Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.

Abstract: A system and method for motor vehicle restriction control enables an owner of a motor vehicle to restrict another person's use and operation of the owner's motor vehicle. The system includes a driver identification module identifying a driver operating the motor vehicle and a storage device for storing at least one restriction profile defining for the driver at least one restriction of the operation the motor vehicle. The system farther includes a motor vehicle controlling device for restricting the operation of the motor vehicle according to the at least one restriction in response to the driver identification module identifying the driver.

Abstract: A mounting system for a component to be mounted to a vehicle frame is provided utilizing keyhole features in the component, and fasteners having sacrificial spacers in the vehicle frame. The sacrificial spacers upon the fasteners prevent them from being pushed into the vehicle frame when the component having keyhole features is placed over them. Once the keyhole features have been placed over the fasteners having sacrificial spacers, the fasteners having sacrificial spacers may be fully tightened, thereby fully contributing to the integrity of the resulting joint. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric power steering apparatus for assisting steering of a steering shaft by the rotation power of an electric motor through a reducer based on the steering torque detected by a torque sensor. A rotary potentiometer is disposed in the reducer, and a portion of a swing arm of the potentiometer is engaged with a swirl groove formed on the side of a worm wheel in the reducer as well as the swing arm is swingingly rotated according to the rotation of the worm wheel to thereby detect the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clearance adjusting decelerator and an electric power steering apparatus having the same.

Abstract: A stethoscope is provided with two head portions for fitting two diaphragms different in caliber on a head main portion, having diverse design properties and functions. A stethoscope head comprising a head main portion and a conduit connecting portion provided on the head main portion, wherein said head main portion comprises a main head portion and a sub-head portion formed from a transparent or semitransparent element formed in the opposite direction each other with the pipe connecting port put therebetween; the main head portion comprises a transparent or semitransparent main diaphragm connected to the conduit connecting port, and the sub-head portion is provided with spaces for receiving the sub-diaphragm for high frequency and or narrow area stethoscope or various functions, and is provided with mounting means for mounting the sub-diaphragm or the apparatus on the sub-head portion.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: A passive secondary air muffler for a small internal combustion engine. The secondary air muffler may include a venturi device and a catalytic converter. The venturi device may be in the form of a stamped sheet metal insert which, along with the outer muffler housing or shell, forms a secondary or auxiliary air intake device. The venturi device may also be formed from baffles separating an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber of the muffler. The secondary air intake device provides auxiliary or secondary air to the exhaust gas stream exiting the engine upstream of the catalytic converter to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter. In an exemplary embodiment, the venturi device has a hemispherical cross-sectional shape or a circular cross-sectional shape taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream.

Abstract: An exhaust sound controlling method including reducing a flow rate of exhaust gas that passes through an exhaust path, to a first flow rate in accordance with increase in engine speed in a first engine speed region, and increasing the flow rate of exhaust gas to a second flow rate in accordance with increase in engine speed in a second engine speed region higher in engine speed than the first engine speed region. An exhaust sound controlling apparatus including a baffle plate and a valve that is operated to open a communication passage that communicates upstream and downstream sides of the baffle plate in an engine starting region, close the communication passage in an idling region and a low engine speed region, and open the communication passage and increase an opening of the valve as the engine speed rises in a high engine speed region.

Abstract: An automotive muffler includes an external tube consisting of a first widened portion, a first tapering portion, and a first narrow portion, the first widened section having a sealing wall with a through hole at the front end thereof; an internal tube consisting of a second widened portion, a second tapering portion, and a second narrow portion, the internal tube being disposed within the external tube, a plurality of vent holes being formed in the wall of the second widened portion; an internal guide tube consisting of a third widened portion, a third tapering portion, and a third narrow portion, the internal guide tube being disposed within the internal tube, a plurality of vent holes being formed in the wall of the third widened section that is disposed within the internal pipe; and a plurality of partitions interposed between the first widened section and the second widened section as well as between the second widened section and the third widened section.

