Abstract: Halogenated isobutylene-co-alkylstyrene polymer, preferably halogenated isobutylene-co-methylstyrene polymer, even more preferably brominated isobutylene-co-paramethylstyrene polymer (BIMS), blends thereof, and blends with a second rubber, show improved heat resistance compared to butyl inner tube compositions, and retain the superior barrier properties of butyl inner tube compositions versus inner tube compositions with butyl/EP blends.

Abstract: A machine and method for welding thermo-plastic rain gutters or other work pieces together. The machine includes a frame assembly and a protective shroud. Handles or a wheeled carriage are provided for transporting the machine to a work site. A stationary plate and a moveable plate are each secured to the frame assembly. Work piece holders and corresponding clamps specially configured for clamping rain gutters or other work pieces are disposed on the stationary and moveable plates together with a spacer plate for positioning and holding the ends of two work pieces in a position for welding the ends together. A heater is provided for heating the ends of the work pieces to a desired welding temperature and a press is provided for pressing and holding the molten ends of the work pieces together for welding.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming phosphor layers on a display panel includes a base plate on which a display panel is placed. The base plate is inclined at an adjustable angle. The display panel, having a panel plate and barrier ribs formed on the panel plate is placed on the base plate. A spray unit includes a nozzle assembly for spraying a slurry containing phosphors into spaces between the barrier ribs. A charged unit for exerting electrostatic force on the phosphors is positioned adjacent to the display panel. The apparatus enables rapid formation of uniform phosphor layers on a display panel with the phosphor particles located adjacent to the surfaces of the phosphor layers.

Abstract: A mold flask assembly is provided with a novel clamping mechanism for clamping a pattern plate in the mold flask assembly of an automated molding machine. The clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp abutment and a clamping head extending along an axis. The clamping head provides a second clamp abutment. The first and second clamp abutments engage each other in a clamped position. The first and second clamp abutments are spaced along the axis and angularly displaced in a released position. A combination rotary and linear actuator is operative to facilitate relative linear translation and rotation between the rod and the bushing to move between the clamped and released positions.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a thin steel strip, in which a steel melt from a melt reservoir is introduced onto one or more, in particular two, cooled shaping wall surfaces which move synchronously with a casting strip, in particular rotate in the form of casting rolls and at least partially solidifies at the shaping wall surface to form the casting strip. The steel melt, in terms of the crucial alloying constituents, contains less than 1% by weight of Ni and less than 1% by weight of Cr and less than 0.8% by weight, in particular less than 0.4% by weight, of C and at least 0.55% by weight of Mn. In the process, recesses are arranged on the shaping wall surface in a random pattern, distributed uniformly over the shaping wall surface, and the roll separating force (RSF) at the shaping wall surface is set to a value of between 5 and 150 N/mm, in particular between 5 and 100 N/mm.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger which resists fouling of the heat exchange surface by minimizing the temperature difference between the heat exchanger surface and the fluid stream in contact with the heat exchange surface. In one embodiment, a heat exchanger comprises an outer shell, the outer shell comprising a first inlet operable to pass a first fluid stream, an inner shell at least partially disposed within the outer shell, the inner shell comprising a second inlet and an outlet operable to pass the first fluid stream, and a heat exchange surface comprising a plurality of tubes operable to pass a second fluid stream.

Abstract: The heat exchanger includes a condenser and a refrigerant passage connected to the condenser. The refrigerant passage allows a refrigerant to flow into and flow out of the condenser in opposite directions. As a result, the refrigerant passage can be provided on one side of the condenser with an inlet and an outlet facing the same direction. The connection between the refrigerant passage and the air conditioning system is carried out on one side of the condenser only, improving the operative efficiency.

