Abstract: Drive system for an all-wheel driven motor vehicle having a first and a second driven axle (3, 9), which drive system has a differential-speed-dependent clutch (6) for driving the second driven axle, and an at least partially lockable differential (8) between the wheels of the second driven axle (9). The differential-speed-dependent clutch (6) comprises a pump (10) which, when a differential speed occurs, produces a pressure which leads to the transmission of a torque to the second driven axle (9). In order to ensure that the differential lock responds in a manner coordinated neatly in terms of time and taking account of the driving state, a connecting line (18) leads from the delivery side (11 or 12) of the pump (10) to an actuating member (27) of the lockable differential (8), with the result that, when a differential speed occurs, the pressure produced by the pump (10; 67) makes it possible to at least partially lock the differential (8) by means of a positive locking clutch (26).

Abstract: A tuning method for the exciting current-transmission torque characteristic of a power transmission apparatus is provided. A yoke (36), which supports an electromagnet (33), is accommodated in a groove (53) and is apart from the groove by a first distance (L2) and a second distance (L4). The exciting current-transmission torque characteristic is tuned by varying the first distance while keeping the second distance fixed. When the first distance is varied, the variation of the magnetoresistance of a magnetic path is relatively small. Therefore, the exciting current-transmission torque characteristic is more accurately tuned.

Abstract: A control unit for the gear or shift program selection of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is presented, which has a emergency release mechanism, by which a parking brake of the motor vehicle transmission can be released by means of an operating device that can be actuated by the driver, with a housing (3) and a selector lever (1), which can be brought into at least two end positions, in which [control unit] the operating device of the emergency release mechanism is an integral part of the control unit, and in which the operating device has a detachable stop element (7), which is secured in a mount (9) of the control unit by means of a coded release mechanism (15) and which acts as a movement limitation for the release movement of the parking brake by the operating device of the emergency release mechanism in the non-actuated state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat cushion pumping device for a vehicle. The device comprises a clutch section arranged between a clutch cover and a base member to generate operating force required for adjusting a height of a seat cushion, and a brake section arranged between a brake cover and the base member to conserve operating force of the clutch section. The clutch section includes a pair of clutch blocks, a lever block interposed between the pair of clutch blocks to operate them, and a lever coupled with the lever block and having a lever spring.

Abstract: A recycle box to be mounted on a bill receiving/dispensing machine including a bill convey path, includes a stacking/separating mechanism arranged to receive bills from the bill convey path so that the bills are contained in the recycle box, and to separate at least one of the bills from the bills contained in the recycle box so that the at least one of the bills is fed to the bill convey path from the recycle box, and a swingable bill guide arranged in the vicinity of the stacking/separating mechanism.

Abstract: A recess to the size to accommodate each moving stepend is provided for the existing skirt panel on either side of the steps. By extending the step ends to this recess the present dangerous gap found in between the steps and the skirt panel can be relocated away from the passenger's clothing's direct access thus avoiding any possible risk to life or health.

Abstract: There is provided a variable capacity reservoir (10) for rod-like articles comprising a product input station (24) and a product output station (26) having a continuous endless conveyor (12) extending therebetween with an adjustable product conveying length (14) extending between the product input and output stations and complimentary adjustable conveyor take up length (16) between the output and input stations, wherein the product conveying length (14) extends in a spiral arrangement between a: first drum member (18) and a second drum member (20) and a conveyor take up length (16) extends between said second drum member (20) and a third drum member (22), wherein the second drum member (20) is adjustable between the two fixed outer drums (18, 22) to adjust the lengths of the product conveying length (14) and conveyor take up length (16) in a complimentary manner.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for spouts or bags with spouts thereon, including: a circular rotating body which is driven rotationally, a guide rail disposed around the circumference of the rotating body with a predetermined spacing in between, and a plurality of grippers disposed on the rotating body and rotated with the rotating body. The rotating body has an outer circumferential edge that supports the flanges of the spouts, and the guide rail has on its inner edge an arc-shaped guide portion that also supports the flanges of the spouts. During the rotation of the rotating body, the grippers close to hold the spouts at the flanges and then opens to release the spouts. A rotational force is imparted by the rotating body to the spouts while spouts are held at the flanges by the grippers.

Abstract: An accumulation conveyor of the present invention includes a frame, which comprises spaced apart side frame members, and a plurality of rollers that are rotatably supported between the side frame members. The conveyor includes a stop member and an actuator that selectively moves the stop member between an extended position wherein at least a portion of the stop member is extended above the conveying surface for stopping one or more articles conveyed on the conveying surface and a retracted position wherein the stop member is below said conveying surface. The actuator and the stop member are supported and positioned between said side frame members when the stop member is moved between its retracted position whereby the stop member and the actuator comprise a low-profile stop assembly.

