Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for reducing lost circulation in wellbores. The invention utilizes certain selected water swellable polymers that swell at a rate slow enough to reach the lost circulation zone of a well before those polymers have swollen to an extent that disrupts the drilling process. These selected polymers may be used alone or in conjunction with other lost circulation materials which do not swell or also swell slowly enough to reach the lost circulation zone without interfering with the drilling operation. Mixtures of such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-cone rock bit employing a non-plugging center jet nozzle with a plurality of staggered inlet orifices leading to side passageways to reduce bit balling. The nozzle defines a tapered cavity through which drilling mud flows and exits in streams. Streams are directed from the nozzle through a main exit aperture of sufficient size to avoid plugging and from side passageways boring through a sidewall of the nozzle. Jetting streams promote washing of voids within the bit and of cutting surfaces. The nozzle uses staggered inlet orifices leading to side passageways, in conjunction with a tapering shape of a central passageway to facilitate maintenance of drilling mud velocity within the central passageway and thus of stream velocity to targeted regions of the drill bit.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting or setting the effort required to move the steering levers of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism consists of a central mounting plate with which three separate bolt and spring arrangements are connected to control the resistance at the levers when they are moved between their forward and reverse positions. The mechanism is separately connected with structure on a steering shaft to allow resistance at each of the levers to be adjusted without substantially affecting operation of the pumps. Consequently, the vehicle may be more effectively steered as a result not interfering with its tracking or bringing about creep thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a strategy to start a parallel HEV powertrain engine while maintaining a smooth vehicle response to driver demand using the motor while simultaneously closing an engine disconnect clutch. In the preferred embodiment, the strategy starts an engine (based on, for example, driver demand), closes the disconnect clutch, commands a desired motor/generator speed, fuels the engine, calculates a desired engine torque and gradually reduces actual motor/generator torque while proportionally increasing actual engine torque until motor/generator torque is zero while maintaining vehicle velocity using, for example, a proportional plus integral controller. The prediction of a desired motor/generator speed can be: a trajectory comparison based on present and past vehicle velocity and acceleration or on vehicle accelerator position, or a determination of whether the vehicle is in speed control mode.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for a tractor includes a diesel engine and two electrical machines. The diesel engine and the two electrical machines are connected mechanically to a device for subdividing and re-combining of the output powers delivered by the diesel engine and delivered or absorbed by the electrical machines. The electrical machines are capable of operating both as generators and as motors. The propulsion unit is operable such that in at least one interval of the ground speed of the tractor, the electrical fraction of the power delivered or absorbed by the electrical machines is zero.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine controller which controls a running state of the engine, a motor controller which controls both driving and battery recharging power-generating states, and an indicator which is connected to the motor controller. The indicator is turned on when the recharging power generating control is executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle. The indicator is turned on and off when the recharging power generating control is not executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle and is in a state that execution is possible. Therefore, by turning on the indicator or by turning it on and off, a driver is informed positively whether the recharging power generating control is executed or the recharging power generation control is not executed. As a result, the driver can operate the vehicle differently so that recharging power generation during vehicle slowdown can be executed efficiently.

Abstract: An engine compartment splash panel for a vehicle is disposed generally between the engine of the vehicle and a nearby wheel to prevent water and debris from being flung from the nearby wheel onto the engine. The engine compartment splash panel and the panel-support components that mount it to the vehicle are constructed in such a manner that the engine compartment splash panel can be quickly and easily mounted to and removed from the vehicle to provide for expedient execution of service procedures. The engine compartment splash panel has a substantially rigid portion that defines and/or has mounted to it a number of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another. The panel-support components define and/or have mounted to them a plurality of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another and that are complimentary to the locating features of the engine compartment splash panel.

Abstract: An improved type of storage compartment and display location for a small vehicle such as a motor scooter. The handlebar cover is formed with a recess which forms at the front thereof a storage compartment where small articles can be stored and at the rear thereof an area where the display can be mounted. This permits mounting of the display from above and places it closer to the rider so that it can be more easily viewed.

