Abstract: A heat exchanger, which performs heat exchanging between a lubricating oil circulating within a transfer device disposed behind an engine and an engine coolant, also functions as a mass member of a dynamic damper. The heat exchanger is disposed at an upper face of a transfer case via a resilient member. Herein, the resilient member is comprised of a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a rubber member interposed between the first and second metal plates, and there are provided lubricating passages flowing within the resilient member. Accordingly, there can be provided the vibration suppression device of the power train that can suppress vibration properly regardless of the temperature changing and advantage the weight reduction without requiring any new disposition space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acoustically isolating logging tool receiver and transmitter sections. One or more modular isolators is arranged between the receiver and transmitter sections. The modular isolators comprise a high tensile strength while also providing for a high wave attenuation level. The modular isolators are mechanical mass-spring systems capable of absorbing acoustic waves propagating along the logging tool. The mass is a swinging sleeve, and the spring includes a Belleville spring stack. The use of the strong modular isolators provides acoustic isolation between the transmitters and receivers for the complete sonic frequency band at multiple modes.

Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves, the method having the steps of: extending a tine from a support structure so that a proximal end of the tine is attached to the support structure and a distal end of the tine is uninhibited; positioning an oscillator so as to be supported by the support structure and to mechanically communicate with the tine; and oscillating the tine with the oscillator.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool (610) and a muffler assembly (600) therefor, for quieting the operation of the pneumatic tool, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the muffler assembly (600) is slidably disposed within the exhaust passage (616) and includes a tube member (602) having a proximal flange (604), an intermediate tubular portion (606) with apertures (608), and a distal receptacle (620). The tubular portion may include a blocking plate (618) therein. A porous, sound-deadening panel (622) is disposed about the tubular portion, and a diffuser panel (630) is disposed in the distal receptacle. A perforated end cap (624) holds the muffler assembly in place. In operation, the exhaust enters the tube member, is directed transversely through apertures in the tubular portion and through the porous panel, then back into the distal portion of the tube member, through the diffuser panel, and exits through the end cap.

Abstract: A rig for use in conjunction with a helicopter or other aircraft which allows the aircraft to be quickly converted to use as a platform for rappelling. The rig is preferably constructed of strapping materials into relatively planar main body portion with attached legs which connect to the struts supporting the helicopter's landing gear. The rig may also be bent and folded for compact storage without loss of structural integrity.

Abstract: A safety cage improves the safety of workers servicing tanker vehicles having top side hatches. A part or parts of the cage can be repositioned to permit the hatch cover to be opened and then can be returned to a safety enchancing position.

Abstract: A step ladder stabilizer for mounting behind the front step portion and having two adjusting legs which adjust as a slide lock moves vertically within a slot attached to the rear of the ladder steps. When not in use, the ladder stabilizer closes flush against the back of the ladder steps. An alternate embodiment includes a ladder stabilizer for an extension ladder comprising an extending leg and a stabilizer arm with the top of the extending leg attaching to a slide lock that slides along a channel mounted on the side of the ladder. Bolts passing through expansion inserts hold the channel onto each side of the ladder.

Abstract: An easily mountable disc brake rotor assembly that is lightweight is provided. The bicycle disc brake rotor assembly includes a rotor and an adaptor and is mounted to the front hub of a bicycle. A caliper mounted to the bicycle's suspension fork grips the rotor. The rotor is a ring-shaped plate, which has brake surfaces that are gripped by the caliper. The adapter is mounted to the front hub and has a deformation that secures the rotor to the hub. External and internal splines on the adapter prevent the rotor from rotating and transmit a braking force exerted on the rotor to the hub, respectively.

Abstract: A disc brake which is particularly designed for arcuate travel of less than 360 degrees has pie shaped segments, i.e. segments which are not complete circles which are interleaved. Some segments are rotatable about an axis and others are stationary and have friction brake material carried on them at a position remote from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disk brake friction element mounting system provides spaced mounting elements or guides for the friction elements, the spacing of the mounting elements permitting at least one friction element to be located in its working position by insertion edgewise through the space between the mounting elements without removing the brake discs or disc. The friction element is supported and guided by laterally extending shoulder having downwardly facing receptors for the mounting elements. In this way friction element insertion and removal for servicing purposes is greatly simplified.

Abstract: A brake drum has its strength elevated in its disk portion. The brake drum is formed from a composition having ceramics dispersed in a matrix. The disk portion has a high ceramic content and thereby a high strength. The brake drum has a disk portion and a cylindrical portion. The disk portion has a first ceramic content by volume and the cylindrical portion has a second ceramic content by volume that is less than the first ceramic content by volume as a result of the application of a higher compression ratio to the disk portion.

