Abstract: A device for increasing the spacing of pots in an open area configured for attachment to a vertically actuatable fork lift supported by a moving vehicle such as a tractor. The device includes a horizontally extending member, plurality of forks, each fork including parallel rails, a first end of the parallel rails being appended to a continuous drive located within the horizontally extending member and a reversible motor geared to the continuous drive such that when the reversible motor is actuated in the first direction, the forks are caused to separate from one another and when the reversible motor is actuated in the second direction, the forks are caused to move closer to one another.

Abstract: An elevator belt comprising a belt body made of a first material, a reinforcement arrangement having at least one reinforcement provided on the belt body, and a tube arrangement made of a second material having at least one tube, the at least one reinforcement of the reinforcement arrangement being provided in a tube of the tube arrangement.

Abstract: Since there are a variety of models of elevators, it is extremely time consuming to set by each elevator a specified value for judging car sway. Also, when one specified value is made to represent criteria for all elevators in order to save time for the setting, detection results may vary. Specified values as judgment criteria for car sway are prestored as a table or a relational expression that employ elevator specifications as parameters and a means for automatically selecting a specified value by using information on the elevator specifications is provided, which saves time for the setting. Since the set specified value is suitable for that particular elevator, variation in detection results is suppressed to realize a highly reliable car sway detector.

Abstract: A wheel chock including a head for engagement with a vehicle wheel. The head has a blade that defines a pair of conjoined wedges oriented 180° apart. A hosel is affixed to, and extends laterally from, the middle of the blade. A handle is affixed to, and extends upwardly from, the hosel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a retarding device for a hand held cutting machine having a housing (1) and a drive engine, which drives a transmission including a number of transmission members (3?, 2) and driving a rotational or semi rotational cutting tool. The retarding device includes brake means (12, 17) arranged to be in close relation with the transmission and for actuating a retarding force on a transmission member (2), the brake means being arranged to automatically put a retarding force on said transmission member when the speed of rotation or the torque of rotation of said transmission member falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A tire chock having an at least partially threaded rod; a first trunnion having an aperture therethrough that receives the rod; first and second locking members, one locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the rod, the other locking member being rotatably fixed relative to the first trunnion. A tire chock may alternatively have an at least partially threaded rod; an upper trunnion rotatably attached to the rod; a lower trunnion threadedly attached to the rod, the lower trunnion translating axially relative to the rod upon rotation of the rod relative to the lower trunnion; a pair of linkage arms, the pair of linkage arms forming an X-shape, each linkage arm being connected to the lower trunnion by a drive arm and being connected to the upper trunnion by a support arm, wherein, as the rod is rotated relative to the lower trunnion, the linkage arms expand or contract.

Abstract: A brake comprising a brake disk stack including stators alternating with rotors that are rotatable relative to the stators about an axis of the disk stack, an annular torque plate at one axial end of the brake disk stack, and a circumferential arrangement of actuators at the other axial end of the brake disk stack for urging the brake disk stack against the torque plate thereby to effect a braking force on the rotors. A back leg (33) of the annular torque plate includes a plurality of apertures (110a-110f) arranged asymmetrically around the axis of the brake disk stack.

Abstract: An electronic wedge brake system includes an upper wedge member, one end portion of which is coupled to an inner pad provided to one side of a disc, and the other end portion of which defines an upper wedge surface thereon, a lower wedge member disposed adjacent to the upper wedge member and connected to a stationary member, the lower wedge member defining a lower wedge surface thereon in a side facing the upper wedge surface, at least a wedge roller provided between the upper and lower wedge surfaces, a roller grip plate slidably coupled to the upper wedge member for guiding a motion of the upper wedge member, and an actuator coupled to the stationary member and the roller grip plate and configured to selectively move the roller grip plate and the upper wedge member so that the inner pad can be engaged to or disengaged from the disc.

