Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet storage member, a sheet shifting portion, and a moving portion. The sheet storage member includes first and second sheet storage portions adjacent with each other. The sheet shifting portion is capable of shifting the sheet in the second sheet storage portion to the first sheet storage portion. The moving portion moves the sheet shifting portion from a first position to a second position farther than the first position with respect to the first sheet storage portion when the sheet storage member is drawn out of the apparatus body in a state in which the sheet shifting portion is located at the first position.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a stacking unit, a feeding member, a conveyance guide, and a movement unit. The stacking unit is drawably mounted on an apparatus body and includes a stacking member on which a sheet is stacked. The feeding member feeds the sheet stacked on the stacking member. The conveyance guide is provided with an opening and disposed above the stacking unit. The conveyance guide configures a conveyance path through which the sheet is conveyed. The movement unit moves the feeding member between a first position on which the feeding member comes into contact with the sheet stacked on the stacking member and a second position disposed above the first position. The movement unit includes an entry portion configured to be located within the opening in a state where the feeding member is positioned at the second position.

Abstract: Needle gripper comprising a gripper unit with a gripping surface (20) facing the workpiece to be gripped, and at least one needle carriage (32) with at least one gripping needle (22), wherein the at least one needle carriage can be displaced into an active position in which the gripping needle is extended beyond the gripping surface by one needle stroke depth (24), and in a passive position in which the gripping needle is retracted, and comprising a drive unit with a drive actuator (26) which can be driven forward and backward along a drive direction, wherein the drive actuator is movably coupled to the needle carriage so that the needle carriage can be moved into the passive position and into the active position by driving the drive actuator forward and backward, and with a setting device (34) for setting the needle stroke depth, which comprises a guide carriage (38) which can be displaced perpendicularly to the drive direction along a guide direction (36), and a stop (54) for the guide carriage, wherein the

Abstract: A storage module (1) comprises a storage zone (3) for storing flat articles (2) by accumulation in a stack and on edge, a main conveyor (9) that extends transversely to the storage zone, a stacking function for transferring an article from the main conveyor to the storage zone and for stacking it at the back of the stack of articles in the storage zone, and an unstacking function for extracting an article from the stack of articles and for transferring it to the main conveyor. The unstacking function comprises an unstacking plate (7) having a perforated belt and controlled suction and disposed between the main conveyor and the storage zone, said unstacking plate having a first segment parallel to the stack of articles and a second segment that is adjacent to the first segment and that extends slantwise relative to the first segment, said controlled suction being disposed in the slantwise second segment of the unstacking plate.

Abstract: A sheet feeder comprises a sheet stacking unit which stacks sheets, a sheet pickup unit which picks up a sheet from one side of the stacked sheets on the sheet stacking unit, a sheet separating and feeding unit which separately feeds sheets one by one to a conveyance path, an orientation holding unit which holds a feed orientation of a sheet, and a biasing unit which biases the orientation holding unit from a retracted position to a projecting position. A projection amount of the orientation holding unit from an inclined surface increases as the number of stacked sheets decreases, and the projection amount from the inclined surface decreases as the number of stacked sheets increases.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a main body, a stack unit having a contact portion and a stack portion on which a sheet is to be placed, a conveyance guide, and a moving member having a contacted portion. The stack unit can be inserted into and extracted from the main body. The conveyance guide can be located at a guide position for guiding the sheet conveyed on a conveying path and a release position for releasing the conveying path. The moving member moves the conveyance guide from the guide position to the release position by moving in a first direction from a first to a second position. The moving member moves from the first position in a second direction opposite the first direction by the stack unit contact portion contacting the moving member contacted portion when the stack unit is inserted to and extracted from the main body.

Abstract: A sheet-type medium deviation correction device comprises an upper holding plate, a lower holding plate, a front guide wheel set, a front end position detecting element, a lateral border position detecting unit, a deviation correction assembly, and a delivery assembly. The deviation correction assembly comprises a belt and a pair of belt pulleys. The delivery direction of the belt is perpendicular to the lateral border of the upper holding plate or the lower holding plate. The delivery assembly comprises a pair of delivery wheels. The delivery direction of the delivery wheels is perpendicular to that of the belt. The belt is used for delivering a sheet-type medium to the border of the belt to be aligned with the lateral border of the holding plate, thereby achieving the deviation correction purpose.

