Abstract: The damping device comprises a cluster of resonators with a predetermined frequency distribution, that, when attached to a main or ‘master’ structure, is capable of absorbing irreversibly its vibrational or/and acoustic energy produced by a vibrating body. the density of natural frequencies of the plurality of resonators is comprised within a curve that lies below the envelope curve determined by the formula, e( )=1/?1.

Abstract: A tuned mass damper comprising a frame, at least one bendable spring element being connected from its ends to the frame, and at least one mass element being connected to the spring element at a distance from the ends of the spring element, at least one movable spring support element for adjusting the tuning frequency of the damper, and means for moving the spring support element.

Abstract: A transparent shell structure for luggage and the like includes an outer shell, a decorative plate, a lining, and a plurality of corner protectors. The outer shell has an inner space with a frame. One side of the decorative plate is a patterned surface. Each of the four corners of the decorative plate has a notch, so that the four sides thereof are bent inside the inner space. The decorative plate is restricted within the outer shell. The lining is attached to the decorative plate and disposed in the inner space of the outer shell with the decorative plate, connecting to the frame by the sides. The corner protectors are connected to the four corners of the outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clothing transport for organizing and storing clothing and other personal items for travel. The clothing transport comprises a plurality of pockets located on a first member or second member, each pocket having a corresponding label. In some embodiments, the label indicates the contents of the associated pocket. In some embodiments, the label indicates a day-of-the-week associated with the pocket. The clothing transport is configurable in an open position for packing, storing, and hanging, and in a compact position for carrying and transporting. The clothing transport may be secured in the compact position and may be conveniently carried using a carrying member. The second member may be detached from the clothing transport and left behind when the clothing transport is used on shorter trips. The clothing transport is simple to pack, guides children to clothes for a particular day-of-the-week, and separated dirty laundry from clean clothes.

Abstract: Broadly, the bag may be a drab heavyweight Cudara double strap duffle bag with: (1) a flap-covered and water proofed zipper along the length of the bag; (2) a light fabric bottom so that ownership identity information may be readily stenciled thereon the light fabric; and (3) a chain or other lock on the top flap so that the bag may be locked or chained to a secure location.

Abstract: A luggage case includes a case body, a handle, and at least one cable. The handle is retractably connected to the case body and includes a shaft and a hand grip, wherein the shaft has one end connected to the case body and the other end connected to the hand grip. The shaft is retractable to adjust a distance between the hand grip and the case body. The cable has one end connected to the hand grip and the other end connected to the case body. The cable extends and is exposed between the hand grip and the case body when the shaft extends out from the case body. The cable retracts in a winding manner as the shaft retracts to the case body.

Abstract: Wheeled luggage including an extendable tongue permits use as a hand-truck to transport an additional piece of luggage supported on the extended tongue. The wheeled luggage may be similar to conventional wheeled luggage, but further includes a tongue movable between an inactive and active positions. In the inactive position, the tongue is positioned within a footprint of a bottom of the luggage. In the active position, the tongue extends beyond an outer edge of a bottom of the body to provide supportive structure on which the additional luggage may be placed. The structure of the extendable tongue may have various suitable configurations. A mechanism may be provided for moving the tongue between the inactive and active positions while the user and luggage are in an upright position. An optional strap and/or strap retraction mechanism may be provided to securing the additional luggage.

Abstract: The present invention is a high voltage device system mounted on a railcar and includes a plurality of high voltage devices to which high-voltage electric power from an overhead contact line is supplied, a plurality of high-voltage cables configured to connect the high voltage devices with each other, and a joint device to which the high-voltage cables are connected. The high-voltage cables respectively include cable connector portions at tip end portions thereof, and each of the cable connector portions includes a base tubular portion configured to cover the high-voltage cable and a fit tubular portion extending from the base tubular portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the high-voltage cable. The joint device includes joint connector portions, each of which is fitted to the fit tubular portion of the cable connector portion to be connected to the high-voltage cable.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for an integrated drive generator includes an input shaft configured to receive a rotational input. A coupling member is selectively coupled to the input shaft by dog teeth. A biasing element is configured to disconnect the dog teeth and decouple the coupling member from the input shaft. A thermal coupling opposes the biasing element to maintain engagement between the dog teeth in an unmelted state. The thermal coupling is constructed from a eutectic solder material of 91.3% tin and 8.7% zinc by weight.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism used in a system in which first and second driven members are driven using one driving source. The mechanism includes a driving member, a driving side engaging member, an idler side engaging member, an urging unit, a releasing member provided with a cam surface configured to cause the driving side engaging member to move axially, and to perform engagement or release of the driving side engaging member with or from the idler side engaging member, and a cam member provided with a cam surface configured to engage with the cam surface of the releasing member. In at least one of the releasing member and the cam member, at least a portion where collision occurs when the releasing member has moved in an axial direction to approach the cam member, is formed of an elastic member.

