The regulator/brush-holder assembly (1) comprises a support (2) and an electrical circuit (5, 6) comprising a regulating element (5) connected by microwires to a trace circuit (6). The electrical circuit further includes a filtering circuit (10) separate from the regulating element and connected by microwires to the trace circuit. According to one particular embodiment, the filtering circuit comprises an insulating substrate (11) and surface-mounted components (C1, C2, S1, S2, V). A ground plane (19) and/or one or more ground pads may be provided for connection to a ground trace of the trace circuit. The filtration frequencies of the filter circuit extend from 100 kHz to 1 GHz.

A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated using thermal energy obtained from: a combustion reaction; solar energy; a nuclear reaction; ocean water; geothermal energy; or thermal energy recovered from an industrial process. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material. The heat source used to heat the material can be: a combustion apparatus; a solar thermal collector; or a component of a furnace exhaust device. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be a device for extracting thermal energy from the earth, the sun, ocean water, an industrial process, a combustion reaction or a nuclear reaction. A vehicle is also described which comprises an apparatus for converting heat to electrical energy connected to an electric motor.

The rotary electrical machine is capable of functioning as a generator and outputs a continuous output voltage (Ub+) that is adjustable by an excitation current. The digital regulator (2) of the machine comprises an excitation current control means (7) and a control loop (6) that includes a device (10) for measurement, by sampling, of the output voltage (Ub+), the measurement device generating a signal sampled at a predetermined first sampling frequency (F1 e). The machine has a bandwidth that is limited by a predetermined first cutoff frequency (F1 c). The measurement device includes an apparatus for oversampling such that the first sampling frequency (F1 e) is greater than twice the first cutoff frequency (F1 c), and the control loop also includes an apparatus (12) for decimating the sampled signal.

An arrangement adapted for letting water pass by electrical conductors and their contact surfaces related to a track of a system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be supplied with current and put under voltage. At least two or three tracks are disposed parallel to each other in a common rail structure, with at least two of these tracks being adapted to support and contain individual electrical conductors with contact surfaces put under voltage, and wherein at least one track is disposed closer to the highest point of the roadway and adjacent to a track containing one of said conductors with contact surfaces, which may be put under voltage.

The present invention has its application to a system for driving an electric and by one or more batteries powered vehicle along a roadway, comprising “a” one or more vehicles, which may be driven by an individual electric motor or motors and where in the respective vehicles exhibit a power-controlling control circuit for creating the necessary power and/or speed control and wherein required power i.a. can be provided primarily by a chargeable can be provided primarily by a chargeable battery set associated with the vehicle and “b” a plurality of road sections road portions divisible for the roadway, each being allotted one or more vehicle external electric stations for charging the battery set thereby and/or for supplying necessary power and energy for driving the vehicle. The underneath side of the mentioned vehicle is provided with a contact means displaceably positioned up and down and sideways, counted in the direction of transportation. Said roadway and its road sections or portions exhibits an elongated track or groove, each road section is supporting two rails in the groove and disposed under the driving path of the road section or portion. The rails being supplied with current and voltage. Said contact means is coordinated with a control equipment for creating simple adaptation of the contact means for registering the contact means for mechanical and electrical contact against said two rails.

It is provided a power supply device and a power acquisition device for an electromagnetic induction-powered electric vehicle that increase a power transfer efficiency by maximizing a lateral deviation tolerance and by minimizing a gap between the power acquisition device and the power supply device while preventing the power acquisition device from colliding with an obstacle present on a road and being damaged by the collision.

An auxiliary and motive electric power pick-up structure for articulated and non-articulated land vehicles, such as electric public transport vehicles, that pass close to a collector-shoe-type power supply member mounted on a stationary support (17) along the route of the vehicle and positioned at intervals along the length of the route in order to provide auxiliary and motive electric power to the vehicle by way of the shoe (16). The structure comprises at least one conductor rail mounted on insulating supports (11) attached to the vehicle by suspension points (34), each including an elastic suspension unit (30) and a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type active suspension unit (33). In the case of articulated vehicles, the pick-up structure is divided into power supply segments (14) separated by a conducting link (19) at each articulated unit of the vehicle.

The invention relates to an arrangement for providing a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, with electric energy, wherein the arrangement comprises a receiving device (200) adapted to receive an alternating electromagnetic field and to produce an alternating electric current by electromagnetic induction. The receiving device (200) comprises a plurality of windings and/or coils (9, 10, 11) of electrically conducting material, wherein each winding or coil (9, 10, 11) is adapted to produce a separate phase of the alternating electric current.

