Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided in which, since the driving force of a generator/motor (M1) disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of an input shaft (16) of a transmission (T) is transmitted to an output shaft (17) of the transmission (T) via an endless chain (78), it is possible to carry out the so-called leg shaft drive, in which transmission of the driving force between the generator/motor (M1) and the output shaft (17) is carried out without going through an engine (E) and the input shaft (16), thus reducing power consumption and enhancing energy recovery efficiency during regenerative braking.

Abstract: An in-wheel motor 3 and a wheel 2 or a hub 4 are interconnected by a flexible coupling 10 in which a motor-side plate 11A and an intermediate plate 11B are interconnected by a plurality of first slide members 12A, each comprising a roller member 12p moving along a stepped surface 12K formed on the intermediate plate 11B in such a manner that they can move in a predetermined direction (direction A) and the intermediate plate 11B and a wheel-side plate 11C are interconnected by a plurality of second slide members 12B having the same structure as the first slide member 12A in such a manner that they can move in a direction (direction B) orthogonal to the above direction A and which has a small number of parts and is easily assembled. Therefore, even when the motor shaft and the wheel shaft become eccentric to each other, the drive torque of the motor 3 can be transmitted to the wheel 2 without fail and the assembly work efficiency of the in-wheel motor can be enhanced.

Abstract: An expandable shaft (5) includes an outer shaft (13;13A;13B;13C;13D) and an inner shaft (14;14A;14B;14C;14D;14E;14F). Plural rolling elements (15) are pinched elastically in a space between raceway groves (16;17) of the outer shaft (13;13A;13B;13C;13D) and the inner shaft (14;14A;14B;14C;14D;14E;14F) by an elastic restoring force of the outer shaft (13;13A;13B;13C;13D). An outer peripheral surface (141) of the inner shaft (14;14A;14B;14C;14D;14E;14F) includes at least a pair of flat portions (21;22;41;42;43;44;45;46) that are parallel to each other. An inner peripheral surface (131) of the outer shaft (13;13A;13B;13C;13D) includes at least a pair of flat limiting portions (31;32;71;72;73;74) that are parallel to each other. The respective limiting portions (31;32;71;72;73;74) limit a quantity of relative rotation of the outer shaft (13;13A;13B;13C;13D) and the inner shaft (14;14A;14B;14C;14D;14E;14F) by engaging with the corresponding flat portions (21;22;41;42;43;44;45;46).

Abstract: An upper swing body of an excavator is disclosed wherein a rear protrusion is minimized to reduce an operating radius and a cooling performance is improved even in a narrow engine room. An upper swing body of an excavator according to the present invention comprises a main frame (12) forming a base of the upper swing body; a support (16) including a pair of vertical frames (17, 18) disposed upwardly from an upper surface of a rear portion of the main frame (12) and laterally spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, and a horizontal frame (19) for connecting upper ends of the pair of vertical frames (17, 18) to each other; a cab (80) having a front lower portion supported by the main frame (12), and a rear lower portion supported by the support (16); and an engine (10) disposed in a space formed below the horizontal frame (19) of the support (16).

Abstract: A traction device includes a continuous traction belt provided on a pair of opposing rollers. The traction belt includes openings such that a vacuum may be applied through the traction belt causing the traction device to cling to a working surface. A motor may be provided to drive one of the rollers and thereby drive the belt. A plurality of such traction devices may be coupled with a control mechanism to form a robot. A system is described for performing work or maintenance on a structure having an inclined working surface that includes a support robot for positioning at a high point on the structure and a payload robot attached to the support robot by an umbilical or tension cord for maneuvering along the working surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an electric current to drive a vehicle has an electric motor coupled to each rear wheel of the vehicle. The electric motors are used to drive each rear wheel. A main generator is coupled to each electric motor. The main generator powers each electric motor. A flywheel is coupled to the main generator. The flywheel powers the main generator. A starter device is coupled to the flywheel. The starter device causes the flywheel to begin to rotate.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises an air flow to electrical energy converter configured to be driven primarily by the air through which a vehicle travels.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A motorcycle powered by a radial internal combustion engine, particularly optimized by having cylinders of unequal angle, length, or diameter.

