Abstract: In a method for controlling an electronic parking brake system and an electronic parking brake system, a travel-optimized method is used to achieve the released state of the parking brake system. When the parking brake is applied, travel-force values are detected and a plausibility check is run, the values being used to arrive at a first optimized position when the brake is released. If the residual force applied to the brake exceeds a threshold value, the parking brake is released even more until the value remains just under the threshold value or until a maximum defined release travel is achieved.

Abstract: A bicycle brake friction member comprises titanium fibers and a resin.

Abstract: In a brake shoe (1) comprising a carrier plate (2) having arranged thereon first a dampening and noise-reducing intermediate layer (4) and then a friction lining (6), it is provided that the intermediate layer (4), on the side thereof facing towards the friction lining (6), comprises a three-dimensional surface structure, and that the friction lining (6) on the carrier-plate side is adapted to the surface contour (5) of the intermediate layer (4).

Abstract: A setting device, particularly a motor vehicle parking brake, has a telescopic device (2; 3), which can be axially displaced by a setting unit (10) in a housing (1) or the like and which contains a hollow shaft (2) and a spindle shaft (3). This spindle shaft is axially connected to the hollow shaft in a manner that enables it to rotate and advance and actuates a brake cable (4). The setting device also has an axial advancing support between the hollow shaft (2) and the housing (1) via at least one elastic element (5) serving as a force sensor when the brake is pulled or in the event of a blocked brake release. According to one embodiment, a second elastic element (6) is provided for recognizing blocking of the brake cable (4) during an attempt to release the brake and, accordingly, after the release in tension of the first elastic element (5).

Abstract: Device for damping vibrations of a vibration surface (21) of the frequency tuned resonance damping kind consisting of one or several elastic damping elements (1-4) and a vibration body (5) supported by the damping elements which together are tuned to damp the vibrations of said surface within a selected frequency range. First mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between said damping elements (1-4) and the vibration surface (21), and second mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between the damping elements and the vibration body. The form grip organs in addition have a recess with gripping surfaces (25-30, 33-35) for transferring vibrations.

Abstract: A case having a base module, the base module being physically and fluidically connected and joined by means of an appliance module, an extension module and a closing module. The base module, the appliance module and the extension module are at least partially pneumatic and dimensionally stable in a pressurized state.

Abstract: A torque converter in which the inner turbine output diameter or the inner pump input diameter is smaller than the inner stator passage diameter.

Abstract: A torque converter in which the output height of the output openings of the stator is higher than the input height of the input openings, producing a stator with a diffuser effect.

Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.

Abstract: Rotational driving force can be transferred to the follower side (clutch plate) of a friction clutch by adjusting the engagement condition of the clutch so that a first gear and a second gear of a dog-clutch-type transmission can rotate relative to each other. At the time of shift change during stop of the vehicle, the clutch can be further connected at a low speed after connection of the clutch until it reaches a reference clutch position.

Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a motor having a motor shaft. A worm shaft is formed with a threaded section. A worm wheel meshes with the threaded section of the worm shaft. An output rod reciprocates in an axial direction to disengage and engage a clutch. A crank shaft converts rotational motion of the worm wheel to reciprocating motion of the output rod. The motor shaft and the worm shaft are coupled by a spline connection.

Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a worm shaft that rotates along with a clutch motor. The worm shaft is meshed with a worm wheel. The worm wheel is fixed to one end of a crank shaft member of a crank shaft separately from a crank arm of the crank shaft. A bearing that supports the crank shaft is provided between the worm wheel and the crank arm.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for damping the torsional excitation of a drive shaft is provided. The apparatus includes: a member secured to one end of the drive shaft and extending along the drive shaft; and damping means secured to the other end of the drive shaft for damping vibration of the end of the member remote from the securing of the member to the one end of the drive shaft. A hydraulic circuit for damping the vibration of a component in a first dimension, the circuit including: a pair of hydraulic cylinders disposed so that the actions of the pistons of the cylinders oppose one another in the first dimension, the pistons communicating with the component; and a fluid flow path between the cylinders, vibration of the component in the first dimension causing fluid flow between the cylinders to damp the vibration.

Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus is provided with a clutch that employs radially acting, rather than axially acting components. An annular drive sleeve projecting inwardly from a drive sprocket is disposed within multiple transmission power transmission sleeves, which are disposed within a cylindrical wheel hub shell. The drive sleeve defines multiple cam lobes and the power transmission sleeves define multiple cam lobes and multiple pockets. When the drive sleeve cam lobes are disposed in the power transmission sleeve pockets, the driving apparatus is disengaged and allowed to free coast. Upon forward rotation of the driving apparatus, the drive sleeve cam lobes rotate toward and engage the power transmission sleeve cam lobes, thereby forcing the power transmission sleeve radially outward towards the wheel hub shell, thereby allowing the sprocket to engage the wheel hub.

Abstract: Dual clutch arrangement for a dual clutch transmission. The dual clutch arrangement has a housing, an input shaft, a first friction clutch, a second friction clutch, two output shafts, a hub which is fixed to the housing, a first piston/cylinder arrangement which is fixed to the housing, and a second piston/cylinder arrangement which is fixed to the housing. Input members of the friction clutches are connected to the input shaft. Output members of the friction clutches in each case are connected to one of the two output shafts. It is possible for the friction clutches to be actuated in each case by means of one of the piston/cylinder arrangements, which are fixed to the housing. At least one of the input members is rotatably mounted by means of a radial bearing arrangement on the hub which is fixed to the housing.

Abstract: An infinitely-variable transmission with double mode power transmission for a motor vehicle, provided with a combustion engine, including a first power transmission path with a composite epicyclic gear train connecting the combustion engine to the vehicle wheels, a second power transmission path with a simple epicyclic gear train, two electric motors providing a continuous speed variator, a second simple epicyclic gear train for mode change, and an engagement/disengagement unit that can block or release a mode-changing body in the second epicyclic gear train, according to the operating mode. The engagement/disengagement body includes a sliding sleeve with a dog tooth, which can be displaced by a hydraulic actuator and with two sets of dog teeth fixed to a mode-changing body in the second epicyclic gear train.

Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a clutch motor comprising motor shaft. The clutch actuator also comprises a worm shaft that is spline connected to the motor shaft. The rotary motion of the worm shaft 103 is transferred to a worm wheel 105, which is engaged with the worm shaft 103. The worm shaft 103 has a threaded portion 103c. The threaded portion 103c comprises multiple threads.

Abstract: A spring clutch is provided which has improved durability by preventing a clutch spring from breaking due to fatigue. A cylindrical clutch spring made from a wire having a square section is mounted between a pulley and a pulley hub mounted in the pulley. An end of the clutch spring is coupled to the pulley hub. A clutch surface is formed on the inner periphery of the pulley and is formed with a large-diameter recess at a position opposite to the end portion of the clutch spring including the torque transmission end. When the pulley rotates in one direction, the clutch spring expands. At this time, the end portion of the clutch spring including the torque transmission end expands in the large-diameter recess, thus relaxing sharp torque produced in the clutch. This prevents local stress concentration on the clutch spring and breakage of the clutch spring and improves the durability of the clutch.

Abstract: A multiplate friction clutch can transmit power by pressing a stack of friction plates, which comprises plural separator plates and plural friction plates arranged alternately side by side, with a piston movable within a clutch casing. The multiplate friction clutch includes an annular holding groove formed in a pressing wall of the piston, a cushioning wave spring received in the holding groove, and an annular protuberance formed on an outer circumferential edge of an opening of the holding groove. The cushioning wave spring can be brought into resilient contact with one of the friction plates, which one friction plate is located adjacent to the piston. The annular protuberance prevents the wave spring from falling off the holding groove.

Abstract: A drawerless point of sale system includes a point of sale terminal and a currency changer device in communication with the point of sale terminal. The currency changer device is adapted to accept cash in bulk for a cash transaction and includes a housing, a coin accepting tray, a coin sorter, a plurality of respective coin bins, and a coin dispenser. The currency changer also includes a bill accepter/dispenser carried by the housing for accepting, sorting and dispensing bills, and a plurality of bill cassettes carried by the housing and in communication with the bill accepter/dispenser for receiving a respective plurality of similar bills from the bill accepter and for dispensing a respective plurality of bills responsive to said point of sale terminal.

