Abstract: A gripper assembly for recovering a layout (22) from a sheet material (12) is presented. It comprises a vacuum gripper (26) with a gripper body (32) on which an array of air flow openings (34a, 34b) is arranged. Air flow openings (34a) associated with one or more blanks (20) of the layout (22) are selectively open and air flow openings (34b) associated to waste (28) of the sheet material (12) are selectively closed. Additionally, an apparatus for recovering a layout (22) from a sheet material (12) comprising such a gripper assembly is described. Furthermore, a method for separating a layout (22) from waste (28) of a sheet material (12) is explained.

Abstract: This application discloses a device and a method for separating optical adhered films. The device for separating optical adhered films includes: a separating workbench configured to separate optical films; a suction nozzle configured to adsorb the optical film; a driving device configured to drive the suction nozzle and the separating workbench. The suction nozzle includes a first group of suction nozzles and a second group of suction nozzles. The first group of suction nozzles and the second group of suction nozzles are arranged opposite to each other. The method for separating optical adhered films includes the following steps: separating, when the detection structure for two optical adhered films detect that at least two optical films are adhered to each other, the optical adhered films by using a first group of suction nozzles and a second group of suction nozzles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a collection device and a preparation system, including a pre-adjustment mechanism which is disposed in a housing and configured to adjust at least one bundle of carbon nanotube aggregates, and includes a first pre-adjustment sub-mechanism and a second pre-adjustment sub-mechanism for adjusting carbon nanotube aggregations along a first direction and a second direction, respectively; a winding mechanism for winding and collecting the carbon nanotube aggregates passing through the pre-adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of spool covers adapted for covering spools of wire mounted on corresponding shafts for preventing tangling of the wire during use, comprising a first cover portion and a second cover portion, each cover portion adapted to engage the shaft adjacent sides of the spool of wire without removing the spool from the shaft, the first and second cover portions being one of rebuildable, comprised of disposable cardboard, and comprised of side walls wherein one of the side walls has attached thereto at least one collett portion adapted for retaining the spool centered within the first and second cover portions.

Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of fiber winding control, and provides a tension control method of a multi-bundle winding equipment combined driving system, which solves the problem that the tension fluctuates greatly and cannot be output constantly in the fiber winding process.

Abstract: A medium feeding mechanism includes a feeder that feeds a medium, a transportation path that is coupled to the feeder and includes a bent portion, a transporter that transports the medium on the transportation path, and a transportation control unit that controls the transporter, wherein the transportation control unit adjusts a transportation velocity of the medium transported by the transporter on the basis of medium information of the medium and a transportation route shape for the medium.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus may comprise a first conveying roller configured to convey a sheet and a second conveying roller disposed on a downstream side of the first conveying roller in a conveyance direction of the sheet. In a case where the second conveying roller rotates at a first speed by a driving force being transmitted to the second conveying roller, the first conveying roller rotates by being driven with respect to the second conveying roller. In a case where the second conveying roller rotates at a second speed faster than the first speed by the driving force being transmitted to the second conveying roller, the first conveying roller rotates at the second speed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a plurality of folding devices, a control unit that controls a job involving a folding process, and an input unit that accepts settings for the job from a user. The input unit accepts, from the user, specification of a priority preference out of a plurality of predetermined preferences related to the folding process. The control unit selects, out of the plurality of folding devices, a folding device that can perform the folding process with the settings for the job made by the user as a target folding device. If a plurality of target folding devices are present, then based on the priority preference, the control unit determines, out of the plurality of target folding devices, a folding device with which to perform the folding process.

Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer (less compressed) in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus for fastening a drive of an elevator system, wherein the elevator system includes an installation structure for installing the drive, has a beam with two feet for fastening the beam to the installation structure. The fastening apparatus includes a drive bracket for receiving the drive, wherein the drive bracket is fastened to the beam, and a support leg that is fastened at one end to the drive bracket and additionally supports the drive bracket on the installation structure.

Abstract: A double-deck elevator car has first and second vertically spaced cars each accessible via a different floor in a stop position, a car frame with at least one longitudinal support, a first support structure in the frame supporting the first car, a second support structure in the frame supporting the second car, and a linear guide movably coupling the first support structure to the longitudinal support. The linear guide has at least one rail element fastened to the longitudinal support, and at least one coupling element slidably mounted on the rail element and fastened to the first support structure. The coupling element has first and second mounting portions mounting on the rail element and a fastening portion fastening the coupling element to the first support structure. A drive moves the first support structure relative to the second support structure.

