Abstract: This specification involves combining automatic fluid driven bit hammering apparatus with generic rotary drilling motor assemblies used on non-rotating drill strings to produce more effective well and earth borings.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: A large diameter bore—in the range of 30 inches or more—is made through a geologic formation, such as the active surf zone and into the maritime zone. The drill head is provided with a mud powered motor (typically of the Moyno variety) which drives a hydraulic pump connected to a plurality of closed loop hydraulic circuits remotely controlled through electrical connection along the large diameter bore. One hydraulic circuit powers the rotating drill head; a second hydraulic circuit powers a mud and tailings evacuation pump; and a third hydraulic circuit articulates the drill head to provide direction. Mud exhausted from the mud motor is exhausted to the cutting head of the drill and evacuated along with dislodged cuttings through a pump in the drill head. The pump is individually controlled to pump at a rate, which assures a slight negative pressure in the required annulus about the drilled conduit, thus assuring that any leakage is from the surrounding soil into the annulus.

Abstract: A threaded rock drill element for percussive rock drilling includes a body forming a center axis and having a hardened thread. The thread includes thread crests and thread bottoms and a hardened zone having increased hardness. The hardened zone includes first and second hardened areas extending radially from a crest and bottom (valley), respectively, of the thread, to a boundary curve of the hardened zone. The boundary curve has convex portions extending along the thread crests, and concave portions extending along the thread bottoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a bore bit comprising a bottom part having an active bottom face and a top face substantially parallel to the active face; a top part fixed to suspension cables and having a bottom face facing the top face of the bottom part; means for limiting the maximum spacing between the two parts; a cylindrical axial bore passing through both parts; a cylindrical guide penetrating into said bore; and at least one ramp-forming recess and at least one ramp-forming extension for co-operating with said ramp-forming recess in such a manner that movement of the top part towards the bottom part is converted into rotary movement of said top part about the vertical axis, with the end of said rotary movement of the top part imparting rotary movement to the bottom part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to individually weigh continuously fed mail pieces wherein each mail piece is configured in a vertical orientation and fed through the weighing system in seriatim. The apparatus contains a scale transport assembly for transporting mail pieces seriatim, a mail piece channel pathway assembly for maintaining the vertical orientation of individual mail pieces, a load cell assembly for measuring the mail piece weight, an x-y table assembly for allowing position adjustments of the weighing system, data collection circuitry, and a support module. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with bulk mail processing systems or it can be used independently.

Abstract: An automatic machine (10) for handling postal items, said automatic machine (10) comprising an opening for receiving a postal item, a scale means (18) arranged in connection with the opening and operable to measure the weight of the postal item, a reader (20) arranged in connection with the opening and operable to read text on the postal item, a computer means (16) connected to the scale means (18) and the reader (20), which computer means, depending on the weight and the text on the postal item, determine the appropriate postage for the postal item, said postage being shown on a display (22) included in the automatic machine, said automatic machine (10) also comprising a payment means (24) connected to the computer means (16) for payment of the postage shown, a franking or metering means (26) connected to the computer means (16), for franking the postal item when the postage has been paid, and a storage space included in the automatic machine (10) for franked postal items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing by a conveyor-type weighing unit is disclosed, where a conveyor belt forming an endless loop is transported along a guiding unit, defining a first conveying direction and extending in-between the top sides of opposite arranged rollers. The guiding unit is tilted upwardly from the horizontal plane and thereby forming an upwardly inclined path for the belt. The conveyor belt is equipped with dividers forming a number of object receiving slots. Thereby, it is possible to conduct weighing of a single object without disturbance from the next object.

Abstract: Electrode pattern disposed on a conductive surface is disclosed. The electrode pattern includes a plurality of conductive segments. The conductive segments are located along the edges of two or more concentric parallel polygons. Each edge of each polygon has one or more middle segments disposed between two end segments. For each edge of each polygon the middle segments are equal in length, and the segments are equally spaced. A touch sensor is disclosed that includes such an electrode pattern.