Abstract: A coin discrimination apparatus and method is provided. Coins, preferably after cleaning, e.g. using a trommel, are singulated by a coin pickup assembly configured to reduce jamming. A coin rail assists in providing separation between coins as they travel past a sensor. The sensor provides an oscillating electromagnetic field generated on a single sensing core. The oscillating electromagnetic field is composed of one or more frequency components. The electromagnetic field interacts with a coin, and these interactions are monitored and used to classify the coin according to its physical properties. All frequency components of the magnetic field are phase-locked to a common reference frequency. The phase relationships between the various frequencies are fixed, and the interaction of each frequency component with the coin can be accurately determined without the need for complicated electrical filters.

Abstract: A rotary feeder for transferring articles includes a support frame, a rotatably driven bowl assembly mounted on the support frame and including a bowl mounted for rotation about a bowl axis, and a rotatably driven shaft mounted on the support frame for rotation about a shaft axis. A coupling is rotatably driven by the shaft and has a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end, the second end being pivotable with respect to the first end to define a tilt axis oriented at an angle with respect to the bowl axis. An adjustable guide assembly is mounted on the support frame and adapted to secure the coupling second end along a selected tilt axis. A disc is coupled to the coupling second end and rotates about the tilt axis, the disc including a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion defining an article transfer point.

Abstract: An alternate package flip-over device includes an intermittently operable primary conveyor feeding batches of packages to a continuously operating secondary conveyor, and a flap for routing the batches to either a flip-over mechanism or to an intermediate transfer conveyor, the successive batches from the transfer conveyor and the mechanism rejoining on a merging conveyor, alternate batches having been flipped in the mechanism.

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: 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: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.

Abstract: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the corrosion rate of iron-containing vessels within an ethylene glycol distillation system. The inventive process includes the addition of an additive component of sodium nitrite and sodium hypophosphite into such iron-containing vessels, to thereby react with iron of the inside walls and form a protective coating thereon. This process reduces the corrosion rate in iron-containing vessels of the apparatus, and reduces the catalytic effects of iron corrosion products within the system. Thus, not only is the on-stream time of the vessels extended, but also product quality is improved by reducing the aldehyde content of the final ethylene glycol product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms includes a mixer for mixing a sump of the powder material to electrostatically charge the powder material, the mixer including two substantially parallel elongate mixing shafts having oppositely angled mixing paddles thereon and being arranged to rotate in opposite directions; and a feeder for removing the electrostatically charged powder material from the sump and supplying it to the applicator, and a method for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and a method for coating substrates by means of sputtering a coating material in the form of a target, wherein the target is cooled during sputtering by means of a cooling medium fed at the target or past the region of the target or through the target, and the cooling medium has a feed temperature of less than 20° C.

Abstract: Electrolysis cell in the constructive form of single elements, intended for instance for the production of chlorine, hydrogen and/or caustic soda and designed in such a way that the portion of inactive membrane surface is minimised thanks to an optimised flange type so that the ratio between the flange surface of a semi-shell and the active membrane surface can be set to less than 0.045, neither the semi-shells nor the membrane being provided with bores or recesses for accommodating the clamping members.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus using a shield member that is used in a processing chamber of the vacuum processing apparatus, that has a heating unit and that has a simple structure enabling the shield member to be thinned. A vacuum processing apparatus having a processing chamber, a gas exhaust unit for discharging gas in processing space inside the processing chamber, a support base for holding a substrate to be processed, and a shield member placed inside the processing chamber. The shield member has an outer wall structure exposed to the processing space that is located inside the processing chamber and is reduced in pressure, inner space formed inside the outer wall structure and isolated from the processing space, and a heating unit placed in the inner space and heating the outer wall structure. The inner space is communicated with the outside of the vacuum processing chamber, and the heating unit is constructed so as to extend into the inner space in a sheet-like form.

Abstract: A sputtering target having at least one flat first sputtering surface and at least one second sputtering surfaces respectively and laterally abutted against the flat first sputtering surface and slanting in one direction relative to the first sputtering surface. By means of adjusting the position of the second sputtering surface related to the first sputtering surface and utilizing the differently slanted second sputtering surface of the sputtering target, the distribution of the thin film deposited on the surfaced of a substrate is relatively controlled and a uniform thickness of the thin film is obtained.

