Abstract: One provides (101, 102) at least one towable rolling terrestrial container and emergency survival items. The emergency survival items are positioned (103) in the towable rolling terrestrial container(s) to provide at least one corresponding pre-provisioned towable unit. Consideration-based private civil security subscriptions are then accepted (107) from one or more subscribers with respect to providing civilly-catastrophic event-based access to the pre-provisioned towable unit. The pre-provisioned towable unit is then maintained (108) pending a need to permit subscription-based access to the pre-provisioned towable unit upon occurrence of a catastrophic event. If desired, other items, such as selected non-necessities of life, can be included (103) with the emergency survival items. The pre-provisioned towable units can be stored at a shared location and attended, if desired, by dedicated attendants (105).

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles. The ride-on, or ride-on vehicle, includes a frame having a seat adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly that is connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away from the vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed operation of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration.

Abstract: A system for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an engine or another prime mover, a transmission for transmitting rotary power to and from the engine, an electric machine, a clutch driveably connected to an output of the transmission; and a gearset driveably connected to the electric machine, the transmission output and the clutch, for transmitting rotary power between the electric machine and at least one of the transmission output and the clutch.

Abstract: An electric motor vehicle is provided which includes an apparatus for generating electric power from the movement of the motor vehicle. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are mounted on the frame. At least one of the wheels includes a brake drum which extends outside of the wheel toward the opposite side of the vehicle. An electric generation unit is mounted on the frame and has a generator shaft with a generator pulley mounted on the generator shaft. The generator pulley and the drive pulley are aligned with one another. A drive belt extends around and engages both the drive pulley and the generator pulley. At least one of the rear wheels is driven by an electric drive assembly. The electric generation unit is connected to the batteries by a power line with a switch in it. A speed sensor is mounted on the electric drive assembly and the speed sensor is connected electrically to the switch to open and close the switch.

Abstract: An air intake screen protects the cooling system of motor vehicles from insects and other debris, especially for medium and heavy duty trucks and buses. The air intake screen has the perimeter of an interior mesh embedded in a solid frame. The frame is preferably a polymer.

Abstract: A snowmobile positions riders close to the center of gravity of the snowmobile, reduces jostling forces, and improves the comfort and ridability of the snowmobile. The snowmobile has a steering position on a steering device that is disposed forward of the forward-most drive axle and center of gravity of the snowmobile. A steering shaft, which operatively connects the steering device to the skis, forms an angle of less than 45 degrees with vertical. The seat may have seat positions for one, two, or three riders, the first seat position being disposed less than 590 mm behind the forward-most drive track axle. The seat may be divided into two sections, the second seat section being removably attached to the frame behind the first seat section. The back of the seat and the rearward-most seat position may be disposed behind the back end of the snowmobile's frame.

Abstract: A pushcart for carrying and transporting loads includes a main support frame supporting a load-carrying part and having a front end provided with a pair of front wheels and a rear end to which a wheel frame is attached pivotably, a rear wheel rotatably attached to the wheel frame, a power unit disposed on the main support frame for driving the rear wheel, and a handle attached pivotally to the rear end and connected to the wheel frame for steering the rear wheel.

Abstract: Aiming at providing a straddle-type all terrain vehicle effectively improved in the operational stability of vehicle and engine performance, power transmissions transmitting driving force of a power unit to a rear axle shaft, and braking devices exerting braking force to rear wheels are provided respectively at both side of an end of a rear swing arm in the vehicle width direction, and an exhaust silencer is disposed in a space between the power transmissions and the braking devices, below a seat.