This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

An ultra slim power supply device for supplying power to an electric vehicle in a contactless manner includes at least one power supply track buried in a road. Each power supply track includes a plate-shaped magnetic core extending along the road, a plate or strip shaped magnetic field generator arranged above the magnetic core through which an alternating current is supplied to generate a magnetic field, a plate or strip shaped insulating body positioned between the magnetic core and the magnetic field generator to isolate them from each other, and a housing for enclosing the magnetic core, the magnetic field generator and the insulating body.

A cleaning means related to a vehicle-related system for driving an electrically propellable vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle has three sources of power: a vehicle-related power generator, a set of batteries and vehicle-external electric stations. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be connected with an electric station. The cleaning means is rotatably fastened in an upper area thereof about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation and adapted to clean the track from loose obstacles and/or yield to solid obstacles. The cleaning means and the axis of rotation are movably disposed in vertical direction by means of a resilient member. The cleaning comprises a forwardly directed edge portion oriented in the direction of travel, the edge portion comprising a point which may be brought into contact with the track and the conductor.

A vehicle-related system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a road-way. The vehicle has three sources of power: a vehicle-related power generator, a set of batteries and vehicle-external electric stations. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be connected with an electric station. A circuit, determining instantaneous power content of the set of batteries, is adapted to connect the vehicle-external power source via a switch belonging to the electric station, in order to charge the set of batteries and/or to supply power to the vehicle motor via a control circuit, when the power content of the set of batteries is at a predetermined level of power, lying below a maximum power content, and a supply of power or voltage from the vehicle-external power source is available.

A snow plough arrangement comprising a least one snow plough unit and related to a system for driving an electrically propellable vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle has three sources of power: a vehicle-related power generator, a set of batteries and vehicle-external electric stations. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be connected with an electric station. The snow plough unit is rotatably fastened to the contact means in an upper area thereof about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation and adapted to clear loose obstacles from the track and yield to solid obstacles. The snow plough unit and the axis of rotation are movably disposed in a vertical direction by means of a resilient member. The snow plough unit comprises a forwardly directed edge portion oriented in the direction of travel, the edge portion comprising a point, which may be brought into contact with the bottom of the track and/or the conductor.

Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line.

The invention relates to a mining vehicle and method for its energy supply. The mining vehicle has a carriage, driving equipment for moving the carriage, and at least one mining work device. Further, the mining vehicle has at least one electric motor for operating a main function of the mining vehicle, and at least one electric motor for operating an auxiliary function of the mining vehicle. The mining vehicle further has a power-generating auxiliary unit. When necessary, the power-generating auxiliary unit supplies at least part of the power required by the electric motor operating the auxiliary function.

A hybrid car is a vehicle capable of being externally charged through a charging cable. The hybrid car includes a front door opened and closed when an occupant gets into and out of a vehicle cabin, and a cable reel mounted within the front door for taking up the charging cable. The front door has a resin portion located above the cable reel. A pull-out opening directed to the resin portion for pulling out the charging cable is formed in the cable reel. A take-out opening for taking out the charging cable pulled out from the pull-out opening from the front door to outside of the vehicle is formed in the resin portion. This configuration can improve workability during charging.

The upper lateral collection structure (8) is mounted on a land vehicle (1), notably an urban public transport vehicle, and cooperates, for the purpose of overhead electrical power supply to the vehicle, with fixed contact slippers (16) located along its route. This structure comprises: a conducting track (14) arranged longitudinally (NEW) the upper lateral part of the vehicle and comprising a contact region (15) for the contact slipper; an electrical connection connecting the conducting track to the electrical circuit of the vehicle; an insulating support (24) on which the conducting track is mounted; a means of mechanical connection of the collecting structure to the vehicle; and a damping device which damps out the shocks resulting from the contact slipper and ensures satisfactory contact between the conducting track and the contact slipper. This invention is of benefit to the manufacturers of electrically powered public transport vehicles.

A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, wherein the system comprises an electric conductor arrangement for producing a magnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle, wherein the electric conductor arrangement comprises at least one current line, wherein each current line is adapted to carry the electric current which produces the magnetic field or is adapted to carry one of parallel electric currents which produce the magnetic field and wherein: the at least one current line extends at a first height level,the system comprises an electrically conductive shield for shielding the magnetic field, wherein the shield extends under the track and extends below the first height level, anda magnetic core extends along the track at a second height level and extends above the shield.

