Abstract: A control device for an electric scooter has a base, a potential regulator, a control lever, a torsion spring and a circuit board. The potential regulator is attached to the base. A rod is rotatably attached to the potential regulator to adjust a voltage sent out from the potential regulator. The control lever is securely attached to the rod. The torsion spring is mounted on the rod to provide a recoil force to the control lever. The circuit board is electrically connected to the potential regulator and the electric motor of the electric scooter. Accordingly, the voltage sent from the potential regulator can be adjusted by pushing the control lever. The circuit board can send current to the electric motor of the scooter based on the voltage sent from the potential regulator. Consequently, the electric motor can be caused to move forward or backward.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle prevents a decrease in the total amount of regenerated energy in the entire vehicle while ensuring the stability of the vehicle when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle decelerates and regenerated energy is recovered by the regeneration operation of front motor and rear motor, the ECU sets the amount of regeneration, which is transferred from front wheels to rear wheels, depending on the steered angle of the front wheels and on the deceleration state of the vehicle. In addition, the ECU subtracts the amount of regeneration to be transferred from regeneration torque command value for rear wheels demanding from the rear motor, and adds the same amount of regeneration to regeneration torque command value for front wheels demanding from the front motor.

Abstract: An axial gap electrical machine employs unique architecture to (1) overcome critical limits in the air gap at high speeds, while maintaining high torque performance at low speeds, while synergistically providing a geometry that withstands meets critical force concentration within these machines, (2) provides arrangements for cooling said machines using either a Pelletier effect or air fins, (3) “windings” that are produced as ribbon or stampings or laminates, that may be in some cases be arranged to optimize conductor and magnetic core density within the machine. Arrangements are also proposed for mounting the machines as wheels of a vehicle, to provide ease of removing and installing said motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the speed of a motor vehicle and the distance of the motor vehicle to least one motor vehicle driving ahead, where at least the speed v of the motor vehicle and the distance a to the motor vehicle driving ahead are determined with the aid of a detector having a distance sensor, where the traveling speed v is adjusted in response to the measured distance a deviating from a setpoint trailing distance as, and where the engineering problem of controlling the speed and the distance of a motor vehicle to least one preceding motor vehicle is solved in both a simple and reliable manner, in that an intervention distance ai′ is determined which is less than the range of the distance sensor, and that the traveling speed v is adjusted at a distance a which is less than the intervention distance ai.

Abstract: A powered golf caddy vehicle permits a single golfer to conveniently control the speed and direction of travel during a round of golf while following the vehicle. Steering and throttle control functions are merged on a single steering tiller arm.

Abstract: A rear fender 1 is disposed in the periphery of a rear wheel. A rear fender front half 2 is connected to a rear fender rear half 3 in which a seat tail cowl portion 3A and a fender tail portion 3B are formed as an integral body. A tail light serving also as a brake light, a license plate illuminating light for illuminating a license plate mounting portion and a license plate 5, and a pair of direction indicating lights 6 are mounted on a rear wheel rear fender constituted by the rear fender rear half 3, thereby forming the rear wheel rear fender as a unit. The tail light is mounted on the rear wheel rear fender through a tail light bracket. The stay portions of the tail light bracket and seat tail cowl portion 3A are fastened and fixed to each other by bolts which are disposed in the base portions of the direction indicating lights 6.

Abstract: A parking brake invalift interlock system that includes electrical communication with a park brake solenoid valve. This solenoid valve in a closed position will prevent air from releasing the park brakes. The solenoid valve is engaged to the circuit of the interlock system such that the valve cannot be opened to release the park brake unless the vehicle ignition is in an ON or energized position, the lift is stowed, and the lift door is closed. The invalid or wheelchair lift, referred to as an invalift, is electrically engaged through the interlock system to the ignition system, a park brake pressure sensor, and a lift door position sensor. As a result, the invalift lift control cannot be operated unless the ignition is ON, there is power to a Lift Switch, the park brake system fluid or air pressure is below a predefined pressure setpoint, and the lift door is opened. The system may further be configured to prevent lift door opening unless the ignition is in the ON position.

Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has: an input shaft; an input side disk and an output side disk respectively disposed on the outer periphery of the input shaft, the input side disk including a first cam surface; and a loading cam device interposed between the input side and output side disks and comprising: a loading cam including a second cam surface and rotatable together with the input shaft; a plurality of rollers interposed rollably between the first cam surface and the second cam surface; and a retainer, the retainer including a retainer main body having a circular-shaped fitting hole, and inside-diameter side projecting portions disposed on a retainer main body for maintaining the attitude of the retainer main body, wherein inside diameters of portions of the fitting hole corresponding to the inside-diameter side projecting portions are larger than that of the remaining portions of the fitting hole.

Abstract: A system for inducing inertia into a vehicles' steering gear. Following a high speed blowout the added inertia will hold the front wheels steady in their pre-blowout direction. The added inertia will prevent a reverse power flow from the front wheels to the steering wheel following a high speed blowout. The conventional power steering of the vehicle will be strengthened so that the operation of the steering wheel by the driver will easily overcome the increased inertia of the vehicles' steering gear.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system is disclosed in which a torque demand signal (8) is generated and applied to an electric motor (1) operatively connected to a steering mechanism (5) in order to assist a driver of the vehicle when steering the vehicle. The torque demand signal (8) includes a damping component that is dependent upon a measurement of torque T carried by the steering mechanism and a measurement of the angular velocity o) of the steering mechanism. The torque produced by the motor (1) is not obtrusive during “hands-on” manoeuvres but provides enhanced damping in other manoeuvres such as a steering flick.

Abstract: An electric power assist steering system is controlled by sensing torque in a steering shaft at a point along said steering shaft between a hand wheel and a mechanical connection to an electric motor, wherein the sensing includes sensing a magnetic field direction and intensity.

Abstract: A device (10) for producing sound, such as, for example, simulated animal calls for hunting or flatulence or other bodily noises for entertainment, using a membranous valve (17) including one or more vibrating thermoplastic or thermoset plastic membranes (18,20), wherein said vibration is mechanically induced by a gas, such as air, releasing from a reservoir (12). In a preferred embodiment, the device (10) is hand-held, portable, and broadly comprises the reservoir (12); a return (14); a focuser (16); the membranous valve (17); and an emitter (22). Gas released from the reservoir (12) is directed by the focuser (16) to pass across the one or more membranes (18,20) which are held in their operating positions by the emitter (22). Vibration of an edge portion of each membrane (18,20) produces the desired sound.

Abstract: A manifold for a horn loudspeaker has an input end having at least one input port for receiving acoustic power from at least one acoustic driver, and an output end for delivering acoustic power to the throat end of the horn. The output end of the manifold has at least two and suitably multiple output ports. An acoustic power waveguide is provided for each output port and connects each of the output ports to the input port of the manifold. Acoustic power received by the input port is divided between the acoustic waveguides such that it is delivered to the aligned output ports to simulate a line array of acoustic power sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layer damping foil (2) the lower layer (3) of which, facing towards the part (sheet 1) to be damped, has properties which are suitable for the adhering of the damping foil (2) onto the part (1), and the upper layer (4) thereof, facing away from the part (1), does not have the adherence properties, For weight reduction, the lower layer (3) has numerous through openings (7). Advantageously there is provided between the two layers (3, 4) a thin film-like intermediate layer (5) of non-woven fabric, kraft paper or the like, which may likewise have openings (8). The properties bringing about the adherence can be formed by means of an appropriate constituting of the material of the lower layer (3) and/or the mixing in of magnetic or magnetisable particles (parts 10). The layers (3, 4, 5) can be laminated onto one another.

Abstract: A ladder safety crosspiece for inhibiting the diagonal movement of opposite (diagonal) legs of opposing rails of a stepladder. The crosspiece has a pair of crossing pliable stabilizers which extend between these diagonal legs, are taut as the side spacers of the ladder are locked, and which fold out of the way when the side spacers of the ladder are not locked and the ladder is folded.

Abstract: A swimming pool ladder typically utilized with a large capacity swimming pool for enabling bathers to conveniently enter and exit the pool. In its most fundamental embodiment, the swimming pool ladder includes a first ladder section connected to a second ladder section by a top platform. Each ladder section includes a pair of J-shaped side rails for providing a ladder frame. A plurality of rung anchors are mounted upon each of the side rails for supporting a plurality of rungs. Each of the rung anchors includes a load bearing flange. Further, each of the rungs includes a pair of U-shaped openings and a pair of grooves formed within the U-shaped openings for receiving and cooperating with one of the rung anchors and the corresponding load bearing flange. Finally, a plurality of retainer pins are provided for removably securing the rungs to the rung anchors.

