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 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 copperplate 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: A valve arrangement arranged in a flow connection between a storage chamber and an operating chamber is actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuating device and, depending on an input rotational movement to a closure element, controls a fluid flow from the storage chamber into the operating chamber. Rotational movement is provided by a rotary armature arranged immediately next to an electromagnet and fixed to a common shaft with the closure element. The magnetic flux path of the electromagnetic actuating device is shortened and thus the efficiency of the arrangement is increased significantly.

Abstract: A device for positively coupling one force transmission element with a further force transmission element includes a multi-disk clutch formed of at least four disk rings for adjusting the rotary position of the further transmission element in relation to the one force transmission element, the disk rings being axially displaceably mounted and, for both directions of rotation, having a play-free operative connection with the force transmission elements.

Abstract: A process for adjusting a friction clutch system of the type including a housing arrangement; a pressure plate; a stored-energy device supported against the housing and the pressure plate; a wear-compensating device installed in the path of support between the stored-energy device and one of the housing arrangement and the pressure plate, this device having a detection element on the pressure plate, which in association with a stop element fixed with respect to the housing arrangement, detects the amount of wear which has occurred in the friction clutch; a clutch-release mechanism for exerting force on the stored-energy device in the direction opposite its relaxation direction in order to carry out release operations; and a transmission shaft braking arrangement which is activated when a brake-release position is reached during a clutch-release operation.

Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a multi-disk clutch includes a housing arrangement, a pressure plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as an axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation and an intermediate plate mounted in the housing arrangement with freedom to move in the same direction as the axis of rotation but connected to the housing with essentially no freedom of rotation. A release distance preset arrangement for the intermediate plate includes at least one sensing element on the intermediate plate which rests on an assembly which shifts position during the performance of a releasing movement of the pressure plate. The at least one sensing element allows the intermediate plate to execute a releasing movement corresponding to the shift of this assembly. The at least one sensing element contacting the assembly is pretensioned by an intermediate plate release force-generating arrangement acting on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission with a frictional parking lock mechanism is particularly suitable for shift-by-wire applications. The frictional parking lock mechanism makes it possible to have convenient controllability, as compared with positive parking lock mechanisms.

Abstract: A reverse input blocking clutch comprises, as main elements, an input member, an output member, a stationary member for constraining the revolutions, locking device, lock release device and torque transmission device. By forming the input member, the output member, the stationary member and a fixed side plate from metal plates such as press worked steel plates, a compact, lightweight and low cost reverse input blocking clutch is provided. Reverse input torque from the output member is locked in both the forward and reverse rotational directions relative to the stationary member, by rollers which function as the locking device. Input torque from the input member in both the forward and reverse rotational directions is transmitted to the output member via apertures 1d and protrusions which function as the torque transmission device.

Abstract: A bill counting machine includes a bill setting section, a bill take-out means for taking out bills from the bill setting section one by one into a main body of the bill counting machine, a bill conveyor for conveying the bills in a bill conveying passage, a sensor device for detecting optical properties and/or magnetic properties of each bill and producing detection data of the bill, a reference data memory for storing reference data of bills, a discriminator for comparing the detection data of the bill produced by the sensor device with the reference data of bills, thereby discriminating whether or not the bill is acceptable, the denomination of the bill and whether bills are being conveyed by the bill conveying means one by one and counting bills to be counted, and a bill stacking section, the bill counting machine further including a stopper locatable at a projecting position in the bill conveying passage downstream of the sensor device, the discriminator being constituted so as not to count a bill discri

Abstract: A controlled material transport system (MTS) for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid robot vehicle mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: A dustproof linear actuator has: a housing with a slit extending axially; a linear guide device disposed in the housing; a carriage mounted in the housing and axially movable along the slit by the linear guide device, the carriage including a workpiece mounting table protruding from the housing through the slit; a linear drive device disposed in the housing for moving the carriage axially; a pair of pulleys disposed in an axial end of the housing; and a sealing band mounted around the pulleys within the housing movably for closing the slit, the sealing band including first and second ends which are fastened to first and second ends of the carriage, respectively, to form a circulative loop. Further, the dustproof linear actuator has an air venting device for venting air existing in the housing close to the axial end toward an outside of the housing so that the dustproof linear actuator can remarkably prevents the dust particles from leaking out of the housing by reducing the pressure inside the actuator.

