Abstract: A motorized cart collector for pulling two rows of carts in a forward direction over a surface includes a mobile body having a frame and a cart connector assembly. The cart connector assembly is pivotally connected to a rear end of the frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis that is approximately perpendicular to the surface. The cart connector assembly includes first and second cart connectors that respectively configured to simultaneously attach to first and second lead carts. Also disclosed is a method of pulling two rows of carts using the cart collector.

Abstract: A complementary regenerative torque system exists for a vehicle including an engine having an accelerator pedal position sensor; a transmission unit; and a drive shaft for driving a pair of wheels for propelling the vehicle. The regenerative torque system selectively stores and supplies energy to the drive train to provide on demand complementary torque thereto. The regenerative torque system may be either hydraulic or electric in nature and may be disposed upstream or downstream of the transmission relative to the engine. A regenerative torque control module is disposed between the accelerator pedal position sensor and the engine control module and intercepts the accelerator pedal position signal and modifies it in response to the mode of operation of the regenerative torque system and forwards the modified throttle signal to the engine control module.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device comprises an actuator located between an electric motor and axles for driving the vehicle, a built-in power source for supplying electric power to the actuator, and a control means for controlling the drive of the actuator. The built-in power source can be consisted of a battery, and the actuator can be consisted of an electromagnetic clutch. Here, the vehicle drive device further comprises a boost means, such as a DC-DC converter, for boosting voltage of the built-in power source such as the battery. The output voltage of the boost means is supplied electric power to the actuator such as the electromagnetic clutch. The output voltage of the boost means can be also supplied the electric power to the field coil of the electric motor.

Abstract: A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which a power distribution device is arranged in a power transmission route between an engine and a wheel, in which the power distribution device has a first to fourth rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with one another, in which a first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element and a wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio of the first rotary element and the fourth rotary element of the power distribution device comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element of the power distribution device; a third motor generator connected to the wheel in a power transmittable manner; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators.

Abstract: A rear track suspension for a snowmobile having a single resilient element for biasing both the front and rear arms. The slide rail is permitted to pitch between first and second pitching constraints in response to terrain obstacles in a gradual manner as the motion constraints are approached. This reduces jarring of the rider when the pitching constraints are met. Suspension compression exhibits an initial falling rate motion ratio, followed by a constant rate motion ratio, followed by a rising rate motion ratio. This U-shaped motion ratio profile advantageously provides cushioning upon landing along with a resistance to bottoming out of the suspension upon full compression. The result is an improved ride without sacrificing suspension performance.

Abstract: A four wheel drive powertrain control for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. It includes a torque transfer case that distributes power from an engine-powered transfer case mainshaft to a secondary driving axle through a friction clutch as power is distributed directly from the engine-powered mainshaft to a primary driving axle. The friction clutch capacity is sufficient to mechanically lock the transfer case in a four wheel drive mode. If the clutch torque capacity is exceeded, a control algorithm will strategically ramp down engine torque requests by a powertrain controller to eliminate clutch slip.

Abstract: A two phase bicycle rear suspension assembly. The two phases allow for maximum suspension travel over very uneven terrain. The arrangement is such that when a bicycle fitted with the assembly is being pedalled, the second phase is locked out and lost pedalling energy due to pedal-induced lobbing is avoided, while at the same time the first suspension phase remains active.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a four-wheel drive system arranged to supply motive power to a primary output shaft of a transfer case from an internal combustion engine and to a secondary output shaft from an electric motor/generator. The transfer case is comprised of a planetary gearset having an input driven by the motor/generator and an output directing drive torque to the secondary drivelines. This hybrid drive arrangement permits use of a modified transfer case in place of a conventional transfer case in a traditional four-wheel drive driveline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety lever system in a cab of an excavator, which is capable of preventing an unintended descending of a control box without the operation of the safety lever, and promoting a safer tilting of the control box through a limit means that controls the power application/short-circuit. According to the present invention, if the operator tilts the control box to get in or get out of the cab, the safety lever system shunts (i.e., short-circuit) the power of the control lever or the control box. Therefore, the possibility of malfunction of the excavator due to the miss-operation of the operator is very slim, and the control box cannot be returned to its original position unless the operator operates the safety lever again. This structural improvement of the safety lever eliminates a possibility of the malfunction of the excavator due to the operator's mistake, and markedly increases the reliability of the excavator.

