Abstract: A portable media player sound deflecting assembly includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a bottom edge and an upper edge. A first lateral flange is attached to the first edge. The first lateral flange has a first side abutting the front side. The first lateral flange is angled forward of the front side such that an obtuse angle is formed with the front side and the first lateral edge. The first lateral edge deflects sound from a personal sound emitting apparatus forward of the panel when the personal sound emitting apparatus is positioned on the front side.

Abstract: A tensegrity apparatus having multiple tensegrity units for the transmission of solitary waves with adjustable profiles into a material or structure, and the detection of such waves from a material or structure.

Abstract: A broadband acoustic lens and method of designing same is provided for focusing an incident acoustic wave. The broadband lens includes a plurality of concentric rings, where each concentric ring of the plurality of concentric rings has a ring width, and a plurality of gaps, where each gap of the plurality of gaps has a spacing. The concentric rings are separated by a spacing corresponding to a gap of the plurality of gaps. The widths of the plurality of concentric rings and the spacings of the plurality of gaps are arranged such that the incident acoustic wave is focused to a spot within a sub-wavelength of the incident acoustic wave in air. The arrangement of the widths of the plurality of concentric rings and spacings of the plurality of gaps is aperiodic.

Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame, a membrane within the frame, and a mass secured to the membrane. In another embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame, a membrane within the frame, and a mass secured to the membrane. The membrane is coupled, either indirectly or directly, to the frame via a variable stiffness coupler. In another embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame and a plurality of membrane layers within the frame. An active material is between at least two of the plurality of membrane layers. A mass is secured to at least one of the plurality of membrane layers.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a traffic noise barrier wall of the type including opposing slots formed in pairs of vertically-mounted posts is disclosed. In some embodiments, the panel assembly includes the following: a sheet of material having top, bottom, and side edges forming a perimeter of the sheet, the sheet having a sheet thickness that is less than each of the first slot width and the second slot width; and a frame disposed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the sheet, wherein the frame includes a bracket having a base portion with a substantially triangular cross-section, the base portion being disposed along edges of the sheet, the base portion defining a channel for capturing edges of the sheet, the channel being positioned at an apex of the base portion.

Abstract: Deployable fall protection systems and components are disclosed for protecting against worker falls in cargo handling operations. Workers wearing harnesses are attached to a lifeline supported from overhead, the support being attached to ground-standing mast assemblies stabilized by the weight of a vehicle parked on a foot portion of the mast assembly.

Abstract: A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to prevent a user from using the top step of a ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially solid front face on which a first side flap and second side flap are disposed. The first and second side flaps are disposed at an angle to the front face in order to create a spring force when inserted in a “C” shaped cross section of a ladder. The apparatus is held to a ladder through the spring force and by securing the side flaps and front face to the ladder legs.

Abstract: An apparatus to secure a ladder to a ferromagnetic work surface, such as a metal storage tank, comprises a pair of brackets removably attached near the top of the ladder. The brackets are hinged to magnet mounts, which each hold a permanent magnet that releasably holds the ladder in place against the work surface. The apparatus prevents the ladder from slipping while a worker is climbing the ladder or while working from the ladder.

Abstract: A method for setting a ladder in place includes the steps of leaning a top edge of the ladder against a work surface and swivel shoes on the bottom end of each leg of the ladder onto ground, positioning the ladder until a bubble of a rung of the ladder indicates a level reading. The method also includes the steps of sliding a rectangular closed box section metal leg having a cap which acts as a stop in an upper housing portion, the upper housing portion has two holes side by side, and a lower housing portion spaced apart from the upper housing portion of a housing of the leg attached to a rail of the ladder and inserting a holder through a hole of the two holes of the upper housing portion and a hole of two rows of holes which are set side by side but offset vertically from each other and extend through the leg.

Abstract: A four post automotive lift system is disclosed wherein each post contains a locking mechanism and adjustable lifting points. Each pair of posts has a transverse beam that is secured by the locking mechanisms and supports the weight of the vehicle. Each of the four posts are positioned on the floor and supported by a structure on the outside side of the lifting device. Each pair of posts on ether side of the vehicle is tied together by a supporting structure. The beam supporting the vehicle is lifted at each of the four posts by a simple lifting device and then locked in place on the post by the locking mechanism. The adjustable lifting point can be placed anywhere along the four posts to extend the range of the simple lifting device as the vehicle is lifted to different heights.

