Abstract: There is provided a bio-signal detector to detect a heart rate and a respiratory rate so that the determination of a kind of a seat load placed on a seat can be made. That is, whether the seat load is a human or an object is determined, and if it is the human, then the physique size is determined to be small or large (the level of the physique size is determined). Accordingly, as compared with the means based only on a weight of the seat load, the determination result is highly reliable. Besides, with the use of the bio-signal detector, the discrimination between the human and the object is ensured. Moreover, a structure additionally including a weight sensor allows the determination of the physique size in more accurate manner.

Abstract: [Object] There is provided a support system for a forklift power train, having little vibration transmission to a body frame, but capable of effectively suppressing movement of the power train against even a quick movement of a vehicle occurred in such a case as when the vehicle is accelerated, decelerated, turned or the like, and simpler in construction for assembling workability.

Abstract: An operator station for a lift truck or other vehicle including a scalloped arm rest providing a plurality of arm rest positions for operators of varying sizes. The arm rests are positioned approximate an operator control handle, such that operators can operate vehicle controls while resting their arms in a selected one of the scalloped arm rests.

Abstract: The vehicle steering system includes front vehicle motive members, rear vehicle motive members, a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem and a rear steering control mechanism. The front steering subsystem is operably coupled to the steering input device and coupled to the front motive members to steer the front motive members. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to the rear motive members to steer the rear motive members. The rear steering control mechanism includes a movable input member coupled to the steering input device so as to move in response to input from the device and a movable output-member coupled to the rear steering subsystem. The rear steering subsystem adjusts steering of the rear motive members in response to movement of the output member.

Abstract: Provided is an electric power steering apparatus comprising a housing, a motor attached to this housing and transmitting an auxiliary steering force to a rotary shaft through a motor shaft, a worm formed on or fitted on the rotary shaft and having a gear portion formed of a metal or a resin, rolling bearings provided in the housing, disposed respectively in positions on both sides of the worm and rotatably supporting the rotary shaft, an output shaft transmitting a steering force for steering an axle and rotatably supported in a predetermined position of the housing, and a worm wheel formed on or fitted on the output shaft in a way that meshes with the worm and having a gear portion formed of the resin, wherein a pre-load mechanism for applying a pre-load acting towards the worm wheel is provided at a shaft end portion, distal from the motor, of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An electrically driven power steering apparatus is structured such that a large impact on a rack shaft occurs upon an impingement of a steering stopper, and, even when an axial force acting on a ball bearing of a presser member becomes zero, a rotation of the presser member is hindered by caulking c at a thin plate member. Therefore, the presser member does not slacken, and a predetermined axial force can be given again to the ball bearing when the impact dissipates. The thus structured power steering apparatus exhibiting, though the cost is low, an excellent shockproof characteristic and capable of preventing the bearing from coming off a ball screw nut, can be provided.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system comprises a loudspeaker drive unit (1) and a rear sound absorption system (20) comprising a multiplicity of tubes connected to the rear of the loudspeaker drive unit. In one example, the rear sound absorption system (20) comprises a collector tube (22) for sound waves emerging from a passage in the magnet assembly of the loudspeaker drive unit, an annular diffuser (24) for sound waves coming from the back of the diaphragm (4), and a disk-shaped diffuser (26) for sound waves collected by the collector tube (22). The disk-shaped diffuser (26) is part of a basket-like assembly (28) mounted on the rear of the magnet assembly (6). The annular diffuser (24) is mounted against the wall (2) of the enclosure in which the loudspeaker drive unit (1) is mounted. The annular diffuser (24) comprises a base portion (24A) with integral upstanding vanes (24B) arranged in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waveguide loudspeaker with adjustable controlled dispersion which comprises a duct fonned by flat, concave or convex walls round a diffraction throat, and which finishes in a mouth and where reflection can occur before or after the diffraction throat. The mouth is folded back in relation to the throat and has dimensions and shape chosen for the simultaneous application of at least two of the three fundamental principles for sound diffusion, namely diffraction, reflection and absorption. Also, the invention concerns a method to obtain a loudspeaker having means to vary and set at least the degree of diffraction and reflection for the reproduction of wide bands of mid/high frequencies with a limited horn or waveguide length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuned muffler for small, single cylinder internal combustion engines, particularly 4-cycle engines. The muffler includes a first shell having an exhaust inlet, a central plate, and a second shell having an exhaust outlet. The central plate is disposed between the first and second shells, and the foregoing components define an exhaust path therethrough which includes a first expansion volume, a first passage, a second expansion volume, and a second passage. The first and second expansion volumes and the first and second passages are dimensioned to provide an exhaust tuning effect to enhance engine performance, and also to provide an exhaust flow path which conducts the exhaust gas smoothly through the muffler to substantially reduce back pressure within the muffler.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an improved ladder for enabling a user to climb up or down and forward or backwards movement relative to a surface. The system enables increased mobility and stability. The system can be designed in multiple ways which some of them have been shown in the present invention. The present invention clearly saves production time, keeping the user on the ladder while relocating, and it definitely more convenient and time saving to the user.

