Abstract: A silencing device disposed to the outside of a fan 2 that discharges air from the interior of a device 1 to the outside. The silencing device includes a reflection plate 6 provided substantially normal to the rotation axis 2a of the fan 2, and a right-angled parallelepiped shaped duct 4 that guides air from the fan 2 to the outside of the device 1. The reflection plate 6 is disposed at the other end of the duct 4, an air discharge slit 7 is formed in at least one of the four sides of the reflection plate 6, and the distance from the fan 2 to the reflection plate 6 satisfies the relationship L=(?/2)×n. n is a natural number, and ? is the wavelength of the maximum component from among the wavelength components that constitutes the sound generated by the fan 2.

Abstract: A muffler is disclosed that includes a housing, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a first partition with first apertures, and a second partition with second apertures. The first partition and housing define a first chamber with which the inlet pipe communicates. The second partition and housing define a second chamber with which the outlet pipe communicates. The second partition is spaced from the first partition to define an intermediate chamber. The muffler also includes a sound absorbing member encapsulated within the intermediate chamber. Exhaust noise entering through the inlet pipe enters the first chamber, moves through the first apertures into the intermediate chamber, moves through the second apertures into the second chamber, and exits through the outlet pipe. Exhaust noise is reduced when passing through the sound absorbing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an actuation portion emitting an actuation sound and an internal part provided away from and opposed to the actuation portion. Further the image forming apparatus has a sound absorbing member formed of a foam metal, and provided away from the internal part between the actuation portion and the internal part.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a solid core electrically insulating jib assembly comprised of a solid core electrically insulating material such as nylon which is retrofittable to replace the existing heavy duty non-insulating jib for direct lift of high-tension wires.

Abstract: A fence crossing aid to assist a user in crossing a fence supported by a T-post provides a vertical member having a bottom portion terminating in a bottom end and an upper portion terminating in an upper end, a stepping bar assembly attached to the lower end of the vertical member, a handlebar assembly attached to the upper end of the vertical member, a strap attached to the bottom portion of the vertical member for securing the vertical member to the T-post, and an inverted L-shaped mounting head attached to the upper portion of the vertical member so the top of the T-post is received within the inverted L-shaped mounting head and the T-post supports the combined weight of the fence crossing aid and the user.

Abstract: A vehicle having a compactable walkway, including a supporting surface and a plurality of steps, pivotally coupled to the supporting surface, oriented, spaced, and positioned to provide a graduated walkway when in a deployed position and to lie substantially parallel to the supporting surface when in a retracted position. There is also a support member coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of steps to enforce consistency of position of the plurality of steps between the deployed and retracted positions; a railing coupled to the support member; a motivator coupled to one of the plurality of steps and configured to direct the plurality of steps from the retracted position to the deployed position; a vertical support coupled to the vehicle for bracing; and a shell coupled to the railing for covering when plurality of steps are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A portable mast lift includes a base unit having a mast and a platform lifting system. A work platform is raised and lowered on the mast of the lifting system. The mast lift is transportable and operable by a single user. In one arrangement, a machine weight of the mast lift is less than 200 lbs. Additionally, the mast lift is preferably supported in use at two support points. Multiple embodiments of the mast lift provide for varying maximum reach and load limits.

Abstract: A flatbed servicing station provides a mobile elevated workers platform with an elongated deck. The platform is selectively moved toward and away from a flatbed and has safety features for stopping movement of the platform toward the flatbed when a foreign object is detected between the platform and the flatbed. A plurality of side-by-side safety gates are provided on the side of the deck adjacent the flatbed and a guard gate is provided which is positionable across the rear of the flatbed. Safety apparatus is provided to prevent injury of personnel disposed between a platform and a flatbed being serviced.

Abstract: A light scaffolding plate having various lengths and widths so as to fit with known scaffold systems is molded as a sandwich panel from a thermoplastic or duroplastic or a mixture of the two and is provided with a reinforcement. The upper and lower cover layers of the scaffolding plate is made of reinforced or unreinforced plastic material. Perforated sheet metal plates are embedded in the cover layers.

