Abstract: An implement mounting system for providing a lightweight structure capable of moving along 3 main axes for use upon small to mid-sized tractors. The implement mounting system includes a support frame having a pair of side supports and a rear support, a ball joint attached to the rear support, and a support arm movably attached to the ball joint for rotating about 3 main axes. A brace member is attached between the support frame and the support arm for reducing the amount of side-to-side movement of the support arm. The ball joint is comprised of a ball-and-socket structure for providing various pivoting movements of the support arm.

Abstract: An air hammer includes an air hammering mechanism and a vibration suppressing device to absorb the vibration transmitted from the air hammering mechanism. The vibration suppressing device includes a cylinder forming a front channel and a rear channel in communication with each other. First and second air passageways are defined in the cylinder and in communication with the front and rear channels respectively. A valve is movably received in the front channel. The valve defines a bore and third air passageways selectively alignable with the first air passageways. A piston is movably received in the rear channel and forms a projection. A jacket surrounds the cylinder to form therebetween an air chamber that communicates the second air passageways. The jacket has a closed end defining a hole into which the projection is selectively received to block the hole.

Abstract: A hand power tool has a housing provided with air inlet and/or air outlet openings, the openings are arranged in various regions of the housing and have different directions, and a cover is movably supported on the housing so as to close a part of the openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boring a close tolerance on-grade subsurface borehole. A downhole tool assembly for use with a dual member drill string comprises a directional boring tool. The dual member drill string comprises an outer member and an inner member disposed within the outer member and rotatable independently of the outer member. The downhole tool assembly permits the directional boring tool to be connected to the inner member of the drill string. Rotation of the inner member of the drill string causes rotation of the boring tool. The borehole is drilled in a straight manner by rotating the boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and simultaneously advancing the drill string through the earth. The borehole direction is changed by orienting the directional boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and then advancing the drill string without rotation.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: A downhole mud motor (100) is disclosed which has an improved bearing mandrel (107) and a bearing stop (105) to transfer a larger percentage of the weight of a drill string to the bit. Also improved sealing systems (113) (114) (220) (515(706) for the transmission section and bearing section (116) (310) (117) (118) (119) prevent drilling mud from entering critical components. A piston stop is provided to prevent the piston from damaging other parts as the piston moves under pressure. Compensating pressure assembly (204) preferably including a disk (1408) is placed in the lower housing (108) to prevent pressure from building up in the bearing section (308). A combination of grooved ball seats (130) and circumferentially spaced balls (127) are provided in the transmission section (200) (207) to allow for greater flow of lubricant around the ball bearings.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling performance of a roller cone drill bit is disclosed. The method includes simulating drilling with the bit in a selected earth formation to determine at least one drilling performance parameter. The orientation of at least one non-axisymmetric cutting element on the bit is adjusted and the simulating the drilling and determining the at least one performance parameter are repeated. The adjusting and simulating the drilling are repeated until the at least one performance parameter is determined to be at an optimum value. In one embodiment, the performance parameter includes rate of penetration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole-hammer drill-bit assembly for removable attachment to a substantially tubular casing of a downhole hammer. The drill-bit assembly has a substantially tubular chuck, a drill-bit, and a substantially tubular retainer. The chuck has a step. The drill-bit has a bit shank, a bit shoulder extending from the shank and a bit head. A 6first portion of the bit shank is in a bore of the chuck. The retainer has a split retainer sidewall, a first end and a second end. The first end has a split retainer collar. The second end has a split retainer ring. The split retainer sidewall is around a portion of the chuck and the bit shoulder. The split retainer collar is around a first surface of the step. The split retainer ring is around a portion of the bit shank between the bit shoulder and the bit head.

Abstract: A class of transporters for carrying an individual over ground having a surface that may be irregular. Various embodiments have a motorized drive, mounted to the ground-contacting module that causes operation of the transporter in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. Methods of controlling the transporter are described that allow the dynamic behavior of the transporter to more closely match preferences of a rider. These methods include providing preferential responsiveness to change in pitch angles and pitch rates.

