Abstract: One variation may include a module including a body and a control arm; the control arm being constructed and arranged to allow a user to direct, steer, or move the module in a plurality of modes.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a foldable vehicle has a foldable chassis. The wheelbase (and thus the overall footprint) of the vehicle can be reduced when parking, and can be extended when driving on the open road. In exemplary implementations the ability to shorten and lengthen the wheelbase is achieved by using two 4-bar linkages, activated by one or more linear actuators positioned in parallel. The dual 4-bar linkage and linear actuator(s) can provide: (i) the ability to maintain full maneuverability in the vehicle's folded and unfolded state; (ii) a fail-safe static system, and (iii) a rigid but transformable chassis.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes a motor including a high-speed drive winding and a low-speed drive winding, a winding switching portion switching the connection states of the high-speed drive winding and the low-speed drive winding of the motor, a power conversion portion connected to the motor, and a plurality of case portions housing at least the motor, the winding switching portion, and the power conversion portion, while the plurality of case portions are coupled to each other.

Abstract: An air outlet is formed on each side surface of a front cowl covering a front portion of a vehicle body. The air outlet is located near and on the front side of a middle position defined by the half of the longitudinal length L of the front cowl. Left and right air inlets are formed near a headlight provided on the front surface of the front cowl. A running wind is introduced into the air inlets, passed through the inside of the front cowl, and discharged from the air outlets. The running wind flowing inside the front cowl is disturbed by the running wind discharged from the air outlets, thereby separating the running wind from each side surface of the front cowl.

Abstract: A driver's seat and a passenger's seat integrally formed as a bench seat elongated in a vehicle width direction together with an intermediate connecting portion, which connects the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. An upper end portion of a seat support frame configured to be erected above a footrest surface and constitute a part of a vehicle body frame formed along one plane. A fuel tank and canister arranged in a separated manner in the vehicle width direction below the bench seat supported on the upper end portion of the seat support frame.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle has a chassis including a tunnel. An engine is connected to the chassis. An endless drive track is disposed below the tunnel and operatively connected to the engine. A suspension assembly supports and tensions the endless drive track. The suspension assembly has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The suspension assembly includes a rail engaging the endless drive track. The rail extends in the longitudinal direction. A suspension arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the chassis about a first lateral axis, and a lower end pivotally connected to the rail about a second lateral axis. At least one shock absorber is connected between the chassis and the rail for biasing the rail away from the chassis. The chassis is pivotally connected to the rail via the suspension assembly about a longitudinally extending axis. A suspension assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust port formed on one side portion of an engine body along the vehicle width direction, the exhaust port connected to an exhaust muffler arranged in an extending manner in the vehicle width direction along a rear edge of the vehicle body frame by way of an exhaust pipe passage means that introduces an exhaust gas from the exhaust port. The exhaust pipe passage means is arranged in an extending manner in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle while having a bent portion bent toward the center in the vehicle width direction from one side of the engine body in the vehicle width direction behind the engine body, as viewed in a plan view.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical seismic sensor system for measuring seismic events in a geological formation, including a surface unit for generating and processing an optical signal, and a sensor device optically connected to the surface unit for receiving the optical signal over an optical conduit. The sensor device includes at least one sensor head for sensing a seismic disturbance from at least one direction during a deployment of the sensor device within a borehole of the geological formation. The sensor head includes a frame and a reference mass attached to the frame via at least one flexure, such that movement of the reference mass relative to the frame is constrained to a single predetermined path.

Abstract: A rigid removable case for a portable electronic device may have an acoustic isolation mechanism between the rigid removable case and an acoustic component on the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be a compressible component that may provide an air seal between an interior surface of the removable case and an exterior surface of the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be constructed of several different materials and several different manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A sustainable linear sound-deadening board with a tongue and groove design, which allows multiple boards to connect linearly and giving a both clean and attractive appearance. The board is effective in reducing reverberation within a room as well as acting to improve the soundproofing aspect of undesired sound leaking from one room to another. The board can be made from reused or biodegradable materials thus creating a device that is both cost-effective and less harmful to the environment.