Abstract: An attenuation mechanism for an electronic device is presented. The attenuation mechanism includes an outer member that has an inner member oriented axially within the outer member. The inner member has an axial twist that causes a line of sight blockage between an exterior and an interior of a housing of an electronic device when the attenuation mechanism is mounted through the housing, such that sound and electromagnetic radiation is attenuated without obstructing cooling air that is flowing through the housing.

Abstract: An element for sound insulation which forms the external completion of a housing-like structure excited to oscillations, in which there is located at least one sound emitter, which element is formed of a shaped thermoplastic material, which is reinforced by a glass fiber component of more than 35 weight percent based on the total weight of the thermoplastic material and the glass fibers component.

Abstract: A method for optimizing sound and vibration comfort in a mobile passenger compartment, the method applied by a design team to carry out overall design of the passenger compartment and/or by at least one equipment supplier to carry out design of a portion of the passenger compartment. The method establishes target values to be achieved for well-identified comfort indices, defines requirements and input data relating to plural equipment suppliers to obtain a totality of information relating to the passenger compartment, estimates values of the comfort indices and compares them with the target values, and then modifies individually or in combination the input data to correlate them with the target values.

Abstract: The present invention, the PERB, relates to a personal emergency rescue/security belt. The PERB is comprised of one band with the body (10); forming ? shape, and with the use of the first tri-glide lock (13a, 13b); which adjust the body formed “ ” shape by fixing intersection points (11, 12) in which a band meets, and it is characterized by a first binding buckle (18a, 18b) that locks together; binding both extended ends from an intersection point of the said band. The present invention described in the above, simplifies the configuration. The PERB can be put on rapidly and easily, and the cost is lower and is more light-weight, and provides multi-purposes. The PERB is changeable into emergency life-saving equipment to carry a person on a rescuer's back, under a rescuer's arm, or on a stretcher. Particularly, in the case of an emergency, the injured person is rapidly escorted from the accidental disaster, or he may escape by means of putting the PERB on by himself to reach safety.

Abstract: A Self-Belay And Rappel Device (10) is presented which will arrest the fall of a climber who is solo lead climbing, and will also allow the climber to rappel down a Rope (36). The simple and inexpensive device comprises a Left Side Face (12), a Right Side Face (14), Cylindrical Stand-Offs (16) which separate and join to the two side faces, and a Brake Surface (18) extending between the two side faces. In use for fall arrest, the device is attached, using two karabiners, both to a climber's chest harness and to the climber's waist harness. A third karabiner is clipped through two slots in the device, one slot in each of the two side faces. The fall of a climber causes the third karabiner to be pulled up within the two slots, ultimately locking the device against the climber's Rope (36) by causing the Rope (36) to become pinched between a portion of the third karabiner and the Braking Surface (18).

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular, external emergency structure particularly suitable for use as a fire escape. This structure comprises several modules stacked one on top of the other; the modules have a closed top surface featuring means suitable to open under the weight of a person and close immediately afterwards. In this way, said person falls into each module in succession in a controlled way, slowing down the fall. The structure comprises a bottom module found at ground level and several other modules, preferably different from the bottom module, to be stacked on top of the bottom module. Ideally, the height of each module should not be less than the height of the floor of the building to which it is connected; while, the height of the structure should not be less than the height of the last floor of the building to which said structure is connected.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having pressure lubrication according to the dry sump principle, in particular for an opposed cylinder engine, has a crankcase in which an oil suction space (dry sump) is formed in the lower part. The lubricant oil is conveyed from the oil suction space to an oil supply container (wet sump) via an oil return pump equipped with an oil suction line. The lubricant oil in the oil supply tank and/or in the oil supply space is conveyed to the consumer via a main delivery pump. An annular space arranged around the cylinder is provided as part of the oil returned to the oil supply tank.

