Abstract: A high resolution actuator is provided which can be used in extreme environments, e.g., at extremely low temperatures. The actuator uses electromagnetic forces to actuate levers which then cause rotation of a lead screw. The actuator uses very small gaps in the magnetic circuit to achieve a high force with a small input power.

Abstract: A brake system for a bicycle includes a frame with two blocks received therein side by side, each of the two blocks having a protrusion extending from the rear end thereof so that a bridge member is mounted to the two protrusions. Two cables each have one end thereof connected to the respective block and the other end thereof extends through the top of the frame and is connected to the respective brake handle. A rear brake cable connected with the rear brake mechanism is connected to the bridge member and a front brake cable connected with the front brake mechanism movably extends between the two blocks. When either one of the first cable or the second cable is pulled, one of the blocks and the bridge member are moved so that the rear brake mechanism is first operated.

Abstract: A hand brake includes a mounting frame mounted on a handlebar grip of a wheeled walker and defining a working space with an open side and a closed end wall. A cable pull block is disposed inside the working space, and has an upper part pivoted to the mounting frame by a first pivot, and a lower part serving as a force bearing part and connected to a transmission cable under tension. A control lever has a pivot part extending into the working space via the open side thereof, and an operating part extending outwardly of the working space. The pivot part has an upper portion that is provided with an upwardly opening accommodating space. The accommodating space has a base wall. The cable pull block extends downwardly into the accommodating space such that the lower part confronts the base wall. The lower part of the control lever is pivoted to the cable pull block by a second pivot parallel to and disposed below the first pivot.

Abstract: A brake lever for a cycle includes a brake handle having a crank beam pivotally coupled to a lever bracket at a pivot shaft, an adjuster nut rotatably received in the brake handle and extended outward of the brake handle so as to be rotated by the user. A bar has one end pivotally coupled to the crank beam at a pivot pin and has a cable link pivotally coupled to the other end. A bolt is threaded through the adjuster nut and has one end pivotally coupled to the bar for rotating the bar about the pivot pin and for adjusting the brake lever to different brake leverages.

Abstract: A cable strand end-fitting having a housing which defines a longitudinal bore with internal threads to receive a screw member with external threads, the threads cooperate to allow axial movement of the screw member relative to the housing. A longitudinal passageway through the screw member receives a cable strand extending therethrough, one end of the cable strand is a terminal end bulb which abuts the screw member so the axial movement of the screw member adjusts the cable strand. The housing includes a mounting portion having a cylindrical opening generally perpendicular to the longitudinal bore, the cylindrical opening is adapted to be disposed over a mounting post along the longitudinal axis of the mounting post. A retainer clip secures the end-fitting to the mounting post with opposed locking teeth which are adapted to be positioned through diametrically opposed slots in the mounting portion of the housing thereby engaging the mounting post for securement.

Abstract: A trunk lid has an externally operated key lock cylinder that operates a latch mechanism inside the trunk by a cable assembly. The key lock cylinder is connected to the cable assembly by a universal actuator assembly including a housing having a ferrule for attachment to a sheath of the cable assembly. The universal actuator assembly further includes an attachment sleeve that is attached to the key lock cylinder in a predetermined angular orientation. The attachment sleeve has one end disposed in the chamber of the housing, with the one end having a plurality of radial teeth that engage radial lugs in the housing to index the sleeve with respect to the housing in a selected angular orientation to reduce the length of the cable assembly that is required. A rotor rotatably disposed in the housing has a central drive aperture for being driven by the key lock cylinder and an eccentric connector aperture for driving the cable assembly.

Abstract: A control lever assembly with handle lockout capability including a lever element selectively positionable in a locking position and lockable therein by movement of a handle thereof to a lock position. A first biasing member is disposed on the lever element in an operative position to exert a first biasing force against a detent element, and a second biasing member is disposed in opposition to the first biasing member and is operable to hold the detent element to allow free pivotal movement of the lever element relative to a base.

Abstract: A handle extension device that is used to alter the position where a person pushes a wheeled item, such as a baby stroller or a lawn mower. This enables the ergonomics of the wheeled item to be optimized for individuals of differing stature. The handle extension device has at least two clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism is adapted to engage one of the existing handle shafts of the wheeled item. Two arm elements extend from the clamping mechanisms. Each arm element extends from a clamping mechanism at a predetermined angle that can be selectively varied. A cross-element interconnects the two arm elements. The length of the cross-element can also be selectively varied so as to fit different sized wheeled items. The cross-element serves as the new push handle. By varying the angle and position of the cross-element and person can position the cross-element to an ergonomically correct orientation.

