Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing for supporting a rotation shaft of a turbo or rotary apparatus includes a sleeve having a circular inner opening for receiving a rotation shaft therein, at least one metallic foil member of arc shape having one end fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve and arranged along the inner opening of the sleeve, and at least one elastic member disposed at the sleeve between the sleeve and the foil member. A bearing housing for receiving a bearing of a rotary apparatus is further provided, in which the bearing housing includes a circular opening for receiving the bearing therein, and the circular inner opening of the bearing housing includes grooves for cooling air passage formed at regular interval in the axial direction on the inner surface of the bearing housing. The bearing received in the bearing housing is preferably a hydrodynamic fluid film bearing.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic encoder which can be assembled having a thin-walled structure while securing an excellent detection sensitivity and which can provide an excellent moldability by suitably selecting materials, the magnetic encoder is provided which includes a multi-pole magnet 14 having a plurality of opposite magnetic poles alternating in a direction circumferentially thereof, and a core metal 11 for supporting the multi-pole magnet. The multi-pole magnet 14 contains a powdery magnetic material mixed in an amount within the range of 20 to 90 vol. % relative to the total volume of the multi-pole magnet 14. The multi-pole magnet 14 may be a sintered magnet.

Abstract: To provide a wheel support bearing assembly designed to avoid an ingress of foreign matter from an area, where a sensor is fitted, into the inside of the bearing assembly. The wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member (1) adapted to be secured to a vehicle body structure, an inner member (2) adapted to support a vehicle wheel, and circular rows of rolling elements (3) interposed between the outer and inner members (1,2). A sensor cap (13) is provided for closing an inboard end of the outer member (1) and has an insert nut (15) embedded therein. The sensor cap (13) is also provided with a reduced diameter hole (23), in which an elastic sealing member (25) is interposed under interference fit between it and a deep end face of the insert nut (15).

Abstract: System (1, 8, 20, 25, 30) for the securing of a roller bearing (2) in axial directions relative to a cylindrical seat (3), the system (1, 8, 20, 25, 30) with at least one first circumferential groove (4) of the seat (3) and with at least one securing ring (7, 19, 21, 22, 23), in which the securing ring (7, 19, 21, 22, 23) adjoins with a disk-form section (26, 27, 28, 29, 31) an axially outer side of a first bearing ring (10) of the roller bearing (2) and in which the securing ring (7, 19, 21, 22, 23) comprises elastically flexible first securing clips (11), projecting from the securing ring (7, 19, 21, 22, 23), which engage the circumferential groove (4).

Abstract: In a semiconductor laser module with an optical isolator where the form of a metal holder for holding a fiber stub varies, optical-isolator parts are miniaturized and unified, simplifying product management, reducing delivery time and cost. A fiber stub with an optical isolator is provided in such a manner that a stepped surface is formed on an end surface of a ferrule, where an optical fiber has been inserted and secured to a through hole formed at the center of the ferrule. The fiber stub is formed by attaching an optical isolator element composed of a polarizer and a Faraday rotator to the stepped surface.

Abstract: A pluggable optical transceiver is disclosed in which, even an irregular operation is carried out, the engagement between the transceiver and the rail may be secured. The optical transceiver, which is pluggable with the rail provided in the host system, includes a grip assembled with the receptacle, a latch lever to be engaged with the rail, a leaf spring that pushes the latch lever outward and an actuator to make a seesaw motion to rotate the latch lever synchronizing with the slide of the grip. Because the center of the rotation center of the latch lever positions inward with respect to the end of the latch lever, the engagement of the latch lever with the rail may be further secured even the irregular operating is applied in the latch lever.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device having a hermetically sealed optoelectronic component and to a method of forming the device, which may for example be an optical transmitter or receiver device for use in a fiber optic communications network. The optoelectronic device comprises a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly, the first sub-assembly comprising at least one optoelectronic component. The optoelectronic component is optically aligned with the at least one optical element along an optical axis to form a housing for the optoelectronic component, the sub-assemblies being joined by at least two joins across the interface including at least one non-hermetic join and separate from the non-hermetic join(s) a hermetic join that extends fully around the optical axis to seal hermitically the optoelectronic component within the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector including a connector body, a connector case, and a latch spring. The connector body including an opening to receive an optical fiber, the opening having a first end and a second end, the optical fiber to enter the first end and to terminate proximate to the second end. The connector case is coupled to the connector body. The latch spring is coupled to the connector case.

