edge. The edges are sloped and the edge corners are rounded to closely resemble container corner and wall characteristics. The blade is manipulated by a user grasping the handle to position at least one of the five scraping edges (two top, two side and bottom) against the base and walls of the container to scrape away material adhering to the base and walls of the container during mixing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic hammer having a moving ferromagnetic mass, the hammer being of the type comprising a tube of non-magnetic material for standing on an element that is to be driven into the ground, said tube being surrounded by a peripheral coil connected to electrical power supply and slidably receiving the moving mass. According to the invention, the peripheral coil is subdivided into a plurality of independent coils, each independent coil being received in an associated casing and being wound around a cylindrical inner wall of said casing, the cylindrical inner walls of the casings being superposed to make up the tube in which the moving mass slides, each casing also taking up axial forces, and a junction box enabling the corresponding coil to be connected to associated electrical power supply cables.

Abstract: A Logging-while-Drilling method and apparatus for obtaining information about a formation uses a plurality of rib sets with pad-mounted sensor on one or more selectively non-rotating sleeves attached to a rotating housing that is part of a drilling assembly. The sensors may be density, neutron, NMR, resistivity, sonic, dielectric or any number of other sensors. In an alternative arrangement, the sensors rotate with the drill string.

Abstract: Using inserts which are welded in place allows the use of hardfacing in the immediate vicinity of the inserts. Areas of high wear, such as cutting structures and gage areas, can use a combination of ultra-hard inserts with hardfacing for protection against wear. The inserts slows wear, while the hardfacing prevents erosion around the inserts.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a safety sub mountable to the drill string outer end to retain the combination of an overshot assembly and an overshot adaptor extending within the drill string outer end during a drilling operation and preventing the drilling tool moving out of the drill string until the sub is removed. The overshot assembly has a fluid seal between the overshot tube and the drill string and a fluid bypass channel with/a valve for blocking axial outward flow through the channel when the overshot adaptor is separated from the overshot assembly and when connected thereto, retaining the valve in an open condition. When the overshot adaptor is removed from the overshot assembly, the overshot assembly is fluidly propellable to the bit end. A disconnect tool facilitates the removal of the adaptor from the sub.

Abstract: A fixed cutter drill bit particularly suited for plastic shale drilling includes rows of cutter elements arranged so that the cutting tips of the cutters in a row are disposed at leading and lagging angular positions so as to define a serrated cutting edge. The angular position of the cutting tips of cutters in a given row may be varied by mounting cutters with different degrees of positive and negative backrake along the same blade. Preferably, within a segment of a given row, the cutters alternate between having positive backrake and negative backrake while the cutters mounted with positive backrake are more exposed to the formation material than those mounted with negative backrake. Nozzles are provided with a highly lateral orientation for efficient cleaning. The positive backrake cutter elements have a dual-radiused cutting face and are mounted so as to have a relief angle relative to the formation material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a core drill wherein initial drilling workability is improved through reduced frictional resistance on the segment tips, when they are seated on the surface of an article to start cutting operation, and wherein cutting scraps or sludge produced by the segment tips are smoothly discharged through the helical grooves formed on the core body so as to reduce the friction between the core body and the cutting scraps or sludge, whereby both the cooling and cutting performance of the core drill are improved. The invention proposes a core drill with a cylindrical core body with a predetermined diameter and length and with plural cutting segments provided on the lower part of a core body at a finite interval, wherein the cutting thickness surface of the cutting segment consists of inclined sharp thickness portion for decreased frictional resistance with an article to be processed.

Abstract: In a biped mobile robot having at least a body and two leg links connected to the body, a parallel linkage is provided between the body and the two leg links such that each of the two leg links are movable relative to the body in a direction of the gravity axis. More specifically, the parallel linkage is composed of upper and lower links and right and left links each connected to the upper and lower links, and the body is connected to the upper and lower links through first and second fulcrums, while the two leg links are each connected to the right and left links. An actuator is provided at the second fulcrum to move the two leg links relative to the body in the gravity axis. Moreover, the body is connected to the parallel linkage through a joint such that the body is movable relative to the two leg links around the gravity axis.

Abstract: A crawler vehicle comprises a body frame and an auger mounted to the body frame at a front portion thereof, the body frame being mounted to a rear portion of a crawler frame via a pivot shaft to allow the crawler frame carrying a crawler belt to swing vertically. The pivot shaft is located forwardly of a lower idle wheel rotatably mounted to the crawler frame. Positioning of the pivot shaft forwardly of the lower idle wheel allows the auger to move downward even when a front portion of the crawler belt is lifted. This causes the auger to move downward regardless of new snow or hard snow, enabling the auger to carry out snow-removing operation in a highly efficient manner.

