Abstract: There is a self-propelled mobile sled which can be maneuvered over various terrains such as earth, slopes, hills, rocks, snow, and ice. The sled, in various modifications, can be used as a toy; as a rescue vehicle; and an observation vehicle. The size of the sled can vary to adjust to the desired task.

Abstract: This lightweight, compact, two-wheel conversion utility is specifically designed to serve as a dual-purpose device for use with a motorcycle. First, the structural design is such that a removable rail tongue hitch is fitted to the proposed invention allowing the conversion utility to be used as a carrier trailer for the motorcycle until arriving at the desired destination. There, the rail tongue hitch is detached from the frame, the motorcycle is backed between the two wheels of the utility, and is quickly and easily mounted to the rear axle and frame, thus converting the carrier trailer to a stabilizer for the motorcycle giving it a three wheel appearance. This makes it capable of increasing load capacity and less likely to overturn. The wheels are located on the outside of the conversion utility's frame and are laterally spaced apart on opposite sides of the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A steer axle for a heavy duty vehicle is provided including an axle assembly having an axle housing. A steer knuckle is connected to an end portion of the axle housing by king pins. The steer knuckle rotates relative to the axle housing about the king pins. A wheel end assembly including a brake drum and a pair of brake shoes is supported on an outer wall of the steer knuckle. Preferably, one end of a cam shaft is supported by the wheel end assembly, such as by a spindle. According to the present invention, the steer knuckle includes a boss extending from a portion of the steer knuckle. The boss includes a hole, and preferably, a bushing is received in the hole to support the other end of the cam shaft. Other brake components such as an air chamber, rod, and a brake adjuster are supported by the knuckle and connected to the cam shaft to rotate the cam shaft about its axis and force the brake shoes away from one another with a cam and into engagement with the brake drum.

Abstract: A small-sized vehicle such as scooter-type motorcycle includes an engine unit and a power transmission unit coupled to the engine unit to be swingable. The engine unit includes a power generation section, a speed changing section, a first case into which the power generation unit is accommodated and a second case into which the speed changing section is accommodated. The first and second cases are operatively connected to each other as a unit case constituting the engine unit, which is then mounted to a vehicle body.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system uses a semi-active actuator in which a wheel steering motor operates vehicle wheels when a steering wheel is rotated. The steering system includes: a steering operator unit having a steering column with one end vertically connected to the center of the steering wheel, a torsion spring connected between the other end of the steering column and a vehicle body via jigs mounted to both ends thereof, a magneto-rheological brake for providing steering reaction force according to the amount of current, and rotation angle sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting rotation of the steering wheel, and a torque sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting torque of the steering wheel; a current regulator for controlling resistance force against rotation of the magneto-rheological brake.

Abstract: A steering system functions in accordance with the “steer by wire” concept and has a normal operating system without positive coupling between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels, as well as an emergency operating system, which functions with positive coupling between the steered vehicle wheels and the steering handle. An auxiliary operating system is additionally provided, which, in response to malfunctions of the normal operating system, assumes its tasks and, in a transitional phase, adapts the performance characteristics of the steering system to those of the emergency system, which is switched on upon conclusion of the transitional phase. Thus, at the transition from the normal operating system to the emergency operating system, the driver is given time to become accustomed to the other steering performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control device for a vehicle, comprising a steering actuator, a pair of steerable wheels (1a, 1b) attached to the same wheel axle, a steering transmitting device connecting the steering actuator and the steerable wheels(1a, 1b), and a sensor (5) arranged to detect at least one parameter relating to a condition of the steering actuator and generate a signal indicative of said condition, which signal also categorizes each of the steerable wheels (1a, 1b) as an inside and an outside wheel respectively. The control device further comprises an electronic control unit (10) for a vehicle brake control system, which system is arranged to brake the inside wheel when a signal from the sensor (5) exceeds a predetermined value for a particular condition, in order to reduce the turning radius (R1, R2) of the vehicle. A method for operating the control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle with a steering handle, which can be actuated by a driver of the vehicle, with at least one steerable vehicle wheel, which is actuated as a function of actuations of the steering handle, with a control system, which allows operation of the steering system on a steer-by-wire level and on a fall-back level and, at least in an emergency, switches from the steer-by-wire level to the fall-back level, with an electric and/or electronic coupling device, which couples the steering handle to the steerable vehicle wheel on the steer-by-wire level, and with a hydraulic and/or mechanical coupling device, which couples the steering handle to the steerable vehicle wheel on the fall-back level.

