Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors.

Abstract: A collision detecting device providing the accurate and early determination of a collision with a vehicle or the like and a passive safety system using this collision detecting device. A low-rigid portion and a crash box are arranged ahead of the high-rigid portion in a front portion of a frame. The front end of a rod is fixed to a bumper. The rod is inserted into a magnetic detector disposed on the high-rigid portion. In the rod, a number of magnets are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the rod such that their N poles and S poles are alternatively arranged. As a vehicle collides, the crash box is first deformed so that the rod moves backward, whereby a collision can be detected before large acceleration is generated.

Abstract: A vibration damping system for an engine mounted on a vehicle has mounting elements attached to frames of the vehicle, through which elements the engine is mounted on the frames, a damping weight provided outwardly of the engine, and a weight support unit fixed at one end thereof to the engine and having the damping weight attached at the other end thereof. The weight support unit includes a first arm extending along one lateral side of a vertical plane extending through an axis of a crankshaft and a second arm extending along the other lateral side of the vertical plane. The damping weight is attached to free ends of the arms. The damping weight is positioned above the cylinder head of the engine to extend transversely of the vertical plane.

Abstract: Control valves are respectively provided in a pair of variable displacement hydraulic pumps. If an ultra low speed travel signal is issued in response to an ultra-low-speed switch turned on, one of the control valves is fixed to a neutral position by a solenoid valve. And a displacement amount of a travel motor is fixed at a maximum displacement by another solenoid valve. In this way, an upper limit for motor rotation speed is significantly reduced. As a result, it is possible to realize the ultra low speed travel with maximum operation of an accelerator pedal, without the need for subtle operation of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A joystick input device adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and an operational failure avoidance method are disclosed, wherein controllable operation guides 111 are set in an operational range of a stick 21 that is rendered operative only in a given direction depending on a GUI condition. A stick control computing device 407 stores information related to an operational direction upon judgment of occurrence of operational failures caused during stick operation, discriminates an occurrence tendency of the operational failures through analysis of a history of the operational failures, thereby adjusting a moveable mode of the operation guide so as to avoid the operational failures.

Abstract: For a power steering system which has, as a recirculating ball steering, a worm shaft and, enclosing this, a working plunger which is to be actuated by a bead chain axially shiftably with respect to the worm shaft, an axial seal is provided for the annular gap between the working plunger and the worm shaft which has a multi-part arrangement, and which has two support rings and one sealing ring, engaging between the support rings, pointing in opposite directions and guided in an annular grove of the working plunger, the width of the annular groove being greater than the axial width of the axial seal at the support rings arranged adjacent to the sealing ring.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable road-engaging wheels comprises a rotatable steering wheel (11) and a sensor (12) which senses the rotational position of the steering wheel and generates a first signal corresponding to the sensed rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A first electric motor (14), when energized, resists rotation of the steering wheel (11). A second electric motor (20) is controlled by the signal generated by the sensor for sensing the rotational position of the steering wheel (11). A steering gear (130) is actuated by the second electric motor (20) to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. An electrical circuit (19) includes the first and second motors (14 and 20) in series.

Abstract: A method for installing an electric power assist steering system, which includes an electric motor with an output shaft, and a flexible shaft operatively connected to the output shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible shaft is also operatively connected to the input shaft of a pinion gear for a rack and pinion steering mechanism. The present invention increases the engine compartment utilization efficiency while also increasing the ease of repair, installation, and removal of engine, steering system and other vehicle components in the engine compartment.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable wheels. The apparatus (10) comprises a rotatable vehicle steering wheel (12) and a first assembly (100) operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The first assembly (100) includes a sensor (30) for sensing applied torque and angular position of the steering wheel (12) and a first electronic control unit (50) for generating a first signal corresponding to the sensed torque and angular position of the steering wheel. A second assembly (100) is operatively coupled to the steerable wheels. The second assembly (100) includes a second electronic control unit (110) for receiving the first signal, a first electric motor (120) controlled by the second electronic control unit, and a steering gear (130) which is actuated by the first electric motor (120) to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. A signal transmitting conductor (250) transmits the first signal to the second electronic control unit (110).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an apparatus, method, and system for operating an electric downhole tool on a non-conductive support line (slickline) by converting a battery voltage to an output voltage suitable for operating the tool. In response to receiving a trigger signal, the output voltage signal is applied to the tool. The tool is controlled by varying the output voltage signal according to a power control sequence. Accordingly, electric tools typically requiring surface intervention by an operator via an electric cable (wireline) may be operated on slickline.

