Abstract: A vehicle includes steerable front wheels, an interaxle differential for transmitting torque from an engine to the front wheels and to rear wheels. The differential includes a controllable clutch operable to control a ratio of front wheel speed to rear wheel speed. A control unit controls the clutch as a function of sensed steering angles and stored information including steering angles and corresponding front to rear wheel speed ratio values. The control unit is automatically calibrated. The control unit periodically obtains steering angle values, periodically obtains front and rear wheel speed values, periodically generates new front to rear wheel speed ratio values, and replaces one of the stored front to rear wheel speed ratio values with one of the new ratio values if the steering angle values indicate that the vehicle has been in a straight ahead travel mode for at least a certain time period.

Abstract: A steerable rear suspension for a tractor includes a chassis comprising a front end, a rear end, a left side and a right side; an engine mounted on the chassis; a pair of steerable front wheels coupled to the front end, left and right side of the chassis; a left rear suspension including a left rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a first steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end of the suspension arm; a right rear suspension including a right rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a second steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end at the right suspension arm; and left and right rear wheels driven by the first and second planetary gear systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling valve stiffness in a power steering system. The method includes the step of engaging a pinion and a spool shaft with respect to one another for turning at least two wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel from an on-center orientation. The method also includes the step of variably assisting movement of the pinion with a hydraulic power steering device having a valve movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The method also includes the step of moving the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration in response to rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from an on-center orientation to assist the pinion in rotation for turning the at least two wheels.

Abstract: In a hearing protection earplug for insertion into the ear canal ear composed of a soft material, especially a foam material, having a cavity that is open toward the outside, it is provided, with a view to achieving additionally increased wearing comfort accompanied with easy handling during insertion into and removal from the ear, that the cavity, as seen in the cross-section, has an approximately cross-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, an engagement indicator and a static hinge mechanism. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The static hinge mechanism enables the first and second ladder sections to be maintained in a stationary position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A suspended scaffold, which hangs from the wall plate within a frame structure, has two hangar brackets attached to the wall plate. Each bracket has an outer retainer bar for insertion between the wall plate outer face and an adjoining sheathing panel. A cooperating clamp portion has a cross-bar lying upon the top face of the wall plate and a downwardly extending load bar and extension piece having a forwardly projecting braced foot which carries the platform lumber. Pivotal links connecting the clamp portion with the extension piece enable clamp opening/closing, and include disabling and safety locks that are engaged by the extension piece. The braced foot portion, which has a plank-retaining toe, can be folded up when free of platform lumber.

Abstract: A tool tray support adapted for placement on the top step of a ladder, the support comprising a receptacle for storing construction material and at least one opening formed in the receptacle for supporting a hand tool. The receptacle includes a plurality of cells, the cells dedicated to storing hand tools or materials, thereby maintaining order and organization. The openings are formed so that the elongated portion of the hand tool is inserted therethrough, and the widest portion of the hand tool is suspendingly impinged by the narrower opening. The support includes an electrical cord electrically coupled with an integral electrical outlet, thereby providing electricity from a source to the integral electrical outlet for providing power to an electrical hand tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic passage structure of an automatic transmission having at least one friction element for gearshift, the friction element being comprised of a drum. The hydraulic passage structure includes a housing formed integrally with a midway wall protruding inwardly from the housing, a sleeve, a center member joined integrally with the drum of the friction element, a radial passage in the midway wall, a sleeve passage in the sleeve, and a center member passage in the center member. The sleeve is fitted into an inner circumference of the housing, and the center member is inserted in an inner circumference of the sleeve. The sleeve passage connects with the radial passage of the housing, and the center member connects the sleeve passage and the friction element. Line pressure is supplied to the friction element via and in order of the radial passage, the sleeve passage, and the center member passage.

