Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, sampling and analyzing thermally-labile chemical species, comprises a quartz tube having a filter member positioned in the bore of the tube. The filter member comprises a plug of quartz beads having a layer of quartz frits on either side. A fluid (gas or liquid) carrying one or more chemical substances associated with particulate matter is passed through the tube, the particulate material being collected by the quartz beads. After sample collection, the material remaining/retained from the original sample is removed, as for example by thermal desorption, and the material is then analyzed.

Abstract: A high air volume to low liquid volume aerosol collector. A high volume flow of aerosol particles is drawn into an annular, centripetal slot in a collector which directs the aerosol flow into a small volume of liquid pool contained is a lower center section of the collector. The annular jet of air impinges into the liquid, imbedding initially airborne particles in the liquid. The liquid in the pool continuously circulates in the lower section of the collector by moving to the center line, then upwardly, and through assistance by a rotating deflector plate passes back into the liquid at the outer area adjacent the impinging air jet which passes upwardly through the liquid pool and through a hollow center of the collector, and is discharged via a side outlet opening. Any liquid droplets escaping with the effluent air are captured by a rotating mist eliminator and moved back toward the liquid pool.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for extracting cross-sectional samples of bulk material from a moving belt conveyor with a rotating sample cutter. The sample cutter is driven around a circular sampling path by a pair of double-acting pneumatic cylinders that are connected to angularly offset crank throws. Fluid flow in and out of each pneumatic cylinder pressure chamber is independently regulated as a function of the respective cylinder rod position and direction of movement whereby both chambers may be simultaneously open to the pressure supply or to the atmospheric vent for a brief rotational arc.

Abstract: A sample removal apparatus for excising and ejecting a section of a gel sample from a tray. The sample removal apparatus includes a chamber member that defines an chamber interior. The chamber member has a top with a perimeter wall depending therefrom. The perimeter wall has a lower cutting edge defining a cutting perimeter. The sample removal apparatus also includes a pipetor adapter for receiving a portion of a pipetor. The pipetor adapter has a receiving cavity for receiving the pipetor. A peripheral wall that has a lower end mounted to the top of the chamber member forms the receiving cavity.

Abstract: A gear unit in which a cable, band or similar device is fitted between the drive and the output in order to transform a fast rotational movement at the drive end, which is limited in both directions, into a slow rotational movement at the output end. The cable is fastened at both ends to an oscillating intermediary single-piece divided into two segments, and rests against the outer walls of the intermediary piece and is wound around the shaft of the drive so as to transfer a driving torque. A position sensor is assigned to the inner segment of the intermediary piece, and/or a torque sensor is mounted between both segments of the intermediary piece. A fast rotational movement of the drive is transformed into a slow rotational movement without play, and provides a good synchronization characteristic.

Abstract: A drive device for a moveable part, in particular a hinged side window of a vehicle, with an actuating drive and with a threaded piece which is driven by the actuating drive and which meshes with an associated threaded piece, the associated threaded piece moving the part, there being provision, in order to reduce undesirable noises, for individual flights of at least one threaded piece (14) to be designed in such a way that they come to bear under the effective force in the respectively associated flights of the other threaded piece.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission for automatically shifting a synchromesh type gear transmission, having a controller in which shifting to another gear is performed after temporary synchronization is effected by use of a synchronizer of an intermediate gear between one gear and the another gear, when shifting from the one gear to the another gear while skipping at least a next gear of the one gear is effected.

Abstract: A control method/system for controlling range section (14) shifting in a range-type transmission (10) having a “repeat-H” shift mechanism. Under certain conditions, a shift from the highest ratio position in low range (4/8) toward the lowest ratio position (1/5) will cause an automatic shift to the high range, even if the range selector (96) is in the low range selection position.

Abstract: A driven gear G3b for a forward second gear G3 which is obtained by a hydraulic clutch C3 on a second input shaft 5 is disposed contiguous with a driven gear G4b for a first gear G4. A spacer collar 9 is provided on an output shaft 6 so as to be positioned between a selector hub 8a and the driven gear G3b for the second gear G3, and the driven gear G4b for the first gear G4 is rotatably supported on the spacer collar 9.