Abstract: Power distribution is managed in an elevator system including an elevator hoist motor (12), a primary power supply (20), and—an energy storage system (32). A predicted usage pattern for the hoist motor is established based on past hoist motor power demand in the elevator system or in similar elevator systems in similar buildings. A target storage state for the energy storage system is then set based on the predicted usage pattern. Power exchanged between the hoist motor, the primary power supply, and the energy storage system is controlled to address power demand of the hoist motor and to maintain the storage state of the energy storage system at about the target storage state.

Abstract: There is provided an elevator control device that performs fire emergency operation based on a contact signal sent from a fire detector having a contact B, wherein even in the case where, for example, when the elevator is being installed, the contact signal sent from the fire detector cannot be used, the normal operation of elevator can be performed. For this purpose, the elevator control device includes an operation selection control section that causes the normal operation to be performed when a contact signal sent from the fire detector is received, and causes the fire emergency operation to be performed when the contact signal sent from the fire detector is cut off, and a function judgment section for judging, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not a fire emergency operation function of the elevator is valid.

Abstract: Method in the use of a construction-time elevator, in which method the supporting platform that supports the elevator car of the elevator is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway with a hoisting device supported on a support structure. In the method the supporting platform is suspended from the support structure via at least one hoisting device and rope comprised in the hoisting device and the supporting platform is lifted upwards in the elevator hoistway with a lifting ratio of 1:x, where x is greater than 1.

Abstract: A device for indirectly sensing tension of a chain in a railroad handbrake includes an elongated bore formed through a holding pawl of the handbrake, sensor target attached to the holding pawl and a sensor mounted in close proximity to an upper end of the housing so as to sense the sensor target. The ratchet wheel of the handbrake positions the sensor target for operative sensing alignment with the sensor during at least partial handbrake application. A biasing member moves the sensor target away from the operative sensing alignment during handbrake release.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitor assembly for an air disk brake includes a brake actuator having a pushrod projecting from inside a chamber of said brake actuator. The pushrod releasably actuates a lever arm of a caliper thereby moving the disk brake into a braking position when the pushrod is in an extended position and releasing the disk brake from the braking position when the pushrod is in a retracted position. The pushrod includes a pushrod shaft and a contact member biased in a telescoping relationship relative to the pushrod shaft and the lever arm of the caliper abuts the contact member counteracting the bias of the contact member. A sensor is integrated with the assembly proximate the contact member and detects movement of the pushrod relative to the lever arm and to the pushrod shaft.

Abstract: A linear stopper including a stopper body having an inclined surface with a wedge-like space between the inclined surface and a surface of the guide member with a gap decreasing gradually toward one side of an extending direction of the guide member; rolling elements that are arranged in said wedge-like space so as to be rollable therein; and rolling element pressing means that presses the rolling elements in a direction to bite into the wedge-like space, so that the rolling elements are forced into pressure contact with the surface of the guide member and the inclined surface of the stopper body. A one-way stopper mechanism restricts the relative movement of the stopper body with respect to said guide member toward a side at which the gap in the wedge-like space is large, but allows the relative movement toward a side at which the gap in the wedge-like space is small.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for whirl mitigation in an aircraft braking system are provided. For example, an apparatus is provided comprising a brake disk stack including a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end, a back leg near a first axial end of the torque tube, and a circumferentially disposed spline extending from the back leg towards the second axial end of the torque tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric disc brake including a reduction unit having a transmission function. The electric disc brake includes a piston in the caliper housing such that the piston is movable back and forth to press one frictional pad, a spindle unit including a nut spindle member allowing the piston to move back and forth and a spindle member screwed with the nut spindle member, and a reduction unit coaxially coupled with the spindle unit, and a motor rotating the reduction unit forward and backward. The reduction unit includes a sun gear coupled with a shaft of the motor, a planet gear, a carrier coupled with the planet gear to rotate the spindle member, and first and second internal gears engaged with the planet gear to amplify a rotational force of the motor or transfer the rotational force of the motor to the spindle member without a reduction gear ratio.

Abstract: A pneumatic disc brake includes a caliper which straddles a brake disc, brake pads pressable against the brake disc and a rotary lever actuated brake application device, and a self-energizing mechanism. The brake lever is pivotable about an eccentric axis by a brake cylinder plunger. A self-energizing factor is selected to ensure that the brake automatically releases after braking events. The brake lever is supported on a spherical bearing element mounted to the caliper and forming the eccentric axis. The brake lever bears against a bearing ball which is arranged above the bearing element in the direction of the plunger engagement point, which bearing ball is positioned in a brake ram coupled to the brake pad.