Abstract: A method for defining an evaluation region of a register sensor for detecting register marks on printing substrates in printing substrate processing machines includes connecting the register sensor to a computer. In a first step, the register sensor measures an edge of a printing substrate, starting from the edge, the evaluation region is set to a starting value, and in at least one second step, the evaluation region is set to an increased value until the register sensor detects a first edge of the register mark.

Abstract: A device for rolling garments and other items, comprising an adjustable length rod operable to move between a locked position and a retractable position by twisting the adjustable length rod. There is a handle on one end of the rod capable of fully housing the adjustable length rod when fully retracted in its retractable position, a securing clip operable to move between an open position and a closed position connected to the handle for securing an item to the rod, and a securing clip button on the handle for triggering the securing clip to its open or closed position. The device includes safety mechanisms, with a quick-release button on the end of the handle that is movable between an engaged and a disengaged position, and a quick-release slide switch movable between an up and down position.

Abstract: A discharge device which discharges a sheet includes: a driving shaft which is driven to rotate by a driving source; a plurality of driving rotating members which is provided on the driving shaft; a rotating member which is provided on the driving shaft, has a larger outside diameter than an outside diameter of the driving rotating member, is formed by joining at least two divided components, and includes stepped portions that protrude, to a larger extent, in a radial direction in boundary portions of the at least two components on upstream sides of a rotation direction of the rotating member than on downstream sides thereof; and follower rotating members which are pressed against the driving rotating members.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read a document, a feeding tray on which the document to be read by the reading unit is stacked, a feeding roller that feeds the document from the feeding tray to a position where the document is read by the reading unit, a feeding pressure plate that presses the document against the feeding roller so that the document is pinched between the feeding roller and the feeding pressure plate, and a discharge roller that discharges the document read by the reading unit to underneath the feeding pressure plate, wherein a position of the discharge roller moves depending on a number of documents pinched between the feeding roller and the feeding pressure plate.

Abstract: A sheet discharge apparatus includes first and second discharge trays, a support unit, first and second discharge rollers, and first and second controlling units. The second discharge tray is disposed above the first discharge tray and is detachable from the support unit. The first and second discharge rollers discharge a sheet toward the first and second discharge trays respectively. The first controlling unit executes control such that, in case that the second discharge tray is detached from the support unit while the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller are halted, the first discharge roller remains halted and such that, in case that the second discharge tray is detached from the support unit while the first discharge roller and the second discharge roller are rotating, the first discharge roller is halted after the first discharge roller continues rotating until a sheet has been discharged toward the first discharge tray.

Abstract: A web transfer device for a multiple turret winder on a continuous web process line includes a web delivery assembly having delivery rolls and a core transfer assembly having one or more core receiving structures. The transfer device includes a web transfer assembly configured to receive a web from the web delivery assembly and configured to communicate with the core transfer assembly. The web transfer assembly includes a frame and lay-on roll moveably positioned relative to the frame. The web transfer assembly includes a vacuum hood moveably positioned relative to the frame. The vacuum hood has a cutting device mounted therein and one or more suction holding surfaces that are configured to releasably hold a portion of the web. The suction holding surfaces are movable relative to the frame and the core receiving structures. The suction holding surfaces communicate with the core receiving structures to transfer the web thereto.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cutting blade for cutting web material in to sheets in a sheet dispenser. The blade comprises at least a base section and a cutting section, the blade being formed from a plastic material which comprises reinforcement fibers. The present invention also concerns a sheet dispenser having such a cutting blade.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section configured to form a toner image on a sheet having a paste component; and an end pressing section provided on an upstream side of the image forming section in a sheet conveyance direction, and configured to exert a pressure on an end portion of the sheet while moving from a center toward an end of the sheet in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: A postpress system (1) and method for producing and processing product units (P), in particular printed end products (P) with printed product collections comprising a plurality of products, selected from the group of wrapping products, and a plurality of part products and/or inserts, to make route adapted stacks or packs, at least some of the printed end products (P) being product units which have been customized for specific addressees are proposed. By using feed devices (3) which each comprise a supply conveyor (31), a preparation circuit (32) with a plurality of transport units (321) and an output conveyor (33), printed products (D) are fed in a controlled fashion to the holding units (21) with reliability. A sorting device (6) with at least one directing group with at least one gate (62), a transit section (612) and at least one supply section is used to correct faults, or deviations in the product sequence from the production sequence.

