Abstract: The partial pressure of an oxidizing gas within a FOUP fixed to a FIMS system and placed in an open state is prevented from increasing with the lapse of time. To that end, a gas supply port is arranged in the bottom face of the FOUP to enable nitrogen supply into the FOUP through the gas supply port with a pod mounted on the FIMS system. A nitrogen supply system for supplying nitrogen with the FOUP mounted is controlled so as to make a nitrogen supply at such a low flow rate and pressure as to be able to prevent dust or the like having such sizes as to possibly cause problems in wiring lines to be formed on a wafer from being stirred up from the gas supply port or the like.

Abstract: A device (31) for injecting an incompressible, pressurized liquid into a container (18) made of a thermoplastic material so as to shape the container (18), includes: a pipe (30) for supplying the liquid, which is to connect a liquid source (40) to the container (18); pumping elements (42) for causing the liquid to flow in the supply pipe (30) toward the container (18) at a first pressure (P1); and compression elements (44) for temporarily raising the pressure of the liquid contained in the container (18) to a second pressure (P2) that is greater than the first pressure (P1), wherein the compression elements (44) are formed by a work chamber (48), whose volume is variable, and which is connected only to the supply pipe (30) between the pumping elements (42) and the container (18).

Abstract: An object is first wrapped with a strip of thermoplastic film such that upper edges of the strip project upward past a top face of the object and fold inward onto outer edge regions of the top face of the object. Then a cover sheet is laid on the top face over the folded-in edges of the strip with outer edges of the cover sheet projecting outward past and hanging down around the wrapped object outside the film strip. A heated plate is then pressed down against the cover sheet and hot air is blown against the strip on the side faces so as to shrink the strip against the side faces and such that the hot air rises and welds the outer cover-sheet edges sheet to the strip around upper regions of the side faces.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for filling containers with rod-shaped articles a hopper for feeding the articles includes at least two mouths for dispensing the articles through respective lower ends, a conveyor device located in the vicinity of the at least two dispensing mouths The conveyor device includes two conveyors placed side by side and designed to operate independently on the containers supported by the conveyor device, and respective motors mechanisms are associated with the two conveyors so that one of the two conveyors moves towards the hopper the empty containers carried on the conveyor device from the dispensing apparatus, and the other of the two conveyors moves away from the hopper the containers full of rod-shaped articles.

Abstract: Method for producing tilled containers from parisons made from a thermoplastic material, wherein the respective parison is at least conditioned thermally and is subsequently shaped during a shaping and filling phase in a mould by the action of the pressure of the supplied filling substance into the respective container at a shaping and filling pressure, wherein, during the shaping and filling phase, the parison is guided at least temporarily through a stretching rod and/or is stretched in the axial direction, and wherein, at least at the end of the shaping and tilling phase, the respective container has an internal pressure which corresponds to the shaping and filling pressure (p2).

Abstract: A sealed package is disclosed that includes a breachable bubble for opening the package in combination with at least one reclosable device. The reclosable device may comprise a pair of opposing interlocking members. The breachable bubble allows for the package to be easily opened while the reclosable device allows for the package to be closed once opened. The breachable bubble and the reclosable device can be preformed on opposing strips that are then incorporated into the package as the package is being formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: A method for filling packages or containers with a padding material, wherein the padding material is fed to the package or the container by way of a feed unit. Contour properties of one or more packing pieces in the package or in the container are determined by a scanning unit, are processed by a logic device and a filling quantity of that volume of the package or the container to be filled is determined therefrom and, derived therefrom, a variable quantity of padding material is introduced into the package or the container.

Abstract: A method of packing and transporting televisions includes placing a television into a protective box in a manufacturing district, in which the television is produced. The television and the protective box are transferred from the manufacturing district to a delivery address. The television is taken out of the protective box and is set-up at the delivery address. The protective box is transferred from the delivery address back to the manufacturing district, and is used to pack and transfer another television.

Abstract: A fully-automated system suitable for use in a hospital setting for filling patient-specific liquid prescriptions to be administered by oral syringes on a just-in-time basis. The system enables hospital pharmacists to simplify and streamline their task, increasing the number of prescriptions that can be filled in a day, improving patient safety and care by minimizing medication errors and the consequences that ensue.

