Abstract: A tandem frictional engagement device includes a first frictional engagement unit and a second frictional engagement unit. The first frictional engagement unit couples a first coupling member to a first coupled member through a procedure wherein a friction disc that is relatively non-rotatably spline-fitted to the first coupling member is pressed by a first piston in a first direction and wherein the friction disc and another friction disc on the side of the first coupled member are clamped between the first piston and a first stopper member. The second frictional engagement unit couples a second coupling member to a second coupled member through a procedure wherein a friction disc that is relatively non-rotatably spline-fitted to the second coupling member is pressed by a second piston in a direction opposite to the first direction and wherein the friction disc and another friction disc on the side of the second coupled member are clamped between the second piston and a second stopper member.

Abstract: A clutch having a plurality of cam members between a cover and pressure plate to move outwardly under centrifugal force and cause the pressure plate to move axially to force a plurality of clutch plates into clutching engagement, a manual override mechanism to lock out the pressure plate to maintain the clutch plates in a disengaged position, and pressure limiting springs prevent shock loads from being imparted to the clutch plates when the plates are advanced into clutching engagement with one another. The clutch housing includes a cover which can be mounted either flush or inset in circumferentially spaced walls of the housing and held in place by a retaining ring inserted into slots in the side walls and is adaptable for use with any type of clutch with or without the manual override mechanism and pressure limiting springs.

Abstract: A clutch element for a unit is driven via a drive shaft, especially for a water pump. The clutch element comprises a temperature- and/or speed-sensitive clutch member which is rigidly connected with the drive shaft and which acts on a part of the unit to be driven depending on the temperature and/or rotational speed, with the clutch member being formed by a clutch disk whose surface forms at least one clutch surface for non-positive connection with a respective counter-surface which is formed by a surface of the part to be driven. At least one clutch surface comprises at least one drainage groove.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism 20 is provided for a motor 10. The motor has a shaft 12, a worm 14 associated with the shaft, a gear 16 engaged by the worm, and a friction surface 27. The clutch mechanism 20 includes a pressure plate 22 mounted for movement with respect to the shaft toward and away from the friction surface 27. A spring 26 is constructed and arranged to bias the pressure plate towards the friction surface. A stop 30 is constructed and arranged to limit movement of the pressure plate in a direction away from the friction surface. Whereby, under a back drive condition of the motor when the motor is not energized and the gear is moved by an externally applied torque causing an axial force to be exerted on the worm inducing an axial and an angular movement to the shaft, the pressure plate is constructed and arranged to move towards and engage the friction surface thereby impeding rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A banknote handling device capable of positioning and stopping a banknote at a constant position as accurately as possible without jamming of any banknote. A projection (32) is disposed so as to curve a side of the banknote carried in a slit (9) and the radius of curvature of the curve portion is gradually increased as the banknote (b) is carried toward the downstream side in the slit (9).

Abstract: This invention provides an enhanced bezel for use with a bill acceptor. The enhanced bezel includes a processor to monitor detailed information about the status of the bill acceptor, and other information related to its operation. The processor displays this information through multiple indicators on the enhanced bezel. The bezel is also configured to include an external communication portal/interface, such as an infrared data communications (“IrDA”) interface, to output information to an external personal digital assistant (“PDA”) or portable computer device. The external device may be capable of downloading data, and, if appropriate, it may reprogram the bill acceptor, calibrate sensors in the bill acceptor, and perform hardware tests, among other tasks. The bill validator's external communication portal/interface will communicate with the external device through a secure proprietary interface protocol.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus (S) has a presorting unit (A) and two main sorting units (B1, B2). The presorting unit (A) sorts mixed coins into three groups (large coin group, medium coin group, small coin group). The main sorting units (B1, B2) sort by denomination coins of the two groups (medium coin group, small coin group) among the three groups of coins broadly sorted by the presorting unit (A). Thus, the number of denominations to be dealt with by a single sorting operation can be reduced.

