Abstract: Disclosed is a device for securing and lubricating a bushing. The device comprises: a first member having a first body portion, a first engaging portion extending outwardly from the first body portion, and at least one channel drilled through a lateral outer surface of the first engaging portion and extending along a complete length of the body portion; and a second member having a second body portion and a second engaging portion disposed internally and along a longitudinal axis of the second body portion. The first engaging portion mounts a bushing covering at least a portion of an opening of the channel on the lateral outer surface and engages with the second engaging portion, thereby sandwiching the bushing between the first member and the second member. Pressurizing a lubricant through the channel transmits the lubricant to an inner surface of the bushing through the opening of the channel on the first engaging portion.

Abstract: The vehicle for high lift work 10 comprises: a lifting and lowering device 4, 5 disposed on the vehicle; a work platform 9 which is attached to the lifting and lowering device 4, 5 and raised and lowered by the lifting and lowering device 4, 5; an operating device 20, provided on the work platform 9, for operating the lifting and lowering device 5; and a hoisting device 30, provided on the work platform 9, for lifting a heavy load 60 up and down toward the work platform 9, wherein the operating device 20 and the hoisting device 30 are disposed in the vicinity of one of margins (91a) forming a floor face 91 of the work platform 9.

Abstract: A mobile elevator apparatus for transporting people between a ground surface and a raised landing of an adjacent structure includes a base having wheels for rollably supporting the base on a ground surface, a tower frame having a lower end mounted to the base and an upper end above the lower end, the vertical distance between the upper and lower ends defining a frame height. The apparatus includes a track secured to the tower frame and extending generally between the lower and upper ends thereof, and an elevator car coupled to the track and movable therealong between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A small power elevator system is installed in an elevator shaft of a building. The system includes a passenger or freight elevator car having an electronic scale installed in a bottom thereof to measure the weight of passengers or freight loaded therein; a counterweight connected to the elevator car and adapted to be moved in a direction opposite that of the elevator car by mass members added or removed according to the weight of the elevator car; a mass member feeder for feeding the mass members to the counterweight; and a control unit for controlling the mass members to be fed from the mass member feeder to the counterweight or discharged from the counterweight to the mass member feeder according to the weight of the elevator car. The system can reduce power consumption to thereby reduce electric charges such as basic rates and usage rates.

Abstract: In an elevator door apparatus, an elevator door is capable of reciprocating between a door closure position for closing an elevator entrance and a door open position for opening the elevator entrance. The elevator door is driven by a door drive device. The door drive device is controlled by a door control device. The door control device adjusts the door open position based on control information for controlling an operation of an elevator, obtains a door opening/closing pattern for the elevator door to be opened and closed between the adjusted door open position and the door closure position, and controls the door drive device so that the elevator door is reciprocated in accordance with the obtained door opening/closing pattern.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32). Frangible buffers (40, 38) are associated with at least one of the elevator cars (22, 32), the counterweights (24, 34) or both. In a disclosed example, buffer activators (42, 39) operate to break at least a frangible portion of the frangible buffers (40, 38) to dissipate energy associated with a collision or near collision between the elevator cars (22, 32) or the counterweights (24, 34).

Abstract: In an elevator control apparatus, calculations regarding the control of an elevator are performed in a duplexed system including first and second processing portions. A first clock signal from a first clock is input to the first processing portion. A second clock signal from a second clock is input to the second processing portion. The first and second clock signals are input to a clock abnormality detecting circuit. The clock abnormality detecting circuit counts the numbers of pulses of the first and second clock signals, and detects abnormalities in the first and second clock signals from a difference between the numbers of the pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator condition monitoring system, which comprises at least a control unit (104) and a sensor arrangement (250) connected to the control unit, while the elevator comprises an elevator car (100), an elevator drive machine (109) and a control system (110) including the required safety circuit and actuators. The control unit of the condition monitoring system and the sensor arrangement connected to the control unit have been fitted in conjunction with the elevator car. The sensor arrangement comprises at least a sensor which measures the current of the safety circuit and is galvanically separated from the elevator safety circuit and connected to the safety circuit without interrupting the safety circuit wiring.

