Abstract: A compact drive mechanism for both driving a paper web and severing a printed receipt in a transaction or point-of-sales printer. Both driving the paper web and cutting the printed receipt is accomplished through a bi-directional stepper motor that is operative through a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device for engaging and holding two ferrules of respective optical fiber connectors in axial alignment for transmission of a beam from the fiber of one ferrule to the other. A pair of ferrules made to close tolerances and having no fibers in their central, axial passageways are inserted into a corresponding pair of cylindrical split sleeves in end-to-end relation, and a precision gauge in the form of an elongated wire having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the ferrule passageways is inserted therethrough. The two sleeves are then positioned and permanently fixed within a surrounding structure. In a first embodiment, the sleeves are placed in a mold cavity into which a potting agent is injected to surround the sleeves. When the potting agent hardens, it is removed, together with the sleeves, ferrules and gauge, from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated semiconductor module comprising a chip, interposer, and substrate. The module is adapted to be mounted on a traditional circuit card carrying multiple other components. The chip of the present invention can be a conventional IC chip or chip package, including ball grid array packages, and will simply be referred to hereinafter as a “chip.” The interposer of the present invention is a conventional thin film interposer, such as those composed of a polyimide material and fabricated on a glass carrier plate. The substrate of the present invention is a conventional circuitized substrate, such as a BGA or laminate substrate, that is commonly employed in carrying a chip on a circuit card.

Abstract: A quick coupler for manually coupling a tool, such as a bucket, to an earth working machine. The latching mechanism of the quick coupler includes a pair of mounting plates, each having a pair of openings therein, affixed between two laterally spaced plates of the coupler, wherein one of the mounting plates include threaded openings therein. A latch bar which is slidably mounted between the plates. A pair of fasteners extending from the latch bar, wherein the fasteners include a first and second threaded region, separated by a non-threaded region. The threaded regions of the fasteners threadedly engage the threaded openings of the one mounting plate, while the non-threaded region bypasses the opening.

Abstract: A method for improving the image quality of a thermal print image uses preprocessed image and color matrices, in which special combinations of black dots and black dot patterns are filtered out. These patterns are then replaced with printer-friendly patterns. This altering technique improves the image quality and reduces halo effects.

Abstract: An amusement device comprising a modularized pod at least one of which are attached to each side of a carriage that travels along a track. The pods are each mounted to the carriage for 360° that are interconnected to the side walls of a carriage that rides along a track in a predetermined direction of travel. One or more riders sit and are restrained in the pods which are capable of spinning 360 degrees about a horizontal axis that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The riders may control the spinning of the pod, either forward or backward, by pressing buttons on the passenger's handgrips located inside the pod.

Abstract: A thermal print device comprising a plane support (1) of rectangular shape that is fitted on one of its faces, parallel to one of its longitudinally-extending edges (1a), with a resistive line (17) extending over conductor segments (14, 15) disposed perpendicularly thereto and extending alternately to one side and to the other side of the resistive line (17), one (14) of the series of segments coming from a common conductor which is constituted by a conductive layer covering the support, and in which the resistive line (17) and the conductor segments (14, 15) across which it extends are formed on an insulating layer (7) covering the conductive layer (3).

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a pedestal mounted taxidermy mannequin, and a mold for manufacturing same. Once molded, the taxidermy mannequin includes an elongated, bored hole formed in a bottom portion thereof, and a rigid block positioned in supporting relation to the bored hole, thereby providing structural reinforcement and integrity to the bored hole. A rod is inserted into the bored hole to mount the mannequin to a pedestal. The mold for manufacturing the mannequin is an injection mold into which an elongated rod is inserted after the polyurethane has been injected therein. Just prior to hardening of the polyurethane, the end is removed, thereby leaving a bored hold in the mannequin form.

Abstract: An oil-bath wheel spindle and hub assembly including a heat dissipating oil seal cap with a transparent window for observing the lubricant level and thermal conductive vanes forming a heat sink to transfer heat away from the wheel spindle and hub assembly to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A handle for a mop or other such cleaning instrument is hollow for flow of water from a hose attached to one end of the handle to the work-engaging portion at the other end. A manually operable control moves a stopper between three positions wherein flow through an opening in an internal partition in the handle is fully blocked, partially blocked or fully unblocked. The stopper has a total of three detent members in the form of rounded protrusions and a total of three recess for receiving the detents are formed in the partition. As the operating member is manipulated to move the stopper between its three positions, one detent engages a recess in the fully blocked position, two detents engage respective recesses in the partially blocked position and all three detents engage the three recesses in the fully unblocking position. The provision of three detents and three recesses adds to the stability and reliability of operation of the implement.

Abstract: A backlighted trailer step to facilitate a trailer users getting up onto a trailer for more convenient access to a load being carried, and which includes a backlighted cutout portion of the step for displaying indicia such as the trademark of the trailer. The lamps backlighting the indicia also provide a visual locator for the step in the dark, and function as a utility lamp to provide light for such things as servicing the trailer or changing tires at night, and increases safety by improving the visibility of the trailer to traffic approaching from the side.