Abstract: The present invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which uses a simplified locking mechanism, which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The invention is directed to a cylinder type locking mechanism wherein a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby allowing rotation of he key cylinder for unlocking of a locking mechanism when a suitably programmed electronic key is used in connection with the mechanism. A side bar and retaining spring engage the cylinder plug to prevent rotation thereof in the locked position with the side bar contacted by the plunger of the solenoid to prevent the side bar from moving until an authorized key is used to unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet metal formed thereon with a number of spaced projections, wherein the projections are formed by ate steps of positioning the sheet metal between a female die formed with a number of spaced recesses at one surface thereof and a male die formed with a concavity to be coupled with the female die and a number of spaced projections located at the bottom of the concavity to correspond with the recesses of the female die and pressing the sheet metal under existence of hydraulic fluid between the sheet metal and the concavity of the male die

Abstract: A cross-roll straightener for blank and black stock, especially rounds, in which the upper roll is mounted on a roll bed guided on columns of the machine frame via adjusting devices. Two diagonally opposite devices have hydraulically-controlled wedges and a threaded spindle controlling the vertical movement of the roll bed is also provided with a hydraulic arrangement for blocking spindle mobility.

Abstract: In a rolling method for a profiled section performed in a universal roll stand with horizontal rolls and vertical rolls having a vertical roll center, hydraulic cylinder units configured to adjust the horizontal rolls are provided. The horizontal rolls are adjusted with the hydraulic cylinder units, based on a preset nominal horizontal roll gap, toward one another to form an actual horizontal roll gap, wherein the horizontal rolls are adjusted with the preset nominal horizontal roll gap symmetrically relative to the vertical roll centers. An additional nominal value is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder units and, based on the additional nominal value, the horizontal rolls are vertically adjusted in the same direction by the same amount. The vertical rolls are adjusted toward the horizontal rolls to form actual vertical roll gaps. A universal roll stand for performing the device is also described.

Abstract: A drive system for the container holder and the travelling beam of a metal extruder press in which a return stroke is accelerated by connecting the annular chambers of the travelling beam and container holder cylinders to a pressurization force and with the full piston area chambers of the container holder connected to a tank, connecting the full piston area chambers of the travelling beam to the pressure source as well.

Abstract: A cutting edge is formed by build-up welding on a die of a die assembly made of a base material of an aluminum/copper-based zinc alloy. The cutting edge comprises an underlying layer and an overlying layer. The underlying layer is made of a copper alloy that can be welded to both a zinc alloy and a nickel alloy, and the overlying layer is made of a nickel alloy. The cutting edge is of high machinability, high durability, and high hardness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of a plurality of tool carriers connected to a top panel of a bending press, each tool carrier having a tool spacer, the adjustment device comprising, for each tool carrier, an adjustment wedge interposed between the square of the top panel and the top face of the tool spacer associated with said wedge. According to the invention, the ends of each wedge include engagement means to enable a wedge associated with a tool spacer firstly to overlap at least part of the top face of an adjacent tool spacer, and secondly to engage reversibly with the wedge associated with said adjacent tool spacer so that the two adjacent tool spacers touch each other, and the square of the top panel is designed to bear against the engagement means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.