Abstract: The instantaneous evacuation tube is permanently installed at the exterior of the tower or building or integrated into it with an outside view, starting at the top and going down around the tower to the ground floor in a specific angle which permits the evacuated people when there is a fire to slide down at a normal speed and to avoid bodily injuries, each floor is equipped with an emergency exit and a hand lever accessible automatically to the compressed air tank, a movement detector with 2 small lights, 1 red and 1 green indicating if yes or no there's people at the interior of the tube clearly defined on my following “Literary appreciation” and on the ground floor an inflatable bed that permits the evacuated persons when arriving to the ground floor, sliding along the tube, to be stopped by the inflatable bed to be evacuated instantly. This is the best secure way to evacuate people as soon as possible when there is a fire or any dangerous event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rapid evacuation of people from edifices on fire or in other dangerous situations. The inventive device consists of an abseiling device which slides downward by the force of gravity on a downward hanging rope upon engagement. A braking device ensures that the speed at which the abseiling device slides downward does not exceed a given maximum value. The rope is secured or can be secured on a pivotally articulated extension arm which is firmly connected to the edifice. The abseiling device can be engaged and disengaged by means of a rapid clamping device.

Abstract: A solution is supposed to be achieved with a rappelling device (1) for permitting persons (3) to be rescued from high buildings, towers, and the like, having a suspension strap (2), suspension vest, or the like, to be worn by the person in question, wherein a rope container (8) having a device to release the rope length (4) is provided on the suspension strap (2), which solution is supposed to be easy to operate, on the one hand, and to be made available to the persons in question at any time, and easy to handle for them, whereby the person using the device can essentially move both hands freely, in a stable rappelling position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the lubrication of lubricating points with minimal quantities of lubricant. According to said method, the lubricant is mixed with a gaseous carrier medium to form a lubricant mist. Said lubricant mist is led to the lubricating point. In order to separate lubricant drops, the lubricant mist is injected at high speed in an elongated chamber having distributed separation surfaces, which are perforated in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. The lubricant moves through the chamber towards a discharge opening, with the continuous moistening of the separation surfaces, and leaves the discharge opening in the form of lubricant drops.

Abstract: The interior of a crankcase is divided into a front crank chamber and a rear transmission chamber by a partition wall of a given height. A lower part of the transmission case is used as an oil reservoir chamber for reserving lubricating oil. Opposite ends of the crankcase are covered with covers to form a generator chamber and a clutch chamber. The crank chamber is connected to the generator chamber by a drain passage to drain oil collected in the crank chamber into the generator chamber. A scavenging pump placed in the clutch chamber sucks the oil collected in the generator chamber through an oil passage extending across the crankcase under the crank chamber and discharges the oil into an air space in the clutch chamber.