Abstract: A dual tube shock absorber includes a spool valve located between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber. The spool valve moves with the piston rod to open and close a flow path between the upper working chamber and the reserve chamber. This provides a low damping characteristic for small movements of the piston rod which changes to a high damping characteristic for larger movement of the piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention is a drivetrain that prevents the torque from a decelerating engine from being transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle. The drivetrain of a vehicle is provided such that the negative torque from the decelerating engine of the vehicle is selectively prevented from being transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An external surface of a spindle is formed with tapering grooves which become narrower in a direction towards the forward end of the spindle. A slider sleeve is provided with splines which also taper in a forward direction. In this way, the slider sleeve is prevented from rotating relative to the spindle, but can slide axially. A rearward end of the slider sleeve includes a recess containing an elastomeric O-ring. When the drive torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, inclined surfaces of the mutually engaging teeth on the spindle drive gear and slider sleeve slide over each other, as a result of which the drive gear slides forwardly along the slider sleeve against the action of a spring. The spindle drive gear can then rotate relative to the slider sleeve and the cooperating sets of teeth ratchet over each other, preventing spindle drive gear being from rotating the spindle.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a motor vehicle has a clutch housing that is filled with pumped medium in the form of fluid, a first friction element being rotatable in common with the clutch housing. Further, a second friction element is provided which is rotatable in common with a driven member and which can be brought into an operative connection with the at least one first friction element for producing a frictional interaction. At least one first friction element and at least one second friction element are each provided with a support component that can be provided for receiving at least one friction lining. The support components have support component segments which are arranged successively in circumferential direction and which are provided at a circumference-side terminating edge, respectively, with fluid delivery surfaces for generating a fluid circulation and are constructed in the form of friction lining segments to produce the frictional interaction with friction linings.

Abstract: In order to form a torque transmission coupling to be compact, the present invention provides a torque transmission coupling (1) comprising input-output rotary members (57, 59) rotatably supported to perform input-output transmission of torque; a frictional engagement section (79) provided between the input-output rotary members to perform torque transmission between the input-output rotary members by enforcing frictional engagement; a compression member set (87) that comprises a pair of members (89, 91)capable of performing relative rotation and that generates thrust through the relative rotation between the members to thereby cause the frictional engagement section to perform the frictional engagement; and a rotary actuator (121) that causes both of the members of the compression member set to perform engagement-rotational driving whereby to cause the relative rotation.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder (10) is disclosed comprising a cylinder housing (12) with a housing bore (14), a piston (16) held longitudinally displaceably in the housing bore, a piston rod (18) allocated to the piston and a fixing element (20) which before a first cylinder operation is detachably connected with the piston rod and fixes this in a predetermined stroke position in relation to the cylinder housing and is designed to release the piston rod in relation to the cylinder housing on the first cylinder operation. According to the invention, before the first cylinder operation the fixing element in a first position is detachably connected with a center area (22) of the piston rod and on cylinder first operation can be moved from the first position to a second position area (24), in particular stationary in relation to the piston rod, in which it can be fixed for further cylinder operations.

Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus (10) for dividing torque between primary and secondary drive axles (16, 18) of a motor vehicle and including a hydraulically actuated clutch pack (26) that transfers torque to a secondary drive axle (18) of an automotive vehicle. A hydraulic channel (30) extends and provides hydraulic fluid communication between a hydraulic pressure source (22) and the clutch pack (26). The source of hydraulic system power is shared with a hydraulically-actuated wheel braking system (14).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: For the production of cigarette groups (11) having a formation comprising a plurality of vertical rows of cigarettes (10) arranged one beside the other, after pushing a corresponding number of cigarettes (10) out of shafts (13) of a cigarette magazine (12), a transverse displacement of the cigarettes (10) is required in order to arrange same in a tightly packed or saddle configuration. At least marginal push rods (18) for pushing the cigarettes (10) out of the shafts (13) of the cigarette magazine (12) can be displaced transversely together with the cigarettes.

Abstract: A tensioner for maintaining engagement of a conveyor belt cleaner, including one or more scraper blades mounted on a rotatable support frame, with a conveyor belt. The tensioner includes a mounting member attached to the support frame for conjoint rotation therewith, a biasing member attached to the mounting member, and an actuator attached to the biasing member. Operation of the actuator stores a biasing force within the biasing member which in turn rotates the scraper blades into full-face engagement with the conveyor belt. As the scraper blades wear, the biasing member continues to rotate the blades into full-face engagement with the conveyor belt with a biasing force that changes in magnitude. The scraper blades include a blade face having an area which changes as the blades wear, in order to maintain a substantially constant contact pressure between the blades and the conveyor belt as the blades wear.