Abstract: An industrial truck having a drive portion including wheels being connected to an electric motor being connected to a power source and a trailer portion having wheels. The industrial truck includes a steering system positioned on the drive portion connected to the trailer portion to provide articulated steering of the industrial truck. The industrial truck further including a control device to vary the speed of the motor to vary the speed of the industrial truck.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical powertrain includes a pair of motor/generator units that are interconnected with a transmission output shaft through planetary gear mechanisms. One of the motor/generator units continuously supplies power to a power takeoff unit, which operates accessory devices and supplies power to a transmission output shaft. The second motor/generator unit continuously transmits power to a transmission output shaft except during a ratio interchange. A selectively engageable clutch is operable to connect the first motor/generator unit with the transmission output shaft during the ratio interchange when the second motor/generator unit is disconnected therefrom. Both of the motor/generator units are supplied with power by a fuel cell prime mover through an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An operating- and braking-assistance device for wheelchairs is attachable on the frame of a wheelchair. The device has at least one motorized pinion (15), which is driveable in both directions and which engages on an inner gear (14) that is attachable to the rim (11) of a wheel (10) of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A method of distributing a torque demand in a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine 200 and an electric motor 202 is provided. In hybrid operation, the motor 202 initially starts the vehicle. When the vehicle desired power demand reaches a first vehicle operational parameter, a controller 214 switches the torque demand to the engine 200. An accelerator pedal 220 has a position sensor 222 which determines a non-fixed pedal 220 first position during transition between the motor 202 and engine 200. The accelerator pedal 220 also has a preset second position wherein a maximum of engine 200 torque is requested. The controller 214, cognizant of the accelerator pedal 220 first and second positions, linearly scales the accelerator pedal 220 to provide a uniform torque-responsive accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A battery is mounted to a front part of a wheel house/damper housing, and a relay box as automotive equipment is mounted to the rear of the battery via front and rear stays in such a manner as to be separated upwardly. A guide surface is formed at a front end of a lower side of the relay box, and a corner at a rear end of the battery is made to face the guide surface. When the battery is moved rearward in a vehicle collision, the relay box is moved upwardly by a load transmitted thereto from the battery via the guide surface to thereby be separated from the vehicle body. Accordingly, the impact absorbing performance can be increased by preventing the disturbance of the relay box to the rear movement of the battery, and damage to the relay box can be suppressed to a minimum level.

Abstract: A battery mounting system includes a bracket mounted to the automobile frame, a battery tray mounted to the bracket, and a battery retention assembly comprising a formed rod spanning the battery and attaching to the bracket, and a top mount molding adapted to distribute the retention force over the upper surface of the battery. The top mount molding has a substantially flat lower surface for contacting the battery, with a cut-out portion for receiving the caps of the battery cells, and an arcuate upper surface with a center receptacle for receiving the spanning rod. The receptacle is formed by a peripheral wall having opposing slots for directing the rod; the wall also has indexing slots for adapting the mounting system to more than one battery height. The molding also includes laterally extending ears at the surface of the battery for centering the molding between upstanding battery posts.