Abstract: Provided are a mobile processing frame, a mobile processing system, and a method of processing. The mobile processing frame includes a base portion having an electrical receptacle and a pneumatic receptacle positioned thereon, a turntable rotatably coupled to the base portion, a motor secured to the base portion and operably connected to the turntable, a mobile support secured to the base portion, opposite the turntable, and a locking member configured to selectively restrict movement of the mobile support. The turntable is configured to receive a processing material thereon, and feed the processing material therefrom. The processing system includes the mobile processing frame, a control device, and a transport device configured to move the frame. The method includes positioning a processing material on a frame, moving the frame to a processing area, coupling a control device to the frame, and feeding the processing material from the frame to a processing device.

Abstract: A system and method of installation for installing a rolled sheet material on a vertical or near-vertical surface are described. Specifically the system and method of installation are useful in the construction industry where heavy rolls of sheet materials must be precisely installed on walls and other vertical surfaces that can be several stories high. The system includes a rolled material spool holder with mounting hardware to allow mounting of the spool holder to a piece of construction equipment along with a spool director, which is also mounted to the piece of movable construction equipment, such as a scissor lift. The method of installation involves positioning the scissor lift along the wall in the desired start location and the desired starting height.

Abstract: A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV stores the cable on a spool and releases the cable into the water as the ROV dives away from the support vessel. The ROV detects the tension in the cable and the rate that the cable is release from the ROV is proportional to the detected tension in the cable. After the ROV has completed the dive and retrieved by the support vessel, the cable can be retrieved from the water and rewound onto the spool in the ROV.

Abstract: A spray foam hose storage system includes a shaft and an elongated sleeve having the shaft concentrically positioned inside, where the elongated sleeve configured to rotate about the shaft. In addition, the system includes a cantilever arm having a proximate end and a distal end, a base plate securing the cantilever arm perpendicular to the elongated sleeve, where the cantilever arm is offset from the elongated sleeve by a distance. The cantilever arm includes a plurality of slats positioned to form a concave periphery for a spray foam hose to be draped back and forth thereon.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a discharge roller discharges a sheet conveyed by a first conveying path. The discharge roller switches between: a mode of conveying a sheet in a sheet discharging direction to discharge a sheet; and a mode of reversing a direction of conveying a sheet from the sheet discharging direction and feeding a sheet to a re-conveying path. A pivot plate at an open position constitutes a second conveying path. The pivot plate at a closed position closes the second conveying path. The pivot plate is provided with a penetrating portion penetrating the pivot plate over an entire thickness of the pivot plate. The penetrating portion constitutes part of the re-conveying path when the pivot plate is disposed at the closed position. Part of the pivot plate is exposed outside the housing.

Abstract: An elevator controller includes a memory; an input/output unit; and a processor, the processor executing certified safety software and non-safety software, the non-safety software executed in a safe container to prevent the non-safety software from violating a non-safety software parameter and affecting the safety software.

Abstract: An elevator drive for use in a counterweight-less elevator installation includes a motor driving a traction sheave in engagement with an elongate load bearing member supporting an elevator car, and a pressure applicator exerting a normal force on the elongate load bearing member as the member engages with the traction sheave. One of the traction sheave and the pressure applicator is displaceable relative to the other. Accordingly, in use, the normal force imparted by the pressure applicator on the elongate load bearing member can be varied to improve the longevity of the elongate load bearing member.

Abstract: A diverting pulley adapter is provided for converting an existing pulley, the adapter enabling a maintenance of an existing running path for diverting a suspension, like an elevator-rope or an elevator-belt, the adapter having a base with at least one fixing component for anchoring the adapter, at which base a set of pulleys is provided. The adapter includes a first deflection pulley being mounted rotatable on its rotation axis, and at least a further second deflection pulley being mounted rotatable on its rotation axis, wherein the rotation axes of the pulleys are interspaced, respectively. The positions of those pulleys forming the set of pulleys are adjustable in view of their fixation, respectively, and symmetrically in relation to the fixing component.