Abstract: A tree stand for hunting or similar purposes consisting of a platform having a side abutting against the tree and a flexible member encircling the back side of the tree at a location above the platform abutment whereby weight applied to the platform causes the platform to function as a lever firmly engaging the tree. The invention resides in the flexible upper tension member which is formed of a solid metal bar to eliminate “droop” when the tension member is not under tension, and collars affixed to the ends of the tension member bar permit the tension member to be easily and safely affixed to the platform structure in an adjustable manner to accommodate various diameters of trees.

Abstract: The invention concerns a support (1) comprising at least a vertical member (4) and at least two pivoting legs (3), each leg (3) being bent in its upper part (3b). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the pivoting legs (3) has a circular cross-section at its bent upper part (3b), and said vertical member (4) has on its surface facing said bent upper part (3b), a piece (7) with U-shaped cross-section; and at least another of the pivoting legs (3) has, at its bent upper part (3b), a screw (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bent upper part (3b).

Abstract: A combination bathtub protection and temporary scaffold system which includes a large, flat panel which lays atop a bathtub during construction or remodeling. The flat panel both protects the bathtub against falling tools, debris, etc. and provides a suitable surface upon which workers can stand during work on nearby walls and ceilings. Adjustable positioning units attached to the panel apply pressure against an interior surface of the subject bathtub to hold the panel in position. By applying pressure against an interior surface of the bathtub on the side of the tub opposite a wall, the panel is pressed against such wall such that the panel cannot slide in any direction and provides a suitably stable and non-sliding work surface. The present system and associated method involves very modest expense, expense which would be offset multiple times through the prevention of even one bathtub and damage incident.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an oil collector housing positioned beneath a crankcase housing. A lubricating oil pump is positioned inside the oil collector housing, and the oil collector housing contains at least one oil-collecting chamber, into which an oil suction line leads from the lubricating oil pump, forcing the lubricating oil through the delivery side to consumers. A system for supplying lubricating oil to the drive shaft of at least one turbocharger is mounted on the internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil that is fed to the turbocharger is returned via oil lines to the oil-collecting chamber of the internal combustion engine. At least one ascending channel is integrated into the oil collector housing, via which the lubricating oil that has been suctioned off from the turbochargers is returned above the oil level in the oil collecting chamber.

Abstract: A modular conveyor that may used, for example, as a take-away conveyor or an accumulation conveyor in a checkstand. The modular conveyor includes front and rear brackets that are configured for attachment of rollers for the conveyor belt. The front and rear brackets are designed so that they may be attached to a deck, such as a wooden board. The belt is attached on the rollers, and wraps over the deck. The length of the deck, or wooden board, may be varied, permitting same-shaped brackets to be used to form variable lengths of conveyors. Two brackets may be used for each end of the conveyor, one each for supporting opposite sides of the roller at that end of the conveyor. In this manner, the deck may be widened or narrowed, so that the same brackets may be used to create conveyors of various widths.

Abstract: A caster comprising a leg member that can be locked against any rotary motion and a wheel that can be locked against any swiveling motion is provided with a lock indicator having a simple configuration and adapted to operate to indicate a locked state or an unlocked state by means of a stopper spring that operates in response to a rotary motion of the stopper lever when it is operated to unlock the caster. The leg member 2 that is rigidly or rotatably secured to the fitting section B of the caster is equipped with a wheel 3. As the stopper lever 4 is rotated in the direction of arrow D around the lever support member 4a fitted to the leg member 2 as shown in FIG. 1, the stopper spring 5 is turned about the stopper spring support member 5a also fitted to the leg member 2 to lock the wheel 3 against any swiveling motion at the stopper lever side part 5c of the stopper spring.

Abstract: A brake (8) for a high speed open-end spinning rotor rotatably supported by its rotor shaft (2) in the bearing nip (3) of a support disk bearing (4). The rotor brake comprises tong arms that can be placed on the rotor shaft (2), each arm carrying a replaceable brake lining (16) on its end. The brake lining (16) is securely but removably fastened to the tong arm (9, 10) via a clamping plate (17) having a profiling (24) and loaded by a screw bolt (14).