Abstract: Ladder, in particular for a swimming pool, comprising two uprights (1) and at least one rung (2) fastened to the uprights, the rung (2) comprising, at its ends, a tubular sleeve (3) coaxially surrounding the corresponding upright (1), and a tubular locking insert ring (4) being engaged between the upright (1) and the sleeve (3) in order to lock the rung (2) axially on the upright (1); the insert ring (4) possesses, at each rung end (2), an outer cross section decreasing continuously from the bottom upwards and has a longitudinal slot (5) on at least most of its height; the tubular sleeve (3) has an inner shape complementary to the outer shape of the ring (4), with an inner cross section decreasing continuously from the bottom upwards; a longitudinal groove (15)/key (16) assembly fixes the sleeve and the insert ring together in terms of rotation in order to stabilize the ladder.

Abstract: In an elevator control apparatus, a stack region storing information required for calculations for controlling operation of an elevator is set within a RAM. A stack region surveillance portion conducts surveillance of the state of a preset surveillance region within the stack region. The elevator control apparatus controls operation of the elevator according to a state of the surveillance region detected by the stack region surveillance portion.

Abstract: In an elevator control apparatus, a control apparatus main body includes a program storage portion for storing a program concerning operational control of an elevator and a processing portion for performing a plurality of calculation processings based on the program. Further, the control apparatus main body writes pieces of processed information corresponding to the calculation processings, respectively, into the RAM when the calculation processings are performed, and monitors whether or not a sequence of performance of the calculation processings is normal by reference to a pattern of the pieces of the processed information written into the RAM.

Abstract: An electric parking brake including a housing, an actuator, a gear box assembly, a driven gear, a spindle, a screw nut, an equalizer through which the spindle is penetrated and the screw nut is rotatably inserted, brake cables connected to opposite sides of the equalizer, respectively, each brake cable having a first end formed with a coupling piece for the connection of the equalizer and a second end connected to an associated one of wheel brake devices, and an emergency release device including cam units and operating levers and adapted to slacken the brake cables in an emergency release situation, so as to release the parking brake. In the case of any emergency situation, such as electric discharge of a vehicle or failure of the parking brake, the parking brake is released by a simple cable pulling action.

Abstract: A adjusting device includes arms extending out of the brake assembly and each arm having an abutting surface formed on a free end of the arm and a threaded hole defined in the abutting surface. Threaded bolts each has a spherical head and a threaded rod extending out of the spherical head to be threadingly inserted into a corresponding one of the threaded holes of the arms after passing through a corresponding one of the holes of the connector. A connector is adapted to be formed on an outer periphery of the bicycle frame and having holes so configured that after the spherical head of each of the threaded bolts and the abutting surface of the arms are respectively and oppositely received in the holes, position of the brake assembly is adjustable before firmly connecting the brake assembly to the bicycle frame via the threaded bolts.

Abstract: An electrically actuated aircraft brake system and method which provides for brake wear measurement, brake running clearance adjustment, ram position-based control and improved construction and operation. Brake wear and running clearance measurement are obtained by analyzing the output of position sensing circuitry. The position sensing circuitry, preferably including a LVDT position sensor, is also used to determine braking load, a brake controller including circuitry for effecting displacement of one or more reciprocating rams to load a brake disk stack by a predetermined amount based on a present displacement value of the position signal obtained from the position sensor. The position sensor preferably includes a LVDT transducer connected between the reciprocating ram and a brake housing, and the motive device preferably includes a servo motor.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator system is provided for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The system includes an actuating member and an actuator. The actuating member can be forced into an engaged position by means of a preload. An actuator moves the actuating member against the preload force. The actuating member includes a parking brake arm which pivots about an axis and engages, when it is in an engaged position, a rotatable component. To permit actuation with relatively low force and to reduce the tolerances required, the actuating member includes a toggle device. The toggle device and the parking brake arm cooperate so that the parking brake arm and the toggle device move in response to actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a damping apparatus and/or method for a rotatable shaft. The damping apparatus includes a damper housing disposed about a portion of the rotatable shaft. A variable viscosity fluid, such as a magneto-rheological fluid, is disposed within the damper housing and in contact with the rotatable shaft. A control device is operatively connected with respect to the variable viscosity fluid. The control device is configured or operable to control the viscosity of the variable viscosity fluid and correspondingly control the amount of rotational resistance applied to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper having an amplitude-selective damping device, comprising a damper tube (1) which is filled with damping fluid and in which a piston rod (2) is disposed in such a manner as to be able to move in a reciprocating manner, said piston rod supporting a damping piston (5) which divides the inner space of the damper tube (1) into a piston rod-side working chamber (3) and a working chamber (4) remote from the piston rod, a space (6) to receive damping fluid, which space is disposed inside a bypass provided between the working chambers (3, 4) and hydraulically in parallel with the damping piston (5) and in which an axially moveable separating piston (7) is disposed which divides the space (6) into a piston rod-side chamber (8) and a chamber (9) remote from the piston rod, wherein the bypass comprises at least a first hydraulic connection channel (10), via which the piston rod-side working chamber (3) is connected to the piston rod-side chamber (8), and at least a second