Abstract: A multiple-pass heat exchanger having opposing headers with beveled end walls, one header having nozzles on opposite sides of a separator wall for delivering heat exchange fluid at one temperature from one or more nozzles on one side of the separator wall, the heat exchanger having one set of fluid flow tubes for conveying the fluid in one direction to the other header and another set of fluid flow tubes for carrying the fluid in the opposite direction from the latter header for delivering to the header with a nozzle or nozzles for discharging the fluid from the latter header at a changed temperature. There is also disclosed a multiple systems combined heat exchanger having an opposing headers with beveled end walls, wherein at least two heat exchangers independent of each other share the respective headers which are divided from each other by separator walls.

Abstract: A riser monitoring assembly is provided to monitor and manage a riser extending between subsea well equipment and a floating vessel. A riser measurement instrument module is connected adjacent a selected portion of the riser provides dynamic orientation data for the selected portion of the riser. A computer having a memory associated therewith and riser system analyzing management software stored thereon is in communication with the riser measurement module to process data received therefrom. The riser monitoring assembly can utilize real-time orientation data for the selected portion of the riser to analyze the riser dynamic behavior, to determine a model of the real-time structure of the riser, to determine and manage the existence of vortex induced vibration, to determine and manage riser stress levels, to manage riser inspection and riser maintenance, and to supplement determination and management of the position of the vessel.

Abstract: A seal cup and method is disclosed that can be used on a wellbore tool. The seal cup includes an external circumferential seal land adjacent the cup lip and an outer surface capable of permitting drainage away from the seal land of fluids, which may seep past the seal land. This acts against pressure invasion in the interfacial contacting region between the seal cup and the structure, for example, a wellbore liner against which it is sealed.

Abstract: A modified toe-to-heel waterflooding (TTHW) process is provided for recovering oil from a reservoir in an underground formation. After establishing the conventional TTHW waterflood, the process includes placing a chemical blocking agent at the watered out producing toe portion of the horizontal leg of the production well to create a blockage in the producing toe portion and to create a new producing toe portion in an open portion of the horizontal leg adjacent the blockage through which most of the production takes place. Production is then continued through the new producing toe portion and the open portion of the horizontal leg of the production well. These blocking and producing steps can be continued to progressively block producing toe portions in a direction toward the vertical pilot portion of the production well.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons. The compositions and methods also may be suitable, for example, to be used as plugging agents, well bore cleanup fluids, viscous sweep fluids, or insulating fluids to be used in associated methods.

Abstract: A clayish subterranean formation, such as may be encountered in rock surrounding a well bore during hydrocarbon recovery operations may be stabilized with relatively high molecular weight polyamine salts of an imide of polymaleic anhydride. The salts may be unneutralized or partially neutralized. The invention is particularly relevant to hydraulic fracturing fluids used in enhanced oil recovery. The compositions herein are made in the presence of a reactive solvent, such as a polyalkylene glycol, e.g. polyethylene glycol. The compositions of this invention are more environmentally friendly than some current technology.

Abstract: A method and composition for protecting cement surfaces in a well bore treatment zone from the destructive effects of acid mud and other acidization processes commonly used to stimulate hydrocarbon production from the formation, includes contacting the cement with an aqueous acid mixture of HAc and HF in a mutual solvent for a sufficient period of time to form a protective deposit or precipitate layer that is resistant to the acidization composition. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous acid mixture includes corrosion inhibitors and inhibitor aids, and a preflush with an ammonium chloride solution in a mutual solvent is used to prepare the cement surfaces in the treatment zone.

Abstract: A buoyancy system includes a plurality of buoyancy joints distributed along a riser system. Each joint can include a riser pipe, an external frame disposed around a riser and a vessel, and a buoyant cladding disposed between the vessel and the frame.

Abstract: A downhole plunger for a gas/oil well comprises a valve to regulate fluid flow past the plunger and a thermal actuator to control the valve. The thermal actuator of the disclosed device enables the valve to open and close aperatures without relying on the physical impact generally required of mechanical valve bypass plungers. In addition, the thermal actuator provides for a brake to reduce a plunger's travel rate as it approaches the bottom or top of a well. The thermal actuator partially opens aperatures to slow a plunger down as it approaches the top of a well. Likewise, the thermal actuator partially closes aperatures to slow the plunger as it approaches the well bottom. A thermally actuated plunger comprising an expandable outer diameter is disclosed, as is a plunger in combination with a data logger and a thermal activated brake.

