Abstract: A fluid flow channel may include a scavenger system, which may expel solids from the channel. The channel may be supported by structure and include a floor surface, a transition surface, and a ramp surface. The scavenger system may include an actuator that may be pivotally mounted to the structure. The actuator may be attached to a face plate framework which may include a box structure for increased strength. The actuator may propel the face plate framework across the floor surface, transition surface and ramp surface of the channel. The face plate framework may be adapted for rolling reciprocating contact with the channel surface. The channel floor may afford a park position for the scavenger system and the ramp surface may be angled to reduce jamming of the scavenger system. The channel may also include a wear plate to reduce wear between the scavenger system and the channel.

Abstract: A fluid flow channel includes a scavenging system to eject debris from the channel. The channel includes a back wall, channel floor, and upward ramp extending forward to an outer lip. The scavenging system includes a pivoted actuator with a face plate on a framework adapted for reciprocating rolling contact between retracted and forward positions relative to the back wall. The scavenging system rolls on tracks as it traverses the channel. The channel profile and scavenging system are configured to maximize the angle between face plate and ramp surface thereby minimizing the potential for jamming of the scavenging system during operation while economizing on channel width. The outer lip includes a flat top surface for transient support of the face plate framework at the end of its forward movement. The scavenging system further includes flexible wiper blades for sequential wiping contact with debris as it traverses the channel, and a forward-extending slider blade spring-biased toward the channel.

Abstract: In summary, this invention is a rain gutter debris removal system, including a rain gutter and a debris removal device operable within the gutter. The gutter includes a back wall and a bottom channel member. The debris removal device includes an upright scavenging blade mounted within and lengthwise of the channel for movement between a home position retracted against the back wall, and an extended forward position across the channel. An actuator moves the scavenging blade between home and extended positions, whereby to expel debris from the channel. The scavenging blade includes a wiper blade along its bottom for wiping engagement with the gutter channel. The actuator includes a reciprocable expansible chamber device positioned between the back wall and the scavenging blade, and connected to the back wall for pivotal movement up and down, the wiper blade thereby maintaining wiping engagement with the gutter channel as the blade traverses the channel.

Abstract: A rain gutter includes a back wall, bottom member, and front wall, forming an elongated channel. The front wall is pivotally connected along the bottom member for forward movement between an upstanding position and a downward open position. An upright scavenger blade mounted in and along the channel is movable between a retracted position and a forward position to push the front wall open and dump the gutter contents. The scavenger blade includes a flexible wiper along its bottom to slide across the channel bottom. The system is actuated by a piston which reciprocates the scavenger blade across the channel, between retracted and extended positions. The actuator system also includes a base plate parallel to the back wall, a channel span parallel to the base plate, and parallel hinge plates connecting the base plate and channel span, all together forming a four-bar linkage. An actuator arm is pivotally connected at one end to the base plate, and slidably connected at its other end to the channel span.

Abstract: A optical fiber alignment device with a collimating lens, includes a ferrule for receiving the optical fiber; a ball having an axial hole for receiving the ferrule; a housing having a socket in one end for receiving the ball; and a lens barrel in the opposite end for receiving a lens sleeve. A compression ring for urging the ball into the socket is forced by a first spring located to apply a compression force to the compression ring by an end cap. A channel in the housing allows for the introduction of a bonding agent to bond the ball in the socket to maintain a desired position after adjustment. A lens fixed in a lens sleeve is located in the lens tube at a position to collimate light exiting from the optical fiber. A second spring located between the lens sleeve and the lens barrel urges the lens sleeve out of the barrel and a channel in the housing is provided for introducing a bonding agent to bond the lens sleeve in the lens barrel to maintain the desired position.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus including an exposure platen upon which an original document sheet is placed to facilitate obtaining an image for effecting copying of such document sheet. The reproduction apparatus includes a feeder for transporting original document sheets to, and from, the exposure platen. The feeder is mounted on the reproduction apparatus for pivotal movement about an axis adjacent to an edge of the exposure platen. A power lift device is connected to the feeder for selectively automatically pivoting the feeder about the axis to enable ready operator access to the exposure platen.

Abstract: A bellows for use in an exposure station of an electrophotographic copier or other optical reproduction apparatus. In one embodiment the bellows is a dual bellows and has one section thereof coupled to a movable lens for changing the image reduction/magnification ratio of the station. The lens movement is such that movement of the lens from either of the extreme imaging positions to the other is accomplished by collapsing of one of the bellows members and expanding the other bellows member. In an alternative embodiment one of the bellows members is replaced with a rigid cowl-like member.