Abstract: A vehicle including a load frame, a drive assembly, and a pivot link assembly. The load frame includes castor wheels to rollingly support the load frame on a support surface. The drive assembly includes a drive frame, a drive wheel, and a rigid castor wheel wherein the drive wheel and rigid castor wheel are each mounted to the drive frame. The pivot link assembly couples the drive frame to the load frame and permits the drive frame to move vertically and angularly relative to the load frame.

Abstract: A power take-off casing (47) including therein a rear-PTO shaft (12) and a transmission mechanism (50) therefor is mounted on an outer surface of a rear wall (3c) of the transmission casing (3) disposed between left and right rear wheels (4) which constitute drive wheels for a working vehicle, and a gear (52) constituting an input member of the transmission mechanism is operatively connected to a drive mechanism (46) for a mid-PTO shaft (9) which extends forwardly from the inside of transmission casing through a front wall (3a) thereof. A clutch (60) for selectively cutting-off the drive of the rear-PTO shaft is provided preferably such that it couples the gear selectively to a drive gear (58) which is rotatably mounted on the mid-PTO shaft. In a working vehicle in which a transmission casing is disposed between left and right front wheels constituting the drive wheels for the vehicle, a power take-off casing having a front-PTO shaft is mounted on an outer surface of a front wall of the transmission casing.

Abstract: An engine or radiator mounting sub-system comprised generally of an engine or radiator frame cross piece that is assembled to the engine or radiator off of the assembly line of a mobile vehicle. The off-line assembly allows the engine mounts to be preloaded prior to assembly. The engine or radiator and frame cross piece module may be lowered into the chassis on an assembly line for final fastener engagement that comes through the side or top of the frame rails. In one embodiment, the frame cross piece has an end bracket on each end that allows the lowering in of the engine or radiator into exact forward and aft placement on the respective frame rails. There may be frame rail brackets that have ‘L’ shaped ends. Where these ‘L’ brackets are used, the length of the frame cross piece including the ‘L’ brackets out to the outer vertical face will closely approximate the width between the rails.

Abstract: A box mounted on a vehicle or stationary frame for holding an automotive type battery. Said battery is kept in contact with internal terminals which are located in the box. The box is internally tapered to match an external taper on the battery, and has guide rails to facilitate insertion of the battery. A means to assist in the removal of the battery is provided, as is a spring loaded battery carrying strap. A plurality of the boxes may be electrically connected in parallel or series.

Abstract: A power transmission arrangement for kick scooter is disclosed to include a shock absorbing unit coupled between the footplate and rear wheel of the kick scooter to absorb shocks, an engine unit fixedly mounted on the footplate of the kick scooter, and a transmission unit coupled between the engine unit and the rear wheel for transmitting driving power from the engine to the rear wheel to move the kick scooter, preventing the engine from receiving shocks from the rear wheel during running of the kick scooter.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool, at least one locking member which at least largely prevents a belt spool rotation in the case of restraint, and a force limiter. The force limiter opposes a defined force to a rotation of the belt spool on unwinding of the safety belt. Furthermore, a blocking mechanism and an adjusting element for the blocking mechanism are provided. The blocking mechanism is able to be moved by the adjusting element at least partially toward a blocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking mechanism deactivates the force limiter. After a primary impact, a non-used force limiter is force transmitting, or the force limiter or force limiters are deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tiltable control console positioned within a rear interior portion of a cab of a work machine, such as a backhoe loader. The work machine includes a seat rotatable between front and rear positions. The control console includes a tower assembly that enables tiltable movement of the control consoles between stowed and operating positions and a controller connected with the tower assembly. When the seat is in the front position, an operator may operate specific functions for a loader bucket of the work machine. When the operator is ready to operate specific functions for a backhoe bucket of the work machine, the operator may rotate the seat from the front position to the rear position. However, the seat may remain in the front position to operate the specific function for the backhoe bucket. At that time, the operator may move the control console from the stowed position to the operating position through the movement of the tower assembly.

Abstract: A steering tiller and a steered wheel(s) of a steer-by-wire steering system of a materials handling vehicle are synchronized with one another and a virtual coupling force is exerted on the steering tiller to maintain synchronization. A motor or brake is associated with the steering tiller and the positions of the tiller and the steered wheel(s) are monitored and used to control the motor or brake to apply the virtual coupling force to the tiller. Thus, an operator of the vehicle receives feedback corresponding approximately to that experienced in a mechanically coupled steering system so that synchronism is maintained between the tiller and the steered wheel(s). In this way, if the operator attempts to oversteer or outrun the steered wheel(s) by rapid rotation of the tiller, a force proportional to the operator's action is applied to oppose that action.

Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus for a motor vehicle comprising a rack shaft (1) provided with first and second rack portions (14 and 15), a pinion (21) of a steering shaft for meshing with the first rack portion (14), and a pinion (31) of an electric motor (34) for meshing with the second rack portion (15), the first rack portion (14) is constructed to have a constant gear ratio and the second rack portion (15) is constructed to have a variable ratio so that an abnormal feeling during a steering operation is prevented and the lock to lock of a steering wheel is reduced to a small value.

Abstract: An acoustic logging tool including an elongated body, one or more acoustic transmitters, one or more acoustic receivers, and a broadband acoustic absorption region. A substantial portion of the broadband acoustic absorption region is between the transmitter and the receiver. The acoustic energy absorber includes a first absorber for absorbing a first mode of acoustic energy and a second absorber for absorbing a second mode of acoustic energy. The acoustic absorption material used to make the acoustic absorbers has an acoustic impedance between 20% and 120% of the material used to construct the acoustic logging tool. The acoustic logging tool includes an elongated hollow tool body, an insert configured to be inserted into the tool body, and a ring configured to be inserted onto the insert. A first element is supported by the ring and exposed to a pressure field, and a second element is supported by the ring and exposed to a pressure field.

Abstract: A technique for reducing acoustic noise emitted by a magnetic resonance imaging system includes providing energy dampening elements in the scanner, such as within the gradient coil assembly, between the gradient coil assembly and the primary magnet, and around the outer and inner peripheries of the primary magnet and RF coil. The elements may be formed to conform to the structures of the scanner, and may be tile-like elements which can be fitted to new scanners and retrofitted to existing equipment.

Abstract: A marine engine muffler is provided having a silencing element with an inclined surface defining an array of elongate slotted apertures generally disposed in circumferential alignment. The slotted apertures are preferably defined by angled sidewalls such that exhaust gas flowing therethrough is forced to travel in a path that forms a reverse angle relative to the overall exhaust flow path thus conducting exhaust gases and entrained water to reverse direction while flowing through the silencing element. The conical silencing element is specifically sized to avoid resonant vibration within the operational RPM range of the engine and is further sized relative to the combined displacement of the engine and/or cylinder bank in fluid communication therewith to avoid resonant vibrations caused by reflected exhaust gas pressure waves generated by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for a sound-absorbing unit for reduction of sounds from a flowing gas stream, including a first flow path and a second flow path for said gas stream and a switch-over device for alternating guiding of the gas stream along the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively. A detection device for detection of the pressure of said gas stream, and that the switch-over device comprises an adjustable throttle for blocking of the first flow path when a pressure which is below a predetermined limit value is detected, wherein the gas stream is guided through said second flow path, and that the throttle is adapted to be opened if said limit value is exceeded, wherein the gas stream is guided along said first flow path. By means of the invention, an improved adjustable device is provided for mufflers for vehicles, said device providing an effective sound absorption, a small mounting volume and a low back pressure during high engine speeds.

Abstract: A sawhorse is constructed with brackets allowing the legs of the sawhorse to fold into a compact unit by having the legs interleave when folded. The legs pivot about a plane that is canted to allow each leg to rotate without interfering with any other leg. The length of the legs are not restricted in any fashion. The legs may also be locked in both the extended, or service position as well as the closed position. The bracket may be constructed of as few as two unique parts, and a pair may be nested together for compact shipping, storage, and display on a store shelf.

Abstract: In order to provide a walk-on platform arrangement, comprising at least one first sub-platform, which is movable from a rest position in a direction of extension into a working position, and a second sub-platform, which in the working position is disposed behind the first sub-platform, wherein a rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and a front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the rest position are spaced vertically apart from one another, with which platform arrangement the risk of accident for an operative walking on the platform arrangement in the working position is reduced, it is proposed that the platform arrangement comprises a guide system, by means of which the relative motion between the first sub-platform and the second sub-platform as the first sub-platform moves into the working position is guided in such a way that the vertical distance between the rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and the front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the working position is smal

Abstract: Installation and assembly of an outboard motor made in accordance with the present invention is significantly simplified. Since no spline connection between the sleeve and the crankshaft is required, the engine can be attached to the adapter plate in a much more simplified procedure as long as the pairs of pins are placed in non interfering positions. Because the sleeve of the present invention is driven directly by the crankshaft, without involvement of the driveshaft, the present invention allows the driveshaft to be installed into and through the adapter plate more easily than systems known in the prior art.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pickup-and-delivery vehicle having a controllable travel mechanism, which has a load-carrying means movable vertically on a lifting framework, a driver's cab movable vertically on the lifting framework together with the load-carrying means and an operating panel to be operated from the driver's cab. Separate function regions of the operating panel are designed as modules separable from one another, of which at least one in the access region of the driver's cab is repositionable between at least two operating positions from one side of the driver's cab to another side of the driver's cab and is capable of functional use in each of these operating positions.