Abstract: A starter includes an electric motor, a pinion gear driven by the electric motor and a magnetic switch having a plunger driven by a magnetic coil. Electric power to be fed to both the electric motor and the magnetic coil is supplied from an on-board battery through a single common input terminal of the starter. The magnetic switch is composed of a main switch through which a full power is supplied to the electric motor and an auxiliary switch through which a limited power is supplied. Upon closing the auxiliary switch, the motor is driven at a low speed and the pinion gear is engaged with a ring gear of the engine. Then, the main switch is closed to thereby crank up the engine with a full power.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a door latch for a storm door that includes a non-metallic live bolt and a set of housing plates with support members integrally formed from the plates. One embodiment of the invention is a latch apparatus with a housing having first and second opposed plates. The plates are spaced apart from each other and secured to each other by support members that are formed from the plates. The apparatus also includes a live bolt that may be made of a polymer material and that is slidably mounted in the housing and actuated between an extended position and a retracted position. The live bolt hub is mounted in the housing and actuates the live bolt between extended and retracted positions. A dead bolt assembly is slidably mounted in the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. Lastly, the apparatus includes a cam that in the housing between a first position and a second position to actuate the dead bolt assembly between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A side rock device attaches a first member to a second member to be openable. The side rock device includes a pair of lock arms, a housing which holds the lock arms movably, a slider defining inclining holes which engage with the lock arms and urge the lock arms to protrude and retract, the slider disposed in the housing, and an elastic member which elastically urges the slider toward a predetermined direction. When the slider is operated against an elastic urging force of the elastic member, the lock arms are retracted.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper system comprising an outer shell (10) of an automotive bumper having an inner surface (18) generally oriented toward the vehicle. The outer shell comprises a plurality of energy absorbing protuberances (14) extending inwardly from the inner surface of the outer shell. The energy absorbing protuberances may be formed from an energy absorbing material, such as a polymeric foam, and/or may additionally comprise indentations extending into the body of the protuberance to enhance the energy absorbing characteristics of the protuberance.

Abstract: An indoor flower watering rack includes a support rack having frame members and a plurality of laterally spaced apart support members extending longitudinally therebetween. First and second handle members are slidably coupled to the support rack and are selectively movable relative to respective frame members. First and second clamp members are attached to respective handle members for corresponding movement therewith. The clamp members are configured so as to sandwich a toilet rim therebetween upon inward clamping movement of the handle members. A plurality of legs depend from the support rack for alternatively supporting the rack upon a support surface. Therefore, the watering rack may be carried to a desired location and supported atop a toilet or upon a support surface.

Abstract: A seat for an automobile, which is intended to reduce its weight and to be easily mounted and dismounted by having a seat sliding device mounted on a body frame rather than a seat frame and having rollers, and which can be automatically tumbled and mounted face to face with other seats by a spiral spring and a locking structure by engagement at two points, is disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible with a roof (2) which can be opened and lowered into a rear roof storage space (3), has a trunk lid (5) which can be swung up at its forward edge to clear a through opening for the roof (2) which is to be lowered, and has a covering (11) which is movably supported on the trunk lid (5) and can be moved between a covering position in front of the trunk lid (11) with the roof opened (2) and a rear lowered position under the trunk lid (5) with the roof (2) closed. A movably supported shelf (20) occupies an operating position as a shelf which with the roof (2) closed and a lowered position at the front of the roof storage space (3) with the roof (2) opened.

Abstract: A cover device for the roof (2) of a convertible type motor vehicle, which roof can be deposited in the rear area of the vehicle, the cover device being movably supported to clear a through opening for the roof (2) and having a rear cover part (5) which is movably supported on the body and a front cover part (11) which is supported on the rear cover part (5) and can be moved between a cover position in which it extends forward from the rear cover part (11), and a deposited position in which it is located under the rear cover part (5). The front cover part (11) can be moved by a first bearing mechanism (12, 13, 14) relative to the rear cover part (5) in the lengthwise direction and can be raised and lowered by a second bearing mechanism (15, 16) relative to the rear cover part (11).