Abstract: IMPROVEMENTS MADE UP FOR TOOLS USED IN CRIMPING MACHINES, wherein the said tools bring a technical advance while compared to their basic operations, that is, for instance, the tool “guillotine and crimping” has multiplied its lifetime by six, i.e., sextupled the crimping applications of this tool; the “profile and crimping matrix support”, which used to be a sole piece, brings a refill-blade; the assembly “hammer bar”, which cuts, bends and prints the metal band in the crimping tools, allows for its hammer to be sharpen up to six times before its replacement, expanding its lifetime by six times, lowering the relative cost. The “anvil” tool, which helps the bending of the metal band, used to be in a sole milled piece, now are composed by two pieces fastened by themselves, wherein the cutting blade is twofold, lowering the cost and duplicating the tool lifetime.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a metallic shell (1) and an element (2), which is disposed in a hollow portion formed in the metallic shell (1). An inorganic powder (4) is filled into a gap between the element (2) and the metallic shell (1) to thereby hermetically seal the element (2) and the metallic shell (1) against each other. By using an inorganic powder (4) which does not have an exothermic peak within a temperature range up to 700° C. when subjected to differential thermal analysis, gastightness maintained at the gap portion between the element (2) and the metallic shell (1) is not impaired even in a working environment of 600° C. or higher. Talc powder composed of SiO2 and MgO can be used as the inorganic powder (4). However, a binder, such as water glass, is not added to the inorganic powder (4) in order to prevent the inorganic powder (4) from having an exothermic peak within a temperature range up to 700° C.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided which includes a first cylindrical insulation porcelain having a gas sensor element installed therein and a second cylindrical insulation porcelain disposed in contact with the first insulation porcelain. The first insulation porcelain is disposed on a seat surface formed on an inner wall of a housing through a packing ring. A contact between the first and second insulation porcelains being located within a contact permissible range defined by projecting outer and inner edges of the packing ring onto an end surface of the first insulation porcelain, thereby minimizing a lateral shift between the contact and the packing ring to avoid the breakage of the first insulation porcelain during assembly or use of the gas sensor.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge apparatus for securing to a vehicle tire valve stem mounted to a tire valve stem port in a vehicle tire, the valve stem including a tubular stem body containing a valve assembly having a valve opening mechanism, the stem body having a stem connection end fitting sealingly to the tire valve stem port, and having a stem air receiving end, the apparatus including a housing for placement in fluid communication with received air from within the tire; a structure for opening the valve opening mechanism; and a pressure equilibration structure dividing the housing into a received air chamber and a biasing gas chamber and including a pressure indicator element, the pressure equilibration structure and the pressure indicator element being movable relative to the housing, and the pressure indicator element displaying a pressure reading of received air from within the tire which varies with the position of the pressure equilibration structure relative to the housing; so that alteration of the pressu

Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools. In one system fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties. Optical spectrometric sensors are employed for monitoring chemical properties in the wellbore and at the surface for chemical injection systems. Fiber optic sensors are utilized to determine formation properties including resistivity and acoustic properties compensated for temperature effects. Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the operation and condition of downhole devices including electrical submersible pumps and flow control devices. In one embodiment, a common fluid line is used to monitor downhole parameters and to operate hydraulically-operated devices.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is disclosed which includes a capacitance-type acceleration detection element mounted on a ceramic base plate. The element comprises a movable electrode mounted between a pair of fixed electrodes. Acceleration of the sensor in a measurement direction causes the movable electrode to move relative to the fixed electrodes and the element has opposite ends in a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction. The acceleration detection element is mounted on the base at a first one of the opposite ends. Accordingly, the mounting surface of the acceleration sensor is parallel to the direction of acceleration to be detected. Thus the acceleration sensor can be surface-mounted on a printed board, and more be easily mounted in an automobile air bag control system or the like.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a pressure chamber. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within the pressure chamber. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.

Abstract: Proposed is an axial adjuster having at least a first pair of helical raceways (322a) extending rotatable about an axial axis (A) along a cylindrical shell (36) wherein arranged between the first pair of helical raceways is a radially guided axial needle or roller ring whose running length corresponds substantially to the length of the raceways, at least one second pair of helical raceways (322i) possibly being provided arranged relative to said first pair (322a) radially outwards or inwards and along the cylindrical shell (36) 180° out of phase to the first pair, between the raceways a radially guided axial needle or roller ring being arranged whose running length corresponds substantially to the length of the raceways.

Abstract: A rolling-body screw drive (10a) comprises a threaded spindle (12a) with a spindle axis (S), and a double nut (14a) which runs on the threaded spindle (12a) and has two separately formed individual nuts (16a, 18a) which are connected essentially rigidly to one another in the direction of the spindle axis (S). In this case, for setting a desired level of play or a desired prestressing in relation to the threaded spindle (12a), the two individual nuts (16a, 18a) can be rotated continuously relative to one another about the spindle axis (S) and can be secured in any desired rotary position relative to one another corresponding to the desired level of play or the desired prestressing.

