Abstract: The elevating device of the present invention is comprised of first, second, and third dovetail members that are interlockingly engaged. First dovetail member is secured to an object or an independent surface such as a tree or a ladder. First and second dovetail members are stationary and third dovetail member is moveable. Slide bars are secured to third dovetail member. Slide bars slidably engage a guide track. There is a gear that engages slots in the second dovetail member elevating third dovetail member as the slide bars slidably engage the guide track. There is a platform for holding people or objects that is secured to third dovetail member. As the gear rotates and elevates third dovetail member, the platform secured thereto is also elevated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack serving device (1) with a load-bearing means (4) displaceable in the height direction of a mast (2), the mast (2) being guided by means of bogie assemblies (7, 8) on bottom and top guide tracks and mounted so as to be displaceable along the guide tracks by means of a bottom and top friction-locking displacement drive (13, 14). The bottom and the top adjusting mechanisms are guided by means of height and lateral guide elements on the guide track and are designed to be displaceable relative to the guide tracks by means of a drive system (33).

Abstract: An elevator car includes a cross-head portion and a balustrade mounted to the cross-head portion. The balustrade is moveable from a retracted position for normal operation of the car to a deployed position for inspection operation of the car. The car further includes a second retractable safety device also mounted to the cross-head for preventing or limiting movement of the car. The balustrade includes at least one control for operating the elevator car during the inspection operation, the control being arranged so that the control cannot be operated when the balustrade is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A method for allocating an elevator in a destination floor elevator system. An elevator group includes several elevators, a passenger data terminal for reserving elevators for use by passengers, and an elevator group control system for controlling the elevators in response to signals from the passenger data terminal. The method includes inputting the size and destination floor of the group of passengers into the control system of the elevator group, allocating one or more elevators to the group of passengers by utilizing the size and destination floor of the group, and informing the members of the group of passengers about the allocation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjusting tube on an end of the brake cable conduit, which is composed of rotating first and second tubular bodies. At where the first and second tubular bodies are joined, they are configured to have symmetrical and matching indented and non-indented sections. When the first and second tubular bodies are rotated to have their non-indented and indented sections aligned and fitted together, the brake wire could be relieved from the handbrake assembly, the gaps between the brake pads and the wheel rim are enlarged, and the wheel could therefore be easily assembled to or disassembled from the bicycle frame through the enlarged gaps.

Abstract: A brake structure for a roll-up door includes a brake drum fixed to a transmission shaft of a speed reducer. The brake drum receives a pair of brake shoes in opposite inner sides thereof. The brake shoes are pivotably connected to each other at an end of each brake shoe. A linking resilient member is connected between the free ends of the brake shoes. A brake pad is attached to a surface of each brake shoe facing the inner surface of the brake drum. A controlling lever is disposed at the top of the speed reducer corresponding to the free ends of the brake shoes. One end of the controlling lever is connected to an end of a fixing resilient member. The other end of the fixing resilient member is connected to a moving iron of a first solenoid. A clasping block is connected to the moving iron of the first solenoid. The other end of the controlling lever is connected to a moving iron of a second solenoid.

Abstract: A friction disc (16) for a torque and/or rotational control apparatus includes elongated and shortened fins (42, 43) upstanding between and equally circumferentially spaced intermediate first and second component discs (40, 41). The fins (42, 43) are free of circumferential interconnections to allow air to radially pass freely between the fins (42, 43). The fins (42, 43) extend in non-radial directions between the first and second component discs (40, 41). A mounting ring (48) is integrally formed with the elongated fins (42) intermediate and axially spaced from each component disc (40, 41) and radially inward of the inner edges (46) of the component discs (40, 41). The elongated fins (42) each includes a first elongated portion (42a) and a second shortened portion (42b) extending at an obtuse angle therefrom and on the mounting ring (48) radially inside of the inner edges (46). Windows (74) are formed in the mounting ring (48) radially inside of the component discs (40, 41) and of the elongated fins (42).

