Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. An electrical conduction assembly is disposed within a field shell between radially spaced inner and outer poles of the field shell. The assembly includes a conductor disposed within a shell having a radially extending flange that is disposed proximate the outer pole of the field shell and that is affixed to the field shell at a plurality of points.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: An anti-reverse input clutch is provided which includes an output member including an output shaft held so as to be rotatable about the axis of an input member, and a cam member which is a separate member from the output shaft and on which cam surfaces are formed. The cam member is rotationally fixed to the output shaft. Thus, each of the output shaft and the cam shaft can be easily formed, so that it is possible to significantly reduce the time and cost for manufacturing the output member and improve the freedom of design thereof.

Abstract: A coin denomination discriminating device for improving coin dispensing devices which incorporates components formed of non-magnetic material including a non-magnetic rotor having a coin receiving portion and a non-magnetic reference guide to guide coins from a storage coin holding bowl to a coin conveying device capable of selectively releasing coins of various denominations. Magnetic sensor units can be positioned along the coin movement path to provide characteristic signals representative of the coins independent of influence of metallic components in the transporting path. The non-magnetic members can be formed from wear resistant plastic material and relatively inexpensive magnetic sensors with coil and ferrite coils can be utilized adjacent the rotor.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a coin-operated vending device having a power supply includes mounting a housing on the outside of the device that contains a note acceptor for non-coin payment and energizing the note acceptor with the power supply. The retrofitted device can be operated by coin or by non-coin payment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vacuum conveyor system are provided herein. In one embodiment a vacuum conveyor system includes a first vacuum sleeve having a plurality of rollers that support and move substrates through the first vacuum sleeve. A port is provided for sealably coupling the first vacuum sleeve to a process chamber. A first substrate handler is disposed proximate the port. Multiple ports may be provided for sealably coupling the first vacuum sleeve to a plurality of process chambers. A dedicated substrate handler is provided for each process chamber. A second vacuum sleeve may be sealably coupled to an opposing side of the process chambers. The vacuum conveyor system may be modular with independent modules linked via load lock chambers. The plurality of rollers may compensate for any sag of the leading edge of a substrate being transported thereupon.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding small parts to be identified and picked up and a part handling apparatus and sorting apparatus including the feeding device. The feeding device includes a picking platform, a dispenser arranged to dispense the parts to the picking platform, and a return member. The feeding device also includes a decelerator connected to the dispenser to reduce the speed of the part to be fed to the dispenser.

Abstract: An endless crop conveying belt loop has a bolted connection including belt material having a top and bottom surface and first and second opposed ends. Each of the two opposed ends having complementary patterns of half wave shapes. Each pattern has a plurality of longitudinal extensions alternating with transverse straight edges. The longitudinal extensions are interwoven between respective extensions of the complementary pattern on the opposed end so that the longitudinal extensions of both opposed ends overlap the top surface of the opposed end and the transverse straight edges of both opposed ends are generally aligned. A staggered array of fasteners secures the two opposed ends together.

Abstract: An easy-to-clean conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having lateral depressions forming channels across the width of the belt along which water can be sprayed to flush debris off the side edge of the belt. Lateral ridges between the depressions and hinge eyes at the ends of each module serve as levees that prevent debris being flushed through the channels from draining into hinge joints between consecutive belt rows.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying and/or sorting articles includes an endless track assembly having a conveying path and a plurality of cartridges for receiving articles and discharging the articles. The cartridges are supported from the track assembly and moveable along the conveying path. The cartridges are configured to move transverse to the conveying path between at least two discharge positions. A method for conveying and/or sorting articles is also provided.

Abstract: A rubber-contact member and a key input apparatus including the same are provided. The rubber-contact member has a plurality of key contacts corresponding to a plurality of circuit contacts located on the upper surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) and includes foldable parts for partitioning the entire area of the rubber-contact member into two or more zones, making an interval between the zones easily adjusted while the foldable parts deform, and therefore making the zones match in a one-to-one correspondence relevant zones of the PCB.

Abstract: A switch dome device for operating functions in electronic equipment includes a plurality of switch domes mounted in a circular pattern on a support structure. Outputs of adjacent switch domes are operatively connected to inputs of a common AND circuit.