Abstract: A lubricant flow suppressor positioned proximate a rotating component for receiving ejected lubricant therefrom and reducing the kinetic energy of the ejected lubricant. The suppressor includes at least two perforated walls with a lubricant flow path formed therebetween.

Abstract: A machine for generating mechanical energy and functioning on the principle of exploitation of centrifugal forces of masses being displaced along a closed mechanical circuit over at least a curved section of the circuit. Optionally, the machines also functions on the principle of energy gain caused by masses falling under the influence of gravity in the closed circuit that is permanently maintained in a state of dynamic unbalance with an input, continuous or not, of external energy.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a lifting mast (1) with a fixed mast (1a) and at least one movable mast (1b) that can move vertically in relation to the fixed mast. A load lifting device (2) can be moved up and down on the movable mast (1b). Located on the movable mast (1b) and/or on the load lifting device (2) is at least one electrical component which is connected with at least one electrical cable (3). The cable (3) is guided through a cable storage device (4) which is constructed according to the pulley block principle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an overspeed detection mechanism in lift apparatuses, safety device acting against overspeed and a lift apparatus, which detection mechanism can be assembled on a sheave or on the elevator car. It incorporates a wheel rotating according to the speed of the car and has pivoting arms swinging through the centrifugal force during the rotation of the wheel. It has magnetic means associated to the pivoting arms causing an attraction maintaining the position of the pivoting arms until the centrifugal force exceeds the attraction of the magnetic means. It incorporates a stop, belonging to a part external to the wheel against which the pivoting arm comes into contact when the centrifugal force generated on the pivoting arm due to the overspeed of the elevator car exceeds the attractive force of the magnetic means, starting the braking of the car.

Abstract: A elevator traffic control technique includes destination grouping that is selectively implemented during selective traffic conditions by a system controller (36). If, for example, an up-peak traffic condition exists, passenger-to-car (30,20) assignments are grouped bused on passengers' desired destinations.

Abstract: An elevator car (2) comprises a cover (14; 40) extending over at least a portion of the top surface of the car (24). The cover (14; 40) is mounted on a resilient support (28, 42). The car (2) further comprises means (32; 44) for detecting displacement of the cover corresponding to the weight of a person being applied to the cover. If such displacement is detected, normal operation of the car (2) is prevented.

Abstract: Fork lift truck comprising a drive unit and a load unit which may be raised and lowered relative to the drive unit, the drive unit having a fixed operator's platform which may be accessed via a rear entrance, from where steering, controlling the drive motor and actuating the load unit may be operated, the operator's platform being defined by side walls and being fastened to the frame of the drive unit, on the frame a lower wall portion of the side walls being configured, which is formed integrally with the frame or is welded to the frame and an upper wall portion is formed with its lower edge which is complementary to the upper edge of the lower wall portion and may be releasably connected by means of screw connections to the frame and/or the lower wall portions.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly including a caliper bracket, a caliper housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion defining a piston bore therein, wherein the caliper housing is moveable relative to the caliper bracket, a caliper piston received within and extendable from the piston bore, an elastic element positioned relative to the caliper housing and the caliper bracket, and a disc rotor assembly including a hub and at least two rotors, each of the rotors having at least two friction surfaces, at least a portion of each of the friction surfaces being positioned between the outer portion of the caliper housing and the caliper piston, wherein the caliper housing moves relative to the caliper bracket when the caliper piston extends from the piston bore to engage the disc rotor assembly, thereby deforming the elastic element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-boosting electromechanical friction brakes particularly in the form of a partially lined disk brake. The friction brake includes a friction brake lining which is helically movable with respect to the direction of rotation of a brake disk and pressed there into. A ramp mechanism is provided with ramps which cooperate with a roller bearing mechanism supporting the brake lining, to obtain the self-boosting effect. According to the invention, two of three rolls of the ramp mechanism are embodied with directing flanges for guiding the rolls on the ramps in order to helically guide the friction brake lining.

