Abstract: An image scanning machine includes a document feeder for feeding sheets into a first paper path from a stack one sheet at a time if a one-side scanning mode is selected. If a both-side scanning mode is selected, a sheet is introduced into a second paper path which is an inverting path that turns a sheet, which is fed from the document feeder, upside down prior to scanning. Rollers located at a downstream end of the inverting path reverse a transportation direction of the sheet and feed the sheet to a scanner through a return path. The transportation direction of the sheet is reversed after the scanner scans one side of the sheet, and the sheet is then fed to the scanner again to scan the other side of the sheet. This transportation direction reversal results in turning the sheet upside down. A guide member is located a bifurcation of the return path and the inverting path for opening one of the return and inverting paths and closing the other of the return and inverting paths.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprising a sheet stacking member for stacking a sheet to be discharged, and an offset mounting member for offsetting a plurality of sheet bundles on side in a sheet bundle takeout direction and in a direction opposite thereto, and mounting the offset bundles onto the sheet stacking member. The offset mounting member mounts the first sheet bundle on the side in the sheet bundle takeout direction. When there is a sheet bundle on the sheet stacking member, the first sheet bundle is mounted by offsetting the first sheet bundle in a direction opposite to that of the last sheet bundle mounted.

Abstract: A method and system for printing medical labels. A hand-held, portable computer, a printer and a wireless data communication interface communicating between the computer and the printer are provided. Medical data are organized in the computer into predetermined type files and are preferably further organized into sub-files for presentation on a display associated with the computer. A user selects from among the files through use of the computer, preferably by touching the display. The computer communicates ultimately selected data to the printer and the printer prints the data on a label which is applied to a medical document.

Abstract: A printer 30a that was originally specified by the user Prints a transfer destination guide map, on which the location information of other printers is shown, when a portion or all of a print job is transferred to those other printers. The transfer destination guide map is further added with information useful for the user such as the expected time of completion for the print out, the number of printed sheets, and the route of pick up. The transfer destination guide map is insert-printed on the page position of the transferred page.

Abstract: A recording medium station 53 includes sheet set portions to which rolls of toner sheets 4′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto and rolls of image receiving sheets 2′ with cover films 6 stuck thereto are set, and cover film winding-up portions located close to the sheet set portions. Those sheet set portions and the cover film winding-up portions are disposed along the circumferential outer surface of the recording medium station 53. An end of the cover film 6 slightly stripped off the recording medium is fixed to the wind-up shafts 12, and the cover film 6 stripped off the recording medium set to the medium setting shafts 10 is wound up with a wind-up shaft 12. The stripped cover film 6 is wound up with the wind-up shafts 12.

Abstract: A needle printing head comprising a support (11) able to axially guide a plurality of printing needles (15), each of which has one end attached to a mobile armature (16) of a corresponding actuation electromagnet (17) having a ferromagnetic core (18) provided with polar extensions. A separation element (30) is interposed between the mobile armatures (16) and the corresponding polar extensions. The separation element (30) is made of a metal material and comprises elements (33, 34) able to reduce the effects of the eddy currents which are generated by the energizing of every electromagnet (17).

Abstract: In a keyboard input unit whose cover member covering the top of a keyboard body is divided into at least a first segment and a second segment, the segments are foldably connected by a connecting section. The connecting section has: a first cylindrical part with a through hole provided on the first segment; a second cylindrical part provided on the second segment and having at one end a pin stopping section, the second cylindrical part being arranged on substantially the same axial line as the first cylindrical part; a connecting pin inserted from the first cylindrical part through the second cylindrical part; and an elastic stopper formed integrally with the first segment or the second segment in a position on the first cylindrical part contrary to the second cylindrical part.

Abstract: Family or series of compatible keyboards for computers, etc., progressively modifies Standard, introducing new standard keyboard (191) with rationalized logic, everything integrated into alphanumeric section (FIG. 19). Existing skills are entrenched. Radical change is unworkable. Standardization prevents undirected piecemeal change. This invention ends deadlock, provides direction, enables change by: versatility, allowing partial change for any market niche; compatibility, allowing transfer of new skills to new standard; transitional models teaching such skills; multi-mode models for different operators; ultimate universal design optimized for adults, children, novices and experts. Keyboard (71) has reversible segment (73) selecting traditional or symmetrical columns (FIG. 7). Same feature on fixed keys (FIG. 14) integrates central cursor keys (144). Symmetrical keyboard conforms to existing Standard (FIG. 13). Top row eliminated by selecting numerals on home row (FIG. 17).