Abstract: Controlled-polarization marine seismic shear-wave source has a base suitable for positioning on a seafloor, beneath a water body. Twin water-blast tubes (seismic-impulse-generation thrusters) are mounted on the base, aimed upwardly, outwardly in opposite directions at equal acute angles &bgr; relative to the base. These blast tubes are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of vertical centerline CL of the source. When submerged, water enters open mouths at upper ends of the tubes. The base has multiple downwardly projecting blade-like teeth for penetrating into the seafloor. Firing a compressed-air discharger mounted in a lower end of a water-blast tube hurls a powerful slug of water upwardly along the tube, producing a powerful reaction impulse acting downwardly generally parallel with the tube axis.

Abstract: A seismic shear wave generator comprising a seismic wave source (3) arranged on a base plate (11) arranged for being placed at the seabed, and a coupling device (1) arranged for coupling the wave source (3) mechanically to the seabed in order for shear waves to be transmitted to the seabed. The novelty of the invention is as follows: a cylindrical skirt (1) closely arranged along the base plate's (11) circumference and extending down from the underside of the base plate (11), and open downwards, and a pump device (2) arranged for pumping water respectably out of, and into, the skirt (1) and form vacuum or overpressure, respectively, in a closed cavity formed by the skirt (1) and the base plate (11) and the seabed (1) is lowered onto the seabed. By means of the device mentioned above the shear wave generator may be suctioned fixed to the sea bed and thus transfer shear waves via the skirt (1) to the seabed.

Abstract: For determination of the laminar structure and other characteristics of a ground, oscillation sensors for detecting the vertical component or vertical and horizontal components of oscillations are disposed at three or more points within a comparatively small area at ground level to simultaneously measure microseisms at the respective points, if necessary with locations of said points being varied and measurements be performed at the respective locations and the vertical oscillation data or vertical and horizontal oscillation data thus generated are analyzed. This method not only permits an expedient, positive and accurate assessment of the laminar structure and other characteristics of the ground but also permits the measurement of ground structure even when the area available for measurement is small.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a low-mass, light-weight sound generator with particularly good performance at mid and low audio frequencies. It is expected to find principal use in applications where mass is of crucial importance. It is capable of delivering the high acoustic levels, as required for sound generation or active sound control. The present invention uses a generally planar acoustic membrane as a diaphragm, the diaphragm being in tension and attached at its outer edge to a support frame which provides a soft boundary condition to the acoustic diaphram. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is an inflatable toroidal tube of rubber or rubber-like material. A polymer membrane is attached to the support structure by heat sealing the membrane in place. A voltage is applied to a piezoelectric bender-type actuator, which imparts axial displacement to a region of the diaphragm, causing resonance of the diaphragm in the desired frequency range.

Abstract: The invention concerns an exhaust silencer arrangement with integrated bypass assembly and external actuator to control the position of the bypass assembly. For applications where a heightened loudness, or increased horsepower through the decrease of exhaust noise suppression is desired or required, but at temporary instances, the invention allows for real time electronic control over the loudness and horsepower potential of the internal combustion engine to which it is applied. The invention is comprised of the exhaust muffler with integrated bypass and silencer module, external electronic actuator, and the mechanical cable which transmits the mechanical output of the actuator to the bypass valve of the exhaust muffler assembly. The exhaust muffler is comprised of the housing which contains the bypass tube and valve assembly, silencer module, and inlet and outlet chambers which intersect the bypass assembly with the silencer module.