Abstract: A damper for a washing machine includes: a cylinder; a piston body having one end inserted into the cylinder; a first friction member interposed in a contact surface between the piston body and the cylinder; an extension bar extended from an inserted portion of the piston body, the extension bar having a circumferential stopper at the extended portion; a friction ring formed between the circumferential stopper and the first friction member; and a second friction member formed on an outer circumferential surface of the friction ring to contact with an inner surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A weight determining mechanism and a method for determining the weight of a piece of loaded luggage, particularly a backpack. The mechanism is generally incorporated into a carry handle of the piece of luggage allowing for it to be integral with the luggage and allowing for it to not take up additional space while allowing for quick and easy weight determinations without need for an external scale.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a receiving member affixed to the wall panel of the first component, the receiving member having an aperture therein, and a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the second component and slidably received by the receiving members, the plate having a first and second tongue capable of cooperating with the aperture.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch system for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The electrohydraulic clutch system can include an actuator with first and second components with a plurality of actuation chambers that are employed to control the position of the second component relative to the first component. Relatively high pressure fluid may be directed through or around one or more bypassed portions of the actuation chambers when relatively low compressive clutch engagement forces are to be exerted on the friction clutch. The bypassed portions of the actuation chambers may be sequentially or progressively operated based on a position of the second component relative to the first component to increase an amount of force that is applied by actuator.

Abstract: A transmission is described, in particular an automatic transmission for a vehicle, having at least one shift control element formed at least of a second shift control element half that can be brought into active frictional engagement with a first shift control element half. The shift control element halves can be connected to non-rotating and rotating transmission components, and a positive-locking coupling device is provided at least between the first shift control element half and the transmission components that can be connected thereto. The coupling device also comprises a synchromesh device. In addition, a method is described for controlling a transmission that has at least one shift control element and two shift control element halves which can be brought into active frictional engagement.

Abstract: A multiple-disk brake or clutch (1) includes at least one disk (2, 4) in a housing and at least one disk located on a shaft. Coolant is located in the housing (3). A coolant outlet (10) and a coolant inlet (7) of a cooling circuit (9) are located on the housing (3), whereby coolant can be delivered to the coolant outlet (10) by means of the disks (2, 4).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment self-retracting lifeline (100) includes a centrifugal clutch assembly (121) having a pawl (128) and a spring (131). The pawl (128) and the spring (131), which do not require any fixed attachment to any other component of the device, are held in place and pivotable within a plate (143). The plate (143) is rotatable within a cavity (120) of a brake hub (118) including teeth (141) extending into the cavity (120). When a centrifugal force is applied, the pawl (128) compresses the spring (131) and moves away from the plate (143) to engage the teeth (141) thereby activating a brake assembly within the self-retracting lifeline (100).

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for the transfer of rod-shaped articles, in particular filter rods, from a conveying apparatus for transverse axial conveying of the articles to a conveying apparatus for longitudinal axial conveying of the articles or vice versa. The directions of transport of the conveying apparatuses running transversely to each other. The transfer apparatus includes a rotatably driveable conveyor with at least one receptacle. Each receptacle is adapted to take at least one article off the conveying apparatus for transverse axial conveying of the articles and discharging the or each received article to the conveying apparatus for longitudinal axial conveying or vice versa. Each receptacle traverses a variable running circle. Several receptacles are evenly distributed over the circumference of the conveyor, all the receptacles being radially displaceable synchronously during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is configured to convey and maintain compression of multiple compressible batts. Adjacent pairs of conveyor systems within the conveyor assembly define a space between the pair of conveyor systems for receiving and conveying compressible batts. Each pair of adjacent conveyor systems has at least two upper belts in a coplanar relationship. One of the two upper belts travels in an advancing direction and other upper belt travels in a returning direction. Each pair of adjacent conveyor systems also has at least two lower belts in a coplanar relationship. One of the lower belts travels in the advancing direction and the other lower belt travels in the returning direction.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying articles along conveyance paths including straight, curvilinear, horizontal, inclined and declined conveyance sections. The articles are conveyed between a pair of vertical belts while being supported by protrusions extending from the vertical belts. The vertical belts are guided using a multiplicity of vertical rollers that are configurable into straight, curvilinear and dynamically changing conveyance sections. Multiple conveyance sections can be joined end to end to transport articles over complex paths and over long distances. The articles conveyed may include semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: An improved air supported impact section for air supported belt conveyors that includes a cushioned pad incorporated into the plenum plate to cushion the impact form and minimize damage to the air supported belt conveyors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for a street sweeper having a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly has a pair of rollers and a conveyor belt connected therebetween. The conveyor assembly is provided with debris skirts to lift the edge of the conveyor belt to prevent debris from traveling over the edge of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is formed into a concave orientation. The debris skirts is also connected to a rub rail to provide a dynamic seal along the length of the conveyor belt edges. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a roller scraper for removing debris accumulated upon the rollers. The roller scraper is adapted to envelop a portion of the roller. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a liquid delivery system for assisting in the removal of debris from the roller.

