Abstract: An elevator installation includes a cage, a counterweight which balances the cage and a supporting and/or drive structure at which the cage and the counterweight are suspended. The elevator installation has a sound pick-up designed for detecting solid-borne sound generated at the counterweight.

Abstract: An end-fastener for fastening a suspension device of an elevator system has a housing which contains two side walls. The end-fastener has at least two essentially cylindrical wrap-round elements for fastening the suspension device, wherein the wrap-round elements each extend between the two side walls. The second wrap-round element is embodied as a movable bolt which can be inserted into the housing. The end-fastener includes a fixing element which can be mounted on the housing for fixing the second wrap-round element in its position in the housing. The fixing element is embodied in such manner that it engages in at least one groove of the second wrap-round element that comes to lie between the side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A ring-shaped thrust bearing extending in an axial direction having an inner surface includes a first axial groove in the inner surface having a first flat wall and a second flat wall; and a first principal strain sensor positioned on the first flat wall of the first axial groove to measure compression in the axial direction.

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 for a trolley which travels atop a zip line is presented. The brake includes a brake body having a brake body with a top plate and two side plates extending downward from the top plate, the top plate having an underside which faces the zip line. One or both of the side plates may contain an aperture for accepting a rigid member which secures the trolley to the brake body. A brake pad is preferably positioned on the underside of the top plate. Exemplary embodiments may contain a brake extension which connects with the brake body and extends downward towards the user.

Abstract: A spring-type brake actuator for a pneumatically-operated vehicle brake is provided, in which the parking brake release piston is formed from at least one stamped actuator piston plate, preferably a stamped aluminum plate. Preferably the biasing force of the power spring of the spring brake actuator bears on a stamped spring seat cap element which is interposed between the power spring and the stamped actuator piston plate. In addition, the parking brake release piston flexible diaphragm may be captured between the stamped actuator piston plate and a stamped backing plate by affixing the backing plate to a joining member, where the joining member includes a threaded insert to receive a manually-actuated parking brake release actuation tool.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake includes a brake-internal hydraulic arrangement with a supply circuit and an expansion vessel; a brake application device having a cylinder for applying a brake pad toward a brake disc; a force transmission unit supporting the brake pad at a wedge angle on the brake application device; a tangential-force absorbing cylinder for switching over the wedge angle, which is operatively connected to the force transmission unit; an electric-motor actuator for acting on the brake application device via the hydraulic arrangement; and a control unit. The force transmission unit has a deflection lever and a shoulder element attached thereto. Rolling surfaces thereof are in contact with respective corresponding rolling surfaces of a brake application element of the cylinder and a brake pad support device. The deflection lever has a pressure section with a rolling surface in operative connection with the tangential-force absorbing cylinder.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake includes a brake-internal hydraulic arrangement with a supply circuit and an expansion vessel, a brake application device with a brake application cylinder for applying a brake pad in the direction of a brake disc, a force transmission unit which supports the brake pad at a wedge angle on the brake application device, a tangential-force absorbing cylinder for switching over the wedge angle and being operatively connected to the force transmission unit; an electric-motor actuator which acts on the brake application device via the hydraulic arrangement, a distributor cylinder arranged in series between the electric-motor actuator and the brake application device for pressure boosting, and a control unit for controlling switchover of the wedge angle between the tangential-force absorbing cylinder and the electric-motor actuator. An adjusting device adjusts brake pad wear, and has a movable screw spindle, which is operatively connected to the brake application device.

Abstract: A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake.

Abstract: Grain-refined and amorphous metallic material based friction liners for braking devices as used, e.g., in motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, as well as bicycles and other applications requiring, at least at times, decelerating rotating parts are disclosed. Friction liners can have isotropic or anisotropic properties and the friction surfaces can optionally be rendered hydrophobic.