Abstract: An automotive passenger restraint and protection apparatus for an automotive vehicle has a seatbelt and operates to restrain an occupant of the automotive vehicle by the seatbelt to protect the occupant. An electric retractor has a DC motor for retracting and protracting the seatbelt. An MPU applies voltage having a predetermined waveform to the DC motor, and then detects a waveform of current flowing to the DC motor. The MPU carries out fault diagnosis of the DC motor, based upon the detected waveform of current when the voltage having the predetermined waveform is applied to the DC motor. Thus, accurate fault diagnosis of the apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, e.g., a hydraulically assisted power-steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a steering spindle that connects a steering handle on its one end to a rotary slide valve or rotary pistons of a steering valve via a first torsion element. The steering system has a hydraulic servomotor for actuating an output member of a steering gear, a flow of pressurized media into working chambers of the hydraulic servomotor being controlled by the steering valve. The steering system additionally has an electric servomotor for actuating the output member. In order to provide a steering system, whose hydraulic servomotor is assisted, during operation, both mechanically by a steering handle and by an electric servomotor and is fail-safe, it is provided that the electric servomotor and the steering spindle act upon a common rotating member between the first torsion element and the rotary slide valve or rotary piston.

Abstract: A slidable beam anchor (100) has an elongate member (101) including a plurality of notches (105) along which at least one engaging member (130) is adjustable along the length of the elongate member (101) with an adjustment member (155) protected within a cavity (137) of the engaging member (130) below the elongate member (101) to prevent accidental release of the adjustment member (155) from the notch (105) of the elongate member (101).

Abstract: A safety device for a fall restraint includes an anchoring member (1) to which the fall restraint can be coupled directly or indirectly, and a fastening element for a firm and durable connection to an object (13). The fastening element are formed by a flexible fastening flap (11) which is intended and adapted to bring about the firm and durable connection to the object. Extending from the fastening flap (11) is a fastening net (12) via which the anchoring member (1) is connected to the flexible fastening flap (11).

Abstract: A solid, relatively elongate cushioning element is provided that is able to be distally guided and positioned relative to a feature on a structure that will be impinged by a ladder. The cushioning element is carried by an upper rung or structural element on the ladder where it can be raised by a painter on the ground and even on the ladder, so that the cushioning element may be properly fixed against the feature. The cushioning element preferably has a shape to it that fits or mates or covers the feature and doesn't merely rest against it. The fit provides greater protection for the feature and greater stability for the ladder. The cushioning element maintains its position by the force of the ladder against it, pressing it against the feature or areas of the structure surrounding the feature.

Abstract: A tool support attachable to a frame of a support structure as a ladder. The tool support includes a base removably connected to the frame. The base includes a resilient portion which is biased inwardly towards the frame to secure the base at a designated position on the frame. An interchangeable attachment is removably connected to the base, where the attachment is adapted to hold at least one tool.

Abstract: A modular ladder system is provided, wherein segments may be joined without limit to form a ladder of any desired length.

Abstract: A leveler for a ladder having side rails and a rung comprises a metal housing fixed to one of the side rails. The housing has an opening. The leveler comprises a metal leg with slides in the housing and is adjustable in the housing. The leg has a top end and a bottom end. The leg has two rows of holes which are set side by side and extend through the leg. The leveler comprises a holder for holding a leg to the housing. The holder extending through the opening and one of the holes to hold a leg in place. The leveler comprises a cap disposed on the top end which acts as a stop for the leg when the cap contacts the housing. A method for setting a ladder in place.

Abstract: An oil refrigeration screw compressor being applied to a refrigeration system etc., in which the problem of strength reduction of a bearing material under high temperatures and that of lifetime reduction of the bearing material due to viscosity lowering of lubricant are solved. A lubricant supply system to a compressor body is divided into a bearing oil supply system for supplying lubricant to each bearing of the compressor body at low pressure and into a temperature control oil supply system for supplying lubricant into the compressor body at high pressure. The bearing oil supply system is a closed circuit oil supply system comprising an oil supply tank, an oil cooler, and an oil supply pump, and the temperature control oil supply system is a closed circuit oil supply system comprising an oil separator and an oil cooler.