Abstract: An integrated shock absorber assembly which integrates a shock absorber with a jounce stop and a coil spring. At an upper end of the cylinder of the shock absorber is a bumper cap in the form a robust annular washer. A jounce stop includes a bump cushion, a cushion cup having dimpling to provide a cup abutment, and a jounce stop bracket for attachment to the motor vehicle frame. As maximum jounce is approached, the bumper cap resiliently compresses the bump cushion, and in a maximum jounce, the bumper cap strikes, metal-to-metal, the cup abutment.

Abstract: A dust cover partially encloses a piston rod and a cylinder of a shock absorber to prevent foreign materials from being introduced into the cylinder via the piston rod. The dust cover includes at least two covers configured to be separated vertically and have ends overlapping with and sliding on each other. A gap between the two covers is defined to be directed upward.

Abstract: Impact absorbing assembly for slope protection systems, fitted in the containment and protection screens to guard against stones or other bodies landsliding, comprising two cables arranged in the form of loops, each being cased in a “U” shaped tube. The cables are interlaced or arranged in parallel, the loops being fastened together in their upper and lower part by a clamping element compressing the tubes. The cables comprising the invention may be installed taut between the hill anchoring and the protection system, or alternatively, fitted on the mesh support cables with the posts. When an overload occurs on the containment screen, the sudden pull on the cables will force the tubes to become distorted to slide within the clamping elements, the friction leading to a dissipation of energy.

Abstract: A device which can easily adjust a relationship between a clutch pressure of an input clutch and a braking force (brake pressure) generated by a brake device to a desired relationship by a simple structure, in which a draining oil passage which is branched from an oil passage for supplying a pressure oil to the input clutch is provided, and the draining oil passage is communicated with a tank. The draining oil passage is provided with a pressure reducing valve which increases the pressure oil flowing through the draining oil passage depending on the valve position to decrease a clutch pressure of the input clutch. A brake operating means is mechanically coupled with a valve operating member (spool) of the pressure reducing valve, and the valve operating member of the pressure reducing valve is mechanically coupled with a valve operating member (spool) of the brake control valve by, for example, a spring.

Abstract: An automatic transmission supplies oil pressure to a hydraulic servo of a second clutch through an oil pressure supply passage extending through a first drum and a second drum, the oil pressure supply passage including a plurality of first oil holes formed in the first drum at equal, circumferential intervals, a plurality of second oil holes formed in the second drum at equal, circumferential intervals, and an annular oil passage formed between the first and second drums and connecting the first oil holes and the second oil holes. The number of first oil holes is different from the number of second oil holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for varying a stroke of a clutch pedal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for varying a stroke of a clutch pedal applied to a pedal unit of a clutch system of a manual transmission and varying an effective stroke of a clutch pedal depending on a vehicle speed signal and an engine RPM signal thereby preventing energy collision noise of a driving system.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a drive train for a medium duty truck. The drive train includes an engine having an engine output member, and a centrifugal clutch. The clutch has a plurality of swing weights and a driving member. The driving member generally defines an axis and is rotatable with the engine output member. The clutch also includes a ramp portion having a generally planar ramped surface portion in selective engagement with at least a portion of the swing weights, and a clutch disk portion for transferring torque from the driving member to a driven member. The clutch is operable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The swing weights are radially moveable with respect to the axis. Radial movement of the swing weights causes axial movement of at least a portion of the clutch between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The swing weights engage only the ramped surface portion when the at least a portion of the clutch is not in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a clutch, a clutch housing containing the clutch, and a clutch cover attached to the clutch housing, wherein first screw threads are formed on an outer side of the clutch cover, second screw threads corresponding to the first screw threads are forced on an inner side of the clutch housing, and the clutch cover is attached to the clutch housing by threading the first screw threads with the second screw threads.