Abstract: A self-contained paint container for storing leftover paint. The self-contained paint container has a hollow body sized and shaped to be held in one hand. The hollow body has a first and second opposite ends. The first and second ends being each provided with a removable cover. The first end is provided with a roller and a paint expeller for allowing controlled release of paint on the roller. The roller may be covered by a cover, which is provided with an absorbent material for preventing the paint on the roller to dry out upon storage. The second end is provided with a cover, of which can further include a brush thereon.

Abstract: A cosmetic pencil is provided in which the color tone of its cosmetic material may be distinguished from the outside without marking a cylindrical shaft or a tail cap thereof with the same color, and does not require a secondary processing such as cutting processing for preventing a movement of the cosmetic material when the cylindrical shaft is formed. A transparent cylindrical shaft (2) having a good cutting property is formed from a composite material of olefin-based polymer with polypropylene as the base material, a softened cosmetic material (M) is filled and set in a shaft hole (22) of this cylindrical shaft (2), and the tip end side of the cylindrical shaft (2) is cut to use the cosmetic material (M). The transparent cylindrical shaft (2) has moving prevention measure (5) for the cosmetic material (M) to prevent the filled cosmetic material (M) from moving within the shaft hole (22), and this moving prevention measure (5) may be molded by an injection molding method.

Abstract: A hand-held fluid delivery system includes a rigid body, a collapsible enclosure within the body, a fluid (e.g., correction fluid) within the enclosure, and a delivery end in communication with the collapsible enclosure. The delivery system preferably includes a spring that applies pressure to deliver fluid from the collapsible enclosure to the delivery end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region between said first and second surfaces. The sheet of material has a thickness between the first and second surfaces which decreases when the sheet of material is subjected to an externally-applied force in a direction substantially normal to the first surface. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir extending inwardly of the first surface into the interior of the sheet of material which is at least partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture formed in the first surface which is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: Described is a coupling device with two coupling members, which are to be connected coaxially together, and a tension rod, which penetrates the first coupling member and is to be coupled with the second coupling member. To minimize the effect of the cross forces on the positioning of the second coupling member, it is provided that the end, facing the head of the tension rod, penetrates into a passage borehole of the second coupling member with radial clearance; and a connector, resting against a shoulder of the second coupling member, can be attached to the end, thus resulting in radial clearance between connector and second coupling member. Furthermore, a connector is described whose periphery has a contour, which prevents a turning action inside the coupling member, whereby the connector can also be moved in the coupling member and exhibits an axial contact surface, which is adequately small to enable a swivelling motion without generating a counteracting moment of flexion.

Abstract: A bi-directional retainer for removably securing accessories such as a seat or a back rest to a wheelchair frame. The retainer includes a base mountable on a frame member and a slide mounted on the base for movement between two spaced operating positions. It also includes a spring disposed between the slide and the base providing an over the center action which urges the slide to remain in a selected operating position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mutual locking of two concentric cylindrical parts such as parts to be used in a submersible pump unit.

Abstract: A barricade apparatus includes a ground engaging drive member for moving the barricade apparatus along a path. A motor is mounted within the barricade body and is operatively connected to the ground engaging drive member. A remote transmitter signals a receiver which is operatively connected to the motor.

Abstract: A guardrail beam for installation along a roadway includes a top edge and a bottom edge. A plurality of crowns may be disposed longitudinally along the guardrail beam between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first fold may be disposed upon the top edge and a second fold may be disposed upon the bottom edge. In a particular embodiment, one or more fluted beads may be disposed longitudinally along at least one crown. The guardrail beam may also include hemmed portions at the top edge and/or bottom edge at the downstream ends of the guardrail beam.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved raised pavement markers having a totally-internal-reflective lens. The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing the raised pavement marker. The raised pavement markers described below include a housing connected to a totally-internal-reflective lens. The totally-internal-reflective lens includes a retroreflective element having a smooth surface generally opposite a plurality of cube corner elements. A film is attached to the retroreflective element at the apexes of the cube corner elements to form spaces, i.e., an air gap, between the film and the cubes. The film and retroreflective element cooperate to form the totally-internal-reflective lens. Light entering the retroreflective element through the smooth surface is retroreflected at the cube/air interface. Methods of manufacturing include, for example, forming a shell with the retroreflective element and attaching the film to the apexes of the cube corner elements.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: A molded block is proposed, in particular one made of concrete, for a paving-stone covering, the block having side faces with rounded portions in the form of a clothoid. In order to provide a flexible type of laying, the block form is designed as a cube or a multiple thereof.