Abstract: An inlet, positioned to access the flow of air passing around and under a moving vehicle, may draw in air which is conveyed through a duct and discharged to cool a brake on a vehicle. The inlet has a closure. The closure is opened and closed on demand by a temperature-operated actuator incorporating an active or smart material under the direction of a controller. In embodiments, a sensor, suitably positioned to sense a temperature representative of the brake temperature, communicates the sensed brake temperature to the controller. The controller may respond to the sensed brake temperature, by triggering operation of the actuator. Typically the closure is opened to allow passage of cooling air to the brake when the sensed brake temperature exceeds, or is anticipated to exceed, a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for absorbing shock, particularly repetitive shocks, comprises a frame and a shock-absorbing component comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA). In one type of apparatus, one or more SMA rings (65) are mounted on brackets (64) on a frame (62, 63) so that shock received by the frame from one direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a first direction, and shock received by the frame from the opposite direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction. In other types of apparatus, SMA shock-absorbing components (16, 27, 37, 46, 89) are mounted in a frame (11, 12,13,14,15,17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 34, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47) so that the way in which the shock-absorbing component is deformed is independent of the direction of the shock received by the frame.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological damping assembly including a piston (28) defining a core (38). A pair of spaced electromagnets (46) are disposed about the core (38) and are connected to a controller (48) for selectively generating a magnetic flux. A pair of permanent magnets (52) are disposed about the electromagnets (46) and a pole segment (54;154;56;156) is disposed therebetween. A main gap (74) extends through the piston (28) through which magneto-rheological fluid (26) is conveyed. Flux generated by the magnets controls the viscosity of the fluid in the main gap (74) to control the damping force of the assembly. The controller (48) defines an off operating state for cancelling the flux from the permanent magnets (52) across the main gap (74).

Abstract: A brake assembly having a brake shoe and an anchor pin. The brake shoe may have an anchor pin slot that may include first and second connecting surfaces that extend from an arcuate bearing surface. The anchor pin may have a flat and may be inserted into the anchor pin slot when the flat is aligned with the second connecting surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system is adapted to be assembled on a steering assembly. The hydraulic brake system includes a connecting member and hydraulic device. The connecting member has a receiving room and a receiving opening. The hydraulic device has a hydraulic cylinder and a fluid tank. The hydraulic cylinder is received in the receiving room. The fluid tank is inserted in the receiving opening and connected with the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has a main body, two pistons and two springs. The main body has two hydraulic chambers. The two pistons are assembled in the two hydraulic chambers and two springs sleeve onto the two pistons. Two brake cables and two fluid pipes are connected with the hydraulic cylinder. When the brake cable pulls the piston to press a fluid in the hydraulic chamber, the fluid flows into the fluid pipe so as to control a brake device.

Abstract: A system for damping oscillations in a structure provides two masses that can be controlled to rotate at the frequency of oscillation of the structure and in opposite directions about axes of rotation transverse to the direction of the oscillations. The masses have individually controllable moments of inertia, and when their moments of inertia are equal a harmonic linear force is generated. The phases of the rotating masses can be individually controlled whereby the direction of the resulting harmonic linear force can be controlled. The moments of inertia can be controlled by shifting their centers of gravity relative to the respective axes of rotation.