Abstract: A muffler for a vehicle, such as a scooter type motorcycle, comprises an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. An inner surface of the outer tubular member faces an outer surface of the inner tubular member. A ring shaped or annular member is positioned between the outer surface of the inner tubular member and the inner surface of the outer tubular member. The annular member has a substantially hollow cross section and is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a main body, a seat deck assembly including an operator seat, and structure for movably mounting the seat deck assembly to the main body. The seat deck assembly moves relative to the main body along a varying radius path.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for vehicle comprises a steering shaft including a first portion connected to a steering member and a second portion connected to steerable wheels; a transmission ratio variable mechanism capable of varying a transmission ratio as a ratio of a steered angle of the steerable wheels to a steering angle of the steering member; and a reaction-force compensation motor for compensating a steering reaction force of the steering member caused by the operation of the transmission ratio variable mechanism. The transmission ratio variable mechanism includes a differential mechanism for differentially rotatably interconnecting the first and second portions; and a differential-mechanism motor for driving the differential mechanism. Both an axis of a rotary shaft of the differential-mechanism motor and an axis of a rotary shaft of the reaction-force compensation motor are aligned with an axis of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A vibration electrode plate 112 is formed on the upper face of a silicon substrate 32 with an insulating coat film 35 interposed in between. An opposing electrode plate 113 is placed on the vibration electrode plate 112 with an insulating coat film interposed in between, and acoustic holes 40 are opened through the opposing electrode plate 113. Etching holes 36 and 104, each having a semi-elliptical shape, are opened through the vibration electrode plate 112 and the opposing electrode plate 113 so as to face each other longitudinally. A concave section 37 having a truncated pyramid shape is formed in the upper face of the silicon substrate 32, by carrying out an etching process through the etching holes 36 and 104. The vibration electrode plate 112 is held in the silicon substrate 32 by a holding portion 112 placed between the etching holes 36.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for a vehicle is described. The transducer assembly includes an enclosure formed from an interior component of the vehicle. The enclosure includes a front section defining an aperture and a rear section defining a volume. The assembly also includes a baffle that is located within a periphery of the aperture so as to form a port between the baffle and the enclosure. A transducer is mechanically coupled to the baffle.

Abstract: An audio speaker has a speaker surround integral with a covering or underlayer for the speaker housing. A flexible coating on the speaker housing, preferably a synthetic elastomer formed by an overmold process, at least partially covers an opening therein. A cone or other radiator may be attached to the coating in the region that it covers the opening leaving a portion of the coating to act as a speaker surround for the radiator, which may form an active or passive speaker driver.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material including a body, a pressurized air source mounted on the body, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a texture delivery nozzle for selectively spraying texture material from the hopper onto a surface to be coated by propelling the texture material using pressurized air from the pressurized air source wherein each of the air source and the hopper can be disconnected from the body without the use of tools. An air directing plunger has a plurality of discontinuities at an outlet thereof, which may be radially outwardly directed recesses or radially inwardly directed teeth for reducing the noise generated by the pressurized air during operation.

Abstract: A tubular sound/heat insulating tubular structure which may serve as a muffler packing for internal combustion engine exhaust mufflers comprises in one embodiment an inner layer of solely stainless steel wire mesh formed into a continuous length tube. An intermediate structure in that embodiment comprises a flattened tubular structure which is wrapped into two overlying layers of coknitted basalt or other continuous length non-metallic fibers and preferably stainless steel wire. The flattened juxtaposed layers are wrapped about the inner layer at least once by feeding both structures through a cone and forming at least two or more layers of coknitted wire mesh and basalt fibers. In this embodiment, an outer layer of solely stainless steel wire mesh is then knitted about the overlying concentric tubular structures fed from the cone into and through a knitting machine.

Abstract: A lifeline trolley (10) has a channel which fits over and runs along a fixed lifeline (12). A personal lifeline can be attached to the trolley, and the trolley has a brake (28) which is activated by a snatch loading on the personal lifeline to brake the trolley on the fixed lifeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a scaffolding and worktable apparatus with pivotally connected end legs, and in particular, to an apparatus that can be modified from a scaffold to a worktable by rotating collapsible end legs from a first position to a second position and an apparatus that can also be stored or used in a flattened configuration by rotating the end legs to a third stored position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to work platforms, and, more particularly, to a work platform for use with a lift truck to elevate personnel safely and conveniently.

Abstract: Stabilization devices for use with folding and/or extension ladders and methods of stabilizing ladders are disclosed herein. A stabilization device of one embodiment includes an upper shaft for operative coupling to a ladder's upper end. An outer leg has a lower end and an upper end with an aperture for receiving the shaft. An inner leg is configured for telescoping extension relative to the outer leg, and means are included for maintaining the inner leg at various positions. A foot is at the inner leg's lower end. A lower bracket selectively attaches to a ladder leg. A lower coupler selectively attaches to the outer leg. A lower strut has a first end attachable to the lower bracket and a second end attachable to the lower coupler to operatively couple the outer leg to the ladder leg and maintain a distance between the outer leg and the ladder leg.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand for mounting and supporting a hunter in a tree a distance above the ground. The tree stand system includes a tree-engaging frame with a pair of spaced apart, normally upright members each having opposed, upper and lower ends and a cross member located between the upright members. In addition, the system includes a seat assembly, a platform, a pair of spaced cable members and a strap connected to the upright members of the frame. The seat assembly is mounted on the frame and has a seat for a hunter to sit on. The assembly is generally movable between an operative and a folded position, providing a supporting structure with a pair of supper, spaced components that project generally horizontally rearwardly for engagement with the tree when the seat assembly is in the operative position.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus for rescuing casualties out of the water, from wharfs, docks, piers, quays, boats etc., comprising a fist general ladder part and a fork-like device (1) having fork arms extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the ladder rungs, the fork-like device being attached to the ladder part.

