Abstract: A cable protection system includes at least one cable protector having at least one channel extending between its opposing ends for receiving at least one cable. The cable protector may include a cover structure pivotally attached to a base member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in the cover structure and the base member. A first ramp or an additional cable protector may be attached to the cable protector by inserting one or more connectors formed on the first ramp or additional cable protector into vertically oriented apertures defined in a side of the cable protector. One or more connectors may also be formed on a side of the cable protector opposing the apertures to removably attach the cable protector to a second ramp or an additional cable protector.

Abstract: A cable protection system includes at least one cable protector having at least one channel extending between its opposing ends for receiving at least one cable. The cable protector may include a cover structure pivotally attached to a base member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in the cover structure and the base member. A first ramp or an additional cable protector may be attached to the cable protector by inserting one or more connectors formed on the first ramp or additional cable protector into vertically oriented apertures defined in a side of the cable protector. One or more connectors may also be formed on a side of the cable protector opposing the apertures to removably attach the cable protector to a second ramp or an additional cable protector.

Abstract: A flexible circuit board with a reinforcing board is provided, comprising: a flexible substrate, having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a reinforcing board disposed at a front end of the upper surface of the flexible substrate, wherein a part of the reinforcing board is combined with the upper surface of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit board that includes a flat core plate, a buildup layer having insulation layers and conductor layers alternately stacked on each other, and surface conductor layers provided on the buildup layer. The circuit board further includes deformation-interrupting sections extending through the insulation layers between the conductor layers as electric wires. The deformation-interrupting sections adjust the thermal expansion coefficient of the whole circuit board, and enhance the rigidity of the circuit board. The invention also provides a method for forming the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a printed circuit board, comprising: at least one chip; and a board comprising at least one aperture corresponding to each chip, for enabling each chip to be placed inside the corresponding aperture, thereby enabling reducing the thickness of the printed circuit board to that of the thickest chip. According to one embodiment of the invention, the chip is placed on the board with the upper side of the chip up. According to another embodiment of the invention, the chip is placed on the board with the upper side of the chip down. According to one embodiment of the invention the legs of the chip have “straight” form. According to another embodiment of the invention the legs of the chip have “bent” form.

Abstract: A wiring board (1, 1a, 20, 20a) having: a board body (2, 22) including an insulating material and having a front surface (3, 23), a back surface (4, 24), a cavity (5, 25) having an opening in the front surface (3, 23) of the board body (2, 22) and having a bottom surface (6, 26) and a side surface (7, 27), and a projection which is provided on a front surface side of the side surface (7, 27) of the cavity and projects toward a center of the opening; a metal layer (11) provided on the side surface (7, 27) of the cavity; and an insulating portion which is provided on a back surface (9, 29) of the projection (8, 28) so as to define an obtuse angle (?) with the metal layer (11), or which covers at least a top end portion of the metal layer (11).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, disclosed is a printed wiring board in which a plurality of pads are formed on the substrate surface, a surface conductor layer is formed around the pads, and at least one of the pads is partially in contact with the surface conductor layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding vent panel according to one embodiment generally includes an electrically-conductive porous substrate. The electrically-conductive porous substrate may include electrically-conductive reticulated or open-celled polymeric foam having a plurality of pores in a substantially nonuniform configuration. The vent panel may also include electrically-conductive wire mesh adjacent at least a portion of the electrically-conductive porous substrate for increasing shielding effectiveness.

Abstract: Gate with an at least partially peripheral sealing means, with a retaining strip made from metal, within which the seal is arranged, wherein the seal may be activated pneumatically, with an adjustable plate which is located above the seal and is guided by guide means so as to be adjustable relative to the retaining strip, with an electrically conductive fabric strip which electrically connects the retaining strip to the plate, and with spring contacts which are arranged on the plate, are electrically conductive and may be brought into abutment with the rabbet of the installation frame provided on the building side.