Abstract: An airbag case that stores an airbag is disposed on a hood inner panel at a location close to an engine compartment. The airbag case is not fixed directly to a hood outer panel. An opening is formed in a portion of the hood outer panel located on a rear side of the airbag case as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the opening, there is provided a hood garnish panel that turns over rearward upon deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An externally-developed air bag device is provided in which the air bag thereof is quickly and smoothly inflated in its entirety. Both end sides of the air bag 1 in the longitudinal direction that run over from the case 2 of the air bag 1, are folded back to the central side of the air bag along the short sides 2b of the case 2. Then, the portions running over from the long sides 2a of the case 2 are folded up in a bellows shape or in a roll shape, and are accommodated into the case 2. The gas from an inflator 4 substantially simultaneously inflates the central side of the air bag and both sides thereof in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A passenger-protecting device such as an air-bag system is activated upon detection of a vehicle lateral inclination angle exceeding a predetermined critical level. Such detection is performed by a lateral inclination detector having a pair of gravitational acceleration sensors for detecting a static road inclination and an angular velocity sensor for detecting a dynamic roll angle of the vehicle. Sensing directions of the pair of gravitational acceleration sensors are positioned to cross each other with a right angle and to make an angle of 45° with respect to a vehicle floor. The dynamic roll angle is calculated by integrating outputs of the angular velocity sensor. The vehicle inclination angle is obtained to summing up the static inclination angle and the roll angle. The passenger-protecting device is timely activated to protect passengers from overturn impact of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust system provided with a tail pipe arrangement which extends adjacent to a wall part of a body of a motor vehicle, so that the exhaust system or the tail pipe arrangement, on the one hand, has sufficient space for relative movements and, on the other hand, is integrated in the visible dimensional structure of the vehicle body, viewed in the driving direction, the tail pipe arrangement is situated by a free end in front of the wall part, and, viewed from the rearward side of the motor vehicle upon the tail pipe arrangement, a first countour of an end area of the wall part corresponds basically at least in sections with an exterior second contour of the tail pipe arrangement.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes left and right control posts each having a hand grip. The control posts are movable forwardly and rearwardly and are sufficiently linked together such that forward movement of one control post will result in an equal and opposite rearward movement of the other control post to facilitate sending non-mechanical steering signals to a steer-by-wire system to which the control input device is attached. Accelerator demand input mechanisms and braking demand input mechanisms may also be positioned on the hand grips for generating non-mechanical acceleration and braking signals.

Abstract: A torque arm mounting plate for a differential case housing a differential drive pinion gear. The mounting plate comprises an interface adapted to be circumjacently mounted about the differential drive pinion gear, and a torque arm bracket integral with the interface and spaced apart from the differential drive pinion gear. The torque arm bracket is adapted to fixedly engage one end of a torque arm. The torque arm mounting plate of the present invention provides a common interface between the torque arm and the differential carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis supporting two front axle assemblies and two rear axle assemblies. Each of the front and rear axle assemblies includes an extendible and retractable axle supporting an independently steerable wheel and a steering mechanism. The axles of the respective front and rear axle assemblies are offset from each other. By providing independently steerable wheels, the vehicle is operable in a plurality of steering modes including two-wheel steer, crab steer and coordinated steer. A steering angle for each steering wheel is determined according to a steering angle of an inside front wheel on a turn-by-turn basis.

Abstract: A torque detector that suppresses fluctuation of an output value relative to fluctuation of an input value and that also has the output value accurately follow the input value even when the input value changes suddenly. The torque detector includes a detection element, a converter, and a hysteresis processor. The detection element detects the steering torque applied to a steering shaft when the steering shaft is rotated to generate an analog torque signal corresponding to the steering torque. The converter converts the analog torque signal to a digital torque signal. The hysteresis processor performs hysteresis processing on the digital torque signal to include the value of the digital torque signal in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individual. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a haring device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound barrier system 10 including a sound barrier panel 20 having a face skin panel 30 held in spaced relation from a back skin panel 40 by a filler material 50. Each sound barrier panel 20 is provided with a tongue and groove design that permits panels 20 to be stacked in an interlocking fashion without fastening hardware.

Abstract: A noise attenuation panel used to attenuate noise in aircraft engines includes a cellular core and a facing sheet formed with an array of holes. The holes are laser drilled to provide: (i) hole size variation over the facing sheet; (ii) non-circular hole cross section; (iii) polygonal hole cross section; (iv) hole locations not contiguous with walls of the cellular core; and (v) inclined holes passing through the facing sheet in a direction inclined to the normal to the facing sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable scaffold unit includes a base frame structure and an upper frame structure. Leg members on the base frame structure are independently adjustable in length and include pivoting feet to compensate for grade change and uneven terrain. The upper frame structure includes a vertical post which removably attaches to the base frame structure to accommodate adjustably positionable brace arms. The brace arms support planks spanning between two or more of the scaffold units to provide an uninterrupted walkway and a continuous workbench above the walkway. Adjusted movement of the brace arms along the vertical post, throughout a range of locked positions, allows the height of the walkway and workbench to be selectively varied according to the needs of the user.