Abstract: In combination with a bicycle handlebar having a crossbar portion connected to a bicycle stem, a handle and torso support assembly, including: (1) a pair of handle extensions having a handle clamp affixed at one end of each handle extension, and (2) clamping means for securing the handle clamps to the crossbar portion, the handle extensions extending rearwardly and upwardly to a region rearward from the crossbar portion to define a rider position whereby the rider's hands are located under the rider's upper torso when steering a bicycle using the handle extensions. The handle and torso assembly further includes a torso support extension that is secured to the crossbar portion with a torso clamp. Thus, the handle and torso support extensions provide for a bicycle rider to assume an aerodynamic forward leaning rest position in which his silhouette is minimized while conserving energy.

Abstract: A device for mounting an integrally formed steering wheel on the steering shaft of a vehicle. The device includes a boss to couple the steering wheel to the steering shaft on which is rotatably mounted a fastener that is rotated by a drive gear arrangement. The drive gear is on shaft that is rotatably mounted in a housing connected to the boss so that the drive gear that meshes with a complementary drive gear on the fastener to rotate and fasten the steering wheel to the steering shaft. Retainers are used to support the gear shaft to opposing sidewalls of the housing, and include bushings located between the retainer and the gear shaft.

Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting a valve in a housing. The mounting mechanism includes a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. A linearizing mechanism converts the forces exerted on the release mechanism by the shaft into a linear force. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft and the linear force exerted on the release mechanism exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the valve and the housing in the closed position of the valve.

Abstract: A control device for an automobile vehicle seat adjustment element including a control element connected to the adjustment element by a connecting rod. The rod is attached to one of the elements by a clamp made of a material more deformable than the material of the rod, the claim including a body and a cover between which the rod is inserted, the rod including protuberances which anchor into the material of the clamp by deforming this material.

Abstract: A bottle opening device worn on the user's hand or wrist. The bottle opener includes a round member having interior ridges and grooves for mating with a twist-off bottle cap, a slidable hook for removing a pry-off bottle cap, and a magnet for retaining the bottle cap. The bottle opener may include a watch, a sound emitter such as an alarm, and a light, possibly to assist with reading the watch.

Abstract: A seat for guiding screws and nails includes a block having two opposite vertical lateral sides and two opposite ends, each of the sides being formed with a plurality of semi-circular holes, and a rectangular opening extending through the two opposite ends, whereby a jaw of a longnose pliers may be inserted into the rectangular opening of the trapezium block to keep the trapezium block at a fixed position thereby enabling a screw or the like to be guided safely, rapidly and accurately by the vertical passage between the semi-circular hole and another jaw of the longnose pliers to a workpiece.

Abstract: An improved tool extractor includes a head end and a broach end. The broad end includes a series of symmetrically arranged recesses and ribs generally defined about a longitudinal axis of the broach end.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a shaft and a rotatable handle that is coupled to the shaft bar by a ratchet mechanism. The disclosed ratchet mechanism provides a clockwise ratcheting action, a counterclockwise ratcheting action, and a freewheeling action, as selected by a ratchet control ring. The shaft bar includes a quick release mechanism using a symmetrical ring that facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A wrench for rotating hexagonal fasteners includes an opening defined by a sidewall. The sidewall includes a plurality of contact surfaces for contacting respective sides of the fastener. Each contact surface includes two groups of generally parallel ridges separated by a recessed portion. Each of the ridges has a convexly curved top for contacting a side of the fastener.

Abstract: A nested expansible socket includes a first socket member and a second socket member coupled to the first socket member whereby the second socket member fits within the first socket member and telescopes relative to the first socket member. The self-adjusting socket further includes a third socket member coupled to the second socket member whereby the third socket member fits within the second socket member and telescopes relative to the first and second socket members.

