Abstract: An adaptor bracket for selectively coupling a manifold to a medical device has (i) a tab having a first end and a second end; and (ii) first and second gripping fingers extending from the second end of the tab. The first end of the tab is configured to be coupled to the medical device. The first and second gripping fingers are spaced so as to selectively receive a portion of a manifold within a groove formed between the first and second gripping fingers. The configuration of the bracket enables convenient manipulation of valves and ports on the manifold, such as when the practitioner desires to exchange tubing on the mounted manifold.

Abstract: A seat for, for example, an aircraft that has an open outer shell which embraces a seat portion, a seat back, a head rest and a foot rest when the seat is in an upright position. Also embraced by the shell are a pair of arm rests. The seat is reclinable into a bed configuration such that the seat portion is moved forwardly out of the open end of the shell. Simultaneously, the arm rests are movable between the raised position and the position substantially flush with the seat portion. In the bed configuration, the removal of the arm rests from the raised position significantly increases the width of the bed, thus enhancing the comfort of the user.

Abstract: An expandable cup holder for a golf cart includes a support member forming a substantially planar top surface for the cup holder. The support member is fastened to a vehicle with the support member top surface oriented substantially horizontal. The top surface forms a top aperture large enough to receive a plurality of cup sizes. A plurality of flexible fingers are spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of the aperture. The fingers extend conically downwardly toward each other below the top surface, to form a slotted, frustum-shaped member that flexibly contacts and frictionally retains a plurality of cup sizes therein. Front and side walls on the support member surround and support the frustum-shaped member. The front wall includes apertures for retaining golf tees.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a melon or the like in a field, and including a lower ring, an upper ring, a plurality of ribs between the upper and lower rings positioning the upper ring above the lower ring, and a support carried on the upper ring for supporting a product on the stand. The support includes a concave platform attached to the upper ring, with the rings, ribs and support formed as a single unit. Preferably the support includes a plurality of radial arms having inner and outer ends and joined together at the inner ends and joined to the upper ring at the outer ends, with a cruciform member fixed to the underside of selected ones of the arms, and a second upper ring positioned concentrically within the one upper ring and affixed to the radial arms.

Abstract: An appliance for supporting carriage of a cylindrical article which consists essentially of two proximate triangular prisms portion comprising a curved loading face of a cylindrical article with fold lines, a beam plane and a perpendicular plane and a base plane portion, wherein said two proximate triangular prisms portion is formed in the state approached to each other in parallel by bending both ends of a square cardboard sheet to a proximate triangle form in cross section toward inside of the square cardboard sheet and a floated space is formed between said two beam planes of said two proximate triangular prisms portion and said base plane portion during loading of a cylindrical article.

Abstract: A longitudinal adjusting device for vehicle seats, whose backrest, which is adjustable in inclination positions which are selectable as the case may be, is swivelably connected with a seat part, has running rails and guide rails, wherein the seat part is fastened to the running rails. Each running rail is displaceable longitudinally in one of the guide rails fixed to the vehicle floor. A locking device secures at least one of the running rails to the respective guide rail in selectable longitudinal positions. A spring member supports at least one of the running rails at the guide rail for purposes of a forward displacement of the running rails, wherein the spring member is a spiral spring. A winding drum is rotatably supported on the running rail, wherein a first end of the spiral spring is associated with the running rail and a second end of the spiral spring is associated with the guide rail, wherein the second end of the spiral spring associated with the guide rail is held at the winding drum.