Abstract: A system of hexagonal building units is provided herein. The building units may be configured in a honeycomb configuration. The building units may be configured for a variety of different uses, including any of the following: residential, commercial, entertainment, community, government, retail, parking, storage, and office space. An escalator or moving walkway is also provided herein. The escalator or moving walkway may contain multiple lanes operating at varying speeds and may have a circular, oval, curved or straight shape. The escalator or moving walkway may also include at least one lane having segments that operate at different speeds.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a step of an escalator or a pallet of a moving walkway with at least one traction means. The fastening device includes a shoulder element, a wedge type connector and a projection. The shoulder and projection are each oppositely located on the step/pallet and traction means to be joined. The shoulder is provided with an opening through which, in the mounted state of the fastening device, the projection extends. The wedge type connector is positioned at least partially between the shoulder and the projection to engage the with the projection to fix the step or pallet against the traction means in a pre-tensioned manner.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus [10] and method for controlling the orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus consists of a closed loop pipe [11] containing a fluid volume attachable to a suspended load and at least one pump for circulating the fluid volume in the pipe. A control unit [17] is operable to receive at least one input direction signal. The apparatus includes a control unit which is configured to generate a control signal to the at least one pump to control the flow of the fluid volume in the pipe and thereby impart a rotational force on the pipe.

Abstract: A crane includes an overload safety device and a identifying unit. The overload safety device includes a maximum-load calculating unit configured to calculate a maximum load that a winch drum is capable of winding up with driving torques output from the remaining electric motors other than a failed electric motor identified by the identifying unit, an updating unit configured to update a set hoisting ability value stored in a storing unit to a value equal to the maximum load, and a control unit configured to cause the remaining electric motors to operate when a value of a load derived by a load deriving unit is equal to or smaller than a latest set hoisting ability value stored in the storing unit and stop the operation of the plurality of electric motors when the value of the load derived by the load deriving unit exceeds the latest set hoisting ability value.

Abstract: A device designed for the removal, storage, and installation of convertible hardtops from sport utility vehicles. The device is floor level and mounted on casters for portability. The device utilizes a platform and ratcheted gear apparatus to assist provide leverage and assist a single operator to remove or install a convertible hardtop form an SUV. The device also utilizes a tilting assembly to allow the operator to reduce the footprint of the device with the hardtop loaded, making it simpler to maneuver and store.

Abstract: The method of radio communication between columns of a lifting bridge allows for use of a bridge consisting of at least two lifting columns and simultaneous operation of several bridges in a multichannel mode. The radio channels are selected in a pre-determined frequency band. The bridges synchronize respective columns in the course of the lifting operations and in the event of a fault in at least one column or in the event of an emergency stop. The method includes a first phase of triggering waiting and scanning, followed by a second phase of inscribing the columns for the construction of the bridge, and followed by a third phase of exploitation in the course of which each column of a constructed bridge dialogues with the others in the radio broadcasting mode, with an equal weight for all the columns.

Abstract: A device for lifting a toilet includes a base frame member disposed adjacent to a toilet (not part of the invention) such that the toilet can be elevated to a predetermined distance. The device further includes a substantially vertical elevation member secured to the base frame via a horizontal offset member integrally joined to the base frame, a lifting arm secured to the elevation member, a lifting member or strap assembly secure to the lifting arm, and a manually operated jack secured upon the horizontal offset member.

