Abstract: An automatic axle engagement system utilizes wheel speed sensors, engine control, and braking control to provide optimal engagement of a front drive axle to provide all wheel drive under poor driving conditions. The system includes a transfer case that is coupled to a power source and which has output shafts for front and rear drive axles. The engine provides torque to the transfer case via an input shaft. Wheel sensors generate wheel speed signals that are transmitted to a controller, which determined whether or not there is wheel slip. The controller initiates a shift to drivingly engage the front drive axle if there is wheel slippage by controlling one or both of the output torque or axle braking forces to bring rotational speeds of the input shaft and the rear axle output shaft within a predetermined speed range.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes radial mount type disk brakes, a brake caliper of the disk brake is mounted on a lower portion of a front fork, which pivotably supports a front wheel, the wheel speed sensor is attached to a mounting boss disposed at the lower portion of one leg of the front fork so as to dispose the wheel speed sensor between the brake caliper and the wheel axle. This mounting location is desirable in terms of lowering costs and ease of brake maintenance.

Abstract: An electrically driven power steering control apparatus for a vehicle gives a steering assist torque to a steering mechanism by supplying electric power to an electrically driven motor based on a steering operation made by a driver. This control apparatus detects tiredness of a driver, and restricts an operation of the electrically driven motor based on the detected tiredness of a driver.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a steerable vehicle includes a steering unit, an operating unit, a backup unit, and a control unit. The backup unit selectively connects/disconnects the steering unit and the operating unit. The control unit is operable in two control modes including an SBW mode and a PS mode. In the SBW mode, the control unit separates the steering unit from the operating unit; controls a steer angle of the vehicle in accordance with a manual steering effort; and switches the control mode from the SBW mode to the PS mode when an SBW-to-PS mode switch condition is satisfied, the SBW-to-PS mode switch condition including a condition that the steer angle is larger than or equal to a first threshold angle. In the PS mode, the control unit connects the steering unit and the operating unit; controls an assist steering effort to boost the manual steering effort.

Abstract: An ultra light, noise reducing composite (1) comprises an acoustically transparent, light weight film (6) between an underlay layer (5) and an air flow resistance layer (4). This composite allows to easily tune the acoustic properties by balancing the absorption and sound transmission behaviour of the composite (1). This air flow resistance layer (4) has an air flow resistance of between 500 Ns/m3 and 10,000 Ns/m3 and an area mass between 200 g/m2 and 3,000 g/m2. The underlay layer (5) has a stiffness value in the range between 100 Pa and 100,000 Pa. The light weight film (6) may consist of a synthetic foil and preferably has a thickness of 0.01 mm.

Abstract: An extended bandwidth folded well diffusor extends the diffusion bandwidth of a shallow, asymmetric diffusor by incorporating maximum-depth, folded L-shaped, half-width wells on both ends (sides) of a diffusor, thus providing increased maximum well depth without increasing the physical depth of the diffusor. When the inventive diffusor is placed in an array, the folded L-shaped, maximum-depth, half-width end wells form a novel T-shape, which offers a favorable impedance lowering the resonant frequency, thus extending the diffusor diffusion bandwidth. T-shaped recesses may also be located within a single diffusor. The front surface of the diffusor may be flat or curved or angled.

Abstract: Walk through ladder extensions are provided to attach to the upper ends of ladder side rails, and define a wide unobstructed space between them. The extensions can be gripped by a user to steady the user as the user moves onto a roof of a building against which the ladder is placed.

Abstract: A strap surrounding a trunk. A support is held a strap against the trunk. A mechanical linkage is attached to the support. A brake is furnished to the mechanical linkage. A frame is attached to the linkage for maintaining a person in position. A belt attached to the frame to be wrapped around a person for preventing a falling of the person. The mechanical linkage can comprise a distance adjustment mechanics allowing a change in distance between the support and the frame. An adjustable mechanical impedance can oppose forces exerted on the mechanical linkage for effecting a change in distance between the support and the frame. The adjustable mechanical impedance can be furnished by an adjustable friction brake.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck having a mast, a load-carrying means having a load-carrying fork which is supported by the mast and is adjustable in height by means of a lifting and lowering drive wherein the load-carrying fork is adjustable with respect to the horizontal line by means of an inclination drive, and an electric control and regulation device for the respective drives which is connected to operating members for the lifting and lowering drive and inclination drive, wherein an analog sensor detecting the inclined position of the load-carrying fork is provided the inclination signal of which is sent to the control and regulation device and that the control and regulation device is connected to a separate operating member for the inclination drive or the operating member for the inclination drive is configured in such a way that actuating it causes the load-carrying fork to be automatically moved to a predetermined position, preferably a horizontal position.