Abstract: Anti-squeal shim (100) comprising a fibre reinforced vibration insulating layer (110) and a vibration absorbing layer (120), the fibre reinforced vibration insulating layer comprises reinforcement fibres, a filler material and a binder material. There is also provided a method of producing anti-squeal shims, and a method of preventing squeal noise from a disc brake.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disc brake for a vehicle, such as an electronic wedge brake, capable of preventing a disc from being subject to the moment due to misalignment of inner and outer friction members with respect to a disc. The disc brake includes a disc rotating together with a vehicle wheel, inner and outer friction pads disposed at both sides of the disc, respectively, a wedge unit installed at rear sides of the inner and outer friction pads to press the inner and outer friction pads against the disc, a driving device that operates the wedge unit for a braking operation, and a sync member for synchronizing braking positions of the inner and outer friction pads with respect to the disc. Since the disc is prevented from being subject to the moment, uneven wear does not occur in the friction member and/or the disc and deformation of the disc is prevented.

Abstract: In the inside of a cylinder tube, there are provided a piston chamber and an adjusting chamber communicating each other, and these both chambers are filled with oil in a pressurized condition, and further, there are provided a piston moving in an axial direction in the piston chamber and a rod coupled to the piston. An elastic member is located in the inside of the adjusting chamber in a state that a reservoir tank is formed in the adjusting chamber by being compressed by pressurizing force of the oil, and impact is absorbed in such a way that the elastic member is caused to extend and contract by the oil flowing in/flowing out the reservoir tank by movement of the rod.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] An impact absorption body for a vehicle can have desired impact absorption performance, exhibits excellent impact absorption performance particularly immediately after an impact is applied to the body, and can maintain high impact absorption performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The impact absorption body (1) for a vehicle is installed within a vehicle forming member and absorbs impact energy in a collision. The impact absorption body (1) has a first wall (4) placed on the side that receives an impact, a second wall (5) facing the first wall (4) with a hollow section (2) between them, and one or more impact absorption ribs (9) constructed from deep groove sections (15) and shallow groove sections (16). The deep groove sections (15) are formed by depressing the first wall (4) and second wall (5) into groove shapes and integrally joining the top surfaces, which function as fusion bonding surfaces, of the depressions.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes an automotive brake component, such as a brake drum or a brake rotor, and an inlay coupled to the automotive brake component. The inlay constituting at least a portion of a braking surface that is acted upon during a braking event. The inlay damping vibrations in the automotive brake component when the component is vibrated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a simple mechanical arrangement for controlling a multi-regime continuously variable transmission. The transmission in question comprises a variator (10) and a gearing arrangement including a low regime clutch (CL) and a high regime clutch (CH). Engaging the low regime clutch places the transmission in the low regime. Engaging the high regime clutch places it in the high regime. The control system comprises a control part (such as a lever) which is movable by the user along a control path from a low ratio end to a high ratio end. The position of the control part dictates variator ratio and transmission ratio. The system further incorporates a low regime clutch control device which engages the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low ratio end of its path and a low clutch transition point, and which releases the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low clutch transition point and the high ratio end of its path.

Abstract: A bicycle clutch comprises a transmission shaft, at least two gears, at least two slide blocks, at least two clutch blocks, at least two guiding blocks, a switch shaft and a stationary shaft. The gears and the slide blocks are coaxially disposed on the transmission shaft. The sliding blocks, switch shaft and stationary shaft are coaxially assembled. The clutch blocks are disposed on the transmission shaft, the gears and the slide blocks. The guiding blocks are disposed on the switch shaft and the slide blocks. Through angle deflection, the clutch can selectively make one of the gears engage with the driven assembly to change the rotation speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dry, dual clutch module having reduced axial length. The clutch module includes a larger diameter, single plate outer clutch which drives a first transmission input shaft or drive quill and a smaller diameter, double plate inner clutch which drives a second transmission input shaft or drive quill. The smaller diameter clutch is nested within the larger diameter clutch and thus they essentially reside within the same axial space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling arrangement comprising a component (6) fixed to a housing, a piston (2) that is located rotatably about an axis of rotation (?) relative to the component (6) fixed to a housing, a rotatable component (1) designed as a component mounted rotatably about the axis of rotation (?) relative to the component fixed to a housing and having a chamber (8) in the front region of the piston (2), a line arrangement (4) forming a communication line through the component (6) fixed to a housing and the rotatable component (1) to the chamber (8) for a pressure medium, and a rotary feedthrough seal (3) sealing the line arrangement (4) between the component (6) fixed to a housing and the rotatable component (1), wherein a radial inner distance (ri) and/or a radial outer distance (ra) of the piston (2) from the axis of rotation (?) is less than a radial seal distance (r0) of the rotary feedthrough seal (3).