Abstract: A control system sets a set maximum speed of a utility vehicle, below the capable maximum speed of the vehicle, and recalibrates speed output signals corresponding to the set maximum speed. The system includes a microcontroller and a user-operated vehicle speed actuator, signal-connected to the microcontroller. The speed actuator is calibrated to actuate speeds, via the microcontroller, in a range from a minimum speed to a maximum speed. A user-operated speed set activator is used in conjunction with a ground speed sensor to set the set maximum speed. The microcontroller records the new maximum speed of the vehicle, and recalibrates the pedal position according to the new maximum speed.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly having a compact design and low center of gravity application. The suspension assembly includes a first link arm including a plurality of spaced pivot interfaces. A second link arm is coupled to a second pivot interface of the first link arm spaced from a first pivot interface adapted to coupled to a swing arm assembly. A shock absorber is coupled to the first link arm at a third pivot interface which is spaced from the first and second pivot interfaces with the second pivot interface positioned between the first and third pivot interfaces and the second link arm and shock absorber are coupled to a vehicle frame in stacked relation to provide a suspension assembly with a low center of gravity and small moment of inertia for moving linkages.

Abstract: A driver briefly places his hand upon a biometric hand reader once during each successive four minute recurrent time interval established by a microprocessor that continuous to produce a maintain-truck-operative signal to prevent truck disablement that would otherwise occur while driving. Should a hijacker drive the truck away and use the hand reader, the reader senses a mismatch, will cease to produce the maintain-truck-operative signal, and the truck will stop. The hijacker is prevented from occupying the cab and forcing the driver to drive and use the sensor by a switch-mat within the passenger area that senses the hijacker's presence and disables the truck. A facial recognition reader will stop the truck if the driver is absent in an even faster manner, which is very important when a gasoline truck that is a bomb-on-wheels is stolen. More affordable data input sensors comprising a steering wheel pushbutton encoder are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine suspension device of a beach buggy includes a car frame composed of metal rods welded together, an engine hanger, an engine supporter and an auxiliary hanger. The car frame is formed with an interior space. The engine hanger has its upper portion pivotally fitted with the support lugs of the car frame, while the auxiliary hanger has its top ends pivotally combined with the pivotal bases of the car frame and its bottom end pivotally connected with the support frame of the engine supporter, letting the engine supporter and the engine hanger respectively extending into the interior space of the car frame. Then an engine is placed inside the car frame, and the engine hanger together with the engine supporter is pivotally combined with the casing of the engine, lessening vibration of a beach buggy, and preventing the transmission chain from becoming loosened and worn out and the car frame from twisting sideward.

Abstract: Improvements to a motorized balancing personal transporter. An intelligent battery has a battery container sealed against moisture and a plurality of battery blocks housed within the battery container. Additionally, the battery pack has a plurality of sensors, each of which is for monitoring a characteristic of a distinct battery block. The battery pack has a processor that generates a fault flag for transmission to a circuit external to the battery container on occurrence of a critical fault and that transmits an identifying characteristic such as a battery serial number. Various mechanisms are provided for receiving rider input in order to direct steering of the vehicle. These include a rotatable grip for imparting rotary motion to a rotation sensor, a thumb-activated rotation sensor and a palm-activated sensor, each disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system for a vehicle including a swing arm with a swing mount for pivotally mounting the swing arm to the vehicle, an axle carrier for mounting an axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm to allow the axle assembly to roll about a suspension roll axis, a driven sprocket substantially centrally attached to the axle assembly for rotating the axle assembly, a drive sprocket for transferring rotational power to the driven sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket to allow transfer of rotational power from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket, a constant velocity joint centrally disposed on the drive sprocket axle to allow alignment of the drive sprocket relative to the driven sprocket, and a CV guide for aligning the drive sprocket with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a frame assembly and a rear arm that is pivotally attached to the frame assembly. A rear arm bracket is secured to the frame assembly. A pivot axis is defined through a portion of the rear arm bracket. The pivot axis is disposed rearward of the portion of the frame assembly to which the rear arm bracket is attached. The rear arm is connected to the rear arm bracket such that the width of the rear arm at its connection to the frame assembly is at least as large as the width of the frame assembly at that location.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering arrangement with a steering handwheel which is connected with a hydraulic steering unit, and with a steering motor connected with a pump via a steering valve. In a steering arrangement of this kind, a simple construction is desired, though under maintenance of the required security. For this purpose, the steering valve can optionally be operated by a steering handwheel or by a hydraulic pressure generated by a control pressure generator.

