Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a low-noise apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an acoustic chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The acoustic chamber may include noise attenuators, such as walls, which adjust airflow so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system.

Abstract: A directable sound-absorbing panel comprising a sound-absorbing panel, a fixing member which can be fixed to said sound-absorbing panel, an arm and an articulated joint between said fixing member and said arm, is described. An assembly of directable sound-absorbing panels is also described, said assembly comprising a plurality of sound-absorbing panels, a corresponding plurality of fixing members, a corresponding plurality of arms, a corresponding plurality of articulated joints between each arm and each fixing member, and a fixing bar to which at least a part of said plurality of arms is fixed.

Abstract: An optical acoustic panel 100 for absorbing sound and providing a daylight appearance and a luminaire are provided. The optical acoustic panel 100 comprises a first side 114, a second side 104, a micro perforated foil 110 and a spacing structure 108. The first side 114 receives sound. The second side 104 is opposite the first side 114 and receives light. The micro perforated foil 110 comprises sub-millimeter holes 112, is light transmitting and is arranged at the first side 114. The sub-millimeter holes 112 are entrance holes of a cavity. The spacing structure 108 spaces the first side 114 at a predefined distance from the second side 104. The spacing structure 108 comprises a plurality of light transmitting cells 106. The light transmitting cells 106 comprise a light transmitting channel 118, a light exit window 122, a light input window 120 and a wall 116. The light transmitting channel 118 collimates a part of the light received at the second side 104 of the optical acoustic panel 100.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a composite panel and a number of structures to reduce noise radiation from the composite panel. The composite panel has a first face sheet, a second face sheet, and a core located between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The number of structures is associated with the first face sheet. The number of structures has a mass with a configuration to reduce a speed of waves propagating in the composite panel such that noise radiating from the composite panel is reduced.

Abstract: A furniture system for optimizing sound levels and acoustics in a learning environment. The system includes a plurality of pieces selected from a toy shelf, a bridge/tunnel structure, a sandwich board shelf unit, a tunnel with interior shelves, a toy box with leaning bendable posts, a bench/tunnel with combination seat, tunnel, and shelf, a listening center, a stealth chair/cave structure, stealth leaning surface/cave, a multifunctional zigzag chair, and a multipurpose chair/easel.

Abstract: A descent device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a housing; an inlet capstan; a drive wheel coupled to a centrifugal brake, the drive wheel rotatable with respect to the housing about an axis, the drive wheel including a groove formed along its outer perimeter, the groove having a first inner side wall, a second inner side wall, and a bottom, a distance between the first and second inner side walls decreases from the outer perimeter to the bottom in a direction toward the axis, wherein at least a portion of a radial extent of the inner side walls includes a pattern of protrusions positioned between inner side walls to form an irregular rope path along the groove; an outlet capstan; and a rope extending through the rope inlet, around the inlet capstan, around the drive wheel, around the outlet capstan, and through the rope outlet.

Abstract: A safety ladder for protecting a lineman or firefighter from a flash fire. The ladder has the appearance of a conventional ladder but include fluid conduits that allow for dispensing of a fire suppressants to be sprayed over an individual using the ladder should a fire erupt. The rungs of the ladder have spray nozzles located along the bottom of the rung so that they do not interfere with normal use of the ladder. A pressurized container of fire suppressants is coupled to the ladder, through a battery powered solenoid valve. The solenoid valve can be operated by the individual using the ladder by use of a triggering device, or remotely by an individual positioned apart from the ladder by a remote triggering device. The triggering device can be operated electrically or by radio frequency, can be temperature sensitive, or can be manually bypassed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a horizontal scaffold member having a primary end connector and a secondary end connector. Each end connector is configured to couple to a cup on a vertical scaffold member. Each end connector includes a wedge assembly having a handle and a wedge, movable with respect to the wedge head to a latched and unlatched position. The primary wedge assembly is connected to the secondary wedge assembly by a cable, and configured so that moving the primary wedge assembly to an unlatched position also moves the secondary wedge assembly to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A lubricant collecting assembly for a construction machine is disclosed herein. The lubricant collecting assembly includes a mount assembly and a tray assembly. The mount assembly includes a base portion. A first and second longitudinal walls extend from opposite sides of the base portion. The first longitudinal wall defines a mounting portion. A transverse wall extends from a first end portion of the base portion between the first and second longitudinal walls. The transverse wall defines a tab portion. A lip portion extends from a second end portion of the base portion and is of lesser height than the transverse wall. The tray assembly is removably positioned on the mount assembly and includes a first and second longitudinal side walls. The first and second longitudinal side walls define wing portions extended outwardly relative to the first and second longitudinal side walls.