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a piston apparatus of an automatic transmission includes a piston member capable of moving in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and a hydraulic chamber, and has been configured so that the piston member moves in the axial direction due to pressure in the hydraulic chamber. The piston member includes a cylinder part that extends in the axial direction and to which pressure in the hydraulic chamber is transmitted, a pressing part that extends in the radial direction and presses against a friction engaging element of the automatic transmission, and a connecting part that connects the cylinder part and the pressing part and, with respect to the axial direction, is offset from the pressing part in a direction of separation from the friction engaging element. Also, the axial direction offset amount of the connecting part from the pressing part of the piston member has been set larger than the stroke amount of the piston member.

Abstract: The pump clutch is a device which transfers energy from its input shaft to the output shaft where a hydraulic gear pump is provided to enable the circulation of oil inside. The clutch input shaft is connected to the pressure production system; thus, the energy it requires to circulate the oil is provided. The amount of engagement between the clutch output shaft and the clutch input shaft is determined by the amount of oil circulating in the system. In turn, the amount of oil in the device is controlled by the control tap. With the clutch output shaft stabilized on the surface, we can control the circulation of the oil in the system with the control tap and the energy in the input shaft is thus transferred onto the stabilized surface through the output shaft thereby halting the rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A viscous clutch assembly (100) includes a rotational input structure (110), a rotor (104) attached to the rotational input structure (110), a selectively rotatable member (102) surrounding the rotor (104) and rotatably supported by the rotational input structure (110), an electromagnetic coil (108) positioned relative to a driven side of the rotor (104), a valve assembly (106) supported by the rotor (104), and a magnetic flux circuit for controlling the valve assembly (106) with magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic coil (108). The valve assembly (106) includes a cover plate (140) for regulating flow of a shear fluid. The rotational input structure (110) comprises a material capable of conducting magnetic flux. The magnetic flux circuit is configured to include no more than four air gaps (G1-G4).

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assembly uses hydraulic-actuation to select operating modes within a rotating housing. Two races of the SOWC assembly can rotate at disparate speeds, i.e., one race is not grounded prior to actuation. The SOWC assembly has a pair of races keyed to different housings and hubs. The housing and hub can be attached to different elements of a gear train, for example, which can be rotating during the various gear states. A hydraulic actuator or multiple actuators can be keyed to the housing, with axial motion of the actuator or actuators selecting a state or operating mode of the SOWC assembly. The actuator has axially-extending tabs that engage radially-extending fingers of the selector plate, thus rotating the selector plate in different directions when applied or released. Multiple actuators can be used in conjunction with multiple selector plates to provide additional SOWC operating modes.

Abstract: A dog-tooth-face interface for a vehicle includes a first clutch element that has a plurality of recesses distributed on a side of the first clutch element and around an axis through the first clutch element and a second clutch element that has a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the recesses and distributed on a side of the second clutch element adjacent the recesses. At least one of the first clutch clement and the second clutch element is configured so as to rotate about the axis, and at least one of the first clutch element and second clutch element is configured so as to move along the axis to engage or disengage the first and second clutch elements. Moreover, the first clutch element has a substantially continuous wall surrounding the recesses, and the recesses have at least one corner relief portion configured to avoid contact with corners of the teeth.

Abstract: A drive assembly (10) for a regenerative drive system (11) that incorporates a pump/motor (12) and an electronic and a hydraulic control system (13). When incorporated in a motor lorry, and the motor lorry is de-accelerating a second clutch part (20) of the assembly (10) is engaged with a first clutch part (19) to thereby drive the pump/motor (12). The pump/motor (12) is rendered inoperative by operation of a clutch (18).

Abstract: A decoupler with driven and driving members, a clutch, a torsional vibration damper and a lubricant. The clutch is received in a bore in the driven member and includes a carrier, a wrap spring and at least one spring. The wrap spring is formed of spring wire and has a plurality of coils disposed between a first end, which is received in a groove in the carrier, and a second end. The portion of the wrap spring outside the carrier has an outer circumferential spring surface that is abutted against the inner circumferential surface of the bore. The at least one spring is disposed between the carrier and the driving member to transmit rotary power from the driving member to the carrier. The torsional vibration damper is coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith. The lubricant is disposed on the remaining portion of the wrap spring.