Abstract: A bagging apparatus includes a bag support for thermoplastic merchandise bags in a bag pack, a bag opener holding open a bag mouth of the bags, a scale weighing items placed in the bag and a first indicator displaying information related to weight of items placed in the bag. The apparatus includes an item counter determining the number of items in the bag and a mechanism determining the volume of items in the bag. A second indicator signals when the counter reaches a predetermined item count. A third indicator signals when the mechanism indicates a predetermined volume is reached. A bag counter determines the number of bags removed from the apparatus. Circuitry transmits the weight-related, volume and item count information to a computer program for tracking the information for each bag filled. The circuitry also interfaces with a bag inventory system and generates bagger performance tracking information for each user.

Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery causing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.

Abstract: A method of removing at least one fork from a forklift carriage includes placing a guard on the forklift carriage to interpose the at least one fork between the forklift carriage and the guard, uncoupling the at least one fork from the forklift carriage at a first coupling location, positioning the at least one fork uncoupled from the forklift carriage at the first coupling location in a fork rack, removing the guard from the forklift carriage, and removing the at least one fork from the forklift carriage. Fork racks, methods, and systems for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an apparatus for storing electric energy needed in an elevator system into a supercapacitor. Furthermore, the invention can be used as a source of reserve power in emergency situations, such as power failures. The supercapacitor is connected together with three switching branches to a rectified signal of the power supply of the motor. By closing and opening the switches, the supercapacitor can be charged when the motor load is small. When the motor load is large or when the power supply fails, the electric energy contained in the supercapacitor can be discharged for use by the motor. In an emergency, the motor drives the elevator at a speed lower than normal, and therefore a supply voltage lower than normal is sufficient. Also, energy obtained from braking of the elevator can be stored in the supercapacitor, which has a storage capacity of considerable magnitude as compared to an ordinary capacitor.

Abstract: In a fire control system for an elevator, the time for the fire and smoke to reach the elevator hall of each floor of a building during fire is pre-calculated as the evacuation time of the floor. When the evacuation time of a floor is longer than the time for making a car respond to a rescue call from the evacuation floor, the floor is judged as a rescue floor, and when shorter, the floor is judged as a non-rescue floor. Furthermore, the order in which the rescue is carried out among the rescue floors is determined. Accordingly, it is possible to rescue remainders on a rescue floor using an elevator as an evacuation means. Moreover, since rescue operation by the elevator is performed with the order of rescue determined, rescue operation suitable for the conditions of the fire can be realized.

Abstract: A highchair includes a seat attached to a frame having a first periphery defining a first footprint of the frame. Wheels are attached to the frame adjacent to the first periphery for providing wheeled movement of the frame over a surface. The first periphery of the frame bounds a receiving area underlying the frame within the first footprint of the frame. An arresting fixture is located in the receiving area and has a second periphery defining a second footprint of the arresting fixture within the first footprint of the frame. The arresting fixture is mounted to the frame for movement in reciprocal directions relative to the frame between a first position toward the frame, and a second position away from the frame for engagement with the surface for arresting the frame from wheeled movement over the surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle, with a braking system for a wheel of the vehicle having an axle arrangement and a brake, especially a disc brake, whereby the cross-section of the axle arrangement has an outer contour differing from a circle, and the brake has a brake carrier. According to one embodiment of the invention, the brake carrier has an opening whose inner contour differs from a circle and the outer contour lies on the axle arrangement such that the brake carrier surrounds the axle of the brake to form a keyed fit with the axle arrangement.