Abstract: An energy production apparatus that includes a weight bearing member configured to alternate between an upper and lower position, and a drive shaft. A gear system can be connected to the weight bearing member and the drive shaft. The gear system can be positioned to rotate the drive shaft when a load is placed on the weight bearing member and the weight bearing member moves from the upper position to the lower position. A torsion spring can be connected to the drive shaft, the torsion spring positioned to wind as the weight bearing member moves to the lower position. A return member can be configured to return the weight bearing member to the upper position. A locking member can selectively engage the gear system, the locking member preventing the torsion spring from unwinding when engaged. A generator can be driven by the drive shaft as the torsion spring unwinds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lift system comprising a rail; a carriage assembly comprising a seat or platform for supporting a person to be conveyed along the rail; and drive means coupled to the carriage assembly and adapted to engage the rail and drive the carriage assembly along the rail. The lift system my optionally include a levelling means operable to adjust an orientation of the carriage assembly with respect to the rail, a control means arranged to control the drive means, a slope indicating means and/or a curvature indicating means.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus with a first and a second drive wheel aligned about an axis of rotation. The lifting apparatus structure has a longitudinal dimension defined perpendicular to the axis or rotation and adapted to rotatably support the first and second drive wheels. The lifting apparatus has at least one motive device adapted to drive, either together or independently, the first and second drive wheels. The lifting apparatus structure further supports a lifting mechanism with a lifting surface longitudinally offset from the first and second drive wheels.

Abstract: A lifting fork board includes: a frame provided with coupling means for coupling the fork board to a transport vehicle; an upright arranged on the frame and provided with a recess; and a cylinder arranged wholly or partially in the recess of the upright for the purpose of lifting the frame.

Abstract: The invention refers to an elevator comprising an elevator car and a suspension arrangement for suspending and/or moving an elevator car, which suspension arrangement comprises at least one suspension member, whereby at least one suspension member component is provided which component is to be applied to the suspension member for affecting the physical properties of the suspension member during the operation of the elevator. According to the invention the suspension member component applied to the suspension member comprises an component identifier which is an addition to the suspension member component which component identifier is configured to be identified visibly or via additional tools. The invention allows the unambiguous identification of the suspension member component and also the distribution of the component on the suspension member surface.

Abstract: Elevator, which includes an elevator hoistway, an elevator car configured to move with a certain range of movement in the elevator hoistway, a brake on the elevator car, which brake can be displaced between a braking state and a non-braking state, in which braking state the brake is configured to grip a structure in the elevator hoistway for braking the elevator car, and a rope loop, which rope loop hangs in its position supported by the diverting pulley of the top end, said diverting pulley being supported in a manner allowing rotation in the proximity of the top end of the range of movement of the elevator car, and the rope loop is connected to the aforementioned brake, which brake is configured to be such that it can displace into a braking state as a consequence of a pull exerted on the brake by the rope loop. The rope loop comprises consecutive to each other a first section and second section, which have average masses per meter of different magnitudes.

Abstract: An exemplary elevator passenger interface device includes a touch screen configured to allow a passenger to indicate a request for elevator service by touching the screen. An assistance button is positioned near the touch screen. A controller is configured to determine a destination requested by a passenger touching the screen. The controller is also configured to determine whether the assistance button has been manipulated and then to determine a destination requested by a passenger from a subsequent manipulation of the assistance button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for monitoring the operating condition of a transport system. In the method a reader device is fitted to the transport system, which reader device is configured to read an identifier that is separate from the reader device and is provided with a readable marking when the identifier is situated within range of the reading signal of the reader device, measuring means are fitted in connection with the reader device for measuring the operation of the reader device, the operation of the reader device is measured in connection with a reading procedure being performed, and also a functional nonconformance of the reader device is determined on the basis of the measurement of the operation of the reader device.