Abstract: The first purpose is to provide a coin selector which can be easily set up the standard data without putting coins into the coin selector. The second purpose of this invention is to provide both a coin selector and a outside setting unit which are not easily changed in the standard data. A coin selector comprises of; plural standard data memory for memorizing standard data, a selecting means which can be effective a selected standard data memory based on a direction from an outside setting unit, a distinguishing means which compares the memorized data of said selected standard data memory and the outputting data of a coin sensor and outputs an authenticity signal, a gate controlling means which controls a gate based on an output from the distinguishing means.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is a need for removal of the controller assembly from its stored location within the escalator pit for the purpose of working on the escalator or the escalator controller itself. The risk for human injury associated with this removal can be eliminated through the use of the present invention, that of a power driven ejection device for the automatic removal of the escalator controller from the escalator pit, with the main components of the automatic ejection device being the mounting base/guide tube, the drive system, the carriage, the main attachment pin and the controller attachment bracket, the automatic pivoter and the optional latch and manual release.

Abstract: Work module for connection to a main conveyor line in a conveyor system, where said work module comprises a first transverse conveyor line, a longitudinal conveyor line and a second transverse conveyor line, where the first transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from said main conveyor line to a longitudinal conveyor line in the module, and the second transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from said longitudinal conveyor line to said main conveyor line, where each one of said conveyor lines in said work module comprises an outer conveyor line and an inner conveyor line.

Abstract: A wafer carrying apparatus 20 for carrying intermediate products comprises: a conveyer 40 for carrying the intermediate products in the carrying direction; and a plurality of platforms 41 arranged in the conveyer 40 along the carrying direction of the intermediate products on the conveyer 40, each platform 41 being capable of mounting at least one intermediate product at a position in a direction crossing the carrying direction of the intermediate products on the conveyer 40.

Abstract: A method and machine for transferring packets, whereby, as a continuous line of packets is fed in a first direction, the first packet in the line is transferred in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the line and the first packet continue travelling in the first direction; the first packet is subsequently conveyed in the second direction along an output path.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus including two or more vertical storage towers aligned along a process path. Each of the two or more vertical storage towers includes a set of movable storage shelves coupled to define an endless loop that may be rotated bi-directionally along a vertical storage path. Each shelf may be positioned relative one or more input position associated with a horizontal input path and one or more article output position associated with a horizontal output path. One or more articles may be stored on any available shelf. Any stored article may be retrieved from any shelf, in any order, providing for random access of any article. The apparatus operates asynchronously to bi-directionally rotate each set of shelves independently of other sets of shelves and independently of the horizontal input and output paths. The material handling apparatus may be configured in modules, and may be expanded in modular increments.

Abstract: An elevated grad station drive system includes a plurality of conveyor sections for conveying workpieces downstream at a variable transfer speed along and between the plurality of sections according to control instructions provided by a control system. The output from at least one workpiece position sensor cooperates with corresponding upstream conveyor sections and provides workpiece position data to the control system. Each conveyor section has a corresponding variable frequency drive cooperating in variable speed driving engagement therewith. The control system controls each variable frequency drive so as to interlock adjacent conveyor sections for smooth translation of the workpieces between adjacent conveyor sections without crushing or binding the workpieces. The plurality of conveyor sections may include a plurality of lugged conveyors, which may be lugged chains.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for the transport of flowable substances and/or lumps of material comprises a rotatable first screw (1) provided with helical windings (2) arranged in a housing (3) with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing (3) comprises an inlet chamber (4) and a pumping chamber (5) between said inlet and outlet openings and at least in the pumping chamber (5) a second screw (6) is provided with helical windings (7) and arranged for rotation in the opposite direction of the first screw (1), said screws (1, 6) in said pumping chamber (5) providing a positive displacement pumping function by mutual engagement between the two screws (1, 6). By having the parts of the two screws (1, 6) in mutual engagement extending a distance corresponding to at least one half winding out of the pumping chamber (5) and into the inlet chamber (4), overfilling of the pumping chamber (5) and accordingly, the subsequent increased friction in the pumping chamber (5) is avoided.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module having an embedded high-strength fastener for securely fastening an assortment of attachment elements. A fastener, such as a nut, or threaded insert, is press-fit into a countersunk hole that extends through the thickness of the module and opens onto top and bottom surfaces. Attachment hardware, such as a bolt or screw, extends from the attachment element into the embedded fastener to secure the attachment to the module.

Abstract: In apparatus for sorting containers having a bowl assembly consisting of a base and an upstanding generally cylindrical sidewall, a support disc, an actuator disc overlying the support disc, a plurality of pie-shaped disc segments disposed in a circular array between the support disc and actuator discs and means operatively connecting the actuator and support disc so that relative rotation of the support and actuator discs relative to one another effects radial movement of the pie-shaped disc sections and actuator means for selectively rotating the actuator and support discs relative to one another to position the pie-shaped disc sections between inner and outer limit positions.

