Abstract: A cup-holder insert for accommodating a beverage and a snack or combo meal includes in a typical embodiment: a) central support member of generally circular cross-section configured to be disposed in a cup-holder and reside vertically in the cup-holder when placed therein and which defines a first cavity adapted to receive a cup; b) at least a first laterally projecting food receptacle portion which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the first laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a second cavity adapted to receive victuals; and c) at least a second laterally projecting food receptacle portion thereof which projects laterally from the support member when the insert is placed in the cup-holder, the second laterally projecting food receptacle portion defining a third cavity for receiving victuals.

Abstract: A self-centering system is described for holding an object (e.g. a vial, tube or cell) to maintain the longitudinal axis of the object in the desired orientation. The system includes two cam members which are pivotably mounted on parallel axes. The cam members include sloped surfaces which are able to accommodate objects of various diameters or shapes (e.g. circular or non-circular cross-section). The cam members are biased (e.g. with weights or springs) such that the sloped surfaces are automatically brought into contact with the object to be oriented and supported.

Abstract: A flexible shaft is provided having at least one end portion connectable to a socket. The at least one end portion has a substantially uniform cross-section defining at least one generally flat side. The flat sides of adjacent cross-sections collectively define a non-planar surface which is twisted about a reference axis for rotationally driving a cooperating planar surface in the corresponding socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding interconnectable cards on either side of a computer monitor. The holder includes a one-piece construction having a side fold, a pair of ells, a body, and a fastener portion. An adhesive is affixed to the side fold and interconnectable instructional cards are attached to the fastener portion, whereby the adhesive remains affixed to the side fold and allows the holder to be repeatably affixable and removable from either side of the monitor, and the fastener portion allows the user to flip through and view the instructional cards.

Abstract: An apparatus connectable to a supporting structure and capable of holding an elongated member at any among a plurality of differing angular orientations relative to the supporting structure includes a base associated with the supporting structure and a body including a carrier capable of holding the elongated member. A first releasable connector may be associated with the carrier and engageable with the elongated member, preventing removal of the elongated member from the apparatus. The body is engageable at one end with the base and pivotably movable between a plurality of angular positions relative to the base. The body may include two portions that are releasably connectable in any among a plurality of different relative positions, allowing the distance between the carrier and the base to be adjustable.

Abstract: A bracket for properly positioning and preferably preventing the tipping of an appliance includes first and second, generally perpendicular legs extending from a central bracket portion, with the first leg being longer than the second leg. Each of the legs is provided with a slot extending to a terminal end thereof and is defined by side flanges which are interconnected by a raised connecting portion. Apertures are provided in the side flanges for use in securing the bracket to a supporting surface or an upstanding wall. In addition, the central portion includes a recess formed with holes for use in toe nailing or screwing the bracket in place. The bracket is adapted to be secured in place with a selected one of the legs extending along the supporting surface in order that a support leg of an appliance can be slid beneath and retained by the bracket.

Abstract: A metal mold for molding a slider of a slide fastener is provided. The metal mold comprises upper and lower mold cavities for molding portions of the slider, with the upper and lower molds moving up and down relative to each other in order to open and close the mold. The mold further comprises at least two sliding molds for molding portions of the slider not molded by the upper and lower molds. The sliding molds are capable of being removably introduced into the upper and lower molds from their front and rear sides when the upper and lower molds are in tight contact with each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive unit, particularly for valve slides of solenoid valves, includes a magnetically conductive housing which is connectable to a gas generator for airbags and a coil body provided with an exciting coil mounted in the housing, and a displaceable armature pretensioned by a spring and connected to the valve slide. The coil body with the exciting coil is closed off toward the open side of the housing by a correspondingly shaped metal cover. The cover is provided with a central hollow cylinderical portion which is surrounded with play by a cup-shaped member. The cup-shaped member guides the valve slide which is supported by the armature.

Abstract: A retaining piece of a ball valve is provided with an engaging surface and a groove defined to provide resilience to the engaging surface which engages with an outer surface of a ball. With such an arrangement, the engagement between the outer surface of the ball and the engaging surface is fluid-tight. Furthermore the engaging surface is resilient and is able to deform slightly to suit the surface of the ball even after a long-term use, and therefore prolongs the operation life of the ball valve.