Abstract: A sputter target is made of a material comprising at least two phases or components, wherein at least one minor phase has low solubility in the matrix and has a higher melting point than the matrix. The at least one minor phase has a mean particle size of 10 ?m maximum of its grains or of agglomerates formed by its grains, and the material has a density of at least 98% of its theoretical density.

Abstract: An arc ion plating apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, a rotary table for moving a substrate within the vacuum chamber vertically relative to its height direction, an arc evaporation source for bombardment for cleaning the surface of the substrate with metal ions, and an arc evaporation source for deposition group for depositing metal ions on the surface of the substrate. The arc evaporation source for deposition group is composed of a plurality of evaporation sources arranged so as to be opposite to the substrate set on the rotary table, and the arc evaporation source for bombardment is arranged so as to be opposite to the substrate, and formed so that its length in the height direction of the vacuum chamber is equal to the length between the upper and lower ends of the arc evaporation source for deposition group. According to such a structure, over temperature rise or abnormal discharge is hardly caused in the substrate at the time of bombardment, and process controllability is consequently enhanced.

Abstract: An amperometric sensor for uric acid and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed, in which polyacrylamide is used to fix catalase, uricase and ferrocenecarboxylic acid on a working electrode. In determining concentration of uric acid, hydrogen peroxide is produced when enzyme and uric acid react with each other and then a reduction current generated from enzyme on the electrode with an external voltage 200 mV applied is detected. In determining concentration of uric acid, a concentration range of 2.5-20 mg/dl is achieved and sensibility of the sensor in a linear portion is 5.17 uAcm?2(mg/dl)?1. In addition, reaction time required for the reaction between enzyme and uric acid is 5.17 uAcm?2(mg/dl)?1.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biosensor for measuring analyte in a fluid that comprises a substrate layer having disposed thereon at least one each of an electrode, cathode, anode, and a novel spacer material. The spacer material according to the present disclosure comprises a heat sealable organic layer that covers at least a portion of the anode and defines at least one edge of the anode, wherein the spacer material has at least one hole punched through it and defines a cavity or well for accepting chemistry. Also disclosed is a method of making such biosensors.

Abstract: A device includes a flow channel through which a solution containing at least one of a target nucleic acid and a nucleic acid recognition body flows. The flow channel includes a flat bottom surface parallel to the flowing direction of the solution and an inclined surface gradually projecting from the bottom surface in the flowing direction. The device also includes a probe electrode provided on the inclined surface. The probe electrode is formed of an exposed portion of a metal film through an opening of a passivation film stacked on the metal film. An angle ? that the probe electrode forms with respect to the bottom surface, a maximal width R of the opening in the flowing direction, and a thickness d of the passivation film satisfy tan ?>d/R.

Abstract: An electrochemical microfluidic device has one or a plurality of microstructures, such as a microchannel, in which an electrically conductive means is integrated to reduce the ohmic resistance within the microstructure and hence to improve electrochemical measurements particularly when large current densities are involved. The electrically conductive means can be connected as a counter-electrode and can be used to re-generate the product of the reaction occurring at the working electrode. A method of fabricating electrochemical microfluidic devices comprising such an electrically conductive means is also disclosed. The invention may particularly be used in all electrochemical sensor applications where detection is performed in small volumes.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus to measure nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled breath is disclosed. An embodiment of the sensing apparatus includes an inlet, a pretreatment element, and a sensing electrode. The inlet is configured to receive the exhaled breath. The pretreatment element is configured to receive the exhaled breath from the inlet and to condition a chemical characteristic of the exhaled breath. The sensing electrode is coupled to a chamber within the sensing apparatus. The chamber is configured to receive the pretreated exhaled breath from the pretreatment element. The sensing electrode is configured to detect a component of nitrogen oxide (NOX) in the exhaled breath.