Abstract: A pulley adjusting system having a housing having an opening on a surface thereof, and an insert having an opening on a surface thereof. The insert and the housing are slidably connected. The insert is operatively connected to a belt.

Abstract: A transport system, in particular an airport baggage handling system, includes a container having an underside formed with a grooved recess which defines a leading edge and a trailing edge, as viewed in a transport direction of the container. The transport system has at least one incline conveyor which is constructed to define a convexly curved transport path for transporting the container through engagement of the grooved recess, whereby the incline conveyor supports only the leading and trailing edges of the recess of the container, as the container is moved in the transport direction. This ensures a stable travel of the container along the convexly curved transport path.

Abstract: A link conveyor, such as for use with a round bale press frequently used for compacting garbage, where the link conveyor includes a plurality of link strips which have multi-chamber extruded profiles which are mutually interconnected at their ends in an articulated manner by means of round rods and where the round rods fit into oblong hole profiles. The link conveyor provides extended working life by providing sacrificial wear areas and also facilitates replacement of worn parts.

Abstract: Conveyor for light goods, and connection piece for beam sides of a conveyor. The conveyor has a first supporting guide arrangement (10) for controlling the conveyor chain (11) in an operational direction, a second guide arrangement (17) for controlling the conveyor chain in the return direction, and a deflector wheel arrangement (20) (FIG. 3) at both ends of the first and second guide arrangements. The first guide arrangement (IQ) is made upofbeam sides (10a, 10b) which between them form a space which narrows in the direction towards the second guide arrangement (17). A two-part connection piece (12) which has a wedge-shaped element (12a) fixes the position of the beam sides by means of a wedging etfect between the wedge-shaped-element of the connection piece and a complementary recess in the second element (12b) of the connection piece. A tensioning bolt (13) inserted at right angles between the plane of the conveyor chain of the guide arrangements generates said wedging effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a tray support plate assembly instead of a single cast unitary part for a tray carrier used in a mogul machine. The high wear or failure areas of the tray support plate assembly have been designed as removable and replaceable separate parts that are fastened onto the tray support plate. The support plate may be machined from aluminum billet material. The individual parts such as the end pick plate may also be made of aluminum plate material. Preferably the cam plate is made of steel material. A pair of cam mechanisms can be provided on opposed sides of the tray support plate.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes an elastic member for elastically biasing a keytop upward, a base for supporting the elastic member, and a switch circuit which includes stationary contacts and a movable contact for switching states of the switch circuit by vertically operating the keytop. A first link and a second link each include two plates that are hinged so as to be foldable at an intersection as fulcra, and are disposed adjacent each other with a predetermined angle therebetween. In response to the stretching and compression of the elastic member by vertically operating the keytop, the folding angles between the two plates of the first link and the two plates of the second link are variable.

Abstract: A circuit selector assembly including an electrical conductor, an electrical contact, a first spring beam connected to the electrical contact and a second spring beam connected to the electrical contact. The second spring beam biases the electrical contact to a first position, the first spring beam being deflected when the electrical contact is in a second position, the second position being defined as when the electrical contact is contacting the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The invention describes an electric contact comprising a main body consisting of a copper-based alloy or of stainless steel and a contact layer consisting of a gold-based alloy.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch having a housing (10), a push button (12) mounted in said housing for axial movement between a normal position and a depressed position, the push button being spring-loaded into the normal position and carrying an elastically mounted cam element (24), at least one micro-switch (14) arranged in the housing, and a switch actuating rocker mounted within the housing for pivotal movement, the switch actuating rocker having an actuating arm (20) for actuating the micro-switch and a transmission arm (18) engaged by the cam element to hold the actuating rocker in the normal position when the push button is in the normal position, move the actuating arm away from the micro-switch when the push button is initially depressed, move the actuating arm to a position actuating the micro-switch on movement of the push button to its depressed position, and force the actuating rocker to its normal position on return of the push button from the depressed position to the normal position.

Abstract: A switch arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a number of switches arranged on a substrate, each switch having a resiliently deformable conductive dome for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact on the substrate; and a number of signal lines for connection to a microprocessor for signalling an operation of a switch. The switches are arranged such that operation of any given switch creates a unique electrical connection between two of the signal lines and each of the signal lines is electrically connected to a conductive surface of a respective dome. Also disclosed is a cover for a portable electronic apparatus, having a number of user operable keys. The keys are connectable to a microprocessor in the apparatus via electrical connections made using the conductive domes.