Abstract: A lockout device is provided for an operable instrument mounted to a structure with a first set of fasteners. The lockout device includes a base member having first and second side walls, an opening disposed between the side walls, a lock tab, and at least one mounting plate removably attached to the first and second side walls. The opening receives the instrument when the base member is mounted to the structure. The lock tab includes an aperture for receiving a locking member. The mounting plate includes a mounting feature for receiving a portion of one of the first set of fasteners to mount the base member to the structure. The lockout device further includes a cover member attachable to the base member and movable between a lockout position and an open position. The cover member includes an outer portion for covering the instrument when the base member is mounted to the structure and the cover member is in the lockout position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation device (1) of an electric switching device. This actuation device comprises a body (10) onto which is mounted a rotary control handle (2) and a device for locking the rotation of the control handle (2) making it possible to lock the control handle when the latter is in the “Off” position. This locking device comprises a locking member (21) that can move in translation along a main axis (A), a sliding element (20) mounted on the control handle (2), that can move in translation along said main axis (A) and that defines an opening (200) that can receive one or more padlocks in a locked position. The locking device also comprises an operating mechanism (22a, 22b) interacting, on the one hand, with a locking member (21) and, on the other hand, with the sliding element (20) to convert the translation movement of one in a determined direction into a translation movement of the other in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Lamp-socket with built-in switch, wherein the switch can to be driven by means of a knob, a cord, a chain or a lever associated with a type “creek” mechanism which allows to close and to open the lamp power supply connection contacts. On transversal plane defined in the back end of its frontal side, the lamp-socket has a perpendicular connection bridge where the switching mechanism is laterally engaged, this is confined according with the projection of the gap defined by the lamp-socket frontal side perimeter and by the height of the bridge upper transversal edge. The switching mechanism, according to the possible embodiments, is conformed by a “bushing-creek” associated with a cam or “lever creek” in order to actuate it by means of a cord or a chain, or by means of a revolving bushing actuated by means of a knob or a “L” shaped lever.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a contact piece comprising a tungsten overlay soldered onto a support, wherein at least portions of the solder layer and optionally of the support are covered by a layer of a less noble metal than tungsten. The corrosion resistance of the tungsten overlay is considerably improved by the invention.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp membrane switch includes a deformable substrate. Graphic indicia is imprinted on the substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp.

Abstract: An combined monolithic electroluminescent lamp and membrane switch is manufactured by continuous printing. Graphic indicia is imprinted on deformable substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp. The monolithic switch has a layer for sensing switch actuation by means including resistance change, capacitance change, or magnetic field change.

Abstract: A key sheet includes a base sheet and a plurality of key tops arranged on the base sheet and exposed from an operation opening formed in a case of a device. The operation opening has no partition bridge. The base sheet includes a plurality of bases for fixing the key tops and a reinforcing member for supporting the bases while allowing displacement upon pushing.

Abstract: A cart includes a frame, a head part, an actuating mechanism, a seat, a front wheel, two rear wheels, and a power switch; the head part is supported on a front end of the frame in an angularly displaceable manner; the seat and the actuating mechanism are supported on the frame; the actuating mechanism includes a motor, and a storage battery set for providing electricity to the motor; the front wheel is connected to a lower end of the head part; the rear wheels are supported on two sides of a rear portion of the frame, and connected to the motor; the power switch includes a hole, and an activating tool; the motor of the actuating mechanism will be powered by the storage battery set after the activating tool is inserted into the hole.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a pad which can detect an operating coordinate position by a touch operation, and a single push-switch provided under the pad. A touch operation to the pad at a given place allows a preliminary announcement of a function, and a further press-down of the pad being kept at the same position prompts the push-switch to work and determine the function preliminary announced. This structure allows excellent operability, and a single push-switch allows reducing the number of components of the operating section, so that the electronic device having these advantages is obtainable.

Abstract: A thin, film-form seating switch able to detect whether an occupant sits on the seat or not, wherein, with a spacer (5) in-between, a film-form substrate (3) is disposed on one surface of the spacer and a film-form member (7) on the other surface, a first conductor (13) equipped with a first terminal (9) and a first electrode (11A) conductive with this and a second conductor (19) equipped with a second terminal (15) and a second electrode (17A) conductive with this are fixed to one surface of the film-form substrate, and a third conductor (21A) for letting the first electrode conduct with the second electrode when an occupant is seated is fixed to the film-form member (7). The above arrangement solves a conventional problem that it is troublesome to connect the connection terminals of wires or the like provided on a wiring harness or the like to respective terminals that are separately provided on a film-form substrate and a film-form member.

