Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A controller is provided for implementing a line pressure control for controlling a line pressure for an automatic transmission and a motor assist control for controlling an assist amount by an electric generator when an engine is put into an automatically restarted state from an automatically stopped state.

Abstract: Traction chain for an automobile vehicle, comprising a wheel support (K) which supports a rotating hub designed to receive a drive wheel (W) and which realizes a rotation axis for the said drive wheel, a rotating toothed wheel (3) having the same rotation axis as that of the said drive wheel, the toothed wheel meshing directly with the hub, an arrangement comprising at least two gear-wheels permanently engaged with the said toothed wheel, comprising an electric motor (M), and comprising a gear ratio change mechanism with a neutral position between ratios, controlled by a fork which is itself controlled by a motorized reduction unit 12. The mechanism comprises a direct mesh between the input shaft and one of the gear wheels, and comprises at least one other mechanical transmission path with a different reduction ratio from the direct mesh between the input shaft and the other gear-wheel.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a mounted component that is located relative to a mounting component through one or more complimentary locating-structure pairs that comprise locating structures of the mounted component and of the mounting component that are engaged to one another. One or more of the locating structures of the complimentary locating-structure pairs includes a locating-point insert that is integrally molded or cast into parent material of the locating structure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle incorporates a novel grille which provides a port giving access to the cooling system surge tank. The port is closed by a cover which is removable and replaceable without the use of tools. The cover can carry on an outside face a badge or medallion of the manufacturer. While the cover is removable from the frame in the grille, theft is discouraged by a cord connected between the cover and the vehicle itself. Cutting or breaking the cord does not result in damage to the grille.

Abstract: A vibration-isolation system for assembly of a motorcycle frame with an engine/transmission unit has a first pivotal mount at a rear portion of the frame and engine/transmission unit, the first mount comprising all rigid bearing components mounted to solid elements of both the frame and the engine/transmission unit, the first mount thereby allowing the engine/transmission unit to rotate around the first mount in substantially a vertical plane of the frame, but allowing no pivotal movement in any other plane or any translation movement in any direction relative to the frame; and a second mount at a front portion of the frame and engine/transmission unit, the second mount incorporating one or more elastomeric elements between a solid interface to the frame and a solid interface to the engine/transmission unit, thereby allowing substantially vertical translation of the engine transmission unit relative to the frame at the second mount, the translation of an amplitude limited by the elastomeric elements, and ther

Abstract: A shift selector system is provided for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle axle. The system includes an operator shift mechanism including a rotatably supported cam rotatable between a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a spring operably interconnected to the cam for selectively biasing the cam toward one of the forward and reverse positions. An axle shift mechanism is operably interconnected to the vehicle axle and in remote communication with the operator shift mechanism. The axle shift mechanism includes a shift lever respectively rotatable with rotation of the cam for establishing the operating mode of the vehicle axle. The axle shift mechanism includes a compression spring assembly for enabling delayed rotation of the shift lever. A neutral lock mechanism is operably supported by the cam for selectively prohibiting rotation of the cam from the neutral position.

Abstract: A power transmitting device for a vehicle, includes: an input shaft to which a power generated by a power unit provided in a front portion of the vehicle is transmitted; an output shaft for transmitting the power transmitted to the input shaft, to a rear portion of the vehicle; and a casing for containing the input shaft and the output shaft; wherein the power transmitting device is disposed in a floor tunnel portion formed so as to project a portion of a floor panel of the vehicle; and an upper portion of the casing is formed so as to effectively protect the passenger from injuring by being inclined downwardly and rearwardly from a front end of the casing to a rear end of the casing when accidentally being collided with.

Abstract: In a method and device for controlling driving dynamics, at least one steering action at a vehicle axle being controlled, a driving-dynamics setpoint, which is described by at least a yaw-dynamics setpoint, being ascertained, a steering-angle precontrol value being determined on the basis of the driving-dynamics setpoint, using a model of the controlled system, the driving state, which is described by at least the yaw rate, being ascertained, at least one steering-angle correction value being ascertained, based on the deviation of the actual yaw rate from a setpoint yaw rate, and the steering action being defined by the steering-angle precontrol value and the at least one steering-angle correction value.