Abstract: A chip conveyer including an endless conveying member (18) that circulates in a predetermined direction for receiving chips discharged from a machine tool in a receiving zone, conveying the chips to a discharge position (E2) spaced from the receiving zone at a predetermined interval, and discharging the chips at the discharge position. A conveying member (18) travels along a forward route (R2) from an end (E1) of the receiving zone to a turning point (E2) of the conveying member (18), discharges the chips at the turning point (E2), and travels along a return route (R3) from the turning point (E2) to a return point (E3) where the conveying member (18) is returned to the receiving zone. The conveying member (18) enters the liquid reservoir (31) while moving along the return route (R3) such that the chips adhered to the conveying member due to an oil component are separated in liquid in the liquid reservoir (31). A liquid supply device supplies the liquid to the liquid reservoir (31).

Abstract: A scraper blade assembly which is configured to provide a rigid material scraping edge supported on a resiliently compliant material such that the scraping edge is adapted to move in response to irregularities in an associated conveyor belt. Further, supporting structure for the resiliently compliant material is configured so as to promote an upward deformation of the resiliently compliant material when a compressive force is applied to the rigid material scraping edge to thereby form the resiliently compliant material as a supporting surface above the scraping edge when such a force is applied.

Abstract: A chamber-type vacuum packaging machine (20) equipped with a conveyor assembly (28) is provided which has increased productivity and ease of use inasmuch as the assembly (28) permits rapid assembly-line transfer of packages between the loading station (52) and the sealing station (60) of the machine (20). The assembly (28) includes a continuous belt (90) presenting an upper run (94) and a lower run (96) together with end-mounted roller assemblies (98, 100) which support the belt (90) and permit selective shifting of the upper run (94) between the stations (52, 60) in order to transfer loaded packages to be sealed to the sealing station (60). In order to facilitate mounting of the assembly (28) and periodic breakdown thereof for cleaning and/or replacement of belt (90), the assembly (28) is configured so that the upper and lower runs (94, 96) are both located atop the table (24) of the machine (20).

Abstract: A device for controlling the conveyance of particulate material on a conveyor belt comprises a frame with an endless belt attached thereto. The apparatus is positioned above the conveyor belt and in frictional contact therewith whereby the motion of the conveyor results in motion of the endless belt on the apparatus. The particulate material thereby is passes between the endless belt and the conveyor belt and any bouncing movement of such material is prevented. Use of the present invention on conventional conveyor belts controls the dispersion of the particulate material carried thereon and allows for the speed of the conveyor to be increased. The present invention is suitable for use with a conveyor apparatus used with a truck and commonly known as a “stone slinger”.

Abstract: A vehicle body transfer apparatus (1) that hangs and transfers a vehicle body (F) of every vehicle type is provided. The apparatus (1) includes a hanger (20) that supports the vehicle body (F) in a hanging condition, and moves along a transfer path (25), and vehicle body support parts (32, 32) that adjust supporting positions on the vehicle body (F) in the hanger (20) based upon a center of gravity of the vehicle body (F) of each vehicle type. The hanger (20) includes center-of-gravity management plates (22, 22, 23, 23) having a plurality of vehicle body support parts that support the vehicle body (F) according to the vehicle type of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A bucket is provided for a bucket elevator of the type including a plurality of buckets supported on an endless belt. Each bucket is in the form of a container having an open top end which includes a plurality of spacer elements molded integrally on the back wall thereof. The spacer elements provide spacing between the back wall of the bucket and the belt upon which it is supported for preventing particulate material being conveyed by the elevator from being trapped between the bucket and the belt.

Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt has upright support members at ends of each row and, in some cases, at intermediate positions, to support a conveyor tier above such that the belt is self-supporting in a helical stack in a spiral conveyor system. Modular rows can be made up of one or more modules, and the modules can be in various different configurations. The support members or spacer frames are either integral or securely connected to heavier link ends in end members of the modules. Preferably there are teeth and notches in the support frames and the bottom of the end member of the tier above, to hold the tiers of the helical stack in registry, preventing sliding and misalignment.