Abstract: To provide a method and an apparatus for controlling a gear-shift of a motor-driven gear shifter in which the gear-shift is electrically performed by a motor. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting a rotational position of a shift drum, when the shift operation is not normally ended, and thereby a shift drum is in the half-neutral state, which automatically executes the shift operation. In the method for controlling the gear-shift of the motor-driven gear shifter, the motor is driven in a desired shift direction, to intermittently turn a shift drum, thereby shifting one gear stage to another gear stage. The rotational position of the shift drum is monitored, and when the shift drum stays at a rotational position other than a rotational position corresponding to a desired gear stage, the motor is re-driven in the shift direction.

Abstract: A power actuator arrangement including a power drive assembly having a first powered position and a second powered position and an output means, the output means being unmoveable by the power drive assembly between a first detent position corresponding to the first powered position and a second detent position corresponding to the second powered position following powered operation, the output means being retained in the first or second detent positions by a detent bias force provided by a detent arrangement, the output means being independently movable by an independent force between the first and second detent positions, the independent force acting to overcome the detent bias force such that during independent movement the independent force substantially does not move the power drive assembly between its first powered and second powdered positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shifter for actuating at least one gear mechanism of a bicycle including a housing, a gripping element for actuating the shifter, and a movable element for exerting tension on and/or for releasing a gear transfer means. The movable element has a pawl which engages in a set of latching teeth in the housing. The gripping element has a lifter which disengages the pawl from the latching teeth during a shifting operation in the release direction. A driver on the gripping part preloads a spring on the movable element during a shifting operation in the release direction which urges the movable element in the release direction. The advantage of a shifter for bicycle gear mechanisms according to the present invention is to be found in that, by simple means, it becomes possible to shift gears, especially in the release direction, quickly and independently of the preload being exerted on the movable element by the gear mechanism via the transfer element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing motor car steering wheels with an external shell made of composite materials, which comprises preparing a pile of sheets of composite materials, hot molding thereof for obtaining respective half-shells with a shape corresponding to that of respective halves of the steering wheel being manufactured, mechanical flattening of the front surfaces of the two half-shells, applying the two half-shells to opposite parts of a steering wheel body formed by a metallic core covered by resin, and mutual fixing of the two half-shells along said front surfaces. After flattening, the front surfaces of the two half-shells are mechanically worked to form respective complementary teeth which can be male-female coupled when the two half-shells are applied around the steering wheel body.

Abstract: Static unbalance-type shafts for rotating machinery such as vehicle engines. The present invention can minimize the mass or weight of the balance shaft and optimize the material usage in accordance with the standards and parameters established for the balance shaft. The connector portions between the balance weights and/or between the balance weights and the end bearing surfaces, have cross-sections with recessed sides in order to increase stiffness and/or reduce the weight of the balance shaft. The connector portions also overlap the balance weights. Tapering of chordal surfaces adjacent the axis of rotation can be employed to reduce mass, cost, bearing wear, and drive gear noise.

Abstract: A device (1), particularly a facsimile apparatus, has a reversible motor (26), an intermediate transmission gear (29) which is drivable by the motor (26), and three drive wheels (44, 48, 51) which are drivable with the aid of the intermediate transmission gear (29), the intermediate transmission gear (29) including a basic member (30) which is drivable by the motor (26), a control member (36), and a drive member (37), as well as a first unidirectional coupling means (38) between the basic member (30) and the control member (36), and a second unidirectional coupling means (40) between the basic member (30) and the drive member (37), both coupling means being constructed to transmit power opposite directions of rotation (31, 32), the control member (36) being adapted to selectively establish a drive transmission between the motor (26) and at least one drive wheel (44, 48, 51), and the drive member (37) is adapted to drive the drive wheels (44, 48, 51).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for applying torque to rotatable mechanical fasteners having variously sized outer circumferences, the device comprising a flat wrench plate with a central opening therein. The central opening includes notches of various sizes, and each notch is sized and shaped to fit around and engage a different sized nut or bolt. Between each pair of adjacent notches is a protrusion directed towards the center of the central opening. The flat wrench plate is mounted within and at one end of a short, hollow handle. Preferably, the wrench plate is generally circular and the hollow handle is a cylinder sized to fit easily within a user's hand so that the user can easily grip and rotate the handle. In one embodiment, a clear cover plate having an aperture therein is mounted within the cylindrical handle at the end opposite the wrench plate. In a different embodiment, another wrench plate with different sized notches is mounted in the handle opposite the first wrench plate.