Abstract: A hydraulic disc coupling (4) for an AWD vehicle is provided with an actuator pump (17) for actuating its disc package (12). There is a separate lubrication pump (30) for the purpose of both supplying lubricating and cooling oil to the disc package (12) at normal operating conditions and supporting the actuator pump (17) in quickly engaging the coupling (4) after its disconnection and possible emptying of lubricating and cooling oil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet wheel for a tightener in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems existing in the conventional tighteners that the ratchet wheel tends to be shifted to offset or dislocate the reel. The ratchet wheel for the tightener includes a wheel body which is of a round-disk shape and has several ratchets along the edge thereof. Axial holes are set at the wheel body to pass the reel. Connecting parts are disposed at the ends of the axial holes to protrude vertically from the end face of the ratchet wheel. The connecting parts could be embedded onto the handle or support of the tightener. The ratchet wheel for the tightener is equipped with the advantages such as firm connection and high reliability.

Abstract: The lock-up device includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member, a first torsion spring, a second torsion spring and a third torsion spring. The output rotary member is rotatable relatively to the input rotary member. Torque is transmitted to the first torsion spring from the input rotary member. The second torsion spring is disposed on a further inner peripheral side than the first torsion spring in a radial direction, and is configured to act in series with the first torsion spring. The third torsion spring is disposed on a further outer peripheral side than the second torsion spring in the radial direction, and is configured to act in series with the second torsion spring and transmit the torque to the output rotary member.

Abstract: An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, a shaft, the pulley journalled to the shaft on a low friction bushing, a spring carrier disposed within the pulley, a torsion spring coupled between the pulley and the spring carrier, a wrap spring one way clutch wrapped about the shaft and having a frictional engagement therewith, the wrap spring one way clutch coupled to the spring carrier, the wrap spring one way clutch is disposed radially inward of the torsion spring, and the pulley temporarily engagable with an end of the wrap spring one way clutch in an unwinding direction whereby a temporary contact between the wrap spring one way clutch end and the pulley will temporarily diminish the frictional engagement of the wrap spring one way clutch with the shaft.

Abstract: A coin sensing unit having a rotary sweeping arm is used to determine characteristics of the coins so that the coins can be deposited in a correct one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A tubular food product launching system and method for interacting with a product loading head is disclosed. The system includes a pick belt, positioned alongside product carrying intermediate belts. The pick belt supplies additional product to a product inspector or vision equipped robot cell to replace defective or missing product observed on the intermediate belt(s) with replacement product from the pick belt. The overall system speed, and pick belt speed, can be adjusted to accommodate varying product post-launcher fill-rates in accord with the nature of the product and the abilities and speed of the robot cell and/or product inspector, so as to reliably assure 100% final fill-rate as product is fed to the loading head.

Abstract: A cleanable shoe-type diverter belt having narrow translatable pushers forming article-diverting shoes covering little or none of the belt's conveying surface. Cam followers on the shoes below the pushers follow selectively actuated or fixed guides under the belt to translate the shoes along a transverse track across the width of the belt. Cam followers of different lengths are programmed to follow different paths by multi-level guides.

Abstract: A work stopping apparatus according to this invention includes a swing unit pivotable about a first pivot shaft between an abutment position and a retracted position, and a driving unit pivoting the swing unit. The swing unit includes a swing portion and a movable portion including a work abutment portion. The movable portion is pivotable about a second pivot shaft parallel to the first pivot shaft. A distance between the first pivot shaft and the work abutment portion becomes short along with pivoting motion of the swing unit from the abutment position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A hood assembly is provided for a conveyor having a housing with an inlet opening, a belt or auger for transporting particulate material through the housing from the inlet end to the outlet end. The hood assembly includes a hood pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a closed position substantially closing the inlet end and an open position substantially exposing the inlet end. When the hood is opened, the inlet end of the conveyor housing can be visually inspected and physically cleaned to remove particulate material remnants remaining in the inlet end after the conveyor is shut off. A hopper is provided on the hood to facilitate introduction of material into the conveyor.