Abstract: A sawhorse is disclosed that provides stability, easy assembly and disassembly, and ability to handle heavy loads and is inexpensive to manufacture. Brackets that have a C-shaped collar for holding the ends of a cross member and leg receptacles for holding standard dimension lumber used for legs of the sawhorse. All pieces are designed to spread the forces of the load. An optional elevation bar helps facilitate the cutting of material without cutting through the sawhorse.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. In contrast to earlier motors which use springs wound on spools, the present invention utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease the design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable, stable, and constant torque output characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating hoistway information from images of the surface patterns of a hoistway component such as a guide rail sensed by a CCD line camera. The image data are input into a first correlator which uses an incremental position of a new image and an absolute position of a preceding image to generate an estimated position. The estimated position is input into a second correlator and is used to locate the relevant database sector in which the image which was stored in the database during calibration is situated. The second correlator compares the new image with the stored image and determines from the position index of the stored image the absolute position of the elevator car which is transmitted to the elevator control.

Abstract: A programmable switching device that employs a Hall Effect sensor and a moving magnet is disclosed. The Hall Effect sensor is electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor that is programmed to detect changes in Hall Effect voltages at the sensor. The programmable switching device may also be configured as a rotary switching device. By using a plurality of magnets and Hall Effect transducers and orienting some magnets with their polarities in different directions, a temper-proof switch can be achieved. The programmable switching device may be connected to a serial bus that is interfaced with an elevator controller.

Abstract: A frontal structure for cabins of elevators, made of steel and/or aluminum or other suitable material, includes a pair of parallel uprights (18) (20), extending in the vertical direction and connected at the upper end by a plate (22) which forms the support for the movement mechanism or “operator” of the doors of the elevator.

Abstract: An emergency brake device for a vehicle with a lever activated braking system which includes a lever, impact point part, plunger, plunger housing, plunger retaining system, plunger release system and a tether cable. The lever activates the braking system and includes a rotational point. The lever has a hand activation section on one side of the rotational point and a body section on other of the rotational point. The impact point part is near the body section. The plunger housing houses the plunger and is attached to the body section. The plunger retaining system holds the plunger in the plunger housing. The plunger release system releases the plunger. The tether cable is attached to the plunger release system.

Abstract: A method of attaching a brake cable assembly onto a drum brake assembly is disclosed for a new form of brake cable having a cable inner portion with an end fitting and a cable outer portion comprising a cable sheath and a guide. The cable guide is inserted through a hole in a backplate of the brake assembly and positioned such that an open end of the guide is presented adjacent an automatic latching device on a parking brake lever of the brake assembly. The cable inner is then advanced through the cable outer such that the end fitting is guided towards, and engages the automatic latching device. The cable outer and backplate may be provided with corresponding orientation features which are aligned to ensure the correct presentation of the open end of the guide adjacent the latching device during assembly. These orientation features may take the form of interengaging formations on the backplate and cable outer. The guide may include a spring which acts as a return spring for the parking brake lever.

Abstract: The invention comprises a frictional damping strut. The strut comprises an inner cylinder that slides within an outer casing. A spring biases the inner cylinder away from the outer casing in an axial direction. A first wedge member cooperatively engages a second wedge member. The first wedge member having a frictional engagement with the inner cylinder such that when the inner cylinder is pressed into the outer casing the first wedge member bears upon the second wedge member causing the first wedge member to radially expand, thereby increasing a frictional force between the first wedge member and the inner cylinder. A second spring preloads the first wedge member against the second wedge member. A belt tensioner may incorporate the damping strut to preload a belt and damp belt oscillations.

Abstract: A magnetorheological piston includes a body having a substantially magnetically energizable passageway and a substantially magnetically non-energizable passageway. The substantially magnetically non-energizable passageway has a valveless passageway throat and has a flow cross-sectional area which has a minimum at the passageway throat and which is larger away from the passageway throat. A magnetorheological damper includes a cylinder and the above-described magnetorheological piston, wherein the piston is positioned in, and slideably engages, the cylinder.

