Abstract: A three point hitch for a work vehicle is provided with one draft link of fixed length and another draft link of variable length. The variable length draft link includes a linear double action hydraulic cylinder assembly, a first attachment plate fixedly connected with one of the arm and the cylinder of the assembly and having a pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the vehicle, and a second attachment plate fixedly connected with a remaining one of the arm and the cylinder and having a first pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with a tilt link and a second pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the implement to be supported from the vehicle. The variable length draft link permits lateral adjustment of the angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle center line.

Abstract: A subsoil ripper for subsoil tillage, where a spur is operatively connected to the shank of the subsoil ripper; for example, operatively connected to the posterior of the shank of the subsoil ripper.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool is provided with a cap assembly which includes a switch mechanism that permits the tool to be operated in one of two firing modes of operation. The switch mechanism comprises a two-position switch mechanism such that when the switch mechanism is disposed at a first one of its two positions, the tool will be able to operate in a fully automatic continuous firing mode of operation so as to continuously fire fasteners into a substrate as long as the workpiece contact element and the trigger mechanism are disposed at their depressed positions, or alternatively, when the switch mechanism is disposed at the second one of the two positions, the tool can be operated in a one-shot firing mode such that the tool can only fire a single fastener, either in accordance with, for example, a sequential-firing mode of operation or a bump-firing mode of operation, until the trigger mechanism is released and again depressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pneumatic operated hammer for rock drilling, the hammer comprising a cylindrical casing, a back head mounted at an upper portion of the casing, a check valve for opening/closing a compressed air passageway in the casing, a guide for supporting the check valve, a piston adapted to ascend and descend with compressed air in the casing, and a button bit for performing a drilling work through the striking of the piston. The piston is extended to a certain length to conform to the work condition of the pneumatic hammer to thereby prevent a water back-flow phenomenon in which underground water, etc.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for further enhancing the effect of reducing a reaction force inputted during hammering operation. Representative impact tool comprises a tool body, a hammer actuating member, a cylinder and a compression coil spring. The compression coil spring contacts the hammer actuating member and thereby positions the tool body with respect to the workpiece when the hammer actuating member is pressed against the workpiece and pushed rearward in advance of the hammering operation. In such position, the compression coil spring absorbs a reaction force that is caused by rebound from the workpiece and acts upon the hammer actuating member when the hammer actuating member performs the hammering operation on the workpiece. The cylinder is inserted into the tool body from the front along the axial direction of the hammer actuating member and thereby housed within a predetermined housing part of the tool body.

Abstract: Machine for ground drilling, with a circulating fluid, by the utilization of electric discharge generated by high-voltage pulses between electrodes. It may comprise: —A drill-bit 1 with electrodes movable relative to each other, so that bottom-hole physical contact be secured for all the electrodes 4 on all bottom-hole topographies. —Pointed hydraulic nozzles for jetting the fluid, to remove primary cuttings and with pressure expansion across the nozzles 7 at no less than 4 MPa. —A high-voltage pulse generator deployed down-hole at a minimum distance from the drill-bit 1. —A rotating or oscillating bit causing the borehole cross-sectional excavation to occur, and electric discharge between a plurality of electrodes situated on the bit face along one or a few radii and tangents. —A bottom hole assembly for annular hole-making with core storage, transportation, down-hole closed loop discharge fluid circulation. A discharge fluid storage may be incorporated. A drilling method is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including motor apparatus, a main shaft driven by the motor apparatus, and sensing apparatus for sensing bending of the main shaft; and, in certain aspects, the system providing information regarding the extent of main shaft bending and/or for warning an operator of an undesirable amount of main shaft bending. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.