Abstract: A vehicular steering control apparatus controls the wheel steering amount of wheels based on a steering angle and an assist angle obtained by multiplying a steering speed by a gain. If the amount of power control differs between the left wheel and the right wheel, the value of gain is increased. The amount of power control includes, for example, the amount of braking control and the amount of drive control. If the assist angle is increased by increasing the gain, the magnitude of the wheel steering amount relative to the steering angle increases, so that a driver can correct the orientation of the vehicle body by performing a small amount of steering operation.

Abstract: A vehicle body (2) is provided with a pair of right and left front wheels (3) and a pair of right and left rear wheels (4), these wheels being adapted to be turned through 90 degrees. The front wheels (3) are attached to turning members (24) installed on the vehicle body (2) for turning around vertical axes (23), and turning means (40) are installed for turning the turning members (24). The front wheels (3) are operatively connected to travel drive means (30) respectively attached to the turning members (24). The travel drive means (30) extend rearward from the inner sides of the front wheels (3). Masts (6) are installed on the front end of the vehicle body (2), and forks (13) are installed on the masts (6). The front wheels are of the type in which they can be steered to turn sideways. And the travel drive means do not require the masts to be positioned more forwardly of the front wheels than necessary and the longitudinal balance can be satisfactorily maintained without increasing the self-weight.

Abstract: A vehicle body (2) is provided with front wheels (3) installed to be turnable around vertical axes (27), front wheel turning means (30) for turning the front wheels, rear wheels (4.) installed to be turnable around vertical axes (49), and rear wheels turning means (50) for turning the rear wheels. The vertical axes (27, 49) of the front-and rear wheels (3, 4) are positioned outwardly of tread centers (3a, 4a) for longitudinal travel, so that on switching to transverse travel, the front wheels (3) can be turned laterally and forwardly and the rear wheels (4) can be turned laterally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle body (2). This enables the center distances between the right and left wheels and between the front and rear wheels to be greater than those for longitudinal: travel, thus improving stability for transverse travel.

Abstract: A motor driving method for a steering apparatus for applying an auxiliary steering force to a steering system with two motors. When the two motors are driven, a first one of the two motors is operated first. Thereafter, the other, second motor is driven, whereby smooth steering is effected.

Abstract: An isolation system for a ball-screw assembly including: a ball-screw; a ball-screw nut wherein the ball-screw is configured to engage the ball-screw nut, the ball-screw nut is enclosed in a ball-screw nut container; and a member disposed between the ball-screw nut and the ball-screw nut container, the member having selected properties.

Abstract: A steering system (1) for an automotive vehicle, comprises a steering device (4) to be operated by a driver, a rotatable connection (5) having a drive end (6) connected to the steering device and a driven end (8) connectable to a linkage (3) of the steering wheels (2) of the vehicle. The drive end of the rotatable connection is provided with a first sensor (10), the driven end of the rotatable connection is provided with a second sensor (11) and an electric motor (16), the first and second sensors being connected to a control device (12), said control device controlling the electric motor on the basis of signals emanating from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A driving control unit (21b) of a controller (21) determines which of an input shaft (32) and an output shaft (33) in a steering shaft (3) is dynamically superior and when the output shaft (33) is dynamically superior to the input shaft (32), a motor (6) is driven so that torque resulting in a time integral value smaller than a time integral value of relative torque between the input shaft (32) and the output shaft (33) is generated in a backward assist direction.

Abstract: The speaker has a diaphragm main body 30 supported resiliently on a frame 23 via an edge portion 31 around its outer circumference, and the groove ribs 35 integrally formed in the edge portion 31, wherein a regulation member 37 for partially improving a flexural strength of the edge portion 31 is provided on a part of the front or back face of the edge portion 31.

Abstract: An engine cover mounted to an internal combustion engine of an automobile etc. includes a rigid cover body made of a resin or metal and covering an engine, a foamed member fixed to an inner face of the cover body and including at least a part spaced from the engine, and a plurality of corrugations formed on the part of the foamed member spaced from the engine.

Abstract: Device for connecting two tubular pieces of an aircraft turbine engine.

Abstract: A support bracket securing to a vertically extending wall stud and providing cantilevered support of a horizontally disposed plank. An elongated and reinforced support surface includes first and second ends. A channeled base extends from the first end and includes first and second spaced apart sides through which are defined aligning apertures. Upon aligning the sides in seating fashion over a selected wall stud, a mounting fastener enters through a selected aperture in the first side, through the wall stud, and exits through a further selected and aligning aperture in the second side. A first abutment stop projects from a first location of the support surface, a second abutment stop projects from a second spaced apart location and defines, in combination with the first stop, a seating area for receiving the plank.