Abstract: An arm support for a vehicle door is an elongated, stiff platform with a lip on one long edge and a support panel on the opposite long edge. The arm support is attached to the vehicle by inserting the lip between the window and the inside edge of the window channel. The platform spans the inner portion of the door. The support panel extends vertically downward from the platform and rests against the door interior. The upper surfaces of the arm support are cushioned. An adjustable stand-off block may be attached to the lower edge of the support panel between the support panel and the vehicle door to adjust the angle of the platform.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle (RV) with a central actuator that controls locking and unlocking of a plurality of access doors. Each of the access doors has a locking member that is interconnected to the central actuator. Thus, the central actuator may be configured to lock or unlock selected group of doors simultaneously. The central actuator is located inside the RV, and controlling input to the central actuator may be from a remote transmitter, or by direct manipulation of the central actuator. The locking members and the central actuator may be linked mechanically, electromagnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or in any number of ways. The central actuator advantageously permits an RV user to lock or unlock groups or all of the access doors simultaneously while inside the RV, or by using the remote transmitter.

Abstract: A slideout-bed coupling system for a recreational vehicle that allows the bed to be positioned at desirable locations when the slideout is in retracted and extended configurations. By selectively coupling the slideout to the bed during the movement operation of the slideout, the bed's position relative to its surrounding can be controlled. In one embodiment, the bed's axis is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle, and the bed partially moves when the slideout extends. As such, when the slideout is in the retracted configuration, the bed can be positioned to provide selected access to the one or more side of the bed. When the slideout is in the extended configuration, the coupling system allows the bed to be positioned to provide enhanced accessible clearance to both sides of the bed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof which can be opened, with a body (12) which forms a vehicle passenger compartment (14) which is bordered on its front and back end by a front window (16) and a rear window element (18), respectively, and on the sides of which body-mounted lengthwise roof members (20) extend from the front to back, the lengthwise roof members (20), the top edge (38) of the front window (16) and the top edge (34) of the rear window element (18) surrounding a roof opening (26), and with a folding convertible top (28) for selectively opening and closing the roof opening (26), has the top edge (34) of the rear window element (18) connected to the folding convertible top (28) and its bottom edge (36) attached to the body (12) to be able to swing around this edge (36) into the passenger compartment (14).

Abstract: A foldable tubular rocking chair has inverted U-shaped elements secured between its front legs to give stability and to serve as a stop for the crosspiece of the pivoting arm unit when the occupant leans forward during launch. Arms have forward and upward handles to help occupant urge the arm unit down and raise herself to erect condition.

Abstract: An articulated headrest. In one embodiment, an apparatus include a base portion and a headrest portion, and the headrest portion is coupled to the base portion by an articulation mechanism which moves the headrest substantially along an arc defined with respect to a pivot point outside the headrest portion and the base portion. In some embodiments, the pivot point may approximate the cervicothoracic junction of a user. In some embodiments, the headrest portion may be used to maintain the a user's head in a substantially neutral position. In some embodiments, the headrest portion may be deployed in the event of a crash condition and/or may articulate in response to reclining a seat back. In one embodiment, a portable or pillow version may articulate a headrest portion with respect to a base portion to provide head support.

Abstract: A support cushion for newborns, infants and toddlers that is adjustable with the growth of the child. The cushion is formed of an upper panel, a lower panel and adjustable side flaps that aid in supporting the head, neck and body of an infant. The upper panel contains a padded section with a corresponding depression to support an infant's head. The side flaps are removable so that the upper and lower panels provide a cushioned head and body support for a toddler that can be placed in a carseat, baby jogger or stroller.

Abstract: A semi-fitted furniture slipcover covers a piece of seating furniture having at least one arm and at least one T-cushion with a projection extending in front of the arm. The slipcover has back, front, seat, arm, lower and side panels that are connected to each other. The lower, seat, side and arm panels each having portions adjacent the arm front and T-cushion projection that form a T-cushion assembly. The assembly has a slot between the arm front and the T-cushion projection and is form fit. The assembly also has no part that extends under the T-cushion.

Abstract: A chair has a backrest and a pair of armrests. A pair of support struts for supporting the backrest is connected to a shaft of a base under a seat. The armrest is supported by an arm post. An operating lever is mounted on the upper front end of the arm post. When the backrest is tilted, it is held at a desired angle by pressing up the operating lever.