Abstract: A passenger transport system having a conveyor belt is described. The passenger transport system comprises at least one handrail and a fastening device for a protective device in the region of the handrail end curve. A control unit blocks the operation of the passenger transport system in one direction of travel on the basis of a sensor signal, such that, if there is at least one protective device in the region of the handrail end curve, the direction of travel in which the handrail runs into the protective device is blocked. A method for controlling a bidirectional passenger transport system is also described.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting assembly personnel during assembly work on a passenger transport system configured as an escalator or moving walkway. The passenger transport system has at least one clamping device for a balustrade panel. A base region of the protective device is configured in such a way that the base region can be held in the clamping device such that it can be clamped in place in lieu of a balustrade panel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a handrail disinfecting device for a handrail of a passenger transport installation. The handrail disinfecting device has a plurality of light-emitting diodes that can emit germicidal electromagnetic radiation in the region of their light cone. A pass-through segment of the handrail disinfecting device is divided into at least two sectors and has a carrier having planes that are arranged in the sectors. The light-emitting diodes are arranged on the carrier such that they are oriented according to the planes. In one of the sectors, there are two planes that are arranged in parallel with the longitudinal extension of the pass-through segment and so as to be mutually inclined at an angle of 100° to 160°.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a guide rail, an elevator car, a safety brake actuator and a safety brake. The safety brake actuator and the safety brake are mounted to the elevator car to move along the guide rail with the elevator car in use. The safety brake actuator includes an actuation mechanism configured in use to actuate the engagement of the safety brake against the guide rail. The safety brake actuator also includes a proximal surface, the safety brake actuator is mounted adjacent to the guide rail with the proximal surface facing the guide rail and spaced from the guide rail to define a clearance gap between the guide rail and the proximal surface of the safety brake actuator.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes one or more tension members extending along a belt length, and a jacket at least partially encapsulating the one or more tension members. The jacket defines a traction surface configured to interface with a traction sheave of the elevator system, a back surface opposite the traction surface, and two edge surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface. The traction surface includes a convex shaped segment extending at least partially across the traction surface between the two edge surfaces.

Abstract: An elevator system including: an elevator car configured to travel through an elevator shaft; a first guide beam extending vertically through the elevator shaft, the first guide beam comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a propulsion system configured to move the elevator car through the elevator shaft; a first on-board energy management system configured to power the propulsion system, the first on-board energy management system is attached to the propulsion system and configured to travel with the propulsion system.

Abstract: A method for handling of an offshore wind turbine component includes using a vessel having a hull on which a motion compensating crane is mounted. The crane includes a main boom; a main boom luffing assembly; a mobile hoist cable suspension member; and a hoist winch and a hoist cable driven by the hoist winch. An object suspension device is suspended from the hoist cable. The mobile hoist cable suspension member is supported by a motion compensating support device that is fitted to the tip end of the main boom, the motion compensating support device including one or more motor powered motion displacement actuator assemblies and a motion compensating support device controller. The method includes connecting the offshore wind turbine component to the object suspension device; and operating the motion compensating support device to provide motion compensation in at least one direction of the object suspension device and the connected offshore wind turbine component.

Abstract: A crane (2), more particularly a mobile fast-erecting crane, having at least one supply connection to which a supply line (16), more particularly a power cable, can be connected, wherein the supply line can be wound on a cable drum (15), which can be mounted on a drum mount (10) on the crane, with the cable drum being mounted to rotate on a drum support frame (18), which has running gear (18) for moving the cable drum over the ground and which has releasable mounting means, shaped to match the drum mount of the crane, for separably mounting the drum support frame on the drum mount of the crane. The invention further relates to a cable drum unit for winding a supply line (16) of a crane (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile crane, which comprises a superstructure, a main boom, which extends away from the superstructure and is arranged so as to be pivotable thereon, a derrick boom, which extends away from the superstructure and is arranged so as to be pivotable thereon, and a winch assembly, wherein the winch assembly comprises a main-boom winch for actuating the main boom and a derrick-boom winch for actuating the derrick boom. The mobile crane is characterised by an assistance apparatus for facilitating or fully automatically carrying out a raising and/or setting-down process of the derrick boom, which apparatus is designed to actuate the main boom and the derrick boom, such as the main-boom winch and the derrick-boom winch, at the same time.