Abstract: A parking brake for a motor vehicle comprising a disk packet (11) on an axle body in a brake housing (1) with at least one brake disk, one spring (8), by way of which the closure of the brake can be effected by a compression of the disk packet (11) and a piston (7), superimposed on the spring (8), the compression space (6) of which piston can be subjected to hydraulic pressure for the release of the parking brake counter to the closing force of the spring and the force of the piston (7) is transferred by at least one pressure pin (4) onto a pressure transmission element (2), which the element stands in operative connection with the disk packet (11) and the piston (7), and the at least one pressure pin (4) is shape-fit decoupled from one another.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle brake equipped with a parking brake device, in particular for motor vehicles, includes a brake housing in which at least two hydraulic pressure chambers are provided, with a working pressure chamber that is delimited by a brake piston, and a lockable accumulator pressure chamber. A dual bleeder (2) is provided for simultaneously bleeding the two pressure chambers (7, 9). To this end, the dual bleeder (2) includes two elements, a bleeder sleeve (30) and a bleeder screw (31). The bleeder sleeve (30) cooperates with a first sealing seat (35), with the result that a hydraulic connection (29) between the two pressure chambers (7, 9) can be separated, while the bleeder screw (31) cooperates with a second sealing seat (36), with the result that at least one of the two pressure chambers (7, 9) can be connected to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An aerodynamic disc wheel assembly includes a pair of generally symmetrical hourglass shaped sidewalls extending from a hub to a brake engaging portion of a wheel. The sidewalls include a radially inwardly positioned widened hub portion, a radially outwardly disposed brake engaging portion, and a two part central portion extending between the hub portion and the brake engaging portion. The assembly further includes an oval shaped end cap for engaging the disc wheel to spinningly receive a bicycle hub.

Abstract: A brake caliper includes a housing having at least one bore formed therein. A coolant passage is formed through the housing and extends radially outwardly from the bore and is fluidically coupled thereto. The coolant passage can accept a coolant, which can be actively moved or it can be passively moved. The brake caliper also has at least one piston slidably mounted in the bore. The piston can be made from a thermally conductive material. The piston can include a wall that is thicker at a first end there of than at the second end thereof. The thicker end is that which contacts a brake pad. A method of cooling a disc brake assembly is also provided. The coolant passage takes heat out of the disc brake assembly before it reaches the brake fluid. Heat is dissipated by thermal exchange into the caliper, coolant, and/or the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrokinetic coupling device (10) characterized by the fact that the web (74) comprises, at the inner radial end thereof, a collar (86), which axially extends toward the front between the turbine wheel (32) and the turbine hub (40) and which is rotationally joined by friction welding respectively: at the front, to the turbine wheel (32) by a first weld joint (88) provided between a front annular contact face (90) of the collar (86) and a rear welding face (92) opposite the inner radial periphery of the turbine wheel (32) and; at the rear, to the turbine hub (40) by a second rear weld joint (96) provided between a rear annular contact face (98) of the collar (86) and a front welding face (100) opposite the outer radial periphery of the turbine hub (40).

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectable one-way clutch including a generally annular race and a generally annular cam disposed radially about the race. The cam has a radially internal surface defining a first plurality of tapered face portions and a second plurality of tapered face portions. A first plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam. A second plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam, and are interposed between the first plurality of rollers. The first plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the first plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a first direction, and the second plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the second plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a second direction.

Abstract: Presented herein are four-wheel drive systems incorporating a bi-directional overrunning clutch design to control the torque transmission between front and rear transaxles. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a four-wheel drive system comprising a front transaxle, a rear transaxle, a transmission receiving drive power from a prime mover, and a bi-directional overrunning clutch drivingly coupled to an output shaft of the transmission and selectively coupled to the front and rear transaxle.

Abstract: A device for frictional inter-engagement between two mutually movable parts (13, 14). A lever mechanism exerts counter-directed pressing forces towards both parts to transfers movement between them. A lever (25) has a free lever end (27) contacted by a first (13) of the parts, and opposite to the free end a part-cylindrical convex surface (31) journalled in a part-cylindrical concave bearing surface (33). In order to eliminate the risk of jamming of the lever due to excessive surface pressure, it is journalled with rolling bodies, preferably cylindrical bodies (34).