Abstract: The optical component according to the present invention includes a fixed member including a through hole, and a wavelength conversion member having at least one part thereof arranged in the through hole, where the fixed member is formed with a cut-in part or a hole part in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the through hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a spring loaded attachment mechanism for attaching a camera to a camera support or base. In one embodiment, a camera attachment apparatus comprises an attachment socket connected to a camera, the attachment socket including an aperture extending in a longitudinal direction and a pair of cutouts disposed laterally on opposite sides of the attachment socket; a spring having a pair of spring arms disposed respectively at the pair of cutouts on opposite sides of the attachment socket; and an attachment pin including a post having a longitudinal axis and configured to be inserted into the aperture of the attachment socket along the longitudinal direction, the post including a pair of seats disposed on opposite sides of the post to receive the pair of spring arms of the spring via the pair of cutouts of the attachment socket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light amount adjusting apparatus for an image pickup apparatus which is capable of reducing the force with which a plate member and a blade member are held in close contact with each other and driving the blade member smoothly even in a high-humidity condition. The light amount adjusting apparatus includes a base plate 5 having an opening 5a, a blade member 1 movable within a range including a position where the blade member overlaps the opening 5a in a light axis direction and restricting the amount of light passing through the opening 5a by overlapping the opening 5a, and a plate member 2 adjacent to the blade member 1 and having a cut portion 2a at a position where the plate member overlaps the blade member 1 in the light axis direction in a state in which the blade member 1 is at a predetermined position.

Abstract: There is provided a light control apparatus that maintains the overall apparatus size small, increases the number of stop stages, and is suitable for both the shutter and stop actions. A light control apparatus includes a first actuator, a second actuator, a first light shielding member driven by the first actuator, and a second light shielding member driven by the second actuator, wherein in a stop adjusting action, the first and second actuators drive the first and second light shielding members and adjust an aperture formed by the first and second light shielding members, and wherein in a shutter action, the second actuator drives the second light-shielding member for a light shielding action.

Abstract: In order to realize a weight saving and prevent a concentration of stress to thereby obtain durability endurable for high-speed printing, an armature of the present invention has an arm that is formed into a long-sized plate-like shape and holds a printing wire at its end section and a magnetic circuit forming member that is positioned at the other end at the side of the printing wire and has a projecting section projecting from the arm toward the direction in which the printing wire extends, wherein a first inclined surface that gradually inclines toward the projecting section in the direction in which the printing wire extends and a concave-shaped first curved surface that communicates with the first inclined surface and bends inward with a predetermined curvature to reach the projecting section are formed at a first end face of the arm at the side of the projecting section.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cradle including a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply, a data connection point fast with the body for receiving data signals defining images for printing from an external data source; and a processor coupled to the data connection point and arranged to operate the pagewidth printhead in response to the data signals to print said images.

Abstract: A double-head writing instrument has a barrel having a partition formed inside thereof, first and second ink-tanks provided inside the barrel so as not to communicate each other, first and second ink-retaining members connected with first and second nibs provided on an opening of the first and second ink-tanks, respectively, first and second ink reserved inside first and second ink-reservoirs, respectively. The partition is extended in an axial direction so as that the first and second ink-reservoirs overlap each other in a radial direction, and thickness C of the partition and thickness D of a side wall of the barrel connected with the partition satisfy a relation of 0.2?C/D?2.5.

Abstract: For sure sealing and easy handling, the plugging type dental liquid housing container comprises a container main body 1 having a holding blade plate projected on an outer circumference of a liquid housing part 1a; a flat face 1ea, a slope face 1eb and a stepped face 1ec at of an opening end; and an inner face taper part 1d provided on the opening side of an inner face 1c of the liquid housing part 1a so as to have an inner diameter gradually decreasing toward the bottom side, and a plug body 2 having a contacting blade plate 2b projected on an outer circumference thereof; a truncated conical shape part 2e at a bottom; and plural annular projection ridge parts 2f formed above truncated conical shape part 2e so as to contact with a portion on the bottom side of the inner face taper part 1d.

