Abstract: A new system and method for repairing flexible circuits is disclosed. The flexible circuits conduct electrical signals to and from electronic devices. The system generally includes a flexible circuit substrate, at least one electrical conductor, and a repair patch. The flexible circuit substrate has a cut zone and a repair zone. The at least one electrical conductor is supported by the flexible circuit substrate. The electrical conductors are configured to carry electrical signals. The repair patch is used to electrically interconnect at least two repair zones.

Abstract: A novel board and ink used for forming conductive pattern are disclosed. They comprise colloidal particles which comprise a metal or a composite metal having a specific resistance of 20 &mgr;&OHgr;·cm or below at 20° C., and have an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm. A novel method for forming conductive pattern is also disclosed. The method comprises a step of irradiating said colloidal particles, thereby generating heat and fusing at least a part of the colloidal particles with the heat. The method can be applied to a production of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a plurality of metalized planes, one or more dielectric layers separating the plurality of metalized planes; and one or more conductive trenches connecting to at least one of the plurality of metalized planes.

Abstract: A post hole digger (10) has a frame (11) attached to a three-point linkage of a tractor (12). A boom (20) has its proximal end pivotally connected to the frame (11), and an auger (31) is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the boom (20). The boom (20) is formed by a pair of laterally spaced arms (21), each of which is an integrally formed angled arm. The boom arms (21) are bent from straight lengths of steel in a cold working process, to reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drilling assembly that includes a mud motor that rotates a drill bit and a set of independently expandable ribs. A stabilizer uphole of the ribs provides stability. A second set of ribs may be disposed on the drilling assembly. Vertical and curved holes are drilled by rotating the drill bit by the mud motor and by independently adjusting the rib forces. The drill string is not rotated. Inclined straight sections and curved sections may be drilled by independent adjustment of the rib forces and by rotating the drill bit with the motor, without rotating the drill string. Inclined sections or curved sections in the vertical plane are drilled by superimposing the drillstring rotation on the mud motor rotation and by setting the rib forces to the same predetermined values. Rib forces are adjusted if the drilling direction differs from the defined inclination. The system is self-adjusting and operates in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus, such as an underreamer (20) comprises a generally cylindrical tubular body (22) and two cutting blades (26, 27) pivotally mounted to the body and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Each cutting blade has a retracted position minimum gauge cutting portion (36) and an extended position maximum gauge cutting portion (35), with the blades in the extended position the gauge cutting portions (35) extending axially and being located in a transverse plane on or forward of the blade pivot axis.

Abstract: A core bit for abrasive cutting including a cylindrical tube (3) provided at its end surface with cutting or abrasive bodies (2) and a cover (4) provided at an opposite end surface of the cylindrical tube (3) and secured thereto and having, along its central axis (A), a shank (5) to be received in a rotary power tool, with the cover (4) being dimensioned, with respect to a set excitation frequency, for forming a whole number of maximum amplitude oscillations of a concentric flexural oscillation, and the cylindrical tube (3) being dimensioned, with respect to a set excitation frequency, for forming a whole number of maximum amplitude oscillations of axial longitudinal oscillations.

Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.

Abstract: A fuel cell system incorporated in a vehicle has a main electric motor, a drive power transmitting mechanism for engaging and disengaging a fuel gas pump, a coolant fluid pump, a supercharger, and a compressor, which serve as auxiliary equipment, and transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment, and an auxiliary electric motor coaxially connectable to the main electric motor for transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment depending on the manner in which the vehicle is operated.