Abstract: A strategy controls alternate anti-vibration modes in a switchable powertrain mount using vehicle operational status sensors and pre-selected thresholds. The switchable mount modes can include engine idle and a default engine off/run. Vehicle sensors and pre-selected thresholds can determine whether the engine is off, idle, or running and when in idle mode, whether the engine will likely remain in idle mode. From these determinations, the controller can command the switchable mount to engine idle mode when the controller determines the engine is in idle mode and will likely remain in idle mode. The switching means for the switchable mount can use a three-way vacuum solenoid valve (VSV), or a mechanical or electrical switch. In the case of the VSV configuration, the VSV is communicatively attached to the controller, a vacuum line connects the VSV to the switchable mount, and a second vacuum line connects the VSV to an engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A personal vehicle for transporting a user over a surface including an external combustion engine. The vehicle includes a generator for converting the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical energy and an energy storage device for storing power provided by the generator and for providing power to the external combustion engine and the assembly. The personal vehicle includes a controller for controlling a total power load placed on the external combustion engine providing short term regulation of external combustion engine parameters.

Abstract: A control apparatus is configured for a hybrid vehicle that can operate highly efficiently in all operating regions. The hybrid vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine that can be operating using either compression self-ignition combustion or spark ignition combustion. An electronic control unit has a combustion pattern determining section that determines (selects) the combustion method with which to run the internal combustion engine based on the output required by the vehicle. As a result, the internal combustion engine can be operated using the combustion method that is appropriate in view of the required output and unnecessary engine output can be prevented. Thus, a hybrid system that can be operated with high efficiency and at high output in all operating regions can be achieved.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle includes a controller for controlling an engine, a generator and motor unit, a converter, and a storage battery unit. A detecting mechanism is used to detect the operating conditions of the motor vehicle and the engine so as to generate control signals. A power distribution device is disposed between the engine and the generator and motor unit. The generator and motor unit can be controlled to operate in one of a generator mode and a motor mode.

Abstract: An advanced composite hybrid-electric vehicle including one or more of lightweight, advanced composite structures, modular rear suspension and traction motor units, fuel-cell hybrid-electric powertrains, integrated electromagnetic and pneumatic suspension systems, and a digital network-based control system and information management architecture that uses a fault tolerant ring main power supply.

Abstract: A tractor having a front end and a rear end adaptable for a variety of different environments. Methods related to the conversion of the tractor are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a front wheel assembly that is removably attached to the front end of the tractor to facilitate adaptation of the tractor a various environments. Also, a steering actuator is removably attached to the front wheel assembly and fixedly attached to the chassis of the tractor.

Abstract: An electrical bicycle is constructed to include a front body unit, a rear body unit, and a pivot coupler unit coupled between the front body unit and the rear body unit for enabling the front body unit to be turned relative to the rear body unit to change the steering direction of the electrical bicycle when the rider of the electrical bicycle turned the body to change the center of gravity.

Abstract: An improved method of propelling land, water, and air vehicles by utilizing an electrical source of initial energy (10), a “flash”-type boiler (14), and a steam engine (16). The system employs the usual devices, such as an alternator (22), voltage regulator (24), and other appurtenances of modern vehicles.

Abstract: In order to enhance an operator's ability to control a work machine, an operator control station includes a seat assembly that is moveably mounted to a body of the work machine. The operator can control, at least in part, primary operator controllable aspects of the work machine by manipulating work machine operating controls attached to move with the seat assembly. The operator can monitor a work machine operating condition, at least in part, via a work machine operating condition display panel also attached to move with the seat assembly. In addition, the operator control station is interchangeable among a plurality of work machines of different types and sizes.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering handle having a center position, a steer-by-wire system, and a steer feel control system. The steer-by-wire system senses the position of the steering handle and controls the steering angle of a steerable vehicle wheel as a function of the position of the steering handle. The steer feel control system includes a motor that is operatively associated with the steering handle, and has first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the steer feel control system applies a force to the steering handle as a function of vehicle's operating condition, and in the second mode, the motor may be shorted. The steer feel control system may also include a spring that biases the steering handle towards to the center position. A method is used to provide steering feel to a steering handle of a vehicle having a steer-by-wire system and a steer feel control system, when the steer feel control system fails.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in/the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light-weight self-propelled scaffold vehicle. This invention is guidable through the use of a toggle switch and it is dimensioned and designed to be able to be utilized in small areas and through 30 inch doorways as well as for larger areas.