Abstract: A controlled actuator system for the actuation of a friction clutch comprising a screw drive assembly coaxial with an axis of the clutch composed of a collar and a screw fastened to a gearbox. The controlled actuator system having a friction plate rotatably fastened to control fingers of the clutch and coaxial with the clutch axis and a ball bearing assembly with a first race fastened to the collar and the axis of the bearing assembly being offset from the axis of the clutch. The collar is rotated by a motor. The friction plate and a second race of the bearing assembly are in frictional engagement.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism of the present power device comprises a fixed gear member, a moving gear member engaged with the fixed gear member when moving to a clutch connecting position, an armature for moving the moving gear member to the clutch connecting position when rotated relatively to the moving gear member, an electromagnetic coil unit for applying a brake resistance to the armature, and a clutch holding surface for abutting against the moving gear member when the electromagnetic coil unit is turned off in the clutch connecting state and for holding the moving gear member at a brake-clutch connecting position. The abutment of the moving gear member against the clutch holding surface is released by rotating the moving gear member relatively to the armature in a state in which the electromagnetic coil unit is operated.

Abstract: A method for collecting and transporting snow includes the steps of providing a snow collector mounted to an inclined alpine mountain-side and a pipe cooperating with the snow collector to remove snow from the snow collector to a downhill location remote from the snow collector, collecting snow in the snow collector and diverting snow from the snow collector into the pipe, transporting the snow downhill in the pipe, and delivering the snow from the pipe at the downhill location below the elevation of the snow collector.

Abstract: An auger airlock assembly and end dump housing having a spring loaded bottom for use in a bulk loader which utilizes a source of negative pressure to create a suction air stream that draws particulate materials into the loader for transfer, via the auger assembly, to a location remote of the loader. Materials exiting the auger assembly accumulate within the housing to a point wherein, once the accumulated material has acquired a certain weight, the bottom of the housing is forced open to permit discharge of the material, and, once the material is removed, and is not present in enough quantity to maintain the bottom of the housing to remain open, the spring loaded connection biases the bottom back into a position sealably closing the housing. The bottom of the housing may also be opened by the auger feeding more material into an already full housing, whereby the material is compressed so as to force the door open.

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.

Abstract: A joystick controller comprises an operating rod (12) mounted for pivotal movement relative to a housing (14) so as to effect movement of a sensor element for providing an output signal indicative of a degree of pivotal movement of the operating rod (12). The joystick also includes at least one friction pad (20a, 20b) mounted to the operating rod (12) for providing a fictional resistance to movement of the operating rod (12) relative to the housing (14).

Abstract: In a control module for a motor vehicle with an electric switch in a housing, the housing has at least one locking element that can be resiliently deflected, in the locking position of which the housing is secured in the correct position in a seat provided therefore. Each locking element has an associated push button accessible by the user, which cooperates with the locking element in such a way that when it is operated the locking element assumes a release position against its resilient deflection.

Abstract: An electronic lock includes a keycard sensing assembly which interacts with a keycard sensing switch surface mounted to a circuit board. The keycard sensing assembly is located adjacent a rear of a keycard slot such that when a key card is fully inserted into the keycard slot, the keycard activates the keycard sensing assembly. Such an arrangement permits a significant portion of the circuit board to be potted within a potting compound such that the keycard reader becomes essentially waterproof. Such a construction permits the insertion of a wet or damp keycard without concern for water damage to the keycard sensing assembly.

Abstract: A latch releasing device includes a switch that is turned on upon pressing a pressing button towards a switch body and unlatches a door, a base member that holds the switch via the switch body such that the pressing button is arranged on a front surface thereof, a key top member on the base member to cover the pressing button of the switch, and a biasing member between the base member and the key top member that biases the key top member in a direction departing from the pressing button of the switch. The switch is fixed to a panel via the base member such that the pressing button can be pressed via the key top member from outside the panel.

Abstract: A thin film circuit board of the keyboard includes an upper thin film laminate, a lower thin film laminate and an insulation partition between the upper thin film laminate and the lower thin film laminate. Multiple first/second circuits are formed on the upper/lower thin film laminates. The first circuits and the second circuits respectively have at least a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. The two first connection terminals and second connection terminals are coupled together by conductive adhesive or by external force of pressure.