Abstract: The system includes multiple components that may be used individually, or in conjunction with other components of the system, including a copy holder, paper organizer and a monitor-mounted copy holder. The copy holder/stand accommodates a variety of paper sizes in either portrait or landscape orientation. The copy stand includes a base stand and a removable copy holder, thus allowing the copy holder to be used as a clip board. The copy holder is rotatable about the base stand, thus allowing variation of the relative angle between the user and the copy holder. The copy holder includes at least one clip, and preferably at least two different types of clips. The clips may hold papers and documents against the copy holder as well as provide a means of highlighting or marking regions of particular interest on a document page. The paper organizer may either stand-alone or be held within an opening in the base stand of the copy holder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a presentation easel which serves as a foundation for a robust, modular, presentation system. In addition, the presentation easel is highly customizable to a wide variety of customer needs and desires. In an exemplary embodiment, the presentation easel comprises a rectangular frame including first and second horizontal support members and first and second vertical support members, which are all preferably formed of rectangular metal tubes. A fabric shell is provided around the frame and includes an openable side to permit access to a cavity formed between the fabric shell. The cavity is intended to provide a convenient and easy storage area where presentation materials, including relatively large presentation writing pads, may be stored. One surface of the fabric shell is used as a presentation surface to locate and place presentation material and the like.

Abstract: A track system for suspending a wall hanging on a wall surface comprises a track, a plurality of longitudinally spaced connectors, and at least one carriage having a suspending device. Each connector consists of a threaded sleeve, a pair of nuts, a washer, a wood screw and a center point guide to protect the wall surface. Each threaded sleeve is dimensioned to fit within a corresponding aperture in the back wall of the track and to receive a pair of nuts on its threaded outer surface. The nuts are positioned on the threaded sleeve on either side of the track's back wall so that the back wall is securely gripped between the nuts. The lateral offset distance between the back wall of the track and the wall surface can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the nuts on the threaded sleeve so as to compensate for any irregularities in the wall surface.

Abstract: An optical device mounting apparatus and method for altering and fixing the angular position of an optical device without substantial linear displacement. The apparatus comprises a kinematic mount which permits precision adjustment and clamping. The apparatus includes a sphere, which either contains an optical device mounted therein or is, at least partially, an optical device itself. A support is placed in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere such that angular displacement of the sphere is possible with substantially no linear displacement thereof. A clamp in physical contact with the outer surface of the sphere provides force through the sphere to the support with substantially no transmitted torque. In this manner, precise positioning of the optical device is possible, for example, with an external and removable tool.

Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary actuator in which, in order to realize cost reductions, the configuration of an extruded material used to form a cylinder body is modified to reduce the weight of the material, and the number of components or the number of manhours needed for machining is reduced by changing the method of installing a solenoid-operated switching valve, speed controllers and an open valve for short circuiting. The cylinder body (11) is produced from an extruded material (1) formed by extrusion. A section of the extruded material (1) that is perpendicular to the direction of extrusion of the extruded material (1) is circular at the inner periphery thereof and has upwardly, downwardly, leftwardly and rightwardly projecting thick-walled portions (12 to 15) at the outer periphery thereof. The outer peripheral portions of the section, exclusive of the projecting thick-walled portions (12 to 15), are generally formed from circular arcs.

Abstract: A fluid detection and shutoff actuation apparatus includes a rotatable plate mountable over a shaft of a shutoff valve, a linear actuator spaced from the plate, a trigger disposed between the actuator and plate, a fluid detector, and a control mechanism connecting the fluid detector to the actuator for activating it in response to detection of a fluid at a location monitored by the detector. The actuator is movable between extended and retracted positions toward and away from the plate. The plate rotates with the shaft between first and second positions in which the shutoff valve is respectively in opened and closed conditions and the plate is biased by a coil spring to rotate from the first to second position and change the valve from the opened to closed condition. The trigger is connected to the actuator and is pivotally movable toward and away from the plate in respond to movement of the actuator between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A water mixing valve (10) can selectively adjust temperature by selection mixing of the hot and cold water supplies and be selectively locked in place by a knob (26) fastened via a threaded faster (30). The knob (26) has a spline section (34) seated in a complementary spline section (36) in the valve body (20) to prevent the knob (26) and operating stem (22) from inadvertent rotation.

Abstract: An automatic fluid control having a first and second tube members and a slidable valve element capable of moving from a sealed closed position to an open position permitting fluid passage therethrough. In a preferred first embodiment, the elastomeric valve element is slidingly received with a passageway in the first tube. The valve element has a flange portion containing a plurality of slits that, when inverted and stretched, permit fluid to pass therethrough, but when closed, are in contact with the inner wall of the first tube and prevents fluid from passing therethrough. The valve element also can have a rigid plug attached within an opening in the top surface to present a preferably non-deformable contact point for a male luer tip, which, when pressed downward on the valve element, breaks a seal between the valve element and the first tube inner wall.