Abstract: An elevator drive belt, while applying a friction force thereto, drives an elevator rope which links an elevator cage and a counterweight together. A rubber hardness of the belt ranges from about 50 to 90 degrees of JIS-A hardness so as to suppress creep slip due to a shearing strain while the elevator is in operation. Even if the elevator cage and the counterweight are reduced in weight and the friction force to be applied to the elevator rope decreases due to the weight reduction, a friction force onto the elevator rope from the elevator drive belt compensates and guarantees a drive force of the elevator.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an elevator installation has actuating elements on a front surface. The control apparatus includes an insert in the form of a key-operated switch cylinder which has a recess or a key slot. The insert is mounted in a side surface that is one of a lateral side wall of a housing, an end surface of an elevator car handrail and a side surface of a column. The recess opens transversely to the front surface. A separate auxiliary actuating element is received into the recess in the direction of an axis extending parallel to the front surface. The insert is mechanically actuatable by rotation of the auxiliary actuating element about the axis in order to trigger specific functions in conjunction with the control of the elevator installation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling an electromechanical aircraft brake comprising a stack of disks and a ring carrying a plurality of electromechanical actuators each fitted with a pusher that is movable in register with the stack of disks under drive from an associated electric motor so that rotation of the motor in a first direction causes the pusher to be pressed against the stack of disks. According to the invention, the method comprises the step of causing at least one motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to cause the corresponding pusher to reverse beyond a distance corresponding to normal operating clearance between the pusher and the stack of disks.

Abstract: An actuator 23d for pushing a plurality of friction plates 44, 44 to a plurality of plates 37, 37 to be braked is composed of members including electroactive polymer, the shape of the elastomer of which is changed by electric energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanically- and hydraulically actuated brake cylinder, in which the adjustment neutralization section is reduced, with the result that the cylinder may be more compact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanically actuatable disk brake (10). To attain brake reinforcement, the invention proposes that a friction brake lining (40) be guided displaceably with a guide (44, 50) whose angle to the brake disk (14) is adjustable. A frictional force exerted by the rotating brake disk (14) on the friction brake lining (40) pressed against it causes a force component in the direction of the guide (44, 50), which when the guide (44, 50) is positioned obliquely creates a pressure force of the friction brake lining (40) against the brake disk (14) and thus a brake reinforcement.

Abstract: A cable (22) for connecting connecting an operating lever (20) to a disc brake (12), and mechanical-energy accumulation means (28), which are separate from the cable (22) and which connect a proximal strand (22P) to a distal strand (22D) of the cable. Preferably, the mechanical-energy accumulation means (28) comprise a spring (34), which is connected with the proximal strand (22P) and with the distal strand (22D) of the cable so as to be elastically deformable when these strands move relative to each other, between a rest position, towards which it is resiliently biased, and a position in which it accumulates energy.

Abstract: A subassembly for the amplitude-dependent absorption of shock, especially in a dashpot for a motor vehicle with a piston and an oscillating piston rod. The piston (3) is accommodated in a housing (2), partitioning the housing into two compartments (4 & 5), and travels up and down inside the housing, radially aligned and axially subject to motion-limiting tension, on the end of the piston rod (1). The object is a simple and reliable subassembly that takes up little additional space. The piston is accordingly axially tensioned between two springs (17 & 18).

Abstract: A cam mechanism 7 provided as a shoe drive mechanism includes a cam supporting plate 21 being loosely and rotatably fitted on an anchor pin 10 for receiving a shoe operating force, a first cam plate 23 rotatably connected to the cam supporting plate 21 at an outer cam supporting position which is a position shifted away from the anchor pin 10 radially outwardly of the drum, a second cam plate 25 rotatably connected to the cam supporting plate 21 at an inner cam supporting position which is away from the anchor pin 10 toward the operating force generating means 6, so that a pair of brake shoes 3, 4 are opened outwardly by the separate cam plates 23, 25, respectively.

Abstract: Linear dampers are capable of offering an expected damping force without the use of oil or gas. A casing body 10 has a cylindrical portion 14 and a damping groove 15 continuing with each other and axially extending. The side face of the damping groove 15 are tapering faces 17 between which the space gradually opens up toward the opening of the damping groove 15. A slider 18 constituted of a first moving member 19 and a second moving member 20 is inserted into the casing 10. When the slider 18 is inserted into the casing 10, an inclined face 28 of the second moving member 20 and an inclined face 24 of the first moving member 19 are in contact with each other and tapering faces 29 of the second moving member 20 and the tapering faces 17 are in contact with each other.