Abstract: An improved method and a cassette assembly for protecting electronic components, comprising of a housing that encloses the electronic components disposed over an insulator. The housing also encases a scissor jack component that can move from a first to a second position to enable actuation and unmating of the cassette assembly, such as to a next level of packaging. The housing has an overhang design, having complementary upper openings and lower cable shroud areas for supporting cable connections and for providing heat dissipation relief and EMC containment. Alternate designs provide for other components such as a honey comb screen and an EMC gasket to further enable EMC containment. In addition, other components such as an actuation trap door, a retention feature and card support members or support struts can be added to the design to enable better actuation and provide for an improved structural rigidity.

Abstract: A radiation shielding wood or laminate faced door having a high fire rating and method for making same are disclosed. The radiation shielding door comprises a non-combustible core having a first face, a second face. A supporting material is in contact with the non-combustible core. A first radiation shield is in contact with the first face of the non-combustible core. An intumescent material is in contact with the supporting material. The method of manufacturing a radiation shielding door includes the steps of providing an non-combustible core having a first face, a second face; securing a supporting material to the non-combustible core; adhering a first radiation shield to the first face of the non-combustible core; and providing an intumescent material to the supporting material.

Abstract: A door grommet installed in a door of a vehicle is disclosed and may preferably comprise a guide clip (i) engaged to a connector and (ii) engaged to wiring in communication with the connector. Preferred door grommets of the invention may prevent wiring installed in the door grommet from being undesirably twisted. Additionally, with preferred door grommets of the invention a worker can recognize in advance the engagement directions of a connector provided in the door grommet and a counter-connector provided in a panel by using a guide clip installed in the connector of the door grommet in an assembling line of a vehicle, thereby restricting the direction of the door grommet, improving worker efficiency, and facilitating repair operations.

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun that comprises a shaped charge holder, two or more shaped charges, slots formed to receive the shaped charges, and an impedance barrier disposed between adjacent shaped charges. The impedance barrier can comprise a gap formed in the shaped charge holder, where the impedance barrier runs across the shaped charge holder. The impedance barrier can be a void formed on the surface of the shaped charge holder, or can include shock attenuating material therein, such as wood, cork, cotton, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily increasing fluid pressure at a specific location in a work string to perform an operation in an oil or gas well bore. Apparatus is provided which, in a first position provides fluid flow through the work string; in a second position provides the desired increase in fluid pressure to perform the operation in the well bore by dropping a ball (62) into the apparatus; and, by shearing pins (52) to move a sleeve (50) within the apparatus, provides a third position which returns fluid flow through the work string via bypass channels (26) created in the apparatus around the ball. Operation of a pressure activated near bit reamer in conjunction with the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a body of selected material from the interior of a casing extending into a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises lowering a drill bit for further drilling of the borehole, into the casing, the drill bit having a longitudinal axis of rotation during operation, the drill bit comprising rock cutting means, at least one protection member for protecting the inner surface of the casing from contact with the rock cutting means, each protection member being adapted to remove said selected material from the interior of the casing and being radially movable towards the inner surface of the casing, and control means for applying a radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member. The drill bit is rotated in the casing, and the control means is operated so as to apply said radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing (10) includes a first tubular body (12) and a second tubular body (14). The second tubular body (14) telescopically extends into the first tubular body (12) and is maintained in relative axial position by a threaded engagement (30 & 22). A locking sleeve (44) is provided to maintain the relative rotational position of the first tubular body (12) and the second tubular body (14). The locking sleeve (44) is non-rotatably coupled with and slidably movable the second tubular body (14) between a locking position and an adjusting position. A locking nut (48) is movable on the external surface (24) of the second tubular body (14) selectively clamps the locking sleeve (44) in the locking position. This adjustable bent housing (10) accommodates larger diameter drive shafts, while allowing adjustment to take place without changing the overall length of the housing.

Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.