Abstract: A method for placing product packages into shipment containers (71,72) includes the steps of: selecting and marking a shipment container (71,72) of suitable size for a specific shipment order loading different product packages onto a conveyor system (2) assigning each one of the product packages a conveyance tracking clock information, forwarding the conveyance tracking clock information to a control system, conveying the product packages to a loading zone (4) comprising at least one loading station (5) having a pick-and-place robot, within the loading station (5) providing the shipment container (71, 72) in a loading position (7) in which the container is resting still, within the loading (5) station by means of the pick-and-place robot (51) picking the product packages from the conveyor system (2) and placing the product packages into the shipment container (71,72), and after completion of the shipment order removing the shipment container (71, 72) from the loading station (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with rod-shaped articles includes extractor elements for removing in succession layers of articles from a dispensing mouth and inserting them inside containers, the extractor elements including: a supporting element positioned below the dispensing mouth and designed to receive from above and to hold a layer of articles, being equipped with a motor for moving the supporting element away from the unloading zone after receiving one layer of articles; and a pick-up element designed to pick up from above and to hold a layer of articles supported by a supporting element moved away from the unloading zone, having an actuating device for moving the pick-up element above a container carried by a conveyor, with subsequent release of the relative layer of articles inside the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system (10; 80) for simultaneously blowing and filling plastic containers from plastic preforms, characterized in that it comprises a rotating apparatus (12) including:—a plurality of moulds (14a-n; 92), each being suitable for enclosing a preform,—a plurality of stretching means (20a-n) for stretching each a preform enclosed within a mould from said plurality of moulds,—a plurality of injection means (18a-n; 94) for injecting each a liquid into a preform enclosed within a mould from said plurality of moulds so as to cause expansion of said preform within a corresponding mould,—a manifold (22; 100) for distributing said liquid under pressure to said plurality of injection means, such that said preforms are simultaneously blown and filled by said liquid, a pump device (30; 102) that is operable to supply liquid to said manifold.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and assembly for use in association with a shale shaker is described, the apparatus including a generally annular housing, a fluid inlet and outlet, and an air flow-path extending therethrough, the apparatus being adapted to remove contaminants and debris from a fluid flowing from a drilling operation into a shale shaker. In accordance with select aspects of the invention, the filtering assembly has at least one deflection plate mounted inside the housing to aid in reducing or disrupting the velocity of debris within the fluid.

Abstract: An air cleaner is mounted on an upper portion of an engine. The air cleaner includes: a body disposed on an upper part of the engine and having a space in which a filter is received; a cover covering an upper part of the body and having a hinge member protruded from a rear edge of the cover; and a locking member including a support portion integrally formed at a rear edge of the body, and a coupling portion protruded upwardly from the support portion and provided with an opening hinged by the hinge member of the cover inserted between the coupling portion and the support member, where an upper surface and a lower surface of an insertion portion inserted into the opening of the locking member from the hinge member are inclined downward toward the rear edge of the body.

Abstract: An oil mist separator for separating aerosol oil from an oil-laden gas has an impactor. The impactor has a nozzle device with at least one nozzle for gas to be freed from oil, wherein the at least one nozzle has a streaming region. The impactor further has at least one deflector body having a separating region for the oil, wherein the separating region is positioned in the streaming region of the at least one nozzle. The separating region has a surface structure that is monolithically formed with the at least one deflector body. The surface structure has elevations and recesses arranged alternatingly in all directions transversely to a main streaming direction of the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A filter (10) for removing oil from air exiting an air compressor or a vacuum pump includes a housing (11) and at least one filter element (12, 13), the end region of which is adhesively bonded to a flange (14). The flange (14) has a flanged edge (15) and a bead (16) which is adjacently arranged to the edge, the edge and the bead together forming a groove (17) into which the filter element (12, 13) and an adhesive (20) is introduced.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. A stabilizer frame formed of a non-metallic material may be imbedded in the filter pad. The stabilizer frame may be configured to provide support to the filter pad to maintain the filter pad in a generally flat configuration. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the filter pad may be comprised of at least first and second fibrous mats that are coupled together. In this embodiment, the stabilizer frame may be disposed between and coupled with the first and second fibrous mats.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering the supply air of an engine, comprising a filter element with a folded filter medium, whereby the folded filter medium comprises longitudinal folds with fold walls and fold troughs, and a filter housing for receiving the filter element, whereby the filter housing comprises an upper part and a bottom part. A first insertion tongue is arranged on the upper part and a second insertion tongue is arranged on the bottom part, whereby at least one insertion tongue engages in a fold trough and whereby the insertion tongues press a fold wall between themselves is characterized in that, in regard to the problem of improving the sealing concept of the prior art and of preventing the passage of dust from the raw air side to the clean air side with a high degree of reliability, the filter element comprises side strips manufactured from a compressible material that can be compressed to at least 80% of its thickness in the unloaded state.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly and components therefor are provided. Features are described providing for a cantilevered support of a filter cartridge contained therein, and also, in some examples anti-rotational support. Also, a supported housing seal is shown. A filter cartridge arrangement is described and shown. Methods of assembly and use are also described.