Abstract: A control lever for a manipulator, used in particular for heavy construction machines, comprising a frame defining a cavity, and at least one control button which is actuated by an operator in order to control hydraulic jacks, characterized in that at least one control button comprises at least one lower insulating layer and one upper insulating layer placed on top of each other, whereby a lower conducting layer is fixed to the lower layer, and a second upper conducting layer is arranged opposite the first where the control button is arranged, both elements being separated in the absence of pressure exerted by the finger of the operator and being able to enter into contact when the pressure exerted when the pressure exerted by the finger of the operator is transmitted to the upper layer, whereupon said upper layer becomes deformed and transmits said movement to the upper conducting element, whereupon the contact between the lower conducting elements and upper conducting elements closes an electric circuit gen

Abstract: The invention proposes a switch comprising a lower casing (12) in the bottom (26) of which are placed two fixed contact elements (36, 38), a trip member (14) that is elastically deformable through the action of an actuating member (18), and at least one light source (22) supported by a support plate (20) which straddles the actuating member (18) and has terminals (82) for electrical connection of the light source (22), characterized in that the lower face (72) of the support plate rests on the lower casing (12) and in that the electrical connection terminals of the light source (22) extend outwards from the casing (12) along the vertical lateral faces of the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for an electrical switch device comprising a body (10) upon which is mounted a hand lever (2) that rotates about a main axis (A), cooperating with a transmission shaft (3) able to control the opening or the closing of electrical contacts of the electrical switch device and elastic linking means between the hand lever (2) and the transmission shaft (3). The device also comprises means (7) for locking the rotation of the hand lever (2) with respect to the body (10), used when an angular divergence between the hand lever (2) and the transmission shaft (3) exceeds a specified threshold. The purpose of the invention is to limit the damage to the hand lever and to the electrical device when an operator attempts to return the hand lever (2) to its “Off” position whilst the contacts are welded and to prevent the beginning of electrical arcing if the operator should succeed in unsticking the contacts when rotating the hand lever 2.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rare earth permanent magnet comprises the steps of: forming a rare earth magnet by applying mechanical processing to a magnet block material, thereby damaging the surface of the magnet and causing a magnetic characteristic (BH)max of the magnet to deteriorate, followed by transforming a rare earth metal or an alloy thereof into fine particles or a vapor, and allowing the fine particles or vapor to diffuse and permeate the magnet, thereby improving the quality of the damaged magnet surface portion so that the magnetic characteristic (BH)max is recovered.

Abstract: Work piece processing is performed by pulsed discharges between an anode (2) and a magnetron sputtering cathode (1) in solid-gas plasmas using a chamber (2) containing the work piece (7). A system (12) maintains a vacuum in the chamber and another system (14) provides sputtering and reactive gases. The pulses are produced in a plasma pulser circuit including the anode and the cathode, the discharges creating gas and partially ionized solid plasma blobs (3) moving or spreading from a region at a surface of the cathode towards the work piece and the anode. A potential is applied to the work piece so that a pulsed current comprising biasing pulses arises between the second electrodes. In particular biasing discharges are produced between the anode and the work piece when said plasma blobs have spread to regions at the anode and at the work piece so that the pulsed current is the current of these biasing discharges.

Abstract: A circular groove formed in the end of a cylindrical target allows a retaining ring and flange ring to be attached to the target. The target can then be clamped to an endblock. Targets configured for screw-on affixation may be converted for clamped affixation in this way. Endblocks configured for screw-on targets are modified to clamp targets by modifying or replacing spindles and adding clamp rings.