Abstract: Roller cone bits of this invention include a steel bit body having at least one leg extending therefrom. A steel cone is rotatably disposed on the leg. The steel cone includes a plurality of steel cutting elements that each project outwardly a distance therefrom. At least one of the cutting elements comprises a steel base portion that is integral with the cone and that projects a distance therefrom. A cutting element end portion is attached to the base portion and extends therefrom to form a tip of the cutting element. The base and end portions are permanently attached together when the cone and base are in a preexisting rigid state. The cutting element end portion is formed from a wear resistant material having a material microstructure comprising a first phase of grains selected from the group of carbides, borides, nitrides, and carbonitrides of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Hf, Ta, and Cr refractory metals; and a second phase of a binder material selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A system for weighing items sequentially delivered by a feeder subsystem in order to discharge batches of items having a desired target weight; and more particularly to a method and apparatus particularly configured to handle fragile items, e.g. strawberries, cherries, etc., to reduce bruising such items during the weighing process. The invention includes a container for receiving discrete items sequentially delivered by an item feeder together with means for measuring the weight of items accumulated in the container. The weighing container is located for movement between a first position at which a product receiving surface is oriented substantially horizontally in close proximity to the output location, for receiving product items from the output location, and a second position at which the container is oriented to accommodate an increased volume of items. The weighing apparatus includes means for moving the container from the first position to the second position and discharging the target weight of items.

Abstract: In order to provide a transport apparatus that enables a trough to be easily removed in one step, and a combination weighing apparatus provided with the same, a transport apparatus (10) is a transport apparatus including a trough (11) and a reciprocating movement mechanism (20), and is configured to convey an article placed in the trough (11) in a predetermined direction. The reciprocating movement mechanism (20) includes a motor box (12), a parallel link (13), and a linking member (16). The parallel link (13) that also functions as a support member includes a first link (13a) and a second link (13b) which respectively have a first depressed part (15a) and a second depressed part (15b) formed on one end part thereof. The first depressed part (15a) and the second depressed part (15b) support protruding parts (11a, 11b) protruding from the trough (11).

Abstract: A power wheelchair includes a pair of clutches, each coupled to a respective drive power source and a respective drive wheel, and a clutch control device that includes a pair of rod pivoting units, a control unit, and a flexible linking unit interconnecting the control unit and the rod pivoting units. The rod pivoting units are coupled to rotary control rods of the clutches, respectively. By operating the control unit, drive power transmission of the clutches can be controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A stair chair for transporting a person up and down a flight of stairs and over a surface is disclosed. The stair chair comprising a main frame and a glide track assembly to support the stair chair for movement on the flight of stairs. The glide track assembly is pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The glide track assembly has at least one endless glide track. The stair chair also provides an adjustable glide track resistance and braking device which engages the endless glide track and is configured to infinitely adjust and set a desired rolling resistance applied to the endless glide track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheelchair, provided with a seat at a first level and a backrest, supported by an undercarriage, and at least one armrest, located at a second level, above said first level, wherein a mechanical arm is provided, comprising a series of segments, driven by at least one motor, wherein the mechanical arm is foldable and/or retractable into a position wherein the mechanical arm extends virtually completely below said armrest, preferably completely below said second level or virtually completely behind or next to the backrest, at least such that, in folded and/or retracted position, the mechanical arm is virtually completely inside an outer contour of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a vehicle is mounted in a general vehicle or a hybrid vehicle so as to play the roles of a transmission, a generator, and a differential gear in the vehicle, thereby decreasing the number of parts in a power transmission system for driving the vehicle, improving a layout of the vehicle, and reducing the manufacturing cost and the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for implementing a hybrid drive mechanism, which stands out by a very low construction expenditure, a small need of installation space, low cost of parts and a simple and effective maneuverability. Particularly, the start and stop of the internal combustion engine should stand out by simplicity and reliability. By a development of a one clutch, hybrid drive mechanism or without an additional second clutch, the needed installation space and costs can be minimized and by control, the expenditure for and the complexity of the control or regulation of a hybrid drive mechanism are considerably reduced. An electric machine (4) is disposed between a single clutch (2) situated between the internal combustion engine and a mechanical transmission (5) so that the electric machine can transmit a positive or negative torque directly to a transmission input shaft of the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit, for quickly recovering a grip even if a wheel slips, in which in a slip state or at a time when the slip state is going to be generated, by pulsating a torque applied to the wheel, an angular velocity W of the wheel is changed so as to change the slip ratio S close to a slip ratio at which a friction coefficient becomes maximum, and thus, an average of a friction coefficient ? is enlarged and an average of a vehicle driving force F generated by a wheel is enlarged. Since the vehicle driving force is enlarged, the vehicle is accelerated and is easily gripped. Further, in a grip state or at a time of traveling at a high velocity, a vibration and an undesired sound are suppressed by doing away with the torque pulsation or making the fluctuation band of the torque pulsation small.