Abstract: A gear reduction mechanism includes a gearbox housing, a first gear having a first axis of rotation about a first shaft and the second gear having a second axis of rotation about a second shaft. The first and second gears are rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing so that the first and second gears mesh with each other such that the first axis of the first gear is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second gear. The gear isolator assembly is preferably disposed within the gearbox housing about the second gear for reducing noise generated between the first and second gears during operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A transmission shifter for controlling a transmission of a motor vehicle by a cable has a base, a shift lever mounted on the base and pivotable along a shift path, the shift lever having a guidance opening, and a cable attachment bracket having a tail and adapted to receive a transmission cable. The cable attachment bracket is adjustably attached to the shift lever so that the cable attachment bracket may be adjusted with respect to the shift lever over an adjustment distance. To reduce vibrational noise, the tail is laterally captivated within the guidance opening. For ease of assembly, preferably the cable attachment bracket is attached to the shift lever free of the pivot pin.

Abstract: A shock absorber for coupling a brake pedal lever arm to a brake booster push rod. The application of impact forces to the brake booster push rod is sensed and the brake pedal lever arm is no longer rigidly coupled to a brake booster push rod. The impact forces applied to the brake booster push rod are then absorbed by the shock absorber. Finally, after the cessation of the impact forces, the brake pedal lever arm is once again rigidly coupled to the brake booster push rod.

Abstract: Vehicle pedal device assembly including a brake pedal device having brake pedal and adjusting mechanism operable to pivot adjusting link about support shaft and move the brake pedal through drive link in longitudinal direction of vehicle when the brake pedal is in non-operated state, and further including an accelerator pedal device having accelerator pedal, and pedal holding member which pivotally supports the accelerator pedal and which is disposed pivotally about mounting shaft, and wherein connecting link is provided to connect the pedal holding member and stationary member fixed to vehicle body, such that the pedal holding member and the accelerator pedal are moved in the longitudinal direction together with the brake pedal.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly has a mounting bracket and a pedal arm mounted to the bracket for pivotal movement between an idle position and a full throttle position. A biasing mechanism extends between the pedal arm and the bracket for urging the pedal arm to the idle position. A friction disc engages the biasing mechanism for movement therewith. The friction disc is in frictional engagement with a stationary friction plate for relative movement therebetween. Movement of the pedal arm from the idle position towards the full throttle position responsively rotates the friction disc relative to the friction plate and the biasing mechanism responsively increases frictional engagement between the friction disc and the friction plate by urging the friction disc and friction plate together.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a motor vehicle drive system includes a base body rotatable about an axis of rotation and a deflection mass arrangement having at least one deflection mass and a deflection path associated with the at least one deflection mass. The at least one deflection mass is movable along the deflection path when the base body rotates about the axis of rotation. The deflection path defines a radial outer area of a movement space in the base body in which the at least one deflection mass is movable. The base body includes a carrier element in which the movement space is arranged and a first closure element connected with and constructed separately from the carrier element and arranged at a first axial side of the carrier element for closing the movement space in a first axial direction.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes front and rear retaining members mounted on a pedal body. A spring unit biases the rear retaining member to confine a cleat between the front and rear retaining members. Each of the front and rear retaining members includes two downwardly extending side stop elements for limiting movement of an end engaging portion of the cleat therebetween.

Abstract: A method of copying a three-dimensional surface having X, Y, and Z dimensions forms a translucent impression of the surface to be copied and then captures a two-dimensional image of the translucent impression. The captured image has X and Y dimensions and a grayscale value for each X, Y coordinate of the image. Then, the method converts each grayscale value of the image to a Z height value, thereby generating a digital file of X, Y, and Z values. The digital file may then be provided as an input to a numerically controlled machine, which can be operated to reproduce the surface to be copied. The method of the present invention finds particular application in digitizing handcrafted emboss dies and the like.

Abstract: A finish carpentry nailing guard adapted for use in protecting workpiece surfaces from damage by hammers while driving nails and/or from nail pulling devices when removing nails, the guard comprising a unitary block having a centrally located aperture and/or slots. In its preferred embodiment the guard is transparent and fabricated from lexan or other hard plastic.

Abstract: A head of a wrench comprises a hole having a center and a radius. The head further includes a compartment communicated with the hole. A wall defining the compartment has a center of curvature and a radius of curvature. A ratio between the radius of curvature of the wall and the radius of the hole is equal to or greater than 0.5, but less than 1. A distance between the center of the hole and the center of curvature of the wall is selected to form a deeper compartment to thereby improve the torque-bearing capacity.