Abstract: An ear mold with a tubular passage adopted to fit into the ear canal is described. A stent adapted to be inserted in the ear molds tubular passage for increasing the outer diameter of a loose fitting ear mold is provided. The stented ear mold prevents acoustic feedback.

Abstract: A backload horn-type omnidirectional speaker is provided wherein deterioration of sound due to wound horn portions is prevented such that the listener can enjoy natural sounding music regardless of the position from which the music is listened to.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation laminate having a porous polyolefin layer and a process for making the laminate. The laminate preferably includes a porous multiple density polyolefin film, a sound absorbing material and may include a face cloth on one or both sides of the laminate. The porous polyolefin film is preferably disposed between a sound source and the sound absorbing material improving the total noise reduction coefficient of the sound absorbing material alone while reducing the weight of laminates having similar noise reduction capabilities.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for building construction, and preferably for the above-ground construction of a home. The apparatus consists of at least two supports that are coupled directly to the building, either outside an above-ground floor and/or proximate the roof. The purpose of the apparatus is to provide fall protection for a person working on the roof or otherwise above-ground. The main components of the apparatus include at least two supports, planks extending between the supports to define a horizontal falling surface, and guard rails extending between the supports to define a vertical falling surface.

Abstract: An escape ladder includes a first leg that is attached to a support surface, such as an outside wall of a building, and a second leg that is movable with respect to the first leg. Rungs are movably attached to the first leg and to the second leg and move between a deployed orientation extending outwardly from the first leg to a stored orientation extending along the long axis of the first leg. The legs and the rungs are rigid.

Abstract: A cover for an end of a ladder rail is provided. In one preferred form, the cover comprises a shell and a tread. The shell comprises at least one material, whereas the tread comprises at least one other material. The shell is sized to engage the ladder rail. The tread is engaged with the shell at least partially by at least one bond, which comprises at least a portion of the shell and at least a portion of the tread.

Abstract: A tool holder for mounting on the top of a conventional stepladder. The holder has trapezoidal pocketed end panels and a rectangular pocketed back panel each flexibly connected to a top panel that can be strapped to the top piece of the ladder. The end and back panels conform closely to the outlines of corresponding sides of the ladder at its upper end and are attachable to each other at adjoining side edges to fit snugly around the ladder. A pocketed front panel is manually attachable to and detachable from the top panel.

Abstract: A self-raising platform assembly (1) comprising at least one mast (3, 5, 113) along which a platform (13) may be moved up or down including the following: a) a base element (9) with a supporting plate (25) connected to a jack (27) and several stabilizer arms (33, 37) incorporating height adjustment. b) modular mast sections (7) made from rectangular sections with openings (63) cut out to form steps and bars (55) to allow adjacent sections to be bolted together. c) hydraulically operated ram lifting mechanism (73, 83, 84) with hooks (77, 79, 81) to engage steps on the mast to raise and lower the platform, d) a plastic lined sleeve (17, 19) on the platform which slides against the mast e) a modular platform which can be lengthened or widened by adding additional modules (101, 103).

Abstract: Extending ladders and associated manufacturing methods are disclosed. A ladder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of rung units, each rung unit including a left column, a right column, and a rung extending between the left column and the right column. The ladder may include a first column assembly including a first column and a ring coupled to the first column proximate a distal end thereof, and a second column assembly including a second column and a sleeve coupled to the second column proximate a proximal end thereof. The second column being at least partially disposed within a lumen defined by an internal surface of the first column. The sleeve includes an external guiding surface for contacting the internal surface of the first column and the ring includes an internal guiding surface for contacting an exterior surface of the second column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a climbing safety device in a tower crane including a vertical ladder enabling an operator to move to an overhead operator cab, and a wire rope for ensuring a safety of the operator. The climbing safety device includes a wire rope winding unit for winding or unwinding a wire rope. The wire rope has a ladder structure while being provided, at each side thereof, with engagement balls vertically spaced apart from one another. The climbing safety device also includes a safety unit for guiding a movement of the wire rope while controlling a sudden unwinding of the wire rope. The safety unit includes a sensor for sensing the sudden unwinding of the wire rope.