Abstract: There are provided linear section moving chain conveyors for moving carrier trucks on linear sections of a guide rail, curvilinear section moving chain conveyors for moving the carrier trucks on curvilinear sections of a guide rail, and conveyance interval variable portions for moving the carrier trucks on borders between the linear sections and the curvilinear sections while gradually varying the interval between the carrier trucks. When the carrier trucks are moved from a linear section to the following curvilinear section, spiral screws of the conveyance interval variable portions gradually widen the intervals between the carrier trucks, and when the carrier trucks are moved from a curvilinear section to the following linear section, the screws gradually narrow the intervals between the carrier trucks.

Abstract: A cover or housing which spans an output port of a first station and an input port of a second station in a manufacturing facility, for example, and covers or houses a conveyor extending between the stations for conveying articles from the first station to the second station. A source of nitrogen gas or clean dry air is provided in communication with the housing interior, and at least one exhaust fan is provided on the housing. As articles are conveyed from the first station to the second station, nitrogen gas or clean dry air is blown into the housing and drawn therefrom through the exhaust fan or fans, such that the flowing gas or air removes particles from the articles as they are carried to the second station.

Abstract: A self cleaning conveyor roller for supporting a conveyor media carrying contaminant materials. The conveyor roller consists of a drum defining a support surface, having a generally cylindrical shape, and being adapted to be supported for rotation, for supporting a conveyor media. The conveyor roller has a plurality of abutments on the support surface, raised above the support surface, and defining a series of spaced apart conveyor media support ridges lying on a circular configuration, concentric with the drum. The abutments are arranged in generally chevron shapes, around the drum. During rotation of the conveyor roller the abutments cause any debris or contaminants between the roller and the conveyor media to be guided out of the conveyor system. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a conveyor roller.

Abstract: There is provided a conveyor system for rod-like articles comprising a conveyor means (12), preferably forming a spiral (14) path round and between two cylindrical drums (18, 20) whereby the conveyor has a first and second elongate conveyor length extending towards and away from at least one of the drums (18) and having a transmission length extending therebetween and about an axis of said drum for changing the direction of the conveyor about this axis, whereby the first elongate length is at least partially displaced axially with respect to the second elongate length but wherein the transmission length is maintained in a first plane about the drum member, this plane being perpendicular to the drum axis. There is also provided a reservoir system comprising a conveyor arrangement of this type.

Abstract: The toothed belt is produced in a moulding cavity, which is defined by a rotating moulding wheel and an endless moulding belt, which is also rotating. For this purpose, the moulding wheel has a channel defined by lateral cheeks, in the base of which are provided recesses, which correspond to the teeth of the toothed belt. The moulding belt surrounds the moulding wheel over a proportion of its periphery and engages the lateral cheeks at that point. The polyurethane, of which the toothed belt is to consist, is injected into the inlet of the moulding cavity. Upstream of the inlet, “lost cores” are introduced into some of the recesses in the moulding wheel corresponding to the teeth in such a manner that they are embedded all around in the polyurethane. After finishing the toothed belt the “lost cores” can be removed. Passages remain which can be used, for instance, for mounting fastening elements.

Abstract: A processing belt for use in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), and methods for making the same, is provided. Embodiments of the processing belt include a mesh belt, and a polymeric material encasing the mesh belt to define the processing belt. The processing belt is fabricated so that the mesh belt forms a continuous loop within the polymeric material, and the mesh belt is constructed as a grid of intersecting members. The intersecting members are joined at fixed joints to form a rigid support structure for the processing belt.

Abstract: A readily bendable rolling conveyor guide is provided. The guide includes axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels mounted to a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guide may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor mat that consists of a film composite and that comprises a plurality of active zones that are interlinked via flexible connection paths, and a flexible protective cover that consists of a water-impermeable material.

Abstract: An arrangement of a flex circuit relay 7 is provided. The flex circuit relay 7 has a first substrate 10. A first connective member 24 is connected on the first substrate 10. A second flexible substrate 20 is provided having a contact portion 30 spaced away from the first substrate 10 in a first position and being spaced adjacent to the first substrate 10 in a second position. A second conductive member 26 is provided on the second substrate 20 for making contact with the first conductive member 24. A piezoelectric actuator 28 is connected with the second substrate 20 to cause the second substrate contact portion 30 to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and electro-mechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a plurality of elastomeric posts extending from an inboard surface thereof for retaining the spring plate to the button. A leadframe is disposed in the base and includes electrical tracks for communicating with a vehicle computer. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Abstract: An illumination type push button switch includes EL element 20 mounted to a bottom surface of board 17 below switch contact 2. Board 17 has through-holes 17A and 17B near the contact. EL element 20, which is capable of lighting plural push buttons simultaneously by surface-light emission, emits light via through-holes 17A and 17B of board 17 to light push buttons 11 and 12. The illumination type push button switch thus lighting the push buttons clearly includes a small number of components and is inexpensive.