Abstract: An uncovering apparatus may be used on a belt conveyor of a pick-and-place installation having a transporting belt loaded with pick-and-place elements. The pick-and-place elements are covered by a flexible covering and a rigid covering, which may be coupled to one another. This makes it possible for pick-and-place elements to be removed successively in different positions by a removal arrangement without other pick-and-place elements not being covered at any point in time.

Abstract: A chain conveyor having an idler shaft mounted to a carriage which is mounted to a frame for sliding motion along the direction of a chain conveyor bed. Hydraulic cylinders extend between the frame and the carriage and are constantly supplied with hydraulic oil at relatively low pressure such as can be developed with ordinary shop air pressure applied to an air-oil tank The hydraulic lines supplying fluid to the hydraulic cylinders have check valves which only allow hydraulic fluid into the cylinders, thus allowing the cylinders only to move the carriage on which the idler shaft is mounted away from the drive shaft. When the chain conveyor is momentarily reversed, the entire loaded weight of the conveyor is now applied to the idler shaft, however, the check valves prevent hydraulic fluid from leaving the hydraulic cylinders, thus preventing any motion of the carriage.

Abstract: A catenary conveyor belt support apparatus for supporting a conveyor belt having a first edge and second edge. The support apparatus includes a first support block having a top surface for supporting the conveyor belt at the first edge and a second support block having a top surface for supporting the conveyor belt at the second edge. First and second idler strings extend between and are connected to the first and second support blocks. Each idler string includes one or more idler rollers for supporting the conveyor belt. A pair of resilient biasing members are respectively attached at a first end to each idler string and at a second end to an anchor member. The support blocks and the resilient biasing members inhibit misalignment of the idler rollers and movement of the first and second edges of the conveyor belt to reduce the escape of conveyed material from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The transfer conveyor system utilizes at least one endless conveyor belt of reinforced flexible rubber-like material with cogs or teeth on its underside and with a series of nests fitted into holes in the belt. Nests for carrying can end shells are attached at their opposite edges to the belt. The belt is supported by and routed around an idler drum, located outside the press frame posts and by a toothed drive drum located within the press frame adjacent the opposite frame posts. Progressive conversion tooling for making shells into completed easy-open can ends is located between the posts above and below upper and lower tooling sets. The drive drum is provided with circumferential teeth for a positive drive to the belt. Attachments of nests to the belt are located on transverse center lines which permit the flat nests to travel around the end turns of the belts.

Abstract: A preformed strip (20) of unvulcanized rubber having a plurality of strand receiving grooves (22) for splicing the ends (11, 12) of steel cord or strand reinforced rubber conveyor belts (10) is disclosed along with a method of forming the spliced joint.

Abstract: A joint for toothed belt aimed at conveying articles, with the belt including an inner central layer, which defines the belt body, an upper layer, which defines a surface for receiving articles to be conveyed, and a lower layer featuring teeth, includes: first connecting mechanism, attached in an irremovable way to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt first edge to be joined; second connecting mechanism, attached irremovably to the central layer in the area of the terminal section of a belt second edge to be joined. After the first edge had been moved close to the second edge to complete a closed loop formed by the belt, the first connecting mechanism and second connecting mechanism engage with each other and are reciprocally locked in a removable way by locking mechanism, acting crosswise to the belt in the area of the central layer, to join the first edge and second edge.

Abstract: Modular plastic conveyor belt modules with flexible flights. The belt modules are molded out of a hard thermoplastic material. Upstanding structure made out of a resilient rubber-like material is bonded to a base portion of the belt module to form a flexible flight that can yield to obstructions and blows that might otherwise damage flights made of less resilient materials.

Abstract: An automobile cigarette case with electrical lighter for dispensing lit cigarettes to the driver of an automobile, having a substantially rectangular case housing which is selectively mountable on the dashboard of an automobile. The case housing contains an electric lighter having an electrical cord which terminates in a lighter adaptor which may be plugged into a standard cigarette lighter outlet for powering of the electric lighter. The case with electrical lighter has a cigarette passageway which holds a plurality of cigarettes and directs and biases the cigarettes toward the electric lighter whereupon they are ignited. After the cigarette has been ignited, a coiled lighter spring is allowed to expand, and thereby raises the unlit end of the cigarette so that it partially protrudes from an opening on top of the case housing, where it may be easily grasped by a user.