Abstract: A device for facilitating a controlled descent of a body, the device comprising a rotatable reel around which at least a portion of a cable is wound, a first end of the cable secured to the reel and a second end or the cable free; a friction drum mounted coaxially around the reel, the cable, upon leaving the reel wound at least partially around the drum; a carrier on which the reel and the drum are mounted; wherein the reel is provided with braking means for braking rotational motion of the reel and for balancing descending speed or the body.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an additive and a delivery system. During normal operational conditions, the lubricating oil circulating in the transmission system is collected and contained in a secondary oil reservoir to retain a quantity of the lubricating oil for use in an oil-out condition. When an oil-out condition is detected, the additive is injected and mixed with the collected lubricating oil in the secondary oil reservoir or dispersed directly into a power transmission gearbox housing to enhance the characteristics of the lubricating oil and increases the operational time period of the power transmission gearbox during an oil-out condition.

Abstract: Provided is an escape device of an elevator having a car, the escape device comprising a ventilation system including an air inlet disposed on a roof of the car, a filter disposed in the air inlet, and a blower disposed in the air inlet. In case of fire, smoke is filtered by the filter, and the blower is activated to blow filtered air into the car. The ventilation system further includes a backup power supply for energizing the blower in case of fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for executing elevator control actions from a remote terminal in a remote control system. The remote control system comprises a remote terminal, one or more monitoring cameras as well as interface and data transfer means for the transmission of camera information, elevator status data and/or control commands between the elevator and the remote control system. The monitoring cameras are so directed that their combined image area substantially covers the operating area of the elevator. The remote terminal comprises a display device for the display of image information and elevator status data and means for starting elevator control functions. In the method, the operating area of the elevator is imaged by a monitoring camera or cameras, whose image information as well as the elevator status information is displayed on the display device of the remote terminal.

Abstract: A braking mechanism for actuating a supplemental brake, used in association with a pedal-actuated brake, which increases total brake effectiveness and increases reliability through redundancy as a result of the coaster brake functioning as a back-up to a failed supplemental brake. A brake lever arm is adapted to cooperate with a coaster brake and a bicycle frame to engage a brake cable and operate the supplemental brake when the coaster brake is engaged. During assembly, the brake lever arm is allowed to rotate about an axle, but is limited in such rotation to a selected degree by placement of a limiter cam. Once installed, a distal end of the brake lever arm is permitted limited rotation with respect to the bicycle. A brake cable secured between the brake lever arm distal end and a supplemental brake is disposed linearly a distance sufficient to actuate the supplemental brake.

Abstract: An electric brake actuator for the brake system of an aircraft is presented. A brake actuator includes a piston driven by a cylindrical nut and screw arrangement, driven by an appropriate motor of the actuator. Application of brake force results in a reactionary force that deflects the top cover of the actuator. The axial component of this deflection correlates directly with the brake force applied. A beam is interposed between this cover and a top cap, such that deflection of the beam correlates to applied brake face. Piezo-resistive devices are connected to the beam and, through a whetstone bridge, provide an electrical output signal correlating to applied brake force.

Abstract: A brake lining support plate arrangeable in a lining housing of a disc brake for a land vehicle includes at least one tolerance compensating spring for compensating tolerance between the lining support plate and the plate housing. The tolerance compensating spring(s) are embodied in the form of leaf- or leg-springs, wherein the leaf spring or the first leg of the leg spring is used for compensating the tolerances in a radial direction and the other leaf spring or the second leg of the leg spring is used for compensating tolerances in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An actuator for a drum brake including a plunger connected through a resilient member to a linkage attached to a web on a brake shoe. A rod extends from the plunger and engages a lever arm that is pivotally retained on the web. The lever engages an extendable strut of an adjuster arrangement through which a running clearance is maintained between the brake shoe and a drum. During a brake application, pressurization fluid acts on the plunger to develop an operational force that is communicated through the resilient member to move the brake shoe into engagement with a drum. Should the operational force overcome the resilient member, the plunger moves toward the linkage and a reactive force is applied through the rod that acts through the lever arm to prevent a pawl from rotating such that a current length of the strut and correspondingly a current running clearance is sustained.

