Abstract: A dynamic vibration absorber (1) includes: a weight (2); a frame body (3) which surrounds the weight (2); a total of four pairs of vertically mounted U-shaped leaf springs (4, 5, 6 and 7) which are interposed between the frame body (3) and the weight (2) so as to hold the weight (2) with respect to the frame body (3) movably with respect to all directions in a horizontal plane and immovably in a vertical direction (V); and a damping mechanism 8 for damping the vibration of the weight (2) in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping torque output from a torque converter turbine to input to a transmission. The damper includes: (a) an input device for connection to an engine; (b) a first spring set having drive springs; (c) a second spring set having secondary springs; (d) a third spring set having parallel springs; (e) a floating apparatus; and (f) an output device. Springs of the first spring set are compressible in a forward direction toward the output device as a result of torque applied to the input device and compressible in a reverse direction toward the input device as a result of torque applied by the output device. The first and second spring sets are in series between the input device and output device during a first forward compression of the first spring set, and the series is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device during a second compression of the first spring set.

Abstract: The invention seeks to minimize the vibration and noise in a clutch plate system, by damping either or both the clutch plate and pressure plate with the use of various engineered viscoelastic materials. A clutch plate assembly is provided, comprising a plate body having a first surface and a second surface. In a first embodiment of the invention, the plate body is formed from a laminated sheet structure including two layers of steel having a viscoelastic core between the two layers and coextensive with the two layers. The viscoelastic core may be tunable to damp at different temperatures. In a second embodiment of the invention, an engineered viscoelastic material is used as a layer of bonding material for the first and second surface of the plate body. A method for damping a clutch plate assembly is provided.

Abstract: A differential unit structure includes a transmission shaft having a connecting tube. The connecting tube comprises a chamber to accommodate first friction plates for a driven shaft to insert therein. The driven shaft has a connecting rod engaging with second friction plates. An engaging seat is to urge the first friction plates and the second friction plates to mesh with each other tightly to link the transmission shaft and the driven shaft starts to spin. When the engaging seat is pushed by an activating rod to move, the first friction plates and the second friction plates are separated to form a differential speed.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting regulating system employs a valve mechanism, which distributes fluid pressure from a pressure source to a torque-transmitting mechanism by control for the engagement and disengagement thereof. The valve mechanism has associated therewith a pressure sensor mechanism, which distributes a control signal to the electronic control module (ECM) to inform the ECM of the condition of operation of the torque-transmitting mechanism. A valve mechanism supplies a first pressure signal during disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism, a second pressure signal during the filling period of the torque-transmitting mechanism, and a third signal during the fully engaged condition of the torque-transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unique feed roller device for supporting articles and facilitating the movement and handling of such articles in both industrial and domestic applications and more particularly to a method of making the feed roller device from stock pieces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and other readily available materials to minimize the cost and increase the ease of manufacturing such feed rollers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a security grate for limiting access to a coin bin is disclosed. The security grate comprises a plurality of generally parallel upper slats and a plurality of generally parallel slats disposed below the upper slats. The plurality of first slats receives coins and directs coins moving under the force of gravity in a first direction. The plurality of lower slats receive coins from the upper slats and direct the coins moving under the force of gravity in a second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inscription position (BP) of a laser beam controlled in terms of two coordinates and its intensity, whereby one photoelectric barrier-controlled driven pair of feed and pressure rollers (1, 2; 3, 4) each is disposed on the feed end and the outlet end and the credit card (C) is positioned in parallel lateral guide tracks (5, 6) in a manner so as to be ready for inscription. The guide tracks (5, 6) are disposed in a turning mechanism (7) which is disposed between the pairs of rollers (1, 2; 3, 4) together with a transfer conveyor (8, 12) which displaces the credit card (C) between the pairs of rollers (1, 2; 3, 4) to such an extent that it is inserted in a first transfer position from the pair of feed rollers (1, 2) into the guide tracks. In a second transfer position, the credit card is retained only at its edges and is held between the pairs of rollers (1, 2; 3, 4) in such a manner that its entire surface is freely accessible for laser inscription.

