Abstract: A shrimp conveying and positioning apparatus (10) includes a track (13) oriented along an inclined path in one direction. The track is reciprocated along an inclined path in a direction opposite to the inclined orientation of the track. The apparatus also includes a contact plate (26) wherein the shrimp ride upon the contact plate to position the shrimp from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A coin singulator for outputting coins in single file in a known orientation for effecting payout from a gaming terminal is provided. A rotatable disk is positioned spaced-apart from a backplate to define a substantially cylindrical region therebetween in conjunction with a rim region. Vanes on the front surface of the rotating disk convey coins picked up from a randomly-oriented mass of coins to a central opening of the disk for conveyance through the central opening into the space between the disk and the backplate. The distance between the disk and the backplate is such that only a single layer or thickness of coins is accommodated. Preferably the backplate is inclined such that the coins are positioned in face-to-face contact with the backplate. A plurality of vanes on the back surface of the disk moves the coin along the rim to an exit opening in the rim with the back surface vanes preferably shaped to output no more than a single coin as each rim passes the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating sewer gas from a city sewer system comprises a frame that can be inserted into a manhole and supported by the surface surrounding the manhole, a gasoline engine carried by the frame, and a fan turned by the engine shaft so that it draws air upwards from the sewer through ventholes formed in the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning control system includes an actuator for controlling the position of an outside air intake door and an ambient exhaust gas sensor. A controller of the control system monitors a time rate of change of the degree of uncleanness periodically measured on the basis of the output of the sensor, and commands the actuator to bring the intake door to the fully closed position for the inside air recirculation mode if a first requirement about a previous exhaust gas concentration change and a second requirement about a current exhaust gas concentration change are both met.

Abstract: A method of preventing clogging and leaking in an automobile air vent system where there is an upwardly facing air vent grill which is made of a magnetically permeable material and is positioned at an upper portion of the body surface of the automobile forwardly of the windshield. This air vent is covered by a generally planar intake cover having a perimeter configuration substantially the same as the vent intake opening. This cover is made of a magnetic material which when placed over the vent cover remains securely in place and prevents the clogging (and thus leaking) of the air vent system.

Abstract: An air circulation and mixing device is disclosed which can cover a ceiling air ventilation duct, taking air discharged from the duct and drawing air at the room's ceiling, mixing the two, and redirecting the mixed air so that it is discharged radially and parallel to the ceiling, rather than directly downwardly. The device has an open frame whose sides may be covered with removable air filtration media and which forms a primary interior having a lower aperture and normally an upper aperture. An open-sided grille below the lower aperture forms a secondary space. A fan is mounted within the primary space and turns blades within the lower aperture and a disk at the bottom of the secondary space. An annular plate surrounding the fan housing blocks downward flow of incoming air and forces the air to flow radially outwardly around the edge of the plate, thus also insuring good mixing with the incoming ceiling air.

Abstract: A vent structure with a slotted rectangular outlet includes a cylindrical connector section to mate with a cylindrical duct, a flared and curved transition section, and a rectangular outlet section. The structure is formed in such a manner that turbulence is minimized in air flowing through the structure to thereby lessen the generation of airflow noise. The structure is sized and shaped to fit within a stud wall formed by conventionally sized studs positioned at a typical spacing. The structure includes a mounting plate with a mounting channel to receive an extendible mounting bracket, the ends of which are fastened to studs between which the structure is mounted.

Abstract: In a game system, an atmosphere, such as a temperature and a humidity, is set to a field where player characters compete with each other. The atmosphere Is displayed on a display screen. While a game advances, an ability value of each player character is changed depending on the atmosphere, and a change in ability value is displayed on the display screen. Since the ability of each player character is determined according to the ability value, the ability of each player character is changed as the game advances so that the development of the game is also changed. Accordingly, based on the displayed atmosphere, a game player can elaborate a strategy so that attractiveness of the game is enhanced.