Abstract: An electric switch requiring mechanical movement for actuation is mounted to a surface mountable switch mounting plate by standoffs so as to position a switch actuation element in position for actuation by a planar switch cover plate adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the switch mounting plate. The switch cover plate is adapted for engagement with the electric switch for actuation thereof by sliding engagement.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a safety switch in an electronic device comprising a seat having an opening and a trigger switch fitted in a cavity of the opening, wherein one end of a signal cable extended from the trigger switch is formed as a connector, and the signal cable sequentially run over two spaced apart cylinders disposed in the opening and passes through a gap on the bottom of the opening for exposing the connector outside the seat, such that, while a pulling force exerted on the signal cable, an additional support provided by the cylinders will prevent the pulling force from transmitting to the trigger switch along the signal cable to cause a disengagement of the trigger switch from the signal cable.

Abstract: In a membrane switch which is constituted of a lower membrane sheet, an upper membrane sheet and a spacer sheet which is inserted between both sheets, a spring sheet which is formed of a thin metal plate is arranged over the upper membrane sheet and, at the same time, a pair of slits are formed in the spring sheet at positions corresponding to both sides of an upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet. Further, the membrane switch is arranged below a holder member. When a key top 21 is pushed down, a switch portion of the spring sheet is pushed down by a pushdown projection of the membrane switch.

Abstract: A lock pin (9) is mounted on an operating member (4), with its proximal end portion (9a) fitted therein. A distal end portion (9b) of this lock pin can slide in a cam groove so as to releasably hold the operating member in two positions. A holding spring (10) is mounted on the operating member, and urges the lock pin toward a bottom surface of the cam groove. A pin engagement portion (15), which engages the lock pin to prevent the dropping of the lock pin in a condition before the operating member is mounted, is formed on the operating member. An engagement cancellation portion, which disengages the lock pin from the pin engagement portion in a mounted condition of the operating member, is formed on a switch base.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch, comprising

Abstract: A distillate system, especially of the sea water, by using the sun as heat source and the sea water as cold source, falling the work pressure to the boiling point of the sea water between the temperature generated by the sun and the temperature of the sea water. The sea water and the fresh water are entered/removed to/from the distillation system at the same time, by compensating the pressure differences.

Abstract: A process vessel containing both an evaporation zone for evaporating a liquid feed and a treatment zone for treating the resulting vapor comprises an injector having an orifice, the orifice being in the evaporation zone, at least one evaporation surface for evaporating feed and generating vapor, the evaporation surface being located in the evaporation zone, wherein the injector orifice and the evaporation surface are positioned to prevent the formation of a drop at the orifice, a treatment zone for treating the vapor and at least one heater associated with at least a portion of the process vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making at least one nanotube (2) between two electrically conducting elements (4) located on a substrate (8), the said process using microwave power in a deposition chamber (6), a gas containing organic molecules injected at low pressure inside the deposition chamber (6). According to the invention, the process also uses a magnetic field and at least one electronic cyclotron resonance zone (16) facilitating ionization and/or dissociation of the injected gas, the process also comprising a screening operation of the various species produced in each electronic cyclotron resonance zone (16), in order to exclusively enable CxHyo type non condensable free radicals to access the deposition zone (24) to make the said nanotube.

Abstract: A biased pulse DC reactor for sputtering of oxide films is presented. The biased pulse actor couples pulsed DC at a particular frequency to the target through a filter which filters effects of a bias power applied to the substrate, protecting the pulsed DC power supply. deposited utilizing the reactor have controllable material properties such as the index of ion. Optical components such as waveguide amplifiers and multiplexers can be fabricated processes performed on a reactor according to the present inention.

Abstract: A process for forming a mode size converter with an out-of-plane taper formed during deposition with a shadow mask is disclosed. Mode-size converters according to the present invention can have any number of configurations. Measured coupling efficiencies for waveguides with mode size converters according to the present invention show marked improvement.