Abstract: A caliper brake apparatus includes a brake lining that advances/retreats relative to a caliper main body supported on a vehicle body and can apply a frictional force by slidingly contacting a disc, an anchor pin that supports a guide plate supporting the brake lining on the caliper main body such that it can freely advance/retreat, a piston that advances/retreats relative to the caliper main body and can press the brake lining via the guide plate, a diaphragm that abuts a rear surface of the piston and defines a pressure chamber within the caliper main body and elastically deforms due to pressure of compressed air within the pressure chamber so as to move the piston, and a piston plate that supports the piston on the anchor pin such that the piston can freely slide. The piston includes a plurality of thermal insulation members whose distal ends protrude toward the guide plate.

Abstract: A disc brake device includes: a disc rotor assembled to a rotating body; a caliper assembled to a supporting member so as to straddle an outer periphery of part of the disc rotor; a pair of brake pads disposed so as to clamp the disc rotor; pistons disposed in a caliper to press the brake pads; a supporting shaft inserted into a supporting portion provided on the caliper to support the respective brake pads so as to be movable in a rotor axis direction; and a retaining member inserted into a through hole provided at one end of the supporting shaft to prevent the supporting shaft from coming apart from the supporting portion of the caliper. The retaining member includes a head portion configured to engage with one of opening portions of the through hole, and a pair of leg portions to be inserted into the through hole, and at least one of a pair of the leg portions is bent, and includes a barb shape configured to engage with the other opening portion of the through hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction brake (1), in particular for elevators, comprising at least two pivotally mounted brake levers (2), which each have a brake lining (6) and are arranged opposite each other in the form of a brake caliper. An actuator (5) is provided for actuating the friction brake (1). In order to avoid uneven loading of the opposing brake levers (2), the actuator (5) is designed in such a way that the force (FA) exerted by the actuator (5) acts substantially perpendicularly to a brake application force (FZ) exerted by the brake levers (5). Furthermore, a spreading mechanism (9, 26) is provided, by means of which the brake application force (FZ) can be regulated by the force (FA) exerted by the actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper includes at least one valve assembly (9, 19) provided with rebound (11, 21) and compression (12, 22) valves and at least one resilient deflective disk covering flow channels (13, 23) of the valve assembly and preloaded by a spring (16, 26). The hydraulic damper includes means for clamping together the components of the at least one valve assembly and for preloading the spring. In order to increase the repeatability coefficient among dampers of the same production batch and render it independent on the geometrical tolerances of the valve assembly components, the means have a form of an adjustable nut assembly (17a, 27a) comprising a clamp nut (171, 271) and a shoulder sleeve (172, 272) fixed on the perimeter of the clamp nut. The clamp nut clamps together the components of the valve assembly and the shoulder sleeve preloads the spring with a predetermined force. method of assembling such a damper.

Abstract: An apparatus for the damping of vibrations in a steering column in a motor vehicle, having a mounting (10) and an accommodation device (11) elastically supported in the mounting (10) to which a gas generator (20) is secured, a separate supplemental weight (30) is secured to the gas generator (20) or to the accommodation device (11) to provide desired vibration damping characteristics of the steering column assembly.

Abstract: A retractable table system integrated into luggage is disclosed herein. The table can be retracted and deployed along with the telescopic retractable handle system employed in luggage. The table retracts inside the luggage compartment for storage.

Abstract: A suitcase structure includes a back case component, a front lid component and a ring-shaped gusset component. The opposite sides of the ring-shaped gusset component are connected with the edge of the back case component and the edge of the front lid component, so as to form an accommodating space. The ring-shaped gusset component has multiple first supporting parts and multiple second supporting parts connected to each other. The first supporting parts are each located at each of the end corners of the back case component. The second supporting parts are each located at each of the lateral edges of the back case component.

