A system and method allows visual programming of simultaneous and synchronous machining operations on multi-axis lathes. The system and method accounts for different combinations of simultaneous and synchronized lathe operations on the spindles which can utilize multiple tools. A graphic synchronization icon is assigned to each mode that preferably represents the lathe operation. Appropriate synchronous operations are grouped together in synchronization groups. The system and method are universal since a postprocessor processes the synchronization modes and synchronization groups, and translates them for use with computer programs understood by a particular CNC lathe.

A cutting tool piece is provided including a rear portion and a lead portion, the lead portion including a front section having an upper side angled downwardly and forwardly and a lower side angled upwardly and forwardly to form a transverse lead cutting edge. The rear portion includes a hole to secure the tool piece to a cutting tool and transverse cutting edges extending outwardly from side walls of the front section. A system is also described for cutting a bowl by coring out an interior portion of a wood block by applying the cutting tool which is curved and rotatably mounted to a post. Its lead end with the tool piece attached creates a circular groove. The cutting tool is advanced on a path which curves toward the central axis of the lathe.

A concentric coaxial cutting machine which cuts cylinders, cylindroids or cones using a chain saw from a single larger object such as a wood tree trunk, a block of ice or a block of plastic. An embodiment of the invention comprises a transverse support member having directly or indirectly mounted thereon; a headstock member including; a headstock spindle member mounted to said headstock member including; a drive spindle rotationally mounted to said headstock spindle member and adapted to rotationally retain one end of an object to be centrically cut; a tailstock member including; a tailstock spindle member mounted to said tailstock member including; a tailstock spindle rotationally mounted to said tailstock spindle member and adapted to retain an opposite end of the object; a drive assembly in rotational communication with the drive spindle and adapted to rotate said drive spindle around a common axis with said tailstock spindle; and, a first chain saw variably aligned at an angle to said common axis and adapted to concentrically cut the object from at least the opposite end.

A cutting tool piece is provided including a rear portion and a lead portion, the lead portion including a front section having an upper side angled downwardly and forwardly and a lower side angled upwardly and forwardly to form a transverse lead cutting edge. The rear portion includes a hole to secure the tool piece to a cutting tool and transverse cutting edges extending outwardly from side walls of the front section. A system is also described for cutting a bowl by coring out an interior portion of a wood block by applying the cutting tool which is curved and rotatably mounted to a post. Its lead end with the tool piece attached creates a circular groove. The cutting tool is advanced on a path which curves toward the central axis of the lathe.

Cutting assemblies are disclosed that include an entrance portion and a receiving portion, with the receiving portion defining a receiving opening configured to be axially aligned with an entrance opening of the entrance portion when mounted to the surface of a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies are also provided that include a material carriage configured to be borne by a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies that include a material receiving portion configured to be slidably mounted to a surface of a cutting apparatus are also disclosed. Cutting methods are also disclosed that can include rotating a piece of material around the materials longitudinal axis and delivering the material to a cutting tool while the longitudinal axis of the material is aligned substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the cutting tool.

A way of making small, fragile, decorative handles on a lathe is disclosed along with tools for gluing pen-tubes into these handles is shown. Use of these tools and methods of use allows wood turners to avoid excessive rework and mess associated with the gluing process of making pen blanks while assuring better product due to more complete and uniform distribution of the adhesive layer.

Cutting assemblies are disclosed that include an entrance portion and a receiving portion, with the receiving portion defining a receiving opening configured to be axially aligned with an entrance opening of the entrance portion when mounted to the surface of a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies are also provided that include a material carriage configured to be borne by a cutting apparatus. Cutting assemblies that include a material receiving portion configured to be slidably mounted to a surface of a cutting apparatus are also disclosed. Cutting methods are also disclosed that can include rotating a piece of material around the materials longitudinal axis and delivering the material to a cutting tool while the longitudinal axis of the material is aligned substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the cutting tool.

A lathe accessory for a band saw including a foundation assembly adapted to attach to a table for the band saw. A translating layer assembly engages the foundation assembly and is permitted to move thereon. A carriage assembly is disposed on the translating layer, the carriage assembly further comprising a frame subassembly and a bulkhead subassembly, the frame subassembly further comprising an endwall adapted to support a left end of a workplace, and a front frame rail and back frame rail both connected to a frame leg to thereby slidably connect the frame subassembly to the translating layer. The bulkhead subassembly forms the other side of the carriage to secure the other end of the workpiece. Internal components within the bulkhead motorize the bulkhead, such that the workpiece can be turned and manipulated in two dimensions as the bandsaw blade cuts the rotating workpiece.