Abstract: A stepladder that includes a first frame, a second frame, a step, a utility tray and a support arm. The second frame is pivotally attached to the first frame. The step is operably connected to the first frame and the second frame. The step pivots with respect to at least one of the first frame and the second frame as the first frame is pivoted with respect to the second frame. The utility tray is pivotally connected to the second frame and includes a top panel and a side panel. The top panel has a first end and a second end. The side panel extends from the top panel along a side of the top panel that extends between the first end and the second end. The side panel has a slot formed therein. The side panel has a detent formed therein. The detent is in communication with the slot. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the second frame.

Abstract: A device and methods for supporting a payload, such as a user, at a variable height above the ground and for repositioning the payload in a dynamically stabilized mode of operation. The transporter device has two laterally disposed primary wheels and a payload support that may be used to raise or lower the payload. A torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as to propel the transporter on the basis of a control signal that may include repositioning of the device.

Abstract: A linear device (10) includes a driver, which is arranged to be moveable back and forth along a drive track, and at least one lubricating device (28) non-moveably connected with the driver. The lubricating device (28) has at least one lubricating element (32) that is in lubricating contact with the drive track and at least one lubricant reservoir (34). At least one functional device (34) is provided, which maintains the pressure in the lubricant reservoir at a constant value.

Abstract: An elastic energy storage device has an energy storage unit which has an axial rod penetrating through a plurality of rotary disks and spiral springs. One side of each rotary disk is protruded with an outer edge buckling post and another side thereof is installed with an inner edge buckling post. Each two rotary disks are installed with a spiral spring. The casing is installed with a unidirectional power output shaft for driving the first rotary disk of the energy storage unit to rotate. The speed change box has an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is connected or engaged to the rotary disk; and one of the rotary disks of the energy storage unit at an innermost side has a function of driving the input shaft to rotate. Thereby, the at least one spiral spring stores energy through a flywheel and then release the energy steadily.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus comprises two (2) or more sets of elevators with one (1) piece of an elevating passage. Each of the elevators has an elevator car and a hoist, which is connected to the elevator car through a rope. Each the hoist has a sheave, a motor and a brake. The hoist of one of the elevators is projected above the elevator car of the other elevator. Also, open/close doors of the one elevator and those of the other elevator are disposed, so that they shift in front and behind. Door cases of the juxtaposing elevators are disposed to overlap with each other in front and behind.

Abstract: A method for monitoring shaft doors of a elevator installation uses at least one contactlessly acting shaft door monitoring sensor to emit a beam of electromagnetic waves, wherein at least during specific detection phases the beam extends over several floors and is detected by a receiver. The beam is influenced by a shaft door panel not being completely closed and/or a shaft door lock not being disposed in the locking setting such that a disturbance signal is generated to the elevator control.

Abstract: An elevator system in which a car travels upward and downward among a plurality of floors. The elevator system includes terminals each having a wireless transmitting/receiving unit. One of the terminals is correspondingly provided for at least one of the plurality of floors and another of the terminals is correspondingly provided for the car and at least one of a counterweight. A mobile terminal is provided which enables wireless transmitting/receiving of signals between the terminals which are arranged within a predetermined distance of each other.

Abstract: A wheel cylinder assembly for drum brake system. The wheel cylinder assembly includes a housing that defines a piston bore. A seal groove that is sized to receive an annular seal is formed into the piston bore. A piston is disposed in the piston bore and through the seal such that the seal sealingly engages both the housing and the piston. The construction of the wheel cylinder is such that honing and/or roller burnishing of the piston bore is not required.

Abstract: Described herein is a motor-vehicle suspension of the type with oscillating arms, in which one of said arms is formed by the casing of a rotational shock-absorber, the oscillating piston of which is connected to the structure of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the casing of the rotational shock-absorber is also used for the anchorage of a respective end of a leaf spring, which constitutes the elastic element of the suspension.

Abstract: Travel luggage includes a reinforced bottom panel and opposite end panels with a telescoping handle and wheels attached to the bottom panel and arranged to stiffen the end panels to provide for a semi-rigid configuration of the luggage. The luggage further includes a flexible fold over flap that folds over the contents of the luggage and is connected by a single fastening mechanism extending from the back panel of the luggage along the side panels and front panel. The cover flap includes interior pouches or other storage features which may be removable from the fold over cover or flap.