Abstract: A braking device for a four-wheel buggy including rear swing arms which are attached to a vehicle body frame such that the rear swing arms can swing vertically, an axle shaft attached to the ends of the rear swing arms, and wheels disposed one at each end of the axle shaft is disposed above the axle shaft. The braking device is constructed as a mechanical braking device including a brake drum and a brake shoe which apply a braking force to the wheels, a brake cam lever which activates the brake, and a rear brake operating cable used for operating the brake cam lever. The brake cam lever is provided with a projecting portion which is formed integrally with the brake cam lever at a position below a connecting portion with the rear brake operating cable, the projecting portion protecting the lower side of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A parking brake actuation assembly is provided including an electric motor and a first rotatable member operatively connected to the electric motor so as to enable the motor to rotate the first rotatable member in a brake applying rotational direction. The first rotatable member normally is prevented against rotation in a brake releasing rotational direction. A second rotatable member is rotatable relative to the first rotatable member and includes cable attachment structure for affixing a brake activation linkage thereto. A clutch spring is disposed between the first and second rotatable members and is configured to contract upon initiation of rotation of the first rotatable member in the brake applying direction so as to couple the second rotatable member to the first rotatable member for affecting rotation of the second rotatable member in the brake applying direction.

Abstract: A vehicle retarder system adapted to be mounted in the driveline of a vehicle or on a wheel axle, the system comprising a transmission mounted in the driveline or on the axle and a retarding device connected to the transmission and adapted to be coupled to the vehicle for retarding the speed of a vehicle, whereby the transmission transfers rotational speed at the driveline or axle to the retarder at an increased rotational speed.

Abstract: A parking brake for a motor vehicle includes an actuating lever supported rotatably about an axis, a catch element, a pawl element connected to a release device and capable of being brought into engagement with the catch element, a pull cable connected to the actuating lever, two support plates, and a bearing device. The catch element is formed on the actuating lever, and the actuating lever and the pawl element are held between the support plates. In addition, the bearing device is placed between the support plates, the actuating lever being mounted by the bearing device in a manner such that it can rotate about the axis. The bearing device includes steps and is secured between the support plates by the steps in a manner such that the bearing device does not overhang on an outside of said support plates.

Abstract: A suspension strut (10) for a vehicle including a compressible fluid (20), a hydraulic tube (22,22′) and displacement rod (24) adapted to cooperate with the compressible fluid (20) to supply a suspending spring force that biases the wheel toward the surface, a cavity piston (26,26′) separating the inner cavity (30) into a first section (32) and a second section (34) and defining a first orifice (36) adapted to allow flow of the compressible fluid (20) between the first section (32) and the second section (34) of the inner cavity (30), and a first variable restrictor (28) adapted to variably restrict the passage of the compressible fluid (20) through the first orifice (36) based on the velocity of the cavity piston (26,26′) to the hydraulic tube (22,22′).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a suspension system includes a hydraulic assembly. A cylindrical spacer is attached to the hydraulic assembly. An annular seating member is removably coupled to the cylindrical spacer and supports a biasing member. In another embodiment, the annular seating member is coupled to the hydraulic assembly. A support member is removably coupled to the cylindrical assembly.

Abstract: A piston having a piston rod connected thereto is slidably fitted in a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. Extension-stroke and compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanisms are provided in the piston. A pilot control valve of the extension-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a pressure control valve having a valve seat, a valve body and a pressure-receiving portion. A pilot control valve of the compression-stroke pilot type damping force control mechanism is formed by a flow rate control valve having a spool. A slider having the valve body of the pressure control valve and the spool of the flow rate control valve is operated by a proportional solenoid, to thereby control a damping force for an extension stroke and a damping force for a compression stroke.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable suspension device capable of attaching to a variety of vehicles with little or no modification to the existing suspension system. More specifically, the adjustable suspension device of the present invention comprises a suspension cylinder attached to an elongated body, a suspension chamber formed in the suspension cylinder, a piston assembly movable within the suspension chamber, an dampening device in communication with the piston assembly, and a fluid coupler attached to the suspension cylinder and in communication with the suspension chamber. The fluid coupler may be in communication with a fluid source through fluid conduit.