Abstract: A valve closure system for rotating a rotatable actuator of a valve relative to a body of the valve to operate the valve from open to closed. The system contains a motor having a rotatable shaft, a mounting that comprises plural parts including a bracket, for associating the motor with the valve, and a coupling for coupling the motor shaft to the valve actuator to impart rotation of the motor shaft to the valve actuator to operate the valve closed. The bracket comprises a plate having a surface defining a notch that has a) an entrance at a perimeter of the plate and b) a shape enabling the plate to associate with the valve body by i) disposing the plate alongside the valve body with the notch entrance aligned with the valve body and ii) then moving the plate laterally of the valve actuator axis to cause of the valve body to pass through the notch entrance and enter the notch.

Abstract: A convertible lifting device including a base. A vertical stanchion is coupled with respect to the base. A horizontal stanchion is pivotally coupled with respect to the vertical stanchion. The horizontal stanchion includes a hook disposed on an outer end thereof. A hydraulic ram is coupled between the vertical stanchion and the horizontal stanchion. A hydraulic pump is coupled with the vertical stanchion in communication with the hydraulic ram. The pump has a handle coupled thereto to facilitate raising and lowering of the hydraulic ram so as to pivot the horizontal stanchion with respect to the vertical stanchion.

Abstract: A leverage tool for opening lower halves of firmly sticking double-hung windows consisting of a vertical fulcrum and lever assembly small enough to be placed on inner window sills yet sturdy enough to overcome the resistive forces that cause windows to stick. Accessory focal or lifting points necessary to facilitate the leveraging action of the tool and to minimize the possiblity of damage to the frame or sill incidental to a leveraging operation are supplied. They are to be attached by the user to window frames lacking a suitable focal point, preferably close to the central portion of the bottom frame member. To leverage open a sticking window frame, bottom crossbars on the lever are placed under the focal point. Another set of crossbars an inch above the lower set are then positioned within one of the lower ratcheting indents on the fulcrum When the tool is positioned as described, the fulcrum will be resting on an inner window sill with the lever's handle portion facing away from the window frame.

Abstract: A new cable (16) may be introduced into a conduit (11) having an existing cable (13) therein by splicing the conduit (11) to form conduit ends (11A, 11B) with the existing cable (13) extending therebetween. The new cable (16) is positioned in a conduit section (58). A piston (67) may be attached to the leading end of the new cable (16) and is positioned in the conduit (11). A block (15) encloses the conduit ends (11A, 11B) and one end of the conduit section (58). The other end of the conduit section (58) is attached to a blower (70) which provides air under pressure through the conduit section (58), through the block (15) and against the piston (67) to position the new cable (16) in the conduit (11).

Abstract: The material exchange column contains a packing which can be installed in the horizontal position of the column. The column has a ring gap between the packing and the column wall in which collars are arranged. The latter each comprise a band-shaped region (30) which lies in contact with the packing. At the upper edge of the band-shaped collar regions there adjoin spring-elastically connected surface pieces which produce a bridge to the wall and which are provided for a return conduction of the liquid from the wall to the packing during the operation of the column. It applies at least for some of the collars that the latter have elevations in their band-shaped regions which hold the ring gap open in a form-stable manner under the load of the packing when the column lies horizontally.

Abstract: A piston/cylinder assembly includes a cylinder and a piston received in the cylinder for axial movement and dividing the cylinder into two working chambers. A first connecting member is affixed to the cylinder and is adapted to connect the cylinder to one of two elements that are movable relative to each other. At least one second connecting member is operatively coupled to the piston, extends through an opening in the cylinder, and is adapted to connect the piston to the other of the two elements. The opening has a length axially of the cylinder that is not less than the length of the stroke of the piston.