Abstract: A banknote handling machine has a taking-in unit that takes in banknotes one by one, a transport unit that transports the banknote taken in by the taking-in unit, a transport state detection unit that detects the transport state of the banknote taken in by the taking-in unit, a recognition unit that recognizes a kind of the banknote transported by the transport unit, first to third stacking units including stackers in which the banknotes transported by the transport unit are stacked, and a control unit that determines an abnormally transported banknote based on the detection result of the transport state detection unit and determines a specific normal banknote, an abnormal banknote, or a non-specific banknote based on the recognition result of the recognition unit, the control unit controlling the transport unit to transport the banknote determined as the specific normal banknote to the first stacking unit, to transport the banknote determined as the abnormal banknote to the second stacking unit, and to trans

Abstract: A robotic mount is configured to move an entertainment element such as a video display, a video projector or a staircase. The robotic mount is movable in three-dimensions, whereby the associated entertainment element is moveable in three-dimensional space. In one embodiment, a unitary display comprises a plurality of closely spaced individual displays which are mounted to robotic mounts, whereby the configuration of the unitary display may be altered by changing the position of one or more of the displays relative to the others.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles within a packaging machine is disclosed. The device includes at least one conveying system for the articles to be packaged or for the packaging units for the articles to be packaged. The conveying system includes a continuously circulating transport track. The at least one conveying system has several trays that can be connected to each individual transport track. Each conveying system is configured with an upper level and a lower level. A first lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the beginning and a second lifting unit is associated with each conveying system at the end, said lifting units moving the trays at the beginning and at the end of the conveying system between the upper level and the lower level.

Abstract: A dynamic buffer is associated to two consecutive conveyor lines, respectively belonging to a first machine and a second machine and comprises: a storage conveyor, in which an operating station for inlet and outlet of articles is defined, situated in proximity of an unloading position of the first line; handling organs for transferring the articles from the unloading position to the second line, in a condition of normal functioning of the second machine, or to the operating station of the storage conveyor, in a halted condition of the second machine. On restarting, the second machine is accelerated and the handling organs pick up the articles stored in the storage conveyor from the operating station, in the same order of insertion and in alternation with the articles supplied towards the unloading position; this stage proceeds up to the emptying of the storage conveyor.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An loading apparatus (100) for use in a packaging machine includes a grouping conveyor (300) for conveying groups of articles (16) in a flow direction (10). The grouping conveyor (300) includes a plurality of conveyor plates (320) and grouping lugs (310) that are slidably attached to one of the plurality of conveyor plates (320) so as to be individually moveable in a transverse direction (90) to selectively extend to span the space between the grouping conveyor and a carton conveyor as needed to facilitate loading groups of the articles into cartons and to selectively retract to avoid impeding operation of the packaging machine. The grouping conveyor (300) also includes a multi-position locking mechanism (82) that releasably locks the grouping lug (310) in two transverse positions. A system of proximity sensors (530, 540) monitors the grouping conveyor (300) to ensure that the grouping lugs (310) are properly transversely positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting food products (20), particularly product slices produced by means of a slicer (26, 28, 30), comprising at least one transfer station (10) for receiving food products from an incoming product stream flowing in from at least one incoming conveyor (12) and for transferring the food products to an outgoing conveyor (14), wherein the transfer station comprises a transfer unit that is configured to simultaneously transfer a group of successively received food products to the outgoing conveyor.

Abstract: A metering system (1) for grouping and spacing articles (A) that are initially in a stream of articles passing within a working reach of the metering system, which metering system comprises a plurality of tools (10), which tools are arranged and adapted to be brought into contact with and subsequently accelerate some portion of the article stream, thereby to create a spaced group, wherein each tool comprises an integral drive means that is controllable independently of the integral drive means of each other tool.

Abstract: A sorting plant and method for sorting articles, especially flat mail consignments, include a conveying device, a transfer mechanism and at least one reception device. A conveying transport mechanism of the conveying device transports an article along a conveyor track. The reception device has a plurality of reception components for at least one respective article and a reception transport mechanism. The reception transport mechanism moves the reception components along a reception component track and simultaneously brings one respective reception component of the reception device into a transfer position. The reception component track has a reception segment proceeding vertically or obliquely from the top downward. The transfer mechanism brings an article from the conveying device into one of the reception devices when the article is located at a transfer point on the conveyor track and when this reception component is located in a transfer position with respect to the transfer point.

