Abstract: A wheel simultaneous brake mechanism for simultaneously braking two wheels includes two respective engaging members that are selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for selectively braking or releasing the two wheels. Each engaging member is biased by a spring toward its respective engaged position. The two engaging members are connected to one another in a manner transmitting a tensile force therebetween by a wire, so that the engagement or release of both engaging members can be actuated together in unison.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a modular disc brake, preferably for a heavy road vehicle. The modular disc brake comprises a frame, a house and a cover. A brake mechanism forming a single pre-mounted unit is received in the house. The modules are held together by means of pull rods and nuts. The house is received in a recess of the frame. The cover covers the end of the house. The frame is of a floating type having openings to receive sliding pins.

Abstract: For an air-operated disc brake there is provided an internal brake actuator stroke indicator which provides an indication, readily ascertained from outside the brake caliper, of the amount of actuator stroke remaining in a disc brake apparatus before a remaining available actuator stroke limit is reached. In one embodiment, the stroke indicator is a mechanical device, readable through a sight glass in a caliper port, coupled to the brake actuator in a manner which results in rotary motion of the indicator when the brake actuator is displaced through its stroke. Alternatively, the indicator may be a rotary sensor such as an electrical potentiometer coupled to the actuator, where the potentiometer sends an electrical signal indicative of the actuator stroke to an external display, such as a remote actuator stroke display at a vehicle operator's position.

Abstract: A backplate supports friction material of a disc brake pad. The backplate includes a substantially planar portion of sheet metal and a stiffening flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the planar portion.

Abstract: A decelerating device includes a casing defining internally a chamber filled with a viscous fluid, e.g. silicone oil; and a movable member fitted in fluidtight manner to the casing, so as to be housed at least partly inside the chamber and immersed in the viscous fluid. The movable member has a partition for dividing the chamber substantially in fluidtight manner into at least two adjacent portions varying in volume as a function of the position of the movable member with respect to the casing; and a calibrated constriction for maintaining permanent hydraulic connection of the at least two adjacent portions of the chamber, so that the viscous fluid flows between the chamber portions as a consequence of relative motion between the movable member and the casing.

Abstract: A cam for a brake is provided that allows for greater brake shoe travel and thicker brake linings while providing the same or greater mechanical force as compared to conventional cams. One or more lobes of the cam include multiple portions having varying profiles in axial cross-section. The variation in the cam profiles results in a cam in which the outermost ends or tips of the lobes are longer than in conventional cams yet retain the same mechanical strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection and transportation of cargo includes a planar bottom, four upright sides that are hingedly attached to the planar bottom and a top member that preferably is detachable. The four upright sides includes flexible corners that permit them to fold down on top of the planar bottom. The top is then secured over the collapsed upright sides for storage of the apparatus. To use the apparatus, the upright sides are raised, the cargo is placed on top of the planar bottom intermediate the upright sides, and the top is secured in position over the cargo and the top edges of the upright sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a free-wheel, in particular a pinch roller free-wheel or a pinch body free-wheel, comprising relatively-rotating elements arranged one within the other on a common axis, which form a gap, in which pinch elements, in particular pinch rollers or pinch bodies, are arranged such that a friction connection can be produced with the facing outer surfaces of the elements, by means of the pinch surfaces, whereby the free-wheel outer rim is covered by a ring of fibre-reinforced plastic and the external diameter of the ring of fibre-reinforced plastic is about 1.3 to 1.8 times the diameter of the external clamping surface.

