Abstract: The present invention recites a drill bit comprising a main body having an axis about which it is rotated in use, a cutting face, a connecting means for attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion, a gauge region intermediate said cutting face and the connecting means. Additionally the gauge region comprises at least one member movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position. In accordance with the present invention, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator.

Abstract: A drill bit having a plurality of cutters on its lower surface, each of which can having a plurality of PDC cutter elements disposed thereon. The cutting surface on each of the cutters is mounted in in an orientation that allows drilling of oversize boreholes which enables the drill bit to be turned more easily to facilitate the boreholes being drilled on a smaller radius. The placement of the cutters on each of the blades enables the drill bit to drill both vertically and laterally.

Abstract: A universal linkage assembly for a power machine is disclosed. The universal linkage is adaptable for different control configurations or patterns. For example, in embodiments disclosed, the linkage assembly includes a first control interface connectable to one of a first or second joysticks to operate one of a left or right drive motor or other function and a second control interface connectable to either the first or second joystick to operate the other of the left or right drive motor or other function with separate joysticks or the same joystick depending upon the control pattern desired.

Abstract: A vehicle is adapted to operate on land and in water having a depth of over four feet. The vehicle includes a chassis, one or more pontoons supported by the chassis, and a track system disposed on each of the one or more pontoons and adapted to provide propulsion to the vehicle. Each pontoon has a height of at least four feet, a width and a length adjacent to the land, wherein a ratio of the height to the width exceeds 1.4, and a volume configured to provide buoyancy and support the chassis weight.

Abstract: A towing device for aiding in maneuvering a trailer prior to attachment to or subsequent to detachment from its towing vehicle comprises a frame and other components. A hydrostatic trans-axle is laterally mounted on one end of the frame, a pair of drive wheels is mounted on the hydrostatic trans-axle, a caster wheel is mounted on the other end of the frame and an internal combustion engine is mounted on the frame and coupled to the drive wheels. A main handle is linked to the hydrostatic trans-axle for guiding the towing device. A control handle is mounted on the main handle and coupled to the trans-axle for controlling the direction of movement and speed of movement of the towing device. A neutral bypass lever is provided for disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the drive wheels when so desired and a braking mechanism is provided for braking the towing device.

Abstract: A system is provided to instruct a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle how optimally to use electric propulsion from a rechargeable energy storage device to reach an electric recharging station, while maintaining as high a state of charge (SOC) as desired along the route prior to arriving at the recharging station at a minimum SOC. The system can include the step of calculating a straight-line distance and/or actual distance between an orientation point and the determined instant present location to determine when to initiate optimally a charge depleting phase. The system can limit extended driving on a deeply discharged rechargeable energy storage device and reduce the number of deep discharge cycles for the rechargeable energy storage device, thereby improving the effective lifetime of the rechargeable energy storage device. This “Just-in-Time strategy can be initiated automatically without operator input to accommodate the unsophisticated operator and without needing a navigation system/GPS input.

Abstract: A powertrain module for a vehicle. The powertrain module comprises a support member. An energy source is disposed within the support member. A motor-driven wheel is rotatably attached to the support member and coupled to the energy source, and a tire is mounted to the motor-driven wheel. The powertrain module is configured to be attached as a unit to a corner portion of a vehicle to provide the vehicle with motive power.

Abstract: Device for truck cab suspension comprising a forward cab suspension which itself comprises a carrier frame fastened to the cab and the frame is arranged on each long side of the truck close to a stabilizer. An articulation device allows forward tilting of the carrier frame and the cab. The tilting is caused by at least one tilt cylinder. The cab suspension comprises a cab spring adapted to acting between the truck chassis and the carrier frame. The carrier frame is supported for pivoting relative to the forward lower portion of each of two end pieces which form part of the carrier frame and are each connected to their respective stabilizer which is situated rearward from the forward lower portion and is supported by the truck chassis.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame structure in which a pair of left and right main frame sections extend rearward and downward from a head pipe and are integrally provided with engine hangers each hanging downward from the intermediate portion of the main frame, such that weight reduction of the main frame is enabled while preventing strength reduction. A front edge of an engine hanger is formed to be inclined forwardly upwardly toward the head pipe. A main frame is provided with a through-hole above the engine hanger. A reinforcing portion extending generally parallel to the front edge of the engine hanger is provided in the main frame to longitudinally transverse the through-hole.

Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame, a swing arm pivotably coupled to the frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm, a rear fender disposed above the rear wheel. The rear fender has a profile shape. The motorcycle includes a belt assembly having a debris deflector attached to the swing arm. The debris deflector forms a profile shape that mimics at least a portion of the profile shape of the rear fender.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame and an engine supported by the frame. A continuously variable transmission is operatively and indirectly driven by the engine and is supported by the frame. A rotatable rear wheel is operatively and indirectly driven by the continuously variable transmission, which is generally vertically oriented.

Abstract: A brake apparatus (1) for a vehicle, having: a pedal box (5) which is provided on a partition panel (4) extending in approximately upward and downward directions and which pivotally supports the brake pedal (3). An electric motor (7) of a power steering apparatus is arranged at a position where the electric motor makes contact with the brake pedal (3) moving backward at a time of a front collision of the vehicle, to receive a load from the brake pedal (3) by the electric motor (7).

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including structure for defining an operator compartment and structure for defining a battery compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; an electric motor; and a controller coupled to a front wall of the frame to control the operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driver's console is rotated in the cab with the steering and speed control elements moved with the seat for the driver to face forwards and its position is detected by switches. In the engine forward position for transportation, the control system detects the seat position and operates the controls for higher speed drive and to prevent operation of the header. The engine has a series of ratings which can be selected depending upon whether the header motor is engaged so that a highest engine speed is used only when the header is disengaged and the lower speed is used for higher fuel efficiency when the header is operating.

Abstract: A hydrostatically powered vehicle includes an engine operatively associated with a pump that supplies fluid to a propel motor. Based on various sensed and engine operating conditions, a controller determines a desired operating condition for the engine while maintaining the travel speed of the vehicle constant.

Abstract: A steering system including a pair of operating members operable independently of each other, wherein a target wheel-turning amount and a return force for returning operating members to their reference position are determined based on an operation amount of the operating members. At least either a steering gain, set for each pair of operating members upon determination of the target wheel-turning amount, or a return-force gain, set for each pair of operating members upon determination of the return force, is made changeable depending on various parameters. Steering characteristics can be set relatively freely. For example, where the steering gain is made changeable depending on an operating angle of the operating member, determination of the target wheel-turning amount can be made with a changeable degree of contribution of operation of each operating member, which is changeable depending on an operating position of the operating member.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame comprising an operator's compartment; wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel; a steer-by-wire system and control apparatus. The steer-by-wire system is associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about a first axis.

Abstract: A method of steering a vehicle with a hydraulic steering system is disclosed. A first control signal is sent to a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to a main valve in response to the first control signal. The main valve is opened to a first position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to a first actuator. Resistance to actuation of the first actuator is detected. The detected resistance is compared to a threshold resistance. A second control signal is sent to the pilot valve when the detected resistance exceeds the threshold resistance. The pilot valve is operated to direct pilot fluid to the main valve in response to the second control signal. The main valve is opened to a second position in response to the pilot fluid. Fluid is directed through the main valve to the first actuator and a second actuator.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including a steering angle detection part that detects a steering angle of a steering wheel and outputs a steering angle signal, a steering control unit that controls a motor to give an assist torque to the steering wheel, an abnormality detection part that determines an abnormality of the steering angle detection part, and a motor angle detection part that detects a rotational angle of the motor. The steering control unit calculates a steering angle information based on at least the steering angle signal, and includes a signal storage part that stores the steering angle information. The steering control unit runs the motor continuously when the abnormality detection part detects the abnormality of the steering angle detection part until a vehicle stops or until the abnormality detection part determines that the steering angle signal returns to a normal state from the occurrence of the abnormality.