Abstract: An item of seating furniture having a seat and a backrest which are supported in an articulated manner on a frame, and having an operating mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the seat and the backrest. The backrest has a catch member and, when the backrest is inclined from a front position into an inclined rear position, the catch member comes into operative contact with the seat as of a specific angle of inclination of the backrest in such a manner that further inclination of the backrest brings about a simultaneous adjustment of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel hub having a cylindrical main body and a radial flange, with radial ribs extending between the outboard side of the radial flange and the outboard end of the main body.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes an accumulator having an inflow passage which introduces a hydraulic fluid which is discharged from a hydraulic pump into a hydraulic fluid chamber and a discharge passage which discharges the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid chamber to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic circuit includes a valve mechanism which restricts the supply of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid chamber to the hydraulic actuator when the pressure in the hydraulic fluid chamber is less than a set pressure and which releases the restriction of the supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator when the pressure in the hydraulic fluid chamber is at least the set pressure. The valve mechanism may be installed inside the accumulator.

Abstract: A brake control ECU of an automatic braking apparatus calculates an awareness level in accordance with: whether or not there are a braking pedal or accelerator pedal operations; whether or not there are shift and steering wheel operations; and whether a level of a driver's eye movement lowers. When the brake control ECU determines that the awareness level has decreased, it controls the hydraulic braking apparatus so as to increase a provision braking force applied for a certain period and with a certain cycle to each wheel 4FR, 4FL, 4RR, 4RL. Accordingly, vibration caused by increase and decrease of the braking force is generated in a body of a vehicle that is running. This vibration arouses the driver whose level of consciousness has decreased.

Abstract: The drive device of the invention comprises a ready to fit unit or kit, for installing in a detachable manner on one side of a chassis of a motor vehicle. The unit comprises a flexible crawler looped round a drive wheel adapted to be mounted on a drive hub of the vehicle and round a tension wheel carried by a support frame, which comprises an internal part adapted to be secured in a detachable manner on the chassis remote from the drive shaft, an intermediate part adapted to carry the tension wheel and an external part carrying a bearing for the drive wheel. The invention is particularly of use for transforming vehicles with four drive wheels for crawler operation.

Abstract: An idler assembly includes a hub has a plurality of segments connected thereto. A groove is positioned in either an outer circumferential surface of the hub or the inner surface of the plurality of segments. The groove has first and second tapered sides that terminate at a bottom surface. An isolation member is mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel tracked vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved split wheel design and installation process therefore. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. A new step by step methodology allows the endless track to be installed and used more efficiently when the tension wheel or the drive sprocket is replaced by a split wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an uninterruptible switching power supply device and a method for uninterruptibly switching from AC input power to DC power, in which a high voltage circuit connected with the primary winding of the main transformer and a lower voltage circuit connected with a tap from the secondary are controlled by a PWM to operate synchronically. When the AC input is normal, the AC input power is transformed the main transformer to power a load. When the voltage of the AC input is lower than the predetermined value, the battery begins to discharge for compensating the power of the AC input. When the AC input is interrupted, the discharge of battery is transformed by the transformer in a self-coupling mode to power the load. The voltage transformation efficiency is improved with the device and method of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating multiple outputs of a single inductor DC to DC converter includes processing that begins by producing a regulation signal to regulate a 1st output of the multiple outputs based on at least one of the multiple outputs. The processing then continues by identifying one of the multiple outputs to receive energy from the inductor during at least one cycle of the regulation signal. The processing continues by scaling the regulation signal for the at least one cycle based on the voltage of the particular output to receive the energy, the voltage of the 1st output and the supply voltage to the DC to DC converter when the particular output to receive the energy is not the 1st output. In this manner, when the output receiving the energy is not the 1st output (i.e., the directly regulated output), the regulation signal is scaled based on the desired duty cycle for the particular output.

Abstract: A system connecting a printer and a host computer includes a signal processing unit, a printing unit, a DC/DC converter converting a power supply voltage into a lower voltage required by the signal processing unit and outputting the converted voltage to the signal processing unit, an input unit receiving a printing command, and a power supply controlling device. The power supply controlling device includes a first switching unit, a pulse width modulating unit, a power supply switch providing a power on/off signal from a user, and a power supply controlling unit outputting a control signal to the pulse width modulating unit to control the first switching unit to perform an on/off operation corresponding to the power on/off signal from the user.