Abstract: A seat switch for a seat having a resilient web includes device for sensing the presence of an operator sitting on the resilient web. The seat switch is operably connected to a vehicle circuit which may be for example an ignition system for the engine. The seat switch provides a signal to the vehicle circuit in response to sensing no operator present. The device for sensing may include a switch and a tension member mounted directly to the web. When an operator sits on the seat, the web stretches under the weight of the operator, which results in tension in the tension member. This tension activates the switch to send the operator-present signal to the vehicle circuit. When the operator's weight is removed from the seat, the tension is relieved from the resilient web and the switch discontinues the operator-present signal.

Abstract: It is important to recognize the severity of an accident more accurately and reliably. To do so, the present invention consists of installing a compression element (25) that can be compressed reversibly into an impact absorption device (2) in order to dampen the impact on a vehicle component. A pressure sensor is integrated in this compression element (25) which detects the pressure during compression of the compression element (25). From the pressure signal, data such as the collision speed can be determined and a safety device such as an airbag can be triggered. By doing so, expensive early crash sensors and similar devices become unnecessary, while the severity of an accident can be reliably determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source, a method for operating an accelerated weight drop for use as a seismic energy source, and a seismic survey system including the accelerated weight drop. The accelerated weight drop, among other elements, includes a strike plate positionable on a surface, and a striker positionable over the strike plate. The accelerated weight drop further includes a compressed gas spring configured to drive the striker toward the strike plate thus creating seismic waves within the surface, wherein the striker is slidably coupled to the compressed gas spring and the striker and the compressed gas spring rotatably coupled to the strike plate about an axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sound attenuation panel comprising, a rigid frame divided into a plurality of individual cells, a sheet of a flexible material, and a plurality of weights. Each weight is fixed to the sheet of flexible material such that each cell is provided with a respective weight and the frequency of the sound attenuated can be controlled by suitable selecting the mass of the weight.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lifting a wheelchair in non-residential indoor facilities. Guide rails extend from a wheeled-base and include a bearing and transmission system for raising and lowering a platform on which a wheelchair occupant travels. The bearing system is powered by a hydraulic cylinder with a cable or chain connected to the bearing system. The chain or cable traverses over idler pulleys at various positions about the guide rails and connects to the bearing system at one end and to one of the guide rails at another end. As the hydraulic cylinder is operated, the lifting cable translates the bearing system linearly through the guide rails, which in turn lifts the platform to a desired level. The platform may be adjusted to maintain a generally level orientation even as the guide rails are tilted to accommodate inclinations. Additional outriggers and/or supports may be provided to increase balance and stability of the lift.

Abstract: A lift device for an industrial vehicle includes a hydraulic cylinder provided substantially upright between masts and having a piston rod, a pulley provided on a lateral side of an upper end portion of the piston rod, a lift bracket connected to a chain wound around the pulley and movable up and down through the chain by extension and retraction of the piston rod, a hose provided for supplying hydraulic fluid to an attachment installed on the lift bracket, and a guide mechanism provided on a top end of the piston rod for guiding the hose. The guide mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, a support member rotatably supporting the plurality of rollers, and an endless band fitted around the plurality of rollers so as to form an arc-shaped guide surface for supporting the hose. The endless band travels around the plurality of rollers with movement of the hose.