Abstract: A wrap-around neck through the top carrier with a handle that can retracted into the interior of the carrier for stacking one carrier on top of another and which can be easily extended for carrying. The retractabilty and extension of the handle is facilitated by having a flexing panel attached to the handle panel by a fold line which in turn is attached to the top panel by fold line with a fold line between the handle panel and the flexing panel being approximately midway between the apertures in the top panel and the hand aperture in the handle panel. There also a fold line adjacent the apertures for the bottles.

Abstract: A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is open cell foam. The tray of the juice absorbing package is overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A cosmetic powder case includes a case body having a lip wall. The lip wall has a position slot at interior side thereof and an order slot at exterior side thereof. The order slot has a locking slot thereon. A separate disk has an axial hole at central, channel portions around the axial hole, and a lock sidewall at the edge thereof which has position flange at exterior side thereof and a ring slot at interior side thereof. The ring slot has position blocks therein. A rotatable disk has an axial rod at bottom side thereof, channels located around the axial rod, and an L-shaped lock flange extended from the edge thereof. The lock flange has a ring rib at distal end of interior side thereof, and a puff has a band thereon for facilitating user to grip.

Abstract: A pivot component (11) is inserted into a bottom component (12) positioned in a shipping container (43) and can be positioned in either a loading position or a support position. In the loading position, the pivot component (11) is tilted outwardly with respect to the bottom component (12), allowing a product (41) to be easily inserted in the container (43). When the product (41) is inserted into the container, contact between the product (41) and the pivot component (11) causes the pivot component (11) to automatically pivot into the support position. In the support position, the pivot component (11) is tilted inwardly with respect to the loading position, and is in position to support and protect the product (41) in the container (43). A top element (51) may be included over the product (41) in the received position so as to capture a top part of the pivot component (11) and thereby retain the pivot component in the support position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a container package for an entire computer system. The entire computer system includes at least a computer monitor, a computer case, and a computer printer. The computer case includes a processor and the computer case can be either a horizontal or a tower type case. Advantageously, the present invention provides a container package in which the computer case, monitor and computer printer can all be placed into a single box for shipment and display purposes. The present invention provides a low cost solution for both shipping and for point of display purchase. This environmentally friendly solution reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of after the computer system is unpacked. Further, the present invention makes it more likely that a potential customer will purchase a computer monitor, computer case and computer printer from the same manufacturer.

Abstract: A tool storage unit includes left and right walls, and a bottom wall. A left protrusion projects from an upper segment of the left wall toward the right wall for urging a front end wall of a socket. A right protrusion projects from an intermediate segment of the right wall toward the left wall for abutting against a central depressed area in a rear end wall of the socket. A plurality of the tool storage units are interconnected in a row for storing a plurality of sockets, in which the left protrusions on the left walls of the tool storage units are formed as a continuous projection that extends across the left walls.

Abstract: A package for a product includes a base plate on which the product is disposed, and a bridge disposed on the base plate in overlying relationship to a first portion of the product. A lid is disposed in overlying relationship to a second portion of the product and is secured to the base plate by a sliding connection which guides the lid for limited sliding movement parallel to the base plate to expose the second portion of the product. The sliding connection constrains the lid against dislodgment from the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate. An intermediate plate is disposed between the base plate and the lid and is arranged to prevent the sliding movement of the lid. The intermediate plate is formed of a tearable material, such as cardboard, wherein tearing of the intermediate plate releases the lid for the sliding movement.

Abstract: A carton for packaging articles, having an extended panel hingedly connected to one of the side panels. The extended panel is releasably adhered to the adjacent front or rear wall panel.