Abstract: A concrete placing apparatus is provided for placing uncured concrete on a support surface, such as an elevated deck of a building. The apparatus comprises a base unit and a movable support, with a conduit assembly extending therebetween. A supply end of the conduit assembly is positioned at the base unit and is connected to a supply line for uncured concrete or other material, while a dispensing end of the conduit assembly is supported by the movable support and extends outwardly therefrom to dispense uncured concrete or other material through a discharge outlet. The movable support is movable arcuately and/or radially relative to the base unit to dispense the concrete in a generally uniform manner over a targeted area. The apparatus may further include a screeding device at the discharge outlet to grade, level, compact and smooth the concrete as it is placed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a containment/exclusion boom including a support system which can be positioned in a body of water, a curtain made of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water therethrough, the curtain being connected to the support system, and a bird deterring device connected to either the support system or the curtain, the bird deterring device being effective to deter birds from perching on the containment/exclusion boom. Also disclosed is a method of using the containment/exclusion boom to isolate an area in a body of water.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing arsenic in a waste matrix includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix, an agent for controlling the pH of the matrix and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the arsenic in the matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a landfill includes a deployer suspended below the bucket of a loader. A roll of film is disposed on the deployer and uncoiled to deploy a film covering on the landfill surface as the loader driven across the surface. Periodically, the bucket, containing a ballast material, is manipulated, allowing ballast material to be disposed on the film to hold the deployed film in place. In a preferred embodiment, the deployer includes a mandrel mounted between two flanges for supporting a roll of film. The deployer is preferably attached to the bucket by chains or wire rope in such a manner so as to allow full operation of bucket while the deployer is attached.

Abstract: A jet bit for jet grouting is disclosed. The jet bit has a rotating auger with a hollow central mast and one or more at least partial helical flights defining an outer auger diameter. The jet bit has at least one primary jet nozzle flowably connected to the central mast of the auger and positioned proximal to the outer diameter of the auger with the discharge of the nozzle directed outside the outer diameter of the auger. Secondary jet nozzles may be used that are directed between the central mast and the outer diameter of the auger. A conventional crane mounted caisson drilling rig can be adapted for use with the jet bit to perform jet grouting.

Abstract: A power drill housing and chuck rotation indicator arrangement in which the power drill housing is formed of two symmetrical shells abutted against each other, the shells each having a front end terminating in a chuck guard defining a respective semi-circular mouth adapted to receive the chuck assembly of the power drill, keeping the chuck assembly protected within the chuck guards.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly 10 including a tool holder 12 having a balancer assembly 21 adapted to selectively provide improved unbalance compensation.

Abstract: A method of guiding a tool for machining a work piece of a material block, the material-removing work portion of the tool being guided to move along a first guide path while a further point on the axis of the tool, which is located at a distance from the work portion, is guided along a prescribed second guide path, whereby the five kinematic coordinates of the movement of the tool are fully determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a spring of a clamp unit for fixing a tool to a spindle for systematic replacement of the spring. The machine tool comprises a clamp unit (47) for fixing a tool in a taper hole provided in a spindle, and a controlling section (63) for controlling the operation of the clamp unit. The clamp unit (47) includes a holder for holding a holder portion of the tool, a driving rod coupled to the holder, a driver for moving the driving rod along an axis thereof, and a spring for biasing the driving rod in one direction along the axis thereof. The machine tool further comprises a service life end detecting section (11) for counting the number of times of actuation of the clamp unit (47) and, when the count of the number reaches a predetermined reference actuation number, judging that the service life of the spring ends.

Abstract: A self-fixing bolt 1 has a male-threaded body 2 and an annular barrel portion 3 having an upper region that continues from the lower end of the body. The barrel portion 3 has an outer periphery larger in diameter than the body 2, the barrel portion having a cylindrical opening 4 with a lower end to punch a hole in the metal panel 10 when driven to be attached to this panel. The bolt has a thrust-bearing shoulder 5 formed integral with the upper region of the barrel portion. Anti-rotation retentive lugs 9 protrude in a longitudinal direction from the outer periphery 8 of the barrel portion to be pointed outwards in a radial direction, each lug 9 being of a triangular or trapezoid cross section, so that the bolt is not accompanied by any oversized flange, thus rendered smaller in size and lighter in weight, and nevertheless surely protected from any undesired idle rotation relative to the panel when the its portion and the bolt form an assembly.

Abstract: A narrow, pliable tether or strap attaches at opposite ends to a panel and a screw respectively in order to flexibly retain the screw to the panel away from the screw hole. A variety of attachment means between the tether and the screw may be employed. C-clip style jaws on the end of the tether may be employed to fit into a groove under the head of the screw as the preferred means of releasable screw attachment. Thus, the tether is free to rotate on the screw to avoid binding as the screw is turned. An adhesive, either first applied to the tether or the panel is employed to attach the stationary end of the tether to the panel.