Abstract: A long, slender tool for tightening and loosening elongated hex-head nuts (wing knobs) associated with vertical filing clamps. The tool includes an elongated hexagon shaped hole located on one end which cooperatively engages a corresponding shaped elongated hex-head nut (wing knob). A plastic coated handle is use to provide leverage in applying torque to the elongated hex-head nut (wing knob). At the opposite end of the wrench is a common hexagon shaped hole for loosening and tightening a 5/16" hex-head nut. Located closer to the elongated hexagon shaped hole than to the common hexagon shaped hole is a vertical offset.

Abstract: A nut holding device is mounted in a ratcheting tool of the type including a compartment defined by a polygonal inner periphery. The nut holding device includes a body mounted in the compartment, a number of elastic plates formed on an upper side of the body for holding a nut to be loosened, and a number of positioning members formed on the body to position the body in the compartment. A number of posts are formed on an underside of the body for supporting the body in the compartment of the ratcheting tool in an elevated manner such that the nut held between the elastic plates is adjacent to an open top face of the compartment of the ratcheting tool.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a handle and a jaw head extending from one end of the handle. The jaw head is formed of a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw is composed of a first clamping side, a second clamping side, a third clamping side, and a fourth clamping side. A receiving hole is formed by these four clamping sides and provided with an opening. The movable jaw is axially and linearly displaceable in the receiving hole of the fixed jaw such that the movable jaw is capable of an axial and linear displacement. The movable jaw has a first clamping side and a second clamping. The fixed jaw and the movable jaw form together a jaw mouth having at least three clamping sides to hold securely a hexagonal nut or a bolt having a hexagonal head.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench having a handle with two handle sections himgeably joined end to end with a jaw section mounted on one free end of one section. A clip is provided for locking orientation of the two sections with respect to one another for turning fasteners that are located in awkwardly accessible locations. Indicia on the jaws of the wrench indicate spacing of the jaws for standard sizes. The gripping surfaces of the moveable jaw has an area that is parallel to an area of the fixed jaw for quick accessibility of the wrench. The gripping surfaces of the fixed and moveable jaws also have areas that are contoured to present broad areas of contact to either a hexagonal fastener or a square fastener.

Abstract: A universal socket wrench includes a housing having an inner bore and an outer opening of different sizes for forming a shoulder between the opening and the bore. The housing has a number of depressions communicating with the shoulder of the housing. A plate is engaged with the opening and the shoulder of the housing and has a number of projections engaged with the depressions of the housing for solidly securing the plate to the housing. A number of spring biased posts are slidably engaged with the plate for driving fasteners of various sizes.

Abstract: An improved pliers having a first and second member. The first member includes a jaw operatively connected to a first handle, and the second member includes a second jaw operatively connected to a second handle. A slot is located in one of the members between the jaw and the handle. A pin in the other member extends into the slot and is secured therein to hold the members together while permitting relative motion between them. The slot may have different shapes but must be long and wide enough to allow the pin unrestricted motion. A projection extends from one of the members and engages a pivot area which may be a surface or a notch on the other member. In two embodiments of this invention, two pivot notches are used to give two different ranges of motion to the jaws. Different shapes of jaws may be used for specialized purposes, such as, opening pipe clamps or removing oil filters.

Abstract: A device for guiding a bar at the outlet of a lathe feeder, particularly of an automatic lathe, comprising: a tubular body, which is fixed to the outlet of the feeder coaxially to the rotation axis of the bar; and a plurality of circular annular elements, which are mutually adjacent and lie on planes which are perpendicular to the bar rotation axis and are articulated inside the tubular body about axes which are angularly distributed around the axis and so that the center of the elements can oscillate along a circular path which passes through the axis; the elements have respective arms which protrude outside the tubular body through slots of the body and are articulately coupled to a sleeve which is supported so that it can rotate on the tubular body; the sleeve is controlled by an actuation which turns it in both directions, so as to produce an oscillation of the elements in a position which forms a passage for the bar which is delimited by portions of the circular annular elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting a sheet material web as it is wound onto a roll including at least one winding drum supporting the web, a moveably reel spool positioned in a parallel and spaced apart relationship with the winding drum, a slitting device and a control system. The slitting device includes a track member and a slitting member moveably mounted on the track member. The slitting member continuously slits the sheet material web longitudinally along its length as it is wound onto the roll. The control system controls the position of the slitting member on the track so as to maintain a predetermined penetration of the slitting member within the roll as the roll increases in size.