Abstract: A power regeneration system is provided that includes a regenerative charging system having a rechargeable power supply and a power regeneration system connected to the rechargeable power supply. The regenerative charging system further includes a controller configured to engage the power regeneration system upon detecting a deceleration condition.

Abstract: A drive train for a hybrid vehicle having first, second and third motors includes a first variable transmission, having an input shaft, and an output shaft coupled to a drive wheel of the vehicle, and first, second, and third clutched rotational drive connections. The rotational drive connections selectively interconnect an output shaft of the first, second and third motors, respectively, with the input shaft of the first transmission, whereby torque from each of the three motors can be selectively combined through the variable transmission to drive the drive wheel.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle dynamics in a motor vehicle, at least one sensor recording at least one measured value; at least one actuator for controlling vehicle dynamics being driven as a function of the at least one measured value; at least one image sensor system generating image information from the motor-vehicle surround for controlling vehicle dynamics; at least two image sensors being provided which essentially record the same scene.

Abstract: A wheel slip control system includes wheel speed sensors that generate wheel speed signals and a control module that controls torque production of at least one of an engine and an electric motor and that detects a negative wheel slip based on the wheel speed signals. The control module increases torque production of at least one of the engine and the electric motor when the negative wheel slip is detected.

Abstract: A device for transferring two-wheel motorbike into three-wheel vehicle includes a rectangle frame directly connected to the frame of the two-wheel motorbike and two side frames are connected to two ends of the rectangle frame. Two wing rods ARE connected to the two side frames respectively and an arm is pivotably connected to each of the side rods a cushion means is connected between the side frame and the arm. A differential frame is connected between the two side frames so as to be connected with a differential which has an input end connected to an output shaft of an engine, and an output end of the differential is connected to two transmitting shafts which are connected to two rear wheels. The rear wheels each have a brake mechanism.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism of a motorcycle includes a drive case which is disposed at the rear end of and outside of a rear swing arm, and which surrounds the axle of a rear wheel and incorporates a transmission device. In addition, the power transmission mechanism includes a drive shaft extending from an output shaft of an engine for transmitting power of the drive shaft to the rear wheel. The transmission device converts the direction of a driving force of the drive shaft and transmits it to the rear wheel. The drive shaft constituting part of the power transmission mechanism is disposed below the rear swing arm and the pivot shaft. The result is a motorcycle configuration that suppresses the vehicle width without expanding the rear swing arm.

Abstract: An energy storage type of differential mixed power distribution system to drive an all wheel driving carrier; a revolution output end of an internal combustion engine (or any other revolution power source) to drive the front-end load through an intermediate transmission and control interface device, and to also drive an input end of the energy storage type of differential mixed power device to output kinetics to further drive the rear-end load; and an electro-mechanical unit functioning as a generator and a motor being disposed in the energy storage type of differential mix power device to regulate the power distribution between the front-end and the rear-end loads by controlling the electro-mechanical unit to operate as a motor or as a generator.

Abstract: A method of proportioning and delivering drive torque to the four wheels of a vehicle includes the steps of sensing the wheel speeds, yaw rate and body side slip of the vehicle, calculating the torque split for delivery to the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle, calculating the percentage of torque to be provided to the four wheels of the vehicle scaling such torque delivery based upon driveline architecture of the vehicle and delivering drive torque to the four wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive and steering equipment for a floor conveyor, with a drive unit which has a driving motor, a gear and a driving wheel and which is mounted in a bearing around vertical axis in a vehicle-fixed frame of the floor conveyor, a steering motor which pivots the drive unit around the vertical axis, and a control arm, an angle sensor and a steering control equipment, which adjusts a steering angle of the driving wheel through the steering motor in accordance to the signal of the angle sensor, characterised in that the control arm is rotatably mounted in a bearing coaxially or axially parallel to the drive unit by means of a bearing component part, the angle sensor is attached on the bearing component part and measures the relative angle between the drive unit and the bearing component part and the steering control equipment adjusts the drive unit via the steering motor such that the relative angle becomes zero.