Abstract: A hand held and operated set of fastener clip pliers is provided which is useful to secure together reinforcement steel members, for example, those used in concrete construction, upholstery and fencing. The fastener clip pliers are comprised of a lower handle and an upper handle. The lower handle has at least two first prongs that define at least one intermediate slot between. The upper handle is pivotally connected to the lower handle such that the upper handle and lower handle can pivot to an open position and to a closed position. The upper handle has at least one second prong dimension to fit within an intermediate slot in the closed position. A fastening clip is provided that has a small extension protruding therefrom for manipulating and properly placing the fastening clip around the steel members prior to securing the fastening clip to the steel members.

Abstract: An improved hydrodynamic bearing design and method for fabricating a hydrodynamic bearing is disclosed, which incorporates a filling groove so that oil or other lubricating fluid can be efficiently inserted into the bearing gap without risking the loss of fluid during operation; the method provides for fabricating the hydrodynamic bearing and its oil filling groove so that the efficiency of the manufacturing process is not compromised. The same grooving tool which forms the hydrodynamic bearing is scraped across an abutment on the sleeve which supports the counterplate to form a shallow filling groove under the counterplate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing chips from a workpiece on a lathe including a spindle with a through hole formed therein, a chuck having a through hole formed therein and affixed adjacent a forward end of the spindle, a cutting mechanism cooperative with the chuck so as to remove metal chips from a workpiece mounted on the chuck, and a coolant line connected to the cutting mechanism and directed generally toward the through hole of the chuck so as to drive metal chips through the through hole of the spindle and outwardly of a rear end of the spindle. A guide sleeve is positioned within the through hole of the spindle so as to be fixed and nonrotatable therewithin. The coolant line includes a high pressure coolant line and a low pressure coolant line. The cutting system includes a turret with a cutting tool affixed to a station of the turret. The coolant line is connected to the turret and extends so as to have an outlet adjacent to the cutting tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.

Abstract: A top edge trimming cutter (11), a bottom edge trimming cutter (12) and a front edge trimming cutter (13) are arranged to have predetermined distances from one another so as not to cause mechanical interference. A frame consists of first and second frame elements (19, 20) movable relatively to each other along the direction of movement of the top edge trimming cutter (11) and the bottom edge trimming cutter (12), and a stationary third frame element (21). The top edge trimming cutter, a first table element (16), a first blade receiving plate (16a) and a first pressing plate (15a) pressing a bound material (27) against the first table element are attached to the first frame element. The bottom edge trimming cutter, a second table element (17), a second blade receiving plate (17a) and a second pressing plate (15b) pressing the bound material against the second table element are attached to the second frame element.

Abstract: A low profile side punch assembly is provided to punch registration openings along the side edge of media in an imagesetter. The side punch assembly includes a punch actuator having a scissors configuration to provide a low profile. The punch assembly is fixed to a side face of the imagesetter. The punch assembly can be located at any location along the side face. This location can also be subsequently adjusted if necessary. The location of the punch pin is accurately set during manufacture with respect to the media surface of the imagesetter by a reference surface in the side face and by the side face of the drum. A drive mechanism for the punch actuator is also provided with a positive retraction of the actuator. The location of the punch pin may also be sensed to prevent advancement of the media before the punch pin has been retracted.

Abstract: An application program for generating performance data of a user input musical score performs a modifying process of modifying only a note with a musical sign such as a turn sign, so that as the generated performance data is reproduced, unnatural musical sounds are generated. For example, as a player uses a turn rendering with an acoustic piano or the like, there is a tendency that a key depression force for a note just after the turn rendering also becomes weak. With conventional techniques, however, this state cannot be automatically realized. In order to generate performance data whose notes are coupled naturally, output performance data is first generated at Steps SP10 or SP18 for a note (subject note) with a turn sign. Then, a velocity of performance data for a note (related note) positioned immediately after the subject note is weakened at Step SP12 or SP20.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for displaying musical score data in a display area. In the apparatus, a specifying device specifies a display range of original musical score data. An extracting device extracts musical score data included in the display range from the original musical score data and extracts musical information precluded from the display range but influencing the extracted musical score data from the original musical score data. A determining device determines whether a supplementary display is necessary or not in accordance with the specified display range. A setting device divides the display area into a main display area and an auxiliary display area when the supplementary display is necessary. A display device displays the extracted musical score data in the main display area and concurrently displays the extracted musical information in the auxiliary display area. The display area may be divided into a plurality of display sub areas.