Abstract: A method for cutting to length a strip-shaped profiled member of unvulcanized rubber material by a cutting edge includes the step of providing a speed between the cutting edge and the profiled member to be cut of at least 2.5 m/s during the cutting action. The device for carrying out the method includes a carriage and a tool with a cutting edge fastened to the carriage. The carriage has an acceleration path, defined between a rest position of the carriage and a side of the profiled member facing the carriage, of between 0.2 and 1 m. The carriage has a deceleration path, defined between an oppositely arranged side of the profiled member and an end position of the carriage, of at least 0.1 m.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system for simultaneously making multiple cuts in a continuously moving layered web of paper or nonwoven material. The fluid jet cutting system includes a controller which monitors the web speed through an encoder feedback signal, and controls the travel speed and angle based on parameters stored in the controller memory and feedback signals. The user can select a cut length and other cutting parameters through an input device to the controller. Nozzles are mounted to a drive system including an adjustment device which allows fast easy and accurate adjustment of cut length.

Abstract: Assembly to shear rolled sections (11a, 11b) coming from two parallel, adjacent rolling lines, the assembly comprising for each rolling line a feeding unit (13a, 13b), shears (12a, 12b) for shearing to size and a single scrap shears (14) with two pairs of blade-holder elements (15a, 15b) cooperating with the corresponding scrap-conveying channels (23a, 23b), there also being present first switches (20a, 20b) to feed the rolled sections (11a, 11b) alternately towards the the shearing channel (22a, 22b) and towards the scrap-conveying channel (23a, 23b), all the motors being on the same side, the shearing assembly also comprising a cyclone to discharge discards (17) downstream from the scrap shears (14) and comprising, downstream from the scrap shears (14), second switches (21a, 21b) cooperating with the rolled sections respectively (11a, 11b) to feed alternately a double removal channel (24a, 24b) placed downstream.

Abstract: A disk-shaped cutter extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of a resonator is detachably installed on the resonator which is molded substantially cylindrical with a fastening unit.

Abstract: An improved rotary trimmer having a blade biasing member is shown and described. The biasing member biases the blade in an inoperative position in which the blade is retracted inside a housing when not in use. A manual actuating means is used to overcome the bias provided by the biasing member and to move the blade into an operative position in which at least the cutting edge of the blade projects from the housing.

Abstract: To increase a yield of a hydrocarbon such as oil from a subsurface reserv, the reservoir is stimulated by pumping liquid gun propellant (LP) into the reservoir and igniting the LP. The LP is pumped into a packed-off region in a cased well; the depth of the packed-off region is selected to lie within the reservoir. The ignition of the LP causes a pressurization of the reservoir, thus fracturing the reservoir. The fracture increases a surface area through which the hydrocarbon can be extracted, and the heat from the ignition reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A rotary linear unit possesses a rotary drive and a linear drive. A bearing rod is connected with the drive shaft of the rotary drive, such bearing rod extending coaxially into the output drive unit of the linear drive. On the bearing rod a bearing sleeve is mounted so that it may not rotate while being axially displaceable, such sleeve being fixedly connected with the piston of the linear drive. The piston is divided into two axially sequential piston parts, between which the bearing sleeve is located, which extends into facing receiving recesses in the piston parts.

Abstract: The piston (1) has a ball receptacle (14) for the rod head (4) of the piston rod (2) of a swash plate compressor. For absorbing particularly high pressures the rod head (4) has a relatively large diameter, so that the ball receptacle (14) extends close to the circumference of the piston (1). The piston wall (15) laterally surrounding the rod head (4) has a circumferential indentation (21) which, in the inwards direction, forms an uninterrupted undercut enclosing the spherical rod head (4).

Abstract: A drive part for converting rotational movement in a fuel pump to the wobble movement includes the shaft for transmitting an outside drive force, the swash plate rotated by the shaft and the wobble plate for converting the rotational movement of the swash plate to the wobble movement. Plural pistons are reciprocated in response to the wobble movement of the wobble plate. The crank room containing the swash plate, the wobble plate and the piston are separated into the fuel room and the drive room by bellows. The bearings for transmitting the drive force between the shaft in the drive room and the swash plate, and the bearing for transmitting the drive force between the swash plate and the wobble plate are placed inside the drive room in order to lubricate the bearings. By arranging plural pistons inside the fuel room, the fuel is forced to be taken in and discharged by the reciprocating movement of the individual pistons.