Abstract: A belt module includes an intermediate section having a corrugated portion extending along the length of the intermediate section and a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and adjacent to the corrugated portion. A plurality of first link ends extend outward from the intermediate section with the transverse opening. A plurality of second link ends extend outward from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends and the second link ends have a transverse opening having an elongated shape.

Abstract: The forged chain link assembly comprises a forged chain link having a male end and a female end which cooperates with an opposite end of an adjacent link to form a chain, each end having a bore therein which cooperates with a bore in the opposite end of an adjacent link for receiving a hollow sleeve and bolt assembly therein for creating a forged link chain wherein the links pivot relative to each other, a hollow sleeve of the hollow sleeve and bolt assembly extending through the bores, with a washer of a diameter greater than that of the bore positioned to each lateral side of the female end of a chain link, and an elongate bolt extending through each washer and a bore in the hollow sleeve and receiving a nut thereon, the hollow sleeve having a length which is not equal to a lateral extent of the female end.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a bag body, a stand mounted on a side of the bag body, a plurality of tees mounted on an upper portion of the stand, and a plurality of sleeves each mounted on the mounting seat of the stand to support a respective one of the tees. Thus, each of the tees is clamped by the clamping pieces of each of the sleeves so that each of the tees is supported on the mounting seat of the stand rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the tees from being detached from the bag body.

Abstract: A package for a wide line, film ribbon which utilizes a pair of spaced-apart end pieces which engages a pair of spaced-apart end pieces engaging the end edges of the ribbon roll stored within the roll in multiple turns. A sheet of corrugated material is formed into a roll and inserted into the core opening of the film ribbon roll to stabilize the roll, and another sheet of corrugated material is wound about the outer surface of the roll to protect the surface and the roll itself from damage. A shrinkable overwrap encompasses the end pieces, the corrugated material, and the ribbon roll underneath to provide additional protection and maintain the components of the package and the film ribbon roll in a predetermined fixed relationship.

Abstract: Packaging for an article provides tamper evident security for an article carried in a pre-shaped inner part that is received in a loose outer part that has pre-defined crease lines along which the outer part is folded to draw down and tighten the loose outer part around the pre-shaped inner part to seal close the inner part whereby the loose outer part must be broken or torn to remove the article. The packaging is arranged for hanging or stand alone display. The pre-shaped inner part is made of suitable material including paper pulp, colored paper pulp, clear or colored plastic, PLA. The loose outer part is made of suitable material including carton, paper, corrugated board, clear or colored plastic.

Abstract: The cell includes an enclosure having, at the top, a main inlet for the pulp to be de-inked and, at the bottom, a main outlet for the de-inked pulp. The pulp from the top to the bottom, passes through successive stages provided with bubble passageways introduced into the lower portion of the enclosure, and the bubbles rise to the top, to form a foam. The cell includes pulp a guiding mechanism forming a guiding path and in which the bubble passageways are provided for. The guiding mechanisms are, on their lower face, inclined upwards in order to guide the bubbles towards the bubble passageways.

Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as a filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provide a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid hold-up volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.

Abstract: A system and method are described for tool-lessly attaching a rack slide assembly to a rack. A mounting bracket includes a bracket member with an interface end and an attachment end. The bracket member includes a locating hook extending from an upper portion of the interface end and positioned to engage the first aperture within a mounting unit that contains three apertures. The bracket member also includes an anti-torque tab extending from a lower portion of the interface end and positioned to engage the third aperture within the mounting unit. The bracket member also includes a locking pawl assembly with a pawl pivotally connected to the interface end of the bracket and able to engage and extend through the first aperture within the mounting unit in a position above the locating hook.

Abstract: A sliding closet organizer for mounting on an interior vertical surface of a closet wall includes a substantially two-dimensional vertical storage rack and a sliding means adapted for attachment to the interior vertical closet wall surface, wherein the sliding means guides the vertical storage rack into a first stored position and a second deployed position.

Abstract: A friction-type draft gear assembly includes a housing having an open front end and a partially closed rear end with a first and second rear portions and a pair of ledge members disposed intermediate such first and second rear portions for enabling the draft gear assembly to fit into a draft gear pocket of a predetermined length. A first rear portion is adapted to receive a compressible cushioning element with a seating arrangement abutting one end thereof which extends longitudinally from the second portion of the closed rear end toward the open front portion. A removable bottom wall is attachable either to the first or second rear portions for enabling installation of the compressible cushioning element through the first end.