Abstract: A DC magnetron sputtering system is described that comprises an anodic shield; a cathodic target that comprises at least one sidewall; a plasma ignition arc; and a catch-ring coupled to and located around the shield. Another DC magnetron sputtering system is described that comprises an anodic shield; a cathodic target comprising at least one recess, cavity or a combination thereof and at least one protrusion; and a plasma ignition arc, whereby the arc is located at the point of least resistance between the anodic shield and the at least one recess, cavity or a combination thereof, the at least one protrusion or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling ion density and sputtering rate in a sputtering system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first pulse-width power signal is applied to the cathode to thereby generate a higher concentration of ions. The pulse-width of the first pulse-width power signal is then decreased to thereby increase the sputtering rate and decrease the ion density around the cathode. Next, the process is repeated to create a modulated signal.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus for depositing a target material on a substrate includes a chamber, a target in the chamber to provide the target material, a carrier to carry the substrate in the chamber to face the target, and a plurality of masks arranged along sides of the carrier and being movable back and forth with respect to the carrier.

Abstract: A sputtering system includes a chamber with two frames therein. Several shafts are pivoted on the frames for rotation and transport. A shielding plate is placed above the shafts, and several adjustable mechanisms are between the frames and the shielding plate. Each of the adjustable mechanisms has an operation member on an exterior side of the chamber and an inner member in the chamber, which is connected to the operation member and the shielding plate. The inner member has a first section with a threaded hole and a second section with a threaded post screwed into the threaded hole of the first section. As a result, when the operation member is turned, the relative length and position of the inner member is changed to elevate or lower the shielding plate, and hence the gap between the carrier and the shielding plate can be adjusted to the desired allowable value.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a sputtering system that includes a vacuum chamber; a substrate transport system configured to transport a substrate through the vacuum chamber; a cathode for supporting a sputtering target, the cathode at least partially inside the vacuum chamber; and a power supply configured to supply power to the cathode and the power supply configured to output a modulated power signal. Depending upon the implementation, the power supply can be configured to output an amplitude-modulated power signal; a frequency-modulated power signal; a pulse-width power signal; a pulse-position power signal; a pulse-amplitude modulated power signal; or any other type of modulated power or energy signal.

Abstract: A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip comprises an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on said electrode support; a cover; a sample flow channel; and an incompressible element placed between said cover and said electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of said sample flow channel to provide at least one vent in said sample flow channel. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip comprises an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on said electrode support; a cover; and a sample flow channel, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with said sample flow channel. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A graft copolymer having metalloporphyrin ionophores covalently attached in a manner that prevents dimer formation is provided. A method of making the graft copolymer comprises polymerizing a functionalized metalloporphyrin monomer, which includes a polymerizable group, with a co-monomer. Methods for synthesizing the polymerizable metalloporphyrin monomers are provided. The graft copolymer can be incorporated into anion-selective membranes for use in anion-detecting sensors, which have improved longevity and response times.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided that has the diffusion of the measuring gas toward the working electrode adapted in such a way as to obtain a good signal-to-basic current ratio. Provisions are made for the measuring gas to be transported via a capillary arrangement (11), wherein the capillary arrangement (11) is designed as an arrangement extending in parallel to the working electrode (4).

Abstract: Method of effecting a readout of a gas-sensitive field-effect transistor having an air gap between a gate electrode with a gas-sensitive layer and the readout transistor, in which a potential occurring on the gas-sensitive layer in the presence of a target gas is passed through a noncontacting floating gate electrode to the transistor, wherein the potential of a reference electrode, which together with the floating gate electrode generates a capacitance Cw, is tracked to the potential of the floating gate electrode in order to eliminate the capacitance Cw during the measurement.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a measuring electrode and a reference electrode. The reference electrode includes a flowing liquid junction between a reference fill fluid and a sample. The flowing liquid junction is configured to inhibit particles from blocking or obstructing it. In one aspect a particle filter is provided before the flowing liquid junction to prevent particles from the fill fluid from entering the flowing liquid junction. In another aspect a particle filter is provided after the flowing liquid junction to prevent particles in the sample from entering the flowing liquid junction. In another aspect the flowing liquid junction has a diameter that generally increases from an aperture proximate the fill fluid to an aperture proximate the sample. On example of such a configuration is a tapered flowing liquid junction.

Abstract: A scanning laser microscope that can quantitatively display a laser irradiation power on a display unit and that can suppress fluctuations in the laser irradiation power is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.

Abstract: The present invention is an assay for determining if a patient has a neuromuscular disease. The method comprises collecting a biological sample from a patient, separating the proteins present in the biological sample, quantitating a panel of proteins by proteomic techniques, analyzing the quantity of the protein panel using biostatistics, and determining whether or not the patient has a neuromuscular disease based on the statistical analysis of the results.