Abstract: The brake housing (12) comprises a first portion (14), a second portion (16), and a demountably coupled cylinder block (18). The first and second portions (14, 16) comprise respective openings (40, 68) through which a rotating component passes. The portions (14) and (16) are coupled together to define an internal space about a portion of the rotating body. One or more cylinder blocks (18) are formed separately of the first and second portions (14, 16) and directly demountably coupled to the first or second portions. Each cylinder block (18) is provided with a first surface (28) that faces the portion (14, 16) to which the cylinder block is coupled. Each block (18) is also provided with one or more cavities (20) that open onto an opposite surface (22) of the cylinder blocks (18) for receiving respective pistons (24). The blocks (18) can be fixed at any location inside the housing (12) to meet the requirements of the associated brake assembly at hand.

Abstract: A latching device including a reversibly rotatable drive gear, a reversibly rotatable driven gear meshing with the drive gear, and a cantilever including a latching gear meshing with one of either the drive gear or the driven gear. The cantilever includes an electrically distortable polymeric material configured to distort in response to an applied current to position the latching gear in an intermeshing relationship with both the drive gear and the driven gear, such that the drive gear, driven gear, and latching gear selectively prevent rotational motion of the gear assembly in a predetermined direction. Also, an electromechanical brake assembly including a rotary motor and the latching device, where the gear assembly selectively prevents rotational motion of the rotary motor in a brake-disengaging direction.

Abstract: A brake assembly and system (202) characterized by the use of a flexible force transfer member (230) to enable an electric motor (220) to be mounted remotely from other brake components and preferably at a location shielded from the elements and/or more easily accessible for maintenance and repair. By mounting the electric motor (220) in a less confining area, and using a force distribution device (350) to distribute force to a plurality of rams (342,344), one larger motor (220) may be used to drive multiple disk engagement members rather than several smaller motors mounted on the brake assembly. Since larger motors are typically more efficient than smaller motors, using one larger motor increases the overall efficiency of the brake.

Abstract: An electromagnetic retarder used to reduce the speed of a rotating machine. This retarder comprises a stator through which a first shaft passes and a rotor which is assembled with the first shaft. The first shaft has a first end and a second end which are axially opposite and which can be coupled respectively to a second shaft which is linked to a motive source and a third shaft which is linked to a load. The first shaft is configured, at least at one of the two ends thereof, in such a way that it can be respectively coupled to the first or second shaft in an axially sliding manner.

Abstract: An energy absorbing element contains a free-flowing medium. The medium is expressed from the element, upon the occurrence of an impact, through at least one opening. The medium is enclosed in a capsule that bursts on impact.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device, in particular a device for single-use occupant protection in vehicles, has a container with a magneto-rheological medium which is forced on impact through a restriction with at least one outlet channel. The flow resistance of the outlet channel may be influenced by a device for generation of a magnetic field.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device, particularly for single-use occupant protection in vehicles on the action of an external force, has a free-flowing medium which is forced through a constriction by a mobile pressure element on the action of an external force. A pull device or tension device pulls on the pressure element on the action of the external force.

Abstract: A damper including a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit via a regulator, a first movable member disposed within the first fluid conduit, a second movable member disposed within the second fluid conduit, and a fluid residing between the first and second movable members. The regulator may include one or more orifices each having a valve disposed therein, wherein the valves are moveable between a seated position and an unseated position with respect to the orifices and are spring biased toward the unseated position. The damper may be spring biased such that when it is mounted on a stationary rail of a drawer slide, and engages with a movable rail of the drawer slide, it urges the drawer slide toward a closed position and dampens the closing motion of the drawer slide.

