Abstract: A gaseous fuel storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The fuel storage system can be installed as a modular unit in the vehicle. The fuel storage system is pivotable relative to the vehicle to allow easy accessibility to the storage tanks without requiring the storage tanks to be unmounted from the vehicle. The fuel storage system also provides protection for the storage tanks through the use of shielding and energy absorbing material.

Abstract: A body frame for a motorcycle includes a main frame having a reinforcing member, which is a forged product, and a portion that requires a high strength against a shock load transmitted from a road surface. A pair of sidewalls and a connecting wall for connecting the sidewalls are also provided. The sidewalls create spaces opened outward in cross-section such that the connecting wall has an external face positioned in the portion that requires high strength.

Abstract: A motorcycle lift device is adapted to be fitted to any two of three wheeled motorcycle, the motorcycle lift device having an on board air compression generating device providing compressed air to a pair of air driven pistons placed within the existing front forks of the motorcycle requiring no adaptation to the motorcycle other than a replacement cap through which compressed air lines air run, connecting the pistons to the air compression generating device.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a frame having first and second frame sections. The first frame section extends substantially vertically. The second frame section extends substantially horizontally and rearwardly from a top portion of the first frame section. A seat is supported by the second frame section. A power unit is arranged below the seat to power the vehicle. A stay extends from the first frame section or the second frame section. A foot rest extends from the stay. A foot guide extends either from the stay, from the first frame section or the second frame section, or from a top of the power unit.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a frame having first and second frame sections. The first frame section extends substantially vertically. The second frame section extends substantially horizontally and rearward from a top portion of the first frame section. A seat is supported by the second frame section. A power unit powers the vehicle. The power unit is disposed below the seat. A side cover covers the second frame section. The side cover extends along the second frame section to define a space between a bottom of the side cover and a top of the power unit. A stay extends generally rearward from the first frame section. At least a portion of the stay is disposed in the space. A foot rest extends from the stay. The stay includes first and second portions. The second portion is arranged higher than the first portion. The stay is attached to the first frame section at the first portion. The foot rest is attached to the second portion of the stay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for reducing wing-tip vortex energy during seismic exploration. The apparatus includes a vortex concentrator of deployed proximate a tip of a hydrofoil and a vortex reducing device deployed proximate the vortex concentrator.

Abstract: A loudspeaker cabinet with a laminated internal brace which has a first rigid layer coupled to a first exterior panel of the cabinet, a second rigid layer coupled to an a second exterior panel of the cabinet, and a damping layer affixed between the rigid layers where they overlap. Vibration, flexure, and expansion/contraction of the cabinet are damped by shearing forces applied to the damping layer as the rigid layers move in opposite, parallel directions.

Abstract: An assembly of portable platforms is mounted and connected together on a ladder to provide a working platform.

Abstract: The methodology and advantages that are provided in the present invention are intended to provide assistance to fire fighters and other emergency care-givers with life saving tools during fires and other smoke related emergencies that render fire and smoke victims helpless and trapped inside of high-rise buildings. The exterior fire resistance elevator system, having several specialized component devices that are adapted for lifting and rotating the elevator in a vertical and horizontal directions. The elevator is also capable of moving in tandem in a vertical and horizontally direction as directed by an elevator operator or by an operator having location in a central station that is at ground level or near the building.

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: An elevator display system includes elevator display monitors, each of which is positioned within an elevator to display video information. When in operation, each elevator display monitor has display areas for displaying information independently of each other. Each display monitor has a corresponding processing system. Each such processing system is configured to provide, to its associated elevator display monitor, information for each display area on that monitor. A remote server sends, to each of the processing systems, scheduling information for scheduling display of information.

