Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element includes a substrate having a base member affixed to a back surface of the substrate is disclosed, wherein the base member includes a recess configured to secure the base member to a rotary drill bit. An inner member may be positioned within the recess of the base member. Also, a structural element may be coupled to the inner member or to the base member. A rotary drill bit may include a cutting element assembly. In addition, a method of securing a cutting element to a rotary drill bit may include providing a base member affixed to a cutting element and positioning the base member within a recess of the rotary drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit is made from a shank, lid and blades. Junk slots with higher resistance to flow are provided to force drilling fluid between cutters on adjacent blades to improve cleaning. Blades are canted back, and openings at a high angle are provided to further enhance cleaning. The use of a lid facilitates high angle openings.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of a weighing device comprising a bladder and a plurality of contact switches printed on the bladder. The bladder comprises a top and a bottom sheet of a suitable non porous material. The contact switches are made by printing a conductive pattern on one side of the bladder and printing conductive elements with leads or traces on the other side of the bladder. The two sides of the bladder are heat sealed together along the periphery of the bladder with the conductive portions facing each other. An inflation port is also formed in the periphery. In operation, the bladder is placed under an individual to be weighed. Next, the bladder is inflated using a gas. Finally, monitoring circuitry coupled to the bladder measures and records the pressure at the time each of the switches open due to the separation of the conductive portions.

Abstract: A touchpad comprising a supporting medium (3) supporting a plurality of spaced apart conductors (2) in which there is no electrical contact between the conductors, each conductor being sensitive to the proximity of a finger (1) to vary the capacitance of said conductor (2) to detect the presence of said finger (1) positioned close to that conductor, the touchpad further comprising a means (4) to concentrate electric field between conductors (2) towards the plane of the supporting medium (3).

Abstract: A wind-driven power generation device for an electric vehicle comprising a wind-driven power generation modules, a rectifier and an electronic switch. The wind-driven power generation module is installed inside the body of the electric vehicle and includes a flat body shell, multiple air channels and multiple small wind-driven power generators installed inside the air channels. When the electric vehicle is moving, an air current moving through the multiple air channels activates the multiple small wind-driven power generators to generate power. The generated electrical power will flow through the rectifier and the electronic switch to be supplied to the electric engine module of the electric vehicle. When the power supplied by the wind-driven power generation module is insufficient, it will be supplemented by power of a battery set. When the power generated by the wind-driven power generation module is too much, the additional power can be used to charge the battery set.

Abstract: A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a carrier frame, a driven wheel unit disposed below the frame, a motor unit, a drive wheel unit disposed below the frame and coupled operably to the motor unit in such a manner that actuation of the motor unit results in rotation of the drive wheel unit. A lifting-and-lowering device interconnects the frame and the drive wheel unit for lowering and lifting the drive wheel unit with respect to the driven wheel unit between an upper position, in which, the drive wheel unit is disposed at an elevation above the driven wheel unit, and a lower position, in which lower surfaces of the driven and drive wheel units are flush with each other.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Driving system for a machine, in particular an industrial truck with a combustion engine, a two-branch gear transmission whose first shaft is coupled to the combustion engine, whose second shaft is coupled to a change-over transmission, whose outlet acts on the driven wheels of the industrial truck via a collecting transmission, an electric transmission of which a first electric machine cooperates therewith, with respect to the torque, by means of the two-branch gear transmission, and a second electric machine is coupled via at least one collecting transmission to the driven wheels, the two-branch gear transmission producing a constant torque ratio between the first electric machine and at least the first and second shaft and an electrical circuit arrangement electrically coupling the electric machines and being connected to an electric accumulator, two mechanical hydraulic converters of which one is coupled to the first or second shaft of the two-branch gear transmission and the se

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle controller operates to use GPS navigation information to determine how much energy should be delivered from or sent to, the battery. The battery charge can be better managed by using knowledge of the future path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A management ECU of a control unit predicts the reduction degree of a system voltage according to an operational state of a motor based on the temperature of a fuel cell and a number of rotations of the motor, sets motor output restriction start voltage and motor output restriction end voltage which are threshold values of the system voltage for triggering an execution start and an execution end of a processing to restrict an output of the motor, and outputs them to a motor ECU. The motor ECU sets an output restriction coefficient that is a restriction rate in restricting the output of the motor based on a detected value of the system voltage and the motor output restriction start voltage and the motor output restriction end voltage, and restricts the output of the motor.