Abstract: An elevator car comprising a single, rigid toe guard member (10) slidably mounted to the bottom of the car so as to be slidable upwards in the event that the toe guard member (10) strikes the bottom of a hoist way pit.

Abstract: A method of detecting the braking of a vehicle comprising a push rod (200) intended to transmit an amplified braking command to a master cylinder. A plunger (220), arranged parallel to the primary piston (200) so as to reproduce the movements of this piston, and a sensor (230) which senses the movements of the plunger (220), this sensor (230) being fastened to the booster (250), are used to detect a braking operation by detecting a movement of the plunger (220).

Abstract: A wheel chock assembly is provided having a base member extending axially from a top end to a bottom end, first and second support members whose upper ends are pivotally and slidably engaged with respect to the base member, first and second wheel chocks mounted with respect to the lower ends of the support members, and an adjustment mechanism mounted to the base member. The adjustment mechanism is operatively engaged to the support members to achieve axial movement of their upper ends with respect to the base member to extend and retract them within a range that permits the assembly to grip the wheel of a cart between the wheel chocks. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is a cord secured to the main member of the base member such that pulling the cord upward draws the main member into the handle of the base member, extending the support members outward, while releasing the cord withdraws the main member from the handle, retracting the support members inward.

Abstract: A braking device includes a brake block which can be actuated by a wedge mechanism which has first and second wedge elements. Each wedge element has at least one contact face beveled in the manner of a wedge, with the contact faces of the wedge elements opposing one another. The brake block is fitted to a side of one of the wedge elements which is remote from the contact face. The one wedge element can be moved in reciprocating fashion in a longitudinal direction relative to the other wedge element so that, owing to the wedge action of the beveled contact faces, the brake block moves in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction toward or away from the brake disk. At least one linear actuator, which is free from rotational movement and is mechanically connected to the one wedge element, moves the one wedge element back and forth in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An electric brake actuating assembly (10), including a rotatable actuator (11) and electric drive means for driving the rotatable actuator (11) to rotate, a pair of load transfer members (16, 17) disposed respectively on opposite sides of the rotatable actuator (11) and each load transfer member (16, 17) including three connections A, A1, B, B1, C, C1. Link arrangement (14) connects respective first connections A, A1 of load transfer members (16, 17) an actuating cable arrangement (15) connects respective second connections B, B1 of load transfer members (16, 17) and extends in connection in with rotatable actuator (11), and a brake assembly connection (18, 19) extends from respective third connections C, C1 of load transfer members (16, 17) for connection to respective brake assemblies.

Abstract: A bicycle disk brake pad basically comprises a backplate part and a friction part. The backplate part is made of a copper-based sintering alloy. The friction part is made of a copper-based sintering alloy that is integrally sintered with the backplate part.

Abstract: A bicycle braking sheet assembly comprises a braking sheet being made of elastic material; the braking sheet being formed with a plurality of receiving holes; a plurality of braking blocks; the number of the braking blocks being equal to that of the receiving holes; the elastic coefficient of the braking blocks being different from that of the braking sheet; an outer shape of each braking block being corresponding to an inner shape of the receiving hole so that the braking block is exactly received in the receiving hole. An inner side of the braking sheet has a dirt remover. A projection extends from the dirt remover. An inner surface of the braking sheet is formed with a plurality of recesses and a plurality of first textures for increasing friction force. An inner surface of each braking block has a second texture.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a damping medium filled cylinder in which a piston rod carrying a working piston is guided with freedom of axial movement, the working piston dividing the cylinder into two working spaces. The piston rod forms a housing having an inside wall, the housing having first and second working chambers separated by a separating piston, the first working chamber being connected to one of the working spaces to provide amplitude selective damping as the working piston moves in the cylinder. The separating piston is spaced from the inside wall to form an annular gap in which a pressure gradient develops when the piston rod moves, thereby causing the separating piston to move in the housing, the separating piston being radially expandable to close the gap when sufficient pressure develops in one of the working chambers.