An arrangement for operating a rail vehicle includes a DC voltage intermediate circuit which is connected to an energy supply network, at least one traction inverter which is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and at its AC voltage side which is connected one or more traction motors of the rail vehicle. An auxiliary system inverter is connected at its DC voltage side to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and is connected at its AC voltage side to a primary side of an auxiliary system transformer. Auxiliary systems are connected to a secondary side of the auxiliary system transformer via an auxiliary line. Electrical energy generated by an electrical energy supply unit is transferred via the auxiliary line, the auxiliary system transformer and the auxiliary system inverter into the DC voltage intermediate circuit for operation of the at least one traction motor.

A transport vehicle equipped with a current collector, includes: a vessel to load a load; a current collector that extends to receive electric power from an overhead line and contracts and retracts so as to be disposed away from the overhead line; and a vehicle body that rotationally drives driving wheels by at least one of the electric power from the current collector and a self-propelled driving source and on which the vessel is placed; a pantograph position detector that detects a relative position of the current collector and the overhead line; and a control device that controls a driving direction of the vehicle body or gives an instruction of information with which a direction in which the vehicle body is to be operated can be recognized, so that the relative position is brought to a position where the current collector and the overhead line are connected.

A system for transferring energy to a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, wherein the system includes an electric conductor arrangement adapted to produce an electromagnetic field which can be received by the vehicle thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle the system further includes electric and/or electronic devices which are adapted to operate the electric conductor arrangement. The devices produce heat while operating the conductor arrangement and—therefore—are to be cooled. A cooling arrangement of the system includes a structure having a cavity in which at least one of the devices to be cooled is located. The structure includes a cover limiting the cavity at the top, wherein the device(s) to be cooled is/are located at a distance to the cover. The structure is integrated in the ground at the path of travel of the vehicle in such a manner that the cover forms a part of the surface of the ground.

The present invention is vehicle electric power supply system (A) that supplies electric power wirelessly to a vehicle (M) that is positioned within an electric power supply area (X). The vehicle electric power supply system (A) has: a power-receiving device (m1) that is provided in the vehicle; a plurality of power-transmitting devices (1a1, 1a2, 1a3, 1b1, 1b2, 1b3, 1c1, 1c2, 1c3) that are provided at mutually different positions within the electric power supply area; a position detecting device (4) that detects the position of the power-receiving device within the electric power supply area; and a control device (4) that, based on detection results from the position detecting device, selects from among the plurality of power-transmitting devices the power-transmitting device that is located in a position that corresponds to the power-receiving device, and then causes power to be supplied wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting device.

A shaped block for positioning and/or holding a plurality of line sections of one or more electric lines along the track of a vehicle includes a plurality of recesses and/or projections. Edges of the recesses and/or the projections each delimit a space for the line sections into which one of the line sections can be introduced, so that said line section extends through the space in a longitudinal direction of the space. The longitudinal directions of the spaces delimited by the edges of the recesses and/or by the projections extend essentially mutually parallel in a common plane.

A method of assembling a syngas cooler is provided. The method includes coupling a supply line within a cooler shell, coupling a heat transfer panel within the cooler shell, and coupling a heat transfer enclosure within the cooler shell such that the heat transfer enclosure substantially isolates the heat transfer panel from the cooler shell. A manifold is coupled in flow communication with the supply line, the heat transfer enclosure, and the heat transfer panel.

The efficiencies of illustrative embodiments of vertical center flue type fuel-fired base water heaters are improved by installing in the water heaters variously configured tubular condensing type secondary heat exchangers of smaller diameters than the associated center flues. The efficiency increases are achieved with components and manufacturing processes similar to those utilized in the base water heaters and secondary heat exchanger materials similar to those in the tank portions of the base water heaters.

A spring whip is formed of plural lengths of helically wound springs having respectively smaller diameters permitting them to be interconnected about a common axis. The springs are movable between a telescoped storage position, and an extended operative position. A hollow housing is provided both as a hand grip as well as a storage housing for the springs in a telescoped position. A magnet is located in the top of the housing and restrains the springs in their telescoped storage position. A weighted tip is formed at the distal end of the smallest diameter spring for aiding in the projection of the springs into their extended position, and simultaneously forming a closure for the housing when the springs are in their storage position.