Abstract: A method for organizing the picking up of soiled garments, cleaning them and returning of them to a customer is disclosed that greatly improves the efficiency and speed of current methods by retaining the garments of a specific route together in an identifiable collection and working in a just in time flow. Upon the arrival of the soiled garments at the cleaning plant, garments from each route are cleaned and dried in identifiable collections according to the route on which the garments were picked up. The garments are then sorted by customer on each route and wearer at each customer at which point the garments are ready for return to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention employs a virtual impactor to separate a flow of fluid into a major flow and a minor flow, such that the minor flow contains a higher concentration of particulates of a desired size. The minor flow is directed toward an archival surface, causing the particulates to impact against and be deposited on the archival surface. Over time, the archival surface and the virtual impactor are moved relative to one another such that particulates collected at different times are deposited as spaced-apart spots on different portions of the archival surface. The particulates are stored on the archival surface until analysis of the particulates is required. The archival surface can be coated with a material that enhances the deposition and retention of the particulates and can further be coated with materials that sustain the life of biological organism particulates deposited on the archival surface.

Abstract: This invention provides an extraction device and a method for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing the desired particles. The device has a sample stream inlet, an extraction stream inlet, and an extraction channel in fluid communication with the sample stream inlet and the extraction stream inlet. The extraction channel is for receiving a sample stream from the sample stream inlet in adjacent laminar flow with an extraction stream from the extraction stream inlet. A sequestering material within the extraction channel captures desired particles in the extraction stream. A by-product stream outlet in fluid communication with the extraction channel receives a by-product stream comprising at least a portion of the sample stream form which desired particles have been extracted. A product outlet in fluid communication with the extraction channel receives a product which has the sequestering material and at least a portion of the desired particles.

Abstract: A transmission fluid filter material and transmission filter produced therefrom comprising a gradient density composite felt which exhibits high particle removal efficiency at 40 micron diameter particle size and larger with exceptionally high dirt holding capacity and no significant increase in clean pressure drop. The upstream portion of the composite felt contains fine fibers that selectively remove first the fine particles while the downstream portion acts to sieve coarse particles and build a porous filter cake, thereby extending the useful life of the filter.

Abstract: A technique for fastening a panel to an electronic cabinet frame involves inserting portions of rigid support members (e.g., rails) of the electronic cabinet frame into grooves defined by fasteners to attach the fasteners to the portions of the rigid support members of the electronic cabinet frame. The technique further involves positioning catches (e.g., latching members) of the panel adjacent catch members of the fasteners, and moving the panel toward the fasteners such that the catches of the panel engage with the catch members of the fasteners to fasten the panel to the electronic cabinet frame. Accordingly, no screws or other hardware is required to mount either the fasteners or the panel.

Abstract: A support unit is provided that can be stacked with a similar, second support unit and that permits stacking of different electronic components. The support unit has a vertical outer panel which has a lower horizontal edge. An inner panel is connected to the outer panel and includes first and second horizontal contact planes. The first contact plane abuts a bottom wall of a first one of a pair of stacked items. A flange extends from the inner panel. The flange has a top surface offset from the first and second horizontal contact planes by an equal distance. The flange mates with a substantially identical flange of a second, similar support unit such that the top surface of the flange abuts with a substantially identical top surface of the substantially identical flange, and the first contact plane is coplanar with the second contact plane of the similar, second support unit.

Abstract: A shelving unit has left- and right-hand side rails for engaging the inner surfaces of opposed sidewalls of a display system. A generally trapezoidal bridge member having its upper lateral edge as the major side, is defined by two outer, longitudinal edges which slope inwardly at a prescribed angle as each moves from the upper lateral edge. The sloping longitudinal edges are adapted for frictionally engaging each respective side rail such that pressure exerted by the bridge member is sufficient to hold each side-rail in place between the inner walls of a display system. Each side rail and the bridge member define an upper surface for supporting a display item.

Abstract: An elongate display track device has a plurality of track segments frangibly connected end-to-end to one another forming a continuous track for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong. There are a front track segment defining an a-keyway, and a rear track segment defining a b-keyway. At least one first intermediate track segment has an a-key on one end and a b-key on the other end. The a-keys are mateable only with a-keyways and b-keys are mateable only with b-keyways. At least one second intermediate track segment has an b-keyway on one end a b-key on the other end. At least one third intermediate track segment has an b-keyway on one end an a-keyway on the other end. The track device is separated at the a-keys and a-keyways to shorten the track length and separated at the b-keys and b-keyways to lengthen the track to fit a shelf.