Abstract: A device and procedure for creating and securing a temporary safety space within an elevator hoistway such that a service or maintenance technician can work with impunity from a car entering the safety space. In particular, the device includes a stop bar for installation between and in engagement with opposing guide rails of the hoistway to prevent upward or downward movement of the car or a counterweight.

Abstract: A plurality of hoistways (11, 12) in a building serving a plurality of floors utilizes destination call entry panels (22, 22A) having buttons (23) with which passengers can enter destination call requests. A display (26, 26a) adjacent the request buttons provides an indication of the car that is assigned to answer the passenger's request by a controller (27), which indication is also presented on illuminatable signs (16-19, 40, 41), utilizing either colors, letters or other easily identifiable and rememberable indications. As the car assigned to the call approaches the landing upon which the call was made, an illuminatable sign, adjacent the hoistway of the assigned car, will present the same color or indicia as was presented to the passenger upon entering the passenger's desired destination; the controller does not announce approaching cars that are not assigned a call at that landing.

Abstract: A disc brake has a brake disc and a brake caliper spanning the brake disc. A brake applicator shaft is supported on the brake caliper and arranged transversely to an axis of rotation of the brake disc. The brake applicator shaft has a rotary lever for actuating the brake applicator shaft. An adjusting device provided with a thrust spindle having an end face facing away from the brake disc is provided. The brake applicator shaft transmits upon brake application a brake force through the thrust spindle onto the brake disc. A monitoring device is provided that has a measuring element moveable relative to the brake caliper and resting against the end face of the thrust spindle.

Abstract: Brake member where the occurrence of brake squeal when a fluctuating load is applied onto the brake member is reduced by way of a brake member or arrangement that includes a backing plate carrying a brake lining which exhibits at least one contact surface and side surfaces surrounding that contact surface and in which the side surfaces are connected to the contact surface and to the backing plate. The contact surface is adapted to exhibit an edge area surrounding the contact surface and in which at least a portion of the edge area exhibits a local deformation stiffness in a direction vertical to a plane through the contact surface which differs, at most, fifteen percent from the deformation stiffness in a central area in the interior of the contact surface. Utilization of this brake member is equally applicable in disc- and drum-style brake arrangements that can suffer from the occurrence of brake squeal when applying a fluctuating load onto the brake member.

Abstract: A piston connected to a piston rod is fitted into a cylinder in which a hydraulic fluid is sealably contained. A flow of the hydraulic fluid is generated in an extension-side fluid passage and a compression-side fluid passage according to a sliding motion of the piston, and this flow of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by a main disk valve, to thereby generate a damping force. A valve-opening pressure of the main disk valve is controlled by an internal pressure of a back-pressure chamber generated due to a difference in flow path area between a back-pressure chamber inlet fluid passage and a downstream-side orifice. During a reverse stroke, a check valve is opened, to thereby introduce a pressure in a downstream-side cylinder chamber into the back-pressure chamber, so that the main disk valve can be maintained in a closed position and a stable damping force can be generated.

Abstract: An adequate rotation angle is ensured and any member is not damaged due to fluid resistance even with use of highly viscous fluid. A rotating shaft (2) is provided inside a casing (1) having first divider walls (5) provided on its inner periphery and in direct or indirect contact with the rotating shaft. Second divider walls (4) are provided on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft and in either direct or indirect contact with the casing. A flow passage (4a) is provided in the second divider wall for fluid communication between the pressure chambers. A check valve mechanism has curving portions (6a) moving on and along the periphery of the rotating shaft and valving portions (6b) each joining to the curving portion. The curving portion is supported between the rotating shaft and the first divider wall. The flow passage is opened/closed depending upon a direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A friction damper includes a base body; a support secured to an elongated member of the base body and having a through hole; a rod which extends in such a manner as to pass through the through hole of the support and is movable in an axial direction with respect to the support; a friction member which has a hollow cylindrical portion interposed between the support and a main body portion of the rod in the through hole of the support, and which is fixed immovably with respect to the relative movement of the rod in the axial direction with respect to the base body; and a tightening structure provided for the support so as to tighten the hollow cylindrical portion of the friction member onto the main body portion of the rod.