Abstract: An anti-squeeze control utilizes information provided by a safety restraint system, such as an airbag system for example, to control window raising speed and/or a squeeze detection threshold in a vehicle. The airbag system includes a plurality of occupant sensors that generate data related to weight and size of a vehicle occupant. A controller identifies whether the vehicle occupant is an adult or child based on data from the occupant sensors. If a child is identified, the anti-squeeze control activates a high safety level where at least one of window raising speed and a squeeze detection threshold is reduced to allow reversal before reaching high pinching forces.

Abstract: A catch device of a lengthwise adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle seat comprises a first pair of rails and a second pair of rails, each having a bottom rail and a seat rail. A first detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail and comprises first detent openings and first detent webs. A first stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the first detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises two stopper teeth for engaging the first detent openings independently of one another and for disengaging therefrom together and is associated with the seat rail of the first pair of rails. A second detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail of the second pair of rails and comprises second detent openings and second detent webs. A second stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the second detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises a stopper means for engaging and disengaging the second detent openings and is associated with the seat rail of the second pair of rails.

Abstract: A variable steering rack system includes: a movable steering rack bar; a case with a through-hole through which the steering rack bar penetrates; a stopper with a second through-hole through which the steering rack bar penetrates, disposed in the first through-hole and rotatable through a predetermined angle, and regulating a displacement of the steering rack bar as much as the thickness thereof; a stopper housing connected to the case such that the stopper is disposed therebetween and defining a groove; an intermediate gear with a bar on a surface thereof inserted into the groove of the stopper housing, and rotating the stopper; and an operating portion operating the intermediate gear, wherein the groove of the stopper housing is configured to limit a movement of the bar such that the stopper rotates only as much as the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels (12, 14) of a vehicle in response to turning of a steering wheel (18) of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulic power steering gear, which does not include a rotary valve responsive to a steering input generated by turning of a steering wheel (18). The hydraulic steering gear includes a first chamber (96) for holding hydraulic fluid and a second chamber (98) for holding hydraulic fluid. An increase in fluid pressure in one chamber acts to turn the steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle in one direction and an increase in fluid pressure in the other chamber acts to turn the steerable wheels (12, 14) in a direction opposite the one direction. The apparatus (10) includes a variable flow mechanism (50) for supplying a flow of hydraulic fluid to the first and second chambers (96, 98), which flow varies in dependence upon at least one sensed vehicle condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering apparatus is provided with a check valve regulating a back flow of a working fluid from a power cylinder mechanism to a hydraulic pump side. A valve element slidably accommodated within a valve body of the check valve has three guide portions protruding to an outer side in a diametrical direction. A valve internal oil path in which the working fluid circulates by a pair of guide portions adjacent in a peripheral direction is formed in the valve element. The guide portion is constituted by a slidable contact portion having a slidable contact surface surface contacted with an inner peripheral surface of the valve body, and a coupling portion coupling a base body portion and the sidable contact portion. A width (W1) in a peripheral direction of the sidable contact surface is larger than a width in the peripheral direction of the coupling portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type transmission. In the belt-type transmission, a rotatable drive shaft is coupled with a drive pulley, and a rotatable driven shaft is spaced from the drive shaft at a predetermined distance. A driven pulley is coupled with the driven shaft, the drive shaft is connected to the driven shaft by a belt, and a tensioner is arranged inside and in contact with the belt. With the invention, the tensioner provided inside the belt contacts the inner periphery of the belt without additional support structure in order to adjust belt tension. This as a result can advantageously reduce the number of parts and simplify manufacturing process thereby saving manufacturing cost.