Abstract: A suitcase structure includes a back case component, a front lid component and a ring-shaped gusset component. The opposite sides of the ring-shaped gusset component are connected with the edge of the back case component and the edge of the front lid component respectively, so as to form an accommodation space used for being closed. The ring-shaped gusset component includes a plurality of sidewall portions and a plurality of flexible structures linking the sidewall portions. The flexible deformation capability of the flexible structures is greater than the flexible deformation capability of the sidewall portions. The flexible structures has an inclination, and two of the sidewall portions adjacent to each other can be bent and therefore be stacked opposite to each other by the flexible structures linking the two of the sidewall portions.

Abstract: A luggage piece in the form of a hardsided suitcase includes a two piece front shell assembly having pockets and a pass through opening to access a main compartment in the luggage in various different ways. A braking system for dual wheel casters is also described.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission of a multistage type having a plurality of shift stages selectively established depending on a combination of engagement and release of multiple engagement elements, comprises: a torque converter coupled to an input rotating member of the automatic transmission; an oil pump coupled to a pump side of the torque converter, at least one of the multiple engagement elements being a meshing engagement element, and the meshing engagement element being at least partially disposed on an inner circumferential side of at least one of the torque converter and the oil pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission unit for coupling a running wheel of a hydrodynamic component to a drive element having:—a running wheel shaft directly connected to the running wheel;—a first coupling device, provided with a synchroelement, to connect an intermediate shaft, indirectly connected to the running wheel, to the drive element; The invention is characterised in that:—a second coupling device, provided with a synchroelement, is provided for at least indirect connection of the running wheel shaft to the drive element; and—the running wheel shaft and the intermediate shaft are in single-sided drive connection via a free wheel.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an input shaft, an output shaft, at least one first friction plate mounted to the input shaft, and at least one second friction plate mounted to the output shaft and spaced apart from the at least one first friction plate. The clutch assembly also includes a rheological fluid positioned between the at least one first friction plate and the at least one second friction plate, and a fluid activator configured to increase a viscosity of the rheological fluid to provide increased torque transfer from the at least one first friction plate to the at least one second friction plate.

Abstract: A slip coupling includes two coupling elements and a clamping nut screwed onto one coupling element to press the other coupling element against the one coupling element so that a torque acting on one coupling element is transmitted slip-free to the other coupling element and limited to a sliding torque as the coupling elements slip against one another. Free play disks are disposed between the clamping nut and the other coupling element. Interacting driver elements received by the clamping nut, the free play disks and the other coupling element enable the coupling elements to slip against one another up to a critical angle without rotation of the clamping nut. When clamping nut is caused to rotate, a contact pressure of the other coupling element on the one coupling element and thereby a holding torque transmittable in a slip-free manner is changed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.

Abstract: A friction starter drive unit for a starter, comprising: a pinion including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft; a drive part including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft, said drive part being mounted such as to be rotationally fixed with the pinion; a drive element including a hole for the passage of a drive shaft of a starter, which element can move in translation along axis X of the hole in relation to the drive part between an uncoupled position and a coupled position; and a friction coupling means arranged to couple the drive element to the drive part when the drive element is in the coupled position. The starter drive unit comprises a return means that exerts a force on the drive element and a force on the drive part in the direction of the uncoupled position.

Abstract: A drive unit disconnect mechanism is operable to transmit or disconnect power from a vehicle power source to a driven unit, and can be disengaged by multiple methods depending on how much force is required to separate the internal components of the mechanism. In a first, relatively quicker method, a handle is pulled axially away from the hub to withdraw and internal gear from splined engagement with a corresponding driven gear. In a second, relatively slower method, the handle is rotated to threadably withdraw the entire disconnect mechanism from the hub, which in turn withdraws the internal gear from splined engagement with the driven gear. The quicker method is desirable in most instances, but the slower method allows disconnection of the driven unit from the vehicle power source when gear pressure prevents or impedes the quicker method.