Abstract: A Vibration system part for a speaker device includes a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric made of basalt fiber produced by twist yarn or roving yarn being a continuous long-fiber. The vibration system part for the speaker device may be a diaphragm, a center cap, an edge or a damper, for example. In a preferred example, the woven fabric or the non-woven fabric is impregnated with thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. Additionally, a lamination member, such as paper, foam material, resin or a film, is preferably laminated (coated) on the woven fabric or the non-woven fabric. Thus, the vibration system parts for the speaker device, having excellent acoustic property and reliability, can be obtained at a low price.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) is provided with an exhaust pipe (2) extending from an engine mounted in the front part of the vehicle to a branch part (24) in the rear part of the vehicle, and right and left branch pipes (25, 26) extending from the branch part to mufflers (5, 6) on both right and left sides. The branch part (24) is arranged so as to be offset to the side of either one muffler (5) of the right and left mufflers with respect to the center in the vehicle width direction; the exhaust pipe has an upstream part (2, 21) laid linearly to a bend part (22) positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction near the rear end of a fuel tank, and an oblique part (23) laid slantwise from the bend part toward the branch part; and the length of the branch pipe (25) having a longer distance to the muffler is approximately equal to the length of the oblique part (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to a silencer for an airborne sound conducting pipe system, including a housing enclosing an interior space, an inlet pipe having an outlet within the interior space, a bypass pipe branching off from inlet pipe within the housing and having an outlet, a control element actuated by the gas flow and arranged downstream of bypass pipe on or in the inlet pipe, and at least one outlet pipe having an inlet within the interior space. Furthermore, the interior space is acoustically unseparated in such a manner that the volume of the interior space loaded with the airborne sound is equal with opened and with closed control element.

Abstract: A ladder has a pair of parallel stiles and a plurality of rungs extending between the stiles. Midway along the length of the ladder is a pair of moveable arms having a first end rotatably attached to one of the stiles and a pair of wheels rotatably attached to the second ends thereof. The arms are moveable between a first position in which the axis of the arms are generally parallel to the axis of the stiles and the axle for the wheels attached to the second end is adjacent to the stiles, and a second position in which the second end of the arms and the wheels attached thereto are spaced from the stile for rolling the ladder across the ground.

Abstract: A rail vehicle step mounts to the sill step of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle step comprises a support sized to support a rail worker. A coupling is supported in relation to an end of the support. The coupling is sized and configured to hold the support in fixed relation to the sill step. The support is sized to extend outward beyond the rail vehicle and support a rail worker.

Abstract: The ladder carrier apparatus provides a basic design for ladder carry with one end of the ladder angled upwardly. The apparatus provides for supporting a ladder's weight with a cushioned strap which is born on a carrier's shoulder. The apparatus is quickly affixed to or removed from a ladder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tree stands which grasp upright columnar members for example, trees, poles, which are arranged to facilitate climbing and adjusting the height of the tree stand to a desired level and angle. When assembled as a cart, the invention consists of an upper climbing member or frame, lower climbing member or frame, a mechanical-interlocking system, an axle, wheels and a wheel attachment device. The two-climbing-member tree stand may be of a manually adjusting type or of a self-adjusting type which permit adjustment of the spacing of the grasping members so as to effect adjustment of the angle of each tree climber relative to the upright columnar member.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system having a pulley attached to a building. A closed loop of cable is installed around the pulley. The loop is of sufficient length so as to reach, when deployed outside of the building, below the pulley to where emergency personnel gather in an area next to a base of the building (when responding to a disaster situation in the building). A winch around which the loop is to be operatively installed is located in the area next to the base. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A collapsible stand includes a platform for supporting a machine, two first legs each having a top end pivotally connected to the platform, two second legs each of which is pivotally connected to each first leg and has a top part slidably inserted through a sleeve of the platform, at least one springy or biasing member and a locking device. The springy or biasing member is retained in a sleeve-like or coaxial manner on retained in a sleeve-like manner one of the second legs. The locking device is connected to the platform for fixing the second legs in position after spreading the stand open such that the first legs and second legs support the platform at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A stepladder includes a longer inclined frame provided with steps coupled to a shorter stabilizer frame provided with rungs for movement relative to the longer inclined frame between an expanded use position and a collapsed storage position. The stepladder also includes a top-step lock to lock the top step in a fixed position relative to the two frames.

Abstract: An oil filter draining apparatus includes a bifurcated funnel with a first region defining an open top end and a second region defining a tapered spout. The apparatus further includes a plurality of channels formed within the support wall and extending downwardly to the spout and a rigid puncturing implement removably attached to the funnel and centrally aligned within the top end. Such a puncturing implement is anchored to the support wall and extends vertically up from the support wall and terminates at an axially opposed position from the spout. The puncturing implement is penetrable into one end of the existing filters and thereby causes oil to drain out therefrom while the existing filter is attached to the existing engine such that residual oil trapped within the existing filter is substantially drained before the existing filter is removed from the engine.

Abstract: The machine tool lubrication device comprises connection means grippable automatically by a manipulator of the machine tool, lubricant dispensing means, and dispensing control means operable by the machine tool.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system for cooling bearing of a shaft of a motor, comprising: an oil sump adapted to collect oil that contacts a bearing enclosed within the sump; and a heat exchanger physically separated from the sump and the bearing, the heat exchanger adapted to be in fluid communication with the sump and the bearing.