Abstract: A lubricating system for an internal combustion engine includes lubricating oil recovery oil passages through which lubricating oil dropping to and dwelling in a bottom portion of a crankcase after lubricating individual portions of an internal combustion engine is fed to a lubricating oil tank through an oil cooler by a recovery pump. Lubricating oil supply oil passages supply the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil tank to the individual portions of the internal combustion engine needing lubrication and cooling through an oil filter by a supply pump. The lubricating system includes a branch passage branched from the lubricating oil recovery oil passage communicating from the oil cooler to the lubricating oil tank. The branch passage supplies the lubricating oil to at least one of the individual portions of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Method and system of controlling a counterweightless elevator system provided with an elevator car and a variable speed drive with an electric motor. The elevator car load is weighed, and the elevator system is controlled in order to reduce the physical/electrical dimensions of the system. The total mass of the elevator is defined by the equation Mtotal=Mcar (mass of the car)+A*Maxpayload, wherein Mcar is the mass of the car, A is a coefficient and Maxpayload is the maximal payload. If the payload supercedes A*Maxpayload the elevator is controlled so that the speed and/or acceleration of the motor is reduced, and/or the idle time of the elevator is increased.

Abstract: A device moves a door seal for a displaceable door panel of an elevator car in an elevator installation with an elevator shaft having shaft doors. The movable door seal is arranged so that the door panel in a closed state is sealed off. The device includes an entrainer unit connected with the door panel and upon stopping of the elevator car at a floor executes a part movement. The device also includes a coupling mechanism mechanically connecting the entrainer unit with the door seal to bring the door seal out of a sealing position into an open position when the entrainer unit executes the part movement.

Abstract: A system and method for installing an elevator door hatchway opening. The system comprises a steel square comprising a top piece, a bottom piece and left and right jambs, a door buck that is bolted to the steel square and at least one exterior hatchway door that is installed on a center portion of the steel square. The steel square is attached by at least one swing lock hinge to at least one elevator shaft way bracket while the steel square is angled outside of an elevator shaft way.

Abstract: An elevator safety chain includes a plurality of passive radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs) (15-18, 22, 34-36 and 63), which are associated, respectively, with hoistway door locks, upper hoistway limits, lower hoistway limits, overspeed detection, car door lock, emergency stop switch, and inspection switch. RFlDs may be associated with car the call buttons (34) and/or hall call buttons (14, 19). The RFIDs may have a switch (43, 44) in the frequency-determining circuitry (40, 41) which defeats the RFID's ability to respond, or a switch (48) which alters the responding frequency. The RFIDs may sense safe or unsafe conditions, or call requests, by either the presence of absence, or vice versa, of adjacent magnetic reluctance (51, 62, 71).

Abstract: A brake assembly for inline skates having a boot portion with right and left downwardly directed frame members. The frame members support at least three axles. Right and left carrier plates are positioned along an inner face of the downwardly directed frame members. At least two diabolos are supported by the right and left carrier plates. The diabolos each contact two wheels and are forced outwardly to provide a friction rubbing action against the carrier plates when the carrier plates have moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position.

Abstract: Wheel chock restraint system comprising a wheel chock, a supporting element mounted on the ground near a loading dock and a support assembly connected by one end to the wheel chock and by another end near the loading dock. A base portion of the chock is provided with first engagement elements and the supporting elements are provided with corresponding second engagement elements, cooperating to create a retention force to prevent the chock from sliding away from the wheel of a vehicle attempting to depart prematurely. The first engagement elements comprise teeth extending downwardly under an angle and the second engagement elements are stoppers extending upwardly from the supporting element. This system also comprises an anti-theft locking device; which, together with the first and second engagement elements, securely locks the chock on the wheel of the vehicle to prevent any unauthorized removal of the chock and theft of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combined service and parking brake apparatus includes a piston which forms a hydraulic chamber within a cylinder portion; a brake lining which, when pressed by the piston, brakes rotation of a disc rotor; a second piston which divides the hydraulic changer into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber; a friction clutch which allows rotation of the second piston when the second piston is held at its home position and which disables rotation of the second piston when the second piston moves by a predetermined distance toward the second hydraulic chamber; an adjuster including an internal-thread portion and an external-thread portion and adapted to adjust the clearance between the pistons in accordance with the amount of wear of the brake lining; and a changeover valve for establishing and shutting off the communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A friction pair has a friction member and a mating member. A braking force is generated owing to a friction force generated between the friction member and the mating member. The friction member includes base fibers, a friction conditioner, a binder and copper oxide. The copper oxide has an average particle diameter of 1.5 ?m or less. And an addition amount of the copper oxide is in the range of 0.5 to 7% by volume to an entirety of the friction member. Further, the mating member is made of an iron base material.