Abstract: An aerodynamic vented rotor comprises an outboard disc, an inboard disc spaced from the outboard disc, and fins extending between the outboard disc and the inboard disc and defining vents therebetween. The fins have an airfoil-shaped cross section with a leading edge facing radially inwardly on the rotor. The fins constitute an inner core, and a hat section extends from the inner core of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotation damper, particularly for damping the rotary movement of a belt retractor shaft of a vehicle safety belt, has a housing which delimits a working space filled with a damping medium, and an element which is rotatable relative to the housing. Several pins serving as resistance elements, which extend into the working space, are provided on the element.

Abstract: The strut unit includes a piston dividing an oil-filled working cylinder into first and second working spaces, wherein the second working space is connected to a high pressure chamber having a gas cushion; a hollow piston rod defining a pump cylinder; and a pump rod received in pump cylinder. The pump rod has a bore extending between its ends, and a deregulating opening which connects the bore to the second working space when the piston rod is extended. A first check valve permits flow from the low pressure chamber into the bore; a second check valve permits flow from the bore into the pump cylinder; and a third check valve permits flow from the pump cylinder to the second working space. The check valves are formed as substantially identical modules having cylindrical valve housings which can be press fit into a recess in either of two orientations.

Abstract: A torque transfer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a friction pack including at least one pair of interacting surfaces operable to transfer torque, a first Belleville spring contacting a first region of the plate and contacting a first region of the housing, and a second Belleville spring contacting a second region of the plate and contacting a second region of the housing. In one embodiment the springs comprise a unitary piece. In other embodiments the springs may face the same or opposite directions.

Abstract: A roller insert for a conveyor roller tube includes a cartridge, a stub axle positioned within the cartridge, at least one bearing mounted within the cartridge and supporting the axle such that the cartridge is rotatable with respect to the axle, and an annular sleeve configured to be inserted into an end of a conveyor roller tube. The cartridge is securely and non-rotatably positioned within the annular sleeve. A conveyor roller assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A case flow system includes a case flow roller bed having a proximal portion having a front end, a plurality of laterally extending axles disposed parallel to said front end and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of wheels disposed in a spaced-apart pattern along each of said axles, a distal portion having a rear end, and a movable stop member positioned between the proximal portion and distal portion of the case flow roller bed; at least one lower bar extending laterally and at least partially across the front end of the proximal portion of the case flow roller bed; and a fixed upper bar extending laterally across the front end of the proximal portion of the case flow roller bed, the fixed bar being vertically spaced apart from and above the lower bar so as to define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A device (4) used to transfer loads between at least two upstream (1) and downstream (2) load conveyors which are intended to convey loads (3) between different work stations. The device includes: an intermediate conveyor (5), part of each of the ends (5?, 5?) thereof extending alongside the upstream (1) and downstream (2) conveyors; and a lateral holding element (6) for maintaining the loads (3) in the cantilevered position thereof as they are being transferred between the upstream conveyor (1) and the downstream conveyor (2). The device is especially suitable for use in conveying loads using push plate conveyors, particularly in systems including a conveyor change.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes two tension rollers; a conveyor belt movably supported at the two tension rollers; a plurality of transfer parts that are arranged on the back surface side of the conveyor belt and between the two tension rollers, that contact one surface of the back surface of the conveyor belt, and that form a predetermined clearance with an opposite portion of the back surface of the conveyor belt; and a cleaning blade for removing residual toner remaining on the conveyor belt. The cleaning blade has the front end contacting the conveyor belt at a predetermined pressure. The cleaning blade is arranged at a position where the back surface of the conveyor belt distorted by the front end does not contact the tension roller.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveying apparatus which guides a conveying target object in the conveying direction while preventing it from falling off from rollers and in which intervals between the adjacent rollers can be narrowed.