Abstract: An engine cleaning system has a cleaning solution container (11) having a filter element (52) therein and is adapted to establish a predetermined quantity of solution for a particular engine. Solution is pumped from the solution container (11) to the engine interior by the engine oil pump, and a solution drain line (31) connects the engine interior and the solution container. Oil and cleaning solution are pumped by the engine oil pump continuously during the cleaning process. The solution container has a removable closure for filter replacement and a drain valve (12) for solution and oil.

Abstract: In a fluid injection apparatus for a fluid dynamic pressure bearing, which uses a vacuum injection method, a maintenance is made easy and costs for the apparatus and the maintenance are reduced. A sequence control unit closes an injecting valve, subsequently opens a decompressing valve, and starts a vacuum pump. Whereupon, an inside of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing is decompressed. If the inside of the fluid dynamic pressure bearing is decompressed, the sequence control unit closes the decompressing valve, subsequently stops the vacuum pump, and opens the injecting valve. Whereupon, a lubricating oil stored in an injection tank is pushed out by the atmospheric pressure, and injected into the inside of the fluid dynamic pressure bearing being decompressed.

Abstract: The automatic transmission for motor vehicles has a housing, in which a multiplicity of clutches and brakes are placed, as well as an input shaft and an output shaft and at least one torque transmitting shaft (1). This torque transmitting shaft (1) has an axial, central boring (3) and a plurality of radial, transverse borings. The transverse borings are cylindrical borings (6), having a transition radius (7) at the outlet. The outlet is connected to the cylindrical boring part by a conical transition part.

Abstract: A method for creating ready-to-use products from a concentrated form of the products for sale at a retail price is disclosed. The apparatus to create the ready-to-use products generally comprises a source of one or more concentrated products. These concentrated products are delivered to a point of use which typically may be a small, consumer-sized container. The apparatus dilutes the concentrated product to an appropriate level. The final, ready-to-use product can be a wide variety of cleaning products. The method provides for a larger profit to the retailer than normally available from the sale of pre-filled cleaning products.

Abstract: A fork lift with a traverse travel system, wherein a pair of right and left front wheels (3) and a pair of rear wheels (4) can be steered to face sideways at a right angle relative to a body (2), the front wheel (3) is mounted to a turning member (27) installed on a mast (6) to be turnable around a vertical axis (26) and a rotating means (40) is provided for the turning member (27), the front wheel (3) is operatively connected to a travel drive means (30) installed on the turning member (27), and the travel drive means (30) can also be rotated together with the turning member (27) when the front wheels (3) are steered sideways at a right angle and positioned outside of the outer surface of the mast. Thus, the mast (6) needs not be disposed unnecessarily forward of the front wheels (3) for the sake of the travel drive means (30), and the balance of the body in the longitudinal direction can be preferably kept without increasing its self weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator vibration reducing device in which horizontal vibrations of a cage are detected by a vibration sensor. The cage is displaced horizontally by an actuator. A control portion for controlling the actuator has a computing portion for computing a vibration reduction control signal for reducing the horizontal vibrations of the cage from a vibration detection signal from a vibration sensor. The control portion has a detection signal comparing portion for comparing a detection value obtained from the vibration detection signal with a previously set value, stopping the control of the actuator when the detection value becomes equal to or larger than the set value.

Abstract: An emergency moving device of an elevator includes a reduction gear fixed on top of the car, several first gears coupled to a shaft of the reduction gear, a first connector releasably coupled to the car, a second connector affixed to the car and releasably coupled to the first connector, a fall-prevention device releasably coupling the first connector to the second connector, and chains respectively connected to the first connector and engaging the first gears; the first connector is coupled to steel ropes of the elevator used for vertically displacing the car member; when the car is stopped between floors by a power failure, the passengers press an emergency button to make the fall-prevention device uncouple the first connector from the second connector so that the car is allowed to move down relative to the first connector until it arrives at a next floor with the reduction gear reducing speed of the car.

