Abstract: A drill head for drilling machines having a protective screen (S) for conveying the drilling mud discharged from the drivers (T1, T2) of the sleeves and drill rods (A), wherein said screen (S) reduces the mud fallout area in the vicinity of the drilling zone. The screen panel (S) has a generically U-shaped cross section, or in any case such a cross section as to cover wholly or partly at least three sides around the area where the mud is discharged from the drivers (T1, T2) of the rod (A) and sleeve (C). The screen panel (S) is joined to the structure of the drill head by means of connection supports (P) and translation mechanisms (Pa), in such a way as to translate said screen panel (S) parallel to the rod (A) and the sleeve (C).

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. Different physically alterable bonding materials may be substituted for cement. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A connector (10) which provides a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a drill-string (4), the connector (10) comprising a piston-rod (20) and a cylinder (15), the piston-rod (20) having a seal at or towards its free end which is adapted to sealingly engage the drill-string (4) when the piston-rod (20) is at least partially extended from the cylinder (15).

Abstract: Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond abrasive element, particularly a cutting element, comprises a table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, particularly a cemented carbide substrate, along a non-planar interface. The non-planar interface typically has a cruciform configuration. The polycrystalline diamond has a high wear-resistance, and has a region adjacent the working surface lean in catalysing material and a region rich in catalysing material. The region lean in catalysing material extends to a depth of 40 to 90 microns, which is much shallower than in the prior art. Notwithstanding the shallow region lean in catalysing material, the polycrystalline diamond cutters have a wear resistance, impact strength and cutter life comparable to that of prior art cutter, but requiring only 20% of the treatment times of the prior art cutters.

Abstract: The invention relates to control scales whereon the weight of products (14) is determined in a dynamic manner during the transport thereof on a weighing strip (4) by means of filtering weight values detected during said transportation. According to the invention, said scales comprise an optimisation device which automatically determines the optimum length of filtering.

Abstract: A system and method that can provide a measurement of the weight on a trailer or vehicle, e.g., a truck or rig. The system and method can be implemented on systems that are equipped with air suspension, as well as those without air suspension, unlike conventional systems that require air suspension systems for installation. Additionally, the system and method can yield gross trailer weight, even if the truck is not instrumented. Further, the system and method can provide axle weight on properly equipped axles. A system for measuring weight on a trailer of a vehicle has a sensor system having a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is attached to an axle of the trailer or the vehicle. A microcontroller receives a transmission of strain change from a sensor. A display unit displays a calculated weight on the trailer from the microcontroller.

Abstract: Track frame assemblies wherein one assembly provides a multi-section sub-frame that supports a series of idler wheel suspensions. Each section is mounted to pivot laterally from stub axles longitudinally secured to a drive frame. In another assembly, resilient bushings support idler wheel suspension axles to the track frame. The track frame also supports a detachable track tensioner containing idler wheels that facilitate track removal and replacement. A detachable hub at a track drive sprocket/drum further enhances frame mounting. Elastomer shim and air bag assemblies also torsionally control and limit rotation of the track assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cart coupler assembly for use on a shopping cart retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly provides a means for connecting shopping carts to the cart retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly may employ an actuator to move yokes into position to enable the yokes to engage shopping cart members. The cart coupler assembly may employ the upwardly facing concave surfaces of U-shaped yokes to engage the rear wheels of a shopping cart. In the place of yokes, the cart coupler assembly may utilize a shopping cart emulator that emulates one or more portions or features of a shopping cart in order to facilitate the engagement of the coupler assembly to a shopping cart.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a chair, a pair of drive wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of from wheels. Each front wheel is part of a front arm assembly that is rigidly coupled to a drive via a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the wheelchair frame by a pivot. The drives are transversely mounted. The batteries are disposed rearward of the drives. The wheelchair seat can be moved forward to provide access to the batteries without fully removing the wheelchair from the frame. Or the wheelchair may provide side access to the batteries and the wheelchair may be fixed.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for operating a hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle including at least an engine having a plurality of combustion cylinders, wherein the engine is mechanically coupled to at least a drive wheel of the vehicle, an energy conversion device mechanically coupled to at least one of the engine and the vehicle drive wheel, and an energy storage device coupled to the energy conversion device, the method comprising adjusting at least one of the engine and the energy conversion device so that an amount of energy stored by the energy storage device varies within a first range when the engine is operating in a first combustion mode and varies within a second range when the engine is operating in a second combustion mode, wherein the first range is different from the second range.