Abstract: An inner spring, for use in furniture and bedding, comprises coil springs which are encased in cylindrical casings having a predetermined number of spring casing portions, and which are continuously arranged in parallel. The axes of the coil springs are arranged in parallel, and at least a part of the coil springs encased in the spring casing portions are given different repulsions by varying their pitches and are set in place in the cylindrical spring casings to form a row of inner springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring core for mattresses and seat cushions with leaf springs. The spring core consists of a plurality of spring elements bent up out of passages punched in a plate, with each spring element having an upper and a lower spring clip, with the upper spring clip bent up out of a passage punched in the lower spring clip. The spring elements can also be coated with extruded foam.

Abstract: A gas spring with a first gas chamber communicated with a second gas chamber through a calibrated orifice to control the rate of return of gas from the first chamber to the second chamber to thereby control the rate at which a piston rod of the cylinder returns to its extended position. Desirably, the rate of return of the piston rod to its extended position can be made slow enough to prevent damage to a die stamped part as the gas spring lifts the part from a lower die half. The gas spring composite shell is preferably formed of and contains materials which are highly thermally conductive and define the return passage to prevent the gas spring from becoming overheated and to permit an increased number of cycles to be completed in a given period of time.

Abstract: A liquid sealed type bushing including an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder and an elastic member. Recesses are formed on a middle portion of the elastic member. The elastic member between the recesses is adapted to be a partition member and a thin wall portion is formed by providing a through hole in the partition member, and an outer peripheral portion of the partition member is made to contact but not combine with an inner face of the outer cylinder. Within the recess, a medium to high frequency device is supported by the inner cylinder. By overlapping a peak caused by a membrane resonance owing to the thin wall portion of the partition member, and a minimum value caused by a liquid column resonance of the medium to high frequency device, a low dynamic spring constant is attained in a medium to high frequency region.

Abstract: There are provided an inward-bent part 14 slightly extending to one end side of a cylindrical member 10 inwardly in a radial direction, and a thin rubber member coated part 22 on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, which the rubber member coated part has an inner diameter equal to or smaller than an inner diameter of the inward-bent part. An orifice member 32 and a diaphragm member 33 are inserted into the rubber member coated part on one end side of the cylindrical member to close thereby an opening portion on the one end side thereof. A rubber member 21 subjected to vulcanization and bonding and a fitting member 31 fixed to the rubber member 21 are provided on the other end side of the cylindrical member to close thereby an opening portion on the other end side thereof Since the inner diameter of the inward-bent part is made smaller than the outer diameter of the diaphragm member by conducting drawing to the cylindrical member, the diaphragm member is stopped by the inward-bent part.

Abstract: A slipper bushing comprises radially inner, intermediate and outer generally cylindrical members. The intermediate member includes an axial bearing surface at an end thereof. Elastomeric material is disposed between the intermediate and outer members. A generally cylindrical polymeric radial bearing sleeve is disposed between the inner and intermediate members and has a radially inner surface nonrotatably fixed relative to a radially outer surface of the inner member and a radially outer slip surface adapted to rotatably slip relative to a radially inner surface of the intermediate member. An elastomeric seal has an annular portion with opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces. The seal first axial bearing surface sealingly engages the intermediate member axial bearing surface and is nonrotatably fixed relative thereto. An annular polymeric slip ring has opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vise for holding a workpiece. The vise includes a base supporting a moveable jaw, a fixed jaw, and a mechanism for moving the moveable jaw toward the fixed jaw. Each jaw includes a working surface, the working surfaces being disposed in facing relation and including at least two slots formed vertically spaced apart. Each slot is horizontally aligned with a slot in the opposing working surface. A selected pair of horizontally aligned slots each receive an insert for positioning the workpiece a distance from the base of the vise. The user's selection of the pair of horizontally aligned slots for reception of the inserts determines the position of the workpiece relative the base.

Abstract: A method for attaching a jaw to a vise-like workholding apparatus. The method includes placing the jaw member onto a support member of the workholding apparatus in a first direction that is perpendicular to a worksurface of the workholding apparatus. The jaw member is placed such that at least a portion of the support member is received within a cavity in the jaw member in a first released position. The method also includes applying a first axial force in a first axial direction to the jaw member to cause the jaw member to move axially in the first axial direction to a second position wherein it is retained on the support member.