Abstract: To provide a motor-driven power steering unit support structure that can absorb mounting errors of a steering shaft. A vehicle includes a steering shaft rotatably supported on a vehicle body frame. A steering bar handle is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft. A motor-driven power steering unit is mounted onto the lower end of the steering shaft, and the vehicle includes at least two front wheels. The motor-driven power steering unit is supported on the vehicle body frame from the vehicle width direction. A front support member and a rear support member for supporting the motor-driven power steering unit are provided in the vehicle body frame on the front and rear sides, with the steering shaft therebetween.

Abstract: An electric power steering device includes a motor 12 for giving a steering assist force to a steering system and a controller 15 for controlling a turning on state of the motor 12 in accordance with a steering torque of the steering system. The motor 12 and the controller 15 are respectively formed with separate units. Further, the motor 12 has a flange part 13 attached to an attaching member of a steering mechanism. The flange part 13 further includes a flange extension part 14 formed by projecting a part of the flange part in a direction of circumference. The controller 15 is attached to the flange extension part 14 to be mounted on an output shaft side B of the motor 12.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt type electric power steering apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a gearbox housing enclosing a rack gear and a ball screw; a motor pulley housing coupled to the gearbox housing and enclosing an electric motor, a belt for transmitting rotational force of the electric motor to a rack bar; and locking washers interposed between bolt heads and the gearbox housing, for preventing loosening of bolts when the motor pulley housing is coupled to the gearbox housing.

Abstract: When the driver makes a counter-steer operation to steer back the steering wheel during the execution of an automatic oversteer suppress control by the turn behavior control device, the counter-steer of automatically decreasing the steering angle of the steered wheels and the counter-steering by the driver overlap to cause an excessive counter-steering. In order to avoid such a problem, when the driver makes a counter-steering operation while the turn behavior control device is executing the automatic decrease of the steering angle, the amount of automatic decrease of the steering angle is reduced according to the counter-steering operation by the driver.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a muffler for vehicle, being capable of augmenting engine's output power more than conventional tuning mufflers and more effectively eliminating exhaust noise. The muffler comprises: exhaust pressure control means connected to an exhaust manifold of an vehicle engine, for controlling pressure of the exhaust gas, the exhaust pressure control means comprising an exhaust pressure control plate, which is pivotally attached to a predetermined position of the exhaust pressure control part; and noise elimination means, which shapes generally a hollow pipe and is connected to the exhaust pressure control means part, the noise elimination means comprising a mesh pipe, through which the exhaust gas passes; a sound absorber enveloping the mesh pipe; and a casing enclosing the sound absorber, whose one end is connected to the exhaust pressure control means and the other end is connected to an outlet.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine exhaust line muffler includes a casing; as well as, extending inside the casing, in the exhaust gas flow direction, from the upstream part and towards the downstream part of the casing, an exhaust gas intake pipe emerging inside the casing; and an evacuation pipe for the gas emerging into the atmosphere and having an upstream end located inside the casing. The muffler also includes, inside the casing, a device arranged to prevent, at least below a certain specific engine speed, penetration of exhaust gases into the evacuation pipe, through its upstream end; and an evacuation pipe portion provided with at least one perforation for penetration, into the pipe, of the exhaust gases from the intake pipe.

Abstract: A platform lift system includes a mounting frame that is fixedly engaged into a scuttle hole formed in a horizontal supporting surface (i.e., attic floor or room ceiling) and a foldable ladder that is supported by the frame. A separate trolley carries a lift platform that may be selectively raised or lowered in order to transport objects to/from the attic space. The trolley is moveable horizontally along a track that may be provided on a floor of the attic space. At a first end of travel of the trolley along the track, the trolley is disposed laterally alongside and vertically offset from the mounting frame such that the space above the mounting frame is unimpeded to permit a user to access the attic space using the deployed ladder. At a second end of travel of the trolley along the track, the trolley is aligned vertically with the mounting frame to permit use of the lift platform.

Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.

Abstract: A quick release bracket for a ladder having a tie-down member includes a frame receiving therein the tie-down member in a form fit and being formed with pinholes. The frame is to be removably fixed at a fixing location. The quick release bracket also includes removable pins shaped to fit into the pinholes. The pins fix the ladder to the frame when the pins are inserted into the pinholes.