Abstract: A method of binding folded signature sections together into a book comprised of a signature comb element having teeth which are inserted through perforations in the fold of the signatures and the teeth having tabs which secure the signature comb in slots between two or more spine tapes. The spine tapes adjustably lock into the hinge of the covers by a tooth and pawl mechanism, further interlocking one or more signatures to the spine of the book and securely fasten together the signatures and book cover.

Abstract: A gatherer-stitcher used for gathering various folded sheets is additionally equipped with one or a plurality of devices for applying adhesive, so that the gathered sheets can be bonded to one another directly on the gatherer-stitcher.

Abstract: Embodiments are shown and described of an automatic feeder for handling and inserting media, such as paper, into a hole punch machine or other media processing apparatus. The preferred feeder may accomplish a sequence of steps and preferably includes the apparatus, programming, and methods to accomplish the steps, which preferably handle the paper or other media substantially vertically. A generally vertical pile of paper is advanced forward perpendicularly to the plane of the paper sheets, and then a front portion of the pile is picked by a stabber pushing up in-between the sheets. The picked stack of papers is moved vertically downward into a punching die assembly, and then is ejected laterally to a tray. The picking assembly is designed for a high degree of accuracy. The invented feeder system preferably includes features that allow loading and unloading of the feeder without shutting down the feeder or shutting down the hole punch.

Abstract: In this seaming driving cam 1 formed by an annulus, formed on an active sector 2 of which are, on the one hand, an external profile comprising an ascending ramp 3 and a descending ramp 5 and, on the other hand, an internal profile defining a plateau zone 10 between two deep recesses 6, there are load cells 13 held against the plateau zone 10 by an adjustable bearing part 14 in such a way that their electrical output signals are processed by an analytical device to produce a signal representing the force exerted by the cam 1 on a drive follower that rolls against it.

Abstract: The present invention is a substrate processing method comprising the steps of successively extracting unprocessed wafers from a cassette, successively conveying the extracted wafers to a plurality of processing units, causing the processing units to process the wafers in parallel, and returning the processed wafers to a cassette. A process completion prediction time at which processes for one lot are completed is calculated and displayed corresponding to a process recipe that has been set to a plurality of wafers for at least one lot. Corresponding to the process completion prediction time, a cassette that contains a plurality of unprocessed wafers for one lot is accepted. A cassette that contains a plurality of processed wafers for one lot is returned.

Abstract: A loader disposed in a low cleanliness room along a border between the low cleanliness room and a high cleanliness room, for transporting a dust free article between an inside of a container receiving the dust free article to the high cleanliness room, which comprises: (a) a stage for mounting the container; (b) an opening portion through which the dust free article is transported between the inside of the container and the high cleanliness room; (c) a door for opening and closing the opening portion; (d) unifying means for unifying a cover of the container and the door when the container approaches the door; and (e) a driving means for transferring unified cover and door within the loader to simultaneously open and close the opening portion and the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers in a vacuum chamber in which a plurality of wafers are stored in a cassette outside the chamber, wafers are transferred between the cassette and a staging station inside the chamber with a transfer mechanism located outside the chamber, and wafers are transferred between the staging station and a processing station within the chamber with a transfer mechanism located inside the chamber. In some embodiments, the staging station moves back and forth between the processing chamber and a load lock, with a closure connected to the staging station sealing off the processing chamber when the staging station is in the load lock and wafers are being transferred between the staging station and the cassette.

Abstract: A compact article singulation and accumulation conveyor includes a receiving portion which receives articles in random order including clusters of side-by-side articles and a discharge portion from which articles are discharged in a single file singulated stream. A first conveying surface transports articles longitudinally from the receiving portion to the discharge portion. A recirculating bed removes side-by-side articles from a downstream portion of the first conveying surface to an upstream portion of the first conveying surface. The recirculating bed is made up of at least one peel-away conveyor having a second conveying surface adapted to move side-by-side articles laterally off the first conveying surface, at least one coupling conveyor having a third conveying surface adapted to move articles from the second conveying surface upstream and at least one return conveyor having a fourth conveying surface adapted to move articles from the third conveying surface to the first conveying surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering large containers of goods, especially warehoused goods such as pallets, to a transfer or out-processing station.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp assembly (20) is disclosed. The wheelchair ramp assembly includes a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor, a platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform for reciprocating the ramp between a deployed position and a stowed position in response to a force. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the force required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wafer transfer robot mount/demount cart for simply mounting and demounting a wafer transfer robot which is linearly, substantially horizontally reciprocated in a wafer transfer apparatus to transfer wafers. A pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 which can be connected to a pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side guide rails mounted inside a wafer transfer apparatus D is mounted on a raised portion 5 of the mount/demount cart A. A joint rail S is mounted in a gap between the pair of wafer transfer apparatus-side rails and the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 so as to slide a wafer transfer robot R onto the pair of mount/demount cart-side rails 9 via the joint rail S.