Abstract: A device for restraining the rise of a step roller of an escalator prevents the step roller from colliding with rails of a track in turn around areas at the top and bottom of the escalator. The device comprises: a supplementary roller, which is disposed between an outer rail and an inner rail of the track; an elastic member for biasing the supplementary roller toward the outer rail to roll thereon; and a supporting block to which the elastic member is fixed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a conveyor or sorting system capable of providing multiple divert steps that effectively sort or sequence objects into a desired order on a main conveyor surface. The divert steps or processes involve a divert area active at a divert point along the main conveyor axis. In particular, the invention employs an apparatus or steps in a sorting operation to minimize or reduce the percentage of objects or containers that fall from or jam on the main conveyor by using the bi-directional divert apparatus and divert guides. The apparatus and methods can more accurately sort collections of containers or objects into a desired sequence, for example, as used in mail or parcel delivery systems.

Abstract: A work conveying apparatus including at least one movable work conveying device to support a work, a drive device capable of reciprocating by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction, and a latching portion formed on at least one of the working conveying device and the drive device and configured to latch the working conveying device with the drive device and move the work conveying device when the drive device is moved in one direction in the reciprocating direction.

Abstract: An in-line gate is provided for a conveyor for particulate lading. The gate comprises a gate plate which is movable between a raised position in which the gate plate engages a seal extending at least along the sides of the conveyor exit and a lowered position in which the plate is beneath the conveyor's trough floor. In the lowered position, the gate plate is moved parallel to the direction of the conveyor between a closed position in which the plate blocks the opening and an open position in which the gate plate is positioned beneath the conveyor trough.

Abstract: A connector for connecting modular conveyor links to form a belt includes a rod-like core and a powder coating forming a protective shell. The core may be stainless steel and the powder coating may be nylon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a conveyed product on a conveyor. The apparatus includes a filing channel that includes the ability to adjust the location of at least one end of the filing channel. In one embodiment, the filing apparatus includes a plurality of cards successively arranged wherein the cards are supported by a support member. The cards define the filing channel and the shape of the channel is maintained despite repositioning at least one end of the filing channel.

Abstract: A keypad device includes a key-mat and a switch assembly. The key-mat has a plurality of spaced key portions. The switch assembly includes a plurality of switches disposed under the respective key portions. A plurality of slots is defined in the key-mat. Each slot is disposed between a pair of the adjacent key portions such that the linkage between the adjacent key portions is destroyed. Thus a pressure on a given key portion is not transferred to its adjacent key portions, thereby unwanted key presses are avoided.

Abstract: A conventional mouse and keyboard poses great load on the user's finger and hands at key operation, and the material used for its surface is rigid. An input device which can reduce the load on the user's finger, and gives soft touch by avoiding abrupt change in downward pressure at key operation. The input device includes elastic material on the surface, a camera to image the back surface of a key when the key is pressed, an image processor which determines finger position from the image, and an output which generates a signal according to the finger position. By using this input device, the user can carry out operations similar to those achieved by a mouse and keyboard for a computer.