Abstract: In a oneway clutch apparatus, block bearings for maintaining a space between an inner race and an outer race, each is formed in a tapered-shape with the circumferential width expanding toward a cylindrical surface side. A retainer comprises, in a retaining portion of the block bearing, bearing retaining pieces respectively enlarged from the cam surfaces along the both end surfaces in the circumferential direction of the block bearings. A bearing retaining piece has a latching portion for latching and retaining the block bearing at the tip end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing arrangement (12) which is filled or can be filled with fluid, at least one first friction member (22) which is coupled with the housing arrangement (12) for commonly rotating, at least one second friction member (26) which is coupled or can be coupled with a driven shaft (32) for commonly rotating, a fluid supply area for introducing fluid into a delimited area (34) of said housing arrangement (12), in which the first and second friction members (22. 26) operate, a fluid discharge area for evacuating the fluid from the delimited area (34), as well as an energy accumulator (60), by means of which said first and second friction members (22, 26) are prestressed in friction interaction.

Abstract: A pressure plate assembly for a friction clutch comprises a housing arrangement, a pressure plate connected to the housing arrangement for rotation about an axis (A), a force-exerting arrangement, which is or may be supported relative to the pressure plate and the housing arrangement, and a wear take-up arrangement in the support path between the force-exerting arrangement and the housing arrangement. The wear take-up arrangement includes at least one adjusting element which may be displaced to compensate for wear, by means of which the force-exerting arrangement is or may be supported relative to the housing arrangement, a wear detection arrangement, mounted on the housing arrangement, which co-operates with the force-exerting arrangement in a wear detection area and which may shift, in the case of wear, relative to the housing arrangement, by means of the force-exerting arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic friction clutch for arrangement within a drive train connecting a drive motor (2) and a vehicle door or a vehicle flap, the clutch (5) comprising a rotor part (16) which is provided with a friction lining (17) and is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to a first shaft (15) and on its side facing away from the friction lining (17) an electrical coil (19) is arranged, and an armature disk (14) which is connected fixedly in terms of rotation, but axially displaceably, to a second shaft (8) and which, with the clutch (5) in the connected state, is drawn against the frictional lining (17) of the rotor part (16) of the first shaft (15) and makes a frictional connection between the two shafts (8, 15).

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch including a hub being rotatable about a central axis and at least two shoes supported by the hub for co-rotation with the hub. The shoes are configured for outward displacement relative to the central axis upon rotation of the hub to engage the clutch. The centrifugal clutch also includes at least one spring coupling the at least two shoes. The at least one spring is configured as a resilient clip having a shape defined by more than one radius and biasing the at least two shoes toward the central axis to disengage the clutch.

Abstract: In the case of detection of any counterfeit banknote in a transaction process other than a deposit transaction, the banknote handling system of the invention identifies a transactor who uses the counterfeit banknote. The banknote handling system comprises: a money in-out slot that receives insertion of banknotes from each customer; a conveyance module that conveys each banknote; multiple banknote discrimination modules that carry out banknote discrimination of each conveyed banknote in a money-in process that pay in banknotes inserted in the money in-out slot, as well as in another transaction process that is accompanied with conveyance of banknotes; a banknote storage box that stores a banknote determined as genuine by the banknote discrimination module; a collection box that collects a banknote determined as counterfeit by the banknote discrimination module; and a management module that manages information on the transaction process with respect to each banknote.

Abstract: The validity of a coin is tested in a coin mechanism typically used for vending products. A test arm which is integrally and resiliently connected to a back plate contacts a coin when the coin wheel is rotated, and the test arm resiliently deflects in response to contact with the characteristic of the coin tested. The validity of the coin is established by the degree of movement of the test arm. More than one test arm functions to test different characteristics of the coin to establish validity and the prevent illegitimate dispensing of products. When a coin is not present, the test arm is not deflected to maintain its resiliency characteristics. Preferably the coin mechanism is assembled from a relatively few injection molded durable plastic parts.