Abstract: A swash plate compressor is for carrying out a compressing operation by converting a rotational force of a swash plate into a reciprocating motion of a piston via a sliding member which is held to the piston. The swash plate extends along a reference plane and has a sliding surface which faces on the sliding member with rotation of the swash plate. The sliding surface is non-parallel to the reference plane. The sliding surface may have a conical shape or a curved surface shape.

Abstract: An end cover and a coupler, which construct a load-absorbing mechanism, make sliding displacement in a state of relative surface-to-surface contact respectively. Thus, the load, which is exerted in the horizontal and vertical directions, in the rotational direction about the axis, in the rotational direction about the perpendicular to the axis, and in various directions given by combining these directions in a complex manner, is absorbed.

Abstract: A device in an end wall (3) of a fluid pressure cylinder (1), of the kind including a cylinder tube (2) which is provided with a longitudinal slot through which a transfer element is arranged to transfer movement from a piston being moveable inside the cylinder and which is sealed through at least an inner (8) sealing band, said device being arranged for fastening of the inner sealing band (8) in the cylinder end wall, is distinguished by a fastening unit (4) which is insertable and lockable inside a cavity in the end wall (3) and which is comprised of a profile body (4) having a clamping jaw (5) for holding the inner band (8), said jaw being displaceable by deformation (at 6) and being arranged to co-operate with a first tightening screw (10) for obtaining the displacement.

Abstract: A gas sensor (8) includes a body (10) that is shaped to define a chamber (14). An electrolyte (34) is contained in the chamber (14) and three electrodes (26, 28 and 30) that are located on an electrode substrate (24) are disposed in contact with the electrolyte. The body (10) is electrically connected to the three electrodes. A cover (36) engages the body (10) to enclose the chamber (14). A resistor array (58a-58n) is located between the cover (36) and the electrode substrate (24). The resistors (58a-58n) are coated with a compound that emits a predetermined gas in response to temperature increase. To test the sensor (8) voltage is selectively applied to the resistor array (58a-58n) to introduce the gas to the gas diffusion path of the sensor (8).

Abstract: A hot beverage vending machine adapted for making coffee drinks from a freeze dried mixture by utilizing mixing bowls and delivery tubes surrounded by a heater shroud. A smooth edge whipper is utilized to whip the coffee mixture to the proper consistency after it leaves the mixing bowl to provide the proper crema appearance in the cup. The mixture is directed into a cup by an adjustable outlet tube so that the coffee mixture is directed against the side of the cup below the full line. The adjustable outlet tube also contributes to the proper drink appearance by reducing the number of large bubbles in the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, comprising a water reservoir, a heating element for heating water in the water reservoir, an extraction device, an electric pump and a thermostat for the detection of the temperature of the water in the reservoir. The thermostat is connected in series with the heating element and the pump is connected in parallel with the thermostat. After the water has reached the desired temperature the thermostat is closed, which causes the pump to be switched on in order to pump the hot water to the extraction device. During the pumping phase the power of the heating element is virtually cut off.

Abstract: This invention discloses an automated corn popping apparatus including a kettle, a support arrangement for supporting and operating the kettle, a display arrangement for enclosing the corn popping apparatus, a controller for automatically operating the corn popping apparatus, and a conduit system for introducing cooking oil into the kettle. In a preferred embodiment, the kettle includes a kettle and an agitator mechanism. A support arrangement includes a mechanism for rotating the kettle from a position for popping corn to a position for dumping corn into the display arrangement. Also, a shaft mechanism is used for raising and lowering the lid and rotating the agitator mechanism. The shaft mechanism is in fluid association with a source of cooking oil at one end of its length, and has apertures located near the other end of its length so as to provide a conduit for the supply of cooking oil directly into the kettle.