Abstract: A powerful high frequency shock absorber/accelerator uses compressed air but maintains a substantially uniform level of force throughout retraction and extension strokes. A piston moving in an inner chamber compresses gas in the chamber. Initially, an aperture allows compressed gas to be pushed to an outer storage chamber surrounding the inner chamber. As the piston moves further, sealing structure seals gas coming through the aperture thereby isolating the compressed air in the outer chamber from the inner chamber. At the end of the retraction stroke the small amount of remaining air is vented to outside and the piston faces a small counterforce-generating member. When the extension stroke is initiated the counterforce-generating member moves the piston a small distance until the seal is broken. The force of the compressed air rushing back into the inner chamber drives the extension stroke. Additional embodiments include replacing outer chamber with external source of gas.

Abstract: A piece of towable baggage that comprises a pack portion, a retractable towing member, and a pair of towing wheels that move between stored and towing positions relative to the pack portion in response to movement of a towing member between retracted and extended positions relative to the pack portion.

Abstract: A golf club travel bag comprising a generally parallelpiped shaped bag body having top, bottom, side, front and back panels preferably formed from foam padding interposed in a knit backing and a ballistic nylon shell. An inset shoe case recesses into the travel bag from the front panel to maintain a substantially streamline outer surface. The top and back of the bag include rigid plastic panels to provide further protection to the golf clubs therein without adding substantial weight to the bag.

Abstract: A luggage includes a frame which is formed of bottom plate, top side plate and back plate. The top side plate and left and right side plates and top plate are joined together. The lower edges of the top side plate and the back plate are fastened to the side edge of the bottom plate. The top edge of the back plate is fastened to the top plate. The back plate is provided on the top with a stacking plate to facilitate the stacking of the top plate. The junctures of the side edges of the bottom plate, the side plates and the top plate are arcuate in shape. The juncture of the back plate and the stacking plate is arcuate in shape. The frame is resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing having a fixed portion (5,6) including an inner support tube (6) and an outer body (5) concentric therewith which defines a control chamber (50) capable of being supplied with a fluid and housing an axially movable tubular piston (4) supporting a drive member (3) engageable with the diaphragm (13) of the clutch (1), wherein the support tube (6) axially projects beyond the outer body (5). The front end of the support tube (6) is surrounded by a guide sleeve (9) for the piston (4).

Abstract: A friction member is made up of a back plate, a non-asbestos friction material bonded to a surface of the back plate and produced by molding and curing a non-asbestos friction material composition, and a metal phosphate conversion coating formed between the back plate and the non-asbestos friction material. When new, the friction member has a breaking load, measured according to JIS D4422, of at least 9 MPa, and a percent bonded surface area, which is the ratio of the surface area of friction material attached to the back plate surface after shear to the surface area of friction material attached to the plate surface before shear, of at least 90%. Such friction members are highly resistant to rusting, have excellent adhesion and heat resistance, and can be produced with minimal sludge formation and easy process control.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an automated clutch (2) and/or an automated transmission (3) that are operated by an actuator (11, 8) through control commands of a control device (7). At least some of the control commands depend on sensor input indicating whether or not the brakes of the motor vehicle are applied. To detect the actuation of the brakes, the motor vehicle uses two brake sensors or switches (71, 72) rather than only one, thereby providing an additional margin of safety in the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system is provided for use with products of various sizes, shapes, and stability characteristics. The system comprises multiple moving conveyors, including a first conveyor which transports product from an upstream location to the inner path of an accumulator conveyor. The accumulator conveyor, traveling at a substantially similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor or conveyors, is aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a predetermined location at the inner path of the accumulator conveyor for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at this predetermined location.