Abstract: A powered controlled acceleration suspension work platform hoist system for raising and lowering a work platform at a predetermined acceleration. The system incorporates several hoists attached to the work platform and in electrical communication with the motor control system. The motor control system is attached to the work platform and is in electrical communication with a constant frequency input power source and the hoist motors. The motor control system controls the acceleration of the work platform as it is raised and lowered by controlling the hoist motors. The controlled acceleration hoist system also includes a platform control system attached to the work platform that is in electrical communication with the motor control system and the hoist motors. Acceleration control is achieved by converting the constant frequency input power to a variable frequency power supply. This may be accomplished through the use of a variable frequency drive(s).

Abstract: In an emergency brake device for an elevator, a pair of pivot levers are pivotably provided to a car. Each pivot member is provided with each of a plurality of wedges that can be brought into and out of contact with a car guide rail as the pivot member pivots. A connecting member is connected between the pivot levers. The car is mounted with an electromagnetic actuator for displacing the connecting member in a reciprocating manner so as to pivot the pivot levers in a direction for bringing each wedge into and out of contact with the car guide rail. The electrical actuator is actuated when inputted with an actuating signal from an output portion mounted in a control panel.

Abstract: An evacuation support system for a double-deck elevator allows people stranded in a building to evacuate to an evacuation floor upon an occurrence of a fire in the building including a plurality of floors. The evacuation support system includes an evacuation support apparatus including a rescue floor setting mechanism, and a double-deck elevator including a connected car including an upper car and a lower car which are vertically connected to each other. The rescue floor setting mechanism determines two adjacent floors among respective floors satisfying a predetermined condition as candidate rescue floors and sets, based on a floor on which the fire occurs, at least any one of the candidate rescue floors as the rescue floor. The double deck elevator performs an evacuation operation for moving the connected car in a reciprocating manner between the rescue floor and the evacuation floor based on a command from the evacuation support apparatus.

Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a plurality of cars (22) and destination entry devices (40) located some distance from the elevator cars (22). A controller (38) dispatches an elevator car to a requested destination entered by a passenger before the passenger enters an elevator car. In one example, the controller (38) uses an expected arrival time corresponding to the time it is expected to take for a passenger to travel from the location where the destination request is entered to the location of the elevator car to decide how to dispatch a car to service that request. In one example, the controller dispatches an elevator car to the requested destination on a next trip of that car if the expected arrival time of the passenger near that car occurs at or before the departure time for that next trip. Otherwise, the controller (38) dispatches the car to the requested destination on a subsequent trip after the next trip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement of an elevator and a method for implementing safety spaces in an elevator shaft. The elevator has an elevator control system, an elevator motor, a power supply circuit of the elevator motor, and at least one mechanical stopping appliance for preventing movement of the elevator car in the elevator shaft. In the method according to the invention information is read with the control unit from the sensors that measure the position of the landing door of the elevator and possibly information is read from the sensors that measure the position of the door of the elevator car. If it is detected that more landing doors than the door of the elevator car are open, the control unit is switched to the person in the elevator shaft mode and information about the person in the elevator shaft mode is sent with the control unit to the elevator control system.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake achieves a safe traveling and braking with a high accuracy device for detecting a piston position at which a brake pad and a disk rotor contact each other. A pad contact position detecting device in which an electric circuit is not formed to prevent an electric current from flowing therethrough when a pad pressing force is not generated and the electric circuit is formed to enable the electric current to flow therethrough when the pad pressing force is generated is applied to the electro-mechanical brake. A pad contact position can thereby be detected accurately.

Abstract: An optimized disc brake includes two fixed mountings and one free mounting, and an assembly space optimized brake carrier and corresponding brake lining for a reaction side of the disc brake are provided.

Abstract: A patient care equipment support system includes an arm supported in a hospital room for pivoting movement about a generally vertical axis, a patient care equipment column coupled to the arm for movement therewith, and a brake configured to impede the pivoting movement of the arm. The brake allowing the pivoting movement of the arm when the brake is deactivated in response to a user input. The column is configured to support patient care equipment.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a generally cylindrical sidewall that is open at one end and at least partially closed by an endwall at its other end. The sidewall preferably has a thickness that vanes along its axial length and preferably is thickest at the end closest to the endwall. In one implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally frustum shaped in cross section with a straight radially tapered outer wall. In another implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally concave or sloped from the first end to a second end spaced from the endwall. In another implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally convex.