Abstract: Travel luggage includes a reinforced bottom panel and opposite end panels with a telescoping handle and wheels attached to the bottom panel and arranged to stiffen the end panels to provide for a semi-rigid configuration of the luggage. The luggage further includes a flexible fold over flap that folds over the contents of the luggage and is connected by a single fastening mechanism extending from the back panel of the luggage along the side panels and front panel. The cover flap includes interior pouches or other storage features which may be removable from the fold over cover or flap.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and/or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and/or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and/or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high power machine unit. Said invention is characterized by the following features: a drive which has an output shaft; a machine which has a drive shaft; a converter (3) which is connected between drive and machine and can be filled and emptied; having a toothed clutch (4) which can be engaged and disengaged and is connected in parallel with the converter (3); one half (4.1) is firmly connected to the output shaft of the drive so as to rotate with it; the other half (4.2) of the clutch is firmly connected to the drive shaft of the machine so as to rotate with it.

Abstract: It is already common in many devices like spanners or pipe wrenches for the pressure between the gripping faces and gripped faces to be related to the torsional load that is applied to turn the gripped object. In these apparatus the grip can be made to relax automatically as the load is removed. The invention relates to improvements in such devices, and to novel designs of mechanical coupling devices that utilise this basic idea. More specifically, the invention firstly proposes a method of improving the performance of an object-gripping tool of the cam-operated gripper-element type, in which method there is applied to the gripper surface a friction-enhancing chemical.

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer system (1) for items conveyed (3) piece by piece between a first conveyor unit (4; 11) and at least one other conveyor unit (5, 6) extending transversely or at an angle thereto. The conveyed items (3) are fed on a substantially horizontal conveyor plane (21 ) of a corresponding conveyor system (2). The transfer system (1) has a brake mechanism (35) which can be raised above and lowered below the conveyor plane (21) so that it can be selectively placed in and out of friction contact with the bottom face (36) of the conveyed item (3). It also has a lifting and conveying mechanism (25), the conveyor elements (27, 28) of which can be raised and lowered below the conveyor plane (21) so that the conveyed item (3) can be picked up from the first conveyor unit (4; 11) and transferred onto one of the other conveyor units (5, 6) without jamming.

Abstract: A machine for supporting and lifting an automotive chassis module into position for assembly with an automobile body includes a mobile vehicle having at least one fixture arranged above the vehicle for receiving and supporting the chassis module and a guided lift mechanism for moving the fixture vertically between lowered and raised positions. The lift mechanism includes a helical push actuator having a drive motor and at least one band that can be advanced and retracted in a vertical helix with an end of the band being coupled to the fixture to move the fixture between the lowered and raised positions by helical advancement of the band under control of the motor. The lift mechanism includes spaced support members that each extend between the fixture and the vehicle to guide the fixture in the vertical direction and restrain the fixture from moving horizontally.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor device for accommodating motor vehicles of varying heights. Short and tall containers for motor vehicles alternate around a vertical carousel. When a container is placed in an accessible position, movable walkways and ramps change positions allowing patrons and vehicles easy access to the containers. The positions of the walkway and ramp vary depending on the heights of the containers and vehicles.

Abstract: According to a method for selecting and feeding articles to blisters or containers, a first hopper filled with unselected articles feeds a second main hopper with selected size-matching articles, by means of a tapered inlet section. Size non-matching articles get jammed and stopped within the tapered inlet sections and are removed by means of a shutter hinged to each inlet section. A sensor detects when the flow of size-matching articles is interrupted. According to a second embodiment the inlet sections are replaced by swinging tubular portions. The shutters and tubular portions can be operated cyclically, thus avoiding the need for the sensor. An apparatus is also described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A control device for overhead conveyors equipped with at least two actuators (6, 7), specifically crane and crane trolley drive units, with transmission of control signals and transmission of safety signals from control unit (10) to actuators (6, 7) via a signal connection, with a control unit (10) exhibiting a safety switch unit emitting at least one safety signal, which can be triggered manually in order to shut down at least one actuator (6, 7).

Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: A device for singulating surgical needles from a bulk supply of needles including a vibratory bowl assembly for receiving said bulk supply of needles. The bowl assembly having a floor to receive the needles, a track extending from the floor to a needle discharge point and a selectively vibrating motor to vibrate the surgical needles into a single file along the track; a discharge device having first and second needle receiving pockets, the device positioning the first and the second needle receiving pockets below said needle discharge point; a controller for selectively vibrating the vibratory bowl and selectively positioning the first and second needle pockets below the needle discharge point, the controller singulating individual needles from the single file of needles into the first and second needle receiving pockets; a discharger for discharging the singulated needles in the first and second needle pockets in a spaced relationship on a conveyor for subsequent imaging at an inspection station.

Abstract: In combination with a transport mechanism that includes a plurality of conveyor rollers, an apparatus is used to position a carriage loadable with a wound reel at a desired location on the transport mechanism. The apparatus includes a rotary pulse generator associated with one of the plural conveyor rollers for registering the revolutions of the one of the plural conveyor rollers wherein the revolutions embody a measure of the distance traveled on the transport mechanism by the carriage. The apparatus also includes at least a first and a second initiator for determining the current position of the carriage on the transport mechanism. The first initiator detects a first position of the carriage. The second initiator detects a second position of the carriage.

Abstract: An electrical communications architecture for implementation in a conveyor system, and a method of communicating information among components of a conveyor system, are disclosed. The electrical communications architecture includes a central control device, first and second conveyor modules, and an address-based network. The conveyor modules respectively support first and second control devices and associated first and second sensors. The network couples all of the control devices, and each control device has a respective address on the network. Information is communicated between the associated sensors and control devices by way of respective dedicated connections, and information is communicated among the control devices by way of the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular conveyor belt formed of a plurality of interconnected modules with at least one of them having an antimicorbial material associated therewith. This provides the belt being resistant to growth of fungus, yeast, viruses, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Staph, E coli Klebsiella and Salmonella.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a gas in a cavity of a microcircuit. The apparatus comprises a heater. The heater is located inside the cavity of the microcircuit and is attached to the structure of the microcircuit. The attachment area of the heater to the structure of the microcircuit is substantially less than the back surface area of the heater. An add-on, suspended heater is disclosed in the embodiments described herein.

Abstract: An operating device having a rotary knob capable of rotation operations exhibits compatibility between speed and precision in operation and does not require use of a plurality of rotary knobs. In the operating device (1) including the rotary knob (4) and the rotation detecting means (8) for detecting the rotated angle of the rotary knob, the rotary knob includes a small-diameter component (4F) for operating the rotary knob quickly, and a large-diameter component (4S) for operating the rotary knob slowly or for fine adjustment, and the determining means (9) is provided for determining the rotated position of the rotary knob when the rotary knob is operated.

Abstract: An evaporation system that uses the weight of condensed liquid as an energy source. An inlet feed is introduced into an enclosure through an inlet. The inlet feed is vaporized in an evaporation region of an enclosure, and condensed to a liquid in a condensation region of the enclosure. The condensed liquid collects in a liquid region of the enclosure. The liquid region has an outlet. A blower between the evaporation region and the condensation region maintains the condensation region at a higher pressure than the evaporation region. The level of the liquid in the liquid region defines the volume and pressure of the evaporation and condensation regions, such that as the liquid is drained from the outlet, at least in part by the weight of the liquid, the pressure in the evaporation region decreases. The flow through the inlet and the outlet is regulated to maintain the pressure in the evaporation region at a pressure that tends to vaporize the inlet feed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for fluid purification. A charged species from the fluid using, e.g., a Lorentz force. This creates a voltage, e.g., a Hall voltage that counteracts separation of the charged species from the fluid. This voltage is then discharged.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air purifier (10) is provided which includes a tubular housing (1) having an inner and an outer wall, a central axis (A), a first end (2) having a centrally located air intake nozzle (4), a second end (5) having at least one air exhaust port (6), an air exhaust plenum (11) between the inner housing wall and a radial porosity medium (12), the porosity medium (12) extending radially and axially about the axis, and a housing central portion (13) defined by an interior perimeter of the radial porosity medium (12), the central housing enclosing an ultraviolet lamp (20) and a packing medium (30), the packing medium (30) extending radially and axially about the lamp (20) and comprising a plurality of spiral wound filaments (32) coated with a photocatalytic film.