Abstract: Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester includes a main frame with frame parts, a preparation and conveyor device with a chopping assembly, a post-chopping device and a conveying device, a tower connected to an upper discharge chute, a heat exchanger, an engine, lateral covering elements enclosing an engine compartment and a compartment partially enclosing the preparation and conveyor device. The covering elements extend from a rear region to a region adjacent to a driver's cab, are guided at a bow-shaped supporting element connected to the main frame such that the covering element is pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis provided at the upper edge or horizontal leg of the supporting element and, about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis provided at one end of the horizontal leg.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted leaf blower support platform is provided. The present invention comprises a substantially flat support surface, a vertical back surface to which an attachment arm is adjustably affixed, a pair of securement arms and a support bar for removably holding a conventional leaf blower in place, and a tube holder for ideally positioning the nozzle of the leaf blower supported thereon. The present invention is removably affixed to the rear portion of a riding lawnmower, or other similar vehicle, so that grass clippings and other lawn debris generated by the lawnmower is automatically blown away as the lawnmower travels across the yard by the leaf blower supported by the present invention.

Abstract: A cotton accumulator system for a cotton harvester is disclosed. The cotton accumulator system includes a cotton storage structure having an upper inlet and a lower outlet. A paddle shaft is coupleable to the cotton storage structure and configured to rotate about an axis. A plurality of paddles is coupleable to the paddle shaft. The plurality of paddles is configured to rotate with the paddle shaft to disperse cotton substantially evenly in the cotton storage structure.

Abstract: A header lift assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a lift cylinder and a lock assembly. The lift cylinder includes a sleeve and a piston, and the piston is configured to move in an axial direction relative to the sleeve. The lock assembly is coupled to the lift cylinder and is configured to automatically transition to a first locking position upon extension of the piston in the axial direction to a locking distance from the sleeve. The first locking position is configured to block retraction of the piston in the axial direction beyond a first distance from the sleeve. The lock assembly is also configured to automatically disengage from the first locking position to a unlocked position that facilitates retraction of the piston beyond the first distance upon extension of the piston to an unlocking distance.

Abstract: There is provided a mower in which a guide member does not easily protrude on the side of the mower, and a grass mowing machine including the same. A mower for discharging mowed grasses from a discharge port provided in a side part of a mower deck to an exterior of the mower deck includes a flexible rubber sheet formed in a flat plate shape, a pivot frame, support frames, and a pivot shaft for attaching the rubber sheet to the mower deck oscillatably in the up and down direction, and fixing clips for fixing the rubber sheet to the mower deck in a state that the rubber sheet is bent into a shape capable of guiding the mowed grasses discharged from the discharge port.

Abstract: An accumulating method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating first conveyor past a screed toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the screed configured in a raised position; and obstructing the flow of the crop material to the baler by lowering the screed while the first conveyor is rotating, the obstructing implemented while the baler continues traversing the field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compacting a fiber composite (V) on a spinning machine with a drafting arrangement unit (2) that includes consecutive drafting arrangement roller pairs (3, 4; 5, 6; 7, 8) having pressure rollers (4, 6, 8) that are retained on a pressure lever (10) that is pivotably supported on the machine frame (MR), and with a compaction unit (VM) that is pivotably mounted on the machine frame (MR) downstream of the delivery roller pair (7, 8) of the drafting arrangement unit (2), which has a pivot axis (MA) that extends parallel and at a distance relative to the axes of rotation (7a, 8a) of the delivery roller pair (7, 8) and includes a support (20) with at least one suction drum (17) that is provided with a suction zone (Z) and that is rotatably supported on the support, and upon the suction drum, at the end of the suction zone (Z), respectively one nip roller (33) is disposed that is fastened to the support (20), under the effect of a compressive-force element (F2), in order to achie

