Abstract: A manipulator including a mobile plate for carrying an end-effector, connected to a plurality of legs, each of which has a distal end connected to the mobile plate and a proximal end connected to a supporting object by a clamping device, a plurality of distal links, a plurality of intermediate links and a plurality of proximal links, an actuator connected between each pair of longitudinally adjacent intermediate links, the distal links, connecting the intermediate links with the mobile plate by a system of distal revolute joints including a distal lockable joint, and the proximal links, connecting the intermediate links with a system of proximal joints having lockable proximal joints, where the manipulator is able to achieve manipulation, self-reconfiguration and locomotion movements without needing actuators directly acting on each joint.

Abstract: A power exchange unit (PXU) is coupled to an existing manual transmission of a vehicle via a PTO port. An electric motor generator coupled to the PXU. A battery is electrically coupled to the motor generator for supplying power to propel the vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the motor generator and the battery and configured to switch operation of the vehicle between first and second modes, wherein in the first mode an internal combustion engine of the vehicle propels the vehicle, and in the second mode the motor generator propels the vehicle in a motoring mode.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an electrically-operated vehicle including rear wheels on right and left sides of a rear portion of a vehicle body, the electrically-operated vehicle includes a motor that drives the rear wheels, a battery 51 that is arranged above the motor, and a lower battery that is placed between the right and left rear wheels. The lower battery and the motor are arranged in a distributed manner over an axle of the rear wheels between a vehicle front side of the axle of the rear wheels and a vehicle rear side of the axle of the rear wheels. An upper end portion of a rear cushion is supported on a vehicle body frame, and the battery and the motor are supported on a lower end of the rear cushion.

Abstract: A lost motion piston assembly comprising a lost motion cavity formed within a piston and a lost motion piston disposed within the lost motion cavity. The lost motion piston forms a sealed gas cavity. The sealed gas cavity contracts when the actuator is extended under pressure into the cylinder space and expands under pressure when the actuator is retracted by relieving pressure in the cylinder space.

Abstract: Incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes is described. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle can include a crankcase, and a supercharger disposed behind the crankcase in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body. A throttle body and an intercooler are connected in the front-to-rear direction, to an intake passage of the engine. The intake passage extends a rearward from a cylinder head, and the cylinder head protrudes substantially upward from the crankcase. The throttle body and the intercooler are connected in this order, in the front-to-rear direction.

Abstract: A construction machine including: a lower propelling body; an upper slewing body having a rear region with an engine room; a slewing device for slewing the upper slewing body; and a platform cover. The slewing device includes a slewing electric motor having an electric-motor output shaft, and a speed reducer having a speed-reducer output shaft rotated more slowly than the electric-motor output shaft, the speed reducer installed forward of the engine room such that the speed-reducer output shaft points downward, the slewing electric motor disposed just above the speed reducer. The platform cover is provided on a top of the slewing electric motor, having an upper surface serving as a platform for maintenance of equipment in the engine room. The platform cover is lower than the engine cover and adjacent to a front side of the engine room.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic transmission including a hydraulic pump configured to be coupled to a prime mover, a hydraulic motor configured to be coupled to an output shaft, and fluid lines coupling the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor to provide a fluid circuit providing flow communication between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, such that operation of the hydraulic pump provides fluid flow to the hydraulic motor, and the hydraulic motor supplies torque to the output shaft. A controller is configured to control operation of the hydraulic transmission. The controller is configured to receive signals indicative of pressure in the fluid circuit and reduce an output of the hydraulic pump when the pressure in the fluid circuit reaches a pressure level, and a rate of response of the reduction of the output of the hydraulic pump is varied based on a temperature of fluid in the fluid circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled electric mower. The self-propelled electric mower comprises a cutter arranged on the machine body (1), an electric motor for driving the cutter to operate, and road wheels (2) arranged on the machine body. A driving device (3) for driving the machine body to walk is arranged on the machine body and comprises a transmission system (4) for driving the road wheels to move and a power source (5) for driving the transmission system to work. The transmission system comprises belt transmissions (4-1) connected with the power source, external gear transmissions (4-2) connected with the belt transmissions, and internal gear transmissions (4-3) connected with the external gear transmissions and in meshing connection with the road wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a circulation line (39) for circulating pressurized oil from an accumulator (11) into a housing (15) of a steering valve (14). An orifice joint (41) is provided along the path of the circulation line (39). The orifice joint (41) is removably mounted on the housing (15) of the steering valve (14) from outside. An orifice portion (42) of the orifice joint (41) applies a throttling function to the circulating oil liquid whereby a frictional heat is generated therein. The oil liquid in a warm state flows through a communication passage (21), passages in a spool valve (16), and a low pressure side passage (18B), thus enabling the steering valve (14) to be always in a warm state.