Abstract: A transmission device between a primary motor shaft and a drive shaft for the wheels of self-propelled lawn mowers having a driving member connectable to a motor shaft, an output shaft, and a helically threaded driven gear rotatably mounted and moveable axially on the output shaft, the driven gear including an exterior driving surface and an interior surface, the interior surface including a plurality of teeth fixed in rotation with the gear, the teeth having a sloped leading edge and trailing edges substantially on a plane extending radially outward from the center of the driven gear, the outer engaging surface in constant engagement with the driving member so that the driven gear rotates whenever the driving member rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that generates drive torque and a power transfer device that selectively transfers the drive torque to a driveline. The power transfer device includes an input shaft, an output shaft and a torque biasing system. The torque biasing system has a clutch pack and an actuator that regulates engagement of the clutch pack. An on-demand lubrication system supplies a lubricating fluid flow through the clutch pack based on a control signal generated by a control system. A passively actuated positive displacement pump supplies the lubricating fluid flow through the clutch pack based on a speed differential between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A clutch release device for a motor vehicle with a release flange (11) which is affixed to a housing and an axially slidably release bearing (9) guided on the release flange (11) between which, a bushing (10) is interposed.

Abstract: A bill validation device includes a main body having a bill validation part for validating a bill inserted through a bill insertion opening and a bill conveyance mechanism for conveying a bill, and a bill holder attached to the main body for holding bills determined as valid by the bill validation part. The main body has a data recording medium insertion opening into which a card-shaped data recording medium may be inserted and includes a data recording medium processor for at least one of writing data to and reading data from the data recording medium.

Abstract: A device for accurately adjusting the position of a sensor unit relative to a driving member. The driving member is moved by a coin dispensed by a coin dispenser. The sensor unit is mounted on a movable base plate that is positioned on a fixed base plate attached to the coin dispenser. The relative position of the sensor unit to the driving member is adjusted by a screw unit that can adjust the position of the movable base plate relative to the fixed base plate. A fixing unit secures the movable base plate from moving relative to the fixed base plate once the desired sensor unit position is selected using the screw unit.

Abstract: An article or postal mail conveyor or transportation system which has an in-line mechanism integrally incorporated therein that has been specifically constructed and assembled so as to enable mail tray and mail tub receptacles, which may initially be disposed upon the conveyor or transportation mechanism in improperly oriented states or dispositions, to be automatically moved to properly oriented dispositions or states such that the mail tray and mail tub receptacles can in fact be processed further by automated apparatus or equipment without encountering or causing operational difficulties. The mechanism for re-orienting the mail trays or mail tubs comprises a four-sided tubular housing within which conveyor rollers are disposed upon the four walls of the tubular housing such that any one of the walls of the tubular housing can effectively serve as the floor member of the housing along which the mail trays or mail tubs can be conveyed.

Abstract: The conveyor apparatus disclosed herein is generally formed of a first rail and a second rail, each rail having a plurality of rollers. A portion of the rollers are desirably drive rollers, receiving power from an integral motor assembly. The motor generally comprises a stator that is coupled to the rail and an outer roller assembly rotatably coupled to the rail. The roller assembly includes an outer circumferential magnetized portion positioned in surrounding engagement to the motor stator and functions both as the motor rotor and the conveying surface of the roller. Non-slip roller covering material may be attached to the exterior of the roller assembly. A circuit board having logic controls is preferably in communication with at least one sensor and the motor rotor to regulate rotation of the motor rotor during use of the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying jewelry having a frame fabricated from a single sheet of resilient material. The frame contains parallel, spaced apart front and rear panels that are co-joined along their upper edges by a top wall. The front panel extends below the rear panel and a base is integrally connected to the lower edge of the front panel and extends rearwardly beneath the rear panel. The front panel includes a window through which access can be gained to a foam pad that is captured between the front and rear panels. Studded hooks are inserted into the pad upon which various items of jewelry can be hung. Pins and studded pieces of jewelry can also be inserted directly into the pad for display and storage purposes.

Abstract: A new type of secondary locking system for article carriers consisting of at least one secondary male lock with two shoulders that is attached by a neck to the edge of a outer flap on the carrier for use with a primary locking system. An inner flap has a secondary female opening for each secondary male lock. The secondary female opening is formed by a secondary cut line and fold line with the center of the fold line projecting towards the edge of the flap while of the center of the secondary cut line projects away from the edge of the flap to guide the secondary male lock into a flat position against the inside of the inner flap. The shoulders on the secondary male lock are engaged against locking ledges along the extensions of the secondary cut line. A pair of slits may be formed at the end of the fold lines that project inwardly to allow the secondary male lock to slide into a flat position.