Abstract: Earth-boring rotary drill bits include bit bodies comprising a composite material including a plurality of hard phase regions or particles dispersed throughout a titanium or titanium-based alloy matrix material. The bits further include a cutting structure disposed on a face of the bit body. In some embodiments, the bit bodies may include a plurality of regions having differing material compositions. For example, the bit bodies may include a first region comprising a plurality of hard phase regions or particles dispersed throughout a titanium or titanium-based alloy matrix material, and a second region comprising a titanium or a titanium-based alloy material. Methods for forming such drill bits include at least partially sintering a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of particles comprising titanium or a titanium-based alloy material to form a bit body comprising a particle-matrix composite material. A shank may be attached directly to the bit body.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a track on a tracked vehicle may comprise a drive system, a clutch, a brake, and a track control system to operate the clutch and the brake. A control signal generator operatively associated with the track control system produces control signals that vary at a first rate to cause the track control system to transition the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state and produces control signals that vary at a second rate to cause the track control system to transition the brake from an initial application state to a full application state, the second rate being less than the first rate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a barrier-overpassing transporter, which comprises: a support frame carrying a rider or another load; a sensing/adjusting module detecting a tilting state of the support frame and maintaining the support frame in a horizontal state; a ground contact module arranged below the support frame supporting an effective load and lifting the support frame to overpass a surface of a barrier; and a wireless transceiver module collecting and transmitting information to enable adjustments and activities responding to interior states of the transporter. Thereby, the present invention can provide a safe, stable, reliable, comfortable, convenient and low-cost barrier-overpassing transporter.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having a contoured track support pan cooperates with a fringed track and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from operator directed servos coupled to the engine. The support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed center region. The track is divided into center and right and left fringe portions defined by seriatim, lateral slits. Alternating rows of transverse, laterally offset drive lugs and ground contact lugs project from internal and external surfaces of the track. The drive lugs rotate within a contoured recess provided in the support pan. The ground contacting lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles and provide transverse horizontal and obtuse extending portions that exhibit elongated, inverted V-shapes.

Abstract: A drive unit (1) for an industrial truck comprises a drive motor (2), an electronic steering mechanism (3) being arranged at the periphery thereof. In this way, the drive unit (1) is configured such that it is simpler to assemble and more reliable to operate due to less wiring.

Abstract: A double clutch for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, has an input shaft that can be driven by an internal combustion engine, and an output shaft that is connected to a transmission. An intermediate shaft extends coaxially to the output shaft and can be driven by an electric motor. The input shaft and the intermediate shaft can be coupled together by a first clutch of the double clutch. The intermediate shaft and the output shaft can be coupled together by a second clutch of the double clutch.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal clutch is interposed in a power transmission system between an engine and a driving wheel. A motor, which is capable of generating electricity, is supplied with electricity from a battery to generate auxiliary power. The motor is connected to a crankshaft of the engine. An acceleration data acquisition component acquires the accelerator operation amount and the accelerator operation speed. A rotational speed detection component detects the speed of the crankshaft. A rotational speed estimation component is adapted to estimate the engagement completion rotational speed, which is a rotational speed at which the automatic centrifugal clutch is completely engaged, based upon the acceleration data acquired by the acceleration data acquisition component.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive control system is configured to perform engine startup when switching from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive mode, without creating a sense of output torque loss. In particular, a controller selectively controls a first clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator and a second clutch disposed between the motor/generator and a drive wheel to switch between an electric drive mode in which the first clutch is released and the second clutch is engaged, and a hybrid drive mode in which both the first and second clutches are engaged. The controller sets the second torque transfer capacity to a value that is more than zero and less than the target motor/generator torque of the motor/generator when switching from the electric drive mode to the hybrid drive mode and when starting the engine.

Abstract: Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.

Abstract: In a driving-force distribution control unit, a first transfer-torque calculation unit calculates an input-torque sensitive transfer torque, a second transfer-torque calculation unit calculates a steering-angle/yaw-rate sensitive transfer torque, and a third transfer-torque calculation unit calculates a tack-in preventing transfer torque. In the third transfer-torque calculation unit, tack-in prevention control is performed during turning at a high speed not only when the accelerator opening is substantially reduced and the current accelerator opening becomes small, but also when the torque amount to be reduced by a traction control unit is more than a preset value. Further, when at least one of a side-slip prevention control unit and an ABS is started, tack-in prevention control is prohibited.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle includes a window actuator connected to a window system of the vehicle for moving a window to an open position, a door lock actuator connected to a door lock system of the vehicle for moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, a seat belt actuator connected to a seat belt release connector for disengaging the release connector from a first connector of a seat belt system, a trunk system for opening a trunk compartment and a trigger in operational connection with the actuator(s). When the trigger is operated, the system is substantially simultaneously actuated moving the window to the open position, moving the door lock system to the unlocked position, disengaging the release connector from the first connector of the seat belt system, and/or opening part of the trunk system.

Abstract: A member disengagement apparatus comprises fastening release parts for disengaging fastened members fastened by fastening parts, a release operation unit for releasing the fastening release parts, an operation-inhibiting unit for inhibiting a release operation of the release operation unit, and a control unit for controlling the operation-inhibiting unit. The control unit controls the operation-inhibiting unit so that the release operation is no longer inhibited when specific emergency signals are received.