Abstract: A follower fall arrest device used with a fixed safety rope is equipped with a securing system comprising a support arm articulated on a first spindle between an active locking and an inactive unlocking position, a roller in the form of a cylindrical wheel mounted rotating free on a second spindle securedly attached to the support arm, and a centrifugal clutch mechanism arranged between a drive member of the roller and the support arm so as to occupy a disengaged position or an engaged position. The peripheral surface of the roller is equipped with a plurality of studs presenting a predetermined angle of incline so as to cause rotation of the roller in the descending direction, and sliding on the rope in the ascending direction. The body comprises a straight U-shaped channel for passage of the rope, said channel having holes for passage of the attachment means.

Abstract: Antioxidant coating compositions containing 10-75 wt % H2O, 20-65 wt % H3PO4, 0.1-20 wt % alkali metal mono-, di-, or tri-basic phosphate, 0-2 wt % hydrated boron oxide, 0-18 wt % KH2PO4, 3-10 wt % of a transition metal oxide, and 0-20 wt % hydrated manganese phosphate, 0-25 wt % Al(H2PO4)3, and 0-10 wt % Zn3(PO4)2, provided that at least one of Al(H2PO4)3, Zn3(PO4)2, and hydrated manganese phosphate is present. Also, brake discs made from carbon composite articles having their surface treated with certain antioxidant coatings. During a manufacturing process, carbon matrix 15 of brake disc 11 is covered on its outer and inner edges with antioxidant layers 19 and portions of the working surface of brake disc 11 may also be covered with antioxidant layers 13, potentially decreasing the fitness of the brake disc for service. In accordance with this invention, brake disc 12 is manufactured from brake disc 11 by the removal from its working surface of antioxidant layers 13.

Abstract: A shock absorber (1) includes a compression chamber (2) in which a piston (3) moves along a path of travel from a near end to a far end. The chamber includes a constant force mode bleed orifice (10) adjacent the far end and a series of progressive force bleed orifices (9a-9e) at spaced intervals between the near and far ends. An adjustment cylinder (12) has sloping arcuate apertures (13a-13e). As the cylinder (12) is rotated, one of the arcuate apertures aligns with the constant force orifice or the apertures align with the progressive force orifices in full or in part.

Abstract: A suspension damper includes a housing bounding a main chamber. A piston rod is slideably disposed within the main chamber of the housing. A main piston is mounted on the first end of the piston rod within the main chamber of the housing so as to slideably engage against the housing in sealed engagement, the main piston having a first side and an opposing second side with a compression port extending therebetween. A control valve assembly is disposed within the main chamber and bounds a sealed valve compartment. The control valve assembly is movable between a first position wherein the valve compartment is compressed to a first volume and a second position wherein the valve compartment is expanded to an enlarged second volume, the control valve assembly being movable under pressure so as to provide variable compression damping properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock damping device for bicycles for damping mechanical impacts especially with respect to the bicycle handle bar or the bicycle seat, whereby a twist stop portion (16) includes sliding blocks, for example in the form of balls (28) so that an axial movement of a first connecting portion (12) in relation to a second connecting portion (14) is enabled, but essentially no twisting motion between the first and second connecting portions.

Abstract: The traveling case with an erectly expanded case body for the present invention consists of one case body, one adjustable shaft pair, one positioning and binding base and one wheel and foot base. The outer shaft of the adjustable shaft pair passes through the shaft installation hole on the positioning and binding base and gets fixed at the rear insdie the body. A stretchable and foldable mezzanine is installed on the body that expands horizontally against the moving direction of the adjustable shaft. That is, the zipper opens and closes vertically against the movement of the adjustable shaft. Therefore, when the above case body is strecthed, the inner space is incrased and the traveling case will not topple and fall, which enhances the steadiness of the traveling case.

Abstract: A non-arcing isolation joint for use on a collector rail on which collector shoes move includes a plurality of conductive segments between ends of a first pair of rail sections and between ends of a second pair of rail sections of the collector rail. Insulation is provided between the conductive segments and between the conductive segments and ends of adjacent rail sections. A rectifier is associated with each of the conductive segments to limit DC current flow to one direction. In this manner, as a collector shoe moves over the isolation joint current is prevented from moving between rail sections through the shoe.