Abstract: A septum includes two septum plates and the edges of the septum plates are brought into contact at one of the junction edges of the septum plates. In particular, an angle (?) between one of the junction edges of the septum plates and one of the sides of the septum plates adjacent to the one of the junction edge is less than 90°.

Abstract: A method of handling fall protection systems (2) in association with towers, pylons and masts includes climbing a tower (5), securing a guide channel (10) to a top portion (6) of the tower, extending a fall protection guide line (20) through the guide channel, connecting a first end (3) of a fall protection system (2) to a first end (21) of the guide line (20), extending the fall protection system (2) through the secured guide channel (10) by pulling a second end (22) of the guide line, securing the first end (3) of the fall protection system to a ground (G) level fixing point (8) and securing a second end (4) of the fall protection system to personal protection equipment worn by a worker. An assembly (1) for handling fall protection systems in association with towers, pylons and masts is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid escape exit for a high building. The rapid escape exit is applied to an evacuation process. A transit point is set in each floor by accurately calculating according to an equation of Ashwan evacuation rule: A=B+M, wherein A is a floor level from which one is going to descend, B is a floor level to which one is going to reach, and M is the number of groups for the slideway in the building and labeled as M1, M2, . . . Mn. People may quit from an escape exit and then immediately enter another escape exit. Therefore, with the rapid escape exit, i.e., the fifth mode of Ashwan exit, it is possible to reduce the area used for installing slideway on the sideface of the building, and to reduce the risk of dizziness and imbalances which are accumulated during drop from a high building.

Abstract: The lift for all terrain vehicles has a plurality of telescoping box-shaped frame members, each frame member having top and bottom rectangles made of square tubing, the rectangles being spaced apart by posts at each of the corners. The inner telescoping box-shaped member has a standing platform mounted on the bottom rectangle. A plurality of telescopic support and leveling legs are attached to the outer telescoping box-shaped member. The legs, when extended, provide stability when raising and lowering the standing platform. A plurality of vertically disposed elongated legs extend from the outer telescoping generally box-shaped member, and are adapted for attachment to an ATV or other vehicle.

Abstract: Adjustable ladders may include a pair of side rails having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween, and a pair of adjustable legs associated with the side rails. A pair of swing arms may include a first end pivotally coupled with a side rail, or a bracket associated with the side rail, as well as a second end pivotally coupled with an adjustable leg. The swing arm may be configured as a nonlinear structure. In one embodiment, the swing arm may include a first section that extends from a second section at a defined angle. The first and second sections may exhibit different lengths. Adjustment mechanisms may be pivotally coupled with an upper end of the adjustable legs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms may be configured such that, when actuated, they may be displaced in one direction while resisting displacement in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: An improved tree stand includes an elongated frame having a vertical and horizontal section. A central platform extends in an opposite direction from the frame and includes a tree connection member. A seat is provided along the upper horizontal portion of the frame, and a shooting rail having a vertically adjustable back and side sections connect the top portion of the frame to the tree. An improved tree stand also includes a swivel mounted seat platform that transitions between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A pipe-support system including a pipe-support frame structure having plural, substantially horizontal, pipe-support levels supported by columns including a distribution of side columns uniformly spaced along at least one side of the frame structure, and featuring selectively graduated, support-level-indifferent, lateral-connectivity access for quickly available, removeable, outrigger gravity attachment to the frame's side columns, through gravity catch and hook structures, of modular, outrigger, lateral, worker-platform scaffolding either as individual scaffolding units, or as assemblies of plural, individual units, all such units deriving vertical support through outrigger connections made to the frame structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a 180° rotatable tree stand that has an embodiment that allows the tree stand to be manually manipulated to control the rotation. Another embodiment has the rotation operated and controlled by electric motors and controls in the seat. Another embodiment allows the user to use a remote control to manipulate the seat. The seat will rotate 360°. The tree stand is secure to the tree by a hanger and a cable and pulley system manipulate the rotation and leveling both forward and back ward. It also allows for adjustment from side to side to perfectly level the platform.