Abstract: A tact switch (1) includes a housing (10), a plurality of fixed contacts (20) retained to the housing, a movable contact (30), an actuator (40), a pivot piece (50) and a top cover (60) mounted onto the housing. The top cover has at least one support arm (64). The movable contact is positioned between the fixed contacts and the top cover. The actuator has an operating portion (42) and a press portion (44). The pivot piece pivotably mounted to the at least one support arm of top cover has an engaging portion (52) engaging with the press portion of the actuator. When the operating portion is pressed, the press portion depresses the engaging portion to deflect the engaging portion downwardly to depress the movable contact, and the movable contact elastically deforms downwardly to electrically connect the plurality of fixed contacts to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a movable lock ring and a lock arm that prevents inadvertent movement of the lock ring. Contemplated configurations are especially useful in delayed coking vessels to prevent opening of the vessel while the vessel is in operation.

Abstract: A membrane distillation method includes the steps of preparing a membrane distillation module that includes a hydrophobic porous membrane which is permeable to gas or vapor and impermeable to the solution, and injecting a body of the solution into the membrane distillation module and forming nano-grade gas bubbles of inert gas in the solution in the membrane distillation module in such a manner that the solution is emulsified with the nano-grade gas bubbles and that the thus formed nano-grade gas bubbles are allowed to pass through the membrane from one side to the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: An air purification including a reaction zone for receiving a volume of air; and an excimer source of ultra-violet radiation adapted to expose the one to the ultra-violet radiation whereby photocatalytic oxidation of compounds in the air is accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing powder formed of composite grains comprising a kernel and one or more surface layers. The inventive method comprises the following steps: mixing the grain kernels with a plasmochemical treatment gas; making said kernel/treatment gas mixture flow through a main plasma reactor; and generating a uniform plasma essentially at atmospheric pressure in a treatment region of the main reactor in order to create a plasmochemical reaction between the treatment gas and the surfaces of the kernels so that surface layers form on said surfaces while the mixture flows through the reactor.

Abstract: There are provided:

Abstract: The cathodic protection system of a concrete structure (22) uses sacrificial anodes such as zinc, aluminum and alloys thereof embedded in mortar. A humectant is employed to impart high ionic conductivity to the mortar in which the anode is encapsulated. Lithium nitrate and lithium bromide and combinations thereof are preferred as the humectant. The anode (10) is surrounded by a compressive conductive matrix (12) incorporating a void volume between 15% and 50% to accommodate the sacrificial corrosion products of the anode. A void space of at least 5% of the total volume of the anode (12) may be provided opposite to the active face of the anode. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose, nylon and fiberglass have been found to be useful for forming the matrix. A tie wire is used to electrically connect the anode to the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A device for treating a substance containing at least one undesirable organism, using a pulsed electrical field. The device includes at least one treatment zone of the substance located within a passage zone associated with the substance. Each treatment zone is only partially located within the associated passage zone. The device also includes a mechanism to create movement for displacing each treatment zone of the substance in the entire associated passage zone.

Abstract: A plasma fuel reformer comprises an electrode assembly and a cap. The cap defines an interior region. At least a portion of the electrode assembly is positioned in the interior region.

Abstract: The present invention provides ion exchangers for an electrical deionization apparatus that can be operated at low voltages by preventing voltage buildup in the electrical deionization apparatus, and an electrical deionization apparatus incorporating said ion exchangers. The present invention provides an ion exchanger for an electrical deionization apparatus, which is to be used as an ion exchanger placed in at least one of a deionization compartment and/or concentration compartment and, which at least partially has a plurality of different functional groups, or which has a graft chain having an ion exchange group on the backbone of an organic polymer substrate and further has a second graft chain on said graft chain, or which has a crosslinked graft chain having an ion exchange group on the backbone of an organic polymer substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm electrolytic cell, for the production of chlorine and caustic soda having superimposed modules, and a method for increasing the electrodic surface of a diaphragm electrolytic cell constituted by a module of interdigitated anodes and cathodes which foresees an additional cell module having the same geometry as that of the original cell. The additional module is hydraulically connected in series and electrically connected in parallel to the existing module.