Abstract: A thin film transistor and a fabrication method thereof in which a desired device characteristic is achieved by adjusting the lengths of a channel region and an offset region. The transistor includes a substrate in which a trench is formed, a gate electrode formed in one side in the interior of the trench, a gate insulation film formed in the substrate including the gate electrode, an active layer formed on the gate insulation film, and impurity regions formed on the active layer corresponding to the substrate. The length of the channel and offset regions are adjusted by adjusting the length and width of the trench within the substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling a device for removing flat items of post as a function of the spacing of the item of post to be removed from an item of post already removed, the actual spacing between the item to be removed and the removed item being determined, and the item to be removed being removed as soon as the actual spacing corresponds to a nominal spacing. According to the invention in order to reduce the difference between average gaps between the items of post and minimum gaps, the item of post to be removed is first accelerated to an intermediate speed value which is slower than a predetermined final speed. As soon as the actual spacing equals the nominal spacing, the item of post is accelerated to the final speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus comprising a sheet stacking means for supporting a sheet, a sheet feeding means for feeding out the sheet supported by the sheet stacking means, a pair of side guides having sheet abutting surfaces for regulating both lateral edges of the sheet supported by the sheet stacking means to guide the sheet in a sheet feeding direction when the sheet is fed out from the sheet stacking means by the sheet feeding means, and a guide supporting means for supporting at least one of the pair of side guides for movement toward and away from the other side guide, and wherein the guide supporting means supports the side guide in such a manner that the sheet abutting surface is inclined with respect to the sheet feeding direction in accordance with a size of the sheet supported by the sheet stacking means.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers such documents from storage areas and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) in which documents which are deposited are oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98) when a user subsequently requests a dispense of documents. Documents are selectively picked from the storage areas and delivered to the customer. Media gates (116, 118, 120, 122) are used to selectively direct documents between remote transport segments (108, 110, 112, 114) and canister delivery transports (124, 126, 128, 130). The media gates operate by selectively directing documents through an intersection (421) in engagement with transversely offset belt flights (396, 422).

Abstract: A non-contact sheet handling system includes a first valve controlling air flow to a manifold and a second valve controlling air flow from the manifold to an air pan. A non-contact plate having venturis covers the air pan. In an alternate embodiment, the system includes a diffuser that diffuses air flow in the air pan. A method of using a non contact sheet handling system includes adjusting a first and second valve to set air flow to a first and second area, respectively, of the system and adjusting a third valve to set air flow to the first and second valves.

Abstract: A sheet transport array for advancing sheets along a track at a desired speed past a process station. A sheet speed measuring device is coupled to the process station. A drive roller assembly includes at least a drive roller and a drive idler, with the drive roller driving the advancing sheet at the desired speed toward the process station. A second roller assembly includes at least a second roller and a second idler, with the second idler moving at the speed of the advancing sheet. A floating roller assembly includes at least a floating roller and a floating idler. The floating idler is coupled to the second idler to move at the same speed as the second idler and the advancing sheet. The floating roller and the floating idler define a pinch point with a pinch force such that the floating roller and the floating idler move at the same speed.

Abstract: An automatically sheet sorting device has multistage trays for storing sheets fed from a copying machine or the like, which each incorporate a sheet detecting mechanism including a sheet-empty detection lever of sheet-empty detecting means for detecting the sheet existing on the tray, and a sheet-full detection lever of sheet-full detecting means for detecting the sheets reaching a prescribed storage limit. The individual operable sheet-empty detection lever and sheet-full detection lever can be assembled in the tray compactly. A sheet-empty actuating member connected to the sheet-empty detection lever for actuating a sheet-empty switch and a sheet-empty actuating member connected to the sheet-full detection lever for actuating a sheet-full switch are of electrically non-contacting mechanism, thus to enable the tray to he readily detached from and attached to the device without any troublesome work of establishing an electrical connection or disconnection of electric elements between the tray and the device.