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: A low-profile tensioner for a conveyor belt scraper that utilizes an elastomeric collar having a force storing means in the form of a series of spokes, wherein the elastomeric collar is tensioned and then connected to the rotatable shaft of the conveyor belt scraper assembly to bias the scraper against the surface of the conveyor belt while providing adequate space around the tensioner to allow for the easy adjustment or maintenance of the tensioner.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor driven in a first direction and a second conveyor driven in a second opposite direction. The conveyors extend in a side-by-side and parallel relationship with a space defined therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed within the space between the conveyors and defines a bridge that extends across the space and is generally flush with the upper surfaces of the conveyors. The transport member is drivingly engaged by the conveyors so as to move linearly between the conveyors depending on a speed differential of the conveyors. At least one article transfer member comprising a driven article propelling member is carried by the transport member and is disposed transversely to the conveyors to contact and drivingly transfer the articles from the first conveyor over the bridge member and onto the second conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading a fragmenting machine, such as a hammer crusher, including a front and rear upper drive roller which are equipped, independently of each other, with a drive mechanism and arranged above the feed plane of a feed chute. The drive rollers are mounted on a displaceable and pressure exerting system of levers, such that a continuous, pre-pressed and controlled feed of recyclable material for fragmenting is guaranteed.

Abstract: A conveyor roller assembly comprising a supporting bracket through which the roller assembly can be fixed in use, a hollow, generally cylindrical roller shell supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis on the bracket, an electrical generator housed within the roller shell and driven thereby by rotation of the shell to produce an electrical output, a brake within the roller shell and operable to brake rotation of the shell relative to the bracket, a speed sensor within the shell for sensing the speed of rotation of the shell relative to the bracket, and, an actuator powered by the electrical output of the generator when the speed sensor detects that the speed of rotation of the shell relative to the bracket exceeds a predetermined value, to effect operation of the brake to brake rotation of the shell.

Abstract: An article conveyor having live rollers driven by a polymeric driven pad which has a wear indicator element co-extruded with the driven pad. The element is visually distinct from the pad and has converging sides in the driven pad so that wear on the pad is indicated by the amount of the wear element visible to an observer.

Abstract: A drive shaft (5) with at least one chain wheel (7) for the drive of chain scraper conveyors, especially for underground mining operations, with a full-width drive shaft (5) mounted on both ends in bearings (4) on the machine frame (1), which has outer gearing teeth (6) for the positive rotational engagement with single part chain wheels (7), which can be pulled off the drive shaft (5), whereby the drive shaft (5) has outer teeth (6) along its longitudinal region, in which a through central gearing (6) reaches to the reduced diameters (17) of the drive shaft (5) in the proximity of the bearing housings (3).

Abstract: A conveyor system which has a continuous path conveyor is to be used for transporting and accumulating excessive loads. The conveyor may be formed of a continuous loop of chain elements. The conveyor path consists of two or more product carrying sections and corresponding offset return path sections. A product carrying section of the conveyor wraps around power driven sprockets where it is fed into and becomes a return path section. From there the path is guided over and aligned with free turning tail sprockets, where it is returned as a product carrying section. This section is then fed onto second drive sprockets, powered by another power means, where it again becomes a return path section, guided over tail sprockets and returned as a product carrying section. In this manner, the load of the conveyor chain is relieved at each drive sprocket assembly, thereby increasing the available working distance of the system.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a support structure for a belt constructed of interlocking segments. The support structure includes straight segments that may be cut to any desired length. These straight segments are joined using a friction-fit connector. The connector does not require any drilling or other modifications to the straight segments. The straight segments may be constructed from a single sheet of stainless steel. The conveyor assembly may also include support arms, legs and other accessories.