Abstract: A system for seating a head of a valve shaft that is received within a first axial bore in a primary bushing includes a second bushing having a second axial bore. The second axial bore has a second bore diameter, and is substantially concentric relative to the first axial bore. The valve shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first portion has a first portion diameter, and the second portion has a second portion diameter. The first portion diameter is a predetermined amount less than the second bore diameter, whereas the second portion diameter is substantially equal to the second bore diameter. The first shaft portion is received within the second axial bore when the valve shaft is in the closed position. The second shaft portion is received within the second axial bore when the valve shaft is in the open position.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive self-closing spring-loaded ball valve assembly that can be latched in the valve open position and consequentially triggered to automatically close and shut off the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating water utilizes a single flow control valve that has only one moving part to divert treated water from several water treatment units to backwash another water treatment unit.

Abstract: A valve device including a main body formed with a passage for allowing a refrigerant to flow therethrough; and a valve member provided in the passage. The main body includes an aluminum alloy containing 0.2 to 1.5 weight % of Si; 0.2 to 1.5 weight % of Mg; 0.001 to 0.2 weight % Ti; at least 0.1 weight % of Mn, Zr or the both; and Al and inevitable impurities, and having a fiber structure.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided with a shoe mountable on a work surface, and a clamp having a foot adapted for removable engagement with the shoe. Also provided is a method of clamping a workpiece in a fixed location with respect to a work surface including mounting a shoe on the work surface, providing a clamp with a foot and a clamping head, where the foot is adapted for removable engagement with the shoe, engaging the shoe and the foot, and clamping the workpiece between the clamping head and the work surface.

Abstract: An universal lift system for use in combination with a lifting device which is particularly suitable for lifting and supporting two wheeled motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, mopeds, and the like in an elevated position so that maintenance may be easily performed on the vehicle. The lift system includes an attachment device comprising a base plate and cross members fastened to the base plate for mounting on the lifting device. The lift system further includes an adjustable support device, which may be used alone or in combination with the attachment device for maintaining the vehicle in a raised position while the lifting device may be removed from underneath the vehicle and the attachment device. Mounting brackets may be attached to the attachment device or support device for supporting a wide variety of vehicles and/or parts.

Abstract: A cable rack mounted cable puller and installation system for removably attaching to a cable rack and efficiently removing/installing cable upon the cable rack. The cable rack mounted cable puller and installation system includes a first support frame attachable to a first rail upon a cable rack, and a second support frame attachable to a second rail upon the cable rack. A shaft is rotatably supported between the upper portions of the support frames to receive a length of cable. A plurality of securing brackets are pivotally attached to a base of the support frames to selectively surround the rails. A plurality of securing fasteners within the securing brackets allow for tightening of the support frames to the rails. A coupler is attached to an end of the shaft for connecting a powered tool thereto to drive the shaft for pulling or dispensing cable. The support frames are preferably comprised of an extendable structure for accommodating cables positioned at various heights.

Abstract: A guardrail beam for installation along a roadway is provided with a first or top edge region and a second or bottom edge region. A plurality of crowns may be disposed longitudinally along the guardrail beam between the first, top edge region and the second, bottom edge region. Each edge region preferably includes a first, edge flange and a second, slot flange with a plurality of splice bolt slots disposed therein. A radius between less than three-eighths of an inch and approximately one-sixteenth of an inch is preferably formed between each first, edge flange and adjacent second, slot flange. Also, each first, edge flange preferably extends at an angle between approximately twenty-five degrees and one hundred twenty-five degrees relative to the second, slot flange.

Abstract: An energy dissipating system is mounted on the side surface of an elongated concrete median or roadway barrier and includes a longitudinally extending flexible sheet of low friction plastics material having upper and lower edge portions secured to the barrier and with an intermediate portion of the sheet defining a longitudinally extending cavity with the side surface. An elongated energy dissipating member extends horizontally within the cavity, and in one form, comprises a set of resilient cylindrical tubes of extruded plastics material with a smaller tube enclosed within a larger outer tube. In another form, the energy dissipating member includes helically extending compression plastic spring coils disposed between the resilient inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular railing system for use as a handrail or bumper rail that has a substantially continuous and smooth exterior surface that is easily cleaned and helps prevent the collection and accumulation of surface contaminants. The system is comprised of multiple modular sections which can be secured together using internal connectors which eliminates the need for any exposed mechanical fasteners. The sections can be made straight or curved to allow the system to be constructed in various configurations. Support fixtures are also provided which can be used to connect the system to the wall.

Abstract: Method and its associated device for the regulated injection of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2L) into a liquid (L) under pressure inside a chamber. The liquid carbon dioxide (CO2L) is, according to this method, injected at a fixed flow rate, in stepped mode, under the protection of a stream of gas (when injection is stopped).