Abstract: A towable, wheeled-backpack includes a towing handle attached to a curved, single-pole, telescoping towing member which retracts into the backpack when not in use. The curvature of the towing member provides support for a backing sheet that is attached to the towing member, and the backing sheet is contoured so that the backpack can be comfortably supported on a wearer's back. A rigid base with wheels is pivotally attached to a bottom end of the towing member. The pivot attachment allows the base and wheels to move independently of the towing member as the bag is worn or as the bag is rolled along the ground.

Abstract: In a lockup clutch assembly for use in a torque converter, a friction lining attached to one of a clutch piston and a front cover of the torque converter is divided into an outer-circumference-side friction lining and an inner-circumference-side friction lining. The outer-circumference-side friction lining contains as a filler diatomaceous earth in a higher proportion than the inner-circumference-side friction lining.

Abstract: In a fluid transmitting device, a plurality of first power transmission claws are inserted between adjacent ones of damper springs and secure to a clutch piston; and a plurality of second power transmission claws are inserted between adjacent ones of the damper springs so as to face the first power transmission claws, and has support portions which are connected to an outer peripheral surface of a shell of a turbine impeller via a weld formed by laser beams. The weld is formed into a linear shape extending along a circumferential direction of the shell so that the weld is melt by the laser beams to extend from an outer surface of the support portion to an inner peripheral surface of the shell. Thus, it is possible to easily perform welding between the support portions of the second power transmission claws and the shell of the turbine impeller, and to easily perform a visual inspection as to whether the welding condition is good or not.

Abstract: A torque transmitting unit in the power train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit having an output shaft and a transmission having at least one input shaft. At least one clutch unit is positioned between the drive unit and the transmission, and at least one vibration damping unit having an input part and an output part is provided and is connected between the drive unit output shaft and the clutch unit. The clutch unit includes a clutch cover that defines a clutch-containing volume and that is supported by a transmission housing section. The vibration damping unit is positioned with in the clutch-containing volume defined by the clutch cover. For optimization of structural space, both the input part and the output part of the vibration damping unit are supported in the radial direction by the clutch cover.

Abstract: A radially stacked dual dry clutch apparatus for a dual clutch transmission is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, an outer clutch mounted to the housing, and an inner clutch mounted to the housing. The outer clutch includes a first plurality of engageable clutch plates, and a hub attached to one of the first plurality of clutch plates. The hub preferably defines a plurality of access ports. The inner clutch includes a second plurality of engageable clutch plates. The inner clutch also includes an apply member configured to selectively actuate the second plurality of clutch plates. At least a portion of the apply member is adapted to pass through the access ports of the hub.

Abstract: A shifting device (1) for the mechanical coupling-free transmission of shift commands to an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle (shift-by-wire shifting), with at least one housing and/or one frame and one selector lever for the manual selection of shift commands for the vehicle transmission in at least one shift gate. The selector lever can be moved manually into at least four positions (P, R, N, D), pivotable about at least one shift axis. A transmission device(s) transmits the shift commands without mechanical coupling with the vehicle transmission (shift by wire). A mechanical coupling (16) is provided between the selector lever (2) and the transmission of the vehicle. This mechanical coupling (16) activates the parking brake exclusively and automatically when the selector lever (2) is engaged in the P position and is automatically uncoupled from the selector lever when the selector lever (2) is pivoted out beyond the adjacent position.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting and feeding blow molded preforms which are elongated generally cylindrical plastic objects, one end of which is a threaded neck portion for the ultimate blow molded container, and the other end of which extends from the opposed end of the cylindrical object as a narrower and heavier tubular portion which during the blow molding operation will be softened and enlarged into the ultimate container, the preform further including an encircling handling disc between the said threaded neck portion and tubular portion which has a larger diameter than the remaining portions of the preform, the disc serving to facilitate handling of the preforms. First and second conveying belts are provided having input and output ends for cooperatively conveying such objects toward a downstream processing line. The belts are mounted so that their respective conveying surfaces are movable in a common parallel direction.

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: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stairlift rail of non-circular cross-section. The wall surfaces of the rail define a single internal cavity and the outer surface of the rail is free of additional members added to the rail in order to prevent rotation of a stairlift carriage about the rail axis.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioner is provided for a conveyor system in which a belt is trained about first and second end rollers that are suspended for rotation between opposed side frames. A motor is provided for moving the belt with respect to the side frames. A third roller that engages the belt is provided that is mounted between the side frames for incremental movement for tensioning the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt (1) provided with a bearing side (2) and a backing side (3) made of an elastomer material, in addition to an embedded reinforcement carrier (4), wherein the bearing side (2) is reinforced with ball-type elements (5).