Abstract: A number of roofing accessories, including a lightweight adjustable ladder and scaffold support are disclosed. The scaffold support includes a pair of rails at the standard spacing of most roof joists. Rods, connected to the rails, support an adjustable platform. An apparatus is also provided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclined roof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold support, or components and parts similar thereto. A tool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam to prevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray to be freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system is provided to spray water on the face and neck area of an individual.

Abstract: A ladder is provided with an integral tool carriage/retention element. The ladder includes a frame, rungs supported by the frame, and an object holder secured to the frame at a selected attachment point on the frame. Multiple attachment points can be provided on the frame. The object holder can include a two-part object retention element that opens and closes to form a loop.

Abstract: A vertically placed ladder is positioned approximately 3 to 5 feet from a building and has attached thereto a horizontal beam which is also attached to a vertical stand placed on the roof of the one-story building. The horizontal beam has a U-shaped interior channel within which there is located a roller assembly designed to roll along tracks within the interior of the U-shaped channel, either flat or semi-circular, along the length of the horizontal beam and has attached thereto a winch line which is connectable to a load to be lifted from the earth's surface in a vertical line. The roller assembly also allows the load to be moved along a straight horizontal line until the load is above the surface upon which the load is to be deposited, and then the winch line allows the load to be lowered to the surface upon which the load is to be deposited.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stand useful by hunters to observe or hunt game in remote locations. A hunting stand according to the invention is readily assembled and disassembled by virtue of connective means disclosed. A hunting stand according to the invention is readily portable to locations inaccessible to hunting stands of the prior art, and has greater structural stability over prior hunting stands.

Abstract: An integrated, non-articulated ladder leveler for leveling ladders and stackable ladders and a ladder or stackable ladder with at least one leveling device installed. The leveler includes a rectangular shaft that fits into the ladder rail, a ladder foot designed to match the other foot of the ladder, and a pin to hold the ladder leveler in place while in use or while closed. The leveler is designed to allow the user to use the ladder or stackable ladder on an uneven surface and without compromising the function of stackability.

Abstract: Arrangement at truck mast constituted by three mutually telescopically moveable parts (1, 2, 3), which each include three vertical beams (4, 5, 6) placed in the corners of a triable. Between the middle mast part (2) and the fixed lowest mast part (3) a balance cylinder (11) is arranged in the central beam (5) of the next to the lowest mast part (2).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting a brake device to a bicycle frame, wherein the brake device brakes the hub of a wheel that rotates around a hub shaft. The apparatus comprises a fastening bracket, a bracket fastening member, and an insert member. The fastening bracket comprises a base portion adapted to receive the hub shaft therethrough; an arm portion that extends outwardly from the base portion; and a detaining portion having first and second side surfaces disposed on the arm portion for mounting the brake device to the bicycle frame. The bracket fastening member has a detaining space into which the detaining portion is inserted for detaining the fastening bracket to the bicycle frame, and the insert member has first and second contact portions that face the respective first and second side surfaces of the detaining portion when the insert member is disposed in the detaining space.

Abstract: A bushing having a variable and controllable hardness, and a method of restricting movement comprising using such bushing.

Abstract: A one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input shaft having a surface lying orthogonal to an axis of the rotary input shaft, a hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft positioned around the rotary input shaft to be rotatable relative to the rotary input shaft, a circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion formed on the rotary input shaft to be adjacent to the orthogonal surface to form at least one accommodation space between the rotary input shaft and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface, at least one rotatable member installed in the accommodation space, and a biasing device for pressing the orthogonal surface and the rotatable member toward each other. The circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion is shaped so that rotation of the rotary input shaft is transferred to the hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft via the rotatable member to which rotation is given from the orthogonal surface.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled fluid friction coupling is actuated by a flow of viscous fluid flowing into or out of shearing surface gaps disposed therein. In this invention, the actuating pin is arranged movable in a direction parallel to the surface of the partition. The swing-type valve lever contacts with the actuating pin near the root end thereof, and the swing end of the valve lever is arranged slidably movable keeping in touch with the surface of the partition having the valve opening therein.