Abstract: Tone generating processing is executed on an operating system having no full multitask function. The tone generating processing is activated a plurality of times, i.e., at a plurality of activating times, within each predetermined time period. Thus; even when the tone generating processing fails to be activated at some of the activating times, a predetermined number of samples of tone data can be belatedly formed within the predetermined time period, by tone data forming operations being effected only at the other activating times when the tone generating processing is actually activated.

Abstract: Performance data is generated by performing in real time a music piece starting at a desired performance position. Performance position, in the music piece, of the real-time performance data is estimated from reference performance data of the music piece. Performance data to be performed following the estimated position is identified, and accuracy of the estimated position is determined in accordance with whether performance data corresponding to the identified performance data is generated as next real-time performance data. Because the accuracy of the estimated position is determined after generation of the next real-time performance data, a performance position following the estimated position determined as accurate represents a current performance position. Score based on the reference performance data is shown on a display, and the current performance position in the real-time performance is indicated on the displayed score.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to offer methods for forming a film of a high quality on a swash plate for a swash plate type compressor simply and the film formed swash plate.

Abstract: A flexible piston rod for an injection device, which piston has the form of a helical spring made up from a number of narrowly adjacent turns of windings. These turns provide an external thread, which thread fits into the internal thread of a nut element. When the nut element is rotated the piston rod is advanced forward, which movement is used to displace a piston inside a cartridge containing a fluid to be expelled. In order to prevent the piston rod from rotating when the nut element is rotated, the helical spring making up the piston rod is provided with a longitudinal spine, which is located at a peripheral area of the helical spring. The spine can either be a mechanical removal of a part of the out-turned area of each winding, or it can be a reduction or removal of an initial tension in a longitudinal area of the helical spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper includes a friction member arranged inwardly with respect to a seal member and mounted to one of a cylinder and a piston rod. The friction member slidably contacts another of the cylinder and the piston rod to produce friction greater than that produced at the seal member.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow piston for a compressor, which includes a hollow cylindrical body member having an open end at at least one of its opposite ends, and a closure which closes the open end, the two members being welded together at respective welding surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first cutout in an outer surface of the cylindrical body member and a second cutout in an outer surface of the closure member, each of the first and second cutouts being located adjacent to a corresponding one of the welding surfaces of the two members, and extending in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical body member or the closure member along an edge of the corresponding welding surface, which edge is nearer to a corresponding one of the outer surfaces of the two members; fixing the two members together, so that the first and second cutouts define a groove having a bottom; and applying a welding beam to the bottom, so that the cylindrical body member and the closure member are bonded

Abstract: Gas separation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA), to obtain a purified product gas of the less strongly adsorbed fraction of the feed gas mixture, is performed with an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers. The adsorbers cooperate with first and second valve means in a rotary PSA module, with the PSA cycle characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between the higher and lower pressures of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the intermediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing laminated sheet adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor. Feed gas is compressed prior to entry to the first valve means.

Abstract: A grilling device for a cooking appliance, with an underside and a top side upon which a foodstuff to be cooked can be laid, wherein the top side comprises a plurality of raised portions upon which the foodstuff can be laid and a plurality of depressions in which liquid can be received, wherein at least some of the depressions are troughs which are inclined with respect to the underside, and wherein a cross-trough is provided at the top side, serving as a collection container into which the troughs lead (FIG. 14).

Abstract: A food mixing apparatus includes a main housing, a mixing container (3) for receiving food, and having a central axis: Y, a rotor ring (5) surrounding the mixing container, the rotor ring being fixed to the mixing container and having a central axis: X extending at an angle to the central axis: Y of the mixing container (3), and a support roller mechanism attached to the main housing, the support roller mechanism supporting the rotor ring at two points only from below to rotate the rotor ring about the axis: X. An aerating tube communicating with an opening formed in a bottom surface of the mixing container extends coaxially with the axis: X of the rotor ring. The aerating tube communicates with a blast duct mounted in the main housing.