Abstract: A computer implemented electronic game includes a wheel of fortune game with odds of a jackpot greatly in excess of the number of indicia on a simulated wheel. In one embodiment, a virtual mapping allows a bonus indicium of the wheel to be given a 1:M chance of being landed on, even though the bonus position is one of N positions on the simulated wheel. A random number L is chosen between 1 and M and this number is mapped to a number between 1 and N. The display of the wheel if controlled to simulate stopping of the wheel at the Ith indicium where L is mapped to I. In one embodiment, by using successive wheel spins, the odds of moving to the next round are multiplied to achieve an overall odds of winning a jackpot.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electronic lottery game system utilizing multiple player-activated video terminals that are linked to computers performing centralized game draw and accounting functions. Each player places a wager and selects his lottery draw choices. The system enrolls the player in a future lottery game after the player makes his choices. The system automatically draws the lottery numbers. The result of the selected game is displayed at the player's terminal in such a manner as to provide the excitement of a real time game.

Abstract: A gaming device, such as a slot machine, determines a balance and a “dispensed amount” that is less than the balance. The dispensed amount may be determined by, for example, receiving signals from one or more key presses that specify the dispensed amount. Alternatively, the dispensed amount may be determined in accordance with one or more “balance management rules”. The gaming device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming device.

Abstract: A system of linked gaming machines has each of the linked gaming machines connected to a common controller. In a normal mode of play, each of the linked gaming machines operates like a conventional machine where the generation of certain combinations of symbols provide awards to the individual players whose machines generate such combinations. In addition to this normal mode of play, a bonus feature is added where the generation of combinations of bonus symbols is used by a central controller to build up a pooled bonus value based upon the values of the combinations of bonus symbols generated by all the linked gaming machines. When a player hits a combination which causes the accumulated bonus value to meet or exceed a predetermined value, a bonus award is given to the player which caused the threshold to be exceeded.

Abstract: Each character that makes an appearance in a game is provided with a program, which is independent of other programs, for deciding the action of the character, and with a program counter. These mutually independent programs are run in parallel. The speed at which the program advances differs for each character. A character representing the player is endowed with the highest speed of advance, and this character is given the highest priority in parallel processing as well. Interaction among characters is realized by communication among the programs, and an order of priority is assigned to communication among programs. As a result, the game is provided with a greater sense of surprise and the program game is easier to create.

Abstract: A clutch for a two-mass flywheel of an internal combustion engine includes a first half-coupling and a second-half coupling. Both half-couplings are, within the bounds provided, torsionally twistable relative to the other. The half-couplings are connected to each other through elastic clutch elements. Side-disks form an inner, leakproof compartment containing a center disk. In the radially outer regions of the compartment resides at least one displacement chamber that is capable of being filled and which has a throttle orifice. The displacement chamber is bound circumferentially by two first tappets which are part of one half-coupling, as well as by a second tappet which is part of the other half-coupling. The second tappet divides the displacement chamber into two sectional chambers. At least one of the tappets includes a stationary tappet piece and a movable tappet piece which is movable in circumferential direction and delimits the respective partial chamber.

Abstract: A clutch disk assembly includes axially opposed clutch and retaining plates 102 and 103. A flange 101 having a plurality of circumferentially long recesses is arranged between the clutch and retaining plates. Plate coupling portions 109 extend from the retaining plate 103 through the recesses at the flange and connect the clutch and retaining plates together.

Abstract: A coupling combination (1) consists of a compensating coupling (2) and a torsionally elastic coupling (3), where the compensating coupling (2) comprises a coupling member (4) with a middle tube portion (5) and two end-face diaphragm portions (6, 7) forming connecting rings (62, 72), and the torsionally elastic coupling (3) has an inner portion (10) and an outer portion (11) and between outer portion (11) and inner portion (10) has spring elements (12) for torque transmission.

Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity joint, out of the pair of guide surfaces, the guide surface on the anchor side to tightly press the outer peripheral face of the outer roller when the rotational torque is transmitted in a predetermined direction is made non-parallel to the central axis of the trunnion under a zero joint angle condition, and there are provided guide portions each having a contact surface to contact with a side face of the outer roller at the anchor side on the side on which a distance between the guide surface on the anchor side and the central axis of the trunnion is extended.