A device for use during riding and training of animals such as horses which can be utilized either as a riding crop or longeing whip. The body portion of the device defines a crop having a handle formed at one end and a cracker attached to the opposite end. A plurality of flexible wand elements are nested within the body portion and are telescopically extendable from that end to which the cracker is attached. A line defining a lash is attached to the wand element whose axis coincides with that of the body portion and the cracker is fabricated in the form of a closeable pocket. The device forms a longeing whip with the lash and wand elements fully extended and when retracted the lash is retained in coiled form within the closeable pocket thus converting the device to a riding crop.

A DC voltage converter includes an oscillator that converts a DC battery voltage to an oscillating voltage, a low voltage transformer that increases the oscillating voltage to a higher oscillating voltage, and a voltage rectifying-capacitor charging network or multiplier that increases the higher oscillating voltage to yet a higher DC voltage at an output terminal for DC high voltage utilization devices and the like. An electric control switch is selectively actuated by the user to apply the battery voltage to the oscillator, resulting in the generation of the stepped-up DC voltage at an output terminal. Another DC voltage converter has an electronic switching circuit that automatically turns the oscillator on and off and a load capacitor across the electrodes that is charged and discharged to provide a shocking voltage. Utilization devices for the voltage developed by the converter shown are a miniature animal training device and a cattle prod device. The miniature animal training device has a pair of outwardly projecting electrodes mounted on a side at one end of the housing that is sized and shaped to fit within and conform to the palm of a hand. The cattle prod device has a pair of electrodes fixedly mounted on the end of a housing assembly made up of telescoping tubular housing sections arranged for relative axial movement whereby the pressing of the electrodes against an object to be shocked actuates the electric control switch and causes a shock of the object. The housing assembly is releasably supported by a rigid handle or an extensible handle assembly.

A spring whip which defines a defensive weapon for emergency use to disarm an attacker carrying and intending to use a knife, gun or any other type of offensive weapon, the spring whip having a hollow housing serving as a hand grip and providing an internal storage compartment for receiving plural lengths of helically wound springs, the springs being of sequentially increasing larger diameter size. The springs are operatively arranged relative to each other about a common axis so as to be maneuverable between a telescoped stored position within the housing compartment and an extended whipping position extending from one end of the housing. The lengths of springs are alternately wound in opposing clockwise and counter clockwise directions to facilitate moving between the telescoped stored position and the extended position, and also to permit threading together of adjacent sections, to thereby securely lock them in place in the extended position.

A knock down spring whip assembly including a hollow housing which serves as a handgrip, and also stores a spring subassembly formed of lengths of helically wound springs of sequentially increasingly larger diameter size to move between a telescoped position within the housing and an extended whipping position projecting from one end of the housing with the springs wedgingly engaging each other in an end to end arrangement. A removable closure unit is provided for plugging the other end of the housing to define a storage compartment. The closure unit includes an integral magnet for retaining the spring subassembly in the telescoped position, where the closure unit can be replaced with other types of closure units. The housing includes a tapered end and an annular constriction for providing both a wedging engagement of the projecting springs as well as a positive locking action. Weighted ball bearings can be included within one of the springs for spiral rotation therethrough to provide an additional striking force. The striking spring can be replaced by a solid rod for an increased striking force. Preferably, the tip portion at the striking end is also removable to permit the spring whip assembly to be disassembled into its component parts.

The lunge whip for training horses is light in weight, balanced and long. It includes a main body having a number of telescoping tapering hollow tubular sections movable between a collapsed storage position and an extended operative position. The front section or sections are flexible and resilient to aid the whipping action of the whip. A long cord lash of synthetic braided non-tangling fiber such as polyester or polyamide fiber is attached by a swivel to the front end of the main body and bears a popper cord at its front end. The popper cord is preferably of sisal twine and has a front end bearing a popper tassel for audibly signaling a horse during training. The whip main body bears a pair of spaced hooks for use as cord lash winders when the whip is collapsed. The cord lash may be connected to a loop in a wire wrapped around the front end of the main body and covered with a heat shrunk sleeve. Alternatively, the front end of the main body can be embedded in a cavity in the cord lash and the assembly covered by the heat shrunk sleeve. The whip is simple, efficient, easy to handle and inexpensive.

A knock down spring whip assembly including a hollow housing which serves as a handgrip, and also stores a spring subassembly formed of lengths of helically wound springs of sequentially increasingly larger diameter size to move between a telescoped position within the housing and an extended whipping position projecting from one end of the housing with the springs wedgingly engaging each other in an end to end arrangement. A removable closure unit is provided for plugging the other end of the housing to define a storage compartment. The closure unit includes an integral magnet for retaining the spring subassembly in the telescoped position, where the closure unit can be replaced with other types of closure units. The housing includes a tapered end and an annular constriction for providing both a wedging engagement of the projecting springs as well as a positive locking action. Weighted ball bearings can be included within one of the springs for spiral rotation therethrough to provide an additional striking force. The striking spring can be replaced by a solid rod for an increased striking force. Preferably, the tip portion at the striking end is also removable to permit the spring whip assembly to be disassembled into its component parts.