Abstract: A bulk supply hopper includes a hopper body for holding a plurality of bulk material items and defining a bulk supply hopper opening, a bulk supply hopper impelling means for impelling the bulk material items toward the bulk supply hopper opening, a bulk material separation means, arranged in the bulk supply hopper opening, for separating the bulk material items, and a control door disposed proximate to the bulk supply hopper opening. The bulk supply hopper, equipped with a control door, prevents dumped bulk material items from exiting the bulk supply hopper. The bulk supply hopper, using a conveyor belt as the bulk supply hopper impelling means, significantly reduces radiated noise. Additionally, the bulk supply hopper including opposed, substantially upright side walls, enhances the effectiveness of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).

Abstract: An article-conveying system and method of conveying articles includes providing a conveying surface and conveying articles with the conveying surface. The conveying surface defines a series of tandem zones, each of the zones including an article sensor and an actuator. Articles are sensed with the article sensor in the respective zone and the portion of the conveying surface at that zone is driven when the corresponding actuator is operated. Inputs are received from the article sensors at the zones and the actuators for the zones are controlled as a function of the inputs. This includes defining objects, each of the objects corresponding to one of said zones. Virtual signals are enabled between the objects. The virtual signals relate to movement of articles along the conveying surface.

Abstract: A conveyor for use in a conveying plant for recovery of diamond and other precious stones, semi-precious stones and minerals, and for conveying any material includes an endless conveyor with both its feed and return portions enclosed in a pipe, with a drive for driving the belt and a return idler, with the feed portion above the return portion and the feed portion cupped by the pipe, the pipe preferably being of plastic material and supported by a steel half pipe under the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A lane divider attachment with a flight portion that extends above the top surface of the belt module and provides a barrier to stop goods from shifting away from their position. The lane divider attachment includes a transverse pivot rod opening or recess disposed in alignment with the pivot rod openings in the module when the lane divider is installed. A hook portion that snaps over the crossbar (cross rib) portion of the module may be included to secure the lane divider attachment to the crossbar.

Abstract: Provided is an operating switch mechanism having a handle cover with enhanced rigidity. The operating switch mechanism has a chassis 1 in which individual switches 21 and a group switch are exposed from the front side. An indicator hole for passing light is formed in the chassis 1 to at locations facing light-emitting diodes indicating operation states of lighting apparatuses in association with the group switch. A handle body 4 is rotatably attached on the front side of the chassis 1 so as to press the group switch. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the chassis 1. A handle cover 5 is rotatably attached on the front side of the handle body 4. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the handle body 4. A concave groove 44 for attaching an indicator window 8 is formed on the front side.

Abstract: A sealed pushbutton switch (1) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a cavity (25), an actuator (3) movably retained in the insulative housing, a base (8) conglutinated to the insulative housing by glue, a number of fixed contacts (7) assembled to the base, a spring (5) mounted below the actuator, and a movable contact (6) mounted on the actuator and provided with a number of contact portions (621) in contact with corresponding fixed contacts. The movable contact is movable with the actuator from a first position to a second position relative to the insulative housing along a top-to-bottom direction to disengage the fixed contacts. The base has four slots (811) defined near four sides thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solid-insulated disconnection switch and a solid-insulated switchgear using the same. The solid-insulated switchgear using the solid-insulated disconnection switch according to the present invention can have an eco-friendly characteristic and a small size by solid-insulating each unit, a disconnection switches and earth switch constituting each unit. In the solid-insulated switchgear according to the present invention, each unit and each part constituting each unit are standardized so as to be interchangeable to each other, thereby implementing a simple manufacture. Furthermore, the solid-insulated switchgear can be manufactured according to an installation environment and a user's various demands, and can have an enhanced maintenance/repair characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for sequestration of carbon dioxide by mineral carbonation comprising the following steps: (a) converting a magnesium or calcium sheet silicate hydroxide into a magnesium or calcium ortho- or chain silicate by bringing the silicate hydroxide in direct or indirect heat-exchange contact with hot synthesis gas to obtain the silicate, silica, water and cooled synthesis gas; (b) contacting the silicate obtained in step (a) with carbon dioxide to convert the silicate into magnesium or calcium carbonate and silica.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas comprising the steps of combusting (4) a combustible gas to form hot flue gasses (7), passing the flue gasses (7) through heat storing means (1) so as to heat the heat storing means (1) to an elevated temperature, using the heat thus stored to heat biomass (2) to an elevated temperature so as to form synthesis gas, and withdrawing at least part of the synthesis gas formed, wherein following heating of the heat storing means (1) gaseous medium is circulated through the heat storing means (1), the biomass (2) and back to the heat storing means (1). Furthermore computer program product for performing the method of the invention and the use of the produced biogas are disclosed.