Abstract: A sealed wiper for a mascara bottle or other container that uses a wiper. The sealed wiper has novel venting features on its exterior to allow air that has been displaced from the container to escape to the outside. In this way, a sealed wiper may be seated on a container without the build up of pressure inside the container.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible stylus for interfacing with a touchscreen of an electronic device. The expandable and contractible feature allows for a stylus that contracts to fit into a stylus holder in a small handheld device and expands to facilitate its removal from a device and to fit more comfortably in a user's hand. It holds either its expanded or contracted position for any orientation in space. An expandable and contractible stylus may facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over other conventional styluses.

Abstract: A dispenser has a multi-piece, multi-material, screw, user-engagable element, and reciprocal compliance spring arrangement.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser including a container, a dispensing part connected to the container through a connecting part, and a cap removably covering the dispensing part. The cap is rotatable to rotate the dispensing part therewith thereby moving the dispensing part between a closed position in which a switching pole of the connecting part blocks an opening inside the dispensing part, and an open position in which the opening is moved away from the switching pole and the content stored inside the container is able to be transmitted to the dispensing part.

Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A removable bollard is provided. A bollard is attached to a bollard plate with a catch fixed to one end and a lock juncture fixed near the opposite end of the bollard plate. Additionally provided is a base plate with a catch receiver at one end of the base plate, a retractable latch and a latch receiver at an opposite end of the base plate. The retractable latch has a first position and a second position. In the first position the catch is encompassed by the catch receiver on the base plate to couple with the base plate end, where the retractable latch is then locked to the lock juncture to lock the bollard plate to the base plate. When in the second position, the retractable latch is recessed into the latch recess within the base plate and the bollard and bollard plate are removed, leaving an obstruction-free access way.

Abstract: An improved trench drain filter and modular system therefor for intercepting and treating run off water in a trench drain before discharge into a drainage system. The filter elements include a perforated pipe covered with one or more layers of geotextile material, which is, in turn, covered with a permeable fabric membrane. In a preferred embodiment a pouch containing an absorbent agent is disposed within the pipe upstream of the discharge point, and in another embodiment a multi-filter modular unit is provided, the unit including a plurality of filter elements disposed in an enclosure having fluid flow control baffles to direct fluid to and through the filter elements.

Abstract: A wave generator comprises a seat; a positioning ring a wave generating unit received in an upper side of the seat; the wave generating unit being formed by a flow-steady base and a flow-collecting mask; the flow-steady base having a central platform; an upper surface of the central platform having a plurality of projecting blocks which are annularly arranged; the spaces between projecting blocks being formed as flow channels; an inner wall of the wave generating unit being formed with a plurality of longitudinal slots for draining water; a positioning unit for positioning the flow-steady base and the flow-collecting mask precisely; a filtering web having a plurality of holes which formed as an umbrella shape; a positioning rod extending from a central lower side of the web; and a front end of the positioning rod being formed an enlarged tapered head.

Abstract: A leaching-stabilized heavy metal-contaminated matrix can be stored in a subsurface saturated zone by contacting the matrix with an amount of an agent for increasing acid-neutralization capacity sufficient to provide the stored matrix a preselected permanence level.

Abstract: An apparatus for slip-lining a pipeline with plastic pipe including a slip-line cable having four sections—a forward navigation section, an intermediate locking section connected to a back end of the forward navigation section, a rearward drive section connected to a back end of the intermediate locking section, and an impact driver connected to the rearward drive section. Also disclosed is a method for slip-lining a pipeline with plastic pipe.

Abstract: A method for the earthwork of a foundation sunk for a wind energy facility, which has the following steps: an anchor cage is provided, consisting of an anchor plate and several anchoring bolts which are connected with the anchor plate, the free ends of the anchoring bolts are guided through bores in at least one load distribution plate the load distribution plate lays on at least three bolt nuts, which are screwed on the anchoring bolts, a reinforcement for the foundation sunk is mounted and the anchor cage is poured in with the reinforcement, the anchoring bolts protruding with the bolt nuts in this, upon subsequent tightening of the anchoring bolts between anchor plate and load distribution plate, the bolt nuts are stripped over the thread of the anchoring bolt and loose their supporting capability.