Abstract: Here is disclosed an apparatus for rolling up a laminar sheet of food material into a tubular shape, comprising an assembly of plural rolling-up rollers located at a terminal zone of a conveyor for the laminar sheet of food material. The rolling-up rollers are same in diameter as well as in revolution speed and arranged on a concentric circle so that the plural rolling-up rollers may contact an outer surface of the laminar sheet of food material and thereby roll up this laminar sheet of food material in a tubular shape. This apparatus allows the laminar sheet of food material such as cheese or ham to be efficiently rolled up in a tubular shape.

Abstract: A link type transfer press is driven by continuously dwelling the slide in the vicinity of the top dead center thereof with the use of a link mechanism. With this arrangement, a motion index angle of a feeder can be taken by a large degree even though the time required for one cycle of the slide is shortened, and accordingly, the transfer time of the feeder can be set to be substantially longer so that the feed can be fed without interference with the slide. Thus, the entire pressing time can be reduced, thereby enhancing the productivity.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain a screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method wherein a high pressing force is not required to print paste on a substrate thereby assuring reliable printing qualities. In the screen printing apparatus which prints the paste on the substrate through pattern holes, the paste in a storage section is pressurized and forced out of a printing space portion through a transfer passage. The paste is given a rolling motion while it is guided by rolling guide surfaces disposed at the printing space portion, and then, the paste is filled into the pattern holes from a printing aperture formed by two scraping members.

Abstract: Information carried on a stimulable phosphor sheet can accurately be read therefrom without dust particles being present on the surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet. A dust of a first cleaning unit has a first opening for introducing the stimulable phosphor sheet into the duct and a second opening for discharging the stimulable phosphor sheet out of the duct. The duct has an upper housing member which accommodates therein a first brush roller and a third brush roller that extend parallel to each other and a lower housing member which accommodates therein a second brush roller and a fourth brush roller that extend parallel to each other. The upper housing member also houses therein a first dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the first brush roller and the third brush roller, and the lower housing member also houses therein a second dust removing plate having tip ends held against bristles of the second brush roller and the fourth brush roller.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a grained and anodised aluminium substrate coated with a metallic layer, preferably a silver layer, on top of which is applied a layer comprising at least one sensitising material which adsorbs on to the metallic surface and thereby sensitises the system to heat mode laser exposure. Preferably, the sensitising material comprises a material which includes at least one sulphur, selenium or tellurium containing group and the sensitising layer additionally comprises a hydrophilic material. The invention provides lithographic printing plate precursors having high sensitivity which may be imagewise exposed by means of a high intensity laser beam to provide press ready plates showing high image quality, good press properties and high durability on press without the requirement for the use of intermediate film and developer chemistry.

Abstract: A plate-mounting member to be attached to a plate front end of a flexible plate in order to mount said flexible plate having a plurality of fixing holes onto a plate cylinder including a plate front end clamp mechanism having upper and lower teeth and at least two positioning pins disposed between upper and lower teeth, said plate-mounting member comprising a base and a plurality of fixing pins disposed on said base to be respectively inserted into said plurality of fixing holes formed in said plate front end, wherein said base is to be attached to said positioning pins disposed in said plate front end clamp mechanism to thereby position said plate front end. Also disclosed are method and apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate.

Abstract: The object of this invention is a launching system for cars running on a track in equipments for amusement parks, such as roller-coasters or the like, including a mechanical launching device where a falling counterweight moves a rope to pull a train of cars with the needed force, and wherein the counterweight is slowly lifted back up at the end of the launch, while the cars complete their track, thus only requiring some low-powered equipment. The system according to the invention is far cheaper to be produced than the known systems, and offers far lower operating costs.

Abstract: A pneumatic outlet gate of a railroad hopper car has an valve member mounted for rotation in a discharge tube between open and closed positions. The valve member is an arcuate segment terminating laterally at edge faces. The edge faces are angled such that in the upper half of the discharge tube they always slant downwardly from the surface of the tube, while in the lower half of the discharge tube the edge faces face downwardly. An arrangement of stops and abutments prevents rotation of the valve member to a location where the edge faces could trap lading against the discharge tube. Accordingly, the edge faces are self-emptying.

Abstract: An aqueous ink for a ball-point pen which is stable over time and has high pigment dispersion stability, includes a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent, water, xanthane gum of about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt. % and a sodium alginate of about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. % of a total amount of the ink.