Abstract: An elevator control apparatus which, when a power failure of the A.C. power source is detected, effectively and usefully uses stored power in a power accumulator and when the A.C. power source is restored, returns an elevator back to the original service to make proper operation possible. The control system includes a control for, when a power failure is detected with a power failure detector, supplying power from the power accumulator to an inverter, to control circuits, and to an illumination circuit of the elevator with a charge/discharge control circuit to continue the operation of the elevator.

Abstract: A skewed roller brake assembly (20) has a main axis of rotation (x—x), has a first plate (21) adapted to be rotated about the main axis, has a second plate (22) adapted to be rotated relative to the first plate about the main axis, and has an intermediate plate (23) positioned between the first and second plates. The first and second plates are adapted to be axially loaded with respect to one another. The intermediate plate has a plurality of slots (25). Each slot is bounded by a first wall (26) that is arranged at a first angle (&thgr;1) with respect to a radius from the main axis. A cylindrical roller (25) is arranged in each slot for rolling engagement with the first and second plates about the axis of the roller such that the roller axis (y—y) is parallel to the first wall when the first and second plates are rotated relative to one another in one angular direction.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device includes an outer threaded tube, a threaded rod having a retractable rod, a compression spring, an adjusting nut, and an urging nut. Thus, when the urging nut on the outer threaded tube is unscrewed, the threaded rod can be rotated relative to the outer threaded tube, thereby adjusting the relative distance between the threaded rod and the outer threaded tube, such that the height of the automobile can be adjusted largely. In addition, the scales of the flat surface can be used to indicate the length of the shock-absorbing device, so that the height of the automobile can be adjusted exactly.

Abstract: A bag, of tote or briefcase size, includes a removable and adjustable protective cradle for carrying a portable computer or other sensitive device. The cradle may be selectively secured at different heights to divider members within the interior of the bag. When not needed, the protective cradle may be removed from the bag to free the bag to carry other contents.

Abstract: An expandable pull rod of luggage includes a top tube, a bottom tube, and a plurality of intermediate tubes which are arranged telescopically between the top tube and the bottom tube in conjunction with a plurality of control devices. Each device has a base, a locating member, and an actuating body. The locating member is formed of a first spring, a first locating block, a second spring, and a second locating block. The first spring and the first locating block are at work such that the first locating block is located in a first locating hole of the intermediate tube at the time when the pull rod is expanded. When the pull rod is contracted, the second spring and the second locating block are at work such that the second locating block is located in a second locating hole of the intermediate tube.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device, in particular a torque converter or fluid clutch, comprises a housing assembly, a turbine wheel provided inside the housing assembly, and a torque converter lockup clutch assembly for establishing a torque transmission connection as desired between the turbine wheel and the housing assembly. The torque converter lockup clutch assembly comprises at least one essentially annular friction element, which is connected to the turbine wheel for mutually rotating about a rotational axis, and a pressing element which is connected to the housing assembly for mutually rotating about the rotational axis. The at least one friction element can be subjected to the action of the pressing element in order to establish the torque transmission connection between the turbine wheel and the housing assembly. The ratio of a flow outside diameter in the area of the turbine wheel to a friction outside diameter of the at least one friction element ranges from 1.30 to 1.80, preferably from 1.35 to 1.

Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly including a first housing shell having a braking surface, an input shaft coupled to the first housing shell for rotation relative to the first housing shell, at least two input disks coupled to the input shaft for co-rotation with the shaft, the input disks being movable along the shaft, a braking disk having a first friction surface and a second friction surface, the braking disk being movable along the shaft, a biasing member biasing the braking disk against the braking surface of the first housing shell to resist rotation of the braking disk relative to the first housing shell, a second housing shell coupled to the input shaft for rotation relative to the input shaft and the first housing shell, the second housing shell having a third friction surface, and an actuator assembly operable to disengage the braking disk from the braking surface and operable to drivingly engage the first, second, and third friction surfaces with the input disks.

