Abstract: A wheel intended for a motor vehicle includes a rim made of a sheet of aluminium alloy that is fastened to the contour of a wheel disc made from a steel sheet by assemblies that connect the aluminium sheet of the rim and the steel sheet of the wheel disc, which overlap one another. The assemblies include connecting pins each of which has a tip that passes through a hole in the aluminium sheet of the rim, the front end of which is welded to the steel sheet of the wheel disc, and a rear head that presses against the aluminium sheet of the rim about said hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel intended for a motor vehicle, having a rim (2) made of a sheet of aluminium alloy that is fastened to the contour of a wheel disc (10) made from a steel sheet by assemblies that connect the aluminium, sheet of the rim and the steel sheet of the wheel disc, which overlap one another, the assemblies comprising connecting pins (20) that have a tip that passes through a hole in the aluminium sheet of the rim (2), the front end of which is welded to the steel sheet of the wheel disc (10), and a rear head that presses against the aluminium sheet of the rim about said hole.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described that provide for selecting an actor to participate in an interactive simulation of a medical procedure within a graphical user interface. A medical instrument is identified that is to be used by the actor and an association is indicated between the medical instrument and the actor. A user plays the role of the actor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening a substrate against a surface of a platform is provided. The method comprising positioning guides within a platform so that opposite edges of a substrate placed on the platform do not come in contact with at least one print head in close proximity over the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting print heads from uncontrolled movement and vibration is provided. The apparatus includes at least one print head, a movable component attachable to a flexible cable carrier, the flexible cable carrier being coupled to at least one print head, and an isolating component attachable to the movable component, for isolating uncontrolled movement and vibration of the flexible cable carrier from the at least one print head.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a platform having a substrate thereon in order to adjust the distance between the substrate and an ink-jet print head located above is provided. In other embodiments, an apparatus for the step-wise conveyance of materials is provided. It comprises a support structure for the material being conveyed and movable and fixed elements for applying forces for temporarily engaging the conveyed material to the support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening a substrate against a surface of a platform is provided. The method comprising positioning guides within a platform so that opposite edges of a substrate placed on the platform do not come in contact with at least one print head in close proximity over the substrate.

Abstract: A vacuum suction force control apparatus is disclosed by way of a duct, having an entrance port and at least one exit port. Flow of suction force is controlled by moving a piston-like plunger inside the duct, connecting the entrance port to one, or simultaneously, multiple, adjacent exit ports. The present invention achieves known vacuum distribution without utilizing prior art electromechanical vacuum valves and associated electrical control cabling and power supply equipment. Therefore, the present invention is inherently capable of maintaining a particular, temporary distribution configuration without requiring electrical nor mechanical energy.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, an ink supply system is provided. The system may include a first stationary fluid storage unit, a second stationary fluid storage unit coupled to the first stationary fluid storage unit and an air lung. The system may also include a collapsible fluid level bag positionable lower than nozzles of one or more print heads and a movable fluid pressure damper coupled to the fluid level bag and to the print heads. The system is configured such that when printing, ink is exposed to the ambient atmosphere only at the nozzles.

Abstract: A vacuum suction force control apparatus is disclosed by way of a duct, having an entrance port and at least one exit port. Flow of suction force is controlled by moving a piston-like plunger inside the duct, connecting the entrance port to one, or simultaneously, multiple, adjacent exit ports. The present invention achieves known vacuum distribution without utilizing prior art electromechanical vacuum valves and associated electrical control cabling and power supply equipment. Therefore, the present invention is inherently capable of maintaining a particular, temporary distribution configuration without requiring electrical nor mechanical energy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting print heads from uncontrolled movement and vibration is provided. The apparatus includes at least one print head, a movable component attachable to a flexible cable carrier, the flexible cable carrier being coupled to at least one print head, and an isolating component attachable to the movable component, for isolating uncontrolled movement and vibration of the flexible cable carrier from the at least one print head.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, an ink supply system is provided. The system is configured to expose ink to the ambient atmosphere only at the nozzles of one or more print heads coupled to the system.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a platform having a substrate thereon in order to adjust the distance between the substrate and an ink-jet print head located above is provided. In other embodiments, an apparatus for the step-wise conveyance of materials is provided. It comprises a support structure for the material being conveyed and movable and fixed elements for applying forces for temporarily engaging the conveyed material to the support structure.