Abstract: An actuator device for actuating a coupling mechanism or a transmission in a drive wheel in a belt drive or chain drive, includes a shaft, releasably connectable to the drive wheel and at least partially hollow, a push rod connected to the coupling mechanism or transmission and displaceable coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a housing having an internal bore for at least partially receiving the shaft, and at least one first bearing disposed in the internal bore of the housing for rotatably supporting the shaft. The actuator device constitutes a fluidic actuator having at least one first pressure chamber capable of being pressurized with a fluid.

Abstract: A friction device has a center axis (A) and a mid plane (P) perpendicular to the center axis (A). The friction device comprises first and second shields coaxial to the center axis (A) and pieced together to form a radially emerging peripheral slot between internal faces thereof, first and second friction linings fixed to external faces of the first and second shields, first connecting torques made in one piece with the first shield and having a circumferential orientation, second connecting torques made in one piece with the second shield and having a circumferential orientation, and a progressiveness element disposed in the peripheral slot and pressed between the internal faces of the first and second shields. The second connecting torques are inclined with respect to a plane of the second shield towards the mid plane (P) of the friction disc. The progressiveness element at least partly comprises an addition silicone.

Abstract: An actuation system for actuating a clutch piston of a transmission includes an actuator and a lever. A first end of the lever is attached to the actuator. The lever is pivotable about a lever connection location. Movement of the actuator rotates the lever about the lever connection location. A spring assembly is pivotable about a spring connection location, and pivotably connected to the lever at a second end of the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an un-actuated position, the spring assembly is positioned such that a pre-loaded spring force is directed along a zero moment path to generate a zero moment in the lever. When the actuator is disposed in an actuated position, the spring assembly is rotated so that the spring force is directed along a moment generating path in order to generate a moment in the lever to rotate the lever.

Abstract: A coin validator apparatus includes an inclined coin chute interconnecting the coin outlet gate with a coin rejection outlet via a validation sensor module and a coin diverter mechanism, the coin chute defining a coin transport path and including a radially outer curved guide wall, such that in operation a coin exiting the coin outlet gate and traversing the coin transport path is subjected to a centripetal acceleration that constrains the coin to follow and abut the contour of the radially outer curved guide wall between the coin outlet gate and a coin diverter sensor disposed downstream in the coin transport path.

Abstract: This invention relates to the separation of shale, gas and fluid at a shale-gas well. The shale debris and water from a shale-gas well is tangentially communicated to a vessel where the cyclonic effect within the vessel facilitates the separation of the gas from the shale debris. The separated shale debris and fluid falls to a jet assembly whereby it encounters a jet communicating a fluid therethrough. A venturi provides a motive force to the shale debris and fluid sufficient to propel it into a collection bin. The shale-gas separator incorporates a fluid bypass overflow line to prevent a buildup of fluid within the vessel. The shale-gas separator also incorporates an internal aerated cushion system (IACS) pipe for further motivating the shale debris and into the jet assembly, to ensure the walls of the vessel are clean, and to provide an air cushion restricting gas migration to the jet assembly.

Abstract: In a spindle conveyor for conveying workpieces, in particular vehicle wheels, there is a rail system which includes at least one supporting rail. A plurality of transport carriages each have a chassis that is able to move on the supporting rail in a transporting direction and a carrying device for workpieces carried along by the chassis. The carrying device includes at least one workpiece spindle for receiving the workpiece and which is pivotable, at least in a particular section of the spindle conveyor, between a conveying position and a particular position different from the conveying position wherein the workpiece spindle is tilted in the particular position with respect to a vertical plane (V) which extends parallel to the transporting direction. Also, a plant for treating workpieces having such a spindle conveyor which conveys the workpieces through the plant.

Abstract: A device and a method for aligning containers including an evaluation unit, which is capable of determining the position and/or the rotary position of at least one feature of the surface of containers to be aligned, by calculating image data of said feature in at least two views that differ with respect to the imaged rotary position of the containers, and where picture distortions and contrast limitations caused by the perspective can be compensated. The reliability of rotary position recognition and correction can thus be improved when aligning the containers.