Abstract: A mobile power pack includes a cover over a guide track which includes first, second, third, and fourth turning points. A sliding block defines a sliding groove to receive a ball, and the slotted ball interacts with the guide track. An elastic element is connected to the sliding block. When a cable is pulled out, the sliding block slides from the first turning point to the second turning point. When the pull on the cable is released, the elastic element restores to cause the sliding block to move until the ball reaches the third turning point, to lock the cable in position. When the cable is pulled and released, the sliding block slides until the ball reaches the fourth turning point, allowing the cable to be retracted into the body of the power pack.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to achieve reduction in size and weight of, and inhibition of axial size increase of, a power transmission device for a torque converter including a turbine functioning as an inertia element. The power transmission device includes a torque transmission plate fixed to a turbine, a damper mechanism disposed between a front cover and the turbine, and an engaging part. The damper mechanism elastically couples the torque transmission plate and a transmission-side member. The engaging part couples the torque transmission plate and the damper mechanism on a radially inner side of a torus center C of a torque converter main body.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure clutch includes a first connecting hub on an input shaft, an inner sleeve, a boss, an outer sleeve, a clutch drum, a second connecting hub, a first piston forming a first piston chamber together with the second connecting hub, first clutch plates disposed on an outer protrusion and selectively pushed by the first piston along an axial direction, first friction disks disposed alternately with the first clutch plates, a first balance wall forming a first balance chamber, a second piston forming a second piston chamber, second clutch plates selectively pushed by the second piston along an axial direction, second friction disks disposed alternately with the second clutch plates, and a second balance wall forming a second balance chamber, wherein the first piston penetrates through the outer protrusion for pushing the first clutch plates.

Abstract: A dog clutch for an automated transmission includes a rotary shaft, a clutch ring, a hub, a sleeve including a spline that includes a plurality of first teeth and second teeth, a whole depth of each of the first teeth being greater than a whole depth of each of the second teeth, a dog clutch portion including clutch forward teeth, the teeth number of clutch forward teeth being equal to the teeth number of first teeth, each of the clutch forward teeth being formed at a position facing each of the first teeth to extend from a front end surface to a rear end position of the dog clutch portion, the dog clutch portion including clutch rearward teeth engageable with tooth grooves formed at the spline and formed to extend from a position retracted by a first predetermined distance from the front end surface to the rear end position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a wrap spring being wound around to be in a pressure bonding state relative to an outer peripheral surface of a tubular portion of a driving-side rotation member. A first end of the wrap spring connects to a driving arm of a driving member, which connects to a driven-side rotation member. A second end of the wrap spring connects to a rim portion of an operating member formed in a disc form. The operating member is rotatable relative to the driven-side rotation member about the rotation axis as the center and movable along the rotation axis. After a rotation of the operating member is restrained, the driving member is restrained from rotation, which operates the wrap spring to twist and cancels the pressure boding state of the wrap spring relative to the driving-side rotation member, which in turn provides a power cutoff state.

Abstract: A transmission may include gears and a clutch to allow the transfer of torque, at a variety of gear ratios, between an input shaft and an output shaft. The clutch may include a cushion piston to decrease the velocity of a transmission piston before the transmission piston engages a clutch element. The cushion piston may be contained within the transmission piston and configured so the cushion piston ceases movement toward the clutch element before the transmission piston. The pistons may be coupled together such that the cushion piston may resist movement of transmission piston toward the clutch element.

Abstract: A flow control assembly for an automatic transmission includes a valve for opening and closing communication with a source of pressurized fluid and a rotatable cam secured to a member, contact between the cam and a plunger of the valve causing said communication to open, absence of contact between the cam and the plunger causing said communication to close.

Abstract: A parking brake system that uses a locking device to maintain a parking release condition may include a control lever that may be rotatably connected to the exterior of a transmission, a shift cable that may be rotatably connected to an end of the control lever, the locking device that may be connected to the other end of the shift cable and selectively maintains the parking release condition, and a parking device that includes a piston member in a cylinder and that may be connected to the end of the control lever and uses hydraulic pressure to move the control lever and the shift cable such that the parking release condition may be maintained.

Abstract: A currency bill processing system includes a transport mechanism that is configured to transport bills from an input receptacle along a transport path that extends generally horizontally past at least one detector. The transport path transitions generally-vertically upward between a first and a second output receptacle. The transport mechanism is configured to deliver some of the bills toward a first end of the system into the first output receptacle and some of the bills toward a second end of the system into the second output receptacle. The system provides access openings in a front side of the system that are proximate the first and the second output receptacles thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side.