A personal protection device includes a belt which conceals a whip in an internal sheath formed therein. The whip has a handle which also is concealed by an end portion of the belt. The whip can be quickly and easily withdrawn from the sheath in the belt by releasing the end portion and grasping the handle, all in a substantially single motion. The whip material allows sufficient flexibility to be worn comfortably around the waist, but is rigid enough to be an effective striking device. Embodiments for sports and uniform use are disclosed.

A horsewhip includes a coupler having one end secured to a handle portion and having a ring formed in the other end. The coupler includes a recess formed in the middle portion. A tail portion includes a loop formed in one end for engaging with the recess of the coupler and includes a free end for engaging through the opening of the ring so as to solidly secure the tail portion to the handle portion. The tail portion may be easily secured to and may be easily disengaged from the handle portion by the users such that the tail portion can be easily replaced with a brand new one.

A whip with a braided handle and method of fabrication which includes a generally cylindrical handle portion. The handle portion has an inboard end and an outboard end and is fabricated of a braided rope construction which comprises a plurality of single yarns twisted together to form a plurality of piled yarns which are then braided, with a helical angle of the twist of the single yarns within their respective plied yarn being equal and opposite to the helical angle of the plied yarns in the braid. Also included is an inboard first thread which is wrapped circumferentially about the handle end from adjacent the inboard end and extends outboardly. An outboard second thread is wrapped circumferentially around the handle portion to provide a handle. A whipping portion extends outboardly of the outboard end of the handle portion and is fabricated of extensions of the braided strands from the handle portion but in an unbraided braid form.

A humane whip for use in horse racing comprises an elongate self-supporting spine of glass fibre, carbon fibre or the like, surrounded by an outer flexible sleeve of rubber or soft plastics material. Shock-absorbing members are disposed between the inner spine and the surrounding sleeve, and may comprise internal ribs on the sleeve and the air trapped between the spine and sleeve. The soft flexible sleeve has a reinforcing layer which inhibits stretching of the sleeve at least in the longitudinal direction. The tips of both the inner spine and the outer sleeve are each formed with an enlarged bulb.

A self-defense whip having an elongated hollow tube within which is telescopically received a flexible lash, preferably formed of flexible control cable. The tube has a constriction proximate one end and the lash has an anchor at one end which is axially movable in the tube but which will not pass through the constriction. The lash has a weighted tip at its other end which pulls the lash into extended whipping position and accelerates the tip into an arc leading the lash. When the lash is formed of flexible control cable, the whip makes an intimidating, whistling noise as it cuts through the air.

A whip comprising a shaft having a first and second end, the shaft being arranged to provide a handle at the first end and a flapper located at the second end. The shaft comprises at least one planar fin located at the second end of the shaft, the fin being at least partially sheathed with the flapper.

The present invention provides an apparatus and process for making softgel capsules having incorporated therein other solid dosage forms selected from the group consisting of pellets, smaller capsules, smaller tablets, sustained release solid dosage forms, immediate release solid dosage forms, extended release solid dosage forms and zero order release solid dosage forms, said apparatus comprising: (a) two spreader boxes; (b) two casting drums; (c) a pair of rotary dies having means for suction; (d) a liquid fill system; (e) a wedge for heating gelatine ribbons and feeding said fill; and (f) two lateral dispensing devices said lateral dispensing devices including hoppers having said solid dosage forms, channelguides for transporting said solid dosage forms and a grasping claw for dispensing said solid dosage form into the softgel pocket formed in the rotary dies.

Flower vending machine and method of use of the same, with the object of preventing fogging of a display space comprised within said machine, said display space being accessible by means of at least one hatch covered by a transparent sheet to which is directed a flow of air to preventing fogging of the interior of the display space. In the method of use of said machine the cooling system is stopped, the flow of air is introduced and an air extractor external to the display space is activated. All this prevents the fogging of the display space, thereby guaranteeing excellent visibility of the flowers as well as their optimum preservation.