Abstract: A device is provided for actuation of a parking lock of a vehicle transmission that is automatically operated in particular, whereby the parking lock can be brought into a locked position by means of a spring mechanism and can be brought out of the locked position and into an unlocked position by means of an actuator, and an electrically operated actuator is provided, acting upon a locking latch arranged in the unlocked position of the parking lock with a locking slide in an engaged position so that the engaged position can be released such that the spring mechanism brings the parking lock into the locked position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, paper currency, credit, and/or debit, for Internet service and digital content. Such digital content can include, for example, online games and content for mobile phones. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. A user wishing to purchase Internet service, for example, can visit the value exchange machine, select the desired transaction, and pay for the Internet service with coins, paper currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine can issue a code to the user, for example, on a card enabling the user to obtain the Internet service.

Abstract: A token operated access control system is provided for a door to control access to a secured area through the door. The token operated access control system includes an electrically-operated door lock or strike that is actuated by a token operated actuator. The token operated actuator includes a token validator for distinguishing between a valid token and an invalid token introduced into the token validator. The token operated actuator is operable to actuate the door lock or strike in response to a valid token introduced into the token validator.

Abstract: There is provided a bill handling device in which the size of the device can be reduced by disposing various component members in a limited amount of installation space in a space-efficient manner and efficient bill collection is further realized. The bill handling device includes a bill transport mechanism for transporting a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot along the insertion direction and ejecting the bill toward a bill push area located downstream of the bill transport mechanism; a press plate provided on one side of a housing and pressing the bill ejected in the bill push area toward the other side; a stacking tray reciprocally movable along the insertion direction and stacking and storing the bill pressed by the press plate; a stacking tray drive mechanism for reciprocally moving the stacking tray; a shutter mechanism having a shutter, the shutter mechanism opening and closing the shutter through which the front end area of the stacking tray can project.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container-transporting device which fundamentally avoids the problems caused by elongations and the structure of endless chains, which is inevitably created by using endless chains in the container-transporting conveyors for conventional filling-and-packaging machines.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor includes a trough, a linear-stroke exciter mass assembly coupled to the trough at a central region thereof, first and second vibration generators attached to the trough on opposite sides of the exciter mass assembly, and isolators coupled to and supporting the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a conveyer structured to convey a plurality of articles along a conveyer path and at least one processing station provided along the conveyer path to perform at least one processing operation. The conveyer path includes at least one loop or festoon.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has a base component arranged under key switches. The base component has an embossed portion. A cooling material is filled into the embossed portion. The embossed portion may be formed continuously between the key switches along the length of key rows over substantially the entire length from the left end to the right end of the rows. On the base component, a membrane sheet having contact point portions corresponding to the key switches may be arranged. The membrane sheet may have a heat dissipation hole at a part opposing the embossed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for character input is disclosed. The apparatus includes a keypad and a processing unit. The keypad comprises a plurality of combo keys. Each combo key includes a main contact and at least one sub-contact adjacent to the main contact, the main contact and the sub-contact respectively have at least one icon representing a character. The processing unit receives a press operation on the keypad and inputting a corresponding character. The keypad of the apparatus is compact in size while character input on the keypad is conveniently.

Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of strip switches radially disposed on a board, and an adjusting stick movably mounted on the board at a central location of the radially disposed strip switches for selectively connecting the strip switches. Selective connection of the strip switches by the adjusting stick inputs signals. A pointer can be conveniently controlled. Fabrication costs and the size of a mobile terminal including such an input device are reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a stable key sheet in which, even if a key top is operated so as to be shifted sidewise, no excessive change, such as great tottering of the key top or overlapping of key tops each other, is caused. A key sheet including: a key top having a fixation protrusion protruding from a center of a bottom surface; and a base sheet to which the fixation protrusion is fixed, further includes a stopper plate having an opening through which the fixation protrusion of the key top is passed and whose edge faces a side of the fixation protrusion, in which, at a time of sidewise movement of the key top, the stopper plate abuts the key top to regulate the sidewise movement of the key top.

Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch module comprising a selector lever that is pivotally mounted in a bearing housing. The selector lever comprises two opposing, projecting trunnions and the bearing housing has receiving openings, at least sections of the latter being configured in polygonal form. A force is exerted on the selector lever, together with its trunnions, in the direction of one vertex.