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles, comprises a top wall, a base wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls. A divider structure for separating adjacent articles is formed from at least one of the end walls. The divider structure includes first and second inwardly folded divider panels and an inwardly folded support panel. The divider panels are hinged together and to the opposed side walls respectively while the support panel is hinged to and extending between the respective lower portions of the first and second divider panels.

Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.

Abstract: The present application refers to a container comprising a cup, a joint and a base, wherein the latter defines a cavity where a lid is coupled to form a cavity, allowing the placement of an object that may be a decorative figure, a toy or a promotional means. In another embodiment, the base of the container is shaped to represent an object.

Abstract: A receptacle stores and keeps items, such as toiletries and medicine, within close proximity to a tissue box. The receptacle includes a bottom wall, a plurality of walls and a hook element. The plurality of walls extends outwardly from the bottom wall to define a storage space. The hook element has an edge for forming a hole in a top surface of the tissue box.

Abstract: A modular disc storage case comprises a plurality of disc-mounting plates each having an edge that is attached to an edge of an adjacent plate by a spine that comprises a number of hinges that are fastened to at least one of the plates.

Abstract: A container for recording media, such as disk(s) includes first and second essentially identical trays. Each tray is adapted to releasably receive a disk for protective storage. The trays are oriented in overlying and registered relationship to one another and affixed to one surface of a sheet, such as paperboard, in side-by-side relationship. The trays are spaced apart from one another on the sheet to define a spline area of the sheet between the adjacent sides of the trays. Each tray includes unique respective male and female latch means for releasably securing the trays in a closed attitude.

Abstract: A tool container comprising two housing members and an insert. The two housing members are pivotally coupled with one another for opening and closing with respect to one another. At least one housing member defines a cavity for receiving tools. The cavity is defined by a base and a wall extending from the base. At least one of the wall and the base include a plurality of first retaining features. The insert is operable to retain at least one tool. The insert has a surface with a plurality of second retaining features operable to cooperate with the first retaining features to secure the insert at one of a variety of positions within the housing members. The insert includes an elastomeric portion operable to engage and retain the tool.

Abstract: A shock absorber designed for insertion within a container. The shock absorber presents a support surface on one side intended to contact the surface of one or more items contained within the container, and a spring side including compression elements, in contact with an interior surface of the container, intended to urge the support surface into contact with the items contained within the container. Use of the Shock absorber of the invention may eliminate the need for foam inserts or cushions, which can greatly reduce outgassing of anions or cations generally associated with foam. The container and shock absorber may be suitable for reuse and recycling.

Abstract: A void volume indicator, a packaging system, and a method of consumer product selection are disclosed. The void volume indicator can have either a primary wetness indicator, a secondary wetness indicator, or both that corresponds to a portion of a package having either a primary capacity indicator, a secondary capacity indicator, or both. After using the void volume indicator, feedback from the indicator can be used to select an absorbent article having an appropriate absorbent capacity for the person's needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic packaging (1) made from a packaging dish (2) and a cover lid (3). The cover lid (3) is at least partially sealed to the packaging dish (2) in a peelable manner and the cover lid (3), or the packaging dish (2), comprises at least one knob (5) and complementary to the above the packaging dish (2) or the cover lid (3) comprises a recess (6), through which the knob(s) is/are pressed on sealing the plastic packaging (1). At least a partial region of at least one knob is provided with a sealing material (95) or preferably at least one partial region of at least one knob (5) and the boundary region of the complementary recess (7) is connected to a sealing material (9), which on first opening of the packaging (1) is damaged. The invention further relates to methods for the production of said packages.

Abstract: The present invention involves an interactive selection system for a consumer product that improves the consumer's ability to quickly sort through numerous criteria in a complex decision making process and determine whether that particular consumer product is appropriate for his or her purchase and use.

Abstract: A nestable bottle crate provides increased stability to the containers and improved nesting relative to prior art crates. The crate also nests and stacks with the prior art crates. The crate includes a lower wall portion and an upper band portion. The lower wall portion includes a plurality of columns and four corner columns. The upper band portion includes alternating first and second portions. The first portions are each a single, solid wall having an interior concave bottle contact surface. The second portions are aligned with the columns. The columns project inwardly farther than the second portions so that each column forms a ledge between the column and the second portion above it. The ledge is at least substantially parallel to the floor and at least substantially perpendicular to the inner wall of the second portion.