Abstract: A highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is a highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. The tray of the juice-absorbing package may be overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A hinged-lid pack includes a case (2), and contents (14) contained in the case (2) and fit with an inner frame (16). The case (2) has a transverse cutting line (22) formed in a front wall (4) thereof, oblique cutting lines (24) respectively formed in right and left side walls (12) thereof, and a self-hinge (26) formed at a rear wall (6) thereof. When the case (2) is split apart along the transverse cutting line (22) and the oblique cutting lines (24), the case (2) is divided into a box (30) and a recloseable lid (28).

Abstract: A chisel scabbard (10) comprises a pouch (12) and a belt clip (22). An insert (14) is received in the mouth (16) of the pouch (12) and is adapted to receive various sizes of chisel. A flat front surface (64) is provided with abrasion material to permit sharpening of the chisel. Clips (50) enable two scabbards to be connected together. A sharpener (90) is provided comprising an abrasion plate (110) mounted in a slider (100). The chisel displaces the plate in the slider on insertion of the chisel in the scabbard. The slider can be actuated to repeat the sharpening stroke. The pouch (12) can comprise two extruded sections (92, 94) and end caps (96, 14?).

Abstract: A manufacturing carrier has an insert that can be configured and reconfigured for a wide variety components. The carrier has a frame configured to be transported by a conveyor, an insert and at least one positioner. The insert has pin holes arranged in a matrix. The positioner is carried in a pin hole and configured for locating a component at an x axis position, a y axis position, and a z axis position in relation to the insert. The positioner is moveable from the pin hole configured for a component to another pin hole to reconfigure the insert for another component.

Abstract: A convenience package for thin film products according to aspects of the present invention places a folded stack of thin film plastic bags inside a container to protect the bags during shipping, handling and dispensing. The container surrounds the plastic bags and includes an opening through which individual bags are retrieved. The plastic bags are attached to each other in such a manner that retrieval of a first bag through the opening in the container partially retrieves a second bag and leaves part of the second bag protruding through the opening. Attachments between bags within the container ensure that each bag is opened as it is retrieved through the opening.

Abstract: A container for disks has an improved latching mechanism. The container comprises a cassette with sidewalls with slots for holding disks in an axial arrangement, two opposite end walls each have a U-shaped recess extending downwardly from the open top, a top cover with a rectangular top portion and two end portions extend downwardly to cover the U-shaped recess. The top cover latches to the cassette by way of a latching mechanism which includes a living hinge, an extension portion, and a hook portion all on each end portion. The hook portion cooperates and engages with a cooperative catch member on the cassette. The extension member is under tension to secure the top cover in place. In an alternate embodiment, recesses on the extension portion connect to nubs on the cassettes or on the bottom cover to secure the top cover in place.

Abstract: A screen assembly, holding apparatus for it, and a vibratory separator with it, the vibratory separator, in one aspect, for separating components of material introduced thereto, the vibratory separator including a basket, a collection receptacle beneath the basket, a deck on the basket for mounting a screen assembly thereon, the deck having a plurality of deck pins projecting upwardly therefrom, a screen assembly on the deck, the screen assembly including screening material, the screening material having a plurality of openings therethrough suitable for the flow of fluid therethrough, the fluid from the material introduced into the basket, the screening material having a plurality of spaced-apart screen holes therethrough, each screen hole having therein part of one of the deck pins, vibratory apparatus connected to the vibratory separator for vibrating the screen assembly, and holding apparatus for holding the screen assembly on the deck with a part of a deck pin in each screen hole.