Abstract: A temporary storage in a medium storing device carries out ON/OFF monitoring of a jam sensor between a winding start position of a drum and a clamp point of a delivering roller. Accordingly, when bills are rewound in the reset operation, even when a relationship between a pulse count and a bill position becomes different from actual one, it is possible to detect, without using a pulse count, a jam between the winding start position and the clamp point. It is possible to more securely detect the abnormality in bill storing in comparison with the prior art.

Abstract: A sensor device in a banknote processing machine comprising a transport device by means of which banknotes to be processed are transported past the sensor device, a cleaning device that cleans the sensor device or a transparent region of the sensor device, and a control device that controls the components of the banknote processing machine. The sensor device includes means for enlarging the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device. The control device controls the means and the cleaning device in such a way that the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device is enlarged by the means while the cleaning device cleans the sensor device.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly adapted to convey material comprising an offsetting conveyor having an offsetting conveyor tail end, an offsetting conveyor swing end, and an offsetting conveyor belt and being adapted to move between an offsetting conveyor centered position an offsetting conveyor angled position, and an offsetting conveyor offset position. The preferred conveyor assembly also comprises an offsetting conveyor swing actuator that is adapted to move the offsetting conveyor between the offsetting conveyor centered position and the offsetting conveyor angled position. The preferred conveyor assembly further comprises a chute having a chute feed end and a chute discharge end and being adapted to move between a chute centered position and a chute angled position. The preferred conveyor assembly still further comprises a chute actuator that is adapted to move the chute between the chute centered position and the chute angled position. A method for moving an offsetting conveyor.

Abstract: Repositionable extendable stops for material handling applications include top loading/unloading stops which engage with actuator through quick disconnects. Actuators are easily repositioned to a new stop location, and the stop reconnected to the actuator by loading the stop through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: A feeding device is used for hanging a workpiece on a fixture. The fixture includes two elastic portions. The feeding device includes a base for carrying the workpiece, a mounting seat, a driving member for driving the mounting seat, a guiding assembly, and a driving mechanism mounted on the mounting seat and connected to the guiding assembly for driving the guiding assembly. The guiding assembly passes through the base, and includes first and second guiding members. The driving member is capable of driving the first and second guiding members in the workpiece. The driving mechanism is capable of driving the first and second guiding members move away from each other to a position adjacent the inner walls of the workpiece, and the elastic portions resist against the inner walls of the workpiece, such that the workpiece is hung on the fixture.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding beads in a tobacco industry system including a bead container, a bead feeding unit having a plurality of channels for supplying a plurality of bead streams, a unit for transferring the beads to the filter material, where the beads are fed from holding pockets of the bead feeding unit to receiving pockets of the bead transfer unit, in which the beads are supplied from the bead container to a plurality of channels of the bead feeding unit which form holding pockets; the beads are fed from the holding pockets of the bead feeding unit to the receiving pockets of the bead transfer unit and to a delivery wheel by a movable feeding device; the beads are picked up from the receiving pockets by a movable guiding device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear conveyor (21) for transporting glass panels (3) in the vicinity of grinding stations (9, 13) or a washing station (15) of a system for producing glass panel blanks including a linear conveyor (23), for example, a driven toothed belt, and opposite the driven toothed belt a beam (25), from which a fluid, in particular water, is discharged. The glass panel (3) is pressed against the linear conveyor (23) in a non-positive manner and reliably conveyed by water discharged from the beam (25). Such linear conveyors (21) can be arranged at the upper or lower edge of a glass panel (3) in order to trim the glass panel using at least one grinding disk (27), for example.