Abstract: A bottle cap includes a top and a skirt depending from the top, the skirt having a bottom edge, a locking bead radially extending inward from an interior of the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge, a tear tab extending downward from the bottom edge, a first tear line proximate the tear tab and extending upward along the skirt from the bottom edge across the locking bead and terminating at a terminus adjacent to or below the perimeter. The first tear line is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap. The first tear line and the longitudinal axis define a radially extending plane P. The bottle cap also includes a second tear line proximate the tear tab and spaced from the first tear line. An upper portion of the second tear line extending through the plane P and between the terminus and the longitudinal axis. A method of using the bottle cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A knock-down crate having a base associated with four sides. In a first embodiment, the base and the sides are hingedly interconnected. In alternative embodiments, the sides are detachably engageable with the base for deployment parallel to the length and breadth of the base. The upper surface of the base has an elongated recess extending most of the length and sized for receiving at least some of the sides. The sides can be deployed such that the base and four sides form a four-sided crate with the recess of the base contributing to the available volume of the crate. When not in use, at least some of the sides are received within the recess in the base for compact transportation.

Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cap having a high operability while maintaining the air-tightness thereof at a necessary and sufficient level. The closure includes a closure body having a head portion, a trunk portion and an annular trunk surface having stopper projections; a seal ring; a sleeve; a coiled spring; and an engagement member having engagement projections. The fuel cap is formed by assembling the seal ring around the annular surface of the trunk portion of the closure body and the sleeve with the trunk portion in the mentioned order, interposing the coiled spring between the sleeve and engagement member, and connecting the engagement member to the trunk portion of the closure body.

Abstract: A cap device of the invention has a tether mechanism, which is used to link a fuel cap to a fueling lid. The tether mechanism includes a cord-like flexible linkage body having one end as a first support end, which is fit in a support member of a rotating ring. The first support end is inserted from inside of the rotating ring through an insertion opening into a support recess. This fits the first support end in the support recess, while allowing the linkage body to be led through a lead opening. The first support end is accordingly fixed to the support member. The rotating ring is then attached to a circular groove formed on the fuel cap. The tether mechanism of this simple structure is readily fixed and thereby ensures easy attachment to the fuel cap.

Abstract: A low depth tray for bottles is provided which includes a first pair of opposed walls, a second pair of opposed walls attached to the first pair of opposed walls to form a wall structure, a base attached to the wall structure, and a plurality of interior divider walls extending upwardly from the base. At least one member projects upwardly from an interior of the wall structure and is connected to the divider walls, where the interior member has a height less than the height of the wall structure and less than the height of bottles loaded in the tray. Together, the interior member, the base, the divider walls, and the wall structure define a plurality of bottle retaining pockets which are each sized to receive a single bottle therein.

Abstract: A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a piston that slides within to force water into or out of the housing via a hole therein. The housing is encased within a polyethylene closed cell foam shell. The shell is non-absorbing, so that the foam remains buoyant and keeps the gun afloat indefinitely when left in water. The foam is soft, so that the gun is not a safety hazard when left floating in a swimming pool.

Abstract: An improved automatic soap dispenser structure includes a motor and a gear wheel module installed in a driving device of a soap dispenser to transmit a driving wheel and uses an eccentric wheel disposed on the driving wheel to produce an eccentric effect, characterized in that the eccentric wheel couples a link member, and the link member presses a press plate, such that when the press plate compresses a soap dispensing tube, a back plate of the press plate and a latch surface of a rear panel compress to close the upper section of the soap dispensing tube, and then the design of a protruded curved surface of the press plate and a recessed curved surface of the rear panel compress the soap dispensing tube progressively downward to produce a power-saving and smooth compressing effect.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for a pressure chamber, particularly a pumping device, includes a tappet and a valve disk, in which the valve disk is attached to the tappet. The valve disk is provided on the tappet so as to be movable in relative manner between a starting and an end position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a glove shaping device for heating and shaping the wrinkled and sewn portions of a glove. The glove shaping device includes a plurality of heating plates to be inserted into the finger portions of the glove. A body portion is provided in its interior with an electric heater and joint depressions in its top portion. A cover is attached to the heating plates and the body portion. Each of the heating plates is formed to have a rhomboid sectional shape, a predetermined thickness, two parallel side surfaces each inclined at a predetermined angle, and a joint prominence corresponding to a joint depression in a body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper is provided. The apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper includes a support platform, a support arm attached to the support platform at an end thereof, a pivot mount assembly for attaching an end of the support arm to a vehicle bumper, and a retaining mount assembly. A grill is fixedly mounted to the support platform by securing the grill to grill mounting flanges, which are attached to the support platform. The support arm is pivotal about the pivot mount assembly allowing the grill to be rotated about the vehicle for positioning of the grill for use. In addition, the grill support platform can be pivotal about the support arm allowing greater versatility in positioning the grill for use. The retaining mount assembly is attached to the vehicle bumper at a spaced distance from the pivot mount assembly and functions to retain the support arm in a non-use position against or parallel to the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A method of repairing a discrepancy in a casting, weldment or other workpiece comprised of a material characterized by thermoplastic properties includes excising the discrepancy by cutting, milling, or otherwise removing workpiece material surrounding the discrepancy so as to remove the discrepancy and form a cylindrical hole in the workpiece. The method further includes placing a cylindrical plug in the cylindrical hole and moving a friction stir welding tool around the circumference of the plug to weld the plug to the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved tray or other packaging article having hinged tab portions for securing a vertical support post is provided. The hinged tab portions capture the vertically oriented post and hold it in place for easier assembly of a larger packaging unit.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a bottom seal for a container. The container has a side wall having an upper end and a lower end. A bottom wall closes the lower end of the side wall. The bottom wall has a base and a skirt projecting from an outer periphery of the base. A bottom seal made of a portion of the lower end of the side wall being folded generally radially inward and back on itself forms a first seal region and an adjacent second seal region. The first seal region includes the skirt and the lower end of the side wall. The second seal region does not include the skirt. One or more concentric ring seals, knurling patterns, or both are formed in at least one of the first and second seal regions of the bottom seal.