Abstract: A screen assembly which includes a frame, a plurality of openings in the frame, a screen overlying the openings, a plurality of spaced tapered ribs on the opposite side of the frame from the screen, a first end on the frame with a lip, and a second end on the frame with a clip thereon. Another embodiment has a first end with a ledge and a second end with an overhanging portion, and a seal on the ledge.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine comprises an injection carousel (1) and a system (4) for injecting mail items (3) standing on edge into receptacles (2) of the carousel (1). Each receptacle (2) of the carousel (1) is defined by an end wall (7) and two side walls (5, 6). A blower (13) is interposed between the injection system (4) and the carousel (1). The blower (13) delivers two jets (14, 15) of compressed air that are substantially perpendicular to each other, with each mail item (3) being displaced between the jets.

Abstract: A filter element for hydrocarbon emissions in, e.g., marine diesel engine applications, comprises a wound mat received within a filter bag. An annular end cap is bonded to one end of the wound mat, and is sealed around its periphery to a bag ring at the open end of the bag. The bag ring is then received and retained in a seat ring in the housing. The exhaust as stream from the engine is directed through an opening in the end cap and through the wound mat and bag for removal of hydrocarbons and contaminants.

Abstract: A tool holder having a support member and first and second shelf portions is disclosed. The first shelf portion includes apertures capable of receiving and holding an impact tool or a cup or similar object. The first shelf portion also has slots capable of receiving and holding one or more tools. The second shelf portion is comprised of a plurality of elongated members that are spaced apart such that there are slot-like gaps between the members. The slot-like gaps are capable of receiving and holding one or more tools. The distal end of the elongated members at each end of the plurality of elongated members comprising the second shelf portion extends upward, allowing the holder to hold a coiled hose, cord, or other coiled object. The holder is made of a single piece of steel without welds.

Abstract: A tool rack assembly comprises a board and a tool rack detachably mounted to the board. In another embodiment, a tool try-on device is provided comprises a board and a rotating member rotatably mounted to the board. The rotating member is engageable with an end of a tool. The rotating member moves in a direction transverse to a plane on which the board lies when the tool engaged with the rotating member is turned.

Abstract: A portable chafing stand system for providing a chafing stand that is portable and that reduces fuel consumption. The portable chafing stand system includes a pair of end members and a pair of side members attachable to one another. The end members each have a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots. The side members each have a plurality of catch members that are catchably received within the first slots and the second slots. The side members preferably have a lower lip for supporting the fuel unit. The end members each include a pair of upper supports for supporting an upper lip of a disposable food tray. The upper edge of the side members supports the floor of the disposable food tray.

Abstract: A point of purchase display stand for displaying products includes shelving, lights, cabinets, signs, baskets, and other items that may be supported on a slot wall positioned in the back of the stand. The slot wall may be made up of horizontal slots that allow the aforementioned items to be positioned at a plurality of vertical locations and a virtually infinite number of horizontal locations. End panels and doors may also be added to the display stand for providing security to the contents of the display stand. The shelves may only require a small amount of rotation to be removed from the slot wall. The shelves may be oriented in a plurality of different angular orientations, and they may be optionally connected with adjacent shelves so that any sagging of a given shelf is transmitted to the adjacent shelves, thereby maintaining the shelves in horizontal alignment with each other.

Abstract: An umbrella-type laundry drying apparatus has a central upright tube carrying a spreading framework, which can be swung open via an actuating mechanism. A tubular protective sheath can be pulled over the collapsed framework and clothesline. The open-out framework has carrying arms for the clothesline, which are arranged in the form of rays of a star and are articulated on a lower sliding sleeve, and supporting arms, which are connected in an articulated manner to the carrying arms and are articulated on a upper sliding sleeve. At least the lower sliding sleeve can be displaced along the upright tube and secured in different positions on the upright tube. The actuating mechanism for spreading the framework is formed by two of the carrying arms each bearing a handle which, with the open-out framework collapsed, is covered by the protective sheath when it is pulled over the collapsed framework.