Abstract: An adjuster arrangement for maintaining first and second brake shoes of a brake between a minimum and a maximum clearance with respect to a drum. The adjuster arrangement has a pawl located on a pivot pin on the first brake shoe and an arm that engages a star wheel of an expandable strut. A first leg of a thermo clip is held against the first brake shoe by the pivot pin and receives thermal energy generated during a brake application. During a brake application, the pawl pivots on the pin and imparts a rotary torque to the star wheel to expand the strut to create a maximum clearance while at the same time a predetermined temperature generated during a brake application acts on the thermo clip to moves the pawl out of engagement with the star wheel to prevent rotating the star wheel and thereby sustain a minimum clearance.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces and prevents communication of the fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A shock absorber that combines both the suspension function and the shock absorbing function in one unit. It has an elongated shock body filled with hydraulic fluid and a piston mounted on a piston rod that reciprocally travels within the shock body. The shock body is telescopically received in a bypass cylinder body having a greater diameter that produces an annular chamber between the outer surface of the shock body and the inner surface of the bypass cylinder body. A coil spring is mounted on the outside surface of the bypass cylinder body to provide a suspension function by the shock absorber. A plurality of bypass tubes are associated with longitudinally spaced ports in the shock body. Adjuster rods are telescopically received inside the respective bypass tubes for controlling whether the individual ports are closed, partially open, or fully open. These adjuster rods would be manipulated externally of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: A handle system for a rolling luggage case can include a luggage case in which one or more articles can be stored and having a top, bottom, front, and back panels, and a pair of sidewalls. The luggage case can include a wheel assembly provided at a location on the bottom panel and adjacent to the back panel; at least one telescoping member that is extensible from a retracted position within the luggage case to an extended position protruding from the luggage case; and a gear assembly that is attached to an end of the telescoping member(s) that is distal from the luggage case. The handle system can include a handle attached to the telescoping member(s) through the gear assembly. The gear assembly can provide pivotal and rotational movement of the handle about the end of the telescoping member(s).

Abstract: Optimization of hydraulically controlled engagement of clutches in marine transmissions by a device having two clutch control pistons, two solenoid valves arranged between the pumps, aid pistons, a bistable valve connected between the solenoid valves and pistons, a control valve arranged on a discharge line leading to a reservoir and-an adjusting device with a spring element is linked to the bistable valve. A shuttle-type sequence valve links the spring element and a solenoid and bistable valve supply line. The-bistable valve is linked to the hydraulic control of the sequence valve to produce a preset pressure drop between the spring element (18) and the pressure side of pumps.

Abstract: A dual coin mechanism for a vending machine includes a cover plate having a peripheral flange with first and second coin slots defined therein angularly and axially offset from one another about and along an axis defined by the cover plate, and first and second coin carrier wheels mounted for rotation about the axis relative to the cover plate and respectively having first and second coin recesses angularly and axially offset from one another about and along the axis. The axially offset relationships between the first and second slots, the first and second recesses and consequently first and second paths taken by first and second coins carried in the first and second recesses ensure that the first and second coins are not brought into alignment respectively with the second and first slots and thus are made inaccessible to a user during their travel along the first and second paths.

Abstract: A system for handling baggage in airports, where the passenger hands over his baggage on check-in and collects it at the place of arrival. The system includes a check-in area for baggage where main baggage scheduled for a single flight and transit baggage scheduled for multiple flights are sorted and marked. A conveyor is provided for transporting main baggage to a main baggage buffer and for transporting transit baggage to a transit baggage buffer. A conveyor assembly is further provided for the continuous transport of baggage from the main baggage and transit baggage buffers into a cargo compartment in respective planes located in a departure area.

Abstract: A material handling system and method of use for increasing throughput at security checkpoints. The material handling system includes a dual input conveyor with a merge conveyor leading to a detection system. At the output of the detection system is a diverting mechanism which will divert the items leaving the detection system to one of two output conveyors, corresponding to the input conveyors. A reject mechanism and accompanying conveyor may be provided, in addition to a bin return and control system.

Abstract: A hanger for an overhead conveyor system has a member including spaced-apart-shaped portions generally along a first axis a distance that is generally equal to a distance between adjacent load pins of a conveyor chain or a whole number multiple of the distance between adjacent load pins of the conveyor chain. The member further has an angled portion disposed between the hook-shaped portions along a line that is generally parallel to the first axis and along a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. The member further includes a first arm interconnecting the first hook-shaped portion and the angled portion and a second arm interconnecting the second hook-shaped portion and the angled portion.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel device that is used with material handling machines. This is a special compliant urethane wheel for use especially in the corrugated cardboard industry. The wheel relates generally to a transfer mechanism that permits the cardboard and other materials to be transferred from a processing line to accumulation devices such as a stacker and shuttle machine. This improved wheel device has a compliant and flexible surface which permits the cardboard units to be temporarily held in place on the conveyor without damaging or marking the units. The special triangular-like configuration of the apertures molded into the wheel provides an improved strength and durability when compared with other compliant wheels.