Abstract: A conveyor which allows the formation and movement of at least one batch of products from a line of products in single file, in at least one passage at an upstream station. The conveyor includes, at an upstream station, a rug for moving said products, and a movement device for moving a predetermined quantity of products from said line of products, between the upstream station and a downstream station. The movement device has engaging elements able to be placed in contact with the products. The rug has a through hole. The movement device is arranged under said at least one passage. The engaging elements are mounted to be movable, relative to said movement device, between a retracted position and an engaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus for completing a format set of products which are conveyed line-wise on a plurality of conveyor tracks along a conveying direction comprises a first stop conveyor and a second stop conveyor which are arranged after one another in the conveying direction and which are configured to convey products along the conveying direction on all conveyor tracks, with the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor furthermore being able to stop a conveyed product as required on at least one conveyor track, while a product is conveyed onward on at least one other conveyor track. A distributor conveyor is arranged between the first stop conveyor and the second stop conveyor and is configured to convey at least one product along the conveying direction, with the distributor conveyor being displaceable transversely to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A cylinder for conveying printed sheets along a UV or electron beam drier has inert-gas openings to which an inert gas is supplied at least temporarily during operation. A method for conveying printed sheets is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyance device has a carriage drive for driving and propelling a pair of left and right carriage units which individually support left and right sides of an object to be conveyed. A pair of left and right screw shafts is pivotally supported in a rotatable manner along the movement path of the carriage units. Driven rollers are pivotally supported in a rotatable manner by the carriage units and engage with the screw shafts. A transmission connects the pair of left and right screw shafts through the outside of a conveyance path such that the left and right screw shafts are linked and coupled; and a single motor drives the pair of left and right screw shafts through the transmission means.

Abstract: A center column drive for a spiral conveyor is used to rotate a drive tower to move a conveyor belt in a helical pattern. The drive tower is driven by the center column drive to cause rotation about a vertical axis. The center column drive includes a base having a platform and a plurality of support legs that support the platform. The center column drive also includes a slew ring that is secured to the platform at one end and to a center column of the drive tower and a second end. Rotation of an electric gear motor causes rotation of a portion of the slew ring, which, in turn, rotates the drive tower.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having electronics modules with antennas at the hinge joints between rows of modules or extending laterally across the width of the belt. The antennas may be linear antennas received in hinge-rod passageways or embedded in intermediate transverse ribs in belt modules or may be loop antennas formed in the hinge elements of electronics modules.

Abstract: A curvable roller conveyor support, for supporting a longitudinally spaced apart array of transverse roller axles, the support comprising: a dentate elongate plate being laterally symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and having a plurality of lateral edge cutouts defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart opposing pairs of transverse arms, each arm having: a proximal end joined to an adjacent arm with a web having a plurality of central narrowed waist portions; and a distal end bent upwards defining a flange with a roller axle mount; and an elongate base secured to an underside surface of the dentate plate, whereby the central narrowed waist portions are bent and/or twisted during mounting to the base to follow a curved line in two or three dimensional space.

Abstract: A switch device includes an actuating element and a switch base body with a control part and a switch element therein. The control part links an actuating element through a connection line, regulating a conducting circuit in the switch element to be a closed or open circuit as per operation of the actuating element.

Abstract: A device comprises a key containing an upper closed chamber with a first gel and a lower closed chamber with a second gel. The key contains a divider portion interposedly common to the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The portion laterally traverses the key.

Abstract: An electric power circuit breaker with an energy storage device and an indicating device including an indicator lever with an indicator and an indicating cam of loaded and unloaded states of the loading mechanism. The indicating cam is mounted on the loading shaft in proximity to the loading cam, and includes a notch for receipt of the indicator lever when the mechanism is in the loaded state. The indicating cam includes a single ramp for progressively bringing the indicator lever into position up to the notch to guarantee latching of the opening latch maintained in a tripped position by the auxiliary release.