Abstract: A friction clutch type draft gear assembly includes a housing having an open front end and a closed rear end forming a ledge for enabling a longer buff and draft travel while fitting into a 24.625 inch draft gear pocket. A friction clutch mechanism includes a pair of outer stationary plate members, a pair of movable plate members, a pair of inner stationary plate members having an inner surface which is tapered at an angle of approximately 4.5°, a pair of wedge shoe members having an upper surface which is tapered from a point disposed inwardly from the tapered outer surface inwardly toward and at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the friction clutch mechanism, and a center wedge member which includes a pair of correspondingly tapered surfaces frictionally engageable with the upper tapered surface of a respective one of the pair of wedge shoe members. The tapered upper surface of the pair of wedge shoe members is tapered at an angle of approximately 49.0°–50.0°.

Abstract: A segregated container for holding multiple substances including an outer container, and inner container, a sealing member, and a sealing cap. The inner container is at least partially slidably received within the outer container. The sealing member is releasably secured to an upper rim of the inner container so as to define a closed space within the inner container. The sealing cap is sealingly secured to the outer container circular rim so as to secure the inner container within the outer container. The inner and outer containers may each contain a substance, solid or liquid, that is isolated from the other during shipment and storage, and which may be separately accessed for use.

Abstract: A device for preventing removal of a lid from a container. The device has a cover with a top which is adapted to fit over a lid of a container and an engagement means consisting of an upper continuous cylindrical wall and a lower section of integral and flexible leg segments. Each leg segment has a lateral portion or rib for engaging a neck part of the container to prevent removal of the cover from the container. Retaining means in the form of three independently rotatable locking rings prevent disengagement of the engagement means from the container. The deice is used on a typical drinking bottle with a screw on cap to prevent removal of the cap thereby maintaining hygiene and safety aspects of the liquid contents.

Abstract: A composite closure includes a band and an insert disk. A contact surface urges downwardly against the disk even while the band moves longitudinally relative to the disk or container. The closure has a fully tightened position in which the band's ring contacts the disk's annular channel, a loose position in which the ring is spaced apart from the annular channel, and an intermediate tightened position in which the ring is spaced apart from the disk and the contact surface urges against the curl. Another composite closure includes plural fins or gussets. The fins or gussets engage the peripheral curl of the insert disk to secure the band to the disk, which provides a resistance to initial unscrewing of the band. The disengagement torque required to disengage the curl from the fins may enable the closure to function as a one-piece closure.

Abstract: Collapsible container which includes a carrying base part, a plurality of collapsible side walls and a lid. A first and second side wall are movably attached to an upper frame member via upper hinge members. The first and second side walls are further parted into each an upper and lower section via a vertical folding line. An upper edge of a third and fourth side wall are each provided with at least one locking lip limiting the outwards movement of the third and fourth side walls by interacting with an inner edge of the upper frame member. The lid is provided with an inner rim which is interacting with the inner edge and with the locking lips thereby limiting inward movement of the third and fourth side walls while the lid is arranged on the collapsible container.

Abstract: A cap/utensil combination having a cap having a cap top with an inner surface having at least a contact area thereof that is substantially smooth, and having at least one upwardly standing sidewall attached to the cap top, sidewall having an inner surface. The inner surface of the sidewall has a rib structure. A utensil has first and second points of contact with sections of the rib structure and at least partially along an axis of symmetry of the utensil and a third point of contact at least partially within a contact plane through the axis of symmetry, the contact plane being substantially perpendicular to a plane of the inner surface of the cap top. The three-points of contact ensure that the utensil is securely held within the cap, and yet is readily removable therefrom.

Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto the rim of a drinking cup is provided. The cup lid comprises a cover portion having a drinking access port and a condiment opening, a rim portion, and a flexible arm having a sealing member. The cup lid is structured in such a manner that when the condiment opening is not in use, the condiment opening is sealably closed by the sealing member of the flexible arm.