An embodiment of the invention provides a display panel, which includes a substrate having a pixel region and a peripheral region, a conducting layer overlying the substrate in the peripheral region, a first insulating layer overlying the conducting layer in the peripheral region, wherein a ratio between an area of the first insulating layer and an area of the conducting layer in the peripheral region is between about 0.27 and 0.99, a lower electrode layer overlying the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer overlying the lower electrode layer, and an upper electrode layer overlying the second insulating layer.

The organic light emitting display device includes an organic light emitting display panel and a data driver, wherein the organic light emitting display panel includes an active region which includes pixel driving TFTs for embodying an image and organic luminescent elements respectively connected with the pixel driving TFTs to emit light, a GIP region which includes a gate driver formed with a plurality of gate driving TFTs for respectively driving gate lines of the active region, a GND region formed between the GIP region and the active region to be formed with a base voltage line for supplying base voltage to the organic luminescent elements of the active region, and a sealant region formed with a sealant for attaching an upper substrate to a lower substrate, and wherein the GND region includes out-gassing blocking holes.

An electron emission element (1) includes an electrode substrate (2) and a thin film electrode (3), and emits electrons from the thin film electrode (3) by voltage application across the electrode substrate (2) and the thin film electrode (3). An electron accelerating layer (4) containing at least insulating fine particles (5) is provided between the electrode substrate (2) and the thin film electrode (3). The electrode substrate (2) has a convexoconcave surface. The thin film electrode (3) has openings (6) above convex parts of the electrode substrate (2).

A light emitting device package is disclosed. The light emitting device package includes a package body, at least one light emitting diode disposed on the package body, a molding layer surrounding the light emitting diode, and a phosphor layer provided on the package body, wherein the phosphor layer extends upward from surface of the package body.

A technique for lowering power loss involved in supply of high-frequency electric power to an ignition plug. The ignition plug includes a tubular insulator having an axial bore extending therethrough; a center electrode disposed in the axial bore; a metal terminal disposed rearward of the center electrode in the axial bore, electrically connected to the center electrode, and supplied with high-frequency electric power from an external source; a metallic shell disposed to circumferentially surround the insulator; and a ground electrode electrically connected to the metallic shell and adapted to generate plasma in cooperation with the center electrode through supply of high-frequency electric power to the metal terminal. At least a portion of the inner surface of the axial bore is coated with metal coating. The center electrode and the metal terminal are in electrical contact with the metal coating.

Interfaces for electrical (e.g., lighting) devices involve use of electrically conductive edge contacts arranged on or protruding from edges of printed circuit boards (PCBs) that provide or facilitate electrical connections to first and second externally accessible electrical contacts, such as may include threaded and foot contacts of a lighting device including a screw-shaped male base. First and/or second edge contacts of a PCB may protrude through first and second openings in a housing to form first and second externally accessible contact, or directly engage first and second externally accessible contact elements associated with (e.g., retained by) the housing. A contact element retained by a housing may define a slot in the interior of the housing to directly engage an edge contact of the PCB. Electric power is supplied to the PCB via edge contacts without need for intervening wires or soldered connections.

Magnetically adjusting color-converting particles within a matrix and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A magnetic-adjustment process can include applying a magnetic field to a mixture including a non-solid matrix and a plurality of color-converting particles (e.g. magnetically anisotropic color-converting particles). The magnetic field can cause the plurality of color-converting particles to move into a generally non-random alignment (e.g., a generally non-random magnetic alignment and/or a generally non-random shape alignment) within the non-solid matrix. The non-solid matrix then can be solidified to form a solid matrix. A magnetic-adjustment process can be performed in conjunction with testing and/or product binning of solid-state radiation transducer devices. For example, a position, direction, strength, or duration of a magnetic field used to perform a magnetic-adjustment process can be controlled according to optical output collected from a solid-state radiation transducer device. Measuring the optical output and performing the magnetic-adjustment process can be at least partially concurrent.

A carbazole derivative represented by the general formula (1) is provided. In the formula, Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms which form a ring; α and β independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which form a ring; R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms which form a ring; and R11 to R17 and R21 to R28 independently represent hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms which form a ring.