Abstract: A braking system designed to be an integral part of a shopping cart. The braking system consists of a hand-operated brake that is gravity actuated and normally engaged. The user disengages the braking system to move the shopping cart, preferably by pushing a primary handle of the cart. The braking system is also disengaged when the shopping cart is nested with other shopping carts to allow multiple carts to be moved without the brakes being engaged. The mechanical link from the handle to the brake is enclosed within the frame to reduce potential damage to the mechanism. The mechanical link consists of a hand-activated handle that is pushed down to disengage the brake, and when the handle is not depressed, the handle raises by gravity and applies the brake.

Abstract: An actuator 23d for pushing a plurality of friction plates 44, 44 to a plurality of plates 37, 37 to be braked is composed of members including electroactive polymer, the shape of the elastomer of which is changed by electric energy.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a disc brake for moving first and second friction members into engagement with a rotor and effect a brake application. The actuator arrangement includes first and second levers that are pivotally connected to an anchor located in a plane that is perpendicular to first and second rails on which the first and second friction member are retained, a third lever that is connected to the first lever and a yoke to receive a second end of the second lever and align a first ramp surface thereon with a second ramp surface on its end and an input linkage. The input linkage receives an input force and moves on the first and second ramp surfaces to pull on the first lever and push on the second lever to move the first and second friction members into engagement with the rotor to effect a brake application.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromechanical actuator for a vehicle brake, the actuator comprising: a motor; a screw-and-nut system having a first element, the screw or the nut, rotated by the motor; and an antirotation member preventing rotation of the second element of the screw-and-nut system, the nut or the screw, so that the second element moves linearly in response rotation of the motor so as to exert compression selectively on friction elements of the brake. According to the invention, the actuator is subdivided into a first portion comprising the screw-and-nut system, and a second portion comprising the motor, the portions being designed to be separable while the actuator is mounted on a brake.

Abstract: A brake actuator including a chamber in which is provided a movable pressure responsive element which divides the chamber into first and second compartments, the brake actuator also including a valve assembly with an inlet which is connected to a source of pressurised fluid, an outlet which is connected to a volume within the brake actuator not including the second compartment, and an exhaust port through which fluid from the volume may be released, wherein the exhaust port of the valve assembly is connected to the second compartment.

Abstract: Shock absorber containing a flow channel (16), provided with a valve assembly, made in the piston section. This valve assembly is designed to be actuated hydraulically. To this end there is an auxiliary chamber (22, 42) which on one side is eliminated by a movable valve body (18). This valve body is provided with an inlet for oil from the flow channel to the auxiliary chamber. There is an outlet (21, 41) (that can be closed off). The surface area of the valve body acting on the valve seat (19) is less than the surface area of the valve body in the auxiliary chamber, so that fluid flowing through the inlet of the valve body results in an increase in the volume of the auxiliary chamber and thus in closing movement of the valve body. Because filing of the auxiliary chamber takes some time, a frequenncy-dependend closing characteristic of the flow channel is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic system (1) for providing pressures and volumetric flows in a dual clutch transmission, in particular for providing a first volumetric flow for cooling and lubricating a first clutch (2) and for providing a second volumetric flow for cooling and lubricating a second clutch (3). The hydraulic system is distinguished by the fact that at least one switching valve (4), which in a first position guides a lubricating flow onto the first clutch (2) and a cooling flow onto the second clutch (3) and in a second position guides the lubricating flow onto the second clutch (3) and the cooling flow onto the first clutch (2), is connected upstream of the first clutch (2) and the second clutch (3). The cooling flow is preferably variable.

Abstract: A dual function handlebar mounted actuator has first and second function operating devices arranged for activation by movement of a hand operated lever arrangement. The first and second functions operating devices are linked so that a combined first and second function can be activated and the first and second functions are a clutch and a brake function. The actuator has a lever movable between a first and a second position, and a master cylinder having a piston with the lever moving towards the second position to drive a piston from its initial position thereby increasing pressure in the master cylinder. By releasing the lever the pressure within the master cylinder is arranged to return the piston towards its initial position and the piston being returned fully to the initial position upon movement of the lever to the first position.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the pack clearance of a clutch pack to be adjusted during the manufacturing process to the proper amount, even if there are variations in friction disc thickness and steel disc thickness. The present invention is an electromagnetic clutch having an adjustable pack clearance arrangement, comprising an output shaft, a pressure plate, and a clutch pack actuated by the pressure plate. The pressure plate and the clutch pack are splined to the output shaft. There is also a clutch housing splined to the clutch pack, which also receives force from the clutch pack when the pressure plate is applied. The pressure plate defines a pack clearance for the clutch pack, and the pack clearance is adjustable by a pack clearance adjusting arrangement.