Abstract: A work piece conveying apparatus capable of conveying plural work pieces with differing transport pitches to each other. The work piece conveying apparatus includes a drive motor that includes an output shaft, plural drive pulleys that are fixed to the output shaft and have different diameters to each other, plural timing belts that are respectively entrained around the plural drive pulleys, and plural coupling plates that are respectively fixed to the timing belts and that move reciprocating with different transport pitches to each other accompanying forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft, and cause to convey work pieces.

Abstract: A swing hopper is pivotally secured about vertical and horizontal axes to the inlet end of a swing auger which is pivotally connected to the main auger tube of a grain auger.

Abstract: A device for exchanging and for preventing the bending of the pushing-in bar (27) having two pivoting arms (15) which are pivotably mounted on a support (9) and can be pivoted by a drive pinion (21). Supporting legs (25) which support the pushing-in bar (27) are fastened to the pivoting levers with the aid of a fastening element (29). One of the fastening elements (29) is fixedly connected to one of the supporting legs (25); the second fastening element (29) carries the pushing-in bar (27) without securing it in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A belt tracking system for controlling the lateral position of a movable belt entrained about a plurality of generally parallel rollers for moving in a trans-axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction in which the rollers extend parallel to each other includes a roller shaft, a stationary member, a slidable member, and a biasing mechanism. The roller shaft extends outward in the axial direction from an axial end of a specific one of the plurality of generally parallel rollers. The stationary member is fixed in position adjacent to the roller shaft to define a first interfacial surface therealong. The slidable member is co-movably coupled with the roller shaft to define a second interfacial surface therealong inclined relative to the axial direction. The biasing mechanism is connected to the roller shaft to press the slidable member against the stationary member.

Abstract: A combination slider block and pusher lug for mounting on a base plate mounted on a transfer chain includes a flanged channel having a latch and a base plate receiving cavity for snugly fitting over the base plate. A pair of flanges extend inwardly in opposed facing relation over the cavity from the sides of the channel so as to define a slot sized to receive the mount such as the weld between the base plate and the chain. The web of the flanged channel has a lug mounted orthogonally thereto. The cavity has an opening at one end, sized to receive the base plate therethrough. An opposite end of the cavity includes a stop to arrest sliding translation of the base plate through and along the cavity. The latch is mounted adjacent the opening. The latch operates to selectively lock the base plate in the cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.

Abstract: A module (3) for a modular conveyor mat (1), comprising a body part (7) which extends between two molded sides (5) transversely to a conveying direction (P) along a main axis (4). The body part (7) is provided with one or more break provisions (16) extending in conveying direction (P) for breaking the module therealong. An end surface (13) of the body part (7) located at a molded side (5) is, transversely to the conveying direction (8), at a distance (A1) from a first reference plane (R1) which is at least locally smaller than the distance (A2) from a central plane (M) through the break provision (16) to a second reference plane (R2). Here, counted transversely to the conveying direction (P), the first reference plane (R1) extend from the mold-formed side (5) centrally between the first two pairs of coupling elements (11,12), and, counted from the central plane (M) transversely to the conveying direction, the second reference plane (R2) extends centrally between the first two pairs of coupling elements.

Abstract: A switch unit including operating keys, an LCD that displays an image, lenses that are disposed between the LCD and the operating keys and show the image displayed by the LCD on the operating surfaces of the operating keys, a PCB having contacts that detect when an operating key has been depressed, and a rubber that is disposed between the operating keys and the PCB.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: a housing; a stator accommodated in the housing and connected to a terminal unit; a mover selectively brought into contact with the stator; an opening and closing unit manipulating the mover such that the mover is selectively brought into contact with the stator; and an insulating cover provided in the housing and shielding the mover and the stator from the exterior of the housing, wherein the housing or the insulating cover is made by molding an electrical insulating material.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a housing, a key member movably coupled to the housing and exposed to a side of the housing, and a board arranged to be opposed to the inner surface of the key member. The board is coupled to the housing and serves to restrain the key member within the housing, so that the key member is prevented from breaking out from the housing during the assembly process.