Abstract: A method for controlling concentration of electrophoresis solution of field emission display cathode substrate carbon nano tubes includes: (1) preparing an index electrophoresis solution and setting the electrophoresis conditions, wherein the concentration is 0.025% for magnesium nitrate and 0.0125% for the carbon nano tube of ethanol as an index solution; a fixed electric field 10 volt/millimeter is applied to the electrodes; (2) performing electrophoresis for the index solution and expressing the time t of current I per unit time at a preliminary stage as a function of t to establish Ii=Ii(t); (3) continuing to establish the function Ib=Ib(t); (4) comparing the ratio of a linear term and a constant of the Ib(t) and Ii(t); if the difference of the coefficients of the constant and linear term exceeds 5%, then (5) computing the charger concentration and resupplying carbon nano tubes and chargers, so that the batch solution approaches the index solution.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for the mixing and pumping of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using, devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: A method for collecting an analyte species from a sample is provided, the method of collection potentially being supplemented to give a method of preparing a sample for analysis and/or a method of analysis. The method including providing part of a sample in a substrate, causing the sample to migrate to an interface between the substrate and a second substrate due to the action of an electrical potential difference, the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species of the second substrate being balanced by or exceeded by the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate and the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate being in an opposing direction to the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species in the second substrate. In this way substantial concentration of the analyte species at the interface is provided. Subsequently the species can be conveyed away from the interface for further preparation and/or analysis.

Abstract: A sample for an electrophoresis device is provided which converts from a liquid to a gel upon contact with the running buffer of an electrophoresis device. The sample preparations of this invention permit improved electrophoresis resolution, image sharpness, and efficiencies of cost, time and space. The sample is prepared by combining a macromolecule of interest, a solvent, and a solute, in proportions to form a liquid which is readily converted to a gel. The sample gels can be used in multiple tray or column electrophoresis devices.

Abstract: A high purity Ru powder wherein the content of the respective alkali metal elements such as Na and K is 10 wtppm or less, and the content of Al is in the range of 1 to 50 wtppm. Further provided is a manufacturing method of such high purity Ru powder wherein Ru raw material having a purity of 3N (99.9%) or less is used as an anode and electrolytic refining is performed in a solution. Further still, provided is a high purity Ru powder for manufacturing a sputtering target which is capable of reducing harmful substances as much as possible, generates few particles during deposition, has a uniform film thickness distribution, has a purity of 4N (99.99%) or higher, and is suitable in forming a capacitor electrode material of a semiconductor memory; a sputtering target obtained by sintering such high purity Ru powder; a thin film obtained by sputtering this target; and a manufacturing method of the foregoing high purity Ru powder.

Abstract: An electrochemical deposition method in which the structure of a substance to be deposited on the surface of a working electrode is determined, an electrochemical deposition apparatus, and a microstructure are provided. A positive electrode 1 and a negative electrode 2 functioning as a working electrode are arranged oppositely in a liquid tank 5 containing an electrolytic (acid) solution (hereinafter referred to as “solution”) 4 in which plural substance are dissolved in an ionic state, and then a predetermined voltage is applied between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 2. A reference electrode 3 is also arranged in the liquid tank 5 and the potential between the negative electrode 2 and the reference electrode 3 is measured. Since the solution 4 can be considered as a conductor, the potential V1 of the negative electrode 2 relative to the solution 4 can be determined.

Abstract: A method for electroplating small workpieces includes the steps of: (A) providing a rotatable barrel which has an axis of rotation and a plurality of spaced-apart partition plates disposed one above the other; (B) mounting the barrel in a plating tank with the axis of rotation being inclined with respect to a horizontal line; (C) feeding a batch of the workpieces into the barrel; and (D) allowing the workpieces to fall down by gravity from one of the partition plates to the other one of the partition plates by rotating the barrel.

Abstract: An electro-resistance element that has a different configuration from conventional elements and is excellent in both affinity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and resistance change characteristics is provided. An electro-resistance element has two or more states in which electric resistance values between a pair of electrodes and is switchable from one of the two or more states into another by applying a predetermined voltage or current between the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and removal of gases emitted by an aluminum reduction cell is formed within an anode superstructure having two sidewalls spaced from each other. At least one gas transmitting channel having varying cross-section extends along the superstructure toward an end thereof associated with a gas treatment system. A plurality of gas input sections are provided within the superstructure and formed by a pair of spaced from each other members extending transversely to said sidewalls. At least one nozzle is formed at an interface between the gas transmitting channel and the respected gas input section. The ratio of cross-section area of the nozzle at an outlet thereof to a cross-section area of the gas transmitting channel and the output of the nozzle decreases in the direction of the end of the gas transmitting channel associated with the gas treatment system.