Abstract: A vibration and displacement damper includes a plunger piston (10) sliding with a slight clearance inside a guiding cylinder (20). The plunger piston includes over a part of its length a piston ring (12) sliding inside a main chamber (13) provided in the cylinder, the ring including calibrated through-orifices (14) for a high-viscosity fluid filling the chamber on both sides of the ring. The device is intended to damp vibrations and displacements, in particular of cable stays.

Abstract: A rotary damper includes a driven rotary member having a driven rotary part for engaging a driving member, and a stationary support member for rotatably supporting the driven rotary member. A housing is disposed between the stationary support member and the driven rotary member, and a viscous fluid is disposed in the housing for damping the driven rotary member when the driven rotary member rotates relative to the stationary support member. A sealing member is disposed on the housing for sealing an outer peripheral edge of the housing so as to allow the driven rotary member to rotate relative to the stationary support member. An opening is formed in the driven rotary member or the stationary support member for communicating a portion of the housing inside the sealing member with atmosphere. The opening is closed when or after the driven rotary member and the stationary support member are assembled.

Abstract: A dynamic damper including: a mass member; a support frame member having a substantially rectangular support frame portion surrounding the mass member with a given gap distance therebetween and a pair of support sides opposed to each other in a first direction with the mass member disposed therebetween. A plurality of elastic connecting members are disposed in spaces defined between the support sides and opposing end faces of the mass member, respectively, and elastically connect the mass member with respect to the support sides. The support frame portion is deformed so that the pair of support sides are relatively displaced toward each other, to thereby pre-compress the plurality of elastic connecting members. A method of producing such a dynamic damper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A damper for reducing vibrations in a handheld device, tool and/or instrument may comprise a resilient member and a weight. The resilient member may mounted to any portion of a device having a surface suitable for engaging and retaining the resilient member therein, and the resilient member may have an inside surface suitable for engaging and retaining the weight. In some embodiments, additional resilient members may be arranged to engage and retain the weight.

Abstract: A motorcycle transmission shifting mechanism includes a foot-operated gearshift assembly provided with a pedal and cam subassembly, displaceable relative to one another to establish a desired speed-ratio position, and a hand-operated clutch release mechanism operative to release a clutch for shifting through multiple speed-ratio positions.

Abstract: A dual clutch assembly includes a torsional vibration damper and a dual clutch. The vibration damper has a primary side which can be coupled to a driving member for joint rotation about an axis, a secondary side which is rotatable about the axis, and a damper element arrangement between the primary side and the secondary side. The dual clutch includes an input area and two output areas, the input area supporting the secondary side of the torsional vibration damper in at least one of an axial and radial direction with respect to the primary side, each output area being coupleable with a respective driven member so as to be fixed against rotation with respect to the driven member. A bearing arrangement supports the input area in at least one of an axial and a radial direction with respect to a stationary subassembly.

Abstract: A start-up clutch and torsional-vibration damper assembly including a disk clutch having an outer disk carrier and an inner disk carrier, and a torsional vibration damper having a primary element, a secondary element, and a spring dampening mechanism. The spring dampening mechanism is disposed between and operatively couples the primary element and the secondary element. The torsional vibration damper connected in series to the disk clutch such that the torsional vibration damper and the disk clutch are juxtaposed to each other along a common axis with the primary element having substantially the same outside radius as the outer disk carrier.