Abstract: A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.

Abstract: The technique of the invention determines whether input data for driving and controlling a cooling fan have any abnormality (steps S100 and S110), sets an actual drive level F* of the cooling fan to a high level (Hi) in the event of detection of any abnormality (step S130), and controls a fan motor to drive the cooling fan at the set drive level F* (step S140). This arrangement effectively prevents a temperature rise to an abnormally high level in any of an engine and motors even in the event of any abnormality arising in the input data.

Abstract: A motor-driven wheel driving apparatus has a wheel bearing, a planetary reduction gear, a driving section with an electric motor to drive the planetary reduction gear, and a rotation member. The wheel bearing includes a wheel hub formed with a wheel mounting flange on one end. An inner ring is press-fit onto a cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring is formed with at least one double row inner raceway surfaces on its outer circumferential surface. An outer member is formed with double row outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumferential surface opposite to the inner raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are rollably arranged between the inner and outer raceway surfaces.

Abstract: A small-sized vehicle, such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), includes an engine having an output shaft, a front gear mechanism including a first shaft on a side of a front wheel to which a drive force from a front output shaft portion of the output shaft is transmitted, and a rear gear mechanism including a first shaft on a side of a rear wheel to which a drive force from a rear output shaft portion of the output shaft is transmitted. The front output shaft portion of the output shaft and the first shaft of the front gear mechanism are arranged substantially coaxial with each other, and the rear output shaft portion of the output shaft and the first shaft of the rear gear mechanism are arranged substantially coaxial with each other. The small-sized vehicle is capable of preventing vibrations and noise from being generated.

Abstract: A device for detecting a collision with a vehicle includes a pressure sensor for detecting compression of a substantially closed measuring volume upon collision. The measuring volume is arranged along a part of the vehicle body that is impacted during the collision. The cross-sectional area of the measuring volume, along its longitudinal direction, has a comparatively larger area in the vicinity of those parts of the vehicle body that are comparatively rigid and therefore comparatively difficult to deform during collision.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a saddle-ride type vehicle provides sufficient volume in a chamber while avoiding interference between the chamber and other parts. The vehicle center of gravity is lowered and differences in exhaust pipe length are reduced. Exhaust pipes are connected to combustion chambers of front and rear cylinder banks of a V-type engine. A chamber is connected to the exhaust pipes and mufflers are connected to the chamber. The chamber has an exhaust pipe connection wall to which the exhaust pipes are connected and opposing muffler connection walls. The mufflers are connected to positions on the muffler connection walls closer to the engine relative to a center in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an implement based upon a gear shift include a shift detector circuit which detects a direction of the gear shift and an implement controller circuit which adjusts an implement in response to the direction of the gear shift.

Abstract: A cap unit is mounted on the exhaust end of a tail pipe of a motor vehicle and includes two tubular sections connected by a conical transition section. One tubular section is mounted on the tail pipe adjacent to the exhaust end of the tail pipe and a flap is hingedly mounted on an end of the second section. The flap is mounted to hang down when the cap unit is mounted on the tail pipe so that gravity biases the cap into an exhaust end covering position and exhaust gases flowing out of the tail pipe will move the flap out of the covering position against the bias of gravity. The cap unit provide aesthetic appeal to the tail pipe.

Abstract: A transportable conveyer is provided for simultaneous rescue of multiple persons and objects. The conveyer is capable of being stored and transported in a compact folded position. The preferred embodiment is an endless conveyer with three elements: a belt equipped with a plurality of eyes for a hook along the circumferential surface of the belt; a vehicle to transport the belt to a site where rescue is required; and a motor for rotating the belt to raise or lower a load secured to the load affixing means. The belt may be deployed manually or by a powered boom. Hooks, harnesses and bags are used to attach one or more objects of rescue to the belt.

Abstract: An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel only uses gravitational forces for opening a cover. Only during closing is the access panel motorized. The gravitational forces are used to both open the cover and extend the ladder sections, while the motor is only used to retract the latter sections and close the cover. A stow latch keeps the cover closed during non-use. A safety switch keeps the access panel from accidentally opening and the ladder sections from lowering if the stow latch is released. A mechanical lock keeps the cover open when the ladder sections have been lowered.