Abstract: A distributed power system, wherein a backup boost transformer is connected between a PFC transformer and a FE DC transformer. The backup boost transformer is also parallel connected with a diode. The backup boost transformer only operates in the sustaining time, if the first DC voltage drops gradually, the backup boost transformer will increase this first DC voltage and stabilize it at a preset voltage of the FE DC transformer. Therefore, the capacity of the storage capacitor of the PFC transformer can be fully utilized to have a longer sustaining time and decrease the variation range of the second DC voltage so as to enhance the efficiency and power density thereof.

Abstract: A voltage adaptor card. The voltage adaptor card, inserted into a motherboard having first slots to provide a first voltage source, includes second slots, a plurality of pins for inserting into the first slots, and a voltage converter having an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is coupled to the first voltage source through the plurality of pins. The output terminal is coupled to the second slots and outputs a second voltage source.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring a specific absorption rate (SAR) for use in a radio apparatus, a first near magnetic field of a radio wave radiated from a reference radio apparatus is measured in free space, and an SAR of the radio wave radiated from the reference radio apparatus by using a predetermined phantom according to a predetermined measurement method. A transformation factor &agr; is calculated by dividing the measured SAR by a square value of the measured first near magnetic field, and a second near magnetic field of a radio wave radiated from a radio apparatus to be measured is measured in free space. Then an SAR of the radio wave radiated from the radio apparatus to be measured is estimated and calculated by multiplying a square value of the measured second near magnetic field by the calculated transformation factor &agr;.

Abstract: Positioning device having a first part (1) which is movable relative to a second part (2) in a X and Y-direction, said first part (1) comprising a carrier (5) on which a system of magnets (3) is arranged in a pattern of rows (7) and columns (8) parallel to the X- and Y-direction, respectively. The magnets in each row and column are arranged in a Halbach array, i.e. the magnetic orientation of each successive magnet in each row (7) and each column (8) is rotated through 90° counter-clockwise. The second part (2) comprises an electric coil system (4) with two types of electric coils (C1, C2), one type having an angular offset of +45° and the other type having an offset of −45° with respect to the X-direction. The magnet configuration causes a very strong magnetic field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a superconducting rotor with a cooling system located inside. The rotor comprises a superconducting field coil for generating a strong magnetic field, a field coil supporting member for supporting the superconducting field coil, and a pulse tube refrigerator.

Abstract: A technique for establishing a value of a rotor parameter indirectly is provided. The rotor parameter may be electrical resistance of the rotor, rotor temperature, rotor current, rotor torque, etc. The technique may comprise obtaining other motor data and data obtained during operation of the motor directly and then using an algorithm to establish an estimated value of the rotor parameter. A system for establishing an estimated value of a rotor parameter also is provided. In addition, an electric motor having a system that is operable to establish an estimated value of a rotor parameter is provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present teachings to provide a technique that rationalizes the structure of the brushless motor so as to save space in the power tool. According to the present teachings, a representative brushless motor utilized in a power tool may comprise a stator, a rotor and a cooling fan. The brushless motor is disposed within the power tool. The brushless motor is adapted to supply driving current to the stator to drive a tool bit of the power tool by rotating the rotor. The cooling fan is molded of a magnetic or conductive material so that the cooling fan also serves as a rotating position detector that detects the rotating position of the rotor with respect to the stator. Because the cooling fan may also have a function of rotating position detector of the rotor, the inner space of the power tool can be rationalized.

Abstract: A three phase, dual voltage electric motor connection board is provided with pluralities of electric terminals that project from opposite exterior and interior surfaces of the connection board, where only those electric terminals projecting from the connection board exterior surface are accessible by the end user of the motor. Only those motor lead wires that are changed when connecting between a low voltage application and a high voltage application of the motor are connected to the electric terminals on the connection board exterior surface. The remaining motor lead wires are connected to the electric terminals on the connection board interior surface. Electric terminals for connection with separate power supply wires are also provided on the connection board exterior surface.