An electro-mechanical vend-sensing system includes at least one biased member mounted on a side of the vend space having a first potential voltage. A contact strip with a second potential voltage is positioned beneath the biased member. A controller circuit senses when the biased member contacts the contact strip, which indicates that a article has been appropriately vended to the customer.

A vending machine to dispense purchased goods includes a frame, a dispensing member, a controlling member, a blocking member and a driving member. The controlling member can slide a limiting shaft between a latched position and a releasing position. The driving member is a spring which is partly uncoiled and which constantly pulls the dispensing member, and thus a line of goods, towards the blocking member. When the limiting shaft is in the latched position, the limiting shaft prevents the blocking member rotating, so holding back the line of unpurchased goods. When the limiting shaft is retracted to the releasing position, the pressure of the line of goods rotates the blocking member through ninety degrees to allow one of the goods to pass out of the goods channel.

An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.

A woodworking machine includes a base, an adjusting device, and an adjustable worktable. The adjusting device is engaged with the base and includes a platform, a plurality of adjusters, and a plurality of fastening members. The platform is slidably engaged with the base. The plurality of adjusters are adjustable, and the plurality of fastening members are releasably inserted through the plurality of adjustors respectively. The adjustable worktable is engaged with the adjusting device. Moreover, the platform bears the adjustable worktable and the plurality of adjusters are abutted against the adjustable worktable. Additionally, the adjustable worktable is adjustably moved upon adjusting of the adjustors, and prior to adjusting each adjustor, the fastening member engaged therewith is removed.

A gouging machine for cane includes: (a) a base; (b) a cane bed, having a trough disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the cane bed, and having grooves on opposing sides thereof that slope at a groove angle with respect to the bottom surface of the cane bed, the cane bed being affixed to the base so that the trough is parallel to a top surface of the base and to a predetermined line; and (c) clamps, disposed on the opposing sides of the cane bed, each clamp having a tongue that slopes at the groove angle with respect to a clamping surface thereof, which clamping surface is adapted to grip edges of cane placed in the trough of the cane bed, and wherein the tongues of the clamps slidably engage the grooves of the cane bed so that the clamping surface of the clamps are parallel to a bottom of the trough.

The present invention relates to a one-touch chamfering-amount adjustment device for a chamfering machine which specifically carries out a chamfering process on the welding bead surfaces of objects to be processed (such as metal sheet materials and pipes). In the present invention, the moment after a chamfering-amount-adjustment piece has been manipulated so as to rotate, a position-setting pin is inserted into a securing recess in the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece and as this happens the chamfering amount is precisely adjusted in units and at the same time locking to the predetermined chamfering amount is automatically maintained, yet nevertheless the adjustment of the chamfering amount is achieved in a straightforward fashion with one touch, and, when the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece is manipulated, a cutter shaft moves vertically and as it does so the chamfering amount is adjusted in such a way that the chamfering amount can be immediately and rapidly adjusted even during working regardless of any cutter rotating action.

The invention relates to a machining tool (14) for machining materials by removing material, in particular for wood or wood-like materials, metals, plastics and/or composite materials. The machining tool is provided to be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (1) and comprises at least one row (17, 18, 19) of individual cutters (2, 2″) arranged in the peripheral direction and having cutting edges (3, 3″) which at least partly overlap. The cutting edges (3, 3″) have a rake angle and are located at an axial angle (λ) in relation to the axis of rotation (1). The axial angle (λ) lies in a range from 55° to 55°.

A fishing reel has a reel body and an adjusting device. The reel body has a spool that is made of metal. The adjusting device has an adjusting button, an adjusting base and a magnetic set. The adjusting button has an adjusting structure being spiral, facing the spool and forming a step between a highest part and a lowest part of the adjusting structure. The adjusting base has a coordinating portion being spiral, facing the adjusting structure and forming a step between a highest part and a lowest part of the coordinating portion. The magnet set is mounted on the adjusting base and faces the spool.

A wire electric discharge machining apparatus according to embodiments includes a wire electrode, a wire supplying unit that supplies the wire electrode, a collecting motor that collects the wire electrode at a predetermined speed, a tension motor that controls a tension of the wire electrode between the wire supplying unit and the collecting motor, a speed calculating unit that calculates a traveling speed of the wire electrode at a predetermined time interval, a speed storing unit that stores the traveling speed calculated by the speed calculating unit, a differential speed calculating unit that calculates a differential speed between a current traveling speed output from the speed calculating unit and a past traveling speed stored in the speed storing unit, and a breakage detecting unit that detects breakage of the wire electrode by comparing the differential speed with a predetermined threshold.