Abstract: A rock bolt anchor includes a top portion permanently fixed to a bottom portion. The top portion carries a package of resin. A spring-loaded mechanism pressurizes the package and forces the resin out when the package is lanced. The bottom portion main body carries a pair of opposed outer shells in a dovetail joint on opposed tapers. The annulus adjacent to the rock bolt anchor is sealed by top and bottom bulkheads. The bottom portion is threaded onto a rock bolt. A hollow and ported lance is threaded onto the exposed end of the rock bolt. The combination is inserted into a drilled hole and the rock bolt rotated. The lance rises and pierces the package releasing into the sealed annulus. Continued rotation of the rock bolt, forces the main body down and the outer shells up the tapers compressing them against the wall of the drilled hole.

Abstract: A brine sealant solution and both a one-step and two-step process for producing an earthen hardpan in a pond or slush pit is described. The process disperses clay in an aqueous solution using monovalent and divalent cations and bentonite clay. The dispersed clay is then used to fill the seepage capillaries. A second aqueous solution of monovalent and divalent cations and a wetting agent is applied and aggregates the clay and creates a hardpan.

Abstract: A polygonal indexable insert has cutting edges that run rectilinearly or in a curved manner in a plane perpendicular to a locating surface and that fall from cutting corners having acute angles to cutting corners with obtuse angles following one another alternately. The cutting edges have a rake face which first of all falls and then rises with a back region. The back region together with a center part of the indexable insert forms an intersection curve. The intersection curve lies at a distance a from the starting point of the associated cutting edge in the region of the cutting corners in each case at their intersection with the angle bisector. It is at a distance b from the end point of the associated cutting edge in the region of the cutting corners in each case at their intersection with the angle bisector. The distance b is greater than the distance a.

Abstract: A pocket-hole drilling apparatus for drilling pocket-holes in a workpiece is disclosed. In one embodiment, an initiation switch actuates clamping the workpiece and the movement of a drilling module to cut a pocket-hole. The drilling module has a motor and a step-drill mounted thereon, which is slidably mounted on a guide module. The axis of the drilling module movement intersects work surface. In another embodiment, a movable fence provides the adjustability of pocket-hole depth. In yet another embodiment, two actuator tips are disposed in a fence to prevent the drilling of a pocket-hole through the sidewall of a workpiece. In still another embodiment, a short stroke clamping actuator is used to prevent human finger injury. In still another embodiment, a blower or an ejector pump is used to remove wood chips, wherein the blower is either attached to a drilling motor or to a separate blower motor; the ejector pump is mounted near the drill guide.

Abstract: A tool for chip removing machining has an axial channel, the tool being a one-piece unit, the tool having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising cutting edges, the second end forming an end of a shank of the tool. The second end of the shank is cylindrical and the axial channel has a diminishing cross-sectional area in a direction from the second end towards the first end.

Abstract: A shank of a rotary-percussion working tool (2) has at least two, diametrically opposite locking grooves (5a, 5b) each having a locking shoulder (11) at an axial locking end (3) and spaced from a free end surface (4) of the shank (1), and an end shoulder (12) axially spaced from the locking shoulder (11) in a direction of a working tool-side end of the shank (1) and spaced from the axial locking end (3) of the shank (1) by a length (L) amounting at least to three times of a guide diameter (D) of the shank (1), and at least two entraining grooves (6a, 6b) mutually tangentially offset with respect to the locking grooves (5a, 5b), opening toward the free end surface (4), and having a tangential groove width (B) and at least one tangential, force application surface (7) extending over a contact length (K).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable cutting tip and, more particularly, to such cutting tips attachable to the cutting tip holders by a threaded connection. The cutting tip for a cutting tool includes a working end portion disposed along an axis of the cutting tip and including one or more cutting edges for machining a workpiece, and a mounting portion disposed along the axis of the cutting tip. The mounting portion includes a frustoconical supporting surface tip portion and a frustoconical threaded portion. The present invention also relates to a cutting tool per se.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotatable device, which may be a keyless chuck, a keyless chuck adapter, a collet chuck, a collet adapter, a set screw bit retaining chuck, or a set screw bit retaining adapter. The rotatable device is configured to be mounted to a power tool for rotational driving of the rotatable device. The rotatable device is configured to receive a first bit device detachably mounted in the rotatable device for powering rotational movement of the first bit device. A generally cylindrical mounting section is defined on the rotatable device, which is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. The generally cylindrical mounting section includes at least one locking mechanism on it. The generally cylindrical mounting section is adapted for insertion in and engagement with a bit holding attachment.