Abstract: A fluid management system provided on a housing of an electrical device includes a shelf that covers over electrical connections projecting from the housing and includes an annular flange and an annular diverging portion of the housing exterior surface that direct liquid by gravitation away from the electrical connectors projecting from the housing and away from the vent openings of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a rotor in a free state with respect to a stator with superconducting bearings. The apparatus has a rotor with closed rotor loops mounted on the rotor shaft and which are formed of a material having zero electrical resistance at a temperature below a superconductivity transition temperature. A stator encloses the rotor and has closed stator loops formed of the zero electrical resistance material and angularly positioned on the stator about the closed rotor loops. The closed rotor and stator loops are cooled to a temperature below the superconductivity transition temperature of the loop material and energized to create a magnetic flux between the ones of the closed rotor and stator loops. Apparatus for centering and securing the rotor within the stator is released to enable the rotor to move in the free state with respect to the stator.

Abstract: An interior permanent magnet synchronous motor wherein cogging torque and torque pulsation during feeding of electricity can be both restrained. 2p (p: a positive integer of 1 or more) magnetic salient pole sections consists of two groups of magnetic salient pole sections, a first group of which consists of p magnetic salient pole sections arranged so as to be spaced at equal intervals in the peripheral direction while having one magnetic salient pole section of a second group interposed between each of two adjacent magnetic salient pole sections, and the second group of which consists of p magnetic salient pole sections arranged so as to be spaced at equal intervals in the peripheral direction while having one magnetic salient pole section of the first group interposed between each of two adjacent magnetic salient pole sections. The open angle &agr; 1 of the p magnetic salient pole sections of the first group is smaller than the open angle &agr; 2 of the p magnetic salient pole sections of the second group.

Abstract: An armature for a brush commutated electric motor having a distributed coil winding arrangement for reducing brush arcing and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The winding pattern involves segmenting each coil into first and second subcoil portions with differing pluralities of turns. Each subcoil portion is wound around separate pairs of spaced apart slots of a lamination stack. Adjacent coils are wound such that one subcoil portion of each is wound in a common slot to therefore form an overlapping arrangement of each pair of adjacently coils. The winding pattern serves to “shift” the resultant magnetic axes of each coil in such a manner so as to significantly reduce brush arcing and the EMI resulting therefrom. The reduction in EMI is sufficient to eliminate the need for EMI reducing components, such as chokes, which have typically been required to maintain EMI to acceptably low levels.

Abstract: In an armature coil for electric generators and motors including a plurality of identical coil blocks (11) each formed by a plurality of turns of an elongated conductor so as to correspond to different phases, each of the coil blocks includes two groups of axial sections (2, 6) which are diametrically opposed to each other and curved sections (1, 3, 5, 7) joining the two groups to each other at each axial end, the axial sections of one of the groups being disposed in an inner cylindrical layer while the axial sections of the other of the groups are disposed in an outer cylindrical layer which is coaxial with the inner cylindrical layer; and the coil blocks are combined with each other by circumferentially shifting one coil block from another in such a manner that the axial sections are arranged circumferentially along the inner and outer cylindrical layers one next to another.

Abstract: An electric motor, in particular a motor and gear box unit for activating functional equipment in a vehicle, includes a rotor shaft (1) carrying a commutator (2) co-operating with conductive brushes (3) disposed in brush supports (4) fixed to a printed circuit card (5); the motor is provided with means for enabling brush supports to be fixed to the printed circuit card solely by surface mounting. These means may comprise, for each brush (3), a metal casing (6) containing the brush and having one wall (6) with at least one transverse tab (11) adapted to pass through the printed circuit card in order to position and hold the casing on the card and in order to provide an electrical connection. The invention enables brush-support devices to be fixed to the printed circuit card solely by surface mounting, thus making it pointless to perform an additional flow soldering operation as is required in the prior art.

Abstract: A rotor of a motor is attached to a rotor axis slidably both in axial direction and rotational direction, each of elastic bodies is attached to each of side faces of the rotor, and the rotor is fastened to the rotor axis through the elastic body, mechanically by applying pressure on each of the side faces of the rotor in the axial direction through the elastic body, or chemically by bonding the rotor axis and each of the elastic bodies as well as each of the elastic bodies and each of the corresponding side faces of the rotor.