Abstract: Electromechanical slide switches are provided. The electromechanical slide switches can include conductive components that are configured to change position relative to one another in response to a mechanical input.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for closing and/or opening an electric circuit. It has an actuating unit and a bistable mechanism. The actuating unit is linearly movable between a first end position in which the switching apparatus is in a closed state and a second end position in which the switching apparatus is in an open state. The linear movement defines an axis. The bistable mechanism is arranged to ensure that the actuating unit is held in either of the end positions. The bistable mechanism includes a cam means mechanically connected to the actuating unit and at least one cam follower. The invention also relates to a use of the invented apparatus.

Abstract: A button mechanism includes a casing, a frame, a fixing structure, a button and at least one resilient component. An opening is formed on the casing. The frame is installed inside the casing and located in a position corresponding to the opening. The fixing structure is disposed on the casing for fixing the frame. The button is installed inside the frame. The button includes a main body and an actuating portion connected to a side of the main body. The actuating portion passes through the hole on the frame as the main body is pressed down in a first direction, so as to actuate a switch. The resilient component is installed inside the frame, and two ends of the resilient component contact against an inner side of the frame and the main body respectively, so as to drive the button to move in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A keyswitch and a keyboard are provided. A top plate of a keycap of the keyswitch, for being pressed and decoration, and a frame including groove bodies, for linking with a supporting mechanism, are separated into two components such that the top plate may be implemented as a plate structure with much thinner thickness while maintaining its strength, and the frame with the groove bodies is attached to the top plate via insert molding or adhering. The frame and the top plate form the keycap, in which the groove bodies at the frame and the top plate form sliding slots or engaging slots in cooperation with the supporting mechanism. The thickness of the keycap can be substantially reduced and meanwhile maintain the necessary stroke of the keyswitch and the strength of the keycap. The keyboard having the keyswitches is made possible for further miniaturized with thinner thickness.

Abstract: Touch sensitive mechanical keyboards and processes for routing the drive and sense lines of the touch sensitive keyboard using patterned dome-switches are provided. The keyboard can include one or more mechanical keys having a touch sensor located within or beneath a keycap. The keyboard can further include a dome-switch beneath each keycap to detect a depression of the corresponding key. The dome-switch can be formed from an elastic (or malleable) material and can include patterned conductive traces within the elastic material. The patterned conductive traces can be used to route stimulation signals and sense signals to and from the touch sensor. In some examples, a first end of the patterned conductive traces can be coupled to the drive and sense lines of the touch sensor and a second end of the patterned conductive traces can be coupled to a flexible circuit or PCB.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nested key assembly (101) that can for example be used in a remote-control, a mobile phone or the like. In general, the key assembly comprises at least one inner-key (130; 140) surrounded by an outer-key (120; 130), wherein the inner-key (130; 140) comprises at least one flexible arm (132; 142) that extends below the outer-key (120; 130) and that directly or indirectly touches a carrier structure (110, 150). In a preferred embodiment, the key assembly comprises an “OK-key”(140) surrounded by a “cursor-key”(130), which in turn is surrounded by a “diamond-key”(120). The OK-key (140) comprises flexible arms (142) that extend below the cursor-key, while the cursor-key (130) comprises flexible arms (132) that extend below the diamond-key (120).

Abstract: A push-button switch comprises a lower housing, an upper housing, four terminals, a spring, a driven wheel, and a driving wheel. The terminals are integrally molded with the upper housing and only the contact portions thereof are exposed, such that the movable contacts of an annular conductive plate face upward and remain hovering for the annular conductive plate rotating smoothly before the annular conductive plate contacts with the terminals in order to avoid a deformation and an impact damage between the terminals and the tactics contacts.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel structure includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer, a polymeric transparent substrate and an adhesive layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The polymeric transparent substrate has a third side and a fourth side. The adhesive layer is disposed between the transparent substrate and the polymeric transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel structure, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel unit includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer and a protection layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The protection layer is correspondingly attached to one side of the conductive layer, which side is opposite to the transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel unit, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost and reduce the total thickness.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel structure includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer, a polymeric transparent substrate and an adhesive layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The polymeric transparent substrate has a third side and a fourth side. The adhesive layer is disposed between the transparent substrate and the polymeric transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel structure, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel unit includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer and a protection layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The protection layer is correspondingly attached to one side of the conductive layer, which side is opposite to the transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel unit, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost and reduce the total thickness.

Abstract: Integrated touch displays with combined pressure and projected capacitance touch capabilities are provided. A sensing electrode layer and, optionally, a driving electrode layer, has a plurality of discrete pads deposited, patterned, printed or laminated on a cover lens or color filter substrate. Each of the discrete pads may be formed of an optically transparent conductor.