Abstract: A turn-around device for packets, in particular packets of cigarettes, wherein the packets are fed successively, with a first surface facing forwards, to a turn-around station, from which they are extracted, with a second surface facing forwards, by a gripper conveyor, which travels through the turn-around station perpendicularly to the second surface, and has a number of grippers, each of which defines a pocket for a relative packet, and closes gradually onto the packet to control its position as it is extracted from the turn-around station with the second surface facing forwards.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for variable-pitch spacing and turning or, reversibly, for turning and variable-pitch spacing of work pieces in production of disposable absorbent articles, such as, feminine hygiene articles, diapers, body wraps, and the like, are disclosed. The work pieces can include any component of a disposable absorbent article, a combination of components forming a semi-finished absorbent article, or a finished absorbent article product.

Abstract: A chute system for selectively moving articles with little to no damage to such articles from a supply source oriented at a first level to a transversely moving conveying system oriented at a second lower level. The chute system includes a powered conveyor belt adapted for advancement of the conveyor belt at a known velocity and a guide operatively associated with the conveyor belt and adapted to shape the conveyor belt in a selected arcuate configuration to accommodate and facilitate translation of motion of such an article on the belt from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring blanks of material passing from a feeder line to a production line along differing conveyor segments. The production line moves at a higher velocity that the feeder line. Just as a blank is about to transfer from the feeder line to the production line, the feeder line is rapidly accelerated to substantially match the velocity of the production line. This assures a smooth, even, and accurate transfer. Near the end of the transfer, the feeder line is decelerated. Thus, the transferred blank is now moving at a higher velocity than the next adjacent blank.

Abstract: A device for automated manipulation of articles along a predetermined movement path has a working area having a working surface for articles. The device also has a manipulator with a gripping device for moving the articles. The working surface consists of neighboring longitudinal elements, wherein longitudinal gaps are formed between the neighboring longitudinal elements. The griping device has at least one gripping finger that can be lowered into the longitudinal gaps between the neighboring longitudinal elements and moved into a position underneath an article for picking up the article. The article is essentially secured in the gripping device by a combination of acceleration forces generated along a movement path of the gripping device and of the force of gravity.

Abstract: A method for transporting dead animals to a disposal site using a conveyor having at least one carrier that operates by placing the dead animals in the carrier, transporting the carrier towards a disposal site by the conveyor, and emptying the carrier at the disposal site.

Abstract: A system for transporting dead animals in an animal raising facility to a disposal site using a conveyor having at least one carrier that operates by placing the dead animals in the carrier, transporting the carrier towards a disposal site by the conveyor, and emptying the carrier at the disposal site.

Abstract: A transport system, in particular airport baggage handling system, for transport of containers with articles, in particular bags, includes a discharge unit for unloading a container which supports an article and defines a longitudinal axis. The discharge unit includes a curve section to define a curved transport path, and an engagement assembly for guiding and moving the container at a desired speed. The engagement assembly is constructed to move the container along the curved transport path at a transport speed by which the article is forced outwards as a result of centrifugal forces so that the article spontaneously slides from the container.

Abstract: A conveyor plate chain with chain links joined together in each case at a joint location and a plate conveyor connected to them consisting of a number of single plates, whereby each joint location is formed by a joint pin of one chain link and a joint sleeve of the adjacent chain link, the joint sleeve accommodating the joint pin, and a single plate is connected at a mounting location to a joint pin, and whereby outer chain links with parallel outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint pins transverse with respect to the outer link-plates and inner chain links with inner link-plates arranged parallel within the outer link-plates and parallel-arranged joint sleeves transverse with respect to the inner link-plates alternate. The smallest center distance of two mounting locations of two adjacent single plates is larger than the center distance of two adjacent joint pins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch lock-out assembly (10) for locking out a switch (15) having a pivotally mounted switch tongue (14) moveable between a first position and a second position about a pivot axis. The switch lock-out assembly (10) includes a body (24) having a first end and a second end. A first clamping surface (70) is formed on the body proximal the first end. A clamp jaw (26) has a second clamping surface (54) which is movable relative to the first clamping surface (70) for clamping a switch tongue (14) between the first clamping surface (70) and second clamping surface (54). An engagement surface (52) is formed on the body a distance from the first end, wherein the engagement surface (52) engages the switch (15) when the switch tongue (14) is clamped between the clamping surfaces (70, 54) to prevent movement of the switch from the switch first position to the switch second position.