Abstract: An elevator installation has a car, a counterweight, a traction device interconnecting the car and the counterweight, a motor and a traction sheave engaging the traction device. The elevator installation is monitored for over-traction and an air cushion is created between the traction sheave and the traction device when over-traction is detected.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement of an elevator and to a method for monitoring an elevator. The monitoring arrangement of an elevator comprises a drop-out safety device of the elevator, an elevator component, which is in operational connection with the drop-out safety device of the elevator, a measuring device, with which the operation of the aforementioned elevator component is measured, and also a monitoring unit, comprising an input for the measuring data of the aforementioned measuring device as well as a memory for setting one or more boundary conditions to be connected to the safe operation of the elevator component. The monitoring unit is configured to receive measuring data from the aforementioned measuring device and also to determine that the operating safety of a drop-out safety device of the elevator is endangered if the measuring data received does not fulfill the boundary conditions set for the safe operation of the elevator component.

Abstract: A disc brake device includes a disc rotor, which rotates around a rotation axis, friction pads opposed to friction surfaces of the disc rotor, a first member provided on a fixed part on a vehicle body side, a second member supported so as to be slidable relative to the first member by a slide mechanism, a third member, which holds the friction pads and is supported so as to be swingable relative to the second member around a swing axis in a radial direction of the disc rotor as a center of swing by a swing mechanism, and a return mechanism provided on the swing mechanism to apply force to the third member to restore the same to an initial position in a swing direction. Therefore, the disc brake device has an effect of inhibiting abnormal noise.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the trailer may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically boosting a vehicle electric parking brake having a hydraulic service brake and an electric parking brake. Application forces electically generated by the parking brake function is superimposed on the boosting brake force generated by a hydraulic boosting brake pressure provided by the service brake to the brake actuator. When the parking brake is actuated to generate a predetermined application force, the force generated by the brake actuator is detected as the actual value, if an actual value of the measured value is smaller than a first target value a boosting brake pressure value is applied to the brake actuator, and by means of the parking brake function an adjustment function for the tension of the brake actuator to which the hydraulic boosting brake pressure is applied is carried out to achieve the predetermined application force.

Abstract: Provided is a brake distribution structure including a first sliding block, a second sliding block, and a tube. The first sliding block connects to a rear brake line of a bicycle. The second sliding block connects to a front brake line of the bicycle. The first sliding block moves to brake a rear wheel of the bicycle, and then the first sliding block drives the second sliding block to move and thereby brake the front wheel of the bicycle. The brake distribution structure ensures that the rear wheel is always braked first, prevents brake lockup, reduces hazards otherwise arising from manmade false action, and maximizes rider safety.

Abstract: A brake disk chamber has an essentially cylindrical brake disk chamber jacket without openings. The brake disk chamber jacket is formed of segments in the shape of curved symmetrical trapezoids, which are lined up in a row in the circumferential direction, are alternately rotated by 180°, and are arranged in a regular fashion with an alternately differing radial distance from the longitudinal center axis of the brake disk chamber jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake shoe for a drum brake and a drum brake that includes a supporting unit and a lining unit, wherein the supporting unit comprises a bearing portion for pivotable support and an actuation portion, and wherein the supporting unit has a bending stiffness, which has different values between the bearing portion and the actuation portion.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are: a non-asbestos frictional material composition containing a binder, an organic filler, an inorganic filler, and a fiber substrate, wherein, in the non-asbestos frictional material composition, content of a copper is 5% or less by mass as a copper element, content of a metal fiber other than a copper fiber and a copper alloy fiber is 0.5% or less by mass, and a titanate salt is contained therein with antimony trisulfide or zinc powders, with content of the titanate salt being in the range of 10 to 35% by mass; and a frictional material and a friction member that use the said non-asbestos frictional material composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake shoe for a drum brake and a drum brake that comprises a supporting unit and a lining unit, wherein the supporting unit comprises a bearing portion for pivotable support and an actuation portion, wherein the supporting unit comprises two supporting portions, wherein the center of the mean curvature of the first supporting portion is spaced apart from the center of the mean curvature of the second supporting portion.