Abstract: A fuel supply system component protective construction includes a high-pressure fuel pump (21), a protector (41), and a pin member (51). The high-pressure fuel pump (21) includes a block (31) and a union (23). The block (31) is endowed with a relatively high rigidity with respect to the union (23). The protector (41) confronts the union (23) and the block (31) at a certain distance. The pin member (51) is provided between the block (31) and the protector (41). When the high-pressure fuel pump (21) and the protector (41) shift in the direction to mutually approach one another, the pin member (51) contacts the block (31) before the protector (41) contacts the union (23), so that a resilient force operates upon the high-pressure fuel pump (21) and the protector (41).

Abstract: A mobile vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of proportional controls to control the operation of a first set of equipment and a second set of equipment.

Abstract: A drive switching lever device for a vehicle for a vehicle in which a single control lever can operate both two-wheel-drive/four-wheel drive switching means and a differential lock on/off switching mechanism includes a bell crank swingably supported by a vehicle body side. A pull rod adapted to operate a switching lever of a two-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive switching means is connected to a lever bracket and a control cable adapted to operate a switching lever of a differential lock on/off switching mechanism is connected to the bell crank. When a control lever is swung independently of the lever bracket, the bell crank is swung in engagement with the shaft portion of the control lever. The resulting configuration provides flexibility for the layout of the linkage between the control lever and the operating portion of each switching mechanism.

Abstract: A deep insertion vented earpiece system is described including resilient earpieces shaped to a wearer's ear canal for a conformal fit. A receptacle is provided within the outer surface of each earpiece for releasably receiving an audio plug. The audio plugs include a miniature loudspeaker and a pair of external ribs for mating with a corresponding pair of grooves formed along the periphery of the receptacle. This rib and groove feature provides for a secure retention of the audio plugs while enabling a simple removal operation. Each earpiece includes an audio passage to conduct the audio signal from the loudspeaker and a vent passage to enable continuous venting of the wearer's ear to atmosphere.

Abstract: A device (10) for reducing noise and heat emissions from a laboratory instrument in a laboratory, comprising a casing (20) with sound-absorbing walls (240), wherein the casing (20) forms an interior space (210, 220) for accommodating the laboratory instrument. At least one of the sound-absorbing walls (240) has an air inlet (30). The device (10) further has a flue (40) arranged on one of the sound-absorbing walls (240), so that the interior space (210, 220) of the casing (20) can be vented via the air inlet (30) and the flue (40). During operation of the laboratory instrument situated in the interior space (210, 220) of the device (10), the sound generated by the laboratory instrument is absorbed by the walls, so that essentially no noise, or only significantly reduced levels of noise, generated by the laboratory instrument can escape the device (10).

Abstract: A substrate such as a heat shield for a vehicle is provided with a unitary compressed wire mesh bushing or isolator formed in place though a bore in the substrate. The bushing is formed by supporting an uncompressed or partially compressed wire mesh sleeve, optionally including a grommet or spacer, on a mandrel positioned within the bore; the mandrel is surrounded on either side of the bore by outer sleeves forming a molding cavity on each side of the substrate, and a slidable tamp is disposed in each outer sleeve and moved towards each other to compress the mesh within the bore and provide the unitary bushing.

Abstract: A noise reduction structure for a hybrid vehicle in which a cover covers at least part of an air intake system connected to an engine capable of giving power to a driving wheel, an exhaust muffler constituting part of an exhaust system connected to the engine, and an electric motor capable of giving power to the driving wheel. When at least part of the air intake system, the exhaust muffler constituting part of an exhaust system, and the electric motor is covered with the common cover, heat generated by the exhaust muffler is prevented from affecting the electric motor. The rotational axis of the electric motor extends in a longitudinal direction of a body frame and is disposed forwardly of the central position of the exhaust muffler extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle lift apparatus is provided, having an infrared wireless controller and a wired controller for operating the lift. The wired controller includes an infrared sensor for receipt of the signals from the wireless controller. The wired controller is removably attached to the vehicle lift apparatus in a position normally capable of receiving the infrared control instructions.

Abstract: A method of assigning destination calls to cars (A-F) in an elevator system (20) having a plurality of hoistways (21-23) in which there is more than one car in each hoistway includes determining (33) the time for each car to respond to the call Among the cars with an acceptable response time, a determination is made regarding (34) the amount of additional delay in the hoistway that assignment of the call to one car will impose on the either car in the same hoistway. The call is assigned to that car which creates the least additional delay for cars in any hoistway.