Abstract: A piston/cylinder unit includes a closed cylinder filled with a fluid under pressure, a piston dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, and a piston rod extending through the second working chamber. A passage through the piston connects the first working chamber to the second working chamber, and a valve closing member is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the member closes the passage. A solenoid includes a coil, a coil core, and an armature in the piston, the armature driving the valve closing member between the closed position and the open position in response to a magnetic field produced by a current applied to the coil, the cylinder forming a magnetic field guide tube. The coil is supplied with current by a power line in the piston rod, and may be grounded to the piston rod or the cylinder.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake device includes a housing having a master cylinder, a master piston movably mounted in the master cylinder, a brake operating member and an adjustment mechanism. The brake operating member is arranged to move between a rest position and a brake actuating position and to move the master piston in response to movement of the brake operating member to the brake actuating position. The adjustment mechanism is arranged to adjust the rest position and a free stroke of the brake operating member with an initial travel position of the master piston remaining unchanged. The adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment member that adjusts a length of a free stroke and a second adjustment member that adjusts the rest position of brake operating member without changing the length of the free stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cart type bag whose volume can be minimized when the cart type bag is carried or stored. The cart type bag is made of material that can be shrunk or restored depending on the volume of stored items, and comprises: a bottom side volume adjustment member that is arranged in the inner bottom side of the bag and comprises a pair of opposite base plates, which are foldable or unfoldable; a rest that is arranged in the outer bottom side of the bag and is fixed to one of the pair of base plates; a bag movement member that comprises a mount that is arranged in the outer bottom side of the bag and is fixed to the other of the pair of base plates and in which a mounting space is defined in the outer bottom side of the bag, and wheels that are respectively fixed to both lower edges of the mount; and a balancing means that balances the pair of base plates of the bottom side volume adjustment member such that the pair of base plates are not folded after the pair of base plates is unfolded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high output machine unit; with a drive system provided with an output shaft; with a machine provided with a drive shaft; with a fillable and dischargeable hydrodynamic coupling arranged between the drive system and the machine; with a mechanical coupling arranged parallel to the hydrodynamic coupling; one half of the mechanical coupling can be connected non-rotationally to the output shaft of the drive system; the other half of the mechanical coupling can be connected non-rotationally to the drive shaft of the machine.

Abstract: A torque converter having an internal lock-up clutch which is activated by the elastic expansion or ballooning of the torque converter housing. This ballooning occurs due to the increased internal fluid pressure within the torque converter.

Abstract: When a drive shaft is in a non-drive state, a second drive rotor is in a non-engaged state with a driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. When the drive shaft is in a drive state, a rotating force of a first drive rotor is transmitted to the second drive rotor through an urging member. As a result, a power transmitting member revolves, and a centrifugal force arranges the power transmitting member at a second clamping position. The second drive rotor receives a reaction force from a driven rotor via the power transmitting member. As a result, the second drive rotor is relatively rotated in an opposite direction to a rotating direction of the first drive rotor with respect to the first drive rotor, against an urging force of the urging member. As a result, the first drive rotor is engaged with the driven rotor with respect to its own rotating direction. Accordingly, the clutch is stably operated.

Abstract: A drive through crankshaft assembly which selectively provides rotational power to a vehicle accessory while continuously providing rotational power to a second vehicle accessory. Rotational power is selectively provided using a cone clutch assembly that is modular. The cone clutch assembly provides power to the first vehicle accessory when it is in an engaged state. The first vehicle accessory is turned off by putting the cone clutch assembly into a disengaged state using a clutch control system.

Abstract: A parking meter assembly (10) including a base (11) that is to be fixed to or embedded in a ground surface, typically adjacent the curb that which a car is to be parked. The assembly (10) also includes a parking meter (13) having a front face (17) that includes a coin slot (25) a card slot (20) and a control panel (21). The parking meter (13) further includes a rear face (27) having a window aperture (28) that provides for the transmission of light to a solar panel (29) behind the aperture (28).

Abstract: A shaker conveyor assembly including a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes an electric motor that produces a rotary output. A cam assembly is operatively connected in driven relationship to the rotary output of the electric motor so as to rotate therewith. A cam follower assembly is operatively connected to the transport tray and is responsive to the rotation of the cam assembly to produce repeated, reciprocating, linear motion and to transmit this motion to the transport tray so as to convey items therealong.