Abstract: An alternator for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The alternator includes a stator having a stator winding, a rotor assembly positioned concentrically relative to the stator, and including at least one pole having an outer surface. The outer surface has a groove and includes a field coil disposed adjacent the at least one pole, the field coil having start and end leads. A slip ring is fixedly coupled to the start and end leads and a rotor shaft on which the field coil, the at least one pole and the slip ring are fixed. Moreover, the start and end leads are positioned within the groove and are retained in the groove by a locking feature formed in the outer surface of the at least one pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electro-active device having an electro-active structure extending along a minor axis (36) which is curved, for example in a helix around a major axis (37). The electro-active structure comprises successive electro-active portions (35) extending around said minor axis and arranged with electrodes to bend, when activated, around the minor axis (36) such that bending of the successive portions (35) is concomitant with rotation of the electro-active structure about the minor axis (36) adding incrementally along the minor axis (36). The electro-active structure generates displacement out of the local plane in which the minor axis is curved. The electro-active structure may be continuous electro-active member (35) extending along and curving around the minor axis (35), for example helically to form a helical helix. Alternatively, the electro-active structure may be a plurality of discrete elements (211) connected together.

Abstract: A material may be patterned and defined on the upper electrode of a film bulk acoustic resonator to provide a mass loading effect that adjusts the frequency of one film bulk acoustic resonator on a wafer relative to other resonators on the same wafer. The applied material that has a high degree of etch selectivity with respect to the material of the upper electrode of the film bulk acoustic resonator.

Abstract: A diaphragm 10 is fixed to a base plate 102 by a screw 13. A lever 20 has a spring member 23, a rotor-fixing member 25, and an insertion hole 22 formed therein. By passing a shaft 21 through the insertion hole 22, the lever 20 is turnably supported so as to turn about its own axis. In a state in which the spring member 23 abuts against an eccentric pressure-adjusting cam 26, a pressing force for urging the diaphragm 10 via the rotor 100 is adjusted by turning the pressure-adjusting cam 26 so as to change an elastic force of the spring member 23.

Abstract: A multiplexer for a biometric apparatus having at least fifty thousand piezo ceramic sensor elements arranged in a two-dimensional array on a pitch spacing equal to or less than approximately two hundred microns. The multiplexer includes a plurality of first and second orthogonal conductors. Each of the first conductors is coupled to Y piezo ceramic sensor elements. Each of the second conductors is coupled to X piezo ceramic sensor elements. Switches couple the first conductors to either an output port of a signal generator, a high impedance node, or a low impedance node. Switches also couple the second conductors to either an input port of a processor, a high impedance node, or a low impedance node. Shift registers coupled to the switches are used to control the position of the switched.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive device including a pair of mutually opposing thin plate sections and a fixation section for supporting the thin plate sections. A piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is arranged on each of the pair of thin plate sections. Movable sections, having mutually opposing end surfaces, are formed proximate the ends of the thin plate sections. A distance between the end surfaces is not less than a length of the movable sections.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor for moving and positioning a load, the motor comprising: a piezoelectric vibrator having a plurality of electrodes and a coupling surface which is pressed to a load; and a power supply selectively operable to electrify at least one vibrator electrode with time varying voltage to generate vibrations in the coupling surface that step the load to a desired position or to electrify at least one vibrator electrode with DC voltage to displace the coupling surface and move thereby the load to a desired position, which DC voltage the power supply maintains to maintain the load at the desired position.

Abstract: A new and useful preformed, self supporting article is provided, which can function as a tile substrate. The tile substratum has inherent durability, strength and ease of application and reduces the installation process for building tile to such a degree as to be significantly easier and faster than built up substratum and in addition requires no other structural components such as wood or plywood. The tile substrate is formed of lightweight cast or preformed mixture of cement/expanded polystyrene and water, which individually or when assembled together, provide a complete, ready to tile substratum. Individually or in assembly the substratum units are self-supporting, and require a minimum of modification to complete their installation. The units are lightweight by design. Individual units are designed and manufactured to address the majority of common tiled counter top configurations with easy modification or cutting to size.