Abstract: The present invention is a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus for sitting on, reclining on or lying upon. The chair or similar apparatus is capable of transmitting sound and vibrations generated by a sound source and/or a vibration source to a user's body. The sound and vibrations are transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to the chair or similar apparatus. The present invention is also a method of providing vibrational energy to a user, including regulating sound and vibrations transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus.

Abstract: A baffle is provided that includes at least one carrier and a sealer disposed in a recess. When placed in a cavity, such as a vehicle cavity, sealer also expands into the cavity to seal the cavity. Baffle can be modified by including an insert within carrier to increase the weight, density, and structural rigidity of baffle, without altering the exterior dimensions of baffle. A baffle that includes an insert can be customized based on a particular application, without requiring time-consuming and expensive tooling changes.

Abstract: A toeboard system for scaffolding has telescoping, articulating, and interlocking members. The telescoping member has inner and outer sleeves configured in telescope arrangement for linear extension of the inner sleeve. Connecting brackets are positioned between the telescoping member and the articulating member to facilitate rotational positioning of the articulating member. In addition, the telescoping member and the articulating member, respectively, include a mounting structure and a receiving structure, which are configured to interlock one toeboard system to another toeboard system. Alternative toeboard systems with the mounting structure and the receiving structure but without telescoping members or articulating members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A personnel elevator assembly is provided to enable a person to gain access to the elevated platform of a combine with the combine having a ladder assembly extending downwardly from the platform. The elevator assembly is secured to and is supported by the ladder assembly and includes an elevator step which is movable from a position close to the ground to a position thereabove so as to be at approximately the same level as the platform.

Abstract: A ladder comprises two stiles and at least a step unit mounted between the two stiles. The step unit includes a hollow step, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is fit into the hollow step, at an end of which a position restriction portion is located to prevent the inner sleeve from moving out, and the outer sleeve is adapted to surround the end of the hollow step. Besides, a fastener is set, the fastening end of which is passed through the stile, the outer sleeve and fastened in the inner sleeve. The present technique solution has a high supporting strength and a high shear resistance.

Abstract: A lubrication-condition detector detects a lubricant shortage of a target portion that repeats a predetermined operation at a predetermined cycle. The lubrication-condition detector includes: a physical-quantity measuring unit for continuously measuring a physical quantity related to the target portion; and a computer for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the physical quantity. The computer includes: a cycle extractor for extracting a cycle datum per an operational cycle from continuous data including the physical quantity and its measuring time; a representative-value calculator for calculating a representative value for each of plural cycle data; and determining unit for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the plural representative values.

Abstract: A lubricating device used in a linear transmission mechanism is disclosed to include a housing having an accommodation chamber and an opening formed on the inside and periphery thereof in equal cross section, a pressure member axially movable in the accommodation chamber, a screw rod pivotally mounted in the housing and having a first transmission portion located on one end thereof and extended out of the pressure member, a screw nut threaded onto the screw rod and driven by the screw rod to stop against the pressure member outside, a transmission member defining therein a transmission slot and a second transmission portion and a third transmission portion at two opposite sides of the transmission slot for alternatively rotating the first transmission portion, and driving device for reciprocating the transmission member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relates to a tool with a laser to assist with adjustment of a constant level oiler associated with rotating equipment. The tool projects light from the laser onto a housing of the rotating equipment to identify position of a level adjuster of the oiler relative to an oil level marker on the housing of the rotating equipment. The tool includes a portion that is inserted into part of the oiler during use of the tool and is coupled to the laser, which may be moveable from the portion inserted and may have extension from the portion inserted counterbalanced by a weight also coupled to the portion inserted.

Abstract: Ground conveyor with a drive part with a frame, a load part, which is attached to the frame of the drive part and the height of which is operated on the, if applicable, one load pickup means that can be actuated by a lifting device, furthermore with parallelly distanced wheel arms, which are attached with their rear ends on the frame or the load part and each support a load-bearing wheel with means for changing the distance of the wheel arms (wheel-arm width), wherein a bearing arm is fastened on the rear end of the wheel arms, which extends almost perpendicular to the wheel arm and is received fittingly and moveably in at least one bearing opening of the frame or the load part and fixing means are provided on the frame or load part, with which the axial and pivot position of the bearing arms can be releasably retained.