Abstract: A differential motion conveyor (20) for conveying products along an elongated trough structure (22) supported for reciprocal movement relative to a counterweight base structure (24) of a weight significantly greater than the weight of the trough structure. A rotational actuator (200) moving in a singular direction reciprocates the trough structure lengthwise relative and counterweighed base structure at a substantially continually varying velocity of the actuator to achieve a desired differential acceleration rate of the trough structure between the two opposing directions of longitudinal movement of the trough structure.

Abstract: A link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. The body has a conveying surface and two opposed gripping members extending from the conveying surface. Each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. The link includes at least one spring member urging the gripping members toward the second position. Various other related options are disclosed, along with related conveyors.

Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with embedded spherical rollers retained in the module and a belt constructed of such modules. The module includes a module body forming a cavity, a spherical roller in the cavity, and a retainer retained in the cavity to hold the spherical roller rotatably in place. A salient portion of the roller extends outward from the cavity through the retainer past an outer surface of the module. The retainer is attached to the module body by ultrasonic welding, epoxy- or solvent-bonding, spin welding, electromagnetic welding, staking, screwing, or locking.

Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning tool includes a container defining a body having an outer wall, a sealed bottom wall and an open end, the open end defines a periphery. A compliant, large work surface is disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. A plurality of cleaning wipes are disposed inside the container. The wipes are pre-moistened with a solvent. A seal extends over the container opening and is sealed to the container at the periphery. The seal has a frangible portion therein to define an opening. A lid is fitted to the container over the open end. The lid has an opening for cooperating with the frangible portion of the seal. Cleaning wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening in the seal and the opening in the lid, and are placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic component.

Abstract: A device for preparing and ejecting polymeric cement made from at least two pre-packaged components comprises a tubular vessel including a first axial end wall having a closed outlet, and a second axial end wall having an aperture. A first starting component of the polymeric cement is present inside said tubular vessel near the first axial end wall. A shaft extends through said aperture of the second axial end wall. A piston element comprises a closed container filled with a second starting component of the polymeric cement. The piston element is selectively lockable to the shaft. The container has a bore and is slidingly engaged upon said shaft. An agitator element is secured to one end of the shaft. Furthermore opening means for providing an opening in the closed container are provided.

Abstract: A club-bagging device includes a bag, a head frame and at least one lug. The head frame is installed on the bag. The lug is formed on the head frame. A shoulder strap may be attached to the lug. Alternatively, a hook connected with a towel may be engaged with lug. Alternatively, tees may be held on the lug. Alternatively, a tie may be attached to the lug for binding an umbrella.

Abstract: An impact protection system for a carrying case. The system includes at least one impact protection panel that is inserted in between an exterior side wall and an interior storage compartment of a carrying case, wherein the interior storage compartment is adapted for receiving a portable computer or other delicate instruments or objects. The impact protection panel includes a base portion and an elevated portion and is positioned so that when an impact to the exterior side wall of the case occurs, the force of the impact is first received by the elevated portion and is then distributed via the elevated portion throughout the base portion before impacting a portable computer or other instrument or object stored in the storage compartment of the case.

Abstract: A novel package wrapper is made of plastic film with a line of package-opening perforations through the film positioned in one face of the package and being overlaid by a piece of plastic tape which seals the perforations, the tape having a dry edge. The shrink wrap film and tear down tape exhibit the same shrink characteristics as those of the shrink wrap film, so that when the wrap film is shrunk during packaging the tape shrinks the same amount as the film and does not itself pucker or wrinkle the film. Package opening is accomplished by grasping the tape dry edge and pulling it toward the line of perforations. The tape peels from the wrapper film until it reaches the perforations, where continued pulling of the tape ruptures the film through the perforations and permits the film to be further torn to open the package.

Abstract: An edge or corner protector comprises side surface portions which are adapted to be spaced from the external side surface portions of an article or appliance which define an external corner or edge region of the article or appliance to be protected, and an interior corner or apex region which is likewise adapted to be spaced from the external corner or edge region of the article or appliance.

Abstract: A wafer storage container has a container body and a lid. The container body has lid support inserts in a lid receptacle, and the lid has corner inserts for contact with the lid support inserts to support the lid. A supporting member is attached to the container body. The supporting member includes a base plate portion, side plates extending from the base plate portion, and a handle on each side plate for lifting the container body. The thin plate supporting member has contacting portions to support the thin plates, supporting members which elastically support the contacting portions, and a base support bar to support the supporting portions. The tip end of each supporting portion contacts a support stage, and elastically supports the contacting portions from both sides.