Abstract: A turbo-compressor train and a method for assembling a turbo-compressor train. The train includes a gas turbine engine configured to transform thermal energy into mechanical energy; a centrifugal compressor having a shaft connected to a shaft of the gas turbine engine; and a single lube pump configured to provide synthetic oil to the gas turbine engine and the centrifugal compressor. The gas turbine engine, the centrifugal compressor and the single lube pump each has only rolling bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are screw shaft turbine compressors having (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft can include one or more grooves for providing fuel from the compressor section to the combustion section and for allowing exhaust to leave the combustion section and exit the turbine section. A method for generating different speed to torque ratios on the shaft and a system for generating torque on the shaft are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method of designing a gas turbine engine includes providing a fan section including a fan; driving the fan section via a gear arrangement; providing a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor; and driving the compressor section and the gear arrangement via a turbine section. The pressure ratio across the first compressor is greater than or equal to about 7.

Abstract: A method of designing a gas turbine engine includes providing a fan section including a fan; driving the fan section via a gear arrangement; providing a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor; and driving the compressor section and the gear arrangement via a turbine section. An overall pressure ratio, being provided by the combination of a pressure ratio across the first compressor and a pressure ratio across the second compressor, is greater than or equal to about 35. The pressure ratio across the first compressor is greater than or equal to about 7.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor, with the overall pressure ratio being greater than or equal to about 35. A pressure ratio across the fan section is less than or equal to about 1.50. The fan is configured to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor. The fan is configured to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct. A bypass ratio which is defined as a volume of air passing to the bypass duct compared to a volume of air passing into the compressor section is greater than or equal to about 8.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, the geared arrangement defining a gear reduction ratio greater than or equal to about 2.6. A compressor section includes both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. The turbine section includes a fan drive turbine configured to drive the fan section, a pressure ratio across the fan drive turbine being greater than or equal to about 5. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor.

Abstract: A method and system of operating an internal combustion engine on a six-stroke cycle utilizes an after-treatment system to reduce emissions such as nitrogen oxides. The method and system introduce a first fuel charge to a combustion chamber and combusts the first fuel charge to produce a first stoichiometric lean condition. The method and system next introduce a second fuel charge and combust the second fuel charge to produce a second stoichiometric lean conditions. The exhaust gasses are then directed to a selective catalytic reduction catalyst with a reductant agent to reduce the nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water.

Abstract: An exhaust gas after-treatment method includes determining a regeneration condition of a particulate matter filter, eliminating trapped particulate matter to a predetermined amount by raising a temperature of exhaust gas to a first value so as to regenerate the particulate matter filter. An exhaust gas flows into a nitrogen oxide purifier is controlled in a lean condition (air/fuel ratio >14.5) while the particulate matter filter is being regenerated sulfur components are eliminated from the nitrogen oxide purifier by controlling exhaust gas that flows into the nitrogen oxide purifier after the lean condition is performed. Subsequently, the lean condition and a rich condition (air/fuel ratio <14.5), and then completes the regeneration of the particulate matter filter is completed or the elimination of the sulfur component from the nitrogen oxide purifier is completed.

Abstract: A method of operating a diesel engine 10 having LNT 11 and SCR 13 aftertreatment devices arranged in series to receive exhaust gas from the engine is disclosed in which the engine is operated in a rich early injection mode to generate ammonia in the LNT for storage in the SCR located downstream from the LNT. This reduces the amount of soot produced permitting longer operation of the engine in rich early injection mode and further may reduce the use of PGM material in the LNT and increase the amount of ammonia for use in the SCR.

Abstract: A method for regulating an ionization device in an exhaust gas after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine, includes placing at least one cathode at a distance from an anode in the exhaust gas after-treatment device, applying a high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode, predefining a first value for the high voltage, detecting a current generated by the high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode and predefining a second value for the high voltage if the detected current exceeds a predefinable first current intensity for a predefinable number of times. A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out is also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a vehicle hybrid drive is provided. The method comprises operating the hybrid drive only by a combustion engine, only by a non-combustion motor, or by both, as a function of a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and conducting exhaust gas of the hybrid drive at least partially through the exhaust aftertreatment device, the engine and motor each providing output to power the vehicle. In this way, the aftertreatment device may be operated at an optimal temperature for conversion performance.