Abstract: Load measuring equipment has a small-area load sensor arranged between a support and a first damping body for vibration damping of parts relative to the support. The support may be a bracket and the parts may be a lift drive engine. The force on the sensor, which may be the force emanating from an engine foot of the drive engine made up of cage weight, cage load, weight of the counterweight, weight of the support cables and weight of the drive unit, is a small portion of the force on the support, such as the bracket. The ratio of the area of the first damping body to the load sensor determines the ratio of the force acting on the damping body to the force acting on L, and sensed by Z the load sensor.

Abstract: In a control operation performed at time of an earthquake or strong wind, when a running elevator is stopped at a nearest floor, the natural frequency of the transverse vibration of a rope is prevented from resonating with the natural frequency of the building, and thereby an increase in transverse vibration of the rope is restrained. In the control operation, when a shake of the building caused by earthquake or strong wind is detected, a running elevator is stopped at the nearest floor, or an elevator passing through an express zone is stopped emergently and runs at a low speed to the nearest floor, the natural frequency of the transverse vibration of the rope is compared with the natural frequency of the building, and the car stop position is selected at a non-resonance position to prevent the natural frequency of the transverse vibration of the rope from resonating with the natural frequency of the building.

Abstract: A brake pad assembly includes a brake pad including a base portion, a first ear portion, and an opposed second ear portion. The first ear portion and the second ear portion extend outwardly from the base section. The first ear portion includes a first upper section, a first central section, and a first lower section. The second ear portion includes a second upper section, a second central section, and a second lower section. A first clip receives the first ear portion and a second clip receives the second ear portion. The first ear portion includes a first defined contact location and a second defined contact location in relation to the first clip. The second ear portion includes a third defined contact location in relation to the second clip.

Abstract: A method is provided for balancing a disc brake rotor having a first annular friction plate, a second annular friction plate, and a core gap. The first annular friction plate includes a first circumferential surface. The second annular friction plate includes a second circumferential surface. Respective regions are determined for removing material within the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface for balancing the disc brake rotor if the disc brake rotor is out of balance. A rotary straddle cutting tool is aligned with respective regions of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface. Material is cut from the respective regions of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface with the rotary straddle cutting tool. Cutting material from the respective regions includes removing material within the width of the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface.

Abstract: A brake pad for a bicycle comprises a backing plate formed from titanium, and a friction member bonded to the backing plate through a diffusion layer. The diffusion layer is formed at least in part by thermal spraying copper onto the backing plate. A method of constructing the brake pad comprises the steps of thermal spraying copper on a backing plate formed from titanium to form a copper layer on the backing plate, and bonding a friction member to the copper layer by forming a diffusion layer with the copper layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a brake pad assembly for a disc brake on a bicycle, the brake pad assembly comprising a brake friction pad and a back plate. The back plate includes a first layer deposited onto the brake friction pad and a second layer deposited onto the first layer. The first layer is made of an aluminum alloy and the second layer is made of a stainless steel.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and damper arrangement is provided that includes a driver hub and a driven element coupled to the driver hub by a compliance element. A clutch is provided that is selectively engageable to the driven element. The clutch has a housing supporting the compliance element and is torsionally unitary with the driven element.

Abstract: A hanging chute with a rib cage is described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a chute constructed from flexible wear material with a rib cage to reinforce the chute. In particular, several ribs are dispersed throughout the length of the flexible sheet for support. A flexible sheet has a reinforced edge with varying thicknesses to accommodate different weight loads and abrasive conditions. Furthermore, the chute has interlocking edges for ease of constructing long lengths from a series of shorter sections. These shorter sections are easier to transport to a processing plant or other site where the chute is to be installed. Preferably the chute is easily maintainable and can incorporate wear inserts for additional wear resistance.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stationary conveyor section, a movable conveyor section extendable with respect to the stationary conveyor section, and a movement assembly configured to move the movable conveyor section with respect to the stationary conveyor section. The movement assembly comprises a plurality of teeth mounted on a first conveyor section, and a teeth engaging apparatus mounted on a second conveyor section and configured to engage and move the teeth on the first conveyor section with respect to the second conveyor section.

Abstract: A bi-directional escalator includes an ascending escalator and a descending escalator arranged in parallel and side-by-side with the ascending escalator. A driving machine drives an ascending driving unit and a descending driving unit at the same time. A controller controls operation of the driving machine. The driving machine includes an electric motor and a reduction gearbox connected to the electric motor. The reduction gearbox has a first output shaft and a second output shaft both arranged on the same side of the reduction gearbox.