Abstract: A switch device is provided. A switch device includes a housing. A circuit board is provided with fixed contacts. A rubber sheet is disposed on the circuit board and has protuberances, a tiltably-supported actuator, a rotatable knob, and a torsional coil spring serving as a restoring spring. The actuator is disposed adjacent to the rotatable knob. The rotatable knob is provided with a drive portion, which extends through a cutout in the actuator so as to be slidably engaged to engagement portions of the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manual control of remote controlled objects in real or virtual spaces, more specifically a joystick, is equipped with two control mechanisms (8, 9), each of which allowing complementary manual navigation in the x and y direction, coupled with each other in such a manner as to additionally allow a movement of the control mechanisms (8, 9) in relation to each other in the z direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric rotary switch comprising a switching rotary unit (5) arranged in a housing provided with at least on switching contact (13) acting on switching contact paths (2) associated to socket (1). Said rotary switching unit (5) is coupled with an actuating element (8) and interacts with means (9, 10, 11) for determining switching positions. Said means (9, 10, 11) are associated, on one hand with a face oriented towards the socket (11) of the rotary switching unit, and with the rotary switching unit, on the other hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring contact consumption in multiple contact switches of the load-switching type, wherein the selection and the switching is carried out in one step by the movement of switching contacts and which therefore do not have a separate diverter switch. Every time the multiple contact switch is actuated, the load current is measured. The corresponding, previously stored rated stage voltages for the current switching and information on whether it was shifted “up” or “down”, are used to calculate the switching currents of the breaking contacts, the consumption rates are determined on the basis thereof and the volume consumption is accumulated. Said accumulated value is compared with a previously determined threshold value; once this threshold value is reached, warning messages or other messages are generated.

Abstract: A control module improved in productivity and workability. The control module (100) comprises an ATCU (10), i.e., a control circuit unit, and a wiring unit (20) connecting terminals of the control circuit unit to connectors (28). The control circuit unit (10) and the wiring unit (20) are contained between a cover (30) and a base (40). The wiring unit (20) has a resin molded part (24) formed by resin-molding nearly central portions of bus bars (22), which are constituted by a plurality of conductors. The resin molded part serves as a rigid region, and a part where the bus bars are exposed serves as a flexible region. The base (40) is shaped to be contacted with the cover (30) when they are fitted to each other, and has protrusions (42) each formed to position between the adjacent bus bars (22) in the flexible region. Contact portions between the cover (30) and the protrusions (42) of the base (40) are fixedly bonded to each other.

Abstract: A switch device is provided. The switch device includes a circuit substrate having a fixed contact. A rubber sheet having dome-shaped protuberances is disposed on the circuit substrate. A holder is held moveable in the vertical direction. A rotatable knob is axially supported at the holder within a housing. An actuator is provided at the side of the rotatable knob. A drive portion is attached to the rotatable knob that extends out of the holder so as to be engaged with the actuator.

Abstract: A series of locks are described for preventing child access to cupboards and the like. The locks are preferably concealed and are opened by a proximity of a remote actuator, for example a magnet actuating a reed switch. An override or master switch may also be used to open all locks, for example, for a set period while emptying a dishwasher.

Abstract: A collision detecting system for a vehicle has a pressure detecting member for detecting a pressure in a substantially closed space which is arranged at a periphery portion of the vehicle, and a vibration detecting member for detecting a vibration of the vehicle. The pressure in the space is calculated for a detection of a vehicle collision, based on pressure signals detected by the pressure detecting member and vibration signals detected by the vibration detecting member. Therefore, the influence of the vehicle vibration on the detection of the pressure in the space can be restricted, thus improving the detection of the vehicle collision.

Abstract: A slide switch (1) comprises an insulative housing (5), a fixed contact unit (6) embedded in an inner side face of the housing (5) and a moveable contact (7) disposed in the housing against the fixed contact unit (6), an actuator (8) for actuating the moveable contact (7) to slide relative to the fixed contact unit (6) and a cover (8) mounted on the housing (5), wherein the actuator (8) defines side ribs and the housing (5) defines a leading member corresponding to the side ribs. In assembly, the leading member of the housing (5) engages with the side ribs of the actuator (8).