A capacitive transparent conductive film comprises: a transparent substrate, comprises a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a light-shield layer, formed at the edge of the first surface of the transparent substrate, the light-shield layer forms a non-visible region on the first surface of the transparent substrate; and a polymer layer, formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, and covering the light-shield layer, the surface of the polymer layer is patterned to form a meshed trench, the trench is filled with conductive material to form a sensing region on the surface of the polymer layer. The capacitive transparent conductive film can effectively protect the conductive material and has low cost and good conductivity. A preparation method of the capacitive transparent conductive film is also provided.

A wiring board includes a first multilayer wiring board having first conductive layers and having a surface, a second multilayer wiring board having second conductive layers and positioned such that the second multilayer wiring board has a surface facing the surface of the first multilayer wiring board, and an adhesive layer including an adhesive sheet and interposed between the first multilayer wiring board and the second multilayer wiring board such that the adhesive layer is adhering the first multilayer wiring board and the second multilayer wiring board. The first multilayer wiring board has a first pad on the surface of the first multilayer wiring board, the second multilayer wiring board has a second pad on the surface of the second multilayer wiring board, and the first pad and the second pad are positioned such that the first pad and the second pad face each other across the adhesive layer.

A retaining cap for a plasma torch is provided that includes fast securing threads. The retaining cap includes internal threads that couple to external threads of a torch body of the plasma torch. The internal and external threads may be multiple start threads having a thread angle greater than 60°. Plasma torches and plasma cutting systems are also provided.

The organic electroluminescence display device has a laminated portion on a base substrate. The device may have a cavernous portion formed by exploding a part of the laminated portion in a screening processing. A protective layer is formed to cover a whole surface of a wall defining the cavernous portion. Therefore, substances contained in the air are prevented from contacting to an organic electroluminescence layer at least partially defining the cavernous portion. Therefore, even if moisture is contained in the air, it is possible to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the organic electroluminescence layer. Moreover, since moisture is not absorbed by the organic electroluminescence layer, it is possible to reduce irregular spot on the device. In addition, it is possible to reduce a short circuit at an open defective portion.

A thin film transistor (TFT) that includes a control electrode, a semiconductor pattern, a first input electrode, a second input electrode, and an output electrode is disclosed. in one aspect, the semiconductor pattern includes a first input area, a second input area, a channel area, and an output area. The channel area is formed between the first input area and the output area and overlapped with the control electrode to be insulated from the control electrode. The second input area is formed between the first input area and the channel area and doped with a doping concentration different from a doping concentration of the first input areas. The second input electrode makes contact with the second input area and receives a control voltage to control a threshold voltage.

An organic light emitting display panel includes a substrate, an organic light emitting diode disposed on a first side of the substrate, and a first light scattering layer disposed on a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side of the substrate, where the first light scattering layer includes a transparent thin layer including an indium, and a plurality of first micro-lenses is disposed on a plasma-treated side of the first light scattering layer.

To form stabilized organic light-emitting medium layers using the relief printing method and to provide an organic EL element excellent in terms of pattern-forming accuracy, film thickness uniformity and light-emitting characteristics, a substrate 2, first electrode layers 3 provided on the substrate 2, organic light-emitting medium layers 5 which are provided on the first electrode layers 3 and emit light when electrically connected, and second electrodes 6 which are provided on the organic light-emitting medium layers 5 and make the organic light-emitting medium layers 5 electrically connected when voltage is applied between the first electrodes 3 and the second electrodes are provided. In addition, at least one of the organic light-emitting medium layers 5 is formed of a mixture containing a polymer material having a weight-average molecular weight in a range of 1.5 million to 25 million and at least one low molecular material having a non-repetitive structure. Also, the mixing ratio between the polymer material and the low molecular material is set in a range of 0.05:1 to 0.5:1 in terms of weight ratio.

In a spark plug, a center electrode includes a base member and a discharge chip that has a higher melting point than the base member. The base member and the discharge chip are joined to each other by both a weld and a diffusion layer. The weld is formed, by fusion welding, along an outer periphery of an interface between the base member and the discharge chip into an annular shape. The weld is made up of those parts of the base member and the discharge chip which are molten and mixed together during the fusion welding and solidified after the fusion welding. The diffusion layer is formed radially inside the annular weld. The diffusion layer is made up of those parts of the base member and the discharge chip which are diffused into each other across the interface between the base member and the discharge chip.

A method of manufacturing a display panel of an organic light emitting display device includes determining a plurality of pixel groups, the pixel groups corresponding to groups of pixels of the display panel, calculating aperture ratios for the pixels, respective aperture ratios being calculated by pixel group based on respective distances between a power unit and the pixel groups, and forming the pixels of the display panel to have the respective aperture ratios according to the corresponding pixel groups.