Abstract: An overhead hoist transfer (OHT) apparatus, a guiding device of the OHT apparatus, and a direction maintaining module of the OHT apparatus are provided. The direction maintaining module includes a main channel, a first retaining channel and a second retaining channel that are spaced apart from the main channel, a switch channel, and a switching mechanism connected to the switch channel. The switch channel is disposed among the main channel, the first channel, and the second channel. The switching mechanism is configured to drive the switch channel to move between a turning position and a straight position. When the switch channel is at the turning position, the switch channel connects the main channel and the first retaining channel. When the switch channel is at the straight position, the switch channel connects the main channel and the second retaining channel.

Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The operator cabin may include a seat assembly. The operator cabin may be stationary with respect to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The engine may be provided in the rear portion. The boom may be provided forward with respect to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A pipelayer machine may comprise a machine chassis; a towing winch assembly coupled to the machine chassis; an operator cabin supported by the machine chassis; an engine supported by the machine chassis; and a boom coupled to the machine chassis. The pipelayer machine may comprise a front portion and a rear portion. The towing winch assembly may be provided in the front portion of the pipelayer machine. The operator cabin may be provided between the towing winch assembly and the engine.

Abstract: A system for controlling a winch assembly includes a rotatable winch drum with an attached cable. A winch motor is configured to rotate the winch drum. A sensor is configured to generate signals indicative of the number of layers of the winch cable on the winch drum. A winch controller is configured to receive a control input requesting a selected rotation of the winch drum, receive the signals from the sensor, determine a number of layers of the winch cable disposed on the winch drum, and generate control commands to control the winch motor to rotate the winch drum based on the control input and the number of layers of the winch cable. The control command rotates the winch drum to produce a substantially constant line speed based on the selected control input independent of the number of layers determined to be disposed on the winch drum.

Abstract: A brake device and a winch having the same are provided. The brake device includes a brake sleeve, a torsion spring, a sealing member and a braking assembly. The torsion spring is fitted over the braking assembly, and the brake sleeve is fitted over the torsion spring. The braking assembly is configured to drive the torsion spring to move between an expanded position and a retracted position, so as to lock and release the brake sleeve. The sealing member is arranged between the brake sleeve and the braking assembly, so that a sealing cavity is defined between the brake sleeve and the braking assembly.

Abstract: Systems for inspecting a warehouse are disclosed. A system includes a laser scanner attachable to an industrial truck and adapted to scan in a plane substantially perpendicular to the industrial truck's main direction of travel to scan an environment of a warehouse on at least one side of the industrial truck and to generate scan data. The system includes a computing unit adapted to receive the scan data and data on the absolute position and/or relative position change of the industrial truck, or data from which one or more of these variables can be derived. The computing unit is further adapted to construct three-dimensional data of the environment on the basis of the scan data and data on the absolute position and/or relative position change of the industrial truck.

Abstract: Provided is a cargo-handling vehicle allowing a reduction in production cost. A forklift, which is a cargo-handling vehicle, includes a driver's seat in which an operator sits, a front guard 51 provided in front of the driver's seat, a control system 20 provided between the driver's seat and the front guard 51, and a front cover 40 attached to the front guard 51. The front cover 40 includes a center cover 41 concealing a base portion of the control system 20, and a side cover 42 not concealing the base portion of the control system 20, and the side cover 42 is provided to the right or left, or both, of the center cover 41 and has a top positioned lower than a top of the center cover 41.

Abstract: A container-handling apparatus, in particular a closing machine for closing cans or similar containers with a closure cap. A transfer element is provided between at least two adjacent container-closing positions. The transfer element surrounds at least part of the circumference of the respective container carrier and is provided so as to rotate with, i.e., revolve with, the container-closing positions. Furthermore, the upper side of the transfer element forms a transfer plane for transferring the upright containers in a planar manner from the transport plane onto the transfer plane spanned by the transfer element. The transfer plane and the transport plane are coplanar, spanning a common plane.

Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.

Abstract: A filling device to fill articles with a pourable product comprising: a tubular body internally defining a flow channel; a valve member engaging the tubular body and axially movable within the flow channel to allow or prevent flow of the pourable product; and magnetic actuator configured to drive axial movement of the valve member within the flow channel. The magnetic actuator has a driven magnetic assembly carried by the valve member and a driving magnetic assembly arranged outside the flow channel and configured to be magnetically coupled with the driven magnetic assembly to control the movement of the valve member within the flow channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing a cooled beverage are provided. One embodiment of methods includes the steps of mixing a diluent and a concentrate to make a diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated to yield a carbonated solution. The carbonated solution is cooled to below 0° C. to produce the cooled beverage, and the cooled beverage is dispensed through a nozzle. A device for dispensing a cooled beverage, where the cooled beverage comprises a diluent having a freezing point at STP includes an upstream cooler that pre-cools a supply of diluent to a temperature above the freezing point. A mixer mixes the pre-cooled diluent with a concentrate to make a diluted solution. A downstream cooler further cools the diluted solution to below the freezing point. A dispenser dispenses the downstream-cooled solution to atmosphere. The temperature of the cooled beverage is below the freezing point when dispensed.