Abstract: A beverage cup that is constructed to be inexpensive and disposable with the beverage cup having an anti-slip exterior surface. The anti-slip exterior surface can be constructed of a foam coating or constructed by placing a mass of small holes through a corrugated layer producing a chad around each hole that extends in an outward direction from the beverage cup.

Abstract: A multiple mailbox mount has a vertical post adapted to be anchored in the ground. A body having two opposed, spaced-apart, vertical ends, a continuously-semicircular curved section extending between the vertical ends, and a midpoint, is attached to the vertical post at the midpoint. A horizontal bar extends between the vertical ends of the body.

Abstract: A system provides information indicative of customer satisfaction respecting at least one service or sales provider, the system including at least one customer information entry component that provides customer input to a database supported by a financial service provider that assists point-of-sales or point-of-service payment to a site. The system can segregate or aggregate accumulated customer input data according to at least business one customer of the financial service provider. At least one business customer can access information from the accumulated customer input data that relates to data relating to that specific business customer. The system can provide alerts and/or can relate the data in its variance to the customer's historical average scores.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating inventory management in financial transaction instrument distribution is disclosed. The method may include the steps of: receiving information related to the sale of a first transaction instrument, wherein the first transaction instrument is associated with a second transaction instrument, wherein the first and second transaction instruments comprise a group of transaction instruments, and wherein the information identifies a location of the sale of the first transaction instrument; and associating the location of the sale of the first transaction instrument with the second transaction instrument and/or the group of transaction instruments.

Abstract: A disk inscribed with the identification code of a store is distributed to a user. The disk is inserted into the client computer of the user and software, which is for ordering merchandise or the like, stored on the disk is installed in the computer. The identification code is input to the client computer and is transmitted from the client computer to a server computer. The IP address of the store is retrieved by the server computer from a database based upon the identification code, and the IP address retrieved is transmitted to the client computer. When the user enters the content of an order to the client computer, the entered content of the order is transmitted to a store computer located at the store having the IP address that was transmitted from the server computer. Thus the user is capable of ordering merchandise from this store.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and systems for waste disposal and information distribution. A discard information processing apparatus comprises a discard unit including a processor, a scanner, the scanner configured to scan a code on items deposited in the discard unit, a network interface coupled to the processor and configured to communicate over a network, a database storing information related to the discard unit's contents, and a profile associated with a user of the discard unit. A remote processing system is coupled to the discard unit via the network, the remote processing system including instructions configured to receive information from the database, wherein the received information provides an indication as to when at least a first item is to be replenished, and to provide at least a portion of the received information to at least a first supplier so that the first supplier can predict inventory needs.

Abstract: A card with a magnetic stripe when fed into a card reader can be illegally read by a read head unobtrusively attached to the outside of the card reader adjacent to the slot into which the card is fed. To defeat this illegal reading, movement of a card through the read head is interrupted thereby making it difficult for the illegal read head to read the stripe. This interruption occurs at the point where the proper read head inside the card reader is not reading the magnetic stripe. The interruption can be a brief stop or a brief reversal in direction. The interruption occurs once while the card is being fed into the card reader and once when the card is being fed out of the card reader.