Abstract: A combined vehicle brake including a hydraulically actuated service brake and an electromechanically actuated parking brake device, a hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing being defined by a brake piston, which for performing service braking actions can be acted upon by hydraulic pressure fluid, so that the brake piston can be actuated along a piston longitudinal axis in order to produce a braking action, and the parking brake device acting on the brake piston by way of a transmission that translates the rotary motion of an electromechanical actuator into a translational motion and actuates the brake piston to perform parking brake actions and to keep it in the actuated position. Also disclosed is a transmission for translating a rotary motion into a translational motion by way of a screw spindle and a spindle nut, which are in contact with one another by way of multiple rolling elements.

Abstract: A disc brake to receive a disc and a brake pad. The disc brake includes an inner pad to produce friction with one side of a disc, an outer pad to produce friction with an opposite side of the disc, and a caliper housing including a cylinder part provided therein with a cylinder to receive a piston to press the inner pad and a finger part provided in front of the cylinder part to press the outer pad. The caliper housing includes a spacer to variably change an interval between the cylinder part and the finger part.

Abstract: A method is provided for actuating a wet multiple disc brake, running with cooling oil, especially for a road vehicle. Stationary and rotating radially oriented discs are pressed against one another during braking while overcoming a clearance. The method is characterized in that once the brake is released, the discs associated with each other are separated from each other to such an extent as to form an oil-free or substantially oil-free clearance, wherein the clearance is minimized prior to braking by advancing the discs towards each another.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly that provides a high damping load during a compression stroke and an extension valve assembly that provides a high damping load during an extension stroke. One or more digital valve assemblies is positioned to work in parallel with the compression valve assembly and the extension valve assembly to provide a lower damping load. The lowering of the damping load is based upon the cross sectional area of flow passages provided by the one or more digital valve assemblies.

Abstract: Provided is a height adjustable suspension unit that can smoothly lift and lower a vehicle body without the need to supply fluid to a shock absorber. The height adjustable suspension unit includes: a shock absorber S having a cylinder 1 and an extensible rod 2 disposed in the cylinder 1 to be able to advance and retract, the extensible rod 2 having an end portion that is coupled to a chassis X; a coil spring 4 mounted around the extensible rod 2, the coil spring 4 having a lower end supported on a spring base 3 that is attached to the upper end of the cylinder 1; and a lifting and lowering mechanism D including a gear mechanism A that is rotationally driven by a power source, a power conversion section B that converts power transmitted from the gear mechanism A into power to move the cylinder 1 up and down, and a guide section C that guides the up and down movement of the cylinder 1.

Abstract: A device (10) for damping the vibration of a structure is provided. The device includes a main mass (12) and an auxiliary mass (20) mounted on a support (11) that is suitable for having one end held fixedly in the structure (1). The auxiliary mass (20) includes a threaded member (21) arranged around a drive screw (40) inside a casing (30) fastened to the main mass (12). The device includes manual drive (50) engaging the drive screw (40) to move the auxiliary mass (20) along the drive screw (40).

Abstract: A configurable briefcase desktop having two generally planar support columns, each support column having a fixed length section and an extendable section. The extendable section of each support column is comprised of a scissors linkage and an elongated foot member. The elongated foot member provides improved load distribution across the surface supporting the invention. Embodiments typically include a fold lock mechanism to releasably lock each support column in its folded configuration. Other embodiments have a support stiffening mechanism adapted to yieldably resist movement of its respective support member from its support configuration. Further embodiments comprise at least one load sensor system to provide a warning signal when the extendable section of a support column is in extended configuration and subjected to a compression force in excess of a predetermined amount. In some embodiments the fold lock mechanism and support stiffening mechanism of a particular support column may be mechanically ganged.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device used in an automatic transmission includes an oil pump, a working pressure regulating portion, a first lubricant supply passage, a lockup switch mechanism, and a second lubricant supply passage. The oil pump is driven in accordance with rotation of a driving source. The working pressure regulating portion regulates a working pressure based on an oil pressure generated by the oil pump. The first lubricant supply passage supplies a back pressure of the working pressure to a lubricant passage. The lockup switch mechanism turns on/off a lockup clutch of the automatic transmission by switching a supply/discharge path of the working pressure to/from a fluid transmission apparatus of the automatic transmission. The second lubricant supply passage supplies the working pressure to the lubricant passage and is disconnected when a lockup clutch of the automatic transmission is turned on by the lockup switch mechanism.