Abstract: A residual power indicator includes a current detector for monitoring current consumption of a storage battery, and a processor unit for calculating consumed power of the storage battery. The processor unit includes a memory device for recording a reference value corresponding to the residual power of the storage battery. The reference value in the memory device is periodically updated by the processor unit to reflect actual residual power of the storage battery. A display unit is controlled by the processor unit so as to provide a visual indication corresponding to the reference value in the memory device.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle which has a function to reduce the change-speed shock when changing the speed by controlling the transmission of the vehicle. The control device performs the switching between a manual change-speed mode in which the vehicle speed can be changed based on a change-speed command generated by manual operation and an automatic change-speed mode in which a transmission gear ratio can be controlled based on the predetermined change-speed characteristic. Thereby the reduction amount of the change-speed shock can be changed between the manual change-speed mode and the automatic change-speed mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel provided with electric driving means in the wheel, control, measuring and operating means in the wheel for operating the electric driving means and data communication means in the wheel. Additionally the invention relates to a method for coordinating at least two of such wheels attached to one vehicle. Additionally the invention relates to a wheel strut provided with vehicle attachment means for attaching the wheel strut to a vehicle, and wheel attachment means for attaching a wheel to the wheel strut, in which the wheel attachment means are rotatable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the vehicle attachment means and in which the wheel strut is provided with driving means for rotating the Wheel attachment means. The invention also relates to a wheel according to the invention provided with a wheel strut according to another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A radiator fastener which tightens a radiator to a car body includes a first engagement member having a fit protrusion piece and fixed to the car body, and a second engagement member with a fit depressed portion, which is free to be fitted to and removed from the fit protrusion piece of the first engagement member. The second engagement member is engaged with a part of the radiator through an elastic member, and is fixed to the first engagement member. The radiator fastener can be tightened through one-touch operation and this improves workability significantly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for establishing and utilizing annotated electronic tracks on road for ground vehicles so as to ease the driving task with added safety, efficiency, and economy. Electronic tracks define traces on roads guiding the movement of a ground vehicle in as much as the same way that railroad tracks confine the movement of a train. Road track marks are detected using electronic transducers which generate control signals on the wheels to maintain the trajectory of a ground vehicle confined to a predetermined trace on road. A ground-vehicle train can thus be set up on road, requiring one driver to navigate or manipulate the movement of the whole train consisting of many ground vehicles. Annotations are also provided by electronic tracks on road. When combined with other technologies, such as electronic maps, internet connections, and collision avoidance radars, the driving of a ground vehicle on road suppling annotated electronic tracks can be fully computerized thereby achieving automation.

Abstract: A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, includes: a four-cycle engine arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and having a cylinder case inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel. The engine employs a dry sump oil supplying system and an oil tank separate from the engine is provided. Another snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement includes: a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head at its top, arranged in the engine compartment and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with an intake path provided on the upper portion of the engine body. An intercooler for cooling the intake air is arranged in a tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling electrical attachments on ATV'S with An embodiment containing an electrical switch or switches, A means of attaching to ATV, A means of replacing existing control attachments on ATV, A means of protecting the switch or switches from the elements of weather, A means of attaching to ATV that will withstand the rigors of ATV usage, and An means of embodiment sufficient in size to contain switch of sufficient capacity to operate attachments.

Abstract: “An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle having a front differential and rear differential, a pair of front and rear halfshaft assemblies, a power takeoff unit, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft, a plunging constant velocity joint, a second propshaft, a flexible coupling, a self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly connected to the flexible coupling wherein torque is selectively transferrable when the self contained speed sensing torque transfer assembly is engaged, and a torque arm assembly.

Abstract: An automobile which is designed to be able to drive wheel tires by making use of a double series differential gear device 15 provided with both a first series gear constituted by a first ring gear 22A and a first drive gear 23A and a second series gear constituted by a second ring gear 22B and a second drive gear 23B, thereby, a back-up for an abnormal situation can be prepared and a high reliability is maintained, accordingly, with the use of highly reliable differential gear mechanism, an automobile in which a stable braking force is always obtained without being affected by its environmental conditions is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow part (7, 11) of a chassis, running gear, or superstructure of a motor vehicle (1) that is driven by a combustion engine (4), whose exhaust gases are discharged into the atmosphere via an exhaust gas pipe assembly (12). Said part is characterised in that it is configured or positioned as an integral part of the exhaust gas pipe assembly.

Abstract: A steering shaft supported by bearings has an end suitable for attaching a hand wheel thereto. A position sensor detects the angular displacement of the steering shaft from a central position and produces a signal indicative of such angular displacement. An electric motor and a transmission apply torque to the steering shaft to provide force-feedback to a user. A variable stopper is configured to stop rotation of the steering shaft at an arbitrary location.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system 10 for steering road wheels 40A and 40B on a vehicle. The steering system 10 includes a steering wheel 12 rotatable by an operator to command steering of the steered road wheels 40A and 40B, and a steering input shaft 16 mechanically linked to the steering wheel 12. A housing structure 14 is disposed proximate the steering input shaft 16. A male member 46 is provided on the housing structure, and a female receptacle 50 is formed in the steering input shaft 16 for matingly receiving the male member 46. The female receptacle 50 comprises a pair of end walls 52 and 54 for limiting rotational travel of the steering wheel 12. The steering system 10 further has an actuator 26 for rotating the wheels 40A and 40B on the vehicle in response to rotation of the steering wheel 12.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a rolling bearing 9 for supporting rotatably a worm 6 that is rotated by a steering assisting electric motor 5; a first resilient portion 21 which is disposed in contact with the inner circumference of an inner ring 9b of the rolling bearing 9 and held on the worm 6 so that it is extendable by a force in an axial direction applied to the worm 6; and two resilient members 22 and 23, held in contact with both ends of the inner ring 9b, for restraining the movement of the worm 6 in the axial direction. Even when the electric power steering apparatus has a single rolling bearing, the worm 6 is moved in the axial direction by a steering force transmitted to the worm 6 from a worm wheel 7 in a steering range in which the motor 5 is not driven, and the steering load in the steering range in which the motor 5 is not driven is decreased.