Abstract: Lifting device (1) for disabled people in wheelchairs and children's pushchairs, comprising a supporting frame (2), permanently applied to a motor vehicle or a fixed installation, and a sliding foldaway platform (3) moving between a retracted position and an extracted position, with respect to said supporting frame (2). The platform (3) can also move in said extracted position, between a lowered position and a raised position, by means of an articulated parallelogram linkage system (17). The movements of the platform (3) are achieved by means of electrical actuators (9, 20).

Abstract: A load bearing lift attachment apparatus for a multipurpose loader bucket including a first jaw and a second jaw movably mounted thereto between an opened condition and a closed condition. The lift attachment apparatus includes a lift member formed and dimensioned to engage an object to be lifted; and a lift support device removably coupling the lift member to the loader bucket. The lift support device is configured to cooperate with the first jaw, and the top surface and the bottom surface of the engaging wall of the second jaw, in the closed condition, to distribute the cantilever forces, caused by the weight of the object acting on the loader bucket, across a substantial transverse portion of a support member of the first jaw and a engaging wall of the second jaw.

Abstract: A workpiece support and an apparatus including such a workpiece support are set forth. The workpiece support includes a set of grooved members for supporting a series of workpieces. The workpieces may be similarly shaped, e.g. circular or rectangular, and similarly sized, each having a front face and a back face. An outer perimeter of each workpiece may be beveled at both faces, beveled at one face, unbeveled, convex, or concave. Each grooved member has a series of similar grooves. Being adapted to receive such a workpiece, each groove has a bearing wall and a wedging wall shaped and oriented so that a line normal to the wedging wall intersects but is not normal to the bearing wall. For many applications, two grooved members are employed, which are parallel to one another, spaced from one another, and oriented so that the grooves of the grooved members are generally aligned.

Abstract: The rotor comprises a pendular vibration suppressor with at least two pendulums each having at least one pendular body connected by at least one rigid arm to a support that rotates as one with the rotor hub, and on which the pendulum oscillates via a pivoting connection about an axis of pendular movement spaced away from the center of inertia of the pendulum and from the axis of the rotor, and substantially perpendicular to a radial plane passing through the axis of the rotor and through the center of inertia of the pendulum, which preferably oscillates between two adjacent rotor blades. At least some of the pendulums are tuned to (nb−1)&OHgr; or (nb+1)&OHgr;, so as to attenuate coplanar moments, and other pendulums may be tuned to nb&OHgr;, to filter out forces along the axis of the rotor.

Abstract: A casing structure of metal construction for the rotor blade area of axial flow compressor and turbine stages includes a closed, stable outside wall, a segmented inside wall that is interrupted by multiple expansion joints, and a load-transmitting connecting structure between inside and outside wall. A multiple sub-divided hollow chamber structure with a plurality of thin wall elements standing upright on the inside wall and outside wall, at least the majority of which are directly connected together, is arranged as connecting structure. The hollow chamber structure is connected to the inside wall and/or the outside wall by brazing.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: An open cooling circuit for a gas turbine bucket wherein the bucket has an airfoil portion, and a tip shroud, the cooling circuit including a plurality of radial cooling holes extending through the airfoil portion and communicating with an enlarged internal area within the tip shroud before exiting the tip shroud such that a cooling medium used to cool the airfoil portion is subsequently used to cool the tip shroud.

Abstract: In a pump equipment having plural rotary pumps, the respective discharge ports of the rotary pumps are located at the points which are nearly symmetrical with respect to the center axis of the drive shaft to counterbalance each other the respective reaction forces against the drive shaft to be produced by the high pressure at the respective discharge ports. The respective discharge fluid conduits, in case of the first and second pumps, are located at the points which are opposite each other, more preferably, different at an angle of 180 degrees each other, with respect to the center axis of the drive shaft to limit the bending of the drive shaft. As a method for assembling the pump equipment, the peripheral border between respective cylindrical members piled up for constituting the casing is tentatively welded by laser beam at first and, then, all around the peripheral borders are finally welded.