Abstract: A front fork comprises a telescopic tube (1, 32) in which a damper cylinder (3) generates a damping force. The damper cylinder (3) comprises a guide sleeve (4) and a free piston (6) having an inner circumference which slides on the outer circumference of the guide sleeve (4) and an outer circumference which slides on the inner circumference of the damper cylinder (3). A lateral through-hole (11) formed in the guide sleeve (4) connects an auxiliary reservoir (R3) formed outside the damper cylinder (3) and an oil reservoir (R2) via a flow path (12) formed in the guide sleeve (4) according to the displacement position of the free piston (6), thereby reducing the number of seal members required to be fitted on the outer circumference of the free piston (6) and enabling the free piston (6) to slide smoothly even when the telescopic tube (1, 32) suffers a bending force.

Abstract: A steering damper system and method of regulating the fluid pressure of such a system are provided. The system can comprise a piston rod, a cylinder, a passage, and a damper portion. The damper portion can comprise a damper cavity, an outer piston, an inner piston, and a biasing component. The damper cavity can be in fluid communication with the passage. The outer piston can be slidably disposed in the damper cavity and define a chamber and a duct that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the passage. The inner piston can be slidably disposed in the chamber of the outer piston. The biasing component can exert an axial biasing force against the inner piston for regulating the pressure of fluid disposed in the system passes intermediate the passage, the damper cavity, and the chamber of the outer piston.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus including a reservoir tank, a housing, a pump within the housing, a suction port formed in the housing and communicated with a suction portion of the pump, a discharge port formed in the housing and communicating a discharge portion of the pump with wheel cylinders, a suction pipe connecting the suction port and the reservoir tank, and a reservoir chamber disposed within the housing between the suction portion of the pump and the suction port. The reservoir chamber has a volume capable of reserving at least a predetermined amount of the brake fluid which is required for one-time braking at a maximum fluid pressure.

Abstract: A travel case formable into a wardrobe when opened includes a case body, and a pull rod. The case body has a set of rollers attached to a bottom end of the case body, a cover connected pivotally to the case body, and a hanger holder provided on the cover. The cover is movable between covering and opening positions. The pull rod is connected to the case body. The cover can be pivoted to the pull rod in the opening position. A retainer is provided for retaining the cover on the pull rod when the cover is pivoted to the pull rod.

Abstract: A suitcase having a telescoping pull handle and a set of spaced apart wheels, between the back panel and bottom wall of the suitcase housing, permits easy movement over a planar surface. A staggered wheel mechanism is pivotally mounted on the back panel of the suitcase for improved mobility of the suitcase over a flight of stairs.

Abstract: A power transmission device is proposed especially for long pathways, which comprises at least one energy supply (1) unit composed of members, which are linked together around axes (3) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit (1), wherein a first end of the energy supply unit (1) can be fixed locally and the second end (5) can be moved at least in the longitudinal direction. The energy supply unit forms an upper run (8) and a lower run (7), whereby between these at least one cart (9) is arranged, which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit. This cart has a base body (10), which is connected to a return motion device (12). The return motion device is formed at least partially by at least on curved guide channel (13), so that the energy supply unit (1) is guided in the curved region (6).

Abstract: Disengageable pulley device comprising a pulley mounted on a shaft by means of a rolling bearing and of a freewheel, the pulley comprising a rim mounted on the periphery of a one-piece outer race of substantially tubular shape comprising, on an inner surface, at least one raceway for rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for lock-up elements of the freewheel, a one-piece inner race forming a torque transmission shaft and including, on an outer surface coming opposite the outer race, at least one raceway for the rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for the lock-up elements of the freewheel.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.

Abstract: A device for controlling the activation of an apparatus by a motor, intended to be inserted between, the operation output of the motor and the operation input of the apparatus whose activation is to be controlled. The device includes: —a blade pump having a rotor, at least one blade carried by this rotor and a rotary body forming a pumping chamber missing an outlet, and one of the component parts, among the rotor and the rotary body, being connected to the operation output of the motor, whilst the other of these component parts is connected to the operation input of the apparatus to be controlled; —and a supply intended to supply liquid to the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub driver mechanism that includes truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with an axis of the shell. A plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the central axis. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. The shell, sprockets, and the load transmitting profiles embody a single piece. The torque load transmitting profile forms a featureless contact surface for frictional engagement with the hub driver mechanism.