Abstract: An improved game stand design providing an ergonomic seating position with seat and knee cushions which render both a more comfortable stand as well as a more versatile position, without sacrificing low weight and reduced bulk.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a ladder top for a stepladder. The top comprises a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin with a curved front side adjacent the front of the plane for holding small electrical parts. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole for holding the screwdriver. The plane has a hammer/drill holster slot. The plane has a pliers slot. The plane has a wire strippers slot and a channel locks slots. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.

Abstract: A ladder top for a stepladder includes a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin for holding small parts and having a shape to hold a propane tank adjacent the front of the plane. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole. The plane has a drill holster. The plane has a hammer/pipe wrench hole. The plane has a channel lock slot. The plane has a pipe holder extending along the length of the pipe for holding pipe. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.

Abstract: A step ladder, includes a first ladder frame and a second ladder frame operably pivotably coupled to the first frame intermediate the second ladder frame, the second ladder frame being formed of a unitary loop defining a step portion and a handle section, the step portion and a handle section being coupled a first bend and a second generally reverse bend. A method of forming a step ladder is further included.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a longer inclined frame provided with steps coupled to a shorter stabilizer frame provided with rungs for movement relative to the longer inclined frame between an expanded use position and a collapsed storage position. The stepladder also includes a top-step lock to lock the top step in a fixed position relative to the two frames.

Abstract: A ladder is stabilized in a plurality of planes so it will not twist, slide or fall once it is in place. Telescoping legs are mounted on each side rail of the ladder, a cable system acts as a harness rail and an anti-roll bar is mounted on top of each side rail. The cable system allows the harness to be extended on an extension ladder.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a bearing for surrounding a rotating shaft. The bearing comprises at least one external opening communicating with an exterior of the bearing; and at least one ramped internal cavity, each cavity communicating with one of the at least one external openings and an interior of the bearing. In another embodiment, there is disclosed a method for urging a lubricating fluid into an internal pressure gallery of a rotating shaft.

Abstract: A power generating system configured to be placed in a road. The system includes a encasing box that encloses pistons that extend slightly above the encasing box. The pistons are connected to a crank that is connected to an alternator or other power generating device. As cars pass over the pistons, they engage the alternator and generate electricity.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a guide member secured to a mast of the lift truck and a guided member secured to a carriage vertically movable along the mast. The guided member engages with the guide member to resist twisting moments acting on the carriage and enable the carriage to move smoothly along the mast. A lift truck attachment for mounting on a lift truck includes a latching member which can restrict movement of the attachment with respect to the lift truck in a fore-and-aft direction of the lift truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator shaft having up to four parallel tracks of the same type, adapted for the operation of a plurality of self-propelled cars per track, and having at least one transfer arrangement for switching tracks and for allowing cars to park on an interim basis, to turn and to pass one another. In order to configure the elevator shaft such that a plurality of cars together can utilize one track in a quadrilateral shaft, it is proposed according to the invention that the elevator shaft has a quadrilateral cross-section of up to four segments each with an independent track, the segments each being disposed such that an axis laid out horizontally through the outwardly-located corner of the cars passes through the center of an imaginary circle which likewise runs through the outer corners of the cars, this center simultaneously forming the center point of the elevator shaft and of the transfer arrangements which have been inserted.

Abstract: An elevator control apparatus reducable in size by securing an installation space with ease, and which is excellent in noise immunity. A winch operates a car to perform an upward and downward movement, a motor generates a driving force for the winch, an inverter controls the motor to change its rotational speed in a variable manner, and an ECU controls the inverter. The winch, motor, inverter and ECU are integrally constructed with one another and installed as a drive control device. In addition, a traffic control device controls the traffic operation of the car by generating a traffic pattern corresponding to a destination floor from a current position of the car in response to a hall call or a car call. The traffic control device is separate from the drive control device.

Abstract: A method of operating an elevator system with a drum for taking up a suspension device, a drive unit for driving the drum, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, includes operating the control unit of the drive unit to prescribe a rotational speed that depends on a length of the suspension device that is rolled onto the drum. Also included is an elevator system in which the method can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device arrangement for an elevator door opening, said safety device arrangement comprising at least a toe guard (3) placed substantially at the lower edge of the elevator car and a safety circuit (21) connected to the elevator system. The safety device arrangement comprises a safety circuit switch (16) placed on the toe guard (3) and a bypass switch (17) connected to the safety circuit (21), said bypass switch being fitted to bypass the safety circuit switch (16) at least when the elevator is at or close to the lowest landing floor.