Abstract: A game ball bag having a ball bag portion including a zippered access opening that can be locked and secured to a fixture and having a cavity sized and adapted to receive and hold a ball, including a water bottle pocket with a sealable closure on one side thereof and a second outside pocket with a sealable closure for holding various items; and an interior pocket within the cavity for holding small items which warrant extra protection from theft.

Abstract: The invented modular, capacity-adjustable racquet tote bag device includes two or more individual container segments each configured to contain at least a head portion of a racquet and associated gear, each segment being substantially coextensive and congruent in dimension and shape on at least one face with another; cooperative fastening means extending at least part-way circumferentially around confronting ones of the faces, the fastening means configured to securely join the two or more individual container segments together; and tote means, e.g. a handle or a shoulder strap, associated with at least one of the segments for transporting the racquet tote bag device. Preferably, the cooperative fastening means includes one or more confronting loop and pile textile members configured to detachably affix to one another when pressed together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refill container, that holds and protects an internal tray filled with a cosmetic material. The refill container that holds the internal tray filled with the cosmetic material is made up of a mounting portion and an engaging portion. The mounting portion has a structure to be mounted over the internal tray in such a manner as to cover an exposed surface of the cosmetic material. The mounting portion has a lid portion that faces the exposed surface and protects the exposed surface in a mounted state and a holding portion that holds the internal tray in such a manner that the internal-tray bottom surface of the internal tray is exposed in the mounted state. Further, in the mounted state of the internal tray being mounted in the mounting portion, the engaging portion catches the internal tray in such a manner as to prevent the internal tray from being disengaged from the mounting portion.

Abstract: Dunnage for supporting elongated products arranged in layers in storage or shipping containers comprises elongated plastic strips having openings for receiving the goods and also having reinforcing members extending along their undersides which are removably received in dunnage supports attached to the sides of the container. The dunnage supports are so arranged that the reinforcing members are supported out of contact with subjacent and superjacent layers of the products and dunnage. For returnable containers or boxes whose walls are collapsed inwardly over the floor of the box, space may be provided beneath the inwardly folded walls to accommodate the dunnage for return shipment. Wall brackets for supporting opposite ends of the dunnage strips may be shallow and the dunnage provided with flanges for reception between the box walls and the brackets thereby permitting use of shallow brackets allowing the box walls to be folded in bypass relation thereto.

Abstract: A corrugate palletized container is provided that includes a base defining at least one channel, the channel operable to accept a lifting device therein and a plurality of side walls extending from the base, the plurality of side walls defining a storage space between them.

Abstract: An ATM (10) includes a housing (46) including a generally L-shaped chest portion (48) and an upper housing portion (54). The ATM includes a fascia (12) which extends on the outside of a wall (14) and includes a user interface (15). Responsive to inputs of a user through the user interface the machine is operative to accept a stack of sheets (84) which are evaluated through operation of a sheet validator device (88) and which enables acceptable sheets to be stored within the chest portion. Unacceptable sheets are routed to a storage area (100). Provisions are made for reducing the risk of attack on the ATM by criminals and to facilitate servicing by authorized personnel.

Abstract: A clip adapted to be mounted on a support such as a conventional pot rack holds a long-necked bottle, such as a wine bottle, in display position with the tip of the bottle neck engaging the lower edge of the support and with the clip engaging a portion of the bottle neck spaced from the tip.

Abstract: A cantilevered shelving system is provided for manual assembly along the wall panels of a molded utility shed. Several shelves are provided that are removably secured to brackets that removably fasten into reinforcing strips in the wall panels. Each shelf is supported by at least two triangular brackets near the opposite ends. The brackets have upper and lower fasteners on a vertical leg that pivotably connect to the shed through apertures in the reinforcing strips.

Abstract: A moisture shedding system for hollow boom (30) is disclosed. The system has at least one drainage aperture (38) in or adjacent a lower wall of the boom and a fluid director (45) is associated with the aperture for directing fluid on the inner surface of the lower wall to the aperture to allow fluid to be drained from the boom.

Abstract: A pouch assembly is provided for use in a shipping container. The pouch assembly comprises dunnage in the form of a plurality of pouches for storing and transporting parts. The pouch assembly includes two end panels located inside the container and flexible support rods extending between the end panels for supporting individual pouches. The pouch assembly provides vertical access to product residing inside the pouches or cells inside the container.