Abstract: A failure detection system for accurately detecting a failure of a clutch. A clutch actuation mechanism changes the relative positions of drive-side and driven-side members of the clutch. A position detector detects a position of the clutch actuation mechanism as a clutch position. A control unit obtains torque transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member as actual transmission torque. The control unit detects a failure of the clutch based on the actual transmission torque and the clutch position.

Abstract: A construction debris chute system comprising a construction debris chute formed by a plurality of common panels with the plurality of common panels each comprising a first panel, a second panel and a bottom panel that are linked to each other by a set of hinges a construction debris receiver box comprising a frame box and a chute-receiving portion extending at an angle from the frame box; and a bottom discharge unit comprising a discharge platform frame fitted to extend over a portion of a dumpster and a chute-supporting base extending upwards at an angle from the discharge platform frame for receiving a second end of the construction debris chute therein.

Abstract: There is provided a vending machine for multiple product sales, including means for displaying multiple products; means for operating the machine and effecting the dispensing of any selected product; at least one display screen disposed adjacent to the means for displaying multiple products, and an electronic control unit for selectively controlling the display on the screen prior to, and/or during, and/or after a vending operation. A method for operating a vending machine is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) comprises a star wheel (32) for receiving articles (14) from a first conveyor (12) and dispatching the articles to a second conveyor. The star wheel comprises first and second segments (44, 46) each having a perimeter adapted to receive articles to be conveyed. A first shaft (52) rotates the first segment (44) about an axis, and a second shaft (60) rotates the second segment (46) about the axis. In one embodiment, a torsion spring (64) resiliently connects the shafts (52, 60) together. The first shaft (52) is connected to a first drive for rotating the first and second shafts (52, 60) together about the axis. The second shaft (60) is connected to a clutch (72) arrangement for selectively connecting the second shaft (60) to a second drive for rotating the second shaft about the axis at a different speed from the first shaft, for example, in the event that the first drive is switched off.

Abstract: The present invention describes a distribution and temporary storage system of transport units (SIDAT), especially created to handle, in production lines with great speed and flexibility requirements, product lots, materials or components of work in progress. Examples of this type of lines are the production lines of companies related to fashion (clothing and foot-wear) and production lines of special products (namely assembly), for sectors such as furniture, metal-mechanics or electronics; the system is based on a matrix of movement cells (15), motorized from a centralised movement bus (21), upon which they are set up, capable of moving the transport units (16) placed upon themselves to the adjacent cells; a logic aggregation of 2 or 4 individual movement cells forms a compound movement cell which is normally associated to the work stations (9); the movement cell matrix may optionally be supplemented with an overhead storage system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to deliver packets (1) comprising a pouring spout (2) to a rotating star-shaped element (3). A guiding rail (4), which co-operates with a pouring spout (2) and which is used to receive the bag in a displaceable manner, is provided with a removal end (8). The aim of the invention is to produce a device wherein delivery is simplified and high clock frequencies are ensured. As a result, an upper slider (7) engages with the bags (1) at the pouring spout (2) in the region of the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4), and a drive unit (9) displaces the upper slider (7) between a removal position (10) on the removal end (8) of the guiding rail (4) and a delivery position (11) of the orbit of the receiving elements (12) of the star-shaped element (3).

Abstract: A patty-forming machine includes a food supply system where the drive mechanism for feed screws use integrated and compact motor and gearbox assemblies. The feed screws have heavy wall thickness flights and the feed screw shafts are journaled through modular bearing assemblies. A conveyor that forms the bottom of the hopper uses a sealed drum motor housed in the drive roller to drive the conveyor. A food supply system includes independent sensing means for indicating whenever the moldable food material accumulated at one end of the hopper exceeds a given level.

Abstract: A conveyer apparatus according to the present invention includes a case that defines a pair of right and left gap portions each of which has a predetermined width and extends in a conveying direction of a conveyance object, a conveyer that is arranged near or in a region adjacent to each of the pair of right and left gap portions and supported by the case to support and convey the conveyance object, a driving mechanism that is arranged in an internal space of the case to drive each conveyer, and sucking means for sucking air in the internal space. According to this configuration, when the sucking means sucks air in the internal space in the case, an air current flowing into the internal space from the outside through each gap portion is produced, and an abrasion powder or dust generated near, e.g., each conveyer arranged near under each gap portion flows with this air current to be sucked, thus avoiding scattering toward the outside.