Abstract: A vehicular radiator unit has an improved support stay for a cooling fan, making it possible to reduce the amount of time necessary to mount the cooling fan to a heat radiating part. The vehicular radiator unit includes a radiator supported by a body frame. A cooling fan enhances the heat radiating performance of the radiator. A support stay supports the cooling fan and is attached to the radiator. The support stay includes plural arms. The lower arm holds the radiator by sandwiching a peripheral portion thereof.

Abstract: An intake structure in a fuel cell powered vehicle including a fuel cell using air and hydrogen as fuels, a supercharger for compressing the outside air and outputting the compressed air, a humidifier for humidifying the air compressed by the supercharger, a bypass passage for connecting the supercharger and the fuel cell to each other, and a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage. The bypass valve is disposed on the outside relative to a straight line T1 connecting between the supercharger and the humidifier, and is disposed in the vicinity of the supercharger and the humidifier. With this configuration supercooling of a humidifier can be prevented, while eliminating the need for a warming member for the humidifier. Further, the intake system members can be efficiently arranged in the vehicle, while suppressing the pressure loss in the intake system.

Abstract: An arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a support structure which is made of magnesium or of a magnesium alloy and includes at least one solid portion. Further, the arrangement includes an electronic component which is supported or held by the support structure, and a connection arrangement having a connection element which is at a prespecified electrical potential. At least one self-tapping screw is self-tapped into the solid portion of the support structure and thereby mechanically connects the support structure to the connection arrangement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface traversing apparatus that includes a frame, a seal having a seal perimeter that is mounted to the frame, and a drive configured to move the apparatus relative to the surface. The seal perimeter is adapted substantially for rolling contact with the surface to be traversed. The device is capable of suction adhering and moving along horizontal, vertical, inverted surfaces and the like, and overcoming obstacles or surface irregularities while maintaining suction adhesion to the surface. The device can be propelled along the surface with a locomoting rolling seal assembly, which provides both a seal to affect the vacuum adhesion and the locomotion to drive the device across the surface.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle, comprising: a chassis; and an interface disposed on the chassis configured to selectively receive one of a plurality of interchangeable modular components altering a function of the ride-on vehicle.

Abstract: The adapter kit comprises an oversize fender that has a pair of longitudinal grooves in a central segment thereof. The fender is wider than a spacing between the frame beams extending rearward in a motorcycle frame. The fender is mounted between the frame beams with each groove partly enclosing one of the frame beams. Each groove is a subtraction of a projection of one of the frame beams from the shape of the fender such that the frame beams are fitly integrated into the central segment of the fender. In other aspects, the adapter kit also comprises a pair of frame extension stubs mountable to the frame beams and a pair of accessory mounting plates mountable to the frame extension stubs for retaining OEM accessories to the frame beams. In yet a further aspect, the kit has a swing arm with a brake caliper support bracket removably affixed thereto.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a device for producing a supply of pressurized air. The suspension system is operably disposed between a frame member and a swing arm of the motorcycle. The suspension system comprises a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: To provide a rear swing arm installation structure that does not require large tightening force and upsizing and can avoid backlash of a rear swing arm. In a rear swing arm installation structure, a cylindrical spacer into which a pivot shaft is inserted is screwed into the pivot bearing holes of a pair of vehicle body frames. The spacer includes a head section of a large diameter and a screw section having a smaller diameter than the head section. The head section touches an end face of the pivot bearing hole of the vehicle body frame and the tip of the screw section touches an end face of a rear swing arm.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle, comprises: a transaxle casing; a pair of left and right axles disposed in the transaxle casing; a pair of hydraulic motors for driving the respective axles; and a pair of left and right steerable drive wheels disposed on left and right outsides of the transaxle casing so as to be drivingly connected to the respective axles. The hydraulic motors are disposed in the housing so as to be fluidly connected to a common hydraulic pressure source in parallel to each other. One of the hydraulic motors is a fixed displacement hydraulic motor, and the other is a variable displacement hydraulic motor. Displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic motor is changed according to change of steered angles of the drive wheels.

Abstract: A drive power distribution control section calculates input torque sensing transfer torque by first transfer torque calculating section, steering angle/yaw rate sensing transfer torque by second transfer torque calculating section, and tack-in prevention transfer torque by third transfer torque calculating section. At this time, input torque sensing transfer torque is estimated using respective time constants for increasing and decreasing engine torque. Also, in a region where input torque is large, a variation amount is increased. The steering angle/yaw rate sensing transfer torque corrects yaw moment, and in correction of an absolute value of the yaw moment towards a larger value a limit is provided based on a previous correction result.