Abstract: A torque converter clutch control valve has a single valve element for controlling the fluid distribution to and from a torque converter and clutch assembly to establish clutch engagement and disengagement as well as torque converter operation. The control valve has one position for supplying fluid to release the clutch and simultaneously feed the torque converter, and another position to supply a pressure controlled fluid to engage the clutch. A force motor control valve is provided to control the pressure level of the clutch engagement pressure.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device, in particular a torque converter or fluid clutch, includes a housing, a turbine wheel in the housing, and a torque-converter lock-up clutch, which is used to selectively produce a torque-transfer connection between the turbine wheel and the housing. The torque-converter lock-up clutch includes at least one substantially annular friction element, which is connected to the turbine wheel in order to rotate with the latter about a rational axis, the element having a friction surface region and a contact element. The contact element is connected to the housing in order to rotate with the latter about the rotational axis and impinges upon the friction surface region of the friction elements to produce the torque-transfer connection between the turbine wheel and the housing. The contact element is connected to the housing assembly in a rotationally rigid manner in a zone lying radially outside the friction surface region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for early recognition of abnormal occurrences in the operation of automatic or automated gearboxes wherein at least one variable Akraftschl. directly or indirectly characterizing the strain on elements which are to be coupled to each other in a non-positive fit is continuously determined after an n-th shift at least until a synchronous rev speed is reached or during a maximum shift period Tmax; wherein the variable Akraftschlüssig characterizing the strain on the elements that are to be coupled is mathematically combined with the time, or if several variables Akraftschlüssig Exist, said variables are mathematically combined with each other and the product of said combination is added up in the form of a variable Wsum; wherein the product thereof is compared with a first pre-definable or defined threshold value Wmax0 Which, if exceeded, defines a state from which damage can be deduced and the shift action is aborted.

Abstract: A magnetic brake actuated spring clutch has an input shaft that is rotatably mounted in a housing, a coaxial output shaft that is rotatably mounted in the housing for rotation relative to the input shaft, and a coil spring surrounding a portion of the output shaft. The coil spring has one end attached to the input shaft and an opposite end attached to a rotor of a magnetic brake. The rotor is journalled on the output shaft, and the magnetic brake further includes a stator that is secured in the housing. The stator includes a permanent magnet and the rotor includes a copper plate that is juxtaposed the permanent magnet. The coil spring has a first part that is wound in one direction and a coaxial second part that is wound in an opposite direction so that the input shaft drives the output shaft in either direction when the spring clutch is engaged by input shaft via the magnetic brake. Alternatively, the stator may include a pair of spaced opposed magnets that are juxtaposed either side of the copper plate.

Abstract: An annular end bearing for a oneway clutch comprises a sliding-contact flange interposed between an inner ring and an outer ring of the oneway clutch and brought into sliding contact with the inner ring or the outer ring when it is operated, a fixed flange substantially fixed with respect to the inner ring or the outer ring, and a web for coupling the sliding-contact flange to the fixed flange. The end bearing is formed of a metallic plate by press forming and said web is provided with a bending part in the vicinity of said sliding-contact flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable viscous coupling for generating a locking effect between two coupling parts rotatable relative to one another around a common longitudinal axis, more particularly for the driveline of a motor vehicle. The viscous coupling comprises a first coupling part, a second coupling part, wherein the first and the second coupling part form a sealed annular chamber. First plates are connected to the first coupling part in a rotationally fast way and second plates are connectable to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way, as well as controllable connecting means to allow switching between an open position in which the second plates are freely rotatable relative to the second coupling part, and a closed position in which the second plates are connected to the second coupling part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A multi-mode torque-transmitting assembly includes a plate-supporting element having an axis, and a plate connected to the plate-supporting element such that the plate is axially movable with respect to the plate-supporting element between a first position and a second position in response to applied axial forces. Furthermore, the assembly includes a movement-inhibiting member in sufficient cooperation with the plate for selectively inhibiting axial movement of the plate. The movement-inhibiting member inhibits movement of the plate from the first position in response to a first axial force, and allows movement of the plate toward the second position in response to a second axial force greater than the first axial force, such that the assembly is operable in more than one mode.

Abstract: A clutch actuator unit comprises a housing (8, 9), a screw mechanism and an actuator head which at one end engages the screw mechanism (1, 2) and at the other end has an actuating end (18), which actuator head (16) can be displaced in axial direction by the screw mechanism upon driving the screw mechanism. The actuating end (18) of the actuator head (16) is displaceable in transverse direction with respect to the screw mechanism as well.