Abstract: Contact assemblies, electroplating machines with contact assemblies, and methods for making contact assemblies that are used in the fabrication of microelectronic workpieces. The contact assemblies can be wet-contact assemblies or dry-contact assemblies. A contact assembly for use in an electroplating system can comprise a support member and a contact system coupled to the support member. The support member, for example, can be a ring or another structure that has an inner wall defining an opening configured to allow the workpiece to move through the support member along an access path. In one embodiment, the support member is a conductive ring having a plurality of posts depending from the ring that are spaced apart from one another by gaps. The contact system can be coupled to the posts of the support member. The contact system can have a plurality of contact members projecting inwardly into the opening relative to the support member and transversely with respect to the access path.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator system including one or more piston-cylinder type actuators (14) intended for crust breaking operations at electrolytic alumina reduction baths, each actuator (14) having a working piston (21), and a piston rod (22) carrying a crust breaking working implement (17), and a control circuit including a directional valve (24) is arranged to operate the actuator piston (21) in alternative directions, wherein the control circuit comprises air feed flow restrictions (26, 27), end position sensors (28, 29) and air feed shut-off valves (30, 31) for minimising the pressure air volume needed for accomplishing complete working strokes of the actuator piston (21) at varying crust layer thickness.

Abstract: The invention describes an electrochemical half-cell, in particular for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of hydrogen chloride, at least comprising a gas space, the gas space having a gas feed and a gas discharge as well as a liquid outlet, and a gas diffusion electrode which rests on an electrically conductive current distributor and makes an electrically conductive contact with the current distributor, the current distributor having a free area in the range from 5 to 65%, preferably from 10 to 60%, particularly preferably from 15 to 50%, based on the total area of the current distributor, and a thickness of from 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 0.35 to 0.6 mm.

Abstract: An electrolytic bath has a waterway converter that allows the ionized water outlets to discharge the same species of ionized water even if the polarity of the produced ionized water at the polar chamber has been reversed in order to prohibit the formation of the scale at the electrode. The waterway converter includes a cylinder-shaped valve housing and a cylindrical-bar shaped valve body wherein the valve body is rotated in accordance with the inversion of polarity at the chamber in such a way that the central linking pipe and linking pipe are alternatively linked to the alkaline and acid ionized water outlets.

Abstract: An electrode for rejuvenating a cooling passage within an airfoil, the electrode including a tip, an end, a conductive core extending between the tip and the end, and an insulating coating disposed on the conductive core. The insulating coating exposes a number of conductive strips of the conductive core extending between the tip and the end. The insulating coating forms a number of insulating portions and further exposes a number of spacer portions of the conductive core longitudinally positioned between the insulating portions. The insulating portions substantially span a distance between the tip and the end and are positioned between the conductive strips.

Abstract: An electrolytic reduction cell for the production of a metal is disclosed. The cell includes a plurality of collector bars (21). Each collector bar includes an elongated first section (27) that contacts the cathode (15) and at least one end section (29) that extends through one of the cell side walls (5) and is electrically connected to the electrical current carrier. The cell is characterised in that, for the purpose of controlling current distribution, the first section of each collector bar includes a core (31) of relatively high electrical conductivity material and an outer housing (33) of a more mechanically and chemically resistant material than the core material and the end section of each collector bar is formed from relatively low thermal conductivity material.

Abstract: A sputtering target having an annular vault with a throat between two sidewalls and facing a substrate to be sputter coated. The vault is partially closed by a plate placed in the annular throat between the sidewalls. Thereby, the plasma density is increased within the vault. Furthermore, the position of the annular gap in the plate between the two sidewalls may be chosen to increase uniformity of sputtering deposition arising from the two sidewalls. The plate may be formed of one or more annular rings attached to the walls or a single plate having apertures formed therein may bridge the throat. Alternatively, the target may be formed as a cylindrical hollow cathode with the plate partially closing the circular throat. A rotating asymmetric roof magnetron may be combined with a hollow cathode without the restricting plate.

Abstract: This invention consits of a sputtering target used in carrying out a PVD coating process where the sputtering target is sputtered by bombardment with gas atoms and a layer consisting of several metallic elements is deposited onto a substrate, the sputtering target being a plate (2) made of a metal used for building up said layer, and with the other metals used for building up the layer bieng present at least partially in the form of plugs (1), which are inserted in holes in the plate (2), the shape of the free surfaces of the plugs (1) being selected in such a way that the sputtering rate for each metal used in sputtering process can be set according to the desired composition of the layer being applied.