Abstract: A turn brake includes a cylinder assembly coupled to a conventional front-wheel steering system of a multi-track vehicle. The cylinder assembly generates fluid power for applying differential braking force to left and right wheels of the vehicle in response to turning of a steering wheel of the steering system, thereby compensating for a loss of steering traction. Pressure generated in the cylinder assembly can exert a reaction force on the steering wheel to provide tactile feedback to the driver, which may help to avoid oversteer. An optional shutoff mechanism may be provided for selectively disabling or disconnecting the turn brake.

Abstract: A method and device for suppressing vibrations in a printing press includes placing, on at least one element of the press, a mass that vibrates freely with one degree of freedom, determining the rotational speed of the press and feeding the speed to a control device, and, in the control device, utilizing the rotational speed, determining an actuating variable and feeding the actuating variable to at least one actuator, at least one vibration parameter of the mass being changed in accordance with the rotational speed by the actuator.

Abstract: A mass for use in creating a tuned mass damper for a structure is mounted on isolator struts that connect the mass and the structure in a hexapod pattern enabling predictable damping of said structure in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A dual wheel assembly is provided at corners of an item of luggage to facilitate pulling of the luggage in various directions by means of a handle such as a telescopic handle for the luggage.

Abstract: An object (2) mounted on wheels (4) has a grip device (1) of the type wherein a free end (10) of a telescopically extensible supporting structure (8) carries an integral grip portion (9) substantially parallel to an axis of rotation (6) of the wheels (4); according to the invention, the grip portion (9) has first (11) and second (12) articulating means enabling the grip portion (9) to rotate, with respect to the supporting structure (8), about two distinct axes of rotation (13, 14) perpendicular to each other; and angular locking means (33, 34) for preventing rotation of the grip portion (9) with respect to the supporting structure (8), and ensuring firm but reversible connection of the grip portion (9) to the supporting structure (8) in a predetermined mutual position. A third articulating means (35) enables the grip portion (9) to translate along one of the axes of rotation (13).

Abstract: An ergonomically designed piece of wheeled luggage for being transported by a user across a floor surface is disclosed. The wheeled luggage includes a luggage body having at least a bottom surface, a back surface, and a top surface, the back surface intersecting both of the bottom and the top surfaces, respectively, at least two spaced and parallel wheels rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the body with a longitudinal axis extending through the wheels, the axis being parallel to the intersection of the back surface and the bottom surface of the body. The wheeled luggage also has a handle assembly mounted on the body, the handle assembly including an elongate handle grip for being grasped by the user when the wheeled luggage is rolled across the floor surface.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (2,4) has a number of alternate clutch discs (5, 6), connected to the two shaft members and engageable to counteract differential rotational speed between the shaft members. The rotational movement may be braked by braking means (26-28), whose rotational velocity is proportional to the rotational speed differential. Means for transmitting the rotational speed differential to the braking means comprises a roller arrangement (20-25).

Abstract: A viscous coupling comprising two parts which form an annular chamber 16 which is filled with a highly viscous fluid and in which first coupling plates 17 are connected to the first one of the parts 11 for rotation therewith and second coupling plates 18 are connectable to the second one of the parts 12 which are arranged so as to alternate in the longitudinal direction. The second coupling plates 18 are arranged so as to alternate with clamping rings 20 in the second one of the parts 12, which clamping rings 20, in turn, are connected to the second one of the parts 12 for rotation therewith. A first axial adjusting device 23 acts in an axial direction on the second coupling plates 18 and on the clamping rings 20 and locks the same relative to one another and to the second one of the parts 12.

Abstract: A method of transferring wrappings, wherein each wrapping is defined by a sheet of wrapping material and has at least one flat wall, provides for feeding a wrapping along a curved path by means of a pocket of a conveyor; for guiding the wrapping along the curved path by means of a guide contacting the wrapping; and for moving a plate of the guide with respect to the pocket, so that a flat face of the plate is maintained contacting the entire flat wall of the wrapping along a portion of the curved path.