Abstract: In an emergency stop system for an elevator, a governor sheave that moves in synchronism with the raising and lowering of a car is wound around a governor sheave. The car is mounted with a safety device for braking the car through displacement of the car, which is connected to the governor rope, with respect to the governor rope. A control device outputs an activation signal upon detecting an abnormality in the speed of the car. A rope catching device is provided in the vicinity of the governor sheave. The rope catching device has an electromagnetic actuator that is activated upon input of the activation signal, and a restraining portion for restraining the governor rope upon the activation of the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: A floor selection station (39a) has at least one switch button (45-51, 70, 93) which visually handicapped people use in selecting floors, and a speaker (54) to emit a sound uniquely ndicative of which elevator to board. Stations (39a, 39c) have a plurality of buttons with Braille indications of groups of floors (45-51) or individual floors (33). A station (39b) ) has only one button (70). Near or at each elevator lobby related to a group of floors serving a building, a floor identifier (39, 42) identifies with color, and optionally a symbol such as letter, each floor which is served by the group of elevators related to that lobby. At each elevator (26-29) there is an elevator indicator (32-35) which displays the same color, and optionally the same symbol, as displayed for any floor which the respective elevator is currently assigned to serve, and a speaker (32a 35a) which emits the same sound as at the floor selection station until the assigned elevator is dispatched.

Abstract: A panel assembly is disclosed having finishing elements in the form of trim plates. Interchangeable panels of the assembly having tongue and groove edges are attached to a support structure. The trim plates are positioned along free edges of panels at the top and bottom of the assembly. The trim plates have mounting surfaces that engage respective contact surfaces on the panels. The mounting and contact surfaces are offset away from a center plane of the panels toward a back face that interfaces with the support structure to which the panel assembly is attached. The offset provides enhanced structural safety by reducing bending moments on fasteners effecting attachment of the panel assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A method of constructing an elevator installation having a support plate with a drive unit in a first installation position, an elevator car and a counterweight and in which the drive unit is connected by a support cable with the elevator car and the counterweight. A cross member has a chain hoist and is mounted above a second installation position, the chain hoist being connected with the support plate by a chain, the support plate being released from the first installation position, raised by the chain hoist from the first installation position to the second installation position and finally is mounted in the second installation. An elevator installation has at least one recess, which serves for mounting the support plate, formed in a shaft wall.

Abstract: In an elevator car with adjacently arranged wall elements, there are present in the area of adjacent end-faces of the wall elements two joining elements of which one is fixed on a principal surface of a first wall element and one on a principal surface of a second wall element that lies in the same plane. Each of the joining elements also overlaps the principal surface of the wall element on which it is not fixed. One of the joining elements has a diagonal bounding surface and the other joining element has an opposite contour which on alignment of the wall elements slides on the diagonal bounding surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elevator cab comprising at least one wall formed from two or more panels, each panel having a front surface forming an interior surface of the elevator cab, a female connector and a male connector attached to opposing edges of the front surface, respectively. The male connector includes a projection which is parallel to but transversely displaced from the front surface and the female connector defines a slot which is parallel to, but transversely and laterally displaced from, the front surface. The slot has an opening facing towards the front surface. The projection of one wall panel is laterally inserted through the opening and into the slot of a neighbouring panel and a securing element is transversely inserted between the two wall panels.

Abstract: A method of mounting an elevator installation includes providing an elevator car in the lower shaft region, introducing a support belt into the elevator shaft and guiding the belt around the car deflecting rollers arranged at the bottom at the elevator car. The remaining portions of the belt are stored in the region of a work platform of the elevator car. The elevator car is raised into an upper shaft region and the first end of the belt is fastened to a first connecting point. The second end of the belt is led around a traction pulley and a loop, between the traction pulley and the second end, is let down to the lower shaft region and a counterweight deflecting means inclusive of a counterweight is suspended in the loop. The second end of the support belt then is attached at the second connecting point.