Abstract: A driven disc is provided that includes a hub assembly having an axis of rotation and a hub having at least one of a first radially extending projection and a first recess. The driven disc also includes a disc assembly having a disc plate rotatable relative to the hub and a wave washer positioned over the hub and between the hub assembly and the disc assembly. The wave washer includes at least one of a second recess and a second radially extending projection adapted to receive or to be received in the first radially extending projection or the first recess, respectively, to position the wave washer during assembly of the driven disc.

Abstract: A release device for a friction clutch includes a guide tube, a sliding sleeve mounted on the guide tube, and a release bearing mounted coaxially to the sliding sleeve, the bearing including a first bearing race, rolling elements, and a rotating second bearing race. The second bearing race supports a connecting element, which establishes the working connection between the release bearing and the ends of spring tongues of a diaphragm spring, which serves as the actuating element of the friction clutch. The connecting element has a receiving section, which holds the ends of the diaphragm spring tongues and can shift position in the radial direction in opposition to a restoring force, and a retaining section for the second bearing race. Radial is placement of the ends of the diaphragm spring tongues which occurs upon axial actuation of the releasing device can be absorbed by the connecting element with essentially no friction.

Abstract: An aggregate processing unit is provided that includes an in-feed conveyor adapted to have a first lower section that can move laterally to accommodate various processing configurations and to also allow for enhanced mobility.

Abstract: An escalator has steps has steps that have a step-tread surface with a step-tread edge. Step brushes are arranged on the step-tread edge perpendicularly or vertically. Step brushes may also be arranged on the edge of the step's step-riser edge. The brushes provide a barrier against the entry of objects into the gap between a moving step and the stationery skirt-panel of the escalator.

Abstract: The positioning device for positioning a movable conveyed goods carrier on a conveyor track in a clamped position includes a stop device (12); a movement device for a positioning movement and a drive (20) for driving the movement device. The movement device has a positioning element (36), which is engagable with a positioning counter element (46), so that the conveyed goods carrier (30) is clamped between the movement device and the stop device (12). The movement device also has a clamping arrangement including the positioning element (36) and two clamping parts (40), which is movable by the drive (20) from an out-of-engagement configuration into a clamping configuration, in which it exerts a holding force on the conveyed goods carrier (30) in cooperation with the stop device (12). A conveyor system including a conveyor chain or belt, the conveyor track and the positioning device are also described.

Abstract: A system for transferring an object between driven conveyors comprising an upper conveyor comprising a discharge end, a first belt for transporting the object, the first belt engaging a first end roller and a gooseneck roller, where the first end roller is disposed below the gooseneck roller by a displacement sufficient to create a downward sloping section in the first belt; a transfer guide located adjacent to the discharge end of the upper conveyor, to receive the object from the downward sloping section; a lower conveyor comprising a second belt to receive the object from the transfer guide; and means for driving the upper conveyor and lower conveyor such that the first belt moves towards the transfer guide and the second belt moves away from transfer guide. A lower run of the first belt may be disposed above an upper run of the second belt by a belt spacing approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the object.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring glass articles from a supporting surface to a carry-off conveyor, the transfer unit includes a pickup member for engaging the articles for transfer and is hinged to one end of an actuating arm to rotate with respect to the actuating arm about a movable hinge axis under the control of a control unit for adjusting the position of the pickup member independently of the position of the actuating arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the transportation of a product from a first transporter to a second transporter. Further, a feed transport system and method of use is provided.

Abstract: A device for feeding packages from a packaging machine has first, second, third and fourth package drivers. The drivers are arranged to transport packages in a transportation direction from an infeed station to an outfeed station. The drivers are arranged diametrically in relation to each other in pairs and rotatably about a common centre axis. A method of feeding packages from a packaging machine includes receiving at the infeed station packages between the first and second drivers, transporting the packages by rotation of the drivers to the outfeed station, and when the packages have reached the outfeed station, returning the first driver to the infeed station and advancing the second driver so that the fourth driver advances to the infeed station, the first and fourth drivers being ready to receive subsequent packages.