Abstract: A compact clutch assist device has an assist mechanism operating between a clutch operating lever and a transmission clutch. The clutch assist device is interposed between a first clutch wire connected to the clutch operating lever and a second clutch wire connected to the transmission clutch. The clutch assist device selectively urges the clutch wires in such a direction as to assist disengaging the transmission clutch. The clutch assist mechanism has a case and a rotatable member that is housed in the case. The rotatable member receives an urging force of an auxiliary force member. In one embodiment, the auxiliary force member is coupled to the rotatable member through a cam mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a friction clutch with a clutch spring, a clutch lever connected to the friction clutch via clutch wires and being manually operable against the urging force of the clutch spring, and a clutch assisting device. The clutch assist device has an assist mechanism having an auxiliary force member (e.g., a spring) that urges the clutch wires in such a direction as to disengage the friction clutch while the clutch lever is moved from a disengage start position, where the clutch lever receives the reactive force of the clutch spring, to a disengaged position, where the disengagement of the friction clutch is completed. The assist mechanism maintains the urging force of the auxiliary spring applied to the clutch wires within a fixed range while the clutch lever is shifted from the midpoint between the disengage start position and the disengaged position to the disengage position.

Abstract: A conveying device comprising a conveyor belt, a conveyor belt speed sensor, at least one extending roller selectively extendable from the device, an extending roller speed sensor, a hydraulic motor operatively engaged with the conveyor belt, a proportional valve operatively coupled with the hydraulic motor for modulating the speed of the motor, and a controller operatively connected to the proportional valve for modulating the output thereof, the controller in communication with the belt speed sensor, and in communication with the extending roller speed sensor, the controller thereby controlling the speed of the motor to obtain a desired belt speed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sorting products such as fruits. The apparatus comprises an endless conveyor and conveying units for conveying products behind each other in a substantially horizontal plane. Each conveying unit is formed by at least two rolling elements with the axes perpendicular to the conveying direction, a connecting element by which each rolling element is rotatably and vertically movably connected with the conveyor, and a carrier element arranged between the rolling elements, wherein at an inspection position, each product is situated on two successive rolling elements, and in a weighing position, each product is situated on the carrier element. A discharge guide comprises a leaf spring which has a rest position during conveyance and weighing, and a deflection position present only upon transition to and from a discharge position.

Abstract: An article transport, meterer and loader has a plurality of parallel lanes disposed above and in angular relation to a direction of transport of a plurality of article conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus having several stations that receive, apply adhesive to, crowd, press and cure the wood pieces into a continuous wood panel. A singulation station engages an individual one of the wood pieces oriented in a cross-machine direction from an infeed station, presents the wood piece to an adhesive station for adhesive application and releases the wood piece for crowding at a crowding station into a batch of the wood pieces. A press station downwardly presses the batch with an upper platen and presses the batch in a downstream direction onto the continuous wood panel with a clamping device. A radio frequency device applies radio waves to cure the adhesive between the wood pieces of the batch so as to adhere the wood pieces together and so as to adhere the batch to the continuous wood panel. A cutting station cuts individual wood panels from the continuous wood panel.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and an apparatus for treating, in particular cooling, a layer of bulk material by means of a stream of gas passed through it on a grate. The grate includes a plurality of elongated planks which extend in a conveying direction and are driven in advancing and return strokes in the conveying direction in such a manner that at least two adjacent planks are moved forwardly simultaneously and are moved backwardly non-simultaneously. Since the material located on a plank which is being moved back is prevented from completely following the plank moving back by the friction generated with the material located above the adjacent planks or with the wall, the conveying effect in the conveying direction outweighs the conveying effect in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An extendible conveyor apparatus includes a first end, a second end, and an adjustable-length bed of rollers extending in between them. A sliding frame (or extension) mounted moveably on a support structure supports a fixed number of the rollers, while a moveable string of rollers connected to a second end of the frame feeds additional rollers into and out of position between the second end of the conveyor apparatus and the frame according to frame movement between retracted and extended positions of the frame. In one embodiment, the bed of rollers includes at least some motor-driven rollers (MDRs) and the string of rollers withdraws to a position below the bed using an extend/retract drive mechanism having a drive chain disposed in a loop, the frame being connected to an upper side of the loop for frame-moving purposes and the string of rollers being connected to a lower side of the loop for string withdrawal purposes.

Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor having a high strength take-up section that maintains proper belt alignment with the use of just two take-up screws, while still allowing for the take up section housing to be made of lighter weight, less expensive materials. The take-up section of the present invention can be installed at a head section or tail section of an enclosed belt conveyor. The take-up section of the present invention generally includes two support arms slidably mounted in guides that maintain the support arms in a straight orientation and two take-up screws that adjust the support arms within the guides while maintaining proper alignment of the take-up section without the necessity of separate leveling screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a conveyed product on a conveyor. The apparatus includes a filing channel that includes the ability to adjust the location of at least one end of the filing channel. In one embodiment, the filing apparatus includes a plurality of cards successively arranged wherein the cards are supported by a support member. The cards define the filing channel and the shape of the channel is maintained despite repositioning at least one end of the filing channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reusable packaging for tokens or coins, comprising an essentially semi-cylindrical trough (2), for retaining the coins or tokens, formed by alternating a first series of semi-cylindrical sections (8) with a common axis perpendicular to the plane of the coins or tokens and a second series of semi-cylindrical sections (10) with a common axis, vertically recessed with relation the first series (8), the axes of the first and second series begin parallel to each other. Two folding wings (4) are arranged longitudinally to both sides of the trough (2). Each of said wings (4) is connected with articulation to a cover (6) of cylindrical segment, formed, as for the trough, by the alternation of a first series (12) of cylindrical segments with a common axis, perpendicular to the plane of the coins or tokens and a second series of cylindrical segment sections (14) with a common axis, the covers (6,6), corresponding to each of the wings (4), being mutually interlocking.

Abstract: A grenade container includes a box having a bottom and four sides; a first foam layer disposed on the bottom of the box; a second foam layer disposed on the first foam layer and having a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving grenades; a plurality of grenades placed in the openings in the second foam layer; a first partition disposed on the grenades placed in the openings in the second foam layer; a third foam layer disposed above the first partition and having a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving grenades; a plurality of grenades placed in the openings in the third foam layer; a second partition disposed on the grenades placed in the openings in the third foam layer; a fourth foam layer disposed above the second partition; and a lid and a latch for closing the box.

Abstract: A container having the function of absorbing blood and water of fresh food includes a lower box body, an opening, a lower latch member at the periphery of the opening, a recessed surface at an internal bottom an absorbent material flatly disposed in the recessed surface, and an upper box body corresponding to a lower box body. The lower box body includes an opening, an upper latch member at the periphery of the opening, a plurality of through holes disposed at the bottom corresponding to the absorbent material, and the upper box body is sheathed into the lower box body, and the upper latch member is latched onto the lower latch member, so that the upper and lower box bodies are combined into a double-layer box and the absorbent material is included inside. Further, the lower box body includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs on its internal side wall and perpendicularly contacted with a plurality of transversal ribs on the external sidewall of the upper box body.