Abstract: Liquid is accumulated above fluid displacement device which is moveable and sealed within a production chamber defined by a production tubing, and upward movement of the fluid displacement device is initiated to pump liquid and gas from a well, by different magnitudes of differential pressure created at the well bottom. Preferably the different magnitudes of differential pressure are created by fluid passageways having different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.

Abstract: A powder operated tool including a frame, a tool body and a reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver. The frame includes an anvil section. The tool body is adjustably connected to the frame. The tool body comprises a ram, and a breech assembly connected to a rear end of the tool body. The breech assembly includes a striker, a breech pad and a firing pin. The reusable combined cartridge holder and ram rear end receiver is removably connected to the tool body.

Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool is disclosed. The tool includes a motor, a power source, a work element and a controller. Various alternative features, embodiments and operative configurations are disclosed. The electrically powered hand tool may be a drill/driver configured to interrupt the rotation of the work element responsive to detection of a torque that exceeds a predetermined torque threshold.

Abstract: A hydraulic breaker hammer includes a housing with a longitudinal bore, a cylinder sleeve, and a rear end cover engaging the cylinder sleeve. A hammer piston is reciprocally powered in the cylinder sleeve for delivering blows to a working implement inserted in a guide sleeve at the front end of the bore. The guide sleeve is provided with radial openings for communication of lubricant from a lubricant supply passage in the housing to the inside of the guide sleeve and the guide sleeve is provided with external seal rings forming annular compartments located between the lubricant supply passage and the radial openings for spreading lubricant on the outside surface of the guide sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element and the body portion has at least a portion of a jackleg apparatus. The jackleg apparatus has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a chamber; the shaft has a distal end. The jackleg apparatus has a hydraulic compartment adapted to displace the distal end of the shaft relative to the working portion. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly. The hydraulic compartment may be part of a hydraulic circuit which has a pump. The pump may have a first section with is rotationally fixed to the body portion and a second section rotationally isolated from the body portion.

Abstract: Settable fluids comprising particle-size distribution-adjusting agents, and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean and surface applications are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the settable fluid comprises a cement, a set retarder, and a particle-size distribution-adjusting agent. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, methods of drilling with the settable fluids, methods of cementing with the settable fluids, and methods of using a settable fluid to displace another fluid from a well bore in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method includes powering a drill motor with power derived from an all terrain vehicle (ATV) engine and controlling the drill motor. An apparatus includes a ATV with a power takeoff configured to deliver power from an ATV engine. A drill mast is moveably coupled to the ATV, a drill motor is configured to turn a drill bit and the drill motor is slidingly disposed on the drill mast. The drill motor is configured to be powered from the power takeoff; and a control is configured to operate the drill motor such that a hole can be drilled by the drill bit.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle particularly for making turns with tight turning radii, comprising a chassis provided with two driving wheels forming at least one driving portion, and which supports a motor kinematically connected to a motion distribution shaft. A functional connection is provided between the motion distribution shaft and each one of the driving wheels and is individually activatable or deactivatable on command for independent actuation of the driving wheels. A steering adapted to act on the functional connection, the latter comprising, between the motion distribution shaft and at least one of the driving wheels, a respective clutch coupling, activatable or deactivatable by the steering device.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a mobile robot base with a decoupled turret mechanism, including a turret (80), a turret motor (1) provided on the turret (80), an actuating motor unit provided on the turret (80) to actuate a plurality of wheels (90), an actuating gear train unit to transmit an actuating force generated from train (10) coupled between the turret (80) and the turret motor (1), and a differential gear train unit coupled to both the turret gear train and the actuating motor unit, so that the differential gear train unit subtracts the rotation of the turret (80) from the rotation of the actuating motor unit, thus transmitting a subtracted rotation to the plurality of wheels (90), and thus, only the rotation of the actuating motor unit is transmitted to the plurality of wheels (90). the actuating motor unit to the wheels (90).