Abstract: A magnetic specimen-transport system for transporting racks of specimen-containers to or within an automated clinical instrument for analysis and/or processing. The magnetic specimen-transport system that is adapted to transport magnetically-attractable racks of specimen-containers in mutually perpendicular (X/Y) directions across a rack-supporting surface, whereby the racks can be transported among various non-linearly aligned positions on such surface.

Abstract: Heat is transferred away from the rollers and base of a printer heater by introducing chilled water into the rollers and the base. The paper upon which print has been applied remains at an elevated temperature so that the drying of the print is not delayed. A conventional roller is modified by having an annular cavity formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the cavity and a chiller. A conventional base is modified by the addition of a serpentine passageway formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the passageway and the chiller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the roller prevents breaking down of oil in the bearings of the roller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the base carries the heat from the base, increasing the safety of the workplace and extending the working lifetime of the base and its related parts.

Abstract: A link is disclosed for a conveyor, as is a conveyor itself, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, the link includes a body having a length extending along the direction of transport and a width extending across the direction of transport, and two opposed gripping members extending from the body. At least one of the gripping members is a movable gripping member movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position, the movable gripping member includes a gripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport.

Abstract: A carton and blank for forming a carton of the top gripping type for accommodating a plurality of containers. The carton is tubular in structure and has top and base spaced, opposed panels. The base panel has apertures each for receiving a container. The base panel also has a foldable retaining tab hingedly connected thereto for operatively engaging part of the respective container. The carton also has a retaining structure depending from the top panel. The retaining structure comprises an engagement panel with an engaging edge to engage at least one of the containers.

Abstract: A hanging display package for an article of apparel. The display package comprises a rear panel having opposed side edges that define a first width. A pair of flaps project laterally outwardly from each of the opposed side edges. A front panel has opposed side edges defining a second width that is narrower than the width of the rear panel. The bottom edge of the front panel is substantially centered along and hingedly connected to the rear panel. An aperture is formed through the front panel for receiving a garment hanger. When a garment is placed on the garment hanger, the laterally projecting flaps are folded inwardly to fold the garment inward, and the rear panel is folded upwardly to fold the garment upward, a compact hanging display package is formed.

Abstract: A protective portable computer briefcase for protecting and securely transporting a portable computer. The briefcase has a bottom part, a top cover part pivotally attached to the bottom part, and an interior flexible case located in the bottom part and which can receive the portable computer therein. The top part has a plurality of springs, a plurality of plates, and an interior lining. The plates extend between opposing sides of the top part to create a mesh with the springs extending from the top part to the mesh. The interior flexible case defines a recess adapted to receive the portable computer. The interior flexible case has a plurality of springs, a plurality of plates, and an interior lining. The plates extend between opposing sides and are parallel to the base to create a mesh. The interior lining covers the mesh and springs, thereby absorbing vibration.

Abstract: An orthodontic set-up tray includes at least two sections, and each section includes at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. A coupling movably connects the sections together to enable relative movement between the sections. The coupling advantageously permits the overall size of the set-up tray to be reduced or enlarged as may be desired by the practitioner. Optionally, the coupling is a releasable coupling that enables the sections to be detached from one another.

Abstract: A compact toolbox has a case and multiple containers. The case has an outer case and an inner case. The inner case is attached pivotally to the outer case. The outer case has a rear housing and a front housing. The rear housing is attached pivotally to the front housing. The containers are mounted in the case, are attached pivotally to the case and have multiple bit holes. The bit holes are different sizes. Drill bits are stowed in the bit holes. By pivoting the case and the containers, the case and the containers are stacked for storage. Therefore the compact toolbox not only occupies a small volume but also can organize and stow many different sized drill bits.