Abstract: An oil filter wrench comprising a gripping strap having an inner and outer surface, a handle for tightening the gripping strap. Gripping fingers extending inwardly from the gripping strap, each gripping finger being round and symmetrical and having a smooth convex gripping inner surface and a smooth concave outer surface. The fingers are provided on the strap in spaced relationship to each other in clusters of nine at spaced intervals around the strap, arranged in parallel rows of three each.

Abstract: A rotatable tool handle device includes a handle having a chamber for receiving a spring biased latch, a shank having one end rotatably secured to the handle with a pivot shaft and having two cavities. A latch is slidably engaged in the chamber of the handle, and guided to move relative to the handle, and has a tongue for solidly engaging into either of the cavities of the shank and for securing the shank to the handle at a selected angular position. A spring may bias the tongue of the latch to solidly engage with either of the cavities of the shank.

Abstract: A combination bicycle tool kit includes a case, the case having a receiving open chamber and a positioning groove for attaching to a tubular member, a first tool set receivable in the receiving open chamber, a second tool set detachably secured to the outside wall of the case, the first and second tool sets each having a tool holder base and a set of tools pivoted to a pivot shaft at one end of the tool holder base and turned in and out of the tool holder base between the operative position and the non-operative position, and an elastic band adapted to secure the case to one tubular member of the frame of a bicycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screwdriver or screwdriver attachment (S) comprising one input and one output end (1 and 2) and a shank (4) located in between the two. The output end has at least three, preferably four, ribs (7) which radiate outwards from a central section (8) located around the axis of rotation (x—x). The ribs (7) on each end side have a face, which is placed at an angle to the axis of rotation, and flanks on the front and back side (13, 14) which run substantially parallel to each other in the area next to the frontal face (11). In this area the flank (13) on the front side is located on a diametrical surface (diameter D—D) in relation to the axis of rotation (x—x), whereby the flanks (13, 14) of adjoining ribs (7) form a groove (9) which runs lengthways and whose root (16) ends in the outer surface of a section of the shank.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a polarizer for use in an LCD, which includes cutting said polarizer so that an absorption axis of the polarizer is aligned with an edge of the polarizer by using an optical sensor, coupled to a cutting machine, where the optical sensor uses a rotating reference polarizer to determine a null point of transmission through the polarizer and thereby determine any offset of the absorption axis with respect to an edge of the polarizer.

Abstract: A system and method for performing operations such as cutting on sheet material such as cloth wherein the sheet material is scanned at an inspection station to determine the existence and location of flaws in the material, the material is transferred to a conveyor where operations such as cutting are performed on the sheet material as it is moved by the conveyor, and the speed of the conveyor and the speed, direction and mode of the operations are controlled all according to a predetermined pattern of operation for the sheet material and the pattern can be re-nested or adjusted in accordance with the existence and location of flaws in the material as determined by the scanning. The operations are performed by controlled gantry-style cutters, and preferably two such cutters are employed wherein a control determines the conveyor speed and determines the portions of the cutting operation to be performed by the respective cutters.

Abstract: A top edge trimming cutter, a bottom edge trimming cutter and a front edge trimming cutter are arranged to have predetermined distances from one another so as not to cause mechanical interference. The top edge trimming cutter, a first table element, a first blade receiving plate and a first pressing plate pressing a bound material against the first table element are attached to a first frame element. The bottom edge trimming cutter, a second table element, a second blade receiving plate and a second pressing plate pressing the bound material against the second table element are attached to a second frame element. Relative movement of the first and second frame elements effects relative movement of the top edge trimming cutter and the bottom edge trimming cutter, relative movement of corresponding first and second blade receiving plates and relative movement of corresponding first and second pressing plates.

Abstract: A compound miter saw includes a table on which a workpiece is placed, a miter saw unit supporting a saw blade, and a housing pivotally supporting the miter saw unit related to the table in such a manner that the miter saws unit is at least laterally pivotable. Further, the miter saw includes a bevel mechanism for selectively determining the lateral position of the miter saw unit at any of a plurality of pivoted positions, including a vertical position where the saw blade is positioned substantially vertically relative to the table, and leftward and rightward pivoted positions where the blade is inclined laterally leftwardly and laterally rightwardly from the vertical position. The bevel mechanism includes a movable rod and three fixed stop members, the rod being operable to move between a first rod position abutting one of the fixed stop members and a second rod position not abutting the one of the fixed stop members so as to permit the lateral pivotal movement of the miter saw unit.