Abstract: This spider for a universal joint includes a central body (2) intended to be connected to a shaft and from which several arms (3) project, a roller (5) mounted so that it can roll and slide on each arm (3) by means of a ring of needles (4), and a member (8) for retaining each roller (5) on its arm (3). The arm (3) includes a hollowed peripheral raceway (12) in which the needles (4) run. The retaining member includes a collar (8) mounted at the end of the arm and spaced away from the needles (4), which collar has, on the outside, over at least most of its periphery, a rim (18) for positive retention of the roller.

Abstract: The annular cushion 25 interposed between the fixed housing 22, 23 and a swiveling exterior surface 27 in the shape of a spherical sector with relatively large radius of curvature of the bearing block 12, 15, 16, is in a relatively rigid and incompressible material, with low coefficient of friction surface, and has a transverse section wholly adapted to the section of the annular space arranged between the inner surface of the fixed housing 22, 23 and the swiveling exterior surface of the bearing block 12, 15, 16, this annular cushion consisting of two rings 25 spaced apart and arranged on each side of the transverse median plane of the swiveling exterior surface.

Abstract: A simulated soup bowl entertainment attraction, comprising: a bowl-shaped member having a top bounded by a top rim, a bottom permitting light transmission therethrough, and sidewalls connecting the top rim with the bottom; a fog generator producing a fog layer at the top of the bowl-shaped member; and an imaging device producing an image within the bowl-shaped member, the image viewable from a viewing position looking down into the top of the bowl-shaped member. Preferably, the bowl shaped entertainment attraction includes an image controlling apparatus coupled to the imaging device for changing the image viewable from the viewing position. Optionally, apparatus producing sound within the bowl-shaped member may be provided. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction may include a sound controlling apparatus coupled to a sound system for selectively changing the sound heard from within the bowl-shaped member.

Abstract: A sports/recreation facility is provided with seating bank around a playing area (2), and a grass playing surface (12) which is withdrawable from the playing area. The playing area is defined within one end of a shallow dock (16), the dock extending over the playing area and also extending sufficiently outside the playing area in one direction to define an area outside the playing area and seating banks having dimensions at least equal to the playing area. A shallow barge (14) is floatable within the dock and supports the playing surface for movement within the dock between the playing area and the outside area. The water (18) for introduction into the dock is stored within the barge.

Abstract: A portable pool/golf game includes a plurality of rails each having first and second rail ends and a plurality of ball pockets, each ball pocket being arranged between adjacent ones of the plurality of said rails. A plurality of male/female connectors couple the plurality of rails and the plurality of ball pockets together. The connected plurality of rails and plurality of ball pockets define a boundary. A playing surface member has a top surface, a bottom surface and lateral edges. The boundary formed by the plurality of rails and the plurality of ball pockets is arranged at the lateral edges on the top surface of the playing surface member. A fastener is arranged on a bottom surface of the plurality of the rails to secure the boundary to the top surface of the playing surface member.

Abstract: A conventional golf club head is releasably connected to a golf club shaft through operation of a wedge on the lower end of a rod in the shaft moveable in and out of the lower end of the shaft to releasably cause the shaft side wall to create a friction fit in the hollow club head shank. A nut on the rod at the upper end of the shaft covered by a cap allows for rotation of the rod to advance or retract the wedge in the lower end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of making a truly balanced golf putter that is normally swung in a parabolic path during the execution of a putting stroke. The putter shaft is attached to a golf putter head. The exact center of gravity of the putter head is determined and the golf putter is dynamically swung in a parabolic path. The amount of rotation of the putter head is determined relative to a straight line along the parabolic path and the putter head and putter shaft are adjusted relative to each other by rotating the shaft with respect to the putter head until a perfect balance is achieved.