Abstract: An improved self-stacking spiral conveyor belt that includes a plurality of interconnected links each including two side plates connected together with two transverse rods. A flexible support structure is disposed around the rods which connect the links together. Each side plate includes a laterally extending foot with an abutment edge formed or attached thereto a design to limit lateral movement of the upper link over a lower link when the belt is aligned in a helical configuration. The abutment edge is formed by at least one downward extending step structure. The step structure is offset with the vertical surface of the side plate thereby forming a rest surface that the upper edge of the lower link supports. Formed on the side plates is a guide tab that includes a beveled inner surface that prevents the upper edge of the lower side plates from moving inward and prevents or limits stretching along the direction of the belt.

Abstract: The current invention is a conveyor belt system and a conveyor belt drive roller and method of making in which the drive roller comprises a cylindrical body having a circumference and opposite ends, a plurality of lug grooves in the cylinder located around the circumference of the cylinder and a belt slot in the cylinder located around the circumference of the cylinder. It is preferred that the belt slot is located adjacent the lug grooves and deeper than the lug grooves. It is also preferred that the lug grooves are formed with inverted tapers which deepen towards the belt slot.

Abstract: A pail (50) for dry contents (32) with an inner container (20) for liquid contents (34). The inner container (20) has a lip (24) that overlays a lip (51) of the pail (50) for sealing of both the pail (50) and the inner container (20) with a common lid (52). The inner container (20) has two bottom walls (26, 28) forming an air pocket (30) to accommodate settling of the dry contents (34). The air pocket (30) may optionally contain instructions (36) for mixing and usage of the compounds (32, 34).

Abstract: A printable sheet (10) includes a blank (12) for an envelope having a central body panel (14), a top flap, a pair of opposing side panels, and a bottom flap (18). The envelope blank is capable of being removed from the printable sheet and folded along weakened lines to form a secure sleeve for holding various items. The sheet on which the envelope blank is formed is capable of being placed in a printer to have images and/or indicia printed thereon. The envelope may also include integral index tabs for indentifying and archiving the contents of the folded envelope. The top flap, bottom flap, and opposing side panels are adapted to interconnect to secure items in the envelope.

Abstract: A tool box includes a main body, a cover pivotally mounted on the main body, a driving rack movably mounted in the main body, a plurality of receiving portions each pivotally mounted in the main body and each having a side provided with a toothed rotation block meshing with the driving rack, and a rotation gear rotated by the cover and meshing with the driving rack. Thus, when the cover is pivoted relative to the main body to a determined position, each of the receiving portions is pivoted and moved to a vertical position, thereby facilitating the user removing the hand tool, such as the screwdriver tip, from each of the receiving portions.

Abstract: A fully collapsible pallet is provided with easily adjustable rear stops, lower rear stops, and side restraints. A telescoping member is provided to allow shipment of partial pallets of windshields. Extensions allow the pallet to be used with windshields of various heights. The pallet is stackable in a folded condition as well as a loaded condition, even when extensions are used. A latch is provided to prevent leaning of the pallet even when the load is not centered in the pallet.

Abstract: A document storage apparatus for safely storing photographs or other documents includes a first transparent sheet and a second sheet attached to the first transparent sheet along a water or air tight seal. The water or air tight seal defines a pocket between the first transparent sheet and the second sheet and that has an open end. A water or air tight adherent is disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second sheet and across the open end of the pocket, and is adapted to selectively adhere the first sheet to the second sheet to thereby allow the pocket to be sealed in a water or air tight fashion. An attachment section can be disposed along a side of the first and second sheet and can be adapted to mount the storage apparatus within a container.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a vacuum sealable storage bag and method in which a pad of material is located within the storage bag and is positioned to block, trap, and/or absorb fluid from product to be stored within the storage bag. The pad of material can comprise fluid-absorbing material, and in some embodiments is positioned between an open mouth of the bag and an interior of the bag in which product is retained.