Abstract: A friction clutch device for coupling a first rear motor shaft to a second front forced shaft by allowing free relative axial displacement between the two shafts. The clutch device includes a double shock-absorbing steering wheel having a primary couple input assembly which is fixedly mounted axially to the motor shaft, a secondary couple output assembly which is rotatably connected to a reactive plate of the clutch device which is supported by the forced shaft. An elastic circumferential action member is arranged in a cavity that is peripheral to the primary assembly to rotatably connect the secondary assembly, with circumferential shock absorption, to the primary assembly. The secondary assembly is fixedly mounted axially relative to the reactive plate.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a security grate for limiting access to a coin bin is disclosed. The security grate comprises a plurality of generally parallel upper slats and a plurality of generally parallel slats disposed below the upper slats. The plurality of first slats receives coins and directs coins moving under the force of gravity in a first direction. The plurality of lower slats receive coins from the upper slats and direct the coins moving under the force of gravity in a second direction.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a diverter assembly for diverting articles on a load bearing surface of a conveyor, the diverter assembly comprising: a base frame; a slider assembly that is movable with respect to the base frame; a deflector pivotally connected to the slider assembly, the deflector pivoting between a passive position, in which the deflector extends generally along the base frame to allow articles on the conveyor to pass freely, and an active position in which the deflector extends away from the base frame to divert articles on the conveyor; and a crank link configured to reciprocate the slider assembly while rotating in a single direction.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with integrated spatially-modulated magnetic arrays and a vibrating device, and a method for use thereof are described, for sorting and aligning parts. A part which is to be sorted and aligned is provided with a spatially-modulated magnetic array that is complementary to that which is integrated into the conveyor belt. The vibrating device assures that parts placed in arbitrary locations on the conveyor belt will be sufficiently moved to come into magnetic proximity with the magnetic arrays integrated into the conveyor belt. A system of multiple conveyor belts for sorting and/or aligning a number of different parts is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking sticks of split-firewood has a drum with interior flights as well as a ramp and chute which do not rotate with the drum. The flights partition the inside wall of the drum into a procession of shelves and pockets. Each shelf extends radially between the drum sidewall and an inner edge. The ramp is mounted inside the drum and has an axially extending upper edge disposed to be spaced by a small gap from the shelf edges at about 9 o'clock relative clockwise rotation of the drum. The chute is also mounted partly inside the drum slopes from a top to a discharge end. The chute is mounted relative to the ramp to form a catch zone for sticks sliding off the ramp inside the drum. The chute furthermore extends outside the drum to discharge sticks of split firewood in neat stacks there.

Abstract: A crop delivery system for a harvester including a vessel positioned in a harvester for securing a crop therein. A first tube has a first angled orientation and configured to receive the crop from the vessel. A second tube has a second angled orientation. A transition area is positioned between the first tube and the second tube. A continuous belt extends from the first tube to the second tube. A portion of the belt carrying the crop between the first tube and the second tube is structurally supported and substantially covered by the first tube, the second tube and the transition area. The transition area includes a roller positioned substantially transverse to the first tube and the second tube and in contact with the belt, the roller forming a substantially flat bend area in the belt for transitioning the belt from the first angled orientation to the second angled orientation.

Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of laterally and substantially parallel longitudinal trough-like subdecks and a plurality of longitudinal slats adjacent to and parallel to each other. The slats are in a sliding relationship with a pair of adjacent subdecks and cover the longitudinal space between the pair of adjacent subdecks. The subdecks longitudinally support two adjacent slats at or near a slat longitudinal side edge. The subdecks conduct the movement of the slats, preferably without distinct bearing elements therebetween. Some preferred embodiments include raised double-seal system.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a food and drink conveying device that can allow a travel body to travel stably over a travel path. A food and drink conveying device (1) can allow a travel body (7) to travel over a travel path (1a) using a magnetic force between a first magnetic body (18) and a second magnetic body (19) by driving a conveyor driving body (15) and is provided with a lift preventing means (34) in close proximity to the second magnetic body (19), where the lift preventing means (34) makes contact with the travel path (1a) so as to prevent the second magnetic body (19) from lifting due to the magnetic force between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body (19) and moves together with the conveyor driving body (15).

Abstract: A firearm cleaning kit includes a case comprising a first side and a second side joined along a fold line, and a fastener for joining together the first and second side of the case. A tool-holding insert is secured to an interior region of the case. The tool-holding insert includes a plurality of tool cavities and a first firearm cleaning implement removably secured in one of the tool cavities. A module attachment element is affixed to an exterior portion of the case. The firearm cleaning kit further includes a modular kit case including a fastening element releasably secured to the module attachment element of the case. The modular kit case further includes a second firearm cleaning implement removably secured thereto.