Abstract: A dual-mode steering system (12) for an automotive vehicle (14) includes a first steering mechanism (36) and a second steering mechanism (38). A locking mechanism (72) is mechanically coupled to the first steering mechanism (36) and the second steering mechanism (38). The system (12) also includes a locking switch (40) having a first state and a second state. A controller (22) is electrically coupled to the locking mechanism (72) and the locking switch (40). The controller (22) locks the first steering mechanism (36) to the second steering mechanism (38) when the locking switch (40) is in the first state and disengages the first steering mechanism (36) from the second steering mechanism (38) when the locking switch (40) is in the second state. A method of operating the dual-mode steering system (12) is also provided.

Abstract: A reduction gear ratio n of a reduction gear is multiplied by a steering angular speed by a multiplier, and the deviation e achieved by subtracting a motor rotational speed from the multiplication value is integrated and then multiplied by an integration gain to achieve a current target value. The current target value is added with the multiplication value of the deviation e and a proportional gain in a phase compensator to perform phase compensation. The phase-compensation result is added with the value achieved by differentiating the motor rotational speed and multiplying the differential value thus achieved by a control gain in an inertia compensator to perform inertia compensation. Further, the value achieved by multiplying the motor rotational speed by a control gain is subtracted from the inertia-compensation result in a damping controller to perform damping control, and a final current target value It is achieved from an adder.

Abstract: An arrangement fastens a loudspeaker covered by a loudspeaker screen to a covering part of a vehicle. The covering part has a recess adjacent to the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker screen and a holding part are mutually connected by fastening screws, and are locally supported on opposite sides of the covering part. Several mutually spaced domes are arranged on and projecting away from the loudspeaker screen to penetrate openings constructed at the covering part. Either the holding part or the loudspeaker is fitted onto the free end of each dome projecting over the covering part and being held in position thereon by a screwed-in fastening screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping film for a floor panel (1) of a motor vehicle. The inventive damping film (4) is provided partially, that is in hole areas (6) or in predetermined oscillation areas (6a) with a reinforcing layer (5).

Abstract: A support harness with a support strap for use by a rescue person and/or firefighter, for example. The harness can be used for facilitating escape from upper floors of a building and the rescue of injured people from a building, or to support a person who has lost footing in a rescue or fire-fighting situation. One embodiment of the support harness has an adjustable waist strap with a fastener, a pair of adjustable leg straps, a pair of adjustable rear straps connecting the leg straps to the waist strap, and a support strap connected to the waist strap and the leg straps, with the support strap having a support connector for connecting to a support line.

Abstract: A propulsion unit is adapted to propel a selected tip element into a structure along with a cable attached to the tip element. The cable is secured with respect to the structure and apparatus is provided that cooperates with the cable to allow at least one person at a time to move along the cable to safety. In a preferred embodiment, the propulsion unit is similar to an artillery piece.

Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, and an engagement indicator. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism retains the first ladder section in a stationary orientation with respect to the second ladder section. When in the disengaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism permits the first ladder section to pivot with respect to the second ladder section. The engagement indicator is mounted on the adjustable hinge mechanism. The engagement indicator is visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the disengage position. The engagement indicator is not visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the engaged position.

Abstract: An extension ladder and tree stand for supporting a seated or standing person on an elevated platform against a tree trunk for hunting, photography, and the like. The ladder and platform collapse into a compact size and shape for carrying by a person. The ladder is in telescoping sections. Alternate steps of the ladder slide to the middle of each telescoping section. This provides twice as many steps as sections, reducing the number of telescoping sections by half. This minimizes weight, size, complexity, and expense. When deployed, all parts remain safely assembled in all positions. Captive spring loaded pins fix the telescoping sections in extended or retracted positions, and fix the sliding steps in a middle position of each section. A folding seat on the platform has a cushion that reconfigures into a back cushion for carrying the collapsed assembly on the back of a person.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding system and method of use employs a plurality of scaffolding brackets that are hung from the framework of a building under construction to support a plurality of scaffolding planks to form a walkway therebetween. The scaffolding brackets include an anchor assembly, which is specially designed to wrap around the building's framework such that construction workers can complete their work without removing the brackets.