Abstract: A differential assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential housing and a differential gear assembly mounted within the differential housing. A connector plate is adapted to connect to a drive shaft of the vehicle and a clutch pack is mounted within the differential housing that interconnects the differential gear assembly and the connector plate. A ball screw assembly is adapted to selectively apply axial force to the clutch pack, thereby engaging the connector plate and the differential gear assembly such that rotational movement of the connector plate is transferred through the clutch pack to the differential gear assembly.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto, wherein one seal is configured to seal an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings and includes a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the first bearing ring and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones, wherein the second bearing ring and the sealing arrangement interact in such a way that a desired installation position of the sealing arrangement is automatically establishes as the second bearing ring is installed.

Abstract: In order to prevent fraud in coin-operated or banknote-operated vending machines, in particular vending machines dispensing goods or services, in which the sale transaction after inserting coins and/or banknotes is initiated when a sufficient credit value is reached and the service is provided, it is proposed to determine the coin or banknote denominations, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a vending machine with one type of paper currency validator to be updated with a paper currency validator from a different manufacturer. This is done using an installation kit consisting of a replacement faceplate, an adaptor bracket and a wiring harness. To utilize the system, the original paper currency validator is removed. The faceplate that led to the old paper currency validator is also removed. The new replacement faceplate is installed in place of the old faceplate. The adaptor bracket is mounted to the vending machine using the old mounts that held the old paper currency validator in place. The new paper currency validator is mounted to the adaptor bracket. The adaptor bracket orients the new paper currency validator so that it is aligned with the new faceplate. The wiring harness is used to electrically interconnect the new paper currency validator to the electronics of the vending machine.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer for a decorating machine includes transport conveyors for carrying workpieces to the decorating machine and from the decorating machine. The conveyors support each of the workpieces such that an elongated longitudinal axis of each workpiece is vertically orientated. The decorating machine has a decorator conveyor with spaced workpiece carriers to support a workpiece for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of workpiece grippers pivotally supported by a drive hub support the workpieces during movement of the longitudinal axis thereof between the vertical orientation and the horizontal orientation. A drive shaft is secured to the drive hub to rotate about an axis forming acute angles with the longitudinal axis of a workpiece in each of the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation. The acute angles are preferably 45°.

Abstract: A method for transferring blister packs to a step-less moving feeding line of a packaging machine, according to which a gripping member of a three-axes robot device picks up at least one group of blister packs from an outlet line of a blistering machine. The robot device moves in a direction as the outlet line, so as to follow the movement thereof. The group of blister packs is transferred to the feeding line, following the movement thereof.

Abstract: A self-cleaning oscillating conveyor includes a vertical tube and a conveyor channel that is helically wound upwardly around the vertical tube with a corresponding electromagnetic oscillating unit and a casing tube, which surrounds the exterior of the conveyor channel. The chamber between the vertical tube and the casing tube can be sprayed by several nozzles, which penetrate the interior of the vertical tube, or the exterior of the casing tube, with a liquid detergent, sprayed under pressure and using a delivery pump. The cleaning liquid runs onto the collection plate and over the rim thereof into a collection channel having a drain. In a preferred embodiment, semi-tubes, or half-tubes, are longitudinally mounted onto the casing tube in a sealed manner and a row of nozzles penetrates the casing tube from the chamber between the interior of the semi-tubes and the casing tube towards the interior.

Abstract: An improved method of transporting materials or products for chilling or freezing comprising the use of a multi-tiered, spiral path conveyor belt capable of tight radial turning in a restricted area to immerse the materials or products into a tank containing a cooling fluid and circulating the cooling fluid past the material or product is presented. The materials or products may or may not undergo chemical preparation prior to immersion, depending on the type of materials or products to be chilled or frozen. The cooling fluid, which can be food-grade solute, is circulated past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material or product. The cooling fluid is preferably between −20 degrees centigrade and −30 degrees centigrade, and the velocity of the cooling fluid past the material is about 35 liters per minute per foot of cooling fluid through an area not greater than about 24 inches wide and 48 inches deep.