Abstract: An apparatus for buffering products comprises at least three buffer conveyors (2) arranged in series, which can be driven independently of each other, a first buffer conveyor (2a) which can be connected to supply means for supplying products and a last buffer conveyor (2c) which can be connected to discharge means for discharging the products, wherein the buffer conveyors are so arranged that each of the products follows the same conveying path and that at least one of the buffer conveyors comprises a spiral path.

Abstract: A product stabilizing conveyor system for a continuous, segmented lane curvilinear conveyor having linear and curvilinear sections. The conveyor is configured to transport small products, e.g. 0.46 diameter glass vials, in circular fashion. Wedged-shaped diverter elements are positioned at the juncture between a linear section and curvilinear section of the conveyor, after the registry and outfeed area. The diverter elements serve to direct the minute vials away from the larger interstices which form on the outbound paths of travel of the curvilinear section and towards the smaller sized interstices on the inboard paths of travel. Diverting the vials in this manner ensures they do not cross over the edges of the larger sized interstices and fall over onto the conveyor surface. Instead they remain upright as they travel around the curvilinear section and hence around the entire conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorised flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ.

Abstract: A conveyance device uses a simple structure to cause a travel body on which food and drink are placed to travel stably. The conveyance device (10) causes the travel body (11) to travel and convey the food and drink that can be placed on the travel body (11). The conveyance device (10) has a conveyance drive section (13) provided along a travel path (12) on which the travel body (11) travels and also has a travel body connection section (14) connected to the travel body (11) and moving in the direction of travel of the travel body (11) by being driven by the conveyance drive section (13). The conveyance drive section (13) is placed on a side of the travel path (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying dough portions (7, 15, 16), comprising a circulating conveyance means (2,20) forming a conveyance surface for in a conveyance direction (T) conveying and supporting the dough portions (7, 15, 36), a support device for at least partially supporting the conveyance means, wherein the support device (5, 25) is adjustable or interchangeable for setting a relief of the conveyance surface.

Abstract: A mode switching switch and a dial switch are coaxially provided. A spring member is fixed to a linkage unit of the dial switch. The linkage unit is inserted through a click number change member, which has a cylinder unit and a shaft. The shaft is inserted into a guide groove formed on a cylinder unit of the mode switching switch. By the rotation of the mode switching switch, the click number change member is moved in the axial direction. On the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit of the click number change member, two click surfaces on which the different numbers of concaves or convexes are formed in the circumferential direction are aligned in the axial direction. By the movement in the axial direction of the click number change member, any one of the click surfaces is engaged with the spring member.

Abstract: An ignition key switch apparatus having a compact size, high current capability, and a snap action mechanism. A pre-loaded snap spring can be configured to include a fixed end attached to an anchor and a free end attached to a movable contact operable between normal and actuated positions. A cam can be utilized to convert a rotary motion at a key interface into a linear movement of a plunger for snap spring blade actuation. The unique pre-loaded snap spring generates a fast (e.g., instantaneous) movement from an open to a closed position and vice versa upon application/removal of a load to reduce the effect of arcing on associated contacts and conductors. The pre-loaded snap spring also ensures that the movable contact does not remain in any intermittent position, other than the two extreme positions given at any position of the plunger.

Abstract: An interlock assembly for a bypass isolation open or closed transition ATS assembly is disclosed. The interlock assembly ensures that a switch assembly being worked upon and/or being inserted is in a neutral configuration, i.e. the switch assembly is not engaging a power source. The interlock assembly is, preferably, an electrical interlock having a control system structured to configure the switch assemblies and to monitor the configuration of the switch assemblies. That is, the switch assemblies each include a power operated, conductive, movable contact arm. The position of each contact arm is controlled, and monitored by, the control system which controls the single actuator for each contact arm.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a protective circuit for an apparatus including an accelerometer having an output and a microcontroller coupled to the output of the accelerometer. The protective circuit also includes a switch for controlling the apparatus coupled to an output of the microcontroller and a load coupled to the switch. A power source is coupled to the load and the switch. In operation the microcontroller is cable of sending a signal to the switch to turn of power to the load when a dangerous condition has occurred. Also, the invention is directed toward a method of controller an apparatus with the protective circuit.