Abstract: A closeable electronics device (100) that includes housing having at least two portions pivotally mounted to each other about a pivotal axis (A) allowing relative movement of the portions between an opened position and closed position. The portions are a first portion (205) having a detector aperture (215) and a second portion (210) having a protruding detector actuator (220) positioned for operative engagement with the aperture (215) when the portions are in the closed position. The device (100) also has a circuit board (530) disposed in the first portion (205) and two spaced switch contacts (540, 550) are disposed on the circuit board (530). There is also a resilient pad (405) supported by the circuit board (530), the resilient pad (405) having an actuator engaging surface (410) disposed in the aperture (215). A conductive shorting member (515) disposed on the resilient pad (405) with a switch contacting surface (610) of shorting member (515) aligned with and facing the switch contacts (540, 550).

Abstract: A sealed pushbutton switch (1) includes an insulative housing (2), a number of fixed contacts (7), an actuator (3) moveably retained in the insulative housing, a moveable contact (6) fastened to the actuator and including a pair of elastic beams (62) each provided with a contact portion (621) contactable to corresponding fixed contacts to establish a reliable electrical connection between the fixed contacts, and a spring (5) mounted below the actuator. When the actuator is pushed, the moveable contact has an agile movement to break the electrical connection between the moveable contact and the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (20) has a light guide (23, 31, 33) and a supporting structure (23, 33) arranged to provide an illuminated and integrated keyboard assembly (20). A light guide (23, 31, 33) provides an integrated supporting, protecting and illuminating structure for keyboard assemblies (20). The keyboard assembly (20) has a layer of rigid material (31) which separates the elastic layer (21) from the printed wired board (9) located under the rigid layer (31). The layers are bonded together. The protection rib (33) is part of the combination of the elastic layer (21) and rigid layer (31) which is supported against the printed wired board (9) by the rigid layer (31). The combined structure of the light guide and supporting frame forms an integrated structure (23, 31, 33) which illuminates an array of keys (22), supports the keyboard assembly (20) and protects the keys (22) and key tops 25 from mechanical stress.

Abstract: An illuminated keypad includes a baseboard, a plurality of keys protruded from the baseboard, a plurality of sets of light guiding bars and a plurality of light-emitting components. Each set of light guiding bars is disposed under the baseboard. Each light guiding bar has a portion extending toward one key. The light-emitting components are disposed under the baseboard corresponding to the respective sets of light guiding bars. Thus light emitted from the light-emitting components is transmitted to the keys for illuminating through the respective light guiding bars. According to an aspect of the invention, each set of light guiding bars are arranged to be X-shaped. According to another aspect of the invention, each set of light guiding bars are arranged in a line.

Abstract: A cam switch assembly is actuated by movement of a member, such as a part of a convertible top that is pivoted about a first pivot axis toward and away from a surface that is fixed relative to the pivot. The cam switch comprises a holder for at least one switch that is attached to the member. A cam switch actuator having an arm is attached to the holder at a second pivot axis. The cam switch actuator opens and closes the switch as the cam switch actuator is pivoted relative to the holder about the second pivot axis. The arm has a first lost motion connection to the movable member in a first direction. The member has a second lost motion connection at the first pivot axis that is aligned with the first direction when the member is moved into engagement with the surface. The member is movable relative to the surface in a first direction and the arm is permitted to move relative to the surface without changing the angular orientation of the cam switch actuator relative to the holder.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of switch positions includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, and a second electrical contact configured to electrically connect at least two of the first contacts. A carrier member is configured to carry the second contact, and a knob is used to facilitate selection of the switch positions. The knob is configured to cooperate with the carrier member so that moving the knob from one switch position to another results in a related movement of the carrier member and the second contact. A first biasing member, which is electrically isolated from all of the electrical contacts, is configured to bias at least a portion of the second contact toward the first contacts to facilitate an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: A push-button assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having at least one housing finger that is defined by a housing opening. A push-button is integrated with the housing finger wherein the housing finger has a push-button stem integrated therewith. Additionally, the push-button assembly may include a light pipe capture that is also integrated with the housing. Furthermore, the assembly may include a circuit board having switch that is disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a body, an actuator, and a base design to provide a device that can actuate various Hall-Effect chip devices in a single design. The switch assembly of the invention may provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the switch assembly may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.