Abstract: An automated grouping system of bakery products increases a quantity of bakery products that may be fed to equipment having a larger processing capacity. The automated grouping system includes a supporting structure laterally arranged adjacent to a conveyor of bakery products. The structure includes two longitudinally-arranged lateral rails. Sliding supports, along with first linear driving actuators of regulated stroke, are mounted on the lateral rails. Each sliding support includes a vertical post and a cross guide fixed at an upper portion thereof. The structure also includes a pair of second linear vertical actuators, which support and actuate a pair of pulling plates and positioning mechanisms of bakery products. The pulling plates are also actuatable by third linear actuators of regulated stroke, which are provided on a lower cross member, to position the pulling plates in a direction transverse to a conveying direction of the bakery products.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of food products, in particular of product slices produced with a cutting machine, comprising at least one deflection station for the deflection of at least one incoming product stream running in on an incoming conveyor into at least one outgoing product stream outgoing on an outgoing conveyor in a different direction to the incoming product stream, wherein the deflection station includes at least one transfer device movable between a discharge end of the incoming conveyor and a receiving end of the outgoing conveyor, with a support surface for the products always facing in at least approximately the same direction.

Abstract: A conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate on oblique axes to urge articles toward a side guide. The conveyor includes an oblique-roller belt supported on a carryway for running in a direction of belt travel. Rollers extend above an outer conveying surface of the belt without contact with the carryway. Each roller rotates on an axis oblique to the direction of belt travel and intersects the side guide downstream of the roller's position. A retractable stop is movable to and from a blocking position along the carryway. In the blocking position, the stop blocks the conveyed articles from advancing in the direction of belt travel. The rollers underlying the blocked articles rotate as the belt runs by contact with the articles. The rotating rollers provide a component of force to the blocked articles directed toward the side guide to push the articles against the side guide or other articles as they accumulate under low pressure upstream of the stop.

Abstract: A conveying system to be used in the printing industry, especially in mailroom technology, includes a revolvingly driven conveying member that is provided with supporting elements that are fixed to a traction rope in a stationary and optionally torsion-proof manner. The conveying member can be provided with another rope that has the same length as the traction rope, revolves substantially parallel thereto, and is used as a guide rope or second traction rope. Grippers that are disposed laterally on the belt-shaped conveying member, which is formed by ropes and supporting elements, are arranged on the supporting elements in order to grab and hold individual printed products or groups of printed products. The conveying member is deflected onto different deflection planes via guiding devices while being twisted between such deflections such that the three-dimensional position of the supporting elements and the conveyed printed products can be modified.

Abstract: A gripper for containers, in particular for bottles, with at least first and second gripper arms (1, 2) which are mounted such that they can pivot and are acted on in the gripping pivoting direction by magnetically interacting permanent magnets such as, permanent magnets which simultaneously repel one another and attract one another are arranged in such a way that the sum of the repelling and attracting forces which act in the gripping pivoting direction on the gripper arms is substantially constant within a predetermined gripping range (d1 to d2) of the gripper which covers different container gripping sizes.

Abstract: Vibratory linear conveyor that includes a utility weight and a counterweight that can be vibratingly moved in opposing directions via a drive unit, the drive unit being coupled to the utility weight and to the counterweight and being arranged in a receiving chamber beneath the utility weight, whereby a first drive unit including an electromagnet and a second drive unit including a piezo-electric actuator can be exchangeably installed for drive units, identical types of fastening arrangements being provided and positioned identically on each drive unit for connecting to the fastening arrangement arranged on the utility weight and on the counterweight.

Abstract: A supporting device includes a support body for supporting a substrate and an auxiliary wing for supporting the corner of the substrate, so that the substrate is substantially horizontally disposed on the supporting device. Also disclosed is a substrate transportation equipment including the supporting device and a movable protruding member. The substrate transportation equipment can prevent the movable protruding member from hitting the edge of the substrate when the movable protruding member moves.

Abstract: A conveyor and conveyor system is defined for moving a container used to hold semiconductor wafers. The conveyor includes a first belt having a first support surface for movably supporting the container and a second belt having a second support surface for movably supporting the container. The first belt and the second belt each have a raised guide. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for moving at least the first belt and causing the container to move over the first and second belts when placed on the first and second support surfaces. Methods for making the conveyor and operating the conveyor are also defined herein.

Abstract: A coin holding apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate. The first and second plates are transparent and each of the first and second plates has a first side and a second side. The first sides of each of the first and second plates has a semi-cylindrical indentation therein and forms a bulbous portion extending outwardly from a plane of associated ones of the second sides. The semi-cylindrical indentation in the first plate is alignable with the semi-cylindrical indentation in the second plate to form a cylinder. A plurality of couplers releasably couples the first sides of the first and second plates together to releasably secure coins within the cylinders. Coins are removably positionable in the cylinders to store and display the coins in collectible condition.