Abstract: A hinge-lid type package for filter cigarettes is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped and includes an inner pack 36 of a cigarette bundle and a casing formed from a blank 50 as one sheet and accommodates the inner pack 36. The casing can be divided into an outer body 10 and a lid 12 by means of a separating line 14. When detached from the outer body 10 along the separating line 14, the lid 12 is rotated around a self hinge 16 to open or close.

Abstract: A pallet having wooden boards secured together by nails which achieve approved operating characteristics. The nail is embodied in a package secured together by a pair of parallel wires welded to the shanks. Each nail having a shank diameter between 0.078 in. and 0.085 in., each nail is manufactured from steel wire and has a length between 1.50 in. and 2.25 in. The ratio of the head diameter to the shank diameter of each nail is between 2.70 and 3.37.

Abstract: Packaging for protecting or for sending of plants or plant containers in which the packaging is formed from at least two parts. A lower part is connected to an upper part in such a manner that a recess is present between a wall of the lower part and an inner wall of the upper part and in which recess a plant container is secured against movement or displacement.

Abstract: A method for sticking, a container, a pocket tape, a method for the production of a pocket tape, a device for the production of a pocket tape, a method for the production of an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape and a device for the production of an adhesive tape, regarding sticking a pocket into a container to receive an article, through use of adhesive in adhesive zones that are spaced from one another by non-adhesive zones.

Abstract: A child-resistant blister card package is disclosed having a plurality of unit package regions for enclosing one unit dosage form, each comprising a cavity and a closure sheet to seal the cavity. Once a unit package region is detached, the corner defined by lines of weakening with perforations can be detached to expose an unsealed area and easily access the content of each unit package region.

Abstract: The present invention is a cover assembly including a cover for covering at least one compartment of a medication dispenser. The cover includes an inner and outer end portion. A locking tab is formed in the inner end wall of the cover for being received in a slot formed in the medication dispenser for securing the cover to the medication dispenser. The locking tab includes a weakened portion for allowing the cover to be fractured and separated from the locking tab as the outer end potion is lifted away from the medication dispenser during removal of the cover. The weakened portion fractures before the outer end portion of the cover is lifted a distance from the medication dispenser less than or equal to a minimum dimension of a pill for preventing removal of the pill from the at least one compartment without removal of the cover from the compartment.

Abstract: A bag including a racquet compartment coupled to an accessory compartment.

Abstract: A device for extending an event time of a physical shock imparted on an electronic device. The device includes a rigid or semi-rigid frame and a resiliently elastic material coupled to the frame, the resiliently elastic material suspending an electronic device with respect to the frame. The resiliently elastic material may be in the form of a sheet, a strap, a rib, and combinations thereof. One preferred resiliently elastic material is a polymeric material.

Abstract: A carrier tape for electrical components is provided comprising a tape having a length and a plurality of cavities along the length of the tape. Each cavity comprises inner side walls and a bottom surface and is capable of containing an electrical component.

Abstract: A carrier for a semiconductor device includes a body having an opening formed therein to receive the semiconductor device and a pair of rollers to hold the semiconductor device between the rollers in the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically batching objects into portions, comprising conveying and weighing objects. An appropriate bin for each of the weighed objects is selected, wherein each bin is provided with a weighing means. Accordingly, the total portion weight is periodically registered. By means of comparing the potion weight with the summed object weight in that portions, an appropriate bin can be selected for forthcoming objects.

Abstract: A filter device is provided with a filter tank, a filter drum disposed in the filter tank, and a drive mechanism which rotates the filter drum. The filter element is composed of a porous plate that is formed with a large number of circulation holes. The porous plate is formed into a cylindrical shape. An inlet port opens in an outer peripheral surface of the porous plate. An outlet port opens in an inner peripheral surface of the porous plate. The circulation hole is formed by etching. A smallest opening of the circulation hole is formed between the inlet port and an intermediate part with respect to a plate thickness direction. An opening width of the circulation hole increases from the smallest opening toward the outlet port to form a tapered shape.