Abstract: An automotive brake light switch mounted on a brake booster includes a housing defining a constant pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, with a first through-hole of the housing, a second through-hole formed in the diaphragm and an air intake valve to allow the constant pressure chamber to selectively communicate with the variable pressure chamber, wherein the air intake valve is fitted into the second through-hole and configured to selectively open or close the first through-hole in response to a brake pedal, the brake light switch apparatus having a switch body, a switch rod slidably mounted to the switch body so as to turn on/off a switch of the switch body, wherein a protruding length of the switch rod is changeable by the air intake valve, and a coupling portion coupling the switch body to the housing through the first through-hole.

Abstract: A rotary control switch includes a body member, a shaft member and a conducting member. The body member includes a main body having a receptacle and a perforation. Multiple recesses are disposed within the receptacle. The perforation is communicated with the receptacle. The shaft member includes a base and a rotating shaft. The base has a sustaining structure. A protrusion is extended from the rotating shaft. The conducting member is connected with the base of the shaft member. The protrusion is sustained against or engaged with the main body and the base is accommodated within the receptacle of the body member. The base of the shaft member is rotated with respect to the control panel and the body member upon rotation of the rotating shaft. When the sustaining structure is sustained against a specified one of the recesses, the conducting member is electrically connected with a corresponding contact pad of the control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-step pressurized switch providing various signals in response to variation of pressure applied thereto. The multi-step pressurized switch includes a switched PCB connected to a PCB of an electronic device and having at least one or more contact points on the top, and an elastic plate settled on the top of the switched PCB and electrically connecting the contact points with each other if there is pressure. The elastic plate includes a first projection protruding upward from the edge of the elastic plate, a second projection joining with the first projection and protruding in the same direction with the first projection, and a first slope bending down toward a direction opposite to the first projection from the edge of the elastic plate.

Abstract: The invention provides lateral nanoelectromechanical switches useful for integration into circuitry fabricated using standard semiconductor processing methods, or using techniques compatible with the mainstream semiconductor processing technologies. Methods of fabricating the switches are described. Some exemplary designs for two and three terminal switches are provided. Descriptions of structural features and the operating parameters for some exemplary switches are given. The switches are expected to be compatible with circuitry that is operable in computer-based systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary contact block for expanding a switching device and to a switching device having at least one auxiliary contact block according to the invention. The aim of the invention is to provide a compact auxiliary contact block, i.e. a block requiring little wiring and space, for a switching device, and a switching device having at least one auxiliary contact block according to the invention. The aim is achieved by an auxiliary contact block, wherein the auxiliary contact block comprises auxiliary contacts disposed in a plane, the contacts having contact bridges and associated fixed contact pieces, and at least one contact slider, which can be equipped with at least one auxiliary contact pair. The configuration of the auxiliary contacts in a plane as described herein allows a very small installation size and very little wiring complexity of the auxiliary contacts in a simple manner.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a support plate for reinforcing a portion of a circuit board. The support plate may be coupled to a portion of the circuit board that is subject to forces (e.g., portions of the circuit board having switches) to prevent flexing of the board. The support plate may be coupled to the circuit board. This invention is also directed to a switch constructed from a button, a label plate, and a backer plate. The label plate and the backer plate may include apertures operative to receive a protrusion extending from the button, where the protrusion is welded to the backer plate. Labels may be printed or attached to the bottom surface of the label plate to protect the labels. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be welded to the backer plate. The protrusion may be operative to engage an electrical switch of an electronic device in which the switch is placed.

Abstract: A concavo-convex light emitting section provided on an under surface of a base material is formed of a synthetic resin with inorganic oxide dispersed therein. A larger amount of light is reflected by inorganic oxide having a large refractive index and dispersed inside the synthetic resin, to cause a plurality of light emitting sections to emit bright light with a small number of light emitting elements. A light guiding sheet capable of making bright and uniform illumination and a movable contact body using the same are realized with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A fan controller that is capable of switching power to a fan between an “on” state and an “off” state in accordance with one or more programmable schedule. In some cases, fan controller may be programmed to display one or more screens for setting one or more parameters of the fan controller by interacting with a first button and/or a second button. In some cases, when the controller is in an operating mode, depressing a first button, second button, and/or a third button may temporarily override the programmable schedule and, in some cases, override the programmable schedule for a programmable period of time.