Abstract: An arrangement for the steering and coupling together of two associated tracked units to form an articulated tracked vehicle set, includes a first upright for releasable coupling to a fixture on one of the tracked units, a second upright for coupling to a fixture on the other tracked unit, a first steering link which is connected in an articulated manner to the first upright about a first horizontal axis and a second steering link which is connected in an articulated manner to the second upright about a second horizontal axis, parallel with the first horizontal axis. The first and second steering links are mutually joined to a steering link unit about a steering pivot with a vertical axis of articulation. Hydraulic ram cylinder units are arranged so as to control relative turning movements between the first upright and the steering link unit, between the second upright and the steering link unit, and between the first and second steering links.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system containing wave-shaping sound chambers with approximately rectangular inlets and outlets of substantially the same size that are used to flatten or control the curvature of the acoustic wavefronts contained within system waveguides. Control of the degree of curvature of the wavefront enables the development of a wide variety of multi-waveguide arrays. The sound chambers are placed between a waveguides and a flattened conical horns of secondary waveguides. The sound chambers transform the curvature of the typical fan shaped wavefront that results from a conical horn throat into a wavefront that approximates a planar or curved rectangular ribbon of sound.

Abstract: An improved heat shield offers both a thermal insulation and reduced noise transmission for vehicular engine components, including exhaust manifolds, for example. The structure has three layers: an outer structural metal layer, a center insulation layer to isolate heat and dampen noise, and an inner metal layer directly adjacent the shielded component for reflecting heat back to the shielded component. As disclosed, the heat shield includes at least one bolt aperture for attachment of the shield to a shielded component, such as an exhaust manifold in the described embodiment. The aperture is circumferentially bordered by at least one non-planar undulation defining a protuberance. The protuberance is spaced circumferentially about the aperture. As the bolted connection of the heat shield to the manifold is a major source of vibration transmittal from the manifold into the shield, the protuberance is effective to dampen the vibration, and hence noise associated with the vibration.

Abstract: A valve for a control muffler includes: a valve element which is swingably journaled on a support shaft 5 supported by shaft holes 41a of a pair of first shaft supporting portions 41 inside the support shaft 5; bushes 6 which are respectively interposed between the support shaft 5 and a pair of second shaft supporting portions 33 that are disposed on the valve element to pivotally support the support shaft 5; and a coil spring which urges the valve element in a valve closing direction. In the valve, a welding rising portion 41b which protrudes in the axial direction is disposed on an outer opening edge of the shaft hole 41a of each of the pair of first shaft supporting portions 41, and the support shaft 5 is welded to tip ends of the welding rising portion 41b.

Abstract: An acoustic absorber (10) comprises a housing or wall (11), defining an interior absorber chamber (12) connected by openings (13) to a duct (20) to reduce the sound in the duct (20). The natural frequency and impedance of the absorber (12) are variable, so that the absorber (12) can be adapted to a sound field in the duct (20) in a manner corresponding to the respective operating conditions. Such adaptation is achieved mechanically, for example, by an elastic membrane (15) for varying the volume of chamber (12), or thermally, for example, by a heating wire (14) or a wire braid (17).

Abstract: A process is provided for filling a muffler shell with fibrous material. The process involves providing a muffler shell comprising first and second muffler shell outer parts which define an internal cavity when coupled together and an internal structure adapted to extend at least part way through the shell internal cavity and having one or more openings communicating with the shell internal cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for acoustic closure of an installation of a row of sound isolation modules within a host building encompassing the modules. One or more acoustic absorbing closure panels are mounted to form a partition in front of the row of modules, thus forming two acoustically separate regions. The absorbing panels are comprised of one or more sound absorbing materials between a front and rear surface. The front surface faces the region exterior to the installation within the host building. The rear surface faces the installation.

Abstract: A method for creating a horizontal lifeline between a pair of end anchorages. The method includes providing a section of line having a modulus of elasticity, providing an energy absorbing shock absorber having a deployment load, connecting the section of line and the shock absorber to one another, between the end anchorages, and tuning the section of line by tensioning the section of line to a load that is approximately equal to the deployment load.