Abstract: A fluid cooled vehicle brake includes a fluid flow passage disposed in fluid communication with a brake shoe rim carrying a layer of friction material. A pair of spaced support webs are coupled to an inner surface of an annular inner surface of the rib. A water jacket is sealingly joined to the pair of webs and the inner surface of the rim to form a fluid flow passage between an inlet port formed in one of the support webs along the inner surface of the rim and out through an outlet port formed in one of the support webs. High thermal conductive members may be disposed within the layer of friction material to conduct heat to the rim. Heat radiator members are mounted within the coolant passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in an energy absorption device that incorporates a diverse range of uses within a single shock absorber. The disclosed energy absorption device is a novel combination of interaction between various components (e.g., piston head, shock tube, cylinder end, external cylinder, and adjustment mechanism) within a single shock absorber. When the components disclosed herein are considered together and designed as an interrelated assembly, the ability to incorporate such a diverse range of uses within a single device emerges. The ability to combine dashpot, square wave, progressive wave, and self-compensating damping in a single device is unprecedented, as is the ability to deliver sublinear damping force vs. input velocity performance in an adjustable device. The disclosed device allows a user to make simpler sizing calculations and decisions, and provides the user with the ability to adjust the shock absorber to a specific application, for example, with the turn of an adjustment knob.

Abstract: A sealing device adapted to seal an outer periphery of a shaft member inserted into a tubular member includes a dust seal lip arranged on an outer side of the tubular member and an oil seal lip arranged on an inner side of the tubular member to form a space for accumulating working fluid between the oil seal lip and the dust seal lip. The dust seal lip includes a main lip portion and an auxiliary lip portion formed to be closer to the oil seal lip than the main lip portion. A maximum value of a surface pressure gradient absolute value of the inner side in the auxiliary lip portion is set to be larger than that of a surface pressure gradient absolute value of the outer side in the auxiliary lip portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.

Abstract: A brake caliper of a disk brake for a utility vehicle is provided. The brake caliper includes tension braces which are arranged substantially parallel and at a distance from each other, straddling a brake disk and connecting receptacles for functional parts arranged on both sides of the brake disk. One receptacle forms a caliper back and the other receptacle forms a housing having a lever dome formed thereon. The brake caliper includes at least one replaceable service-related wear protection element fastened to areas of potential wear during in-service use of the brake caliper, such as at the lower side of the leading tension brace and at least partially around the lever dome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping arrangement for dissipating oscillation energy of an element in a system, more particularly in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, comprising an absorber mass, which is mounted via a stable mounting with respect to the element, wherein the absorber mass is arranged in a cavity present within the element and is at least partly surrounded by a fluid situated in the cavity, wherein a mass-spring system is formed by the absorber mass, the system damping a translational movement component of an oscillation of the element that exists at the linking point of the absorber mass, and wherein the stable mounting is formed by a rheological fluid that is electrically controllable or controllable via electric or magnetic fields.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying luggage of the type having a handle. The device is made of highly visible fabric. It includes a band of material and is adapted to be received around the luggage handle to allow for easy identification of the luggage to which it is attached. A first portion of the band and a second portion of the band are situated in substantially face to face relation. Hook and loop ribbon strips are provided for fastening the band portions together such that the device encircles the handle. A second look and loop strip, with oppositely orient sections, is mounted on one of the band portions and designed to encircle the other band portion to lock the band portions together and prevent disengagement of the band portions.