Abstract: A gel casting module and an electrode module provided on a caster in an electrophoresis device having at least a recess provided for clinging thereto of a flat plate of a gel plate sandwich, a caster lid is provided on the lower side of the recess of the caster and can be turned to press on the recess; the caster is provided on two sides of its shoulder with clasps for fixing or releasing the caster lid, thereby the caster is used as a main-body for the gel casting module and the electrode module to position the gel plate sandwich. When in use, it needs only to do an action of closing the caster lid, the gel plate sandwich can be surely fixed on the caster; this not only increases the convenience of operation, but also largely simplifies the operation procedure for electrophoresis gel casting and running.

Abstract: A method for producing nanosilver on a large scale, a method of manufacturing nanosilver-adsorbed fiber, and an antibacterial fiber manufactured thereby. The nanosilver having a size of 5 nm or less can be generated on a large scale by controlling a minutely electronic current between the two Ag electrodes in a water electrolysis system, while a voltage of 10,000˜300,000 is applied to two Ag electrodes. The nanosilver-adsorbed fiber is manufactured by applying the aqueous solution containing nanosilver to the surface of the synthetic fibers; adsorbing the nanosilver onto the synthetic fibers using a process selected from the group consisting of thermal fixation, high frequency radiation, bubbling, and combinations thereof; and conducting post-finishing at 160 to 200° C.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing tungsten-containing coatings from metal components, such as metal components used in aircraft and other aerospace vehicles. The metal component is DC coupled with a counter electrode and immersed in an aqueous bath that includes an active oxygen source and a ligand in a composition effective to remove the tungsten-containing coating. The aqueous bath may be maintained at a pH greater than about 7.0 and less than or equal to about 8.0. A sensor may be provided to periodically monitor the oxidation reduction potential of the aqueous bath. Another sensor may be provided to periodically monitor the pH of the aqueous bath.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and measuring analyte includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a porous support positioned in between and in contact with the working electrode and the counter electrode. At least one of the working electrode and the counter electrode is perforated. Aprotic ionic liquid fills the pores and is adsorbed on the surface of the porous support. The sensor also includes an electrical power source that provides a controlled voltage difference between the working electrode and the counter electrode, and an ammeter that measures the current flowing from the working electrode to the counter electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting the oxygen effect on oxidase-based analyte sensors includes an oxygen sensor with a working electrode, a reagent matrix disposed on at least the working electrode that contains a reduced form of a redox mediator, an oxidase and a peroxidase, an oxidase-based analyte sensor, a means for determining the oxygen concentration in a portion of a fluid sample using the oxygen sensor, means for determining an analyte concentration in another portion of the fluid sample using the oxidase-based analyte sensor, and means for using the oxygen concentration in the fluid sample to determine a corrected analyte concentration in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling the impact undesirable short circuits between non-adjacent but critically matched pairs of electrodes in a co-planar electrochemical sensor. In one embodiment, the size and/or shape of at least one electrode is configured to induce a short circuit between electrode pairs for which connectivity is pre-set to be measured by a meter in order to indicate a short circuit between a different pair for which such connectivity is not pre-set to be measured. In another embodiment, the surface area of one or more electrodes, other than the working electrode, which are designed to be exposed to a sample fluid is significantly limited in relation to the surface area of the working electrode that is exposed to the sample fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and apparatus for holding and/or displaying one or more collectible items. The one or more collectible items may include one or more coins. The apparatus may comprise a display card having at least one aperture therethrough and at least one container within the at least one aperture wherein the at least one container is capable of containing the at least one collectible item, and wherein the at least one container is rotatable within the at least one aperture relative to the display card and the at least one collectible item is removable from the display device without damaging or destroying any portion of the display device.

Abstract: The lottery scratch ticket container provides a surface on which to scratch lottery tickets and a receiver for holding the shavings from the scratched tickets. The lottery scratch ticket container is also able to hold a variety of lottery tickets within the container. The lottery scratch ticket container is a hinged container, connecting a lid portion to a container base portion. The lid portion allows a user to wipe scratchings through apertures defined between a base surface of the lid portion and the sidewalls of the lid portion and into gutters within the container base portion. Also, the container base portion includes several ticket holders to hold lottery tickets of varying sizes.