Abstract: A wear resistant attachment for a sit harness or roping harness including a first strap having an enlarged part provided with joining edges which are folded onto the opposite face of a second strap to form wear resistant overlap parts.

Abstract: An improved serving method and apparatus are disclosed for use in rotary catering table equipment having a rotary conveyer (22) on which merchandise (e.g., sushi) items (14) are conveyed around. A freshness managing member (48) is used to automatically alert to the presence of a merchandise item on the rotary conveyer that is deteriorating in freshness upon a given lapse of time after supply. Shortage may also be detected, displayed and indicated by a processing device (70) in combination with mechanisms (32, 38) that determine where on the conveyer and which types of merchandise items are becoming short in number. Also disclosed are a merchandise item stocker (34) and a feeder for automatically serving the rotary conveyer (22) with merchandise items, which may be operated with a merchandise management system (80) in which an ordering mechanism (78) based on data from a managing device (74) automatically orders needed merchandise materials by types from member suppliers (76).

Abstract: A brake system with an integral proximity sensor for providing an indication of a condition of the brake system. The brake system includes a brake drum, a brake shoe, a brake pad, and a position sensor. The brake pad is connected to a pad mounting surface of the brake shoe. The brake pad and brake shoe are movable from a disengaged position, where the brake pad is spaced apart from the brake drum to an engaged position, where the pad is in forcible engagement with the brake drum. The position sensor is coupled to the brake shoe for sensing the position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor. The position of the brake shoe with respect to the position sensor provides an indication of one or more conditions of the brake system.

Abstract: A compact mechanical shoe actuating mechanism with an improved lever-ratio comprises a space 42 formed by two facing plates 40a and 40b of a strut designed such that an upper side of the space 42 is longitudinally wider than a lower side of the space 42 where the cable end nipple 52 is inserted in and is inclinedly passed through.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly, wherein the actuator portion of the brake assembly is no longer provided as part of the brake assembly but instead as part of the aircraft landing gear. Accordingly, the actuator portion or individual actuators assemblies are designated as Line Replacement Units (LRUs), which are replaceable independently of other brake components, e.g., the torque tube and heat sink, which then comprise the brake assembly designated as a separate LRU. This new arrangement is particularly suited to electro-mechanically actuated brakes, where actuator maintenance intervals will typically be more closely related to landing gear maintenance intervals than to brake maintenance (i.e., hydraulic actuator and/or heat sink maintenance). The invention also provides for more effective and desirable mounting of one or more electro-mechanical actuators wherein reactionary loads are transferred in compression as opposed to in tension through mounting bolts or other removable fasteners.

Abstract: An autonomous generation brake assembly comprises a hub acting as a first rotor and defines a receiving space therein by a peripheral wall. A plurality of permanent magnets are arranged alternatively along inner face of the peripheral wall. A stator is received in the receiving space of the hub and includes an armature coils corresponding to the permanent magnets of the hub, and a magnetic coils. A second rotor is rotationally received in the hub and located within the stator for working with the magnetic coils thereby generating eddy current therein for being attracted by the magnetic coils of the stator.

Abstract: A brake shoe adapted to engage the tread of a railroad car wheel via which such railroad car is guidably supported on a railed track. The brake shoe comprises a backing plate which has a predetermined configuration and a means disposed on each end of the backing plate for securing such backing plate to a brake head. The brake shoe further includes a brake lining that is affixed to the backing plate and has a braking surface engageable with the wheel tread of a railroad car wheel.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reservoir chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.

Abstract: Damping valve comprising a damping valve body with at least one flow-through channel, the outlet of which is covered at least by an elastic valve disk, which is pretensioned against the damping valve body at least indirectly by a spring, where at least one support disk of smaller diameter is provided on the elastic valve disk, facing the spring, this support disk not executing any elastic movement, the spring exerting its force in the area radially outside the support disk.