Abstract: A screen mounting basket for a vibratory separator for separating components of material introduced into the basket, the vibratory separator including a collection receptacle beneath the basket, the basket including two opposed spaced-apart side walls having first ends and second ends, the first ends spaced-apart by spaced-apart end walls connected to each of the side walls, a basket bottom between the two spaced-apart side walls, at least one screen assembly positioned vertically in the basket for interceptions material introduced into the basket and for screening said material, and the at least one screen assembly extending from one side wall of the basket to the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19).

Abstract: A nestable container designed for efficient storage when the containers is not in use and for safe handling when in use. The container has four outwardly bowed sidewalls flared upwardly from its bottom with each sidewall connected to adjacent sidewalls by an inwardly fluted web to form a essentially square cross section. The webs define finger gripping corners at the edges of the sidewalls that allow the container to gripped better by a user. The containers can be nested with other containers of different sizes without wasting space. The essentially square configuration of the containers also make them easy to pack with or within other containers, that are typically also square or rectangular.

Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner. The track extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. An elongated rail extends longitudinally along the track. A spring urged pusher is slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A slot extends transversely along a bottom face of the track. A first smooth contact surface is located on the mounting member approximately a horizontally oriented wall. A second smooth contact surface is located on the track adjacent the slot. The second contact surface engages the first contact surface to retard a sideward sliding motion of the track in relation to the mounting member.

Abstract: A tool storage unit comprises a plate (15) that, in use, is attached to a supporting structure in such manner as to be disposed substantially horizontally.

Abstract: The foldable display stand has a stepped display shelving portion removably mounted over a foldable support base. The shelving portion is formed by folding various parts of a configuration formed on a single sheet material. The configuration includes a plurality of rectangular panels connected by a plurality horizontal fold lines. Side extensions are formed on the two side edges of the rectangular panels which are foldable to form side wall of the shelves and the side walls are mounted in place by mounting tabs formed in the side extensions and mounting slots formed in the selected rectangular panels. Side extensions having a unique design are adapted to form reinforced side walls of the shelves.

Abstract: A metal cabinet includes a plurality of horizontal shelf members and a plurality of vertical dividers. Each shelf member includes a plurality of slits extending between edges of the shelf member. Each vertical divider includes a plurality of slits extending between edges of the divider. One shelf member slit receives a divider and one divider slit receives a horizontal shelf member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crane where a spreader retainer is disposed on a rear surface of an extreme end of the lowest boom portion used both for a tower boom and a normal boom, a distance between an upper spreader, which constitutes a boom raising/lowering apparatus, and a lower spreader at the maximum boom raise angle and the length of the lowest boom portion are set such that the upper spreader can be lowered to the position of the spreader retainer if the boom raising/lowering apparatus lays the boom on the ground, and a boom raising/lowering rope is then loosened for disassembly of either the tower or normal boom. Consequently, the upper spreader can be lowered to the position of the spreader retainer on the lowest boom portion when the boom is disassembled either for the tower crane or normal crane specification.

Abstract: The new invention allows for easy retrieval of fall backs and eases the initial threading process upon initial opening/use of the package. Threading is done without removing the cap. Several of the embodiments allow refills to be inserted into the canister without removing the lid/cap. The layout of the dispensing system and the geometry and shape of the dispensing orifice/aperture minimize and mitigate product fall backs. The new invention improves performance of the orifices/apertures through unique geometry and shape as well as using different materials from existing products or the combination of multiple materials. Varying orifice diameter, co-molded density and stiffness or geometry of the actual lobes defining the dispensing aperture allows the precise amount of friction to be created in the dispensing opening for selectively grabbing or releasing the towelette, thereby tearing the towelette connecting perforations at just the right time.

Abstract: A child-resistant dispenser for dispensing items, including a chassis (12) having a reservoir (40) for holding items (16) and a conveyor (14) including a conveyor pocket (18) for receiving an item (16a). The conveyor (14) is pivotably mounted within chassis (12) between a closed position in which the conveyor pocket (18) is inaccessible from outside the dispenser (10), and an open position, in which the conveyor pocket (18) is accessible from outside of the dispenser (10). The dispenser further includes a pathway positioned between the reservoir (40) and the conveyor pocket (18) when the conveyor (14) is closed. The pathway is blocked by the conveyor (14) when the conveyor (14) is open. A locking mechanism (20, 22) is provided for releasably locking the pill conveyor (14) in a closed position. A user must simultaneously apply pressure to both the conveyor (14) and the locking mechanism (20, 22) in order to open the conveyor (14).

