Abstract: A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crawler robot which, even of a small size, can climb over a high step and which can perform various aspects of operations. Rollers, are arranged at apexes of triangular frames, and elastic crawlers are wrapped around the rollers, with the two frames being connected by a central support shaft. Rotatably provided to the central support shaft is a one-joint link composed of a first link and a second link connected together by a rotation shaft. An end portion of the second link is rotatably connected with a front shaft of a subordinate crawler device equipped with crawlers wrapped around rollers. As a result, the crawler robot is composed of a triangular crawler device and the subordinate crawler device connected together by the one-joint link. The crawler robot can be operated by rotating and bending the link and by rotating the crawler devices in arbitrary directions.

Abstract: A cart apparatus includes a frame for receiving game. The frame includes a pair of side supports and a plurality of lateral supports that are attached to and extend between the side supports. A netting material is attached to the frame and extends between the side supports. An axle is rotatably coupled to the frame. The axle extends between the side supports and has a pair of opposite ends. A pair of wheels is attached to the axle. Each of the wheels is positioned adjacent to one of the opposite ends. A motor is mounted to the frame. A drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the motor and to the axle. The motor rotates the wheels when the drive shaft is engaged.

Abstract: An implement with two independent transmissions drives a common output shaft. Each transmission is configured to rotatably drive the output shaft in a different direction to simplify changing the ground direction of the implement. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the transmissions are actuated by levers that provide infinitely variability of the implement's ground speed.

Abstract: A method for operating a cooling system for a fuel cell stack in a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a fan request for a variable speed fan disposed in the cooling system; employing a noise-comfort function to select a fan comfort request; and adjusting a speed of the variable speed fan in response to the fan request; wherein a noise emission by the variable speed fan is militated against. A cooling system for a fuel cell stack in a vehicle that employs the noise-comfort function is also provided.

Abstract: A touring motorcycle modification kit comprising: an internal frame, an external frame, and a fender; wherein the fender is situated between the internal and external frames; wherein the internal frame is situated inside of the fender; wherein the internal frame comprises two portions, and wherein the two portions are bolted together; wherein the external frame is mounted on the fender at three frame mounting points; wherein two of the three frame mounting points are located on the exterior of the fender; wherein none of the three frame mounting points is located inside of the fender; wherein the external frame does not bolt to the frame mounting points but is releasably attached to the three frame mounting points; and wherein no tools are required to install or remove the external frame. The present invention can be used with a factory seat, exhaust system, wiring harness, saddle bags and tour pack.

Abstract: A vehicle can include a horn able to produce an effective sound volume. The vehicle can be a motorcycle. The horn of the motorcycle can be positioned relative to parts of the motorcycle in such a way that an effective sound volume can be produced by the horn, while obstruction by the horn of cooling airflow is reduced or eliminated. In particular, at least a part of the horn can be displaced laterally from front forks of the motorcycle, in a position where the horn overlaps with an inner panel of a cowl of the motorcycle in a front view.

Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle with a drive engine, a brake system, at least two vehicle cross-shafts of a first vehicle axle with at least two wheels. The cross-shafts being actively connected via a transverse distributor gear and being driven by the engine. The vehicle also possibly having a second vehicle axle with at least two wheels. Frictional shift elements of the first vehicle axle, between the wheels of the first vehicle axle and the transverse distributor gear, are provided for variable distribution, to the first vehicle axle, of the fraction of the drive torque from the engine in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the two wheels. A desired yaw torque is determined. The drive engine, brake system and shift elements are controlled such that the desired yaw torque is produced essentially without changing the positive forward drive of the vehicle.

Abstract: Restraining torque TF of an electronic controlled front limited slip differential (5) arranged between right and left front wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling right-left wheel rotational speed difference ?NF, which is the rotational speed difference between the right and left front wheels, while restraining torque TC of an electronic controlled coupling (8) arranged between the front and rear wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling front-rear wheel rotational speed difference ?NC obtained by subtracting ½ of the rotational speed difference between the right and left wheels (|?NF|/2) from the rotational speed difference (?NCT??NCD) between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a frame and a control assembly that can be directly or indirectly attached to the frame. The control assembly includes a control knob which can be readily accessible to an operator during operation of the all terrain vehicle. The control knob has a rotational axis that can be substantially parallel to the rotational axis of a driven wheel of the all terrain vehicle. The control assembly can be connected with a cable to a transmission of the all terrain vehicle such that the control knob can be rotatable to disable a reverse inhibitor system of the transmission. The control assembly can further include a shaft having a first stop and a base having a second stop, such that the first and second stops can be configured to selectively contact each other during rotation of the control knob.