Abstract: Lightweight and reactive metals can be produced from ore, refined from alloy, and recycled from metal matrix composites using electrolysis in electrolytes including an ionic liquid containing a metal chloride at or near room temperature. Low electric energy consumption and pollutant emission, easy operation and low production costs are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded membrane-electrode assembly for electrolysis of water, which enables the generation of hydrogen capable of being used as a fuel for a fuel cell by electrolyzing water, and a water electrolyzer constructed using the bonded membrane-electrode assembly, so that hydrogen can be produced safely. The bonded membrane-electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxygen electrode bonded to one of sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrogen electrode bonded to the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen electrode includes a porous sheet-shaped carbon element plated with iridium and coated with a mixture containing carbon and a resin for a solid polymer membrane.

Abstract: A An oxygen generating device includes a container having a first side portion, a second side portion and an intermediate portion which is lower than the two side portions. Each of the first side portion, the second side portion and the intermediate portion has a top. A first pipe extends through the top of the first side portion and a second pipe extends through the top of the second side portion. The container is filled with water and the first pipe is lead to the users. A positive electrolytic post is inserted in the first side portion and a negative electrolytic post is inserted in the second side portion. A power source is connected to the positive electrolytic post and the negative electrolytic post. The oxygen is generated by the electrolytic process and sent to the users.

Abstract: After a second plate member 3 is inserted into a space which is surrounded by side walls 6a through 6d of a first plate member 2, the bonded surface 3a of the second plate member 3 is bonded and fixed to the bonded surface 2a of the first plate member 2 by an adhesive to form a sample handling unit 1. At this time, the second plate member 3 is positioned by protrusions 35 and 36 of the first plate member 2 in X and Y directions, and positioned and fixed by holding members 8 through 13 and inside holding members 26 and 27 in Z directions (normal directions on an external surface 7). A microfluidic device 101 includes microchips 106 through 108 of plural kinds having passages 132 through 134 for transporting a sample, and a base member 102 on which the microchips 106 through 108 are arranged.

Abstract: A silver alloy sputtering target is provided which is useful in forming a thin silver-alloy film of a uniform thickness by the sputtering method. When crystal orientation strengths are determined at four arbitrary positions by the X-ray diffraction method, the orientation which exhibits the highest crystal orientation strength (Xa) is the same at the four measurement positions, and variations in strength ratio (Xb/Xa) between the highest crystal orientation strength (Xa) and the second highest crystal orientation strength (Xb) is 20% ore less.

Abstract: A sensor strip comprises an electrode substrate, an electrode set, on the electrode substrate, and a heat conducting layer, on the electrode substrate opposite the electrode set. A sensor instrument for use with this sensor strip comprises a temperature sensor, at a side of a gap for accepting the sensor strip, opposite electrical contacts. The invention provides an accurate determination of the temperature of a sample.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both a reference and a counter electrode disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a biosensor capable of determining the concentration of a substrate with higher precision. The biosensor has a member for elimination of interfering compounds including: a redox agent which functions as an oxidant for oxidizing interfering compounds in a sample, and a carrier for immobilizing the redox agent.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor device for measuring pH value is provided, which sensor device has two electrodes situated on a substrate and applied with the aid of thick-film technology. The two electrodes form an interdigital comb structure on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing and measuring optically active material in a sample, comprising:

Abstract: A cured multilayer coating provides improved edge corrosion resistance to a substrate. The method of making the cured multilayer coating includes applying by electrophoretic deposition a first curable coating composition to the substrate to establish a coated substrate. The coated substrate is then subjected to an amount of energy sufficient to cause the coated substrate to become a conductive coated substrate. Next, a second curable coating composition is applied to the conductive coated substrate to establish a multicoated substrate. The multicoated substrate is then subjected to an amount of energy sufficient for cross-linking the first and second curable coating compositions to make the cured multilayer coating. The cured multilayer coating has less than 40 rust spots as measured by an Edge Corrosion Test, while a surface roughness, Ra, of the cured multilayer coating is maintained at or below 13 &mgr;in (4.29 nm).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for coating bicycle components. According to the invention, the device has at least one power supply unit, at least one liquid tank and at least one conveying means for the bicycle components to be coated. On the power supply unit, there are at least two electrodes that are connected to the bicycle components and arranged in the liquid tank. In the liquid tank, there is also a carrier solution having a prescribed proportion of a coating substance, where the electric circuit to the power supply unit is closed when at least one component is at least partially brought into contact with the liquid. The coating substance is deposited at least as a function of a prescribed electric current.