Abstract: The invention proposes an electromagnetically actuated, single-surface friction coupling without a rotor slip-ring, having a rotor element (2), a fixed magnet body (6) and a pot-shaped armature element (28) mounted so that it can be displaced axially. A cylindrical jacket shaped area (28B) of the armature element (28) extends with a narrow air gap along an outer jacket surface (12) of the magnet body (6). Between the armature element (28) and a friction surface (30) of the rotor element there is a working air gap (S) that can be bridged. To keep the moment of inertia on the drive output side as small as possible, it is proposed to arrange the rotor element (2) on the drive output side and the armature element (28) on the drive input side.

Abstract: A one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input shaft having a surface lying orthogonal to an axis of the rotary input shaft, a hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft positioned around the rotary input shaft to be rotatable relative to the rotary input shaft, a circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion formed on the rotary input shaft to be adjacent to the orthogonal surface to form at least one accommodation space between the rotary input shaft and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface, at least one rotatable member installed in the accommodation space, and a biasing device for pressing the orthogonal surface and the rotatable member toward each other. The circumferentially-uneven-width-space forming portion is shaped so that rotation of the rotary input shaft is transferred to the hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft via the rotatable member to which rotation is given from the orthogonal surface.

Abstract: A control unit associated with the cooling fluid supply switches the flow of cooling fluid on or off by controlling the cooling fluid supply in the course of a respective shifting process in which the transmission is shifted up from a lower gear to a higher gear or in down from a higher gear to a lower gear to deliberately exert inertial forces on at least one of the plate carriers by means of the flow of cooling fluid and, therefore, to act on this plate carrier in an accelerating or decelerating manner or in order to deliberately prevent inertial forces of this type being exerted on at least one of the plate carriers by the flow of cooling fluid.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a diaphragm spring to bias a retainer assembly toward an engaged position. The retainer assembly actuates a lever to force a pressure plate into torque transmitting contact with a friction disc and a flywheel. Clutch straps bias the pressure plates toward a disengaged position. An adjusting ring shifts toward the flywheel to accommodate for wear of the friction disc. A resilient plate is attached to the adjusting ring and exerts a biasing force against the diaphragm spring. As the adjuster ring shifts toward the flywheel, the biasing force of the clutch straps increases and the biasing force of the resilient plate decreases to provide a substantially uniform clamp load throughout the life of the friction disc.

Abstract: A friction torque device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device, and an adjustment limiting member for controlling adjustment thereof. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring rotatable relative to both a pressure plate and a cover, and a second cam ring engaging the first cam ring on a side of the first cam ring opposite the cover and rotatably fixed relative to the cover. The first cam ring is rotatable with respect to the second cam ring such that ramped surfaces cam against each other to increase the axial displacement of the first and second cam rings, whereby the axial displacement compensates for wear on the friction surface. The adjustment limiting device is selectively engagable with the first cam ring to inhibit rotation thereof.

Abstract: An actuation device for a shiftable clutch includes a pressure supply for providing a pressure of a pressure medium for actuating the clutch, and a first and a second workspace independently in communication with the pressure supply for receiving the pressure. A first piston surface is disposed in the first workspace and is operably displaceable in a first direction responsive to the pressure. A second piston surface is disposed in the second workspace and is operably displaceable in a second direction responsive to the pressure. The second direction is oriented opposite to the first direction. One of the first or second piston surfaces is responsive to an application of the pressure in the respective workspace displacing in the respective first or second direction to exert the actuation force.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a locking and unlocking mechanism, which is equipped with an electromagnet (1) and is used preferably to embody a key and/or shift lock function in motor vehicles. Its basic object is to design such a mechanism such that the generation of noise during the transition from one state into the other is reduced compared with prior-art solutions. To accomplish the object, a pulsating voltage in the form of a direct voltage-rated pulse width signal (PWM voltage) is sent to the electromagnet (1). The effective value of the PWM voltage is increased over at least three voltage pulses from an off-load voltage value to a preset final voltage value at the beginning of a phase of energization and it conversely drops, again over at least three voltage pulses, to the off-load voltage value at the end of the phase of energization, in a time-controlled manner by means of a circuit unit (2) associated with a pulse width modulator (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stopping conveying equipment for persons, wherein on response of a safety element a braking process performed by a frequency converter co-operating with a drive motor is initiated, by means of which the conveying equipment for persons is brought to a standstill, wherein the braking process is monitored by a safety circuit which comprises at least a first channel and a second channel. The operational safety of the braking system is thereby increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movementthrough a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line.