Abstract: A method of determining a direction of a power boost applied to a power cylinder of a variable effort power steering system includes measuring a pressure of a hydraulic fluid between a pump and a control valve. A first position of the hand wheel is detected and initialized when the pressure is within a pre-defined equilibrium pressure range. A second position of the hand wheel is detected in response to rotational movement of the hand wheel. The first position and the second position of the hand wheel are measured in cumulative degrees rotated left or right of a on-center orientation of the hand wheel. The second position is subtracted from the first position to obtain a differential value representing the direction of the power boost. A negative differential value represents a first direction and a positive differential value represents a second direction of the power boost.

Abstract: In a power-assisted steering system or power steering system having an electric motor, which drives a worm gear mechanism that has a composite gear wheel in the form of a worm wheel, the worm wheel includes a ring gear connectible to a hub via a first disk, and an annular projection of the first disk axially engages with the ring gear. In order to improve the centering of the component parts of the composite gear wheel in the tangential direction, and in order to render the power transmission in the gear wheel uniform, the annular projection on the first disk is provided with one or more depressions in the axial direction to form tooth-like projections, which form a drive-type toothed section and engage with depressions on an axial side face of the ring gear.

Abstract: An electric steering system includes a device for measuring a steering input into a steering system; a device for measuring a steering speed; a section for computing a target current based on the steering input; and a control section for applying a steering power to the steering system by driving a motor according to the target current, and applying damping to the steering system based on the steering speed. A rate of increase in a damper gain defined when the steering speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is higher than that defined when the steering speed is less than the predetermined value, or the damper gain defined when the steering speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value has a constant value increased in a step form from values of the damper gain defined when the steering speed is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes variable gear ratio steering apparatus, a first ECU for controlling the apparatus, an electric power steering apparatus, a second ECU for controlling the apparatus, The steering system further includes a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel angle ECU, which are integrated. The steering wheel angle sensor detects a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel. The ECU calculates an estimation value of the steering wheel angle of the steering wheel and compare between the estimation value and the detected value of the steering wheel angle. Thereby, the ECU performs a process of determining detection accuracy of the steering wheel angle sensor.

Abstract: A device as hearing aid to be worn in the ear or in or at the auditory canal comprises at least a sound or acoustic exit opening with a protection element (10) to prevent the contamination of the device. The protection element (10) comprises a thin, at least almost flexible or elastic membrane (15) made out of a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A resonator for an induction system includes an inlet and outlet with a resonator cavity arranged therebetween. A tube is arranged within the resonator cavity and at least partially extends between the inlet and outlet. In one example, at least one supplemental noise attenuation device is in communication with the arcuate tube, such as a quarter wave tube and/or Helmholtz resonator. A large opening is provided in the tube that opens into the resonator cavity. In one example, the large opening is arranged on an outer radius side and faces a large cavity portion of the resonator cavity. Additional supplemental noise attenuation is provided by a collar arranged concentrically relative to the tube providing an annular quarter wave tube that is coaxial with the direction of flow from the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is for a triangular cross section symmetrical engine exhaust muffler for an internal combustion engine. Its internal design provides baffles symmetrically disposed about a plane centrally located equidistant from the ends of a tube having a triangular cross section. The design has three baffles spaced to minimize backpressure but angled to enhance acoustic reflections within the chamber formed by the tube having a triangular cross section, baffles, and the affixed endplates including the inlet/exhaust ports. These acoustic reflections serve to modify the sound emanating from the exhaust manifold or manifolds of the internal combustion engine. The muffler chamber also serves to smooth out the pulsating gas flow emanating from the engine as a result of the combustion cycle.

Abstract: A ladder locking device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the ladder locking device includes a frame having a plurality of intersecting frame segments pivotally connected to each other in a scissors jack configuration and a foldable blind carried by the frame. A method of preventing unauthorized use of a ladder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevator includes guide rails laid in an elevator shaft vertically, an elevator car moving up and down along the guide rails, guiding units provided on the elevator car for guiding it, the guiding unit having a magnet unit including cores and coils forming electromagnets to generate a magnetic force against the guide rail through an air gap and a controller for controlling the magnetic force by maneuvering an exciting current for exciting the electromagnets. The controller controls the magnetic force so as to make the guiding units in non-contact with the guide rails when the elevator car is traveling and brings the guiding units into contact with the guide rails when the elevator car is stopped, so that the guiding units attract and fix the guide rails while the elevator car is stopped.