Abstract: A steaming apparatus comprising a steaming box having an inner wall and an outer wall, a burner, and a water boiler being mounted at the bottom of the inner wall, characterized in that the water boiler comprises an inner channel and an outer channel, the inner channel has a facing down opening and is provided with a plurality of water tubes, the external wall of the inner channel is provided with a plurality of smoke-releasing connection tubes. The outer channel has a facing up opening and is provided with a plurality of smoke-releasing tubes, which are connected to the smoke-releasing connection tubes of the inner channel, a passage is formed between the inner channel and the outer channel, and is used for the storage of water. The burner mounted at the bottom of the water boiler heats the water boiler and the temperature of the water therein rapidly increases and the water boils to form steam.

Abstract: A block former for the production of blocks of cheese, comprising an upright drainage column with a feed opening for curd particles at the upper end, a closed casing and a perforated inner tube. There is an annular space between the casing and the inner tube and a cutting-off device at the lower end for cutting off blocks of cheese. A discharge device is provided for discharging a cut-off block of cheese after a block forming cycle. A vacuum device is also provided for filling under reduced pressure the inner tube with curd particles via the feed opening and for creating a vacuum in the annular space. The column is divided into an upper and a lower part in such a manner that different pressures can prevail simultaneously in the upper and the lower part during any moment of a cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparati for preparing and displaying a donut having a "fresh-baked" quality in a retail environment principally uses standard equipment available in a typical convenience store or quick-service restaurant. The method utilizes pre-frozen donuts manufactured at a centralized manufacturing facility and involves thawing, storing and heating the frozen donuts at the point-of-service. The donuts are thawed under refrigeration but in a generally humidity-constant environment. This on-site procedure allows a retailer to quickly and conveniently produce a moist, fresh-tasting donut with minimum equipment and effort. Furthermore, the present production method allows the retailer to control the number and type of donuts produced for sale, thereby substantially eliminating waste and allowing the retailer to immediately tailor donut production to local consumer demand. An improved applicator eases the glazing process to permit relatively inexperienced personnel to properly glaze the donuts.

Abstract: A mechanical nut cracker for a machine having an adjustably positioned crushing plate and crusher bar for cracking various types of nuts. The mechanical nut cracker includes a crusher assembly having a crusher bar rotationally attached to an end of a base member. The crusher assembly further includes a pair of side walls and a slanted back wall extending upwardly from the crusher bar and between the side walls. A crusher plate assembly is adjustably coupled to the base member for positioning in spaced relationship to the crusher bar. The crusher plate assembly includes a crusher plate, a pair of plate assembly side walls, and a slanted front wall extending up from the crusher plate and between the plate assembly side walls. The crusher plate assembly further includes a pair of arms extending outwardly for adjustably engaging the base member.

Abstract: A method of handling scrap tires including providing a satellite tire collection enclosure constructed of baled tires and sized to receive scrap tires, collecting scrap tires inside the tire collection enclosure until the enclosure is at or near capacity, volume reducing the scrap tires by baling the scrap tires using a mobile tire baler having a baler and a boom on a mobile platform at a minimum of about 2,400 whole tires into bales having a minimum of about 20 whole tires and a maximum of about 150 tires in a bale to achieve a volume reduction of about 80 percent by volume, and transporting baled scrap tires to a home base, a recycling center, or directly to an end-user. In one aspect, a mobile tire baler includes a baler and a boom on a mobile platform, a cutter for over-size tires, and a crusher for tire rims.

Abstract: A continuous press for pressing a thick mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal transport direction, upper and lower flexible intake plates juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and defining therewith an intake mouth flaring upstream, and a plurality of hydraulic actuators braced between at least one of the intake plates and the frame and operable to deform the one intake plate and thereby change the spacing of the belts at the mouth. A desired shape of the one intake plate at the mouth is established in accordance with the thickness of the mat, the density of the mat, and the thickness of the panel.

Abstract: A conveyor for stabilizing packets of cigarettes coming off a packing machine, whereby each packet is fed along a stabilizing path and through a marking station by a pair of opposite facing conveyor belts partly engaging respective opposite minor lateral surfaces of the packet; and a laser marking unit is mounted at the marking station to impress a progressive code on a portion, left exposed by the respective conveyor belt, of one of the minor lateral surfaces of the packet.

Abstract: An embosser and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the embosser has a frame, a hammer and an anvil and includes: (1) a ram coupled to the frame and oriented to apply a force in a given direction and (2) force translators, coupled to the ram and the hammer, that reorient the force in a direction substantially normal to a plane of a face of the hammer and limit a cant of the hammer with respect to the anvil.