Abstract: A tiltable conveyor for offloading conveyed articles over a side of a conveyor belt. The belt is preferably a modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of belt rows hingedly interlinked to form an article-conveying surface. The belt is supported by a carryway, along which the belt is driven in a direction of belt travel by a drive system. The carryway includes one or more tilt sections at which one side of the belt is elevated relative to the other to offload articles across the lower side. The belt may include rollers or be molded of or coated with an inherently slick material to facilitate offloading.

Abstract: A transporting and escapement device includes an internal guide member extending along the conveying path and extending through an aperture in each conveyed article. The guide member will serve to guide the article along the conveying path. The guide member is supported by at least one escapement assembly. Each escapement assembly includes at least two independently operated guide member engaging supports which can selectively engage the guide member at spaced locations along the guide member. At least one support of at least one escapement assembly will be engaged with the guide member at any given time.

Abstract: A multi-speed variable spacing conveyor system is shown and described herein having at least a first conveyor operating at a first speed and having a plurality of workpiece carriers thereon in a first spaced configuration. Operably communicating with the first conveyor is at least a second conveyor operating at a second speed. Between the at least first conveyor track and the at least second conveyor track is a transfer mechanism, which allows movement of workpiece carriers therebetween. The second conveyor operating at the second speed allows a second spaced configuration of the workpiece carriers. When disposed in the second spaced configuration, less conveyor track is necessary to hold and move a number of carriers through an inclined and declined portion of conveyor track, as well as a through a workstation resulting in less manufacturing and operating costs.

Abstract: A bidirectional vibratory feeder for transporting objects in a curved path has a trough assembly including an elongated, generally horizontal bed defining the curved path, and a center of gravity. Resilient isolators are connected to the trough assembly and adapted to isolate the trough assembly from underlying terrain. An exciter mass assembly includes an exciter frame and a vibration generator coupled to the exciter frame for generating vibratory forces, the exciter mass assembly having a center of gravity. At least one horizontally disposed resilient coupling is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly, and at least one vertically disposed link is connected between the exciter mass assembly and the trough assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a module for controlling two or more zones of an accumulating conveyor system. In one embodiment, the single module includes outputs to provide independent actuation signals to cause movement of two zones of the conveyor. The module includes two sensor inputs to receive article detection signals from two zones. Circuitry controls the actuation signals based upon the detection signals received. According to another aspect, a control module is provided with an input for indicating the speed of the conveyor to be used, such that programmed features of the module can be adjusted according to the speed selected. According to another aspect, a sleep mode of operation is provided wherein multiple downstream zones are awakened upon the detection of an article in an upstream zone.

Abstract: A positioning system of guide elements of a conveyor of articles comprises: at least one guide positioning unit comprising a guide positioning element adapted to be operatively associated with a respective guide element for the positioning thereof; a system of traction-transmitting cables operatively associated with the guide positioning unit, for transmitting traction forces; at least one traction unit associated with the system of traction-transmitting cables for exerting traction forces on the system of traction-transmitting cables. The guide positioning unit is either a driven guide positioning unit (133), wherein the guide positioning element is caused to be moved by the traction forces transmitted by the system of traction-transmitting cables, or a driving guide positioning unit, comprising a motor group associated with the guide positioning element.

Abstract: A belt (100) is described for a conveyor, in particular for conveying molded items of plastic material leaving a molding unit. Said belt comprises a plurality of transverse plates or tracks (1) disposed side by side and constrained hingedly to each other to form an endless belt, wherein some (10) of said transverse plates have transverse tongues (50) which protrude substantially at right angles to the plane of the transverse plates (10), the transverse tongues (50) being made from soft, rubber-based material to avoid deformation of the molded items which fall thereon.