A self-light emitting display unit capable of improving manufacturing yield is provided. Sizes of color pixel circuits corresponding to pixels for R, G, and B are respectively set unevenly within a pixel circuit according to a magnitude ratio of drive currents which allow color self-light emitting elements in the pixel to emit with a same light emission luminance. Thereby, the pattern densities of color pixel circuits respectively corresponding to the pixels for R, G, and B become even to each other, and the pattern defect rate as the whole pixel circuit is decreased.

The light-emitting element of the present invention includes a light-emitting layer and a layer for controlling movement of carriers between a pair of electrodes. The layer for controlling movement of carriers includes a first organic compound having a carrier transporting property and a second organic compound for reducing the carrier transporting property of the first organic compound, and the second organic compound is dispersed in the first organic compound. The layer for controlling movement of carriers is provided in such a manner, whereby change in carrier balance with time can be suppressed. Therefore, a light-emitting element having a long lifetime can be obtained.

A high-pressure discharge lamp having an arc tube with a casing made of glass. The arc tube includes a light-emitting part and sealing parts connected to the light-emitting part. A pair of electrode rods are disposed within the glass casing such that their tips face each other with a gap therebetween and project into the discharge space, and their base ends are embedded in the sealing parts and overlap surfaces of metal foils provided in the sealing parts. Each base end is coated with a coating foil made of metal and having a C-like cross section with a slit formed between edges thereof. An end of the coating foil farthest from the light-emitting part is located closer to the light-emitting part than an end of the metal foil closest to the light-emitting part.

A light-emitting element which emits light with high luminance and can be driven at low voltage. The light-emitting element includes n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) EL layers between an anode and a cathode, and includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer between an m-th (m is a natural number, 1≦m≦n−1) EL layer from the anode and an (m+1)th EL layer. The first layer functions as a charge-generation region, has hole-transport properties, and contains an acceptor substance. The third layer has electron-transport properties and contains an alkali metal or the like. The second layer formed of a metal complex having a metal-oxygen bond and an aromatic ligand is provided between the first and third layers, whereby an injection barrier at the time of injecting electrons generated in the first layer into the m-th EL layer through the third layer can be lowered.

A display device includes a circuit layer including: a plurality of transistors; a plurality of metal layers; and a plurality of wirings. The display device includes a display layer including first, second and third light emitting elements. The first light emitting element includes a first anode electrode and a first light emitting layer, a surface of the first anode electrode having a first surface contour structure; the second light emitting element includes a second anode electrode and a second light emitting layer, a surface of the second anode electrode having a second surface contour structure which is different from the first surface contour structure; and the third light emitting element includes a third anode electrode and a third light emitting layer, a surface of the third anode electrode having a third surface contour structure which is different from the second surface contour structure.

In an EL element having an anode, an insulating film (bump) formed on the anode, and an EL film and a cathode formed on the insulating film, each of a bottom end portion and a top end portion of the insulating film is formed so as to have a curved surface. The taper angle of a central portion of the insulating film is set within the range from 35° to 70°, thereby preventing the gradient of the film forming surface on which the EL film and the cathode are to be formed from being abruptly changed. On the thus-formed film forming surface, the EL film and the cathode can be formed so as to be uniform in thickness, so that occurrence of discontinuity in each of EL film and the cathode is prevented.

The present invention provides an easy to use, convenient, compact, energy efficient, labor efficient, cost-effective, fast, safe, neat, electricity-independent, self-contained, portable beer dispensing device and system that uses CO2 or other acceptable gas to maintain the freshness of beer, presents a ready height and arrangement for dispensing chilled fresh beer, and can be used in a variety of professional, casual, indoor and/or outdoor settings. The present invention chills beer before it is dispensed but after it has been removed from the keg. The present invention incorporates use of a gas tank to propel beer from the keg, through the beer dispensing device and system so that the beer inside the keg will not go flat. The present invention offers a convenient arrangement of its components that simplifies its use, transport, set up, and break down. The present invention also provides a space efficient arrangement for dispensing chilled, draft beer.