Abstract: A compact personal package for tooth stain prevention between regular brushings includes a small brush and a small quantity of specially formulated cleaning material enables a user to immediately remove stain-causing substances from the teeth and freshen the breath as promptly as possible after exposure to such substances, so as to prevent the stain from setting in. A first embodiment is directed to a disposable product for essentially one-time usage, while a second embodiment is directed to a re-usable product. Variations in packaging are provided for maximum personal convenience as well as for commercial distribution efficiency. The products offer substantial promotional potential as complimentary guest gifts in restaurants, motels and hotels, as well as retain items directed to the general public.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for retaining substrates (S), such as wafers or silicon substrates for the production of photovoltaic elements. The device includes opposing walls (1) that are interconnected by at least two rod-like carrier elements (2, 3) that are provided with a retaining means (5) for retaining the substrates (S) in a vertical position oriented parallel to the walls (1). At least one rod-like counter carrier element (4) is also provided and interconnects the two walls (1). The counter carrier element (4) is positioned in relation to the carrier elements (2, 3) so that vertical movement of the substrates (S) relative to the walls (1) is limited and loading or unloading of the substrates (S) is possible at a slant in relation to the vertical direction (V).

Abstract: A device for housing and retaining objects to be displayed, comprising a fixed upright housing at least one rotating element in the form of a circle segment, the circumference of which consists of an annular edge extending over a center angle such as to define an empty arc with a suitable center angle, the outer surface of the annular edge being provided with teeth extending over a suitable angular section and able to engage with means for transmission of the movement to the said rotating element, so as to cause a rotation of the latter able to bring the free end of the annular edge from a first angular position at a distance from the fixed upright into a second angular position in contact with the said fixed upright and vice versa.

Abstract: A modular rack for displaying tools and merchandise has a base, two rod assemblies and multiple display panels. The base has two adjustable foot frames. The rod assemblies are attached to the adjustable foot frames and individually comprise at least two exterior rods and at least one interior connector. Each exterior rod has multiple mounting slots. The display panels attach to the exterior rods of the two rod assemblies and individually have multiple hooks corresponding to and engaging the multiple mounting slots in the rod assemblies. Adding exterior rods and corresponding connectors extends the modular rack in height. Connecting other display panels on an adjacent modular rack to the mounting slots in a common rod assembly extend the modular rack in width. Assembly of most elements in the modular rack is accomplished by inserting the hooks in the mounting slots. Therefore, assembly and disassembly of the modular rack are convenient.

Abstract: The present invention substantially relates to a method for erecting and disassembling an at least two-piece main boom for a lattice-boom crane. The erecting and disassembling procedure results in that the geometric kinematic properties of the main boom (1, 2) are used in such a manner that during the erecting and disassembling, the effective lever arm (1?) of the main boom (1, 2) is reduced. This results from the main boom (1, 2) being bent at the hinge point (A), at which at least two boom portions (1, 2) are connected to each other, and thus an angle position is produced between the two boom portions (1, 2). Further, the invention relates to a main boom (1, 2), which can be erected by the method as well as a lattice-boom crane having such an main boom (1, 2).

Abstract: A double walled polycarbonate liquid holding vessel. The vessel may have an inner wall and an outer wall that are coupled to each other in a manner that defines an air tight gap therebetween. A resealable unit may be provided with the vessel that permits resealable access to the interior of the inner wall. The outer wall may be multi-section or single section, and various techniques may be used to conceal joints used to mount the outer wall to the remainder of the vessel. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container comprising a first piece of mesh material and at least one separate second piece of mesh material. The first piece of mesh is bent to form a bottom wall and a first pair of sidewalls. The second piece of material forms a second pair of sidewalls. When the pieces are joined together, a basket portion with an upwardly-extending opening is formed. The basket portion may further include a runner portion that may be a separate rail connected to the basket portion, thus forming a drawer. When the container is used with a drawer system including a frame, the runner portion is slidably received in a pair of frame runners. This allows the drawer to move with respect to the frame between retracted and extended positions. The present invention is also directed to a method for making such containers.

Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and means for biasing the stack of biosensors towards the open top.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flexible lids includes a housing having a lid stack holder for containing a coaxial stack of lids. Lids are supported within a substantially coaxial channel of the lid stack by a pair of opposing indexing shafts that rotate upon operation of a user operable drive device to pass a bottom-most lid to a discharge area. The drive device may be calibrated to rotate the indexing shafts by an adjustable amount that is determined, at least in part, by the height of each lid and/or the spacing between lids in the stack. Further, the housing may be constructed from a fixed housing portion and an adjustable housing portion. The adjustable housing portion allows the spacing between the indexing shafts to be adjusted to correspond to the circumference of the lids currently being dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for pneumatically metering flowable solids products to a conveying air stream without using mechanical metering devices. The apparatus includes an eductor receiving product from a hopper and connected to an air supply that is automatically adjustable in response to the weight of the product to produce a selected product flow rate.

Abstract: A dispenser unit adapted for single use and preferably secured to a wall with a reusable wall plate. The dispensing unit is preferably an assembled unit which, as a unit, is mountable to and removable from the mounting plate, preferably with the assembled dispensing unit being separately functional and the mounting plate is preferably required merely for mounting of the dispensing unit to the wall.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle which is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: A garment hanger has a body 1 with a longitudinal axis. A movable first arm 2 is slidably mounted on the body for free movement with respect to the body substantially along the longitudinal axis. A constant or decreasing force spring 4 applies a resilient force to the first arm to urge the first arm outwards of the body so that the first arm is able to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the body. The resilient force exerted by the garment hanger remains substantially constant or increases between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing hosiery from a leg of a wearer, the hosiery includes a tubular body with a foot end and an open end for receiving the wearer's foot and at least a portion of the wearer's leg. The apparatus comprises a sliding surface and a strap engaging the sliding surface. The strap includes a first end having at least one connector for connection to the hosiery and a second end forming a handle to be grasped by the wearer. The strap is free of objects along its length such that the strap can slide uninhibited over the sliding surface.

Abstract: A gun sling includes two straps for attaching to upper and a lower gun sling swivels on the gun to be carried. Each strap includes a padded portion at an upper end for engaging a shoulder when in use and a means for adjusting the length at the lower end of each strap. When the straps are separate, the gun can be carried and the straps can be adjusted like a backpack. Each padded portion includes one side of an attachment means to enable the padded portions of each strap to be joined together to form the embodiment of the present invention used for carrying a gun on a single shoulder. A lower Y-strap can allow the easy use of two ordinary gun slings. The gun sling allows multiple positions for carrying the gun. The dual function of the gun sling is readily apparent and intuitive to new users.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable case adapted for holding handheld devices such as phones, cameras, camcorders, radios and other products as well as non-electronic devices such as flashlights. The case is supported by a selectively bendable stand which may be altered in any variety of positions to provide a support for the case and associated electronic equipment. The case may also include an ejastic cord element to removably interconnect the electronic device on an exterior surface of the case during use.

Abstract: A series of roll mounted bags and dispensers are described. The bags may be folded along at least one axis and rolled. The compact roll of bags is placed in various dispensers. As the upper portion of the first bag is pulled from the roll, the roll will rotate, presenting the succeeding bag for dispensing after the first bag is removed. Variations of the dispenser include one with a bag opening means with a mounting member and bag opening element causing the bags to open as they are pulled from the dispenser. The dispenser includes mechanisms for supporting the bag roll and constraining its movement along its horizontal axis. Another variation of the dispenser has a perforation parting means that facilitates separation of one bag from a subsequent bag. The dispenser may be removably attached to a dispenser support that attaches to a surface.

Abstract: A system and method for performing friction stir welding of non-planar materials having high melting temperatures, wherein a process is provided for performing longitudinal and radial welds on objects such as pipes, flanges, tanks, and shrouds, and wherein an active or passive mandrel provides support for the friction stir welding process.

Abstract: Productivity is to be improved in assembling a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A matrix substrate is provided and semiconductor chips are disposed on a first heating stage, and then the matrix substrate is disposed above the semiconductor chips on the first heating stage. Subsequently, the semiconductor chips and the matrix substrate are bonded to each other temporarily by thermocompression bonding, while heating the chips directly by the first heating stage. Thereafter, the temporarily bonded matrix substrate is disposed on a second heating stage adjacent to the first heating stage, and then, on the second heating stage, the semiconductor chips are thermocompression-bonded to the matrix substrate, while being heated directly by the second heating stage.