Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: An anti-derailing device for a sliding door, including slide rollers on upper edges of two sides of the sliding door, anti-bounce rollers below the slide rollers, rail supporting bases on a fixed door in front of the sliding door, and a rail fixed on opposite outer sides of the sliding door and the fixed door and clamped between the rollers. Each roller includes a fixed part and a first adjusting part which includes a first eccentric roller combined with the fixed part, each roller includes a fixing part and a second adjusting part which includes a second eccentric roller combined with the fixing part, and each rail supporting base includes a positioning part and a holding part for holding the rail. By adjusting positions of the rollers and without pre-machined holes, the sliding door can operate balanced and smoothly and prevent the rail from derailing.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: An anti-derailing device for a sliding door, including slide rollers on upper edges of two sides of the sliding door, anti-bounce rollers below the slide rollers, rail supporting bases on a fixed door in front of the sliding door, and a rail fixed on opposite outer sides of the sliding door and the fixed door and clamped between the rollers. Each roller includes a fixed part and a first adjusting part which includes a first eccentric roller combined with the fixed part, each roller includes a fixing part and a second adjusting part which includes a second eccentric roller combined with the fixing part, and each rail supporting base includes a positioning part and a holding part for holding the rail. By adjusting positions of the rollers and without pre-machined holes, the sliding door can operate balanced and smoothly and prevent the rail from derailing.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump having a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotational axis and coupled to a piston. The piston is reciprocally displaceable within a piston cylinder along an axis of motion between suction and discharge strokes. A diaphragm housing coupled to the piston cylinder at least partially defines a pumping chamber through which fluid is pumped as the piston reciprocates. The axis of motion, which intersects a connection between the piston and the connecting rod, may not intersect the rotational axis of the crankshaft such that, relative to an arrangement in which the axis of motion does intersect the rotational axis, a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the discharge stroke is reduced and a peak magnitude of piston side load forces during the suction stroke is increased so as to attain an improved balance between the peak magnitudes of piston side load forces of the discharge and suction strokes.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm assemblies for diaphragm pumps and methods for manufacturing such diaphragm assemblies are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a diaphragm pump may include an inflexible central core and a flexible diaphragm body surrounding the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include a reinforced thermoplastic and the flexible diaphragm body may include a thermoplastic elastomer. The flexible diaphragm body is bonded directly to the inflexible central core. The diaphragm assembly may include a mounting bolt having a head end and a threaded end. The inflexible central core surrounds the head end of the mounting bolt and the threaded end of the mounting bolt extends outside of the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include multiple raised features that cooperate to define cavities in the inflexible central core. The flexible diaphragm body fills the cavities of the inflexible central core.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm assemblies for diaphragm pumps and methods for manufacturing such diaphragm assemblies are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a diaphragm pump may include an inflexible central core and a flexible diaphragm body surrounding the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include a reinforced thermoplastic and the flexible diaphragm body may include a thermoplastic elastomer. The flexible diaphragm body is bonded directly to the inflexible central core. The diaphragm assembly may include a mounting bolt having a head end and a threaded end. The inflexible central core surrounds the head end of the mounting bolt and the threaded end of the mounting bolt extends outside of the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include multiple raised features that cooperate to define cavities in the inflexible central core. The flexible diaphragm body fills the cavities of the inflexible central core.

Abstract: A novel cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a novel cushioning product and for producing discrete sections or pads of desired length, without the need for a cutting assembly, thereby enabling the construction of a less expensive, smaller and less complex machine. The machine and method are characterized by a weakening device for perforating a sheet stock material of one or more plies along tear lines so that as a strip of cushioning is formed from the stock material, discrete sections or pads of desired length may be detachable along the tear lines. The stock material includes material which is biodegradable, recyclable and composed of a renewable resource, such as kraft paper.

Abstract: Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.

Abstract: An easy load packaging system, and a stand and a dunnage conversion machine therefor are disclosed. The stand includes a base and a pair of upright guide members mounted to the base and supporting at the upper ends thereof a dunnage conversion machine. The guide members define there between a channel for guiding sheet stock material to the dunnage conversion machine. The dunnage conversion machine is pivotable relative to the stand between an operating position and a servicing/loading position whereat access to internal components of the machine is simplified. A stack of sheet stock material is jacketed and/or baled for simplified loading into a packaging system or stand. An adhesive layer on the bottom or top of the stack enables the stack to be easily spliced to another stack.

Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports. While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent. The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material includes a decorative layer, a stiffener core, and, optionally, a backing layer, which are thermofused to each other. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.