Abstract: A rack is designed to hold a plurality of pistol-type lawn sprinkler nozzles and is formed of a top frame and a bottom frame. The top frame is provided with a plurality of through slots for holding the barrels of the pistol-type sprinkler nozzles. The bottom frame is provided with a plurality of locating slots corresponding in location to the through slots of the top frame. Each of the locating slots is provided with a seat, a locating projection extending from the seat, and a confinement portion. The bottom end of the hand grip of the sprinkler nozzles is seated on the seat such that the locating projection is inserted into a center hole of the hand grip. The confinement portion is used to confine the control lever of the sprinkler nozzles.

Abstract: A rack for supporting and displaying recreational boards wherein at least a portion of design features of each of the recreational boards is simultaneously available for visual inspection. The rack includes mounting members, an elongated support member, and securing members. The angle of and distance between each securing member is such that at least a portion of design features for each recreational board is simultaneously visible.

Abstract: The shelf 16 is placed in the storage or shipping position shown in FIG. 2 with the projections 58 disposed in the grooves behind the flanges 34 and engaging the bottoms 60 of the embossments. To prevent the shelf 16 from swinging outwardly, the tabs 64 overlap and are retained behind the fingers 68. A wrapper 18 may be placed around the components 12 and 16 for shipping and display in a retail store. The user would remove the shelf 16 from the stored position and slide the tongues 38 into the grooves (as shown in FIG. 4) until the covers 36 engage the tops 30 for supporting the shelf 16 in the cantilevered position (as shown in FIG. 5).

Abstract: A rack device includes one or more shelves, each having one or more collars for being detachably secured onto one or more posts with one or more sleeves. The sleeve includes an enlarged lower portion. The collar includes a bore for receiving the sleeve, and having a narrower middle portion and two greater end portions, for allowing the collar to be invertibly secured onto the enlarged lower portion of the sleeve, and for allowing either of the upper and the lower sides of the shelf to be arranged on the upper portion for supporting various objects.

Abstract: The foregoing invention concerns a rotary crane, especially an offshore crane of the king post type. The rotary crane has a pylon that can be permanently anchored on a floor plate, platform, or similar equipment, a turntable mounted to revolve on the longitudinal axis of the pylon, and rotating gear for rotating the turntable on the pylon, the rotating gear having a ring gear positioned on the pylon and a pinion drive that is connected with the turntable and meshes with the ring gear. According to the invention, the pinion drive is mounted on the turntable so that it can move radially relative to the ring gear, and is linked with the ring gear by means of coupling equipment. Tipping movements of the turntable relative to the pylon as a consequence of support clearance can thereby be equalized, and damage to the rotating gear can be prevented. Preferably the ring gear is multi-sectional and consists of several toothed segments attached to the pylon in such manner that they can be detached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of self-raising a mast for a crane having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works and a boom pivotally mounted on the upper works, the boom being supported by boom hoist rigging and a mast pivotally connected to the upper works. The crane further includes a self-raising mast assembly for controlling the position of the mast when the mast is not connected to the boom and is not supportable by the boom hoist rigging. The self-raising mast assembly comprises a mast raising yoke pivotally connected to the upper works, a hydraulic mast raise cylinder pivotally connected between the upper works and the mast raising yoke, and a hydraulic system for controlling the mast raise cylinder.

Abstract: In a gantry crane having a vertically movable, horizontal stabilizer beam spaced between upright columns, a shock absorbent bumper assembly is mounted to ends of the stabilizer beam to prevent direct contact against the columns. The bumper assembly includes an elastically deformable bumper body made of resilient material and a wear pad made of wear resistant material, the wear pad being secured to the bumper body so that the wear pad faces the column. The wear pad resists wear due to sliding contact against the column and the resilient bumper body absorbs energy from impacts as the stabilizer beam shifts in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A container finish comprising a helical load carrying member which transmits downward force from the top wall of a closure to the threads of a container to prevent seal failure under stacking load conditions. The helical load carrying member is preferably located on a container neck, parallel to a primary thread. In the alternative the helical load carrying member may be located on a closure finish.