Abstract: A method is provided for loading stacked food product into packages. Open top containers are arranged in rows and movable into a loading station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface having an end region extendable to a position arranged above the containers of a row of the containers. A guiding and pushing apparatus is arranged above the row and includes guides that are lowered to capture a row of stacked food products on the conveying surface, and plungers within the guides that lower and press a top of the stacks. When the conveying surface is retracted from beneath the guides and the row of containers, the guides are lowered further, adjacent to the containers, and the plungers are lowered with respect to the guides to push the stacks into the containers.

Abstract: A tubular conveyor for conveying grain or seed includes an intake end having a first roller and a discharge end having a second roller. A tubular portion is disposed between the intake end and the discharge end. A continuous flexible conveyor belt is coupled with the first and second rollers. Seal means are provided for sealing edges of the conveyor belt at a point approximately where the conveyor belt meets at least one of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-intrusion device for the protection of housings. It applies in particular to the protection of a housing of an electronic payment terminal or of a housing for entering a confidential code (also known as a “PIN-pad”). The anti-intrusion device according to the invention makes it possible to detect any attempts to open a housing. It comprises at least one spring (3), the spring being arranged in such a way as to be under pressure and to act electrically on an electronic circuit (2) when the housing is closed, and to no longer act on the electronic circuit when the housing is open.

Abstract: A single pole, double throw, self-canceling rotary switch for selectively coupling a first circuit to a second or a third circuit by rotating a rotary element to couple or decouple electrical contacts. The rotary switch includes first and second pawls pivotally attached to the rotary element and coupled to one another by a spring. Rotation of the rotary element causes a ramp cam to act on one of the pawls, causing it to pivot, and thereby causing the spring to exert a force on the other pawl, moving a tooth on the other pawl into the locus of rotation of a central shaft that includes a groove. Rotation of the central shaft in one direction has no effect on the position of the rotary element, but rotation of the central shaft in the other direction engages the groove and the tooth, causing the rotary element to decouple the contacts.

Abstract: Provided herein are new methods for the fabrication of gold (Au) alloys and films containing metal or semimetal oxides such as oxides of vanadium (V), for example, Au—V2O5 for use in electrical, mechanical, and microelectromechanical systems (“MEMS”). An example embodiment provides a thin film of an alloy comprising Au—V2O5 in a MEMS for a contact switch. Also described herein are gold-metal oxide thin films for use in, e.g. wear-resistant MEMS. Measurements of contact force and electrical contact resistance between pairs of Au or Au—V films show that increased hardness and resistivity in the alloy films results in higher contact resistance and less adhesion than in pure Au.

Abstract: A command switch or and emergency stop switch is disclosed, which includes an actuator and a contact sensor which is separated therefrom. The actuator includes housing and a tappet, which is guided therein and which has a rest position and an actuation position. The contact sensor includes an open switch element which can be placed in the actuation position by way of the tappet in a tensed position. In at least one embodiment, the command switch also includes an additional switch element which is provided with a first switch piece and a second switch piece, which are applied to the actuator in a separated manner and in/on the contact sensor. The additional switch element only closes when the contact sensor is secured to the actuator. The switch pieces of the additional switch element are separated from each other in a compulsory and advantageous manner by the separated embodiment of the command switch enabling them to be secured to different components of the command switch.

Abstract: An electrically insulated conductor connection assembly and a method for providing the same are provided. The electrically insulated conductor connection assembly includes first and second electrical conductors each comprising a body portion and an end portion. A fastening mechanism electrically and mechanically connects the end portions of the first electrical conductor to the end portion of the second electrical conductor, and an insulator overlays and electrically insulates the fastening mechanism. The end portions of the first and second electrical conductors and the fastening mechanism form a joint, which is structured to be fastenable and unfastenable. When the joint is fastened and the insulator is overlaying the fastening mechanism, the joint is electrically insulated.

