Abstract: A self-closing drawer slide system includes first and second slide members and a self-closing mechanism which, in turn, includes a housing coupled to the first slide member, a carriage slidably coupled to the housing, and a spring coupled between the housing and the carriage. The carriage has an engagement area that selectively receives a cam/tab extending from the second slide member. As the drawer is pulled open, the carriage disengages from the cam/tab as it rotates and is locked in place. As the drawer returns, the carriage again engages the cam/tab, unlocks, and is pulled toward a drawer-closed position by the spring. The system may also include an intermediate member, with respective sets of three balls disposed between the intermediate and first and second slide members such that respective centers of the balls define corners of an obtuse triangle. The self-closing mechanism may also include a damper.

Abstract: A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.

Abstract: A system for assisting the linear opening and closing movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that, at one end, is pivotally coupled to the first bracket and, at a second end, is pivotally coupled to the second bracket. The strut includes an elongate hollow member that houses a spring and a cylindrical piston, as well as a rod sub-assembly that translates through one end of the hollow member. The cylindrical piston is situated between, and at its respective ends is coupled to, the spring and the rod sub-assembly. The free end of the spring is held inside the hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and the free end of the rod sub-assembly includes a clevis for the second bracket.

Abstract: A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.

Abstract: A self-closing drawer slide system includes first and second slide members and a self-closing mechanism which, in turn, includes a housing coupled to the first slide member, a carriage slidably coupled to the housing, and a spring coupled between the housing and the carriage. The carriage has an engagement area that selectively receives a cam/tab extending from the second slide member. As the drawer is pulled open, the carriage disengages from the cam/tab as it rotates and is locked in place. As the drawer returns, the carriage again engages the cam/tab, unlocks, and is pulled toward a drawer-closed position by the spring. The system may also include an intermediate member, with respective sets of three balls disposed between the intermediate and first and second slide members such that respective centers of the balls define corners of an obtuse triangle. The self-closing mechanism may also include a damper.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve clamps the work during a drilling step, following which a tubular anvil moves within the sleeve to support the work while a rivet is thrust into the work with an interference fit. The tubular anvil is then withdrawn and moved with an anvil pin to form an upset head. If desired, the pin can then be retracted, and the outer portion of the upset head partially sheared by the tubular anvil and flattened against the work.