Abstract: A dust prevention mechanism of a spindle device that ensures prevention of cutting liquid etc. from entering an inner portion of the spindle device, which saves energy and reduces noise upon stop of rotation of a spindle is provided. In a dust prevention mechanism 1, a spindle device 2 starts operating upon a command from a controller 4. Then, a 2-port solenoid valve 7 is opened to supply a predetermined amount of compressed air into the inner portion of the spindle device 2. In contrast, the spindle stops rotating upon a command from the controller 4. The controller 4 closes the 2-port solenoid valve 7, while it opens a 2-port solenoid valve 10 in a bypass route B. The controller 4 supplies compressed air, whose amount is reduced by a diaphragm 9, into the inner portion of the spindle device 2 during a predetermined time set by a timer 8.

Abstract: A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.

Abstract: A telescopic column includes a cylinder and a post inserted in the cylinder partially. The post includes a ladder formed thereon. A mount is attached to the cylinder. A positioning element is installed on the mount pivotally. The positioning element includes a dent for engagement with the ladder during an attempt to insert the post into the cylinder and for disengagement from the ladder when the post is extended from the cylinder. A gear is installed on the amount rotationally. A handle is installed on the mount so as to provide pivotal in an active direction and in an idle direction opposite to the active direction. An extending element is installed on the handle movably. The extending element includes a detent for engagement with the gear in the active direction of the pivotal of the handle and for disengagement from the gear in the idle direction of the pivotal of the handle.

Abstract: A double flush clinch stud includes adjacent clinch means of different diameters with planar end surfaces. The stud may be employed in forming an assembly wherein two metal sheets are joined in face-to-face contacting relationship. This assembly can provide a flush attachment on the outside surfaces of both sheets when the length of the stud is equal to the combined widths of the sheets. In an alternative embodiment, the top undercut groove can be adapted to be underfilled with the material of the top sheet. In this alternate configuration, the top sheet is effectively constrained between the head of the fastener and the second sheet while permitting the top sheet to pivot with respect to the second sheet.

Abstract: A captive clinch nut may be rotatably attached to an apertured sheet. The nut includes a body having an axial threaded bore and a flange forming a base of the nut body. The flange includes a surface on a bottom side thereof preferably unitary therewith for providing a bearing surface of reduced friction against the sheet. A displacer unitary with the nut body is located directly below the flange and has an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the flange. A tubular flared shank unitary with the nut body extends coaxially from the displacer, and includes a neck immediately adjacent the displacer with an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the displacer forming an undercut area between the outside of the shank and an underside of the displacer for receiving the cold flow of metal of the sheet.

Abstract: A wire nail for use with a powered nail-driving tool has a full-round head with an axis that is offset from an axis of the integrally formed shank. An outer circumferential surface of the shank is at least as offset from the shank axis in one radial direction as a circumferential surface of the head in that radial direction. Accordingly, such nails may be collated shank-to-shank in a strip of wire nails such that adjoining shanks are both parallel and touching. During manufacture of the wire nail, a notch is formed in the shank at the intersection between the shank and the head. The notch and the head axis are disposed on opposite sides of the shank axis from each other. The notch facilitates improved metal flow during the head-forming procedure and results in strong shank to head connections.