Abstract: A work vehicle obtains determination information from information upon detecting inverting operation, the information upon detecting inverting operation indicating a traveling state of the work vehicle when an advancing direction detection device detects an inverting operation of an advancing direction switching device for inverting an advancing direction of the work vehicle while the work vehicle travels; decreases a first traveling instruction for allowing the work vehicle to travel in the advancing direction of the work vehicle upon the detection of the inverting operation, and increases a second traveling instruction for allowing the work vehicle to travel in the direction opposite to the advancing direction of the work vehicle upon the detection of the inverting operation, after detecting the inverting operation; and sets the first traveling instruction to 0 when speed information indicating a traveling state of the work vehicle becomes the determination information.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an accelerator operation amount generator receiving an actual accelerator operation amount of an accelerator operator to generate a control accelerator operation amount; an engine controller controlling the engine according to the control accelerator operation amount; and a storage storing a table in which an increasing speed for the control accelerator operation amount is set, wherein the accelerator operation amount generator obtains a difference between a converted accelerator operation amount of the accelerator operator converted from a rotating speed of the engine in a current control cycle and a control accelerator operation amount obtained in the last control cycle, determines an increasing speed of the control accelerator operation amount from the difference by referring to the table, and changes the control accelerator operation amount to an actual operation amount in the current control cycle with the determined increasing speed.

Abstract: A forklift includes a hydraulic pump being a variable displacement pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic motor driven with fluid from the pump, a storage storing first and second groups, and a predetermined lift pressure setting value, the first group including output characteristics each representing a relation between a rotational speed of the engine and a torque of the engine for each lift pressures, the second group including output characteristics each representing a relation between the rotational speed and the torque for each pump pressures, and determining a greater one of first and second torques as a target torque of the engine, the first torque being calculated from one selected from the first group using the lift pressure setting value or an actual lift pressure and the rotational speed, the second torque being calculated from one selected from the second group using the pump pressure and the rotational speed

Abstract: A lift arrangement of a lift truck, especially a forklift truck, has a lift mast defining a z-axis. The lift mast includes a first mast section and a second mast section. Damping elements made from elastic material are provided on the first mast section and/or the second mast section preventing a hard impact of the second mast section with the first mast section at the run-in end position of the second mast section. The damping elements are configured and arranged in such a manner that, in addition to damping the movement of the second mast section in the direction of the z-axis, the damping elements damp movements of the second mast section in the directions of the x-axis and the y-axis running perpendicularly to the z-axis.

Abstract: A stepless ladder is provided that may comprise a frame adapted to support the weight of a user, a track attached to a portion of the frame, an escalating member attached to the track, the escalating member for supporting the weight of the user, and an escalating assembly adapted to raise and lower the escalating member along the track.

Abstract: A collapsible personnel basket apparatus quickly and easily deploys on the tip of a crane boom and stores in a space-efficient manner when not in use. The basket apparatus has a collapsible spine made up of a plurality of spine segments, a support platform pivotally coupled to a bottom spine segment, a connection member pivotally coupled to a top spine segment and including a coupling portion at a proximal end thereof, an adapter configured for attachment to a crane tip at a distal end of a crane boom, and a foldable rail assembly removably mountable on the spine and/or the support platform. The adapter mates with the coupling portion of the connection member to removably mount the connection member on the crane tip. A related deployment method, spine segment locking mechanism, coupling apparatus, and storage apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a foreign object, such as a rock, from a tire tread consists of an elongated, shaft member with a hook member on one end and an integrated handle at the other end with means to attach the apparatus to a key chain. Inserting the hooked end of the apparatus into a tire tread and manually maneuvering the hook under the foreign object and pulling outward on the handle allows the hook portion of the apparatus to remove the foreign object from a tire tread.

Abstract: Implements for moving a first body from atop a surface includes a body configured to be removably secured to a host machine, a leading edge of the body configured to be located within a gap between the first body and the surface, and a concave curved profile above the leading edge and having a shape such that as the leading edge is forced into the gap, the curved profile contacts the first body causing the first body to roll in a direction away from the implement.

Abstract: A container opening device facilitates opening of various types of containers including conventional five gallon buckets, various sizes of paint cans, and the like. the device includes a head coupled to a first end of a handle. The head has a pair of spaced flanges. Each of the flanges is coupled to and extending from a base of the head extending between the flanges. Each of the flanges has a planar distal portion positioned in spaced relationship to the base defining a gap therebetween for engaging and prying edges of a cover on a bucket. A first sidewall extends from the handle adjacent to a second end of the handle. The first sidewall has a thickness for insertion into a space between a lid and a top edge of a can to pry the lid away from the can.