Abstract: A golf club wedge having a hosel, a bottom wall, a top surface, a toe, a heel and a striking surface with a lower periphery defined by an arcuate leading edge extending downwardly from the heel to a forwardmost point of the striking surface and extending upwardly from the forwardmost point to the toe. The club further incorporates a leading edge which is significantly forward of the center line of the hosel (forward face progression) to improve playability from difficult lies of a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club head 10 includes a crown portion 11, a face portion 12, a side portion 13 a back face portion 14, and a neck portion 15. The crown portion 11 has a protruded portion in which a maximum point P of a curved contour of a central cross section (X—X line) of the crown portion is positioned rearwardly of the center I of the golf club head, and a cut-away portion obtained by obliquely cutting off the rear peripheral portion thereof. A volume V2 of a back-face-portion-side portion of the golf club head, which is positioned rearwardly of the head center I, is greater than a volume V2 of a face-portion-side portion of the golf club head, which is positioned in front of the head center I.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating golfers on a practice range. The present invention specifically provides an apparatus for improved safety from errant golf balls as well as “amenities,” such as golf bag and drink storage, and which provides the practice range operator an additional advertising medium. The present invention provides an apparatus which is stable when struck by errant golf balls or during windy weather, however, the apparatus is constructed for quick and easy repositioning when reconfiguring the practice range tee area.

Abstract: An apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises a means of attaching a tether comprising a cord and elastic strip to a soccer ball in a manner allowing the ball to freely rotate with respect to the tether providing kicking and spinning of the ball and return of the ball to the user in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for practicing batting that includes a frame, a net, and a ball. Each lower terminal end of the frame has a ball-engaging eye bolt. A pair of net-engaging uprights of the frame have a pair of tubes that are formed as one-piece therewith for ease of manufacture by eliminating a need for welding. Button fasteners replaceably maintain the members of the frame together for ease of fabrication and collapsing by eliminating a need for nuts and bolts. A second upper member of the frame has a plurality of ball-engaging blind bores. A lowermost terminal edge of the net drapes so as to prevent any balls from rolling thereunder while providing a dampening effect for the ball when hit thereagainst and is free as a result of the frame being void of a lower cross member for eliminating rebound of a ball that hits low on the net.

Abstract: An illuminated ping pong game comprises a table which comprises at least one table leg. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises a net securely fastened to a the table along a median thereof. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises at least two player's paddles utilized by at least one first player and second player. At least one player's paddle comprises a first player's paddle which comprises a first player's paddle handle having a first player's paddle handle ON/OFF cap positioned at a bottom distal end of a first player's paddle handle cylinder forming a first player's paddle handle cavity therein. The first player's paddle handle further comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator integrally associated therewith. The first player's paddle handle illuminator comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator light positioned at a top distal end within the first player's paddle handle cavity.

Abstract: A crowd rope take-up mechanism is mounted on the end of a shovel handle remote from the dipper bracket. The mechanism includes a cylinder with external screw threads engaged by a nut wheel. The cylinder mounts a sheave that received a loop of the crowd rope. A worm gear engages gear teeth on the outside of the nut wheel. The cylinder is restrained against rotation and the nut wheel is captured longitudinally so that rotation of the worm gear by a power wrench is translated into longitudinal movement of the cylinder and sheave. The worm gear is locked against rotation by a removable plug.

Abstract: A silent chain and sprocket system for power transmission that includes a toothed sprocket and a chain with multiple links. At each point of engagement between the sprocket teeth and the chain link teeth, the sprocket teeth have a curved surface that makes contact with a curved surface on the chain link teeth.

Abstract: A lagging material for application to the surface of a pulley, said material being integrally formed in elongate strip form and having an upper surface including a plurality of discrete nodules extending therefrom and arranged regularly or randomly according to a predetermined pattern and including a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart elongate and transversely extending cutting sipes laterally defined by the nodules so as to form a partial or complete boundary wall of each sipe; wherein said nodules are arranged over the upper surface of said material so as to allow cutting of a predetermined size of lagging from a larger sheet or strip of said lagging by effecting cuts along or across said cutting sipes and between said nodules.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for use with an automotive vehicle comprising differential gearing including a pair of differential side gears, one side gear being connected to each of two axle shafts for vehicle traction wheels, a differential carrier housing supporting differential pinions engageable with the side gears, the differential carrier being connected drivably through a drive shaft to the vehicle engine, first and second clutches connecting the differential carrier with each side gear, a mechanical cam mechanism for transferring a clutch-engaging force from the carrier to each of the clutches, thereby establishing a mechanical torque bias in the differential mechanism, and a clutch spring acting on each clutch to partially engage the clutches whereby the clutch-engaging force increases as a function of engine throttle position at a first rate for low engine throttle settings and at a higher rate for advanced engine throttle settings.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a control of a transmission, which is continuously adjustable with respect to its transmission ratio, for a motor vehicle wherein the transmission together with a drive unit is mounted in the drive train of the motor vehicle. The drive unit has an adjustable output torque. According to the invention, determination means for determining a quantity is provided which represents the instantaneous maximum transmittable torque of the transmission. Furthermore, the output torque of the drive unit is limited to a limit value by limiting means. This limit value is determined in dependence upon the above-determined quantity. In order to reliably protect the transmission against damage by increased slippage, it is therefore provided according to the invention to limit the torque outputted by the engine when the contact force is so small that the danger of slippage exists. The torque of the motor can, in general, be more rapidly limited than the contact force can be increased.