Abstract: A paper currency reception/delivery machine having a high degree of general-purpose utility and implemented in a simple structure of a small size at low cost and capable of handling foreign paper currencies of different sizes and other leaflets is imparted selectively with given ones of intelligent functions such as discrimination of denominations, recycling on a denomination-by-denomination basis, replenishment, collection and detailed check and the like. The paper currency reception/delivery machine includes a loop-like paper currency transport path extending in one direction by way of a paper currency checking means, a paper currency reception/delivery port, a temporary custody unit, a delivery-destined paper currency storing unit, a received paper currency storing unit, a recycling-destined paper currency storing unit, a replenishment/collection-destined paper currency storing unit and a rejection-destined paper currency storing unit.

Abstract: A board game and method of playing a board game is provided. The game has at least pieces representing the fifty-two cards in a standard playing card deck and at least four wild cards arranged in the standard playing card suits, at least one wild card for each suit. A game board is provided having a flat playing surface of rectangular dimension arranged in four columns, one for each card suit. Each column has fourteen squares for placement of the pieces. A plurality of racks holds at least five of the pieces, one rack for each game player. The game is played by having each player, in clockwise rotation, place at least one piece in an open board square having the same suit as the suit on the piece. Up to five pieces may be placed in open board squares per turn to form either three or four of a kind or three or more of a run in a straight line horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Abstract: This invention is a two-player, hide and attack, scavenger hunt strategy board game that is a hybrid combination of Checkers, Chess, Stratego and Life. This board game allows each player to have the ability of making, naming, and drawing their own game piece that they would like to see included in a corporate workplace. This part of the game adds control as well as creativity for both of the players involved in the board game. Another aspect of this board game is the structure and function of the game pieces themselves in which the brief case game pieces have the option of not only being hidden from the players opponent but from the player themselves. Other structures and functions of this board game include an educated guessing game piece, a moving continuously changing game piece that changes temporarily to a different game piece every time it is attacked or does the attacking, a transferable game piece, and a game piece that must be attacked more then once to be put out of play.

Abstract: Dual hexagon shaped playing fields composed of smaller hexagons of two different colors vertically separated for visibility with each player starting with the same number of three different shaped playing pieces with each piece being limited differently in movement and capture capability with such limitations designed to make each piece of approximately the same worth to a player in his effort to capture the opponent's pieces and conscript the captured pieces for his use.

Abstract: A novel three person chess apparatus and method of play is disclosed. A generally hexagonal board is provided having alternating side lengths of 8 and 9 spaces. Each of the three sides in the game set up the rear rank of their pieces on one of the 9 spaced sides. A new piece, referred to in the preferred embodiment as the “Champion”, is located centrally on the rear rank, between the King and the Queen, and combines the moves of either the Bishop or Knight. The rest of the major pieces are placed in the customary positions. 10 pawns are placed in the rank immediately in front of these major pieces and play alternates in a sequential fashion between the three players until two of the Kings are checkmated or a stalemate occurs.

Abstract: A card game to be played by preferably seven players completing individually against a dealer. The card game is generally patterned after conventional gambling games such as poker, but includes novel features practiced as steps of a method of play. One feature is that of having each player arbitrarily divide his or her initially dealt cards into two groups each of which is independently pitted against the dealer in two separate comparisons. Two stakes are thus established, one corresponding to each comparison. A second novel feature is that of being allowed to recombine cards to establish a new competitive position if the first comparison with the dealer results in a draw. A third novel feature is that the recombination can utilize a card from the dealer's holding. To play the novel game, the dealer is dealt four cards whereas the players are each dealt but three.

Abstract: A variation of blackjack is played with a standard deck of cards that is augmented by two jokers. A hand that includes the two jokers is called a natural. The natural outranks all other hands. A hand that includes one joker has a total point value of “21”. The player is permitted to hit, double-down, surrender or split a pair unless a face-up card of the dealer is a joker.