Abstract: The collision of a vehicle with a pedestrian is detected by the presence of a foreign object in a sensing zone above the hood of the vehicle within a prescribed time of an initial impact with the bumper of the vehicle. The initial impact is detected with an acceleration sensor disposed in or near the front bumper and the sensing zone is defined by object detection sensors disposed on the hood or behind the windshield of the vehicle. Vehicle speed is used to discriminate against events that occur while the vehicle is stationary or moving very slowly.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a body frame and a pair of brackets connected to the main frame. The all terrain vehicle also includes an air intake shroud, a pair of headlights, and an engine cooling apparatus, each of which is mounted directly to the pair of brackets.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a hollow member or a half hollow member including two side portions opposed apart to each other; a collar; and a bolt. The collar includes two contact surfaces at both ends of the collar. The two contact surfaces are adapted to respectively abut on the two side portions between the two side portions. At least one of the two contact surfaces is formed with a receiving portion for caulking. Moreover, the collar is formed with a bolt-hole passing through the two contact surfaces. The collar is disposed between the two side portions, and is caulked with the hollow member or half hollow member at a caulked portion formed from at least one of the two side portions toward the receiving portion. The bolt is adapted to pass through the two side portions and the bolt-hole to connect the hollow member or half hollow member with another member.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a model vehicle is provided, having one or more steering actuators, a steering control arm pivotally mounted for rotation relative to a model vehicle chassis, the steering control arm being coupled directly to at least two tie rods, each tie rod controlling the steering of at least one wheel of a vehicle, and each of the one or more steering actuators coupled to the steering control arm to rotate the control arm relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system (1) for a vehicle, comprising a shaft (4) that is rotatably mounted on a frame (3) in a bearing (2), said shaft being functionally linked with a steered wheel for adjusting the steering angle thereof, and a means (5) for axially positioning the shaft (4) in the frame (3). In order to allow for the shaft (4) of the steering system (1) to be free of backlash in an inexpensive and simple manner, the means (5) for axially positioning the shaft (4) is configured as a pressure pad (6) which is axially supported on the frame (3) and on the bearing (2) sitting on the shaft (4) without play and which retains the bearing (2) on the frame (3).

Abstract: A power steering system is provided for assisting with steering the wheels of a motor vehicle and includes two or more electrical motors that are selectively energized by an electronic control unit. The motors may be drivingly connected to the steering wheel shaft, or drivingly connected to the steering wheel pinion that meshes with the steering rack, or be drivingly connected to the steering rack. The motors may be drivingly connected through various transmission arrangements in including gears, ball nuts, belt and pulleys, or chain and sprockets, speed reduction gears and clutches. The electronic control unit can selectively control the motors to run all at once, or to run individually, as desired.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering control device, a steering torque estimation unit estimates steering torque of a steering wheel based on driving current of an electric actuator; a torque sensor detects the steering torque of the steering wheel; an electric power assist unit is controlled based on the the steering torque detected by the torque sensor; and a comparison unit compares the torque detected by the torque sensor with the steering torque estimated by the steering torque estimation unit. The electric power assist unit is controlled based on the estimated steering torque in place of being controlled based on the torque detected by the torque sensor when the torque sensor is judged to be abnormal, based on a comparison.

Abstract: In a hearing protection earplug for insertion into the ear canal ear composed of a soft material, especially a foam material, having a cavity that is open toward the outside, it is provided, with a view to achieving additionally increased wearing comfort accompanied with easy handling during insertion into and removal from the ear, that the cavity, as seen in the cross-section, has an approximately cross-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A waterproof housing is provided with an upper shell piece having a cone positioned over a non-waterproof (e.g. paper) speaker. The cone has conical stepped depressions mimicking the shape of the speaker. A speaker retainer presses the speaker in an air tight seal to the upper shell to assure that air is trapped in the chamber formed by the speaker and the upper shell. The circumference of the cone is a waveform, which allows a stiffer center plastic portion of the cone to vibrate when the sound waves hit it. More particularly, the cone is coupled to a cylindrical collar portion of the upper shell by a web of plastic material sufficiently thin so that the cone vibrates in sync with the speaker and emits the sound.

Abstract: A mounting system for loudspeakers composed of a multiple frame which retain 2 or 4 loudspeakers and a set of single frames which host one loudspeaker such that loudspeakers of standard manufacturing size and type can be mounted to the ceiling of a listening space.