Abstract: Lighting equipment of an elevator car and a method for guidance of persons in an elevator provides a floor indication that communicates to the passenger, in a simple and clear manner, reaching of his or her destination floor, even in high buildings with numerous floors. The lighting equipment has a light source and a control of the light source, which produces a color effect relative to the floor indication.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) uses destination entry dispatching techniques. A passenger interface device (22) operates in a first mode to allow passengers (24) to enter destination requests for elevator service. The passenger interface (22) operates in a second mode to provide at least one additional feature to an authorized individual. The additional feature may be at least one of a service-related function, a security-related function, a monitoring-related function or a communication-related function.

Abstract: A vibration damped elevator system is provided that includes a damper or dampers attached to the elevator cable. The damping coefficients of the damper or dampers are chosen to provide optimum dissipation of the vibratory energy in the elevator cable. A method of determining the optimum placement of the damper or dampers and their respective damping coefficients is also provided.

Abstract: A wet brake system for a vehicle including a case; an internal operation lever disposed inside the case; a hydraulic cylinder which is integrally mounted to the case and is configured to actuate the internal operation lever; and a brake mechanism configured to be operated by the actuation of the internal operation lever by the hydraulic cylinder to apply a braking force to an axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-disc brake for a vehicle. A knuckle supports a wheel of a vehicle. A hub is mounted for rotation on the knuckle about a rotation axis. A pair of discs are mounted for rotation with the hub and for sliding movement on the hub along the rotation axis. Each of the discs includes respective inboard and outboard engaging surfaces. Brake pad assemblies are disposed about the discs to engage the engaging surfaces. The brake pad assemblies slide along the rotation axis relative to the hub. A brake fist having a bridge portion extends outboard from the knuckle around the discs and the brake pad assemblies to an outboard wall supporting the outboard brake pad assembly against outboard movement along the rotation axis. An actuator urges the discs and the brake pad assemblies together against the outboard wall to slow rotation of the hub.

Abstract: The front fork (100) includes a fork main body (3) in which an inner tube (2) is inserted into an outer tube (1) to enable free expansion and contraction, a damper (10) generates a damping force when a rod (5) moves within a cylinder (4) as the fork main body (3) expands and contracts, an air chamber (15) delimited by a free piston (16), which compensates for variation in the internal volume of the cylinder (4) caused by invasion and retreat of the rod (5) into and from the cylinder (4), a pressurizing spring (19) housed in the air chamber (15), which biases the free piston (16) in a direction for enlarging the air chamber (15), and a sub-spring (30) which biases the free piston (16) in a direction for shrinking the air chamber (15) in opposition to the pressurizing spring (19).

Abstract: A four-wheel drive center disconnect electric actuator is provided. The actuator includes a one-way motor that actuates a cam mechanism for causing engagement and disengagement of the center disconnect. The actuator achieves improved reliability and efficiency through a less expensive construction than conventional actuators.

Abstract: An electric motor applies torque to a ball and ramp actuator element generating thrust that is transferred through a bearing from the stationary actuator to the rotating clutch pack elements of a marine transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine that converts a force applied from a manual operation means into an electric power, and operates by utilizing the electric power as a source of power. A drive force generation/transmission mechanism includes a generator (45) that generates the electric power by utilizing the force applied from the manual operation means (9) and motors (49-55) driven by the electric power generated by the generator (45). Article moving mechanisms (63-69) are constructed to operate by utilizing the output of the motors (49-55) as the operation source.

Abstract: A conveyor wheel sliding system for efficiently positioning the wheels upon a conveyor unit to a transporting position and also to an in use position. The conveyor wheel sliding system generally includes a conveyor unit including a frame, wherein the frame extends along a longitudinal axis of the conveyor unit, an attachment assembly to engage the frame, wherein a substantial portion of the attachment assembly is positioned below the frame and wherein the attachment assembly slidably adjusts about the frame and along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor unit and at least one wheel mechanically connected to the attachment assembly opposite the conveyor unit to engage a ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for pushing metallic goods (2) off and onto a conveyor (3) in a direction (S) transverse to a conveying direction (F), wherein the device (1) has a displacement arm (5) displaceable relative to a stationary stand (4) and in an end region (6) of which, at least one gripping element (7, 8) is arranged for gripping the metallic goods (2). In order to be able to effect pushing of goods off of a conveyor and thereon in a simple and space-saving manner, the invention is characterized in that the displacement arm has at least two arm sections displaceable within each other in a telescopic manner.