Abstract: A drum brake device having a brake lever with sufficient rigidity, and securing a larger space at a central region of a brake in order to provide a long, effective brake lever stroke. A by-pass hole 60d, through which the shoe-hold pin 41 swingably rising from the back plate penetrates, is formed in the brake lever 60 positioned beneath the shoe web 20b of the brake shoe 20, and the bending sections 60e, 60f, 60g are integrally formed toward the back plate 10 at the outermost circumferential edge portion of the brake lever 60 surrounding the by-pass hole 60d.

Abstract: A bag, of tote or briefcase size, includes an umbrella sleeve which is easily accessible. The sleeve comprises a stiff backing member and an elastic mesh material attached thereto to form an open-ended pocket. When not in use, the umbrella sleeve is stowed within a bottom pocket of the bag. When needed to hold an umbrella, the umbrella sleeve is pulled from the stowed position and placed in a use position, in which the umbrella sleeve is temporarily affixed to a side of the bag. In the use position, the umbrella sleeve is ready to receive an umbrella for storage while promoting drying, if the umbrella is wet. When the umbrella sleeve is no longer needed, it may be returned to the stowed position by the aid of the stiff backing member.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus includes an upper anchoring assembly located at a lower end of the inner tube of a pulling bar assembly and a lower anchoring assembly located at a lower end of the middle tube of the pulling bar assembly. The lower anchoring assembly has a lower engaging seat which has a coupling bore and an aperture formed on the side walls for housing a lower extensible button. When the bottom end of the upper anchoring assembly is located above the top end of the lower anchoring assembly, a jutting stub of the lower extensible button may be urged to retract and an anchor bolt may be extended to engage with the anchor bore of the outer tube of the pulling bar assembly to thereby keep the pulling bar in a steady and secured condition.

Abstract: An emergency release device for the parking lock of a motor vehicle is described which contains an locking device (46,44,38,24,12,10) that is pressed into its engaged position by a spring element (42,50) and which can move into its disengaged position by at least one actuator (46) that is actuated by a control element (56,58) against the spring force. The locking device (46,44,38,24,12,10) can be linked with a clutch pedal located on the operator's station by releasable mechanical connecting elements (108,110,112), in such a way that it is possible to emergency-release the parking lock in case of vehicle malfunction.

Abstract: A multiple working surface magnetic particle device for transferring torque between two rotatable members is disclosed. The magnetic particle device comprises relatively rotatable members defining a gap therebetween containing a magnetically reactive medium The magnetically reactive medium stiffens in the presence of a magnetic field interlocking the rotatable members. The multiple working surface design allows for a reduction in the size and weight of the magnetic field source resulting in a more compact, lighter weight device.

Abstract: A multiple-disc clutch pack. The clutch pack comprises a plurality of porous metal plates mounted concentrically and each having a first and a second surface with at least one of the surfaces impregnated with a magneto-rheological substance. A plurality of grooves is defined on at least one of the surfaces of at least one of the plates.

Abstract: An axial setting device for loading the friction plates of a coupling or for fixing the viscous plates of a coupling having two parts which are co-axially supported on a fixed housing and which are rotatable relative to one another. A pump assembly has housing parts that are connected to the one of the coupling parts and whose conveying elements are connected to the other one of the coupling parts in such a way that, when the parts rotate relative to one another, fluid is conveyed in the pump assembly. A reservoir is provided for fluid with a variable volume and a pressure chamber is delimited by an axial piston. A fluid connection is made from the reservoir to the chamber via the pump assembly and a fluid connection is made from the chamber to the reservoir via a bypass line with a solenoid valve.

Abstract: A fluid clutch disposed between a first shaft and a second shaft which are arranged on the same axis, includes a casing drive-coupled to the first shaft, a gear pump disposed in the casing and drive-coupled to the second shaft an intake passage formed in the casing and in the second shaft an communicating with an intake port of the gear pump, an exhaust passage formed in the casing and in the second shaft and communicating with an exhaust port of the gear pump, and a control valve disposed in the second shaft to control a communication area between the intake passage and the exhaust passage.