Abstract: An elevator installation includes at least one elevator car and at least one counterweight, wherein the at least one elevator car is capable of being moved on guide rails in an elevator shaft by a drive with a driving pulley and with a supporting and propulsion apparatus. The at least one counterweight is formed with a hollow body enclosing a filling. In the event of a freefall, the hollow body is destroyed allowing the filling to emerge.

Abstract: An elevator load receiving apparatus or a compensating weight connected thereto by a suspension device is released from a safety device in a stopping position after downward travel, the load receiving apparatus and the compensating weight being moved by a drive unit including a reversible electric motor and a traction sheave engaging the suspension device. Many safety devices, after stopping must be moved counter to the travelling direction of the load receiving apparatus before stopping in order to release (moved upwards in the case of stopping after downward travel). The safety device is easily released by activating the drive unit for a time (tmax1) or a certain distance (smax) with a predetermined torque (Mmax) counter to the direction of release and subsequently activated as abruptly as possible with the predetermined torque in the direction of release. This method can be used to release the compensating weight from its stopped position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular weighting element that can be assembled with at least one other modular element to form a ballast bar, known as an ingot, for example for creating a counterweight for a lift/elevator and/or goods lift, said modular element being in the form of a generally parallelepiped elongate body. According to the invention, said modular element comprises at least two assembly members, one of them male and the other female, of complementary shapes, arranged on said body in such a way as to allow said modular element to be assembled with at least one other modular element, preferably an identical one aligned in the continuation of one another. The invention also relates to a ballast bar, to a counterweight by superposing such ballast bars and to an assembly comprising the framework carrying such a counterweight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk type parking brake employing a ball-in-ramp type actuator. The parking brake improves a structure of a sealing member installed around a shaft between a caliper housing and a lever member to enhance the braking performance.

Abstract: A ventilated brake rotor (24) includes vent holes (42) between inboard (32) and outboard (34) friction plates. The vent holes (42) are separated by ribs (40) spaced in regular circumferential increments about the rotor (24). The rib pattern (40) is divided into two or more sectors (48) of equal angular measure. Within each sector (48), an attenuation region (50) interrupts two or more ribs (40) by replacing the ribs (40) with a cluster of individual pins (54) which may be arranged in radial and circumferential rows. Each attenuation region (50) spans a territory within each sector (48) that is preferably at least 20% and less than 55% of the sector (48) real estate. The rotor (24) completely or at least substantially eliminates vibration modes in objectionable, audible frequencies without adversely affecting the structural integrity, cooling capabilities or functional attributes of the disc brake assembly (22).

Abstract: An improved unit guide wear plate for brake beams, which provides a brake beam centering force and aligns the movement of a brake beam end guide within the side frame of a railroad car truck so that the brake shoes can provide the maximum amount of force against the wheels when stopping the railroad car, and which is less prone to fracture than current unit guide wear plates.

Abstract: An electromagnetic absorber (10) for a vehicle including (a) a threaded rod (78) which is disposed on one of a sprung portion and an unsprung portion and which has a threaded groove (76) formed in its outer circumferential portion and an axial groove (90) extending in its axis direction (b) a nut (80) which is rotatably disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion and which is screwed with the threaded rod and (c) a rod-rotation inhibiting member (82) which includes a fitting portion configured to be fitted in the axial groove and which is disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion, the rod-rotation inhibiting member being configured to inhibit the threaded rod from rotating while permitting the threaded rod to move in the axis direction.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damper (1, 1?) for furniture, especially hinges, comprising a housing (2, 2?) in which a piston (8, 8?) is connected to a piston rod (3, 3?) and can be displaced. A fluid flows through at least one flow channel (11, 11?) on or in the piston (8, 8?) during a movement of the piston (8, 8?) inside the housing (2, 2?), the movement of the piston (8, 8?) resulting in a different damping power in different directions. The cross-section of the flow channel can be modified in some sections on at least one groove (20, 20?) by moving a plate (12, 12?) relative to the piston (8, 8?). On the at least one groove (20, 20?), a substantially funnel-shaped outlet (22, 22?) and/or the groove (20?) have a section which is arranged at an angle to the radial direction to avoid cavitation.