Abstract: A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: A touch sensor device for a household appliance or the like is disclosed, for producing a signal for controlling the appliance's operation when touched by a user's finger. The sensor comprises a capacitance sensor element connected to control circuitry, wherein the sensor is connected to a first side of a circuit board, typically facing towards the inside of the appliance. In the same vicinity on the other side of the circuit board is a conductive field that is not galvanically connected to the sensor element, but which is positioned against a non-conductive panel, the other side of which forms the exterior of the appliance. The exterior surface of the panel is a touch area, so that contact by a user's finger in the touch area alters the capacitance, which is detected by the capacitance sensor element and is detected by the control circuitry for controlling the appliance.

Abstract: The salt water distillation system includes a sprinkler to form a mist of salt water over a distillation plate. The distillation plate is heated by applying electrical current to a heating coil. The steam is transferred to a condensation chamber and condensed fresh water is collected. During the desalination process, salt impurities are deposited on the hot distillation plate. A sludge remover, i.e., a steam head and movable ram, is provided to clean the distillation plate of the salt impurities. An exhaust fan is provided to cool fresh water condensate and lower air pressure in the system. Heat transferred from the steam during condensation is used to pre-heat the salt water to increase efficiency of the system.

Abstract: Process and equipment for the treatment of stillage generated by the tequila industry during distillation and mashing, which are intended to eliminate any contaminants contained in the stillage for the purpose of water recovery by water vapour. A novel heat exchanger and stillage evaporator which are used during the process in order to ensure that the vapour generated thereby includes 100% water vapour are also disclosed. The vapour can be re-used in the process line, thereby saving water and eliminating residual discharges to canals or rivers. The recovered solids can be used to produce sub-products having a high concentration of fibre, sugar, protein, as a mixture for livestock feed or biofertilizers, or to produce ethyl alcohol. The process does not require skilled labour and can be performed by general production personnel. The process requires a surface area of no more than 180 m2 and, complies with Official Mexican Standard NOM-OO1-ECOL-1996.

Abstract: This invention proposes a domestic apparatus for water purification, which is based on evaporation-condensation principle and operates under atmospheric pressure. Evaporation process is performed in this apparatus by simple evaporation from the surface of hot tap water without boiling process. The purifier can be easily disassembled and cleaned from scaling.

Abstract: The present invention has for its objects a process for extracting the chemical elements contained in diverse products (i.e. waste, ashes, used catalysts, etc..) or in raw materials such as soils, sediments, lands, brownfields and ores and a device to implement the process. The process consists in forming volatile compounds with one or several elements to be extracted present in a first reactor using a gas being maintained outside of thermodynamic equilibrium as in non-thermal plasma (electric discharge under high or low pressure, corona discharge . . . ). These volatile compounds are then exhausted towards secondary reactors intended to selectively extract said volatile compounds by decomposition or by condensation to recover each elements and the gas which can be recycled.