Abstract: A slide connector apparatus for attaching a rail to an upright includes a first part adapted to be secured to the rail and having a first engagement element, and a second part adapted to be secured to the upright and having a second engagement element. The first and second engagement elements are movable along an engagement axis from a disengaged position, in which the first and second parts are generally free to move relative to each other, to an engaged position in which the first and second parts are substantially inhibited from moving relative to each other.

Abstract: A collapsible safety rail system for providing a portable or permanent protective barrier to provide for fall prevention from elevated or other work areas. Lockable pivot assemblies are located between heavy bases and the end posts of collapsible safety rail assemblies. Removable detent pins are utilized to lock the pivot assemblies to maintain the erected position of the collapsible safety rail assemblies in protective vertical orientation or are removed to allow maneuvering of the collapsible safety rail assemblies to a minimum viewable profile position when not required for personnel protection.

Abstract: A ladder including: first and second expandable members, each of the first and second expandable members including: a covering capable of expansion, the covering defining a cavity; and expansion means for expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape; each of the first and second expandable members having a plurality of holes; and a rung, having a first end disposed in each of the plurality of holes of the first expandable member and a second end disposed in a corresponding hole in the second expandable member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extension ladder leveling apparatus and a method of constructing and using a leveling extension ladder.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes a casing provided with shafts therein, a rotational member positioned in the casing at an end portion in an axial direction of the shafts, the rotational member being configured to lift up a lubricating oil so as to supply the lubricating oil to a part that is different from the end portion inside the casing, and an oil passage provided along the axis line direction of the shafts, the oil passage configured to receive the lubricating oil lifted up by the rotational member at a first end portion in a longitudinal direction of the oil passage and to supply the lubricating oil through a second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the oil passage to a part inside the casing placed far away from the rotational member, the oil passage being integrally formed with the casing.

Abstract: A support column assembly is provided that comprises a first support tube having an opening therein and extending perpendicularly from a bearing plate, a second support tube extending perpendicularly from a support base and being axially disposed within the opening of the first support tube, and a clamp assembly for clamping the first support tube relative to the second support tube. In this embodiment, the clamp assembly comprises a cylindrical sleeve and a cylindrical clamp. The cylindrical clamp has a tapered opening therein for receiving a tapered end portion of the cylindrical sleeve, wherein the cylindrical clamp is configured to compress the cylindrical sleeve when the tapered opening of the cylindrical clamp is pressed onto the tapered end portion of the cylindrical sleeve, such that the cylindrical sleeve compresses the first support tube onto the second support tube to effectively clamp the first support tube relative to the second support tube.

Abstract: The present device relates to an electromechanically operated parking brake for motor vehicles that is designed as a drum brake of the ‘Duo-Servo’ type, including a floatingly supported expanding lock which is operable by an electromechanical actuator arranged on a wheel support member and which acts on two brake shoes. To ensure the floating support of the expanding lock that is formed of a threaded-nut/spindle assembly and to always provide a desired application force, the invention discloses that the threaded nut on its outside circumference has a spur toothing which forms a spiral-toothed gear wheel system along with a spiral-toothed gear wheel driven by the electromechanical actuator.

Abstract: An eddy current brake includes a diamagnetic member, a first support wall and a second support wall with the first and second linear arrays of permanent magnets disposed on the walls facing one another. Apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the walls in order to control eddy current induced in the member in the passage of the member therepast to adjust the braking force between the magnets and the member. Apparatus is also provided for causing the velocity of the member to change the braking force between the magnets and the member.

Abstract: A brake device for a strap-reel frame is installed on the frame body of the strap-reel frame for braking the inner and the outer disc pivotally fitted on the horizontal shaft of the frame body. The brake device includes a swinging rod having one end pivotally connected with a preset portion of the frame body above the horizontal shaft and able to be actuated to swing downward by its own gravity. The swinging rod has its intermediate portion fixed with two brake blocks able to be moved downward together with the swinging rod to push against the outer circumferential edge of the inner disc and stop the inner disc from rotating.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. A field shell and a rotor of the device each define radially spaced, axially extending inner and outer poles. The inner pole of the rotor is disposed radially outwardly of the inner pole of the field shell resulting in improved magnetic efficiency.