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system and methods including color-coded visual indicia to assist an operator in the proper selection of the components and in the configuration of those components in the system during setup, maintenance and diagnostics. Color-coded indicia is also provided to assist an operator in the proper selection of a solenoid for use in a particular application. Various components of the liquid dispensing system, such as the melter unit, controller, hoses, electrical cordsets and solenoid, include visually identifiable color-coded indicia on the surfaces of the components, such as color-coded rings, bands and characters, to assist the operator in the component selection and configuration processes.

Abstract: A self-leveling drip catcher for fluid containers. The apparatus comprises an elongated neck and a fluid containment portion at the bottom of the neck. An opening is provided in the top of the neck to releasably attach the apparatus to the fluid container. The fluid containment portion is designed to catch the fluid dispensed from the fluid container which is not received in a drinking receptacle. The fluid is received by the fluid containment portion and is collected therein. The apparatus provides a center of gravity for maintaining a level and balanced equilibrium and substantially vertical orientation when fluid is received into the fluid containment portion.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a container for sealing an interface between two or more of the structural members, including a container body, a pouring spout, and a closing cap, includes an outer annular edge formed as part of a threaded neck opening for the container body, a radial lip formed as part of the pouring spout and being positioned in contact with the neck portion and the closing cap being configured so as to be attachable to the container body for closing the opening and being constructed and arranged so as to seal against the outer annular edge when attached to the container body.

Abstract: Dilute chemical carrying systems include multiple embodiments of pressurizable and gravity feed reservoirs, and are provided for support and carriage of a segregated accommodation space, in some cases separately provided and in others integrally provided, for metered introduction of a concentrate into such reservoir. The structures both provide storage for concentrated chemical containers, and metered measurement while eliminating waste, make up time and minimizing contact between workers and the chemicals or nutrients in their concentrated state. Metering may be preferably provided by a pump assembly, and operational blocking of the pump assembly may be provided in separate or integrated structures. A concentrate container system enables users to recycle sealed containers to even further eliminate the necessity to directly handle concentrate.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser (100; 200; 300; 400) for dispensing a fluid in liquid or in powder form, the dispenser including a reservoir (12) serving to contain fluid, and a dispensing orifice (114; 214; 314; 414) via which the fluid is dispensed. The reservoir (12) having an actuating wall (111; 211; 311; 411) and a backing wall (112; 212; 312; 412), the walls be adapted to be brought towards each other by elastic deformation to reduce the volume of the reservoir, and thus to deliver fluid through the dispensing orifice. The dispenser further having a one-piece body (110; 210; 310; 410) and at least one flexible sealing film (120; 220; 320; 421; 422), the actuating wall and the backing wall being formed by the one-piece body, wherein the actuating wall and the backing wall are angularly positioned relative to each by forming an angle that decreases when they are brought towards each other.

Abstract: A dispenser has a syringe having a nozzle at one end thereof and a plunger fitted in the syringe from the other end of the syringe. One end of a pipe is connected to a portion of the syringe between the one end and the other end of the syringe. A liquid material tank is connected to the other end of the pipe. The liquid material tank is arranged so that a level of the liquid material in the liquid material tank is higher than in the syringe. The dispenser can be used for drip injection method for producing a liquid crystal display device to stably drip droplets of a liquid crystal onto a substrate of a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: An aerosol package has a container that includes an optimum volume of a gas producing compound, such as an oxidizing compound, without exceeding the potential burst pressure of the container under a worse case scenario. A method for determining the optimum volume of the head space within the container under these conditions and a method for empirically testing the determined volume is described.

Abstract: A spray can holding and actuation device comprises a rim engagement element and a locking mechanism for compressing the rim engagement element against the rim surrounding the push-button valve on the can. The rim engagement element includes a compressible collar that is joined to a shroud that depends downwardly from a front portion of the device. The collar is dimensioned to fit around the rim, and it has a pair of opposed ends separated by a gap. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that is attachable to the opposed collar ends when the ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the collar ends and that is pivotable to a position in which it engages the other collar end and rim, whereby the collar ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim.

Abstract: A sand and seed divot replacer including a pour spout having an inwardly extending lip formed on the inner surface of the pour spout at an end distal from the pouring end. An open top bottle is provided including an outwardly extending circumferentially positioned band located on the exterior surface of the bottle adjacent the open top. The spout constructed of a resilient material and the distal end sized to receive the band of the bottle with the lip in latching engagement with the band of the bottle. The bottom wall of the bottle including an indented portion. A holder is provided having a main body open at the top and closed at the bottom with a bottom wall. The holder is sized for receiving the bottle and spout. The bottom wall of the holder includes an indented portion sized for nesting in the indented portion of the bottle.