Abstract: A disk braking device for a motorcycle ensures radiation quality of a disk plate and reduces friction member abrasion of a friction member. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the disk plate and a plurality of notches are formed at peripheral edges of the disk plate. The through-holes are arranged so that one of the through-holes or less is disposed on a radial line extending from the center of the disk plate.

Abstract: A brake beam including means for allowing the brake head to be replaced without effort and to include replaceable brake heads.

Abstract: A garnish plate mounting structure allows a garnish plate to be installed to a caliper body without the need for any special machining of the caliper body, thus achieving improved general versatility. An engaging member is disposed along an external surface of a second pad opposing an arm portion of the caliper body. The engaging member has engaging portions which engage the second pad. The engaging member is held between the arm portion and the second pad. The garnish plate is disposed at an external surface of the caliper body and connected to the engaging member through the intermediary of connecting portions provided extendedly on both sides of the engaging portion.

Abstract: The controllable suspension system includes a strut with a magnetorheological fluid damper. The magnetorheological fluid damper includes a longitudinal damper tubular housing having a longitudinally extending axis and an inner wall for containing magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A collapsible bag includes a flexible bag with a first side panel having a bottom edge and a bottom panel connected to the bottom edge to define a juncture between the first side panel and the bottom panel. A bracket is connected to the flexible bag adjacent the juncture and includes a transport wheel assembly. Additionally, a telescoping handle is connected to the bracket and the first side panel and extends from the juncture. A support assembly is movably connected at a proximate end to the bracket and connected at a distal end to the bottom panel such that the bottom panel is selectively movable between an operable orientation defined when the bottom panel is disposed transverse to the telescoping handle and the first side panel and a storage orientation defined when the bottom panel is disposed parallel to the telescoping handle and the first side panel.

Abstract: A pilot plate torque transmitting assembly for a torque converter, including: a pilot plate arranged to be rotationally connected to a housing for the torque converter; a piston plate for a clutch; and at least one spring assembly rotationally connecting the pilot plate and the piston plate. The at least one spring assembly is arranged to be axially disposed between the piston plate and the housing for the torque converter. In some aspects, the piston plate is arranged to form at least a portion of a pressure release chamber for the clutch with the housing, and the assembly includes a channel between the piston plate and the pilot plate and arranged to be in fluid communication with the release chamber. In some aspects, the pilot plate or the piston plate is stamped.

Abstract: The hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes an upstream control valve, a downstream control valve, a hydraulic pressure sensor, and a controller. The upstream control valve is provided between a hydraulic pressure source and a hydraulic pressure device. The downstream control valve is disposed between the upstream control valve and the hydraulic pressure device. The hydraulic pressure sensor is configured and arranged to detect the hydraulic pressure on a downstream side of the downstream control valve. The controller is configured to control the upstream control valve and the downstream control valve based on an upstream pressure command value and a downstream pressure command value, respectively. The controller is further configured to detect an abnormality in the upstream control valve based on the hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure sensor when the downstream pressure command value is set to be equal to or greater than the upstream pressure command value.

Abstract: Centrifugal blade brake clutch apparatuses and methods are provided. In one aspect, a centrifugal blade brake clutch includes a rotatable clutch housing having an axis extending therethrough. The clutch housing can have a base and side walls. The clutch housing also can have a brake surface thereon and an integral clutch surface disposed on a side wall surface of the side walls. At least one centrifugally extendable clutch shoe device can be disposed within the clutch housing and configured for engaging the integral clutch surface of the clutch housing. A brake assembly can be positioned proximal to the clutch housing with the axis of the clutch housing passing therethrough. The brake assembly can include a brake member that has a braking surface and is configured to move in a direction parallel with the axis of the clutch housing to axially engage the brake surface of the clutch housing with the braking surface of the brake member.

Abstract: In a power transmitting device, projections are formed on a surface of a main cam that faces an armature. This structure causes the main cam to contact the armature only at distal surfaces of the projections. The area of the distal surfaces of the projections is in a range where the magnetic flux density generated at the distal surfaces of the projections by the electromagnet is saturated. Therefore, reduction of the responsiveness and controllability of the power transmitting device due to magnetization of the main cam is suppressed.