Abstract: An electronic controlled coupling according to the present invention includes a wet-type multiple disc clutch, a coupling case, a hydraulic chamber, and an oil pump. The electronic controlled coupling also includes an electric motor, an electric control unit, and a supply passage for supplying hydraulic pressure. The coupling case accommodates the wet-type multiple disc clutch and contains oil. The oil pump driven by the electric motor is connected to the coupling case. The outlet of the oil pump is connected to the hydraulic chamber of the wet-type multiple disc clutch with the supply passage therebetween. The electric control unit controls the speed of rotation of the electric motor through a motor driver so that the pump discharge pressure is equal to an operating pressure required for the wet-type multiple disc clutch.

Abstract: A release mechanism for actuating a friction clutch is concentric to a center axis of a guide sleeve mounted in turn on a transmission shaft. The release mechanism includes a clutch release bearing and a device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring. The clutch release bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and an adjusting sleeve. One of the inner ring or outer ring communicates with a release spring of the friction clutch. The device for compensating for the tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for the wobbling eccentricity of the release spring includes a release ring and a load ring. The release ring is in contact with a finger of the release spring of the friction clutch and includes a spherical surface having a center on the axis of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: A plate (1) for a multiple-plate clutch has at least one friction surface (4) for transmitting a torque, in particular for a wet-running switchable multiple disk clutch. The plate (1) has at least one friction surface (4) which has grooves (7.1, 7.2, 10.1, 10.2) with an inside bordering edge (6) and an outside bordering edge (5), and at least one groove (7.1, 7.2, 10.1, 10.2) that runs from the inside bordering edge (6) to the outside bordering edge (5). The at least one groove (7.1, 7.2, 10.1, 10.2) has at least one bending point (8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2) at which the at least one groove (7.1, 7.2, 10.1, 10.2) is bent at an angle (&agr;1, &agr;2, &agr;3, &agr;4).

Abstract: A bill acceptor module may receive configuration data from at least one of an interface board, a programming tool, a plug-in memory, a memory on a currency cassette, and a host machine, store the configuration data in a memory, and process signals according to the configuration data to enable operation of the bill acceptor module with a host machine. The operation of the bill acceptor module may include communication with a currency cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting articles includes a first transporter (e.g. a conveyor) for transporting articles in a line and a member that separates the articles in the line into groups and also removes the groups from the line while the articles continue to be transported.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: An adjustable roller conveyor module includes a first support structure comprising first and second laterally spaced, longitudinally extending frame members. A first roller set supported by the first support structure includes rollers rotatable about lateral axes equi-spaced in accordance with a predetermined roller-axis spacing. A second support structure is carried between the first and second frame members of the first support structure for longitudinal reciprocation between fully retracted and extended positions. The second support structure supports a second roller set including rollers rotatable about lateral axes coplanar with the axes of the first roller set and equi-spaced in accordance with the predetermined roller-axis spacing. Selected rollers of the first roller set are removable to accommodate retraction of the second support structure.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying a liquid crystal panel includes rotating rollers. The rotating rollers include a more than one supporting end arranged along one direction and separated by a width. The rotating roller includes and at least one motor receiving to calculate data of standard requirements of the liquid crystal panel logically and numerically so as to adjust the width automatically. Therefore, the present invention enables to adjust a width between rotating rollers by automating a conveyor system.

Abstract: A communication/control device according to the invention may include a housing, a discrete switch and a membrane switch. The discrete switch and the membrane switch may be enclosed in the housing. The discrete switch may be in communication with a life-safety device. The membrane switch may be in communication with an environment device. In a method according to the invention, a housing is provided that has therein a discrete switch in communication with a life-safety device and a membrane switch in communication with an environment device. One of the switches may then be actuated to communicate information.