Abstract: A system (10) for ensuring the quality of lubricating oil in an engine of a locomotive without the need for specialized diagnostic and fluid handling systems on the locomotive. A test portion (28) of lubricating oil is removed from the engine and is analyzed at an oil analysis center (26) to determine an oil quality parameter (32). The oil quality parameter is used as an input to a calculator (34) to determine a quantity of oil (36) that must be replaced by fresh oil during a current maintenance outage in order to ensure that the engine oil quality will remain acceptable throughout a forthcoming operating period. In this manner, a complete change-out of the lubricating oil may be delayed or avoided. The oil replacement decision and quantity is communicated to a service center (18) via a communications link such as the Internet (40) prior to the arrival of the locomotive at the service center.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a flange portion of a railroad wheel attachable to a composition brake shoe. The device comprises at least one lubricating member formed from a polymer based compound selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, epoxy resins, polyamides, polytetrafluoroethenes, and various combinations thereof. The lubricating member has a substantially flat first side engageable with a longitudinal flat surface of such composition brake shoe and a radially opposed second side that has a substantially flat portion for contacting such flange portion of such railroad wheel. The device further includes a means for attaching the lubricating member or members to such composition brake shoe.

Abstract: An oil system is provided having a first inlet (20) for receiving oil from a fist source, such as a generator, and a second inlet (32) for receiving oil from other oil systems. A scavenge pump (14) has a manifold (26) arranged such that oil is preferentially pumped from the first inlet.

Abstract: A lubricating structure in a piston type compressor has a housing. a rotary shaft, a rotary valve and a shaft seal device. The housing defines a seal chamber, a plurality of cylinder bores and a suction pressure region. The rotary shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and includes a lubricating passage that interconnects the seal chamber and the suction pressure region. The rotary valve is connected to the rotary shaft and includes an introducing passage. The rotary shaft further includes a supply passage that interconnects the introducing passage and the suction pressure region for introducing fluid into the cylinder bores. The shaft seal device is located in the seal chamber and is located between the housing and the rotary shaft for preventing the fluid from leaking along a circumferential surface of the rotary shaft from the housing.

Abstract: A brake cable assembly includes a cable movably received in a sheath and an outer tube is mounted to the sheath and has an aperture defined through a wall of the outer tube. A shoulder extends inward from an inner periphery of the outer tube. A lubrication sleeve is received in the outer tube and contacts an end surface of the shoulder. Lubrication liquid is dropped to the lubrication sleeve via the aperture. The cable extends through the lubrication sleeve so as to be lubricated during operation. A seal member seals the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a ramp system for transporting objects from a lower site to an upper site and vice versa while keeping the object in a generally horizontal, or upright, orientation when the object is moved up a variable incline. Two rails are provided between the upper and lower site, and a carriage is provided with wheels to allow it to move along the rails. A plurality of cables extend from the carriage to the upper site and to the lower site, the cables passing through pulleys affixed to the carriage, in an arrangement which causes the front portion of the carriage to be cantilevered over the rails, thus keeping a horizontal orientation notwithstanding the incline of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, the system is implemented in a marine environment between a floating dock and a fixed pier.

Abstract: A brake attachment apparatus is provided for a wheelchair and includes wheelchair connector means for connecting to the wheelchair, brake operator arm means which extend horizontally along a portion of the wheelchair, brake operator arm hinge means connected to the wheelchair connector means for connecting the brake operator arm means to the wheelchair connector means, and wheel brake member means connected to the brake operator arm means. When a patient rises from a sitting position in the wheelchair or is in a standing position and sits down in the wheelchair, the patient exerts downward pressure on the brake operator arm means, and that downward pressure is transmitted to the wheel brake member means for applying braking pressure on wheels of the wheelchair to prevent the wheelchair from moving.

Abstract: A double wrap brake band is provided for use with a rotating element such as a rotating drum in an automatic transmission or the like. The double wrap brake band is provided with a friction surface on an inner circumferential surface of a band portion wrapped substantially double. The friction surface is provided with an inclined part such that the friction surface becomes gradually closer to an associated outer circumferential surface of the rotating element in a rotating direction of the rotating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for a cable (2) of a hand-brake. When the hand-brake is disengaged, a tractive element (4) configured as a threaded spindle that can be attached to the cable (2) can be tightened on a spindle nut (10) that surrounds the threaded spindle (4) in relation to a housing (3), by means of the pre-tensioning of a spring. The invention aims to provide an adjusting device that permits a simple, continuous adjustment of a cable. To achieve this, the spring is configured as a constant-force spring (12) which engages the spindle nut (10) and a supply roll (15) that has a rotational axis parallel to the spindle nut (10) and elements are provided for retaining the tractive element (4) in position, relative to the housing (3), when the hand-brake is engaged.