Abstract: A drive unit for a roller conveyor assembly having a motor and an integrated motor controller. The controller is mounted on a circuit board and connected to the rear of the motor housing. A cover for the controller substantially encloses the controller. An opening in the cover allows access to a terminal block from the controller. The terminal block receives wiring to external devices and to other zone controllers. Wiring between the circuit board for the controller and the motor is performed as a step in the assembly of the integrated motor and controller. The motor and controller are configured to be mounted below the rollers and between the side frames of a conveyor assembly. An output shaft from the motor is coupled to the rollers to power the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section, which is adjustably positionable between a nested position within the base unit and an extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. The conveyor includes a conveying surface for conveying articles extending at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. The mechanically extendable section is an outmost mechanically extendable section and the outmost mechanically extendable section has a modular front end portion which can carry a loading set and an unloading set.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a rotating component and a stationary component coupled to the rotating component such that the stationary component substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the rotating component. A high pressure outlet extends at least partially through the rotating and stationary components. An inlet is positioned a predefined distance from the high pressure outlet. The inlet extends at least partially through the rotating and stationary components. A solid fuel flow is channeled from the inlet to the outlet as the rotating component rotates. A flow control member is coupled to the rotating and stationary components in a first predefined position. The flow control member is selectively moveable from the first predefined position to a second predefined position to form a seal within the pump assembly such that the solid fuel flow and a fluid flow are substantially restricted from being channeled back into the inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic conveying device for transporting in particular panel-shaped objects (1). The device comprises a plurality of magnetic retaining elements (3) arranged successively in the conveying direction and has at least one conveyor belt (4) running past the magnetic retaining elements (3). The conveyor belt (4) is equipped with a plurality of teeth (6) arranged on the upper face thereof facing away from the objects (1) for engaging in associated drive elements for driving the conveyor belt (4). According to the invention, at least the upper face of the conveyor belt (4) has an anti-static coating covering the entire surface area.

Abstract: A conveying system includes conveying cells (14) for accommodating in particular hot bulk goods or lumpy conveying material. The conveying cells have a bottom (16), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) in the conveying direction of the conveying system and side walls (15) connecting the latter. The conveying cells (14) open at the top are shielded from the surrounding atmosphere by a stationary and gas-tight top cover (17) that spans the open surface of the conveying cells. Both sealing elements (22; 34, 35) shielding intermediate spaces (32) existing between the conveying cells (14) in the conveying direction from the surrounding atmosphere and also sealing elements (22; 28) projecting laterally on both sides beyond the side walls (15) of the conveying cells (14) are disposed in the bottom region of the conveying cells (14) lying opposite the top cover (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system for moving containers (14), the conveying system (4) comprising an inclined track (8) and a conveying device (24), where the track (8) has an container inlet (11) at the bottom (12) and an container outlet (15) at the top (16) and where the conveying device (24) is arranged to travel down (R) the track (8) and comprises a container moving unit (54) which after passage below a container (14) moves the container (14) one step up (L) the track (8), the conveying device (24) thus moving one container (14) at a time one step up (L) the track (8) during the downward (R) travel of the conveying device (24). The invention also relates to a tower structure (2) comprising a container conveying system (4), and a method for conveying containers (14) with a conveying system (4).

Abstract: A conveyor chain constructed so as to prevent a leakage of lubricant oil to the outside. The conveyor chain comprises a plurality of bearing elements operable to revolve in a raceway between an outer circumferential surface of a bush and an inner circumferential surface of a roller. A pair of right and left thrust bearing annular members are press-fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the bush and are positioned between the inner side surface of an inner link plate and the outwardly-facing end surfaces of the bearing elements. Annular sealing members for sealing lubricant oil within bearing element raceway are disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the roller and an inner circumferential surface of the thrust bearing annular member. The sealing members slidably contact but are not deformed by the inner circumferential surface of the roller.

Abstract: A link belt for use in a sintering furnace, which is made of a plurality of first links, each of said links having working surfaces for supporting objects to be carried on the belt. A plurality of rollers are positioned intermediate certain of said first links, and a plurality of pins pass through apertures within said first links and within said rollers.