Abstract: A novel construction and method for manufacturing a flashlight housing is provided. The housing includes two interior compartments wherein a lighting assembly is installed into a first compartment and a power supply is installed into a second compartment. The lighting assembly includes two contacts that extend from the first compartment into the second compartment and are in electrical communication with the power source thereby providing power for the lighting assembly. The housing is configured to include a faceplate that is permanently sealed to the housing to create a positively sealed assembly that prevents infiltration of water or other contaminants into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a power winch, and a kit and method for retrofitting an existing control block to control a power winch. The apparatus consists of a control yoke control unit having an engine control switch, a winch control switch, and at least one switch support for supporting the engine control and winch control switches. Both switches are incorporated into the control yoke control unit. The control unit may have only a single switch support with both switches therein, or it may have two switch supports each with one switch. The control unit also includes a mechanism for attaching the control unit to a control yoke, and an electrical connection for connecting the winch control switch to a winch and a source of electrical power. The kit has a winch control switch, and a mechanism for attaching the winch control switch to an existing control yoke control unit.

Abstract: A switch device and a method of manufacture are provided that includes providing two substrates. The two substrates collectively include a fluid conductor switch device structure and a trench surrounding the fluid conductor switch device structure. An inner seal material is deposed on one of the substrates and an outer seal material is deposited in the trench. The substrates are joined to one another using the inner seal material and a peripheral hermetic seal is formed between the substrates using the outer seal material.

Abstract: An operation switch having an operation surface with a specified pattern printed thereon and covered with a soft-feeling layer of paint, which can obtain the increased durability of adhesion between the pattern-printed surface and the soft-feeling coat of paint by adopting a simple technical means and can withstand repeated finger-pressing operations for a long period of service life without stripping the soft-feeling layer from the pattern-printed surface. This is achieved by first printing a specified pattern on the operation substrate surface of the switch by using siliconeless ink or a two-component isocyanate setting type urethane ink and then covering the pattern-printed surface with a coat of a transparent or semitransparent soft paint or by first coating and then printing.

Abstract: A sliding electrical switch (10) for use in a garment (32) has two spaced elongate flexible surfaces (16, 18), at least one electrical contact on each surface (22a, b, c, d, e, f), and a slider (20) slidable along the surfaces to cause electrical connection between the contacts. There may be a number of spaced contacts (22a, b, c, d, e, f), the slider (20) acting as a selector switch; or there may be two continuous spaced contacts (96, 98), movement of the slider (90) providing a variation in resistance. The slider can be a bead (20) running on cords (16, 18) attached to the edges of spaced pieces of fabric (14, 18); or a buckle (42) sliding on a strip (50); or a zip fastener traveller (66), adjacent teeth (64) of the zip being electrically connected (68); or a bead (90) running on lengths (82, 84) of flexible tubing with internally conductive strips (96, 98).

Abstract: First stopper face (7b) is provided on each of click teeth (7) of a click teeth portion 8 of a click mechanism (14) affording a click feeling during the rotation-operation of a rotary knob (11). Second stopper face (13b) is provided on a tooth portion (13) of a click piece (10). The first stopper face (7b) and the second stopper face (13b) cooperate to prevent the rotary knob (11) from rotating in a direction opposite to a direction indicated by an arrow A. Consequently, there is no need for providing a stopper as an additional component.

Abstract: Process for the purification of toluenediisocyanate from a crude distillation feed comprising toluenediisocyanate, an organic solvent and less than 2% by weight phosgene by separating the crude distillation feed in a dividing-wall distillation column into at least four product fractions P1-P4.

Abstract: The present invention is a high volume, wall-mountable air sanitation apparatus for disinfecting and removing VOCs from air with high energy UV light and ozone. The apparatus has a powerful fan and an elongated UV light source and target for use with the movement of a large volume of air. The target includes a mesh and a secondary target both comprising a target compound which creates hydro-peroxides, super oxide ions and hydroxyl radicals in the presence of water also for removing pollutants in the air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of 1,4-dihydropyridines of the formula 1 1

Abstract: A process to prepare stoichiometric-nanostructured materials comprising generating a plasma, forming an “active volume” through introduction of an oxidizing gas into the plasma, before the plasma is expanded into a field-free zone, either (1) in a region in close proximity to a zone of charge carrier generation, or (2) in a region of current conduction between field generating elements, including the surface of the field generation elements, and transferring energy from the plasma to a precursor material to form in the “active volume” at least one stoichiometric-nanostructured material and a vapor that may be condensed to form a stoichiometric-nanostructured material. The surface chemistry of the resulting nanostructured materials is substantially enhanced to yield dispersion stable materials with large zeta-potentials.