Abstract: A deflashing device for removing excess friction material from a dovetail guide of a brake includes a base for supporting an actuator attached to the base, a slide, at least one pair of cutters and a slide guide attached to the base. The slide is in communication with the actuator and positionable by the actuator. The at least one pair of cutters is positioned on the slide opposed to one another and adapted to engage the dovetail guide of the brake. The slide guide is in communication with the slide for slidably mounting the slide to the base wherein the actuator manipulates the slide for removing excess friction material from the dovetail guide of the brake.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a brake pad assembly for use in a disc brake assembly, comprises the following steps: providing a backing plate defining distinct shim and friction pad surfaces, the backing plate destined to carry a friction pad on the friction pad surface and comprising at least one recess on the backing plate shim surface, the recess defining an inner peripheral wall having a top rim; providing a shim defining an abutment surface; applying the shim abutment surface against the backing plate shim surface; and forcing the shim to deform locally into the recess and against the recess inner peripheral wall so that a shim lip projecting transversely away from the shim abutment surface will be forced to deform towards the recess inner peripheral wall to become pressure-fitted within the recess thereby securing the shim to the backing plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a type of adjustable damping shock absorber, comprising a reservoir, piston rods, and piston bodies. Said reservoir has an upper sealing cap with a through hole. The piston rod is placed in the through hole using a sealing ring. The special characteristics are: said piston body comprises an upper piston body and a lower piston body. A piston rod is connected to the upper piston body and a piston spinning rod is connected to the lower piston body. At the corresponding positions of the upper piston body and the lower piston body, there are passage holes for the passage of a liquid of choice to achieve damping. The lower piston body is connected to a power unit and can be driven by the power unit to spin the lower piston body, thereby changing the intersectional area of the passage holes, and the flow velocity and total flow from one chamber to another chamber within the reservoir is changed, achieving the variable damping adjustment.

Abstract: A radial expanding braking device for use with a motor vehicle. The braking device including a drum, a plurality of carrying elements and a lifting mechanism configured to selectively move the plurality of carrying elements into contact with the drum.

Abstract: An assembly for fixing a shoulder strap to containers, such as cases, trunks and the like, comprising, for each one of the ends of the shoulder strap, a respective receptacle, which is provided at the outer surface of the case and is adapted to accommodate at least one element for detachable retention of the end which is provided with at least one female thread, the receptacle comprising laterally at least one through hole for insertion of a respective screw, which is adapted to engage detachably in the female thread, its head being engaged in at least one eyelet provided in the end of the shoulder strap.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly and a method of controlling the engagement of planar first and second members are provided wherein two sets of opposed engaging struts are applied with one motion of a single control plate or member. The planar first and second members have inside surfaces extending generally normal to a first axis. The assembly includes free-floating, forward keys and free-floating, reverse keys opposed to the forward keys. The forward and reverse keys are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position and a disengaged position in which the second member is permitted to free-wheel relative to the first member. The planar control member is disposed between the first and second surfaces and is controllably rotatable about the first axis between first and second angular positions relative to the first member.

Abstract: The overrunning radial coupling assembly or clutch and a method of controlling the engagement of inner and outer plates or members of the assembly are provided wherein adjacent engaging radial locking pawls are selectively controlled by a single, rotatable control plate or element to obtain full lock, one-way lock and one-way overrun conditions. The assembly includes free-floating, forward pawls and free-floating, reverse pawls adjacent to their respective forward pawls. The forward and reverse pawls are movable between a notch-engaging, engaged position (i.e., full lock condition) and a disengaged position in which the outer member is permitted to free-wheel relative to the inner member in the one-way overrun condition in one direction about a first axis and the outer member is locked to the inner member in the one-way lock condition in the opposite direction. A number of different embodiments of the assembly and method are provided.

Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly having improved shift feel and/or noise reduction is provided. The assembly includes planar first and second members rotatable about a first axis. In a locked position, torque transfer is permitted between the first and second members in a first direction about the first axis. In a disengaged position, the first and second members are permitted to free-wheel relative to each other in a second direction opposite the first direction. A compliant retaining device retains the first and second members together and absorbs axial impact loads. The retaining device is less compliant in the locked position than in the disengaged position to decrease axial force at time of axial impact and improve shift feel and/or noise reduction. In a first embodiment, the retaining device includes a wave spring. In a second embodiment, the retaining device includes a stepped weir plate.

Abstract: A clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a friction clutch and having a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive center disconnect electric actuator is provided. The actuator includes a one-way motor that actuation of a cam mechanism for causing engagement and disengagement of the center disconnect. The actuator achieves improved reliability and efficiency through a less expensive construction than conventional actuators.