Abstract: A conveyor belt module, a conveyor belt, a weighing system, and a method for weighing articles conveyed on a conveyor belt. A conveyor belt includes an array of load cells embedded in belt modules to measure forces normal to the belt's conveying surface. The measurements are transmitted from the belt to a remote controller as part of a vision system that identifies individual articles conveyed on the belt and pressing down on underlying load cells. The vision system determines which load cells underlie the individual articles and combines their measurements to compute the weights of the articles on the fly.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a conveyer structured to convey a plurality of articles along a conveyer path and at least one processing station provided along the conveyer path to perform at least one processing operation. The conveyer path includes at least one loop or festoon.

Abstract: A tongue-lid package of the present invention has an outer box (2). A separation line (70) demarcating a U-shaped to-be-cut-off portion (72) is formed in a front wall (20) of the outer box (2). The separation line (70) includes right- and left-side perforated lines (80, 82) that form a part of both sides of the to-be-cut-off portion (72). The perforated lines have a plurality of perforations (84) and intermediate portions (86) between the cuts (84). The intermediate portions (86) of the right- and left-side perforated lines are arranged asymmetrically to axis X of the to-be-cut-off portion (72).

Abstract: Described is a fishing rod storage container comprising a lid pivotally connected to a container housing by one or more hinges. The container housing comprises a pair of elongated sides and an interior volume adapted to store fishing equipment. The container housing further comprises a plurality of lower half supports extending between the pair of elongated sides that are adapted to support several fishing rods. The lower half supports are elevated above the bottom of the container housing so as to provide clearance for equipment stored on the bottom of the container housing. The lid comprises upper half supports that are positioned so as to align with the lower half supports, such that the lower and upper half supports are complementary halves of a fishing rod support. In this way, a fishing rod can be secured in place between the upper and lower half supports when the container is closed.

Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a housing and a cover detachably mounted to the housing. The housing includes a first bottom wall, a first compartment, and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment defined at two opposite sides of the housing. The first compartment is configured to receive the portable electronic device; the second compartment is configured to receive a card. The cover is configured to cover the second compartment.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for car floor mats including a main body portion; at least one support member extending from the main body portion, and a securing arrangement releasably secured to the support member, wherein at least one car floor mat can be retained on the support member when the securing arrangement is secured to the support member, and wherein the at least one car floor mat can be removed from the packaging assembly when the securing arrangement is released from the support member.

Abstract: The cardboard container (100) comprises a base wall (B) and two lateral walls (L1, L2), in a single body with the base wall (B) and foldable with respect thereto, so as to enable the container (100) to assume a flat configuration (I) and an opened-out configuration (V). The container (100) further comprises at least a tab (1), in a single body with a first lateral wall (L1), at a first transversal edge (L11) thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging medication including a plurality of containers having a generally rectangular cross-section, each container for holding medication and one or more flexible sleeves, each flexible sleeve for accommodating two containers arranged in transverse ranks. The resulting package may be arrayed in multiple rows and ranks of containers.

Abstract: In the case of a package (1) for single-dose films (2) containing active substances, comprising an upper packaging material element (3) and a lower packaging material element (4) which are connected together by a peripheral seal area or respectively sealing seam (5) such that a cavity (6) for holding the film (2) is formed, said cavity being enclosed on all sides, wherein the upper packaging material element (3) and the lower packaging material element (4) each have at least one cut (7, 8) in the region of the seal area or respectively, the sealing seam (5), said cuts being congruent, and at least one cut (7, 8) is crossed by a folding or bending line (10), the folding or bending line (10) is formed in a weakened manner.

Abstract: An improved reusable protective enclosure system, comprising a protective housing and cap member for jars, bottles and similar receptacles of glass or other fragile material. Its main object is the construction of a housing that renders a vial or jar contained therein resistant from breakage if the housing is allowed to fall or suffers a sudden shock. Another object of the reusable protective enclosure system is the construction of an airtight enclosure, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Other advantages of the invention are that the inner receptacle be it made of glass or other fragile material, can be readily and repeatedly accessed, removed for sterilization or recycling and replaced for continued use.