Abstract: A cut-off mechanism for forming metal parts from elongate stock and the like includes a first jaw having a laterally inclined first cutting surface that extends between a sharpened leading edge and a trailing edge. A second jaw has a laterally inclined second cutting surface that extends between a sharpened leading edge and a trailing edge. A connector pivotally interconnects the first and second jaws in a side-by-side relationship at a location spaced apart from the first and second cutting surfaces. The connector positions the leading edges of the first and second cutting surfaces in close planar alignment to shear cut stock positioned therebetween. The leading edge of the first cutting surface has a hook-shaped side elevational configuration extending arcuately between an outer tip portion thereof and an inner base portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting green ceramic bodies, includes a traveling path for green ceramic bodies, beds for supporting green ceramic bodies at constant intervals in series along the traveling path, an arm on each side of the traveling path, two drive portions for moving respective arms perpendicularly relative to the traveling path, a drive portion for moving both arms in the same direction as the traveling path, a wire for cutting green ceramic bodies, extending between the arms, and wire supporting portions, on respective arms. Each wire supporting portion includes a servo motor with an axis of rotation, a magnet member around the axis of rotation, a bobbin having a conical surface around which wire is wound, and magnetically coupled to the axis of rotation by the magnet member, and a traversing mechanism for varying the position where the wire is wound around the length of the conical surface.

Abstract: A system and method for generating acoustic and seismic signals to clear mines equipped with acoustic and/or seismic sensors includes at least one drum driven rotationally by a drive to which drum at least one weight is attached by a fastening device positioning the at least one weight at a distance from drum, the weight being intended to strike the ground periodically as the drum rotates in order to generate an acoustic and seismic signal whose period is the same as that of the striking period of the weight.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster (10) has a vacuum chamber (18) and a working chamber (20), which are separated in a pressure-proof manner from one another by a movable wall (16). A control valve (22) having a housing (24), which is workingly coupled to the movable wall (16) and in which a first valve seat (64) is disposed, in order to achieve a pressure difference at the movable wall (16) controls the supply of at least atmospheric pressure to the working chamber (20) in dependence upon the displacement of an input element (26), which is coupled to the first valve seat (64), of the brake booster (10). Disposed in the control valve housing (24) is an armature (38), which cooperates with a permanent magnet (40) and which is coupled on the one hand to the input element (26) in actuating direction and on the other hand to the first valve seat (64).

Abstract: A pneumatic servomotor (1) for an assisted braking having a housing, separated by a diaphragm (5) into a first variable-volume chamber (3) and a second variable volume chamber (7) therein. During a. brake application a force applied to a control rod (13) moves to allow a first flap (19) to isolate the second chamber (7) from the first chamber (3) and thereafter allow a second flap (23) to open and allow pressurized assist fluid to be communicated to the second chamber (7). The diaphragm (5) has a lip (35) thereon that engages the housing to define a thrust chamber (41). On opening of the second flap (19) allows the pressurized assist fluid is initially communicated to the thrust chamber (41) and only after a predetermined travel of the control rod (13) is the pressurized assist fluid communicated to the second chamber (7) for creating a pressure differential between the fluid in the first chamber (3) and second chamber (7) to develop an output force to effect a brake application.

Abstract: A cylinder tube of a cylinder has an outer periphery, as taken in the circumferential direction thereof but excepting the upright surface thereof, comprising: surfaces curved convexly outward, and first to third chamfered portions, and a casing of a position detecting sensor to be mounted on the cylinder has an outer periphery formed of surfaces curved convexly outward and a chamfered portion, thereby it is possible to prevent a liquid from being trapped on the outer surface for avoiding the sanitary problem.

Abstract: An inclined-axis variable displacement unit comprises an output shaft (1), mounted in a housing (4), and a cylinder block (10), the cylinder block (10) being connected to the output shaft (1) via a synchronizing articulation (18), and via working pistons (11) which can be displaced in the cylinder block (10), the cylinder block (10) being mounted in a pivoting body (5) which can be pivoted in relation to the axis of the output shaft (1) by an adjusting means, it being the case that the adjusting means is arranged on that side of the pivoting body (5) on which the output shaft is located.