Abstract: A device and manufacturing method are provided comprising first and second substrates comprising a main channel provided in at least one of the substrates and a first connecting channel provided in at least one of the substrates and in fluid communication with the main channel. The main channel comprising spaced apart electrodes and filling the main channel at least partially with liquid metal. The method further comprising a first heater substrate comprising a first suspended heater element in fluid communication with the first connecting channel with the first suspended heater element operable to cause a fluid non-conductor to separate the liquid metal and selectively interconnect the electrodes and surface joining the first, second, and first heater substrates.

Abstract: A mechanical limiter device, having: a housing with a slot passing at least partially therearound, the slot forming a plurality of teeth in a side of the housing; a plunger movable within the housing; a biasing mechanism configured to urge the plunger in a proximal direction within the housing; a contact member extending through the slot in the side of the housing, the contact member being configured to advance past at least one of each of the plurality of teeth in the slot each time the plunger is moved back and forth within the housing.

Abstract: A multi-functional control assembly having a rotary controller with a push-button switches contained therein. The rotary controller has a shaft. A bore is formed through the shaft. A communicator extends through the bore and is configured to communicate information regarding the push-button switch through the bore.

Abstract: A switching device includes a latching mechanism and is cheap to produce and easy to assemble. To this end, the construction is essentially formed from a three-part modular unit including metallic material, and has a spring which supports the back-latching of the latching mechanism, and forces which extend essentially in one plane in the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A push switch device comprises a body including a set of terminals and closed cover. An inner side of the cover is provided with a second resilient unit on which is formed a stopper portion. A push unit is positioned in the body, the push unit being provided with a stop controller pad made of an abrasion-resistant material that faces the stopper portion. A first resilient unit is further placed below the push unit. With the above disposition, when pressure is exerted on the push unit, the stop controller pad pushes the stopper portion outwardly. Thereby, damage due to wearing contact of the stopper portion with the push unit is prevented.

Abstract: A switch is provided that is of the type that may be installed in a contact block engaging a pushbutton operator via a latch assembly. The switch includes a spanner that engages a pair of terminals, each having a pair of contacts. The outer ends of the spanner are wider than the central portion so as to render the spanner torsionally compliant. The wide outer ends provide a sufficient thermal mass to absorb an arc that may be created when the switch is opened.

Abstract: The invention concerns a downward flow evaporator, with internal condensation, comprising at least a vertical evaporator tube (12) housed in a casing (10), and a dispensing vessel (16) arranged above the evaporator tube (12), from which a liquid to be evaporated can be brought to the evaporator tube (12), producing a downward flowing film in its tubular housing. In order to ensure condensation of the vapour formed during evaporation of the liquid, there is provided a heat-exchanging device (18, 52), whereof the condensation surfaces consist, in accordance with the invention, of at least a condensation tube (18) arranged vertically in the evaporation tube (12), and having substantially the same axis. Above said pair of tubes (12, 13) are housed reception means (20, 22) in the casing (10), capable of collecting separately, the non-evaporated liquid concentrate, flowing from the evaporator tube (12), and the condensed liquid distillate, flowing from the condensation tube (18).

Abstract: A novel process of molecular engineering of materials for synthesis using electron excitations and a synthesizer capable of carrying out the process of electron excitations effectively is given in the specification. The synthesizer changes the properties of the material and also act as an electronic catalytic convertor or a fluid or fuel reformulator or as a heat pump for altering the kinetics of chemical reactions performance of internal combustion engines, heat engine cycles and finds wide use in multivarious applications including emission control, clean energy production, synthesize of new products, generation of LASER beam using carbondioxide in the automobile exhaust water treatment plants, refrigeration machines. Communications, etc.