Abstract: A transfer system comprised of an air conveyor, a servo conveyor, and a fan feeder. In a typical configuration, the air conveyor is located at a first location where it receives packaged articles from a bagger system or a conveyor system. The servo conveyor abuts the air conveyor and extends to a second location adjacent to a destination point. The fan feeder is located adjacent to the servo conveyor at an end opposite the air conveyor. The fan feeder lies over a bucket conveyor for a cartoner system.

Abstract: The invention provides a vibratory parts-feeding unit wherein downsizing and an improvement in performance of the unit can be compatible and also an improvement in maintainability and a reduction in motion failure is possible. A vibratory parts-feeding unit (100) comprises a vibrating body 113 provided with a spiral parts-lifting path (133a) on the outer circumference thereof, a first linear-feeder (130) which receives parts at a parts-sending portion (133c) of the parts-lifting path (133a), and a second linear-feeder (140) having a parts-collecting path (145) for receiving parts rejected from a parts-feeding path (135) provided on the first linear-feeder (130). The parts-collecting path (145) is installed in parallel with the parts-feeding path (135) and is also, throughout its whole length, arranged lower than the parts-feeding path (135).

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for controlling a vibratory conveyor on which a conveyor pan is mounted, the system including a drive coil for driving the vibratory conveyor with a vibrating motion; a sensing subsystem for detecting the vibrating motion of the conveyor pan; a controller coupled to the sensing subsystem for generating at least one control signal to be applied to the drive coil, the controller generating at least one control signal by producing a digitized signal from the detected vibrating motion and computing three intermediate timing positions in each period of the digitized signal; and a switching subsystem for applying at least one control signal generated by the controller to the drive coil. At least one control signal is applied between the first and third intermediate timing positions in each period of the digitized signal to control the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of the vibratory conveyor.

Abstract: A moving walkway is shown having a walkway surface with first and second ends and formed of a series of hinged rigid pallets in an endless loop. A direction-reversing sprocket is at each of the first and second ends. Each pallet is hinged to adjacent pallets along an axis substantially transverse to the walkway at opposite ends of the pallets along a length of the endless loop. Each pallet being transversely subdivided into a plurality of parts, each of the pallet parts being unidirectionally hinged to an adjacent one of the plurality of parts such that each pallet will support vertical loads on the walkway surface as a rigid unit and will hinge separately as the endless loop reverses direction around the sprockets.

Abstract: A compact conveyor drive system which prevents resonance-induced noise and vibration caused by a polygonal motion observed in transmission gearing. The conveyor belt of the conveyor is driven through a chain trained over a driven sprocket mounted to the shaft of a drum and a drive sprocket on the side of a motor. The drive system is a motor built-in reducer, and a simple planetary roller mechanism is employed for the reducer. This enables the diameter of the sprockets to be made smaller. The motor generates lower vibration, while providing sufficient torque.

Abstract: An improved switch consists of a seat, a button key, a first elastic element, a second elastic element, and a cap. The switch offers users pushing or depressing operations to control switching or selection of various function and may give users more touching sense during operations.

Abstract: A relay for switching an electrical signal includes switching elements, an actuator for closing the switch, and an actuator for opening the switch, the latter two of which are mechanically decoupled when the relay is in a mechanical rest position. When a relay close signal is applied, the closing actuator electrostatically drives the switching elements to complete a signal path between two terminals for the switched signal. In the process of closing the switch, the opening actuator remains stationary, i.e., no mass is displaced. Application of a switch open signal electrostatically drives the opening actuator, optionally in combination with a mechanical restoring force on the closing actuator, to open the switch to break the signal conduction path for the switched signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column switch of a vehicle, comprising an inicator touch switch (4) and a wiper/washer touch switch (4) which are situated in a common housing (1), whereby each switch (4,5) is provided with a switch lever (17) which is mounted on a universal joint and impinged upon a rotating and sliding switching member (16), in addition to a carrier (12) having connecting contacts (13) and locking devices (23). Said switch lever (17), the rotating member (15) and a sliding-switch member (16), the carrier (12) and the locking device (23) of each switch (4, 5) are formed in an identical manner (4, 5).

Abstract: A foot controller 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes an accelerator-type pedal 14 for activating and controlling various surgical instruments, and a door 18 covering a switch 24. The door functions as a heel-rest when in a closed position and as a switch-shroud when in an open position.