Abstract: A sanitary and compact container having a recessed compartment for holding condoms and a convex compartment that registers with the recessed compartment. The container is provided with a hinge, an air-tight seal or gasket and a button-snap closure, and is decorative and aesthetically pleasing. The container may be provided with one or more additional compartments for holding additional condoms, spermicide and/or personal lubricant. Condoms may be removed from their wrapper before placement in the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispenser having a plastic bag with two compartments, one containing liquid and the other solid, and a connector having a neck member that holds the bag. The bag has a sealed seam which is easily rupturable separating said compartments. The connector may have a variety of caps for dispensing the mixed liquid and solid. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a disposable/recyclable baby bottle. The bag in this embodiment holds water in one compartment and baby formula in a second compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flip open box package, such as a cigarette pack, with enhanced aroma due to encapsulated flavor materials incorporated on the interior surface of the flip top. The encapsulated flavor is released upon opening of the box by frictional interaction of frame components or with the product.

Abstract: Provided is a display panel for displaying and/or storing shoes. The display panel includes a base board defined by a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge. The base board has a first cut in a shape of a sole of a left shoe and a second cut in a shape of a sole of a right shoe. An upper portion of a left shoe is attached to an area of the second side that is enclosed by the first cut, and an upper portion of a right shoe is attached to an area of the second side that is enclosed by the second cut.

Abstract: A package for housing and protecting a folded garment has a back and two front foldable flaps. Each front foldable flap has two foldable sections, and each section has a partial side. A top covers the upper edge of the folded garment and is formed into a downwardly extending tab positioned between the folded garment and the front foldable flaps. A pressure-sensitive hanging element is adhesively attached to the back and extends through an opening in the top garment covering portion to accommodate repeated removal and hanging on a display support member.

Abstract: A case for holding a portable electronic device is disclosed which includes a body portion having a front panel, a rear panel, and two side panels. The body portion has a cavity formed by the front, rear, and side panels. The cavity has an open top end and an open bottom end. A top flap is releasably secured to the body portion within the cavity. A bottom flap is attached to and extends downwardly from the body portion. To cover the open bottom end of the cavity, the bottom flap is folded over the open end and releasably secured to the rear panel. When it is desired to cover the top open end of the cavity, the top flap is folded over the cavity and secured to the front panel of the body portion. The top flap may be adjusted so as to accommodate various types of portable devices.

Abstract: The device provides for the formation of a CD jacket using conventional or custom dimensioned paper by imparting a diagonal folding pattern to the paper to be used for the CD jacket. The folding pattern is imparted to the paper and a defined series of folding steps followed to yield the CD jacket. Reversing the last step in the folding sequence provides access to the internal pocket formed by folding the paper through an aperture in a top flap. Completing the last step in the sequence seals the internal pocket. The folding sequence may be imparted to the paper using printing or scoring or both to yield the diagonal lines on which folds are made.

Abstract: A sport tackle box bag for carrying multiple rectangular parallelepiped generally rigid tackle storage boxes includes a lower section having a front flap for access to the lower section and an upper section having a top flap for access to the top section.

Abstract: A tool case has multiple side plates, a bottom plate, an upper cover and multiple side covers. The side plates are connected with each other to define a containing space for storing large tools. Multiple recesses are defined in the outer side of each respective side plate for receiving tools. Each side cover is pivotally connected to one of the side plates and has an inner side with multiple recesses to receive tools. Accordingly, the space for storing tools in the tool case is large and many, and the use of the tool case is versatile.

Abstract: A carousel suitable for storing dolls having a plurality of compartments with doors opening into each compartment and a top storage above the compartments with doors that cover the storage space and for the top of the carousel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dispensing abrasive materials and to an abrasive material, such as a sheet or disc. An abrasive material means a flexibly bendable abrasive sheet product, one side of which is provided with an abrasive agent with a varying grit size. A plural number of abrasive materials are preferably arranged in a bundle in a dispenser means so that the sides of the abrasive materials provided with an abrasive agent face the same direction. The object of the present invention is to release the abrasive material from the dispenser means in a simpler way, simultaneously preventing any protective coverings on the abrasive material from being detached and spread about the working space. Such tabs are arranged on the back side of the abrasive material, the tabs being interconnected. When the abrasive materials of the invention are removed from the dispenser means, the tabs still remain attached to each other.