Abstract: A modular dispenser stand includes a height adjustable frame and a supporting frame. The height adjustable frame includes a plurality of telescopic legs each adapted for selectively adjusting its length, and a leg locker unit provided at each of the telescopic legs to selectively lock up said telescopic leg at a predetermined length, wherein the telescopic legs are spaced apart with each other to define a storage space therewithin. The supporting frame includes an upper support coupled at upper ends of the telescopic legs for supporting a water bottle on the upper support, and a base support detachably coupled at the telescopic legs below the upper support to define the storage space between the upper support and the base support. Accordingly, the telescopic legs are selectively reduced their lengths to drop down the upper support and are selectively increased their lengths to increase the storage space.

Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.

Abstract: An equestrian stirrup with releasable foot retention has a foot rest with a top side for engagement with a rider's boot and a bottom side opposite the top side; At least one elastomeric-band attachment peg projects outwardly from the stirrup or from the bottom side of the foot rest. An elastomeric band has end portions for attachment to the at least one peg, and midsections for engaging with a front portion of a rider's boot.

Abstract: A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a MEMS substrate, at least one movable element laterally confined within a matrix layer that overlies the MEMS substrate, and a cap substrate bonded to the matrix layer through bonding material portions. A first movable element selected from the at least one movable element is located inside a first chamber that is laterally bounded by the matrix layer and vertically bounded by a first capping surface that overlies the first movable element. The first capping surface includes an array of downward-protruding bumps including respective portions of a dielectric material layer. Each of the downward-protruding bumps has a vertical cross-sectional profile of an inverted hillock. The MEMS device can include, for example, an accelerometer.

Abstract: A package structure and its manufacturing method are provided. The package structure includes a substrate with a recess, and a first MEMS chip, a first intermediate chip, a second MEMS chip and a first capping plate sequentially formed on the substrate. The lower surface of the first MEMS chip has a first sensor or a microactuator. The upper surface of the second MEMS chip has a second sensor or a microactuator. The first intermediate chip has a through-substrate via, and includes a signal conversion unit, a logic operation unit, a control unit, or a combination thereof. The package structure includes at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: An actuator device includes a support portion; a first movable portion; a second movable portion; a first connection portion that connects the first and second movable portions such that the first movable portion is swingable around a first axis; a second connection portion that connects the second movable portion and the support portion such that the first movable portion is swingable around the first axis. Two natural angular frequencies ?1 and ?2 (where ?1<?2) for vibration of the first and second movable portions around the first axis satisfy one of the following equation (1) and equation (2) and do not satisfy the other, [ Equation ? 1 ] 0 < 1 - ( ? 1 ? ii ) 2 ? 0.2 ( 1 ) [ Equation ? 2 ] 0 < ( ? 2 ? ii ) 2 - 1 ? 0.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a microchannel device, which can form a channel that has high hydrophobicity, high solvent resistance as well, and also resistance to heat and damage, on demand with high accuracy, and produces the microchannel device at a low cost, while having high productivity. The method for producing a microchannel device includes: forming a channel pattern from a hydrophobic resin on a porous substrate by an electrophotographic method; melting the channel pattern by heat to allow the channel pattern to permeate into the porous substrate, thereby forming a channel in the inside of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flexible electrode is provided. The method comprises sequentially forming a flexible base layer and an intermediate conductive layer on a carrier plate; treating an elastomeric template having an electrode pattern with an acid, followed by transferring and printing the electrode pattern onto the intermediate conductive layer to form an electrode inducing layer; forming a titanium dioxide-polydopamine composite layer in a gap of the electrode inducing layer; forming a platinum electrode layer on the titanium dioxide-polydopamine composite layer; removing the carrier plate. The invention solves the problems of slow formation of a polydopamine film and slow formation of a platinum electrode layer. A flexible electrode is further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a self-packing three-arm thermal scanning probe for micro-nano manufacturing, comprising: a three-arm cantilever beam, metal contact pads, a nichrome heating electrode for printing, a nichrome heating electrode for transportation, and a polymer storage area. The present disclosure is manufactured by conventional micro-nano machining processes such as lithography and wet etching. In the present disclosure, a gradient density design of heating electrodes is used to generated continuous change of temperature gradients, thus realizing continuous transportation of a printing material from a storage area to a tip area, which realizes self-packing.