Abstract: A controller (61) for a line pressure control device of a transmission (200) compares a CVT pressure PCVT and a clutch pressure PLUB when the rotation speed of an engine (100) is low and sets the higher of the two as a target line pressure PL. When the rotation speed of an engine (100) is high, the CVT pressure PCVT, the clutch pressure PLUB and a lubrication pressure PLUB are compared, and the highest of the three is set as the target line pressure PL. Thus it is possible to reduce pump noise as well as satisfy oil pressure requirements in the transmission (200) by switching the method of setting a line pressure in response to the rotation speed of the engine (100).

Abstract: A portable ambulatory therapy device provides for the training or retraining of persons in developing walking skills after suffering a serious illness, injury, or other infirmity which limits their walking skills. The present device comprises a folding walkway with opposed folding hand rails along each side thereof. The hand rails are supported by a series of telescoping upright columns or posts, with the columns being pivotally secured to the walkway at their lower ends and pivotally secured to the hand rails at their upper ends. Each column includes a single locking pin which selectively locks the column in the upright position as desired, or allows the column to fold when removed. When the locking pins are removed, the walkway may be lifted at its center section to cause the two ends to fold together, along with the hand rails which fold to lie adjacent the walkway.

Abstract: A balance beam utilizing a conventional beam member with pivotally mounted leg members. The leg members are mounted in a clevis secured to the bottom surface of the beam by a pin which extends through aligned bores in the clevis and leg members. The leg members have floor support members, upwardly extending sections rigidly secured to the center of the floor members, and horizontal sections rigidly secured to upwardly extending leg sections. Secured to the horizontal leg sections are removable resilient bumpers that engage the lower surface of the beam. When a gymnast lands on the beam, the weight of gymnast compresses the bumpers moving the beam to a lower horizontal position. The immediate recovery of the bumpers imparts some impetus to the gymnast as the gymnastic routine continues.

Abstract: A massaging device system for massaging the hands and upper torso of a user. The massaging device system includes an elongate rod having a pair of opposite ends, and a plurality of finger grooves therein.

Abstract: This invention uses a plurality of inflatable bladders to support a surfboard or other balancing platform or sport board. The bladders are inflated with a gas or liquid, and as such, provide a fluid medium on which to seat a surfboard. This type of support system provides a sensation similar to that of water. This type of support system also allows for adjustments in the stability of the balancing platform. When used with a surfboard, snowboard, or other delicate standing platform, this type of support system evenly distributes the user's weight-load across a large area of the surfboard, snowboard, or other delicate platform so that it is not damaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing machines often produce user problems such as excessive foot articulation. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with fewer user problems. Further, the cross trainer is adjustable to vary the motion of the elliptical stride from walking to climbing. The intermediate portion of a foot support member is guided by a guide member and drives a crank linkage on one end with pedal on the other end. The resulting pedal motion has less severe pedal angles than a simple crank cross trainer.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for an exerciser includes a seat and a frame secured on a base. A seat back is pivotally secured to the base at a pivot axle and includes a sector gear. A handle includes a shaft rotatably secured to the frame and having a pawl that is biased to engage with the sector gear of the seat back and to secure the seat back to the base at the selected angular position. A sleeve is secured on the shaft and the pawl is extended upward from the sleeve and a spring engaged with the sleeve to bias the pawl to engage with the sector gear of the seat back.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for interchangeably converting a ski simulating machine into a rowing machine, the ski simulating machine having a frame, a pair of skis slidably mounted on the frame to move in forward and rearward directions on the frame and means mounted on the frame for providing resistance to the pair of skis during at least one of forward and rearward movement. The attachment includes a seat mounted for guided sliding movement with respect to the frame, foot support means mounted on the frame for bracing a user's feet when the user is sitting on the seat, and means for coupling the resistance providing means for application to a user's arm movement during a rowing exercise.