Abstract: A baseball board game is disclosed consisting of a deck of result cards, sets of cards that represent pitchers (FIG. 2) and batters (FIG. 1) for a real-life team, and tables FIGS. 4-14). Each player chooses a team. Play is controlled by the drawing of result cards (FIGS. 15-128) and by the selection of strategies that represent managerial decisions. Drawing a result card randomly selects a type of batter, pitcher, or fielder rating. The current batter, pitcher, or fielder has a rating of the selected type. If the current player's rating of that type is active on the result card, the type of result controlled by that rating type occurs. For example, if the rating type on the selected result card is B1 (11), the batter's B1 rating (2) is active on the result card, and a B1 rating controls singles on the current result card (13), then a single occurs. The method used to store information about real-life player performance is highly compact.

Abstract: Dual functioning seals for use in forming a lubricant seal in a rotary rock bit comprise an annular elastomeric seal body having a dynamic seal surface for sealing against a dynamic surface and a static seal surface for sealing against a static surface. The seal body has an asymmetric axial cross-sectional geometry the dynamic seal surface having a greater radius of curvature than that of the static seal surface. The dynamic and static seal surfaces are formed from different elastomeric materials, and the dynamic seal surface is formed from an elastomeric material that is harder and more wear resistant than the elastomeric material used to form the static seal surface. A rotary rock bit seal constructed in this manner is well adapted to accommodate the different operating conditions and sealing requirements that exist both at the dynamic and static surfaces of the seal to ensure optimal seal performance and, thereby enhance the service life of the rock bit.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an axial brush seal extending substantially axially between a vane support and a plurality of blade outer air seals to minimize leakage of cooler air into an air path of working fluid. The axial seal includes a first and a second rings extending axially with a plurality of bristles sandwiched therebetween. Each of the plurality of bristles includes a fore bristle end and an aft bristle end that come into contact with a vane support sealing surface and a blade outer air seal sealing surface, respectively, with the bristles being compressed against the sealing surfaces. The axial seal is movable with respect to the vane support and the blade outer air seals to compensate for expansion and contraction of the vane support and the plurality of blade outer air seals as well as for lack of uniformity in the plurality of blade outer air seals.

Abstract: A fluid ring seal system and method for use with a shaft encircled by a fluid medium chamber including a fluid medium. The system includes a fluid medium sealing segment in fluid flow communication with the fluid medium chamber. The fluid medium sealing segment substantially maintains the fluid medium within the chamber and the fluid medium sealing segment. A contaminant sealing segment is in fluid flow communication with the fluid medium sealing segment and with an outer environment. The contaminant sealing segment substantially prevents a contaminant from migrating into the fluid medium sealing segment. A fluid pathway extends between the fluid medium sealing segment and the contaminant sealing segment along an innermost radius defined by each respective sealing segment. Alternatively or additionally, a stator separates the fluid medium sealing segment and the contaminant sealing segment.

Abstract: A hub seal for installation on the wheel end of a heavy duty trailer or truck is disclosed which includes an annular casing, an elastomeric sealing ring supported within the annular casing and including an axially extending sealing lip, an annular sleeve mounted coaxial with the annular casing, the annular sleeve having an axially extending sealing surface, and a spring for biasing the axially extending sealing lip against the axially extending sealing surface such that a substantial portion of the sealing lip is in sealing engagement with the sealing surface over a substantial contact area.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement, including a surface to be sealed off of a rotationally symmetrical machine element and a radial shaft sealing ring. The sealing ring has a sealing lip made of polymer material, which contacts the surface along a sealing edge that is formed of two mutually intersecting conical surfaces, the first conical surface, facing the space to be sealed off, forming a steeper angle with the axis of rotation than the conical surface facing away from it. A spiral-shaped groove having a rounded groove bottom is recessed into the surface, the groove bottom has a radius of curvature of 0.4 to 1.6 mm, and the depth of the groove is less than 15 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A plurality of clamping motion elements with clamping jaws are moved out of an initial position towards a workpiece under a low operating pressure and caused to bear thereagainst. When all the clamping jaws bear uniformly against the workpiece, a full clamping pressure is applied to clamp the workpiece fast in position.