Abstract: A damping shaft mechanism has a spiral shaft, spiral guide bush, a shell and blade. An external spiral structure is arranged at one end of the spiral shaft, and its core has a cone segment. An internal spiral structure is arranged in the spiral guide bush, which cooperates rotationally with the external spiral structure so that it can move along the axis relative to the spiral shaft when the spiral shaft is rotating. The two cavities change size by moving the spiral guide bush driven by the spiral shaft in the shell, and the taper on the spiral shaft makes the fit clearance between the spiral shaft and the spiral guide bush changed from maximum to minimum gradually in the damping process, so that the oil-flowing section between the two cavities changes from big to small.

Abstract: One example may be directed to a luggage case including a first wire frame element forming at least a partial shape of a main body, an inner material attached at least in part to the first wire frame element, an outer material positioned over the first wire frame element, and a second wire frame element attached at least in part to the inner material and the outer material. The outer material is not attached to the first wire frame element.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling rotatably arranged around a longitudinal axis A has a coupling hub (2, 102, 202), drivers (6, 106), a coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203) and a switching disk (4, 104, 204). The switching disk (4, 104, 204) is rotatably arranged between a switched-on position and an idling position relative to the coupling hub (2, 102, 202). The drivers (6, 106) engage the coupling sleeve first recesses (7, 107,207) in the switched-on position. The drivers (6, 106) engage the switching disk second recesses (8, 108, 208) in the idling position. A first spring mechanism (25, 125, 225) urges the switching disk (4, 104, 204) in the direction towards the switched-on position. A second spring mechanism (12, 112, 212) acts axially on the switching disk (4, 104, 204) and urges the drivers (6, 106) against the coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203).

Abstract: A sintered coupling ring (1) is described, comprising a ring of coupling teeth (2) which comprise relieved flanks (4) extending from wedge-shaped end faces (3) and, on the side opposite the wedge-shaped end faces (3), a stop (5) that protrudes radially beyond the tooth tip (6). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the stops (5) have a greater density than the remaining tooth tip (6).

Abstract: A vehicle parking lock device having a parking rod; a tapered parking cam disposed at a leading end portion of the parking rod; and a cam guiding device that guides the parking cam moved together with the parking rod in association with a projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion to move a parking lock pole with the parking cam to a position of engagement with a parking lock gear rotated together with a transmission output member, the cam guiding device including a first guiding member in a cylindrical shape and a second guiding member in a half cylindrical shape that is disposed subsequently to the first guiding member, the second guiding member having a tapered guiding concave surface that guides the parking cam toward the parking lock pole in association with the projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion.

Abstract: The coin handling apparatus configured to handle the first coin of the first nation and the second coin of the second nation includes a recognition unit 48 configured to recognize a coin and detects a feature amount of the recognized coin. The recognition unit 48 is configured to regard the recognized coin as the first coin when the feature amount of the detected coin conforms to feature amount information including a feature amount of the first coin and a feature amount of the second coin.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining an electromagnetic sensor signal of a coin, generating a contour signal by digitizing the sensor signal, identifying an active interval in the contour signal by eliminating the segments of the contour signal which are close to zero, and detecting the coin approach, pivot and departure points (coin features) from the contour signal in the active interval. The coin features can be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.

Abstract: A track and carrier system has a plurality of carriers having an upper surface, a bottom surface, and at least one roller coupled to the bottom surface, wherein the upper surface of the plurality of carriers is shaped such that it has a wide end and a narrow end, the narrow end pointed substantially inwardly of the continuous groove and at least one roller is configured to travel within a continuous groove in a platform so that displacement of one carrier in the plurality of carriers displaces at least one additional carrier in the plurality of carriers about the continuous groove.

Abstract: A turning wheel comprising a number of blades. Each blade has a front side provided with a front projection, and a back side provided with a back projection. Each two consecutive blades form a gap between the backside of a first blade and a front side of a second blade. The gap comprises an inner gap formed radially inward from the back projection and the front projection. During rotation of the turning wheel a container can be held in the gap and an end portion of the container can be held in the inner gap, thereby protecting the end portion from being damaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for products having a non-circular cross-section, such as ovoid containers or bottles. The machine includes: a collector having cavities arranged obliquely relative to the XX' axis of the conveyor used to supply said products; a means for transferring the batch of products formed into groups by said collector to a depositing station, on a table arranged along said feed conveyor; a means for dropping the batch of products by a reversing movement in an oblique direction; and a means for returning said collector to the starting point, that is, level with the first product on said feed conveyor.