Abstract: A pogo stick includes (a) a housing, (b) a member movable within the housing, (c) a spring retained at opposite ends by the housing and the member and compressible upon the actuation of the member to a support surface (e.g. ground) and expansible upon the movement of the member from the support surface, (d) a handle on the housing near the housing top and (e) a foot rest on the housing near the housing bottom. A switch normally in an open relationship is operative (a) to a closed relationship upon the actuation of the member to the support surface and (b) to an open relationship upon a movement of the member from the support surface. The switch includes a resilient electrically conductive element and a stationary electrically conductive element normally defining an open relationship. The resilient member is movable in response to the member actuation to the support surface to engage the stationary element and to provide a switch operation in the closed relationship.

Abstract: A weight training wrist strap apparatus for use by one with limited or essentially no handgrip strength is provided, the invention comprising a first strap for wrapping around a human wrist which includes a depending strap portion having an attachment clip for connection to weight training equipment. If desired, a second strap is provided for wrapping around the first strap for added stabilization of the first strap when using increased weight resistance. In this manner, all of the weight training force is transferred to the wrist of the user with the result that no gripping of the equipment by the hand of the user is necessary. The second strap may include a thumb loop for anchoring the strap for ease of wrapping the second strap to complete the apparatus-wrapping maneuver. Implementation and use of the apparatus provides for a complete upper body workout wherein increasingly heavier weight resistance without the requirement of gripping strength.

Abstract: A complex exerciser structure including a base seat, a back lever, a pull lever and two support levers. The base seat includes a U-shaped lever and two seat levers fixed at two ends thereof. The vertically opposite ends of the U-shaped lever are respectively fixed with two support beams. A roller is inserted on each support beam for supporting the back lever and pull lever. One end of the U-shaped lever is connected with a support lever. The other end of the support lever is connected with the back lever and the pull lever. A grip and a back pad are fixedly disposed on the back lever. An upright support stem and a seat pad are fixedly disposed on the pull lever. Step rods fitted with soft sleeves are disposed on the support stem. The complex exerciser provides versatile exercising effects for a user.

Abstract: Method and device for producing rolls (17) of bags. At least one longitudinal side edge (15, 16) of a line of overlapping bags (17) is folded towards the centre axis of said line of bags. The line is then winded to rolls (17).

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (10) comprising conversion assemblies (52, 54) which convert a sheet-like material (22) into a continuous strip (30) of a cushioning product; a cutting assembly (56) which cuts a leading portion of the strip (30) into a cut pad (32) of a desired length; and a pad-transferring assembly (12). The pad-transferring assembly (12) is mounted to the machine's frame (36) downstream of the cutting assembly (56) and it is designed to engage the leading portion of the strip (30) prior to it being cut. Once the strip (30) is cut, and the pad (32) is formed, the pad-transferring assembly (12) transfers the cut pad (32) away from the cutting assembly (56).

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) including a converting assembly (52, 54) which converts a sheet-like stock material (22) into a strip (31) having at least one pillow-like portion (33) and another portion (34), and a severing assembly (56) which severs the leading section of the strip (31) to form a cushioning pad (32). The cushioning conversion machine 20 is characterized by a pad-transferring device (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) which transfers the cushioning pad (32) away from the severing assembly (56) by applying a transferring force to the cushioning pad (32) that is concentrated at the other portion (34) of the cushioning pad (32). The other portion (34) of the cushioning pad is preferably a compressed portion, a connecting portion which maintains the geometry of the pillow-like portion, and/or a central portion.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.