Abstract: A conveyor line segment (N+1; N; N?1) with a predetermined length for accumulating several conveyed goods thereon, includes a conveying means (12) for moving the conveyed goods (A, B, C) thereon along a conveying direction (28), which is oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction of the segment (N), along the segment (N), wherein the conveying means (12) can be driven for being moved at a speed (vN), which is substantially constant, a sensor (10) for detecting that a conveyed good (A, B, C) is driven onto the segment (N), and a controlling unit (20; 22) coupled to the sensor (10) in order to move and stop the conveying means dependent on the detection signal of the sensor (10), and adapted to determine a geometrical length along the conveying direction (28) of incoming conveyed goods (A, B, C), and to not move further the conveying means (28) dependent on the determined length(s), if the segment (N) cannot receive other conveyed goods (A, B, C) any longer.

Abstract: A characterisation system for objects is provided, comprising at least one characterisation device for the objects, a conveyor belt assembly for feeding objects to the at least one characterisation device, which comprises at least one region with a first conveyor belt section and with a second conveyor belt section, wherein the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section lie parallel and adjacent to one another and can be positioned at an angle of inclination to a horizontal plane to provide a trough-shaped conveyor path with the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section in a V disposition, and a drive device for the first conveyor belt section and the second conveyor belt section for the adjustment of defined angle positions.

Abstract: Lockout and monitoring system with SIL3 safety rating and method for lockout and monitoring of conveyor or any distributed plant are provided where pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation are used for communication between field devices (such as remote isolation switches deployed at various locations of a conveyor belt) and a central controller, and for indication of the device location. A fail safe redundant switching system for control circuit with additional transmitter and receiver modules are provided in combination with the means for accurate indication of switch location to achieve SIL 3 rating. The ability to provide control (analogue and digital outputs) for a distributed plant, for example along the length of a conveyor, is advantageously achieved, particularly when the control outputs are line powered by means of a field bus system that provides both power and signaling on the same network.

Abstract: A system for detecting wear in a gripper chain of a chain conveyor is provided. The system includes an optical sensing system having a detection path located vertically beneath a portion of the gripper chain at a predetermined location. The detection path is located such that, when the gripper chain becomes elongated and droops a predetermined amount due to wear of the gripper chain, the sensing system senses the presence of the gripper chain in the detection path.

Abstract: An image acquisition module in a transmission device for a scanner is installed in a base of the scanner, a rotating wheel and a first roller are pivotally connected onto two inner sides of the base, and a driving roller is installed below the first roller. A conveyor is respectively put around the rotating wheel, the first roller and the driving roller, and a second roller is pivotally connected onto a place between the rotating and the driving roller and used for withstanding the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the driving roller to allow the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the second roller to be parallel to the conveyor between the rotating wheel and the first roller, and the conveyor is driven by the driving roller to drive the image acquisition module to move.

Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading of a new belt around drive rollers in a belt module assembly. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rolls after the belt is in place over the rollers. The guide when not in use is positioned in housings internal to the rollers, or in housings adjacent to the rollers. The guides are enabled to be removed or pulled out from these housings when ready for use in installing a belt in a belt module.

Abstract: A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and an inner web. The inner web includes a flap that impinges into each container aperture thus creating a carrier that may be consistently applied to produce a desirable package.

Abstract: A carton for cooperating with a packaging material to contain a plurality of articles and a package formed thereby. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The side panels are positioned relative to the central panel to at least partially form a space for receiving the articles. A handle is in at least one of the side panels. The handle is adapted for grasping and carrying the carton.

Abstract: A carrier device with article receiving compartments on either side of a partial central wall and handle portion. The handle being separate from the central wall and moveable relative thereto between a raised position and a lowered position. The handle can be retained in either the raised or lowered positions by hook formations and is connected to the carrier device by interconnecting webs extending from the side walls.

Abstract: A combination article storage container and novelty item includes a housing having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape and being manufactured from a first predetermined material. A predetermined article is contained within such housing. A mechanism releasably attaches such predetermined article within such housing at a predetermined location therein. An outwardly facing transparent front panel manufactured from a second predetermined material is attached to such housing at a predetermined location thereon. A mechanism provides access to remove and replace such predetermined article. A tool member is operably connected to such housing at a predetermined location on an outside of such housing for giving the appearance that in order to obtain such predetermined article such tool must be used to break the transparent front panel.