Abstract: A fastener for use in the construction of pallets is provided which includes a head having a head diameter, a single elongate shank having a nominal shank diameter, and a plurality of rings extending outwardly from the shank. Each ring had a crest and a root, with the crest being located closer to the head than the root. The fastener has a bending yield strength of about 100 ksi or greater, and a length of between about 0.5 inch and 1.75 inches. The ratio of the head diameter to the nominal shank diameter is between 2.70 and 3.37, and the plurality of rings are formed so that an average outer diameter of the crests of the rings between a middle ring and the head is greater than an average outer diameter of the crests of the rings between the middle ring and the tip.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a book from a stack of sheets and a hardcover assembly having first and second relatively rigid cover sections separated by a spine region. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed over the inner surfaces of the cover sections, with there being a pair of release liners covering both the pressure sensitive adhesive layers. The first cover section is then secured to one side of the stack by sequentially removing the corresponding release liners so as to expose the underlying adhesive. The second cover section is then applied by folding the second cover section over the other side of the stack, removing the release liners and securing the cover section to the stack by way of the adhesive.

Abstract: A load lock is provided for a semiconductor substrate processing system having a transport robot mounted therein. The load lock transport supplies substrates directly to a processing chamber without the need for a central transport robot. The load lock transport is a dual element robot designed for minimum clearance and space and operates within a matching load lock chamber of minimum volume.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for emptying a Big Bag or similar transport container which is filled with pourable, especially pulverized goods which are not to come into contact with their surroundings, wherein the Big Bag is inserted in a sluice means (2) which is closed off from the surroundings, with simultaneous sealing of the sluice means, which communicates with a processing container (3) for receiving the contents of the Big Bag, whereupon the Big Bag is cut open inside the sluice means by a cutting means (6) provided therein. The empty Big Bag is compressed in a removal zone (A) inside the sluice means (2) and removed into a plastic sack (8) attached to the sluice means (2).

Abstract: The game hoist apparatus is attachable to a tow hitch of a pickup truck or similar vehicle. The game hoist can be taken to the site in the bed of the truck and speedily installed in the tow hitch for hanging, cleaning and butchering large game, such as deer. The hoist includes a folding tubular boom of square cross-section, and having a winch, pulleys and a spreader bar for supporting the game animal. A stabilizer fixture on the end of the boom engages the spreader bar to prevent the game from twisting. The boom is made up of two sections which are locked in place at a swivel bracket by removable pins for operation, and unlocked by removing the pins for folding the unit for storage or transit. The boom lower end is supported from an attachment bar which is inserted into a tow hitch and locked in place with the hitch pin.

Abstract: A device for unloading a live floor bulk material hauling vehicle which includes a feeder that collects bulk material being dumped from the vehicle by action of the live floor and moves the material onto a conveyor. The conveyor accepts the material from the feeder and conveys it outwardly from the vehicle to a desired location. The conveyor is pivotably attached to the vehicle and can be pivoted to a first position whereby the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor and the conveyor, and a second position whereby the conveyor is displaced sufficiently from the vehicle that the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor without operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a chair device, such as a wheelchair, that is intended to engaged the frame of the wheelchair and lift and lower the wheelchair between a ground engaging position and an elevated position. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm having one end secured within and moveable with respect to a vehicle. The lift arm has another end which can extend outwardly of the vehicle to engage the chair device. The lift arm has a lift plate disposed adjacent the other end of the lift arm, which is intended to mate with or couple the frame of the wheelchair. The lift arm is in communication with an actuator which controls the movement of the lift arm between the ground engaging position and the elevated position. The lift mechanism utilizes a universal coupling system to effectuate elevation in vehicular transportation or architectural setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system, or cluster tool, that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, improved device yield performance, a more repeatable wafer processing history (or wafer history), and a reduced footprint. The various embodiments of the cluster tool may utilize two or more robots that are configured in a parallel processing configuration to transfer substrates between the various processing chambers retained in the processing racks so that a desired processing sequence can be performed on the substrates. In one aspect, the parallel processing configuration contains two or more robot assemblies that are adapted to move in a vertical and horizontal directions, to access the various processing chambers retained in generally adjacently positioned processing racks.

Abstract: A method and device for forming a stack of n packets, whereby the packets, fed successively in a substantially horizontal direction to an input of a substantially vertical conveyor channel, are stacked by being lifted, along the conveyor channel, by an n-start screw push device rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the conveyor channel; the stack so formed is extracted from an output of the conveyor channel, in a radial output direction with respect to the axis of the screw push device, by a comb extractor movable along an annular path extending through the conveyor channel.