Abstract: An article of luggage includes a resiliently-bendable reinforcing member extending substantially along the length of a top panel, being attached to the interior of a back panel, and being indirectly attached to the sling strap; resiliently-bendable reinforcing members extending substantially along the length of end panels and being attached to the end panels; and divider panels secured to a base, the divider panels being structured and arranged to provide rigidity to the base. The resiliently-bendable reinforcing member attached to the back panel is structured and arranged to disperse the weight of a load on the article of luggage when loaded with the load; to retain a rectangular parallelepiped shape of the article of luggage; and to minimize strain on an operator selecting mechanism defining an openable and closable access opening to the interior of the article of luggage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bag to carry one or more objects on the back of a person, and a cushion for connection to a surface of the bag. The cushion is used for making substantially continuous contact with the back when the bag is carried on the back. The apparatus may be a backpack or any other type of bag.

Abstract: A collector device of an electric train and a collector method thereof are provided. The collector device includes a collector unit and a magnetic unit. The collector unit has a first side, a second side and a graphite skateboard. The first side and the second side are the two opposite sides of the collector unit, and the graphite skateboard is disposed on the first side, wherein the first side of the collector unit is in contact with a power source having a magnetically permeable capacity via the graphite skateboard, so as to draw an operation voltage. The magnetic unit has an electromagnetic coil body. The magnetic unit is configured on the second side of the collector unit, for providing an attractive force between the collector unit with the power source, so as to reduce a contact loss rate.

Abstract: An ice breaking pantograph is described, having a sliding element moveable between an operative position where it is engaged to an overhead train or tram power line and a non-operative position where it is separated from the overhead power line; at least one arm, having a first end which can be hinged to a train or tram vehicle and a second end connected to the sliding element; an active actuator on the arm to move it in order to move the sliding element between the operative position and the non-operative position; a vibrator operating on the sliding element and activatable in the operative position of the sliding element to remove ice and/or snow from the overhead power line.

Abstract: A wet clutch arrangement, particularly starting clutch for a vehicle, including a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a friction coupling region having a first friction surface formation rotating with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation that rotates with a driven element around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation, a fluid coupling region with an impeller rotating with the housing arrangement around the axis of rotation and with a turbine that rotates with the driven element around the axis of rotation and which, along with the impeller, defines a toroidal fluid circulation space. The fluid coupling region is arranged radially outside the friction coupling region.

Abstract: A torque converter comprising: a cover for receiving torque from a prime mover; an impeller fixed to the cover to form a housing for the torque converter; a turbine disposed in the housing for receiving torque from the impeller; a clutch backing plate fixed to the housing and arranged to receive a force, in an axial direction, from the turbine during operation of the torque converter; a thrust plate for thrust engagement with the clutch backing plate, and, a cover plate for driving engagement with a damper spring, wherein the thrust plate comprises the cover plate.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device for use in an automotive transmission is provided. The device includes a first annular race and a second annular race disposed concentrically around the first annular race. First and second locking elements are pivotally connected to one of the first and second annular races. The first locking element is moveable to rotationally fix the first annular race to the second annular race in a first rotational direction to transfer torque therebetween. The second locking element is moveable to rotationally fix the first annular race to the second annular race in a second rotational direction to transfer torque therebetween, where the second rotational direction is opposite the first rotational direction. A control rail is disposed adjacent to the first and second annular races. The control rail has indentations formed therein and is moveable to allow the torque transmitting device to be selectively engaged.

Abstract: A modified sprag clutch, which can freewheel in both directions until its locking function is employed at which time it will lock in one direction and freewheel in the other, or lock in both directions depending on the placement of the sprag elements, is described. Among other applications, the present modified sprag clutch permits conventional clutch packs and sprag clutches currently employed in automotive transmissions to be retrofitted to eliminate the high-wear friction discs, and to replace conventional one-way sprag clutches. Transmissions may also be designed with the present modified sprag clutches as original equipment.