Abstract: A high-power ion sputtering magnetron having a rotary cathode comprising a conducting member disposed within the rotary cathode being made of an electrically conductive material for conducting electrical current from the power supply to the rotary cathode. The ion sputtering magnetron also has an electromagnetic field shield disposed between the conducting member and the drive shaft portion. The field shield is made of an electromagnetic field-permeable material such as a ferrous material for reducing damage to parts adjacent to the rotary cathode that are susceptible to inductive magnetic heating.

Abstract: A gas sensor element is provided which is used in a gas sensor such as an oxygen sensor. The gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte body, a target gas electrode provided on a surface of the solid electrolyte body so as to be exposed to a gas to be measured, and a reference gas electrode provided on a surface of the solid electrolyte body so as to be exposed to a reference gas. Each of the target gas electrode and the reference gas electrode is made up of a plurality of crystal grains defined by grain boundaries. The total length of the grain boundaries in each of the target gas electrode and the reference gas electrode is 1000 &mgr;m or more in a surface area of 1000 &mgr;m2. This ensures a sufficient degree of diffusion of the gasses in the target and reference gas electrodes, thereby providing a rapid response rate to the gas sensor element.

Abstract: Methods are described of delivering biological material, which methods include the steps of providing a liquid formulation containing the biological material, supplying the liquid formulation to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electrical field thereby causing electrohydrodynamic processing of the liquid without denaturing the biological material. In one example, the liquid formulation is provided by removing salts from a formulation containing biological material that does not denature in alcohol and then adding an alcohol to the formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet. An acid may be added to the liquid formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet.

Abstract: An electrophoresis separation material, especially for isoelectric focusing, comprising a carrier material to which pH-buffering groups are firmly attached and anode side and cathode sides. At least a first portion of the pH-buffering groups (a) having a pH-dependent charge on a nitrogen atom binding to an sp2-hybridised carbon atom,(b) including groups with pKa≧9.5. One embodiment, the groups in (a) have the structure —(NH)nC(═NH)(NH2)(I), possibly in protonated form, where n is 0 or 1, and the free valence binds to the carrier material via an organic linker.

Abstract: An electrokinetic geosynthetic (EKG) structure comprising conductive geosynthetic material wherein the conducting geosynthetic material comprises an open mesh structure, and a method of consolidating a substrate and in particular a cohesive soil substrate using such a structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing charged contaminants from a water stream. The apparatus can be figured to provide the decontaminated water stream to an analytical system. Methods of use of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing wall-less virtual channels. The wall-less channels may be regions such as stripes or other patterns that are defined by polar surface coatings. These wall-less channel may be used with polar solvents and defined by polar surface patterning of narrowly separated top and bottom walls of a chamber filled elsewhere by a non-polar partitioning medium. This provides a simple and easy-to-fabricate interface between the micro and macro worlds in which microfluidic processes are separated from the macro world fluid flow by a narrow veil of immiscible fluid across which an exchange of droplets can be controlled electrically.

Abstract: A method for measuring a target constituent of an electroplating solution using an electroanalytical technique is set forth in which the electroplating solution includes one or more constituents whose by-products skew an initial electrical response to an energy input of the electroanalytical technique. The method comprises a first step in which an electroanalytical measurement cycle of the target constituent is initiated by providing an energy input to a pair of electrodes disposed in the electroplating solution. The energy input to the pair of electrodes is provided for at least a predetermined time period corresponding to a time period in which the electroanalytical measurement cycle reaches a steady-state condition. In a subsequent step, an electroanalytical measurement of the energy output of the electroanalytical technique is taken after the electroanalytical measurement cycle has reached the steady-state condition.

Abstract: A method of electroplating comprises providing an anode current for a target, applying an electron beam to the surface of a target and passing electrolyte between said target and anode, thereby to deposit material on said target. An electron beam gun directs an electron beam onto web while anode provides a current thereby depositing material on the web.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the metallization of optical fibers with improved adhesion while using a shorter process cycle.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising providing a molten salt electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell. A plurality of anodes and cathodes having planar surfaces are disposed in a generally vertical orientation in the electrolyte, the anodes and cathodes arranged in alternating or interleaving relationship to provide anode planar surfaces disposed opposite cathode planar surfaces, the anode comprised of carbon. Electric current is passed through anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes depositing aluminum at the cathodes and forming carbon containing gas at the anodes.

Abstract: A method of reducing a metal oxide in a solid state, in an electrolytic cell, is provided, as is an electrolytic cell suitable for performing the method. The cathode of the electrolytic cell is formed at least in part from the metal oxide to be reduced, and the electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the cathode metal oxide. The method includes operating the cell at a potential that is above the potential at which cations of the reducing metal will deposit as metal on the cathode.