Abstract: The conveyor installation makes it possible to control the speed of items of the bottle (1) type dispatched in several trains distributed across various paths in the form of single-file lanes (11). The lanes are delimited by a pair of walls (16, 17) which are arranged in an omega shape over a base plate made up of several juxtaposed conveyors (13, 14, 15). Each lane (11) may comprise a fixed wall (16) acting as a reference, and a moving wall (17) that can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the items that are to be conveyed.

Abstract: A method for transferring an article from a first conveying device to a second conveying device, where at least one conveying device comprises at least one motor, including determining a load of the at least one motor, and adjusting the relative positioning of the first conveying device with respect to the second conveying device depending on the determined load.

Abstract: A cleaning-in-place system for use with an easily cleanable modular belt. The belt has modules with a body having a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth. The opening extends toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the hinge area, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A conveyor device (10) for conveying a material (M) through a treatment station (101) where the material (M) is subjected to a laser treatment (12) capable of leaving contamination residues on the conveyor (10). The conveyor (10) outlines a closed loop trajectory passing through, after removing the treated material (M), two brushing stations (103, 106) where the surface of the conveyor (10) is subjected to brushing with a washing station (104) interposed where the conveyor (10) is subjected to washing through the projection (1040, W) of washing liquid.

Abstract: A belt plough assembly is used to deflect material on a conveyor belt. The belt plough assembly includes a support structure, and a blade operatively positioned by the support structure on the material carrying side of the conveyor belt and orientated to deflect or redirect outlying material on a conveyor belt back inside the alignment of the skirts. The support structure includes a housing having an upright slot within which the blade is slidably mounted. The blade rests on the belt under its own weight, but is freely movable relative to the support structure. This enables the blade to maintain contact with the belt and follow any undulations in the belt, and self-adjust for wear on the blade. A damper may be provided for damping movements of the blade.

Abstract: A conveyor segment for clean manufacturing applications. Each conveyor belt segment includes a pair of side rails parallel to each other; a pair of belt-drives for transporting work pieces from a first end to a second end of the belt segment; a pair of driving wheels for turning the belt-drives. The belt of each of the belt-drives is disposed in a serpentine path about plural, load-bearing upper idler wheels, around either a lower loop-back idler wheel or a driving wheel, and back up and around another pair of upper idler wheels. This sequence is repeated a selected number of times about additional pairs of upper idler wheels and lower loop-back idler wheels or a driving wheel before the belt is disposed beneath plural return idler wheels and back up to the starting point. Slipping between the belt and wheels is thus minimized, even in the absence of a work piece on the belt segment.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and transporting jewelry which generally includes a flexible, tubular, and transparent sleeve having a first angled end and a second angled end opposite thereof. The first end and the second end each have angled openings leading to an internal cavity. A jewelry item is inserted within the sleeve so that the first end and second end of the jewelry protrude from the first and second end of the sleeve. The first and second end of the sleeve are then extended over the first and second ends of the jewelry and connected to each other, such as by tying, or through the use of various types of fasteners so that the jewelry is completely enclosed within the sleeve in a conventional clasped circular-shaped orientation that will prevent tangling of the jewelry and allow the jewelry to be stored, hung on display, worn, or easily transported.

Abstract: A toy vehicle storage case may be placed in a racing configuration with a toy vehicle raceway deployed and supported by the storage case, or a transport configuration with the storage case containing the toy vehicle raceway.

Abstract: Various arrangements for a flexible package for articles of footwear or other items are presented. The flexible package generally includes a lightweight flexible package sized to accommodate a pair of shoes. The flexible package may also include a removable stiffening insert to aid in maintaining the structure of the flexible package and allow stacking of the package. Further, the flexible package may include one or more handle arrangements. Various closure arrangements may be used with the flexible packaging for footwear, such as an undercut tab arrangement, hook and loop type closure arrangement, rim and lip, and the like.

Abstract: A flexible storage device is particularly well suited for use in dugouts, for holding equipment used in sports, such as baseball and softball is disclosed. An example of the device includes central pocket between front and back surfaces to use for storage, or for use in decorating. The device is flexible to allow it to be rolled up for quick and simple transport, and includes an elastic device for retaining bats. Additionally an arrangement that allows weight balance of items being held, bats on the sides, helmet, mitt and sunglasses pocket in center, which obviates the need for rigid structure is also disclosed.