Abstract: A rocking switch unit includes a base section, a switch knob, a pair of tactile switches, a middle rocking section, and a pair of switch-pressing portions. The switch knob and the middle rocking section are coupled with the base section to be rockable. The switch-pressing portions are located between a pair of rocking end portions of the switch knob and the tactile switches, for transmitting a pressing force from one of the rocking end portions to a corresponding tactile switch when the one of the rocking end portions is pressed in a pressing direction. The switch-pressing portions are coupled with two end portions of the middle rocking section in such a manner that a coupling angle between a rocking surface of the middle rocking section and rocking surfaces of the switch-pressing portions is variable in a pressing direction.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer, said spacer comprising at least one recess defining an active area of the switching element. At least two electrodes are arranged in the active area of the switching element between said first and second carrier foils in such a way that, in re-sponse to a pressure acting on the active area of the switching element, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the elastic carrier foils and an electrical contact is established between the at least two electrodes. According to the invention said spacer comprises at least one first reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A membrane switch including a first film, a second film and an insulating layer is provided. The first film has a first circuit, a first outlet cable and a second outlet cable. The first circuit is electrically connected with the first outlet cable, and the second outlet cable is disposed adjacent to the first outlet cable. A single outlet joint is formed from the first and second outlet cables. The second film has a second circuit and an outlet terminal, wherein the outlet terminal is electrically connected to the second circuit. The insulating layer is disposed between the first film and the second film so that the first film and the second film are electrically insulated. The outlet terminal is electrically connected to the second outlet cable. The membrane switch is economical and meets the needs of customers.

Abstract: An electronic device which includes a resilient piece, base plate and electronic source. The upper conductor is located on the resilient piece; the base plate is connected to the resilient piece, with a space between the two. The lower conductor is located on the base plate, and there is a crevice between the lower conductor and the upper conductor. The electronic source electrically connected to the upper conductor and the lower conductor. The sensor device is located on the base plate. Utilizing this structure, the electronic device can, based on the user's needs, perform testing of the subject's physiological status or test a specific site that is pressed, be used as assist for medical equipment, exercise equipment or communications facilities.

Abstract: A joystick control device is disclosed for use in a cab of a spreader for the snow and ice control industry. The control device includes a multi-axis joystick which disposed within the cab. The joystick has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end of the joystick being secured to the cab. A plurality of clusters of switches are mounted on the distal end of the joystick such that in operation of the control device, an operator within the cab operates the switches for controlling the snow and ice control functions of the spreader.

Abstract: A processor for vacuum distillation of whole tires including; an insulated housing having a door on one end, and rails on a lower surface of the housing to support a cart loaded with whole tires. A plurality of first heat tubes arranged around and spaced from a central radiant heat tube, the central radiant heat tube having an unsupported end adjacent the door such that whole tires loaded on the cart and through the door will pass over the central radiant heat tube such that the central radiant heat tube is located in a central opening of each tire on the cart.

Abstract: A liquid condensation system heats a liquid raw material under a decompressed circumstance and evaporates a volatile component from a liquid surface to condense the liquid raw material. Therefore, the liquid condensation system includes: liquid condensers, each of which condenses the liquid raw material; a vacuum pump that is in communication with the liquid condensers; and a warm water circulation system as a heating source that heats the liquid raw material in the liquid condensers. The volatile component evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through vapor lines. The condensed liquid that is not evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through condensed-liquid lines. Condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves are interposed on the condensed-liquid lines, and heating means is attached to the condensed-liquid lines. A control unit controls the heating means and the condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves.

Abstract: A means for collecting distilled water is disclosed which comprises a distillation cell or an array of such cells each cell comprising taut transparent sheets arranged around a collection point for such distilled water and means for collecting such distilled water.

Abstract: A method and a plant are disclosed for purifying lactams, particularly lactams obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminonitrile. The purification of ?-caprolactam obtained by cyclizing hydrolysis of aminocapronitrile is described which includes eliminating the ammonia from the reaction medium of the hydrolysis, then recovering the lactam from said medium in purified form. The recovery is carried out by performing at least a distillation of the lactam in the presence of a base producing optionally a fronts fraction comprising compounds more volatile than the lactam, a fraction comprising the lactam to be recovered to the degree of desired purity and a distillation tails comprising the lactam and compounds less volatile than the lactam. The distillation tails are treated by various processes such as evaporation in thin layers to recover the major part of the caprolactam and recycling the latter in the purification process.