Abstract: A storage system comprising two or more pouches, joined sequentially pouch-lip to pouch-lip by a flexible coupling portion, wherein each coupling portion flexes to permit manipulation of the joined set of pouches, combines advantageous modes of storage, display and access, such as paging, tipping/fan, accordion, parallel, push down, reverse parallel, and pull up modes, with a greatly simplified manufacturing process. The storage system is a very versatile product, suitable for use with a wide variety of inserts, whether planar or non-planar objects, solids or liquids, and for a wide variety of uses to improve identification, retrieval or dispensing of stored inserts.

Abstract: A container lid includes a recess that rotatably houses a dial. The dial may be manufactured from the material of the package in which the lid is sold, or the package in which an item being stored in the container is sold. The dial includes a handle that is pivotable between a stowed position folded into an upper surface of the dial and an operative position pivoted away from the upper surface of the dial. In a first disclosed example, the dial includes information displayed thereon, while the lid includes a pointer that generally points toward the recess. To point to a particular information on the dial, the dial can be rotated until the pointer generally points to the particular information on the dial. In a second disclosed example, the lid includes information displayed thereon around the recess, while the dial includes a pointer that points radially outward.

Abstract: An article holder for holding an article including a main body configured to receive the article, and at least one deformable article receiving member disposed on a bottom plate of the main body. The deformable article receiving member is configured to deform so as to change a receiving height of the article inserted in the main body.

Abstract: A collapsible display container includes abase and a pair of opposed side walls each pivotably attached to the base. The side walls are orientable between an assembled position and a second position. At least one of the side walls includes a display member which is mounted to it. The display member is movable between an open position and a closed position. Thus, when the display member is in the open position and the at least one side wall is in the assembled position, the interior of the container is accessible through the at least one side wall.

Abstract: A container and a method of containing an accessory. The container comprises a base having an external side and a cover rotatably connected to the base. A rear wall connects to the base and the cover while a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall has a height smaller than the rear wall. The container further comprises an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front wall. The accessory holding structure has at least one accessory holder wherein the at least one accessory holder integrally positions an accessory between the cover and the base. The method of containing comprises rotating an accessory holding structure over a base while placing an accessory in at least one accessory holder positioned in the accessory holding structure. Then the cover is rotated over the accessory to enclose the accessory between the base and the cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a quantity of cullet having at least two colors of glass from an input stream of recyclable material and non-recyclable material. In an embodiment, the system includes a sortation station, a screening apparatus, an air classifier, and a crushing apparatus to provide as output substantially pure cullet having at least two colors.

Abstract: An undulating molded plastic vibratory screen including a base, a plurality of spaced substantially parallel undulations on the base, screen configurations on the undulations, and supporting rib structure within the undulations.

Abstract: Supports used in pairs for storing and handling large sheets of heavy materials such as granite, stone and glass. Each support comprises a vertical, steel A-frame welded to a horizontal steel I-beam. Spaced-apart steel post holders are welded to the web of the I-beam. Removable vertical steel posts are inserted into some or all of the post holders to create “slots” for holding and supporting the sheets of material. Inserts can be placed in cavities parallel to the flanges of the I-beam to prevent the edges of the sheets of material from hitting the I-beam. Protective coatings can be attached or applied to the surfaces of the A-frame, the posts and the I-beam in order to protect the sheets of material. When the supports are used, sheets of material can be moved away from each other, utilizing the A-frame and posts, when a particular sheet is selected for removal.

Abstract: A kitchen lid storage sack fabricated from a series of fabric panels each folded back upon itself in a U-shape forming a plurality of open mouth pockets, a rigid tube positioned in a pocket across the top of the sack providing a sliding support for the sack positioned between two adjacent surfaces, such as in the dead space between a cabinet and the side of a refrigerator. The sack is being supported by a stationary bar attached to one of the adjacent surfaces restricting the space between the adjacent surfaces thereby permitting the sack to be freely moved horizontally in and out from between the adjacent surfaces for removal and insertion of pot lids in the plurality of pockets.