Abstract: A device for locking a piston rod of a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly in an extended condition. The locking device is placed in interposed relation to a hydraulic cylinder and an opposing bearing point to prevent retraction of the piston rod. The device has a split sleeve configuration to facilitate mounting the locking device in encircling relating to the piston rod including opposed longitudinally extending edges that are locked to one another via a locking means. The locking means of the device is partially enclosed by a lock protecting housing to protect the locking device from being removed by unauthorized persons. The device is durable, easy to install and remove, and adaptable to a variety of hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary vane actuator device with sealing assembly. The device includes a housing and a sealing assembly. The housing has a center opening defining a chamber. The housing includes opposing end plates for surrounding a stator. The stator having an aligned center opening and a rotor within the chamber. Within the chamber there are two openings, one serving as an inlet, the other serving as an outlet for rotational fluid. The rotor includes a vane assembly fixedly connected thereto. When the fluid enters the chamber, the fluid contacts the vane and moves the rotationally in the same direction. Each of the stator and the vane include seal packs. The end plates include sealing members which contact the stator and vane seal packs whether in the static or dynamic condition of the rotor. The combination of the seal packs and the end plate seal form the sealing assembly.

Abstract: In a piston engine, end play of the piston pin can be prevented without unduly shortening the pin. In the simplest design (FIG. 4), a full length piston pin can have spherical end surface in close clearance spacing relative to the combustion chamber surface, so that any tendency of the pin to shift along the pin axis is immediately resisted by contact between a spherical end surface and the combustion chamber surface. The area of each spherical surface is sufficient to prevent wear or scratching of the combustion chamber surface. An alternative full length piston pin design incorporates spherical sheet-metal caps snapped in place at the ends (FIG. 2), which fix the pin (and caps) from coming into contact with the cylinder bore wall.

Abstract: A food preparation system comprising a container having a prescribed quantity of foodstuff. The container includes an interior chamber expandable by the addition of a liquid. The food preparation system further comprises a vessel sized and configured to receive the container and a prescribed volume of liquid. A pump is in fluid communication with the liquid and the container. The pump is operative to transfer the liquid from the vessel into the container such that as the foodstuff is mixed with the liquid, the interior of the container will expand into the vessel.

Abstract: A hand-held suction pump for creating a vacuum in a container (2) provided with a suction valve (3), comprising an elongated outer casing in which an electric motor (7) and a piston pump (14, 15) driven by the motor (7) are accommodated, wherein the pump chamber (14) of the piston pump is connected by an inlet valve and a suction duct (28) to a hollow tip (34) at the free end of the casing for direct coupling with the suction valve of the container, the pump chamber being further connected by an outlet valve to an exhaust duct (29) having a duct opening on the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing for porting an exhaust flow to the exterior of the outer casing. In order to reduce noise caused by the exhaust flow, the duct opening of the exhaust duct (29) is overlapped by a baffle (38) which is separated by a gapped distance from the outer surface of the wall of the outer casing so as to deflect the exhaust flow exiting the duct opening by a substantial angle.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for compacting waste in a machine including an cylindrical, open-top tank (2-4) and a compacting head (15, 16), wherein a horizontal toothed roller (16) is arranged in said tank (2-4) and bears on said waste under its own weight, and said roller (16) can be rotated around the central vertical axis of said tank by the action of a driving member (15). The method is characterized in that a quantity indicative of the force exerted by said driving member (15) is monitored, and in that, when said quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, an unclogging operation is performed by (a) first raising said roller (16) up to a predetermined height and (b) then releasing said roller (16) thus causing it to lower back onto the waste, while being rotatively driven in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Moisture reduction press for the separation of liquid from substances, comprising a first container with an inlet opening through which the substance is fed to an inlet chamber, and with a discharge opening from an outlet chamber through which the moisture-reduced substance leaves the press, and also where inside the first container there is arranged a second container, so that between the surface of the first container and the outer surface of the second container a passageway is formed. The moisture reduction press further comprises means for building up a pressure at least in the passageway and feed the substance forward, and in that the wall of the first container, preferably for the whole of its periphery and at least between the two chambers, is produced with through-going holes. There is hereby achieved a uniform distribution and pressing of the substance to be drained, regardless of the moisture content in the substance.