Abstract: An electrical connector device (40) for use with an elevator load bearing member (30) assembly includes at least one electrical connector member (42) for making electrically conductive contact with at least one tension member (32). A clamping member (45) supports the electrical connector member and facilitates manipulating the connector member to pierce through a coating (34) over the tension members (32). The clamping member (45) in one example has first (46) and second (48) portions received on opposite sides of the load bearing member (30). An adjuster (50) facilitates adjusting the relative positions of the clamping member portions to urge the electrical connector member through the coating and into electrically conductive contact with the tension member.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle with one or more brakes activated by a cable system, there is a mounting bracket mounted in the motor vehicle. Movably mounted to the mounting bracket is a lever that can move in brake applying and brake releasing directions, and which is constructed to be connected to the brake cables. The lever applies tension to the brake cables when the lever is moved in the brake applying direction, and releases the tension when moved in the releasing direction. Mounted to either the lever or the mounting bracket is a retainer constructed to engage the other of the lever or the mounting bracket. The retainer acts to restrict the relative lateral movement of the lever and the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a brake, an actuator, and an automatic slack adjuster for adjusting the clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum. The actuator includes a housing, a piston moveably disposed in the housing, a yoke disposed outside of the housing, and a pushrod extending through the housing. The pushrod is connected to the piston, and an end portion of the pushrod forms a rivet that attaches the yoke to the end portion of the pushrod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake disk comprising a friction ring (2) and a linking element (4) which are interconnected by means of a screwing arrangement (6). The screwing arrangement (6) encompasses a screw, a nut, and an intermediate element (12). Said intermediate element (12) prevents direct contact between the friction ring (2) and the linking element (4). Also provided is a sleeve element (14) that is disposed on a shaft (16) of the screw (8). A sliding block (18) is plugged onto the sleeve element (14). The intermediate element (12) at least partly encloses the sliding block such that thermal expansions acting in a radial direction can be compensated by a relative movement between the sliding block (18) and the intermediate element (12). The intermediate element also has a springy effect in an axial direction, by means of which mechanical and thermal stresses can be compensated in said axial direction.

Abstract: A brake disc comprises a cylindrical hub, two parallel friction rings, and a plurality of spokes joining the hub to the friction rings. The spokes having an I-beam shaped cross section taken parallel to the hub axis.

Abstract: An air-cooled brake rotor system defining an inter-rotor disk slot through which spacers in the form of turbine or fan vanes propel air when the brake rotor system is turned. An inner disk brake rotor plate is attached to a hub which in turn may be attached to an axle on a vehicle such as an automobile. Pins having ends of opposite threading are used to connect the inner rotor to the outer rotor. The outer rotor is spaced apart from the inner rotor by means of spacers which are shaped to propel air through the slots defined between the two rotors. The spacers are also configured so that compression of the two rotors by a caliper system always serves to have a spacer beneath the area engaged by the brake pad to provide mechanical support for the rotor system. Each rotor generally has defined in it venting holes and inscribed debris-channeling slots in an arcuate, volute, or turbinate manner. An enhanced braking system experiencing lower heat retention is thereby attained.

Abstract: A controllable brake includes a housing and a rotor supported on a shaft. The rotor is housed within a chamber containing a field controllable material which is acted upon by a magnetic field generator to impede movement of the rotor. The shaft is supported by bearings. The controllable brake housing defines a second housing chamber adapted to enclose means for monitoring and/or controlling the brake and in this way, an integrated, compact controllable brake is provided.

Abstract: An improved protective cover is provided for a piston-cylinder unit. The cover has an elongated body with a convoluted portion and a cylindrical portion. The convoluted portion covers the piston rod of the piston-cylinder unit and allows the protective cover to contract and extend when said unit moves from a compressed position to an extended position. The cover is fixedly attached to the piston-cylinder unit such that it covers and protects the cylinder and the piston rod of the unit. The attachment of the protective cover to the piston-cylinder unit results in water and air resistant seals between the cover and the unit, or in the alternative, in non-watertight and/or non-airtight seals that prevent dirt, debris, dust and the like from contacting the cylinder and piston rod of the unit.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device of a vehicle, comprising a cylindrical body having step parts and having a diameter gradually changing in the axial direction. The step parts (3) are spirally formed around the axis (4) of the cylindrical body so that an impact energy in the collision of the vehicle can be sufficiently absorbed.