Abstract: A semicrawler-type working vehicle is provided having a vehicle body (3), a front steering control wheel (7) arranged at a front side of the vehicle body, a drive shaft (26) and a pivot shaft (22) arranged at a rear side of the vehicle body, and a semicrawler unit (2) driven by the drive shaft. The semicrawler-type working vehicle comprises: a track frame (16) by which the semicrawler unit (2) is supported via the pivot shaft (22) so as to be pivotable relative to the vehicle body (3); a drive wheel (11) arranged on the drive shaft (26); a front driven wheel (12) and a rear driven wheel (13) that are supported by the track frame (16) such that a horizontal distance from the drive wheel (11) to the front driven wheel (12) is longer than a horizontal distance from the drive wheel (11) to the rear driven wheel (13); and a crawler belt (15) that is wound around the drive wheel (11), the front driven wheel (12), and the rear driven wheel (13).

Abstract: A steerable drive assembly for local movement of a trailer includes an electric motor drive wheel unit having a drive wheel connected to the output shaft of a gear reduction unit. A steering shaft is connected to the drive wheel unit and an upper operating handle. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by a sleeve assembly that is attached to the tongue of the trailer. The operating handle includes a throttle coupled with the electric motor through a variable speed control for providing progressing power to the motor to enable speed variation without wheel slippage.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has traveling units, first and second electric motors for driving the respective traveling units, a speed adjusting lever for adjusting a speed of the traveling units, a speed adjustment mechanism for generating a speed adjusting signal in response to operation of the speed adjusting lever, and a control unit for controlling rotation of the first and second electric motors in accordance with the speed adjusting signal generated by the speed adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle comprises a combustion engine (1), a transmission (2), a first clutch (3) disposed between the engine (1) and the transmission (2), a rotating electric machine (4) which serves as a motor as well as a generator, a second clutch (30) disposed between the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2), and a storage device (9). When the second clutch (30) is commanded to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2), a control unit (10) controls the rotating electric machine (4) so as to decrease the difference between the rotation speeds of the rotating electric machine (4) and the transmission (2) (S2) and cause the second clutch (30) to connect the rotating electric machine (4) to the transmission (2) only after the difference decreases to a allowable value (S3, S4).

Abstract: Heat exchanger systems for go-karts include a heat exchanger and a plenum that channels air to the heat exchanger to increase cooling efficiency while reducing drag. The plenum has an intake with an area less than a cross-sectional area of a portion of the plenum where the heat exchanger is located to allow velocity air pressure to decrease while increasing static air pressure. The plenum and heat exchanger may be located at various sites on the go-kart including in front of the driver position, beside the driver position, and behind the driver position. Additionally, a centrifugal fan may be included in the plenum to increase the velocity air pressure to overcome internal losses. Also, a plenum body portion may be included on the rear side of the heat exchanger to channel air away from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The top wall of a snowmobile tunnel, which accommodates the endless drive track of the snowmobile, is provided with recesses at locations corresponding to the path followed by studs carried by the endless track. In another aspect of the invention, the rear of the tunnel is connected to a molded rear member. The rear member provides a downwardly curving back portion for the tunnel. The rear member may have a shape corresponding to that of the tunnel, e.g. having a pattern of recesses matching that of the top wall of the tunnel. In yet another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling engine coolant may be provided at the rear of the tunnel. The heat exchanger may be mounted to and partially spaced from the molded rear member, thereby permitting snow thrown by the endless track to pass on both sides of the heat exchanger. In another aspect of the invention, a tunnel for a snowmobile may be narrower in the front than in the rear.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a power train supporting apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, at least three mount portions support a power train constituted by an engine and a transmission on a frame of a vehicle body in such a manner that the output axle of the engine intersects a center line of a vehicular longitudinal direction as viewed from a top of the vehicle. The three mount portions comprise engine front and rear side mounts arranged on a vehicular front side and a vehicular rear side with respect to the engine and a transmission side mount arranged in the vicinity of the transmission. The mounts are arranged in such a manner that a distance from a weight center of the power train to each of the engine front and rear side mounts is shorter than a distance from the weight center of the power train to the transmission side mount.