Abstract: An improved pressing machine for forming a work (21) being progressively or sequentially fed along a coil line, having a press assembly (1) that comprises a plurality of modular press units (11, 12, 13, . . . ) connected from one to another in a direction in which the work (21) is progressively fed. Each of the press units (11, 12, 13, . . . ) includes a C-form frame (2), a slide drive mechanism (6) disposed in an upper part of the C-form frame (2) and having in its drive source (7) a servo motor means operable under NC, and a slide (5) adapted to be driven by the slide drive mechanism to move in a given movement pattern. The press units (11, 12, 13, . . . ) having their respective slides (5), at least some of which have at least one slide adapter plate (19) attached thereto, the at least one slide adapter plate extending across those at least some of the slides as a whole.

Abstract: A high precision, all-purpose, double action hydraulic press, which can control the speed, position, and parallelism of each slide, can conduct mold exchanges easily, and prevent the breakthrough phenomenon is provided with an outer slide 4, an inner slide 6, drive cylinders 8 and 9 which drive each of the slides, position detection devices 14 and 15 which detect the position of each of the slides, push pins 13, a damper cylinder 10 which prevents breakthrough phenomenon, and a die plate 5 which is equipped with push pins 13. By controlling the flow in the hydraulic pressure circuit which is connected to each of the drive cylinders, the speed, position, and parallelism of each of the slides are controlled.

Abstract: An oil pressure device is disposed on a hoist frame. The hoist frame has an upper panel and a middle panel. An oil cylinder is disposed on the upper panel. The oil pressure device has a pneumatic pump having a lower cover and a pneumatic cylinder, a base seat disposed on the pneumatic cylinder, the lower cover disposed on a bottom of the pneumatic cylinder, an oil tank disposed on the base seat, and an oil pump connected to the base seat. A handle is connected to the oil pump. A connector is connected to the lower cover. An air pipe is connected to the connector. An air pressure valve is connected to the air pipe.

Abstract: A screw press which can ensure the positional precision of the ram when the rotation amount of the press motor does not directly translate into the position of the ram because there is other machinery, such as a decelerator and the like, present between the motor (servo motor) and the screw mechanism, has a construction in which a position detection sensor, which detects the position of the ram, is provided, and the position of the ram is controlled by the output from this sensor.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine including a plurality of printing drums which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other such that respective axis lines thereof are respectively made horizontal and respective peripheral walls of which are wound with perforated stencil sheet, a stencil making unit for perforating the stencil sheet and a moving mechanism for supporting the stencil making unit to be movable relative to the respective printing drums.

Abstract: A rubber blanket is provided with reinforcement rails on one or both of its ends. These reinforcement rails are positionable in a narrow channel in a rubber blanket cylinder. The reinforcement rail or rails extend beyond the ends of the channel. Rubber blanket cylinder tensioning devices engage the extending ends of the rubber blanket reinforcement parts.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and diverting sections of web having splices on a continuous web is provided. A splice detector is located adjacent a source of continuous web, typically a roll. The movement of the web from the roll is tracked, and the relative location of the splice within the web stream is noted by a controller. Downstream, a web utilization device is provided with a movement detector also connected to the controller. Movement of the splice-containing section through utilization device is tracked so that the splice-containing section is not processed by the utilization device, or is reprocessed on a non-splice-containing section. A cutter is also provided with a movement detector, also connected to the controller. Movement of the web from the utilization device to the cutter is tracked and the section containing the web is cut. A diversion mechanism can be used to remove the cut section of web containing the splice so that it does not appear in the final stream of finished cut sheets.

Abstract: A ball brayer, provided with a brayer ball fabricated with a patterned ball cover and smoothly rolling on a sheet in any desired direction during a stamping process, is disclosed. This ball brayer includes a roller holder unit consisting of a front head and a handle. A dome-shaped first upper cap unit is seated in the front head of the roller holder unit. A dome-shaped second upper cap unit, having a cylindrical top rod, is seated in the first upper cap unit by the top rod inserted into the inner fitting cylinder of the first upper cap unit. The brayer ball, consisting of a spherical core body and a ball cover formed on the spherical core body, is rotatably seated in the second upper cap unit. A lower support cap unit is detachably mounted to the second upper cap unit. This lower support cap has an opening capable of allowing the brayer ball to be partially exposed outside the second upper cap unit.

Abstract: There is provided a removable ink cassette for a flexographic printing press containing an ink pan and a meter roll. The ink pan and the meter roll are removed from the printing press together by removing the ink cassette from the printing press. The ink pan may be removed from the printing press without first removing the anilox roll and the meter roll.