Abstract: An electromagnetic spring clutch may be utilized to engage a drive shaft 8 of a auxiliary machine for vehicle 2 and may include an input pulley 1 rotatably supported by a housing of the auxiliary machine for vehicle 2. An electromagnetic coil 5a may be disposed within the input pulley 1 and an armature 11 may be reversibly coupled to the input pulley 1 by the electromagnetic coil 5a. An output hub 7 may transmit torque applied to the input pulley 1 to the drive shaft 8. Preferably, the output hub 7 is prevented from moving in an axial direction relative to the drive shaft 8 and a clearance C is defined between the input pulley 1 and the output hub 7. Preferably, the clearance C is prevented from increasing during operation. A coil spring 4 may couple the armature 11 to the output hub 7. The coil spring is preferably prevented from the intruding into the clearance C between the input pulley 1 and the output hub 7.

Abstract: In a front housing (1) including at a front end portion thereof an engine flywheel (6), there are provided a primary drive shaft (8) which is co-axial with the flywheel, a transmission shaft (11) which is parallel to the drive shaft, and an output shaft (13) which is co-axial with the drive shaft. The output shaft is connected to a speed change mechanism (17, 20) in a transmission case (2) succeeding to the front housing. A first supplementary speed change mechanism (12) is disposed between the drive shaft and the transmission shaft, and a second supplementary speed change mechanism (14) is disposed between the transmission shaft and the output shaft. One of these supplementary change mechanisms is formed into a direction-reversing mechanism, and the other change mechanism is formed into a high/low speed-selecting mechanism.

Abstract: In a pressure type differential limiting clutch, a drive plate and a driven plate provided between a clutch drum for transmitting a driving force to a front drive shaft and a clutch hub for transmitting the driving force to a rear drive shaft are pressed by a pressure force of a cone disk spring provided in a pressure plate, and an initial torque by the cone disk spring acts as the differential limiting torque. At a high speed, a weight in limiter device is moved in a radius direction by a centrifugal force through rotation of the rear drive shaft, enters between cam surfaces formed on the pressure plate and the clutch hub, and pushes and broadens. As a result, the pressure plate 65 moves back against energizing force of the cone disk spring, and the initial torque is cancelled.

Abstract: A banknote handling machine having an infeed part for receiving externally posted banknotes and including a detector mechanism for checking the genuineness, quality and value of posted banknotes. The detector mechanism functions to sort false banknotes and banknotes of poor quality from remaining banknotes. A processor unit controls transportation of poor quality banknotes along a transport part to a unit for storing and packaging the banknotes, and the transportation of at least part of the remaining, genuine and accepted banknotes to a first storage unit for storing and packaging these banknotes in accordance with their denomination. An outfeed part enables banknotes ordered externally via a banknote ordering means to be dispensed from a second storage device. The processor unit controls the transportation of genuine and accepted banknotes primarily to the second storage device in the outfeed part and only secondarily to a first storage device in the infeed part.

Abstract: A device and method making the device. The device includes a flat body made of a plastic material. The flat body has at least two parallel faces and a cavity which opens to at least one of the at least two parallel faces. The cavity is adapted to receive an electronic identification device. At least one plug made of a plastic material is included. The at least one plug is adapted to be inserted into the cavity. The electronic identification is retained in the flat body when the at least one plug is inserted into the cavity. The method includes making the flat body, forming the cavity in the flat body, placing the electronic identification device in the cavity, inserting the at least one plug in the cavity, and fixing the at least one plug to the flat body.

Abstract: A deflector device prevents jamming of body parts and/or objects between a step belt, which consists of individual steps, and a balustrade pedestal of an escalator. A deflector profile member is fixedly connected with the pedestal plate. The deflector profile member has an opening which serves for the reception of a brush body carrying a brush. A first lug of the deflector profile member has a first projection and a second lug of the deflector profile member has a recess. A snap hook and a second projection are provided at the brush body, wherein the snap hook detents with the first projection and the second projection detents with the recess.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring articles laterally off of a conveyor. One embodiment of the apparatus is designed for use with a belt driven live roller conveyor, and has a serpentine transfer belt arrangement having first and second uppermost portions which when in the raised position will be located on either side of the drive belt of the main conveyor. Other features include the use of a toothed drive belt driven by a motor that may have a motor brake. The apparatus may also include a stop abutment to prevent interference by an upstream article with an article which has been selected for lateral transfer. A lifting mechanism for the transfer apparatus preferably includes an actuating ram having a ram axis oriented parallel to the width of the main conveyor.