Abstract: A method of controlling a chemical reaction is disclosed. The method may include feeding a solution at a first flow rate into a reactor and detecting a sound in the reactor using a sound sensor that is adjacent to the reactor. The sound sensor may convert the sound into a sound signal. After the sound signal is acquired, it is compared to a stored sound signal or a stored sound threshold to detect a reaction event. The method may include adjusting the flow rate of solutions into the reactor in response to the reaction event.

Abstract: Provided is a method of synthesizing apatite powder by emitting a laser beam to a surface of a substrate immersed in a precursor solution. The method is including immersing a substrate in an apatite-forming precursor solution, emitting a laser beam to a region on a surface of the substrate immersed in the precursor solution, and obtaining apatite powder generated in the precursor solution.

Abstract: A rare earth phosphate particle containing a rare earth element A, where A is Sc, Y, La, Eu, Gd, Dy, Yb, or Lu, and a rare earth element B different from the element A, where B is Sc, Y, La, Eu, Gd, Dy, Yb, or Lu. The phosphate of the element A is preferably crystalline, with at least part of the element B dissolved in the phosphate of the element A in a solid state. The phosphate of the element A preferably has a xenotime or monazite crystal structure.

Abstract: A negative thermal expansion material having a negative thermal expansion coefficient according to the present invention is represented by Zr2?aMaSxP2O12+?, where M is at least one selected from Ti, Ce, Sn, Mn, Hf, Ir, Pb, Pd, and Cr; a is 0?a<2; x is 0.4?x?1; and ? is a value defined as to satisfy a charge neutral condition. The present invention makes it possible to provide a negative thermal expansion material, a composite material and a method for producing a negative thermal expansion material that can realize reduction in cost and density reduction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nano-porous carbon material, comprising the following steps of: mixing polypyrrole nano-fibers with an activator, conducting microwave heating for reaction, and purifying to obtain the nano-porous carbon material. Compared with a conventional high-temperature carbonization method, the method for preparing the nano-porous carbon material of the present disclosure is simple in raw material, convenient to operate, less in time consumption and more suitable for mass preparation and production of the nano-porous carbon materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the conversion of a solution or suspension of polymers, plastics, and other carbon-containing waste materials in the presence of a metal containing catalyst into carbon nanotubes. The method includes steps of mixing the polymer and metallic catalyst in a suitable solvent and injecting the mixture into a heated zone of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor to produce carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Advantages of the present disclosure include ease of use, the potential use of a wide range of plastics that cannot be recycled or upcycled by traditional methods, and the ability to use waste hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the plastic, or to use as a carbon source.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of graphene materials and methods and apparatuses for making same. In some embodiments, combined metal powder and carbon growth sources (such as powder Ni and sucrose) are utilized in the 3D printing process. In other embodiments, metal powders with binders (such as powder Ni and a polymer bases binder) are utilized in the 3D printing process. The metal in the resulting 3D printed composite material can then be etched or otherwise removed yielding the 3D printed graphene materials.

Abstract: There is described a carbon material comprising sp2 and sp3 hybridised carbon. Also described is a method of making a carbon material the method comprising: exposing a substrate to a flux of at least 1011 carbon ions per cm2 of substrate per 1 ms, a majority of the carbon ions having a kinetic energy of at least 10 eV. Further, electrodes comprising the carbon material are described. The electrodes may operate as an anode in Li ion battery characterised with improved specific capacity and operation life-time.

Abstract: The formation of amorphous silicon for use in, for example, lithium-ion batteries is disclosed. The process can include milling a plurality of silicon nanocrystals having an average particle diameter and a percent crystallinity greater than about 60%, in a unit designed to reduce the average particle diameter to the same or a larger size, thereby forming a plurality of amorphous silicon nanoparticles having about the same average particle diameter as the silicon nanocrystals and a percent crystallinity of less than about 50%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified zeolites and methods for making modified zeolites. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a modified zeolite includes a microporous framework including a plurality of micropores having diameters of less than or equal to 2 nm and organometallic moieties each bonded to bridging oxygen atoms. The microporous framework includes at least silicon atoms and oxygen atoms. The organometallic moieties include a metal atom and a ring structure including the metal atom, a nitrogen atom, and one or more carbon atoms. The metal atom may be bonded to a bridging oxygen atom, and wherein the bridging oxygen atom bridges the metal atom of the organometallic moiety and a silicon atom of the microporous framework.