Abstract: A carrying case includes a retaining structure including outer and inner surfaces, an intermediate first flexible board, a first padding between the outer surface and the first flexible board, a lower magnetic member between the inner surface and the first flexible board, and two longitudinal openings on either side proximate either end of a bottom; and a suspension plate including lower and upper surfaces, an upper magnetic member having a polarity opposing that of the lower magnetic member, a second flexible board on the upper magnetic member, a second padding between the upper surface and the second flexible board, and two spaced latches projecting from either end into the openings. The weight of a received object (e.g., notebook computer) pushes the suspension plate to slide down the latches along the openings, and the repelling force between the magnetic member counteracts the effects of the weight to suspend the suspension plate.

Abstract: A nestable crate or container for holding bottles. The crate has a floor portion substantially in a first plane having a plurality of bottle seating areas, with each bottle seating area being adapted to receive a lower portion of a bottle. The crate also includes a peripheral wall surrounding the floor portion and extending upward from the floor portion, a plurality of central columns extending upward from the floor portion and oriented proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the crate, and a plurality of pylons extending upward from the floor portion along the periphery of the crate. Each central column includes at least one first bottle-contacting surface and each pylon includes at least one second bottle-contacting surface. Both the first and second bottle contacting surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A child resistant package for tablets is disclosed. The package includes an outer sleeve and a blister package. The blister package is designed to fit within the outer sleeve, and is capable of being slid from a closed position to an open position. The blister package includes a blister sheet and a lidding material sheet that is peeled from the blister sheet to access the tablets.

Abstract: A medication dispenser including a container having a bottom, first and second upstanding sidewalls and first and second upstanding end walls with the container or liners positioned therein defining a plurality of open topped medication compartments. A plurality of compartment covers overlie and close the compartments to maintain medication within the compartments. Each of the covers has an outwardly extending tab or extension which assists in the opening of the cover. The upper ends of the sidewalls of the container are provided with a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions which extend outwardly from the associated sidewall beyond the outer ends of the tabs on the covers to shield the tabs to prevent inadvertent opening of the covers.

Abstract: Systems; articles of manufacture, and methods to coat vehicular plastics with an epoxy are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide an extremely durable epoxy coating on various plastic parts of a vehicle. One embodiment includes a system that may be used to remove damaged plastic and any existing hard coat material, such as silicone, from the surface of a vehicular plastic. Such embodiments may also include the epoxy coating and tools necessary for applying the epoxy. Another embodiment discloses a process for preparing and sealing a vehicular plastic with an epoxy coating.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)l-(B)m-(C)n-??(I) in which A is derived from a non-ionic monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a monomer containing an acid group; and l+m+n=100, 0<l, m, n<100.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for separating components of aqueous mixtures, including aqueous solutions and suspensions. In one implementation, an apparatus flows the aqueous mixture over a hydrophilic surface to form a first region of purified water and a second region of at least one concentrated non-aqueous component. The apparatus can draw off either the purified water or the concentrated non-aqueous components. In one implementation, an array of tubules performs the differential extraction. In another implementation, various hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic surfaces are disposed in multiple differential extractors and some effluents may be recycled to perform complex assaying and separation.

Abstract: A model car display system adapted to display a model car, such as a die-cast model car, in association with dioramic and scenic elements to recreate a realistic and scaled down automobile-related scene. In one illustrated embodiment, the system is adapted to associate one or more model cars with scenery corresponding to a race track-like drag race scene by which the model cars are positioned to appear as if preparing to race. The system may include various elements to increase the realism thereof. For example, the system may include various rotational means adapted for rotating the wheels of a model car associated with the system and various associating means for securely associating the model car with the system while its wheels are being rotated.

Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a dish rack receiving articles and a bottle rack. The bottle rack includes a rack body detachably coupled to the dish rack and one or more bottle tines coupled to a top portion of the rack body, for receiving articles having a bottle or cup shape.

Abstract: A filing assembly includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The housing has an open front side. A plurality of rails is attached to a bottom side of the top wall. A receiving space is defined between adjacent ones of the rails. Each of a plurality of hanging folders includes a panel that has first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front edge and a rear edge. The panel has a bend therein extending from the front edge to the rear edge. A plurality of connectors is also provided. Each of the first and second lateral edges has one of the connectors attached thereto. Each of the receiving spaces slidably receives one of the connectors. Secondary folders or papers are positionable in the hanging folders.