Abstract: A disposable lid for beverage containers includes a mechanism enabling a user to hang the lid on the rim of the container, rather than placing the lid on a counter or table top, to avoid actual or perceived unsanitary conditions and to minimize risk of transmitting infectious diseases to the user. The lid includes an integral device for hanging the lid on the rim of the container while being inexpensive to manufacture and efficient to package and transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blister pack device for storing and dispensing a dosage unit, including a container having an opening for receiving a blister pack. The container is provided with a dispensing mechanism for ejecting a dosage unit from a blister or the blister pack, the dispensing mechanism includes a lever arm pivotally mounted on the container and a cavity in the container for receiving an ejected dosage unit wherein the lever arm has a first open position allowing the blister pack to be positioned under the arm and a second lowered position for ejecting the dosage unit from the blister into the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article-dispensing machine or a vending machine, which includes a main body, one or more tracks for holding articles, one or more selection elements for selecting at least one article and one or more dispenser-controlling assemblies for controlling the release of at least one article in response to the operation of the one or more selection elements. According to the present invention, the tracks slope downwards along a releasing direction relative to horizontal direction, and the bevel angle of the tracks to horizontal direction is configured to ensure at least one article thereon able to move downwards by gravity. The article-dispensing machine employs a pure mechanical dispenser system, and can achieve the function of dispensing articles without electric power supply, which broadens its applications and saves power.

Abstract: A merchandise output device of a vending machine comprises a machine body; a groove body in the machine body; a rotary disk and a rotary disk and a guide plate installed above the rotary disk and being an approximate right-angled triangular plate. The guide plate is obliquely installed above the rotary disk corresponding to the upper side of the outlet at the bottom of the groove body. A first right angle side of the guide plate is obliquely installed to a first wall of the groove body. A first apex between the first right angle side and the hypotenuse is placed near an upper side of the rotary disk. The second right angle side is horizontally installed to a second wall of the groove body adjacent to the first wall. A second apex between the second right angle side and the hypotenuse is placed higher than the first apex.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.

Abstract: In order to increase the dosing accuracy of a dosing device, the bulk material is temporarily stored upstream from a reservoir (1) in an intermediate storage container (6) and is transferred only when a compensating pressure value is reached. The invention also relates to a corresponding device with a valve lock (4,5) on the intermediate container (6).

Abstract: A combination container and container cap (10) includes a container cap (11) having a deformable cover (14) on which a plurality of levers (15) are operatively connected. The levers (15) move from a first position to a second position, wherein the levers (15) move downward and radially outward to puncture a membrane (20) thereby allowing the substance in the container cap (11) to mix with a liquid (102) in a cavity (101) of a container (100).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a substantially rigid shell (1) provided with an opening (14), a flexible pouch (23) fixed to a pouch support (2) forming a fixing bushing (22) defining an outlet passageway (24) for the fluid, and a dispensing member (3) such as a pump for extracting the fluid from the flexible pouch through the outlet passageway of the pouch support; and wherein the fixing bushing (22) of the flexible support (2) is fixed in the opening (14) of the shell (1).

Abstract: A container for storage and dispensing of paint includes a unitary, molded plastic container body defining an interior volume and including an annular container opening through which the contents are dispensed. Included as part of the paint container is a dispensing spout which is positioned within the container opening and includes a pouring lip. The dispensing spout includes a threaded portion which receives a removable closing cap. The cap is constructed and arranged to close the container opening. A transporting handle is provided and is attached directly to the container body.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having a fluid reservoir (10), a pump (20) mounted on the reservoir (10) for selectively dispensing the fluid, and a dispenser head (30) connected to the pump and incorporating a dispenser orifice (31). The device includes at least two laterally-actuated elements (40, 50) distributed around the dispenser head (30), the laterally-actuated elements (40, 50) being displaced simultaneously in a direction that is approximately transverse to the central axis of the device, and each co-operating with a peripheral edge (11) of the reservoir (10) so as to exert an axial force thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots) used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and method.