Abstract: A rigging system for angularly adjusting the output portions of a plurality of loudspeaker cabinets wherein each of the cabinets includes a pair of rotatably adjustable rigging disks which protrude outwardly thereof which are selectively receivable within an adjacent cabinet. Each cabinet has a first locking element for securing the disks therein with respect thereto and second locking element or elements for selectively securing protruding portions of disks of an adjacent cabinet whereby an angle of the output portions of each cabinet may be adjusted from substantially a planar orientation to a curved orientation to thereby change the overall wavefront characteristics of sound issuing from a vertical array of attached loudspeaker cabinets.

Abstract: There is a noise reduction device for reducing noise from a vibrating strap. There is a securing member including a strip of material having a first surface including hook material and a second surface including loop material, wherein the securing member is configured to removably attach to the vibrating strap by wrapping about the strap and attaching a portion of the first surface to a portion of the second surface. There is a damping member including a plurality of strands of fibers configured to dampen vibratory motion. There is an internal coupling member configured to couple the securing member to the damping member and configured to bundle the plurality of strands of fibers.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a fan case includes a noise attenuation layer covered by a face sheet. The face sheet includes openings to the underlying noise attenuation layer. The face sheet and noise attenuation layer include acoustically transparent joints. The noise attenuation layer includes a first side joined to a second side at a seam by an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip bonds the first side to the second side without filling any chambers. The face sheet includes a joint filled with an adhesive providing the desired uninterrupted surface within the fan case. Openings are formed through the joint and the adhesive to communicate with the underlying noise attenuation layer. The joint and seam become essentially transparent acoustically to improve noise attenuation performance.

Abstract: Ladder support apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a ladder having first and second pairs of legs in an operating position suitable for supporting a user. A ladder support assembly clampably coupled to the ladder, the ladder support assembly including at least one elongated member extending between a respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder, the elongated member being clampably coupled to the respective one of the first and second pairs of legs of the ladder by first and second coupling assemblies positioned at spaced-apart positions on the elongated member. The ladder is supported with the ladder support assembly on, for example, a non-uniform surface.

Abstract: Oil ports formed on a cylindrical sleeve of an oil passage switching valve are covered with respective filters. The filter is formed in a ring shape by rounding a resilient metal strip having plural filter holes formed thereon. The filter clings around the outer periphery of the cylindrical sleeve by its own resiliency. A contacting portion is formed on one of overlapping ends of the filter ring or on both overlapping ends so that the contacting portion engages with the other overlapping end to prevent the filter ring from being enlarged by an oil pressure applied to the filter from its inside. Foreign particles in the oil are surely prevented from entering into the sleeve by the filter covering the oil port in close contact therewith.

Abstract: A lift drive comprising: a spiral drive element having an axis of rotation, a rack having teeth sized and shaped to be engaged by the spiral drive element, the rack having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and a motor to rotate the spiral drive element, wherein upon the spiral drive element-rotating, one of the spiral drive element and the rack moves relative to the other along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An elevator system utilizes a destination entry control technique and delays indicating which car is assigned to a request to allow an individual to arrive near an elevator lobby. An elevator group assignment is made responsive to a destination request. An indication regarding the group assignment is provided to a passenger within a first time from the receipt of the request. A second indication regarding a car assigned to carry that passenger to the desired destination is provided at a second, later time from the request. Separating out the group assignment indication and the car assignment indication is accomplished in one example by providing separate interfaces at different locations within a building.

Abstract: A brake device for a strap-reel frame is installed on the frame body of the strap-reel frame for braking the inner and the outer disc pivotally fitted on the horizontal shaft of the frame body. The brake device includes a swinging rod having one end pivotally connected with a preset portion of the frame body above the horizontal shaft and able to be actuated to swing downward by its own gravity. The swinging rod has its intermediate portion fixed with two brake blocks able to be moved downward together with the swinging rod to push against the outer circumferential edge of the inner disc and stop the inner disc from rotating.