Abstract: A disk-brake (1) which is unusually safe, comprises a braking band (3) for cooperating with brake calipers in order to exert a braking effect on a vehicle, the braking band (3) comprising a shaped body (4) which extends about an axis of symmetry (X-X) and is defined laterally by braking surfaces (5, 6), the body (4) being made of composite material which can be produced by causing a mixture comprising bundles of filaments (7) constituted substantially by carbon, arranged randomly and having dimensions no greater than 30 mm, to interact with silicon at a temperature high enough to bring about fusion of the silicon. The disk is characterized in that a plurality of reinforcing fibres are incorporated in the shaped body (4) and extend around the shape of the body (4) in a manner such as to prevent the propagation of cracks.

Abstract: A resilient leg as part of an attachment for the wheel of a motor vehicle. The leg is provided with a piston rod (4) that has a piston (5) attached to it, that travels into and out of a housing (1), that is attached at its outer end to the vehicle's chassis, and that is maintained in radial alignment by two separated bearings. The piston divides the interior of the housing into two fluid-charged chambers (9 & 10). The object is to ensure satisfactory transmission of moments of force from the piston rod to the housing in a leg that is light in weight. The piston rod accordingly extends through, and is maintained in radial alignment at, both ends of the leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising two members having rotational movement relative to each other to be retarded, of which the first member comprises an axle and the second a housing (25) adapted to receive the axle. This device is characterized by retarding means comprising at least a part of the wall (24) bounding the housing, of elastically deformable flexible material, and having, facing the axle, at least one working surface (28) of cam form, and at least one projection on that axle, adapted to cooperate with a working surface (28) associated therewith to retard the movement with the resisting couple being adapted to the driving couple at each angular position. Preferably, the first member is a rotor and each projection is a gadroon extending the length of a generatrix of the axle.

Abstract: In an electric telpher or similar conveyor system comprising movable transfer units, power is transmitted to consumers having differing input power requirements in that the slide rail (1) is also used as return conductor of the feeder (4) in the primary circuit and in that the current collector (6) of the secondary circuit comprises two separate and differently rated windings (N01, N02) to provide two separate supply voltages (U01, U02) with different load capacities that are geared to the differing power needs of the consumers via electronic collector circuits (AE1, AE2).

Abstract: In a ratchet one-way clutch including an inner race, an outer race provided coaxially with the inner race, a pawl member for transmitting torque between the inner race and the outer race, and a damper mechanism for absorbing shock at the time of engagement of the pawl member, a sliding plate is interposed between two members which constitute the damper mechanism and are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A rotational control apparatus (10) includes multiple facings (274-276) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a mount (124) and which sandwich multiple friction plates (252, 253) rotatable with and axially slideable relative to a hub (12). To create turbulent air flow, the friction plates (252, 253) include an undulating outer circumferential edge (258) and a plurality of passages (260) in the interface portion and overlapping the inner peripheries (282) of the facings (274-276). An automotive clutch release type bearing (290) directly abuts between a piston (40) and the friction facing (274) and is encapsulated in the piston cavity (36) and a cavity (277) formed in the friction facing (274), with the friction facing (274) engaging the axial end (34) of the air chamber (24) when the facings (274-276) and the friction plates (252, 253) are disengaged. In the preferred form, the air chamber (24) and the mount (124) are of the same geometry and are machined from identical castings.

Abstract: An inexpensive, high capacity, and easy to install roller (20) for engaging hot metal plates being transferred over a cooling bed plate transfer grid. An invertible block which may have a bearing is provided at each end of the axle (22) for the roller. The bearing block (24) is received in a cut-out in the upper edge of a respective elongate parallel grid member. The bearing block (24) is clamped in the cut-out by a plate which is received in a pair of slots in forward and aft edges of the cut-out to clampingly overlie the bearing block (24).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing articles from a continuous manufacturing line without interrupting the line comprising a pair of conveyor portions arranged in substantially parallel alignment, each having means for transporting an article along the manufacturing line and being mounted on a frame, the frame being reversibly transportable between a first and second position in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of an article on the manufacturing line, said first and second positions corresponding with a conveyor portion being in alignment with the continuous manufacturing line.

Abstract: Commercial production transport systems, mechanisms, and guides for food processing are configured so as to automate food transport. The system can direct food to travel serially over side-by-side predetermined travel lanes using one or more of a pick-up mechanism and/or router guide channels to pick-up and/or laterally translate the food product form the first travel lane to the second travel lane so that it travels greater than one, and typically a plurality, of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier. Associated methods redirect and/or laterally translate food being transported in an automated food processing system.