Abstract: A friction clutch having a clutch ring and having two clutch disks, which are mounted so as to be rotatable about a clutch axis of rotation and on which friction surfaces are formed, is presented. In this case, the clutch ring and the clutch disks can be moved parallel to the clutch axis of rotation and relative to one another in such a way that, for torque transmission, first friction surfaces on each of the clutch disks can be moved into frictional surface contact with a respective second friction surface on the clutch ring. A first and a second friction surface in each case are matched to one another as a friction surface pair, having in each case a friction surface curved convexly in the direction of the clutch axis of rotation and a friction surface curved concavely in the direction of the clutch axis of rotation.

Abstract: A multi-piece shaft for an idler roller including a tube having a first end and a second end. The shaft includes a first stub secured to the first end of the tube by a mechanical interlock and a second stub secured to the second end of the tube by a mechanical interlock. The first stub extends from the first end and the second stub extends from the second end when secured to the tube such that the tube, the first stub and the second stub define a length of the shaft.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed for releasably fastening a mechanism in the region of a floor of an aircraft or spacecraft and includes a base component and a latch component. The latch component includes at least one holding portion including a latch-component-side holding face and is movably coupled to the base component between an unlocked and a locked position. When positioned in a predefined mounting position on the floor component and/or on the base component, the holding portion of the latch component engages a fastening portion, and the latch-component-side holding face faces the mechanism-side holding face. During passage of the latch component from locked position into unlocked position a gap between the latch-component-side holding face and the mechanism-side holding face continuously widens. The invention further relates to an arrangement for a cargo loading system.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.

Abstract: A process for treating bitumen froth with paraffinic solvent is provided which uses three stages of separation. Froth and a first solvent are directed to a first stage at a solvent/bitumen ratio for precipitating few or substantially no asphaltenes. A first stage underflow is directed to a second stage and a first stage overflow is directed to a third stage. A second stage underflow is directed to waste tailings and the second stage overflow joins the first stage overflow. A third stage underflow is recovered as an asphaltene by-product and a third stage overflow is recovered as a diluted bitumen product. At least a second solvent is added to one or both of the second or third stages for controlling a fraction of asphaltenes in the third stage underflow. Asphaltene loss to waste tailings is minimized and asphaltenes are now recovered as asphaltene by-product.

Abstract: A comb plate-comb plate carrier assembly for an escalator is disposed on an upper and lower head and mounted to the truss of the escalator. A comb plate and a pair of comb plate carriers for carrying the comb plate are included. The assembly is provided with at least one of: a guide rail bracket fastened to the comb plate carrier and used to fix a guide rail for the handrail belt; a supporting bracket fastened to the comb plate carrier and used to support an end of a handrail return-sheave curve fastened to the truss; a comb plate height adjuster; a monitoring device for monitoring the horizontal displacement and upward displacement of the comb plate. A combination structure includes a lifting tool and the assembly in an assembled condition, the lifting tool includes a traverse rod and a longitudinal suspending member.

Abstract: An automated analyzer includes a conveyance mechanism to convey a specimen, an analysis portion to analyze the specimen, and a device cover to cover a movable mechanism including the conveyance mechanism. The automated analyzer is provided with an interlock mechanism and an interlock release mechanism. The interlock mechanism stops an operation of the movable mechanism when the device cover is opened. The interlock release mechanism disables all or part of the interlock mechanism. The interlock mechanism is enabled when a lever 301 is in contact with a safety switch 302. The interlock mechanism is disabled or partially disabled when the lever 301 is not in contact with the safety switch 302. This enables to prevent a user from inadvertently touching the movable mechanism including a hazard region during analysis of the automated analyzer or a maintenance task. Only a specific maintenance task can be performed with the device cover opened.