Abstract: A sub basket configured to receive tangs upon which the subs are installed. The sub basket having support members that engaged the tangs and secure them to the sub basket. The support members securable via at least one of a handle latch, a door and a pin latch locking the door closed.

Abstract: A golf bag is disclosed that includes base formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer foam material. The base is formed as a one-piece element, and the base may be flexible such that the golf bag is supportable in an upright position or an inclined position. A flexion line may be formed in the base to promote flexing or pivoting in a specific area, and wear elements may be added to an exterior surface of the base to impart wear-resistance.

Abstract: A bulk material shipping container in one embodiment including a pallet, a bottom compartment mounted on the pallet, a top compartment mounted on the bottom compartment and movable from a retracted position relative to the bottom compartment to an expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, a plurality of top compartment supporting assemblies configured to support the top compartment in the expanded position relative to the bottom compartment, and configured to release the top compartment from the expanded position to enable the top compartment to move downwardly into the retracted position, a material unloading assembly supported by the bottom compartment and the pallet, a material loading assembly attached to the top compartment, and an extension assembly attached to the top compartment and configured to enable a loader to move the top compartment upwardly from the retracted position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package is described in which while easiness in applying the adhesive tape is pursued, an effect of saving in resources can be obtained. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package accommodates an adhesive tape having a support and an adhesive agent layer provided on one surface of the support, and includes a release sheet releasably attached to the adhesive agent layer. Moreover, in the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape package, the release sheet is bent along a predetermined bending line with the adhesive tape, and the adhesive tape is sealed inside of the bent release sheet.

Abstract: A recyclable blister pack system is provided, including a substrate having a dry tack cohesive adhesive layer deposited on one of its surfaces and a blister layer for receiving a product. The properties of the dry tack cohesive are selected so the blister layer is separable from the substrate without leaving substantial substrate residue on the blister layer. This improves the recyclability of the blister layer.

Abstract: A reclosable package for packaging an article is provided with a plastic door component and a separate tray that cooperate to form an article containing cavity. The tray may be manufactured from a paper pulp material, such as molded pulp. The door component and tray may be installed between a pair of panels. The door component may include a door portion and a flange portion joined along a hinge. The flange portion may be sandwiched between the panels to hold the door component in place. The door portion may be movable about the hinge to allow the package to be opened and closed. The door portion may interface with the door panel in a way that resists movement of the door portion between the open position and the closed position. The door portion may include snap elements configured to have an interference fit with the door panel.

Abstract: A pouch for containing a product, the pouch comprising a first wall (6) and a second wall (8), the first wall and second wall being sealed together in sealed regions (10), the sealed regions substantially surrounding a compartment (12) including a product portion within which a product (2) can be located, the first wall (6) comprising a tear strip (16) extending towards at least a part of the compartment, the tear strip (16) including a tab portion (18) at a proximal end, the tab portion (18) is separated from the compartment region (12) by a sealed region and is located away from edges of the pouch, the tear strip having tear guiding regions (24, 26) in the first wall (6) at first and second opposing edges, the pouch being arranged such that the tab portion (18) can be grasped and a removal force exerted thereon to cause a tear to extend along each of the tear guiding regions (24, 26) so that at least a portion of the tear strip (16) is torn away from the pouch to render the compartment (12) accessible.

Abstract: A dishwasher treating packet for use in a dishwasher having a treating chamber comprising a body defining a reservoir, a treating chemistry in the reservoir, and a manual dispenser coupled to the reservoir and selectively operable to dispense at least a portion of the treating chemistry from the reservoir.

Abstract: A container of opening a container is provided. The container includes an outer shell slidably carrying a dispensing cartridge between open and closed states. A cooperating catch arrangement is operably interposed between the outer shell and the dispensing cartridge. The cooperating catch arrangement has a locked state that fixes the dispensing cartridge in the closed state relative to the outer shell and an unlocked state in which the dispensing cartridge is permitted to slide relative to the outer shell from the closed state to the open state. The cooperating catch arrangement is operable to be transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state by resiliently reducing a width of the outer shell along a compression axis which resiliently expands a thickness of the outer shell along an expansion axis to disengage cooperating catch arrangement. A method of opening includes compressing the outer shell to disengage the cooperating catch arrangement.