Abstract: A printed circuit board with thin film switches for a keyboard including an upper board having multiple circuit lines, an insulating separation defining multiple through holes, a lower board having multiple circuit lines and multiple thin film switches mounted on the upper and lower boards. The thin film switch has two thin film conductive elements respectively formed on the upper and lower boards and correspond to one of the through holes in the insulating separation. Each thin film conductive element has a center conductor, at least two outer conductors formed adjacent to the center conductor, and at least two conductive lines connected to the center and outer conductors. With such an arrangement, the areas of the center and outer conductors will be reduced, surfaces of the conductors are even in the curing procedure of fabricating upper or lower board to keep a stable touching sensitivity.

Abstract: A button apparatus for an electronic component (10) having a button (16) includes a computer bezel (20) and a pressing member (30) pivotally attached to the computer bezel for pressing the button of the electronic component. The computer bezel includes a front panel (22) and a flange (24) extending from a side of the front panel, an opening (221) is defined in the front panel. The pressing member includes a pressing portion (32) received in the opening for pushing the button and a resilient piece (34) abutting against the flange for urging the pressing portion to pivotally rebound to an original state from a deformed state at which the pressing portion pushes the button.

Abstract: Enhancing efficiency in assembling a waterproof switch, and enhance flexibility of seal design. The waterproof switch 7 includes a plunger 11 accommodated in a cylindrical case 10 capable of moving in the longitudinal direction, and to which a spring 17 applies a force in a direction. One end of the plunger 11 is provided with a common contact point 16 which contacts with contact point terminals 18 and 19 when predetermined amount of displacement to the spring 17 which applies the force to the plunder 11 is provided. A concave portion 10a is that to which a seal 13 for a sliding part of the plunger 11 is attached, and this concave portion 10a is provided to an end portion of the case 10. Assembling is proceeded while recognizing how the seal 13 is attached thereto from the appearance in the assembling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a circuit-breaker intended for opening and closing this electric power cut-off device comprising a mobile contact, this control device comprising a motor (3) with a rotary output shaft (12) and being connected to power supply means (4-9) and actuating means transforming the output displacement of the motor into a displacement of the contact, this device also comprising a mechanical spring arrangement involved in opening and closing the contact. According to the invention, the actuation means include a set of jointed elements providing the connection of the rotary shaft and of the ring, and, in the closed position of the contact, the set of jointed elements is near a dead centre position, a so-called open dead centre, the opening spring (15) being only able to drive it towards the open position upon moving past this dead centre during opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary manipulation type electronic device which permits one to obtain a feel of manipulations during rotational manipulations and produces lilting sounds of manipulations to thereby obtain an audiological sense of manipulations. The rotary manipulation type electronic device of the present invention has a base body with which a rotary body is rotatably combined. An operative element is disposed in such a way that movement of the operative element is restricted by the inside wall of a terminal leading portion of the base body and by leg portions of a leaf spring. Engagement portions engaging an uneven portion of the top surface of a flange portion of the rotary body protrude from the operative element. The leaf spring is brought into elastic contact with the top surface of the operative element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow device (12) intended for a two-phase flow processing enclosure (10) of the natural counter-flow type, in which an ascending gaseous flow and a descending liquid flow circulate, which device is formed by an appreciably horizontal tray (13) having openings (14) for the passage of the ascending gaseous flow, and a channel (15) for recovering the descending liquid flow, the channel (15) discharging into a flow orifice (16), characterized in that it comprises a single guide device (18) extending beneath the tray (13) and connected to the flow orifice (16) in such a way that the liquid flows on its outer wall. The invention also relates to a processing enclosure, particularly for processing a hydrocarbonated or aqueous type liquid flow, comprising a flow device according to the invention.

Abstract: A sputter coated article is provided with improved mechanical durability (e.g., pre-HT scratch resistance) and/or thermal stability by sputtering at least one Ag inclusive layer in an atmosphere including at least O2 gas. For instance, in certain example embodiments an Ag inclusive target may be sputtered in an atmosphere including a combination of Ar and O2 gas. In certain embodiments, this enables the resulting AgOx infrared (IR) reflecting layer to better adhere to adjacent contact layer(s).