Abstract: A system for recycling carbon-containing material is provided. The system includes a reactor for heating the carbon-containing material to produce carbon-containing gases. The system further includes a condenser operably connected to the reactor for condensing a portion of the carbon-containing gases to provide condensed gas and non-condensed gas. The system further includes a conduit arrangement operably connected to the reactor and the condenser wherein the non-condensed gas from the condenser is returned to the reactor.

Abstract: A carbonaceous feed pyrolysis apparatus is provided including two or more hot particle fluidised beds, and one or more positive displacement apparatus for the transfer of hot particles between two or more of the beds, wherein one or more of the fluidised beds contains a combustion zone. A bio-oil production process is also provided, including pyrolysis of a carbonaceous bio-mass using two or more fluidized beds, including a first combustion zone carried out in one or more combustion fluidized beds in which a particulate material is fluidized and heated, and a second pyrolysis zone carried out in one or more pyrolysis fluidized beds in which the hot particles heated in the combustion zone are used for pyrolysis of the bio-mass.

Abstract: A drag chain carbonizer is provided with a system and methods for anaerobic thermal transformation processing to convert waste into various solid carbonized products and varied further co-products. The drag-chain carbonizer includes an adjustable bed depth mechanism, a heating mechanism, a pressure management mechanism, and a chain tensioning mechanism containing at least one position sensor for communication of an actuator position to at least one programmable logic controller (PLC). Carbonaceous waste is transformed into useful co-products that can be re-introduced into the stream of commerce at various economically advantageous points. Depending upon the input materials and the parameters selected to process the waste, including real time economic and other market parameters, the system adjusts co-products output to reflect changing market conditions.

Abstract: Heat integrated distillation column for separating components in a fluid mixture. The heat integrated distillation column is provided with a stripper part (S), a rectifier part (R) and a compressor (2) between the stripper part (S) and the rectifier part (R). Furthermore, a heat exchange assembly for transferring heat between the stripper part (S) and the rectifier part (R), and a mass transfer assembly for condensation and vaporization in the heat integrated distillation column are provided. The stripper part (S), the rectifier part (R), or the stripper part (S) and rectifier part (R), comprise a channel formed by adjacent channel assemblies (6), each forming a structural part of the heat integrated distillation column and a functional part of the heat exchange assembly and of the mass transfer assembly. A plate (8) and a structured packing in the form of two or more corrugated plates (7) are provided.

Abstract: A continuous thermal process for treating oilfield produced water and generating steam from the same is provided. Raw water in is passed in direct counterflow heat exchange with produced steam to heat the raw water to a temperature at which a substantial portion of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in the raw water are precipitated as insoluble salts. The raw water is further passed into a reaction zone for completion of reactions. A strong base is added to the raw water prior to passing the raw water in direct counterflow heat exchange with the produced steam in amount such that pH of the reaction zone is at least 10.5 as measured by a pH sensor to promote silica soluability. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing quantum control on infinitesimal quanta includes: an independent reaction space provision step, wherein at least one three-dimensional closed space is provided; an infinitesimal-quantum kinetic energy enhancement step, wherein differently shaped reaction elements are provided on at least one inner surface of each closed space, each reaction element having at least two slits and plural pores; a parameter control step counted by time with the unit of second, wherein at least a first reaction parameter is provided, and, upon occurrence thereof, wave control is performed on a corresponding one of the at least one closed space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration chamber comprising a microfabricated filter enclosed in a housing, wherein the surface of said filter and/or the inner surface of said housing are modified by vapor deposition, sublimation, vapor-phase surface reaction, or particle sputtering to produce a uniform coating; and a method for separating cells of a fluid sample, comprising: a) dispensing a fluid sample into the filtration chamber disclosed herein; and b) providing fluid flow of the fluid sample through the filtration chamber, wherein components of the fluid sample flow through or are retained by the filter based on the size, shape, or deformability of the components.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes an ozone generation system with a power supply that measures the rate of energy delivered to the ozone generation cell. While changing voltage, frequency or current will likely affect the rate of energy delivery, current, frequency and voltage provide a very poor and unreliable control for an ozone generation cell. It is only through control of the rate of energy delivery that consistent, reliable ozone generation is possible. Based upon the measurements of the rate of energy delivery as measured at the ozone generation cell, compared to the rate of energy delivery supplied, the rate of energy delivery supplied can be adjusted to improve ozone production and control.