Abstract: A process which includes the steps of first collecting the green house gases, such as CO2, SO2, Nox, CO, emitted from a furnace where fossil fuels are burned; flowing the gases to a sequestration unit where the gases are cleaned and scrubbed; moving the scrubbed gases to a compressor for reducing the volume of the gases; introducing the gases into a plasma arc for ionizing the gases to charged components; providing a source of free electrons; capturing the free electrons in a dense free electron zone; introducing the charged components from the plasma arc into the dense free electron zone for rendering the ions into elemental fragments of carbon, oxygen gas, nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and other elemental components; collecting the elemental fragments of carbon and other elements; routing the oxygen gas to the furnace to provide oxygen to burn additional fossil fuels.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing a surface of a substrate in physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber that has a magnetron assembly that has separately positionable magnetron sections to improve the deposition uniformity. In general, aspects of the present invention can be used for flat panel display processing, semiconductor processing, solar cell processing, or any other substrate processing. In one aspect, the processing chamber contains one or more magnetron sections and magnetron actuators that are used to increase and more evenly distribute the magnetic field strength throughout the processing region of the processing chamber during processing.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing a surface of a substrate in a PVD chamber that has a magnetron assembly whose shape can be distorted to adjust the magnetic field strength in the processing region of the deposition chamber to improve the deposition uniformity. In general, aspects of the present invention can be used for flat panel display processing, semiconductor processing, solar cell processing, or any other substrate processing. In one aspect, the processing chamber contains one or more magnetron regions and magnetron actuators that are used to increase and more evenly distribute the magnetic field strength throughout the processing region of the processing chamber during processing.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining apparatus and method for machining a workpiece (60). The apparatus provides a pulse of electric power, which is conducted from the workpiece (60), to an electrolyte (68) flowing through a gap (62), and then to an electrode (58). Material is eroded from the workpiece (60) when the pulse of electric power is applied, thus machining the workpiece (60). The apparatus includes a power supply (12) to supply the electric power and a switching portion (40) for producing the pulse by switching the electric power ON and OFF. The switching portion (40) is capable of producing a pulse of electric power with a pulse duration of about 2 microseconds and a current of at least about 2800 amperes.

Abstract: This invention provides a membrane-mediated electropolishing apparatus for polishing and/or planarizing metal work-pieces. The work-piece is wetted with a low-conductivity fluid. The wetted work-piece is contacted with a first side of a charge-selective ion-conducting membrane, wherein the second side contacts a conductive electrolyte solution in electrical contact with a electrode. Current flow between the electrode and the work-piece electropolishes metal from the work-piece.

Abstract: Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides an hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide an hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.

Abstract: A cathode plate (1) comprises a cathode blade (10) and a hanger bar (20) attached to the upper end portion thereof to support the cathode blade (10) in an electrolytic bath. The area of the blade being defined by the hanger bar (20) at the upper periphery and two substantially parallel spaced apart side edges (30) extend from the hanger bar (20) and define the side periphery of the blade. A bottom end edge (40), which is substantially parallel to the hanger bar (20), defines the lower periphery of the blade. The side and bottom edges terminate short of the respective lower and side peripheries of the blade, with the corner edge portions (50) extending between and connecting opposite ends of the bottom edge (40) to the respective side edges (30).

Abstract: A magnetron sputter reactor including an ion beam source producing a linear beam that strikes the wafer center at an angle of less than 35°. The linear beam extends across the wafer perpendicular to the beam but has a much short dimension along the beam propagation axis while the wafer is being rotated. The ion source may be an anode layer source having a plasma loop between an inner magnetic pole and a surrounding outer magnetic pole with anode overlying the loop with a closed-loop aperture. The beams from the opposed sides of the loop are steered together by making the outer pole stronger than the inner pole. The aperture width may be varied to control the emission intensity.

Abstract: Method of making a sputtering target wherein the number of processing steps is reduced by providing melted sputtering target material in a heated mold and solidifying the melted material in the mold using a unidirectional heat removal process to produce a sputtering target with a selective grain orientation. The method can produce a solidified sputtering target having a selectively oriented multigrain microstructure or a selectively oriented single crystal microstructure suited or tailored to the sputtering process to be subsequently employed using the target.

Abstract: Provided is a copper or copper alloy target/copper alloy backing plate assembly in which the anti-eddy current characteristics and other characteristics required in a magnetron sputtering target are simultaneously pursued in a well balanced manner. This copper or copper alloy target/copper alloy backing plate assembly is used for magnetron sputtering, and the copper alloy backing plate is formed from low beryllium copper alloy or Cu—Ni—Si-based alloy. Further, with this copper or copper alloy target/copper alloy backing plate assembly, the copper alloy backing plate has electrical conductivity of 35 to 60% (IACS), and 0.2% proof stress of 400 to 850 MPa.

Abstract: A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.