Abstract: A brake system using an electric motor to provide sufficient braking force by generating the self boosting operation using the motor and rotational inertia of the brake disc, thereby stabilizing the braking operation.

Abstract: A crane wheel brake having a pair of brake shoes at opposite sides of a crane wheel. Each of the brake shoes has a brake pad, a brake pad guide roller and a spring for biasing the brake pad guide roller to project beyond the brake pad towards the wheel. The brake pad guide roller is located in a central portion of the brake shoe. The wheel brake includes a pair of brake levers and a braking force generator. Each of the brake levers has a first end pivotally connected to a respective one of the brake shoes and a second end pivotally connected to a respective side of the braking force generator. Each brake lever is pivotally mounted by a fulcrum intermediate its first and second ends. The wheel presses against the brake pad guide roller on either one of the brake shoes and causes the wheel brake to pivot about the fulcrums to maintain a clearance between the brake pads and the wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for compressing and automatically expanding an expandable luggage case 2 comprising a ratchet mechanism 8 and a bungee cord 32, that is used to bias a locking mechanism, in the form of detents 54 that mate with teeth 44, in a locked position, and to bias a jack mechanism 14 for automatic expansion. The bungee cord 32 biases the ratchet compressor system 8 in an expanded state. Thus, automatic expansion is achieved, in a very easy to use manner. In addition to being operated while the luggage case 2 is open, the ratchet compressor 8 is also operable from the outside of the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been packed and closed. A user may then compress the luggage case 2 simply by applying pressure to the lid 24. The ratchet compressor system 8 therefore provides a zipper-less, automated method of expanding a luggage case 2 as well as compressing the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been closed.

Abstract: A device for holding and drying apparel includes a foldable panel being convertible between an unfolded open arrangement or a folded closed arrangement, said foldable panel having at least one compartment disposed therefrom for receiving at least one item of said apparel, said foldable panel and compartment further including a series of open drying spaces for exposing said apparel to ambient air flow for drying thereof, and at least one support portion for carrying and/or hanging said apparel therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for varying a stroke of a clutch pedal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for varying a stroke of a clutch pedal applied to a pedal unit of a clutch system of a manual transmission and varying an effective stroke of a clutch pedal depending on a vehicle speed signal and an engine RPM signal thereby preventing energy collision noise of a driving system.

Abstract: A shifter for vehicles including a base structure and a shift lever that is movably mounted to the base structure. A shift gate controls movement of the shift lever between a plurality of control positions including at least PARK, NEUTRAL and DRIVE control positions. The shifter also includes a powered pawl having a pawl member configured to engage the shift gate. The pawl member defines a first position relative to the shift gate wherein the shift lever is locked in the NEUTRAL position. The pawl member also defines a second position relative to the shift gate wherein the shift lever is movable between the PARK, NEUTRAL and DRIVE positions. The pawl member further defines a third position relative to the shift gate wherein the pawl member locks the shift lever in the PARK position.

Abstract: A device for controlling a mass of cigarettes, and having a conveyor system for feeding the cigarettes in bulk along a path from a cigarette manufacturing machine to a cigarette packing machine; and an operating unit for both determining and at least partly compensating differences between the cigarette production and packing rates; the operating unit having an arm with a number of articulated segments.

Abstract: A labeling machine that is provided with a rotating carousel supporting at a peripheral region a plurality of pans and with an input star conveyor for conveying bottles to be labeled to the rotating carousel. Each pan is adapted to receive and support a bottle when it is located in a specific position following to the rotation of the carousel. A toothed belt actuated by a driving pulley is wound around the carousel for driving the pans in rotation while they travel, along a path extending along the peripheral region of the carousel, between a rotation start position and a rotation end position. The rotation start position is located upstream, in the direction of rotation of the carousel, with respect to the specific bottle receiving position.