Abstract: A contact sensor includes a base, a wall device securely attached to the top face of the base and having a hole defined in the wall device to correspond to the top contacts so as to allow the top contacts of the base to be exposed and a chip receiving space defined to communicate with the hole, a sensing chip received in the chip receiving space and having a sensing area formed on top of the sensing chip and contacts formed thereon to electrically connect to the top contacts of the base and a cover received in the hole to enclose the contacts of the sensing chip and the top contacts of the base yet still allowing the sensing area exposed for application.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (160) for activating a touchless control is provided. The method can include detecting (162) a movement of a finger in a touchless sensing field, identifying (164) an activation cue in response to the finger movement, and activating (166) a touchless control of an object in response the activation cue. The method can include focusing the touchless sensing field (210) to produce a touchless projection space (220). An activation cue can be a positioning of a finger (302) within a bounded region (304) of the touchless projection space for a pre-determined amount of time. In one arrangement, cursor (124) navigation and control can be provided in accordance with touchless finger movements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keypad and method for fabricating same. The keypad comprises. at least one key top, a waveguide having an upper surface on which the key top is disposed and a lower surface on which a plurality of reflective patterns are formed to reflect part of light traveling in the waveguide toward the key top, a lower elastic layer disposed below the waveguide, and an upper elastic layer disposed on top of the waveguide so as to be interposed between the key top and the waveguide.

Abstract: Consisting of a casing (1), affixed to the supporting ring (56), equipped with an external operating key (16), whose hollow interior features interchangeable sets of contacts (22, 23, 24, 30, 32 and 34), in order to fulfil the following applications: single-pole switch, illuminated single-pole switch, single-pole switch with pilot light, bell-push, illuminated bell-push, two-way switch, illuminated two-way switch, two-way switch with pilot light, double-pole switch, double-pole switch with pilot light, crossover switch and illuminated crossover switch. The casing.(1), when it houses four contacts, features four lateral mounts (2), and for two or three contacts, three mounts (2). The rocker (13) transmits the pressure exerted on the key (16) to a swinging contact (21), and furthermore features two pivots (18) in the embodiment with two swinging contacts (21) and a single pivot (18) in that of a single swinging contact (21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tactile event notification for an electronic apparatus is disclosed. When an event is detected in the electronic apparatus, a portion of the electronic apparatus is displaced in response to the event. An event can be any type of occurrence or alert in the electronic apparatus for which the user needs to be notified.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bound at least in part by said wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially dispoused with the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. Systems are also provided for heating the feed material within the heating chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, deposition of LiCoO2 layers in a pulsed-dc physical vapor deposition process is presented. Such a deposition can provide a low-temperature, high deposition rate deposition of a crystalline layer of LiCoO2 with a desired (101) or (003) orientation. Some embodiments of the deposition addresses the need for high rate deposition of LiCoO2 films, which can be utilized as the cathode layer in a solid state rechargeable Li battery. Embodiments of the process according to the present invention can eliminate the high temperature (>700° C.) anneal step that is conventionally needed to crystallize the LiCoO2 layer. Some embodiments of the process can improve a battery utilizing the LiCoO2 layer by utilizing a rapid thermal anneal process with short ramp rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a protective layer to prevent oxidation and/or corrosion for components, in particular for components of a gas turbine, are disclosed. In the method a component having a substrate surface and a substrate composition are provided. Then a coating material is supplied, where the coating material contains at least platinum and aluminum. Then the coating material consisting of at least platinum and aluminum is deposited on the component to be coated in a PVD process (Physical Vapor Deposition Process). Platinum and aluminum are deposited jointly with a single PVD process on the component to be coated.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion in the metal tank portion of a water heater includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a tubular, electrically non-conductive plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captives retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. A resistor is received in an end surface groove of the sleeve and has a lead wire spot-welded or soldered to a core wire portion of the anode member. To prevent contact between the lead wire and the metal cap, and to protect the lead wire against vibration caused breakage at its spot weld or solder area, a U-shaped central portion of the lead wire is received in a through-opening in the resistor-supporting end of the sleeve which is covered by an annular insulating wafer formed from an electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling an electrolytic process and plant, utilizing history data collected in the process as well as mathematical and heuristic models created on the basis of empirical knowledge, and by means of said models, there are defined indexes based on real-time process measurement parameters. The method makes use of real-time cell voltage measurements. On the basis of the obtained real-time indexes, there is achieved a correctly focused process control action at the correct point of time.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell assembly for connection to a liquid flow line includes an electrode set, a cell housing supporting the electrode set, a cell retainer attached to the flow line and in fluid communication with the flow line, and a connection for detachably connecting the housing to the cell retainer in an operating position.