Abstract: A funnel system for transferring liquids from a dispenser to a receptacle including a mouth end and a smaller outlet end the funnel formed as a hollow conical portion with an angled wall having a rim around the mouth end, the outlet end is perpendicular to a central axis running vertically through the center of the funnel. A vent channel runs through the interior of the wall to a vent opening inside the hollow conical portion, where the vent channel includes an inlet port. A set of cams are located at preselected points and adapted to mate with a set of collars having threads sized to thread onto a selected receptacle having a threaded inlet and fixedly engage the receptacle inlet.

Abstract: A single serving scoop and funnel both conveniently measures a correct amount of any liquid, gel, solid, granulated, or any pourable material, and facilitates pouring the measured material into a container. The funnel is moveably attached to a scoop handle, and may be moved between a first position over the scoop, and a second position withdrawn from the scoop. In one embodiment the funnel is hingedly attached to the scoop handle and rotates 180 degrees to latch opposite to the scoop, and may contain projections on each side of a funnel handle allowing single had use. In another embodiment the funnel slides along the handle away from the scoop.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated dispensing of bulk keg wine is provide having, in combination: integrated temperature control; pressure monitoring; automated purging; and integrated point of sale data acquisition for determining inventory usage statistics for each keg of wine dispensed. The system provides for precise measurement of each portion. An error alarm system warns an operator about beverage tank low level. A system for forcing the flashing of poor quality beverage. Recording of all delivery process events allows for operator or management review and control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves and closing of a second of the plurality of valves for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers based on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A dosing system including a dispensing tube to dispense a viscous liquid from a holding container to an output container, the tube includes an upper and a lower valve and a peristaltic pump to push against the dispensing tube and to cause the viscous liquid to open the lower valve.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described herein that allow a tap handle to be quickly and easily reoriented or replaced after being attached to a spigot. In an embodiment, an adjustment mechanism for a beverage tap handle includes a connecting element and a housing. The connecting element includes a stem and a first mating feature, and the housing includes an aperture to receive the stem and a second mating feature configured to mate with the first mating feature. The housing and the connecting element are (i) rotatable with respect to each other about a central axis of the stem when the first mating feature and second mating feature are not mated, and (ii) prevented from rotating with respect to each other about the central axis of the stem when the first mating feature and the second mating feature are mated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular beverage-dispensing system, all of the elements thereof being modules, and comprising: a storage module which, in turn, comprises a container-like storage body for liquid containers, the storage module having at least one nozzle that can be connected to each liquid container; a pump module comprising a pump body which, in turn, houses pump means communicating, by means of fluid, with each of the nozzles arranged on the storage module; and a control module comprising a beverage-dispensing device communicating, by means of fluid, with the pump means, and control means communicating, by means of data, with the pump module, wherein the storage body, the pump body and the dispensing device comprise detachably interconnectable joining means.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a number of features providing enhanced functionality for a user, e.g., functionality beyond what might be found in traditional beverage dispensers. By way of example, an improved beverage dispenser may read data relating to contents, display information and graphics about the contents on a display panel, control and monitor dispensed fluids and so forth. A beverage dispenser instrumented in this manner may also be connected through a network to remote resources in order to augment local information and provide a rich, interactive user experience.

Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method of forming a MEMS structure includes forming fixed actuator electrodes and a contact point on a substrate. The method further includes forming a MEMS beam over the fixed actuator electrodes and the contact point. The method further includes forming an array of actuator electrodes in alignment with portions of the fixed actuator electrodes, which are sized and dimensioned to prevent the MEMS beam from collapsing on the fixed actuator electrodes after repeating cycling. The array of actuator electrodes are formed in direct contact with at least one of an underside of the MEMS beam and a surface of the fixed actuator electrodes.

Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method of forming a MEMS structure includes forming fixed actuator electrodes and a contact point on a substrate. The method further includes forming a MEMS beam over the fixed actuator electrodes and the contact point. The method further includes forming an array of actuator electrodes in alignment with portions of the fixed actuator electrodes, which are sized and dimensioned to prevent the MEMS beam from collapsing on the fixed actuator electrodes after repeating cycling. The array of actuator electrodes are formed in direct contact with at least one of an underside of the MEMS beam and a surface of the fixed actuator electrodes.