Abstract: A rolling conveying device including guide rails 6, 6?, 5? in which, respectively, at least one rolling body 1, 1?, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10 which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling body. The rolling body or bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed. Solely the conveying bodies are displaced, respectively, driven between the rolling bodies. The invention essentially consists of few components, namely: of guide rails 6, 6?, 5?, in which respectively a rolling body 1, 1?, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged, in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10, which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling bodies. The rolling bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed.

Abstract: A roller-guided track apparatus is provided. The roller-guided track apparatus includes a support member and a track roller arrangement. The track roller arrangement includes an axle and a roller, with the axle having first and second axial ends thereof. The first axial end of the axle is attached to the support member in such a manner that the second axial end of the axle forms a distal end of the axle projecting away from the support member. The roller defines an inner side of the roller and an outer side of the roller and has an aperture formed therethrough configured for receiving the axle. The axle passes through the aperture of the roller such that the roller is rotatable about the axle, the inner side of the roller faces the support member, and the distal end of the axle extends beyond the outer side of the roller. The distal end of the axle is orbitally deformed to form a head for retaining the roller upon the axle.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker that comprises: a containment structure; a control mechanism; a plurality of circuit breaking poles, each of which comprises a housing containing a sealed ampoule that in turn contains at least one fixed contact and at least one moving contact, which can be mutually coupled and uncoupled, said housing consisting of a first side and a second side that define an interior containing said ampoule, the outer side wall on said first side being complementary to and associable with the outer side wall of said second side, said poles being located side-by-side to form a set of poles complementary to at least a part of said containment structure; operative connection means between said control mechanism and said poles.

Abstract: A button device for an electronic device includes a transparent active button (10); a switch module (20) located behind the active button, and a holder (30) for holding the switch module therein fixed in the electronic device. The switch module includes a switch base (22), and an actuatable switch head (21) incorporated with the switch base, the switch head includes a luminous component with electric connection to a power supply of the electronic device, the luminous component is configured to be pressed by the active button for urging the switch module to switch on or off the power supply and indicate an on or off state of the power supply.

Abstract: An insulating part (20) is provided for a high voltage switch of a metal-enclosed circuit-breaker system and is executed as a pressure-gelated casting on the base of a polymeric composite material. It comprises a base-plate (21) with a centrally arranged large through-hole (23) for receiving a current terminal lead of the high voltage switch and with small through-holes (24, 25) for receiving fastening screws. The insulating part further comprises two bearing blocks (22) for receiving a shaft of a movable contact of a contact arrangement of the switch and at least a first collar (26) which surrounds the large through-hole (23). For reason of the execution as a pressure-gelated casting the insulating part (20) can be manufactured easily with low costs but with high precision. In general a finish-maching of the casting is not required.

Abstract: A multi-position apparatus for use with a system operated in at least three distinct positions. The apparatus comprises (i) a position-selection mechanism, (ii) a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism, each link mechanism being operably coupled with the position-selection mechanism, (iii) a first weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the first link mechanism, (iv) a second weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the second link mechanism, (vi) a first output-actuating member operably coupled with the first weight-actuated spring mechanism, the first output-actuating member being arranged to operably communicate with the system, and (vii) a second output-actuating member operably coupled with the second weight-actuated spring mechanism. In one example, the system may be an electrical transfer switch having two separate set of electrical contacts.

Abstract: An operator control assembly including at least one operator control mounted in a panel cover or dashboard with at least one opening for receivably mounting the operator control, and at least one printed circuit board mounted beneath the panel cover. A unique configuration of projecting members on the bottom of the operator control comes in contract with and engages sensors mounted on the printed circuit board. Depending on the number and arrangement of the projecting members a unique subset o sensors t engaged, providing a unique electronic ID for each operator control installed. This electronic ID can then be transmitted to an electronic control unit, which will alter its operation based on the types o operator controls currently installed.