A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

In a charging process of a shaft furnace, in particular of a blast furnace, batches of charge material are typically discharged in cyclical sequence into the furnace from a top hopper using a flow control valve. A method and system is proposed for adjusting the flow rate of charge material in such a process. Pre-determined valve characteristics for certain types of material are provided, each indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting for one type of material. According to the invention, a specific valve characteristic is stored for each batch of charge material, each specific valve characteristic being bijectively associated to one batch and indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting of the flow control valve specifically for the associated batch. In relation to discharging a given batch of the sequence the invention proposes: using the stored specific valve characteristic associated to the given batch for determining a requested valve setting corresponding to a flow rate setpoint and using the requested valve setting to operate the flow control valve; determining an actual average flow rate for the discharge of the given batch; correcting the stored specific valve characteristic associated to the given batch in case of a stipulated deviation between the flow rate setpoint and the actual average flow rate.

The invention relates to a bag of variable volume able to contain fluids and designed to be introduced into a container through the container's neck, said bag consisting of a pouch with one closed end and one open end, the open end being dimensionally stable over temperature ranges of from −30 to 55° C., to a device incorporating said bag and to a process for filling it.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.

A combination scoop and funnel apparatus provides a scoop portion defining a dry material reservoir having an open top and a downwardly tapered conical bottom portion which terminates in a discharge aperture. A handle is joined to the scoop reservoir. A movable frusto-conical funnel member defines a funnel aperture at its lower end and an open top at its upper end. The funnel member supports a valve slide which extends upwardly through the discharge aperture and further supports a valve cap on the upper end thereof. The valve member is movable between a downwardly extending valve closed configuration and an upwardly positioned valve open configuration.

Systems and methods for delivering fluid-containing feed materials to process equipment are disclosed. A liner-based pressure dispensing vessel is subjected to filling by application of vacuum between the liner and overpack. Multiple feed material flow controllers of different calibrated flow ranges may be selectively operated in parallel for a single feed material. Feed material blending and testing for scale-up may be performed with feed materials supplied by multiple liner-based pressure dispensing containers. A gravimetric system may be used to determine concentration of at least one component of a multi-component solution or mixture.

A dispensing unit is provided having a circulation system for circulating a fluid in the dispensing unit. The circulation system includes a circulation circuit and a mechanism for circulating the fluid in the circulation circuit. By circulating the fluid, the fluid is counteracted from crystallizing. A method for circulating a fluid in a dispensing unit is also provided.

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid gas formulation in a metered manner, wherein the device is particularly suited for use as an injection system in nail driving devices and comprises a pressure-stable container having a flanged rim, to which a valve cover containing a dispensing valve is tightly fastened. The container is equipped with two separated chambers, one of which receives the liquid gas formulation and communicates with the dispensing valve and the other of which contains a driving medium under over-pressure. A piston, which can be moved in a sealing manner and which divides the container into the two chambers, is provided in the container. The driving medium is compressed air in combination with a small amount of liquid gas formulation. The flanged rim of the container is designed as an inner flanging. The piston is equipped with a one-way valve arrangement, which allows liquid gas formulation to overflow from the chamber containing the liquid gas formulation into the chamber containing the driving medium. The dispensing device is particularly inexpensive to design and can be cheaply produced and filled in a very simple manner.

A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.

An apparatus includes: a primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.

A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

Monorail vehicle that travels on a non-featured rail with substantial profile variation and controls roll attitude, lateral location, and loading through judicious placement of the vehicle's center of gravity without using springs or suspensions. The vehicle has a bogie for engaging the non-featured rail so the center of gravity has a lateral offset r1 from the rail centerline to produce a roll moment Nr determined by vehicle's mass and value of r1. The center of gravity also has a vertical offset r2. The bogie uses first and second assemblies for engaging the rail to produce a pair of surface normal reaction forces to thus control roll attitude and loading by the placement of the center of gravity, thereby enabling accurate alignment of the monorail vehicle.

A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia.

Disengageable chair-lift station having a transfer way made up of a first longitudinal part extending in alignment with the line of the carrying-hauling cable, and of a second transversal part extending perpendicular to the first part. The driving or return pulley is placed between the sections of the first part, and the disembarkation and embarkation platforms are shifted from one another in the second part, so that the disembarkation and embarkation of the skiers are performed on the same side of the station, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the line.

Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface. Further aspects of the invention provide a switching member that is selectively moveable relative to a guideway in order to change a magnetic force acting on the vehicle transverse to a direction of motion of the vehicle.

A car wash dolly of the type used in connection with multi-tier car wash conveyors comprises, in mirror image arrangement, first and second pairs of stainless steel journals having external bearing surfaces and polymeric rollers mounted for rotation on said bearing surfaces wherein the journals are nitro carburized and mechanically polished prior to assembly.

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

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.