Abstract: An extruded honeycomb catalyst for nitrogen oxide reduction according to the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) method in exhaust gases from motor vehicles includes an extruded active carrier in honeycomb form having a first SCR catalytically active component and with a plurality of channels through which the exhaust gas flows during operation, and a washcoat coating having a second SCR catalytically active component being applied to the extruded body, wherein the first SCR catalytically active component and the second SCR catalytically active component are each independently one of: (i) vanadium catalyst with vanadium as catalytically active component; (ii) mixed-oxide catalyst with one or more oxides, in particular those of transition metals or lanthanides as catalytically active component; and (iii) an Fe- or a Cu-zeolite catalyst.

Abstract: A system includes a main engine operating on gaseous fuel from a tank. An auxiliary engine operates using gaseous fuel vented from the tank. A first exhaust passage receives a first stream of exhaust gas from the main engine. A second exhaust passage receives exhaust gas from the auxiliary engine, which passes through an ammonia-producing catalyst. A third exhaust passage is fluidly connected to the first and second exhaust passages and routes exhaust gas through a NOx reducing catalyst. The system operates such that a mass flow of ammonia generated by the ammonia-producing catalyst substantially matches a total mass flow of NOx gas in the third exhaust passage that is treated within the ammonia-producing catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrostatic positive displacement machine (1) with a variable displacement volume includes a cradle (3) pivoted by a hydraulic positioning device (7) having a positioning piston device (8). A position-controlled control valve (10) generates a control pressure and includes axially displaceable and locked setting valve means (20) and the rotatable feedback valve means (21). Control cross sections are exposed by an axial displacement of the setting valve means (20) relative to the feedback valve means (21) and are closed by rotational movement of the feedback valve means (21) relative to the setting valve means (20).

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes at least one gear shift piston-cylinder unit having a gear shift piston for actuating a shifting element in the form of a multi-plate clutch, and a gear shift pressure chamber in which an actuating pressure may be built up by supplying operating fluid. The gear shift piston-cylinder unit has a centrifugal oil chamber that is separated from the gear shift pressure chamber by a gear shift piston. Operating fluid may be supplied to the centrifugal oil chamber via a centrifugal oil line supplied by a first supply line. The hydraulic controller has a second supply line for supplying operating fluid to the centrifugal oil line. The second supply line may be closed and opened by a centrifugal oil valve.

Abstract: A free floating wave energy converter includes a flexible pine and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to the exploitation of porous foam articles exhibiting the Shape Memory Effect as actuators. Each foam article is composed of a plurality of geometric shapes, such that some geometric shapes can fit snugly into or around rigid mating connectors that attach the Shape Memory foam article intimately into the load path between a static structure and a moveable structure. The foam is open-celled, composed of a plurality of interconnected struts whose mean diameter can vary from approximately 50 to 500 microns. Gases and fluids flowing through the foam transfer heat rapidly with the struts, providing rapid Shape Memory Effect transformations. Embodiments of porous foam articles as torsional actuators and approximately planar structures are disposed. Simple, integral connection systems exploiting the ability to supply large loads to a structure, and that can also supply hot and cold gases and fluids to effect rapid actuation are also disposed.

Abstract: A device, comprising a flow controller. The flow controller includes a body having walls that define a channel within the body, and a passive flow control valve. The passive control valve has a moveable member that includes a thermal shape memory material, the moveable member configured to change an aperture size in the channel in response to a reversible temperature-induced shape transformation of the thermal shape memory material.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for vehicle maintenance including a pneumatic cylinder and a multi-mode control vale unit at least having a foot vale is provided. One end of a cylinder body and a first end of an axial rod of the pneumatic cylinder are to be coupled to a steering wheel and a brake pedal, respectively. The foot vale is connected between an inlet and outlet portions and selectively permits the inlet and outlet portions to be communicated pneumatically with each other. When the inlet and outlet portions are communicated pneumatically with each other, pressurized air goes into the cylinder body and drives the axial rod moving away from the cylinder body.

Abstract: A pushing force controlling apparatus for a pedal simulator that includes a simulator cylinder in which a first pipe and a second pipe extending from a master cylinder are connected to a front side and a rear side thereof, respectively. A first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve are installed in the first pipe and the second pipe, respectively and a first piston and a second piston are disposed at a front side and a rear side of an interior of the simulator cylinder. A buffering member is installed between the first piston and the second piston, and pedal pushing force characteristics are controlled by variably setting a position of the second piston in the simulator cylinder using an amount of fluid provided from the master cylinder during an operation of a pedal.