Abstract: The present invention includes a evaporative cooling pad and method of making the same. The cooling pad features a non-reflective, non-light transmissive surface finish incorporated directly into the cooling pad. In one embodiment, this surface finish would be a dark color, gray to black, with a non-gloss surface The coupling of this type of finish and colored sheet with the plurality of angled cross-corrugated flutes featured on the cooling pad serves the function of breaking the light source at various flute angles and attenuating the light value during its passage through the cooling pad.

Abstract: A carburetor for a small internal combustion engine has a manual priming fuel pump with a resilient valve for allowing fuel flow in a first direction and for preventing fuel flow in a second direction. The resilient valve is reinforced with longitudinally extending ribs to prevent recirculation of fuel through an outlet orifice of the valve in a running engine. The outlet orifice is defined by a distal end of a tubular portion of the valve press fitted and projecting into an outlet passage that communicates with a pump chamber defined by a resilient domed cap. The ribs project laterally outward from the tubular portion within the outlet passage. Integral with an opposite end of the resilient valve is a head which flexes outward to open an inlet passage which then communicates with the pump chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for temperature control of biological/chemical samples employing liquid metal is described. A gallium-indium alloy may be used to provide excellent temperature control. Methods of using liquid metal to provide temperature control for biological/chemical samples are also described. A preferred use for the described liquid metal-heating apparatus is to provide precise temperature control for polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: A damping system is disclosed which includes a housing that receives vibrations, a mounting platform movably disposed with respect to the housing, at least one bearing surface on or attached to one of the housing and the platform, and at least one frictional member on or attached to the other of the housing and the platform in contact with the bearing surface. The system frictionally dampens vibrations received by the housing and isolates the platform from vibrations.

Abstract: Plural vibration damping devices transmit to and receive energy from a distributor that is programmed to either dissipate the vibration induced energy produced by the devices or redistribute the vibration induced energy produced by some of the devices to minimize overall vibration without introduction of energy from an external source.

Abstract: A barrel elastomer mount having a first hollow frustum composed of an elastomer and having a first end and a second end with the first end of the first hollow frustum having an interior diameter larger than an external diameter of the second end of the first hollow frustum; and a second hollow frustum composed of an elastomer having a first end and a second end with the first end of the second hollow frustum having an interior diameter larger than an external diameter of the second end of the second hollow frustum. The first hollow frustum is securely attached to the second hollow frustum at the first end of the first hollow frustum and at the first end of the second hollow frustum creating an enclosed cavity whereby the walls of the elastomer mount provide tension and shear resistance to shock and vibrational forces as well as to compressive static forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resilient return having a fixing seat, and to an elongate body fitted with such resilient return. The resilient return, particularly a spring in accordance with the invention, comprise a seat (9) capable of fitting into a receiving cavity, made in at least one wall (10) of an elongate element (29), typically in the radially-inner face of the wall of a tubular element, of a sleeve or similar. The present invention mainly applies to the motor car industry and especially to the design and manufacturing of braking devices.

Abstract: An adjustable, portable truck bed assembly holder is disclosed herein. The holder includes a base structure and a retaining frame that is rotatably coupled thereto. The base structure includes a moveable chassis having opposing front and rear ends, a pair of vertical support posts extending upwardly from each of said the front and rear ends, a generally U-shaped center support member horizontally and rotatably displaced between said the upwardly extending free ends of the pair of vertical support posts. The retaining frame is attached to the center cross member, has a generally rectangular construction and includes a pair of retaining members, a pair of support members joined at the underside of said the retaining members, and securing flanges fixed to the retaining members. In an alternative embodiment of the truck bed assembly holder, the retaining frame includes retaining members which are expandable in the traverse direction of the center support member.

Abstract: To provide actions for stably holding, storing and discharging bills in a state, in which many sheets of bills are stored or in a state, in which bills are folded or broken due to a condition of circulation or not only Japanese Yen bills but also foreign bills having different paper qualities are handled. Also, to provide a bill receiving/dispensing box with good operability involved when a staff charges bills in a storage section. The bill receiving/dispensing box comprises a stacking/separating mechanism, a push plate drive mechanism, a device for shifting a position of a separation/stack guide interlockingly with the push plate drive mechanism, a driving force connecting/disconnecting device for the push plate and lower bill support members, a push plate locking device, and a containable-type stand capable of inclining the bill receiving/dispensing box with the stacking/separating mechanism on a lower side.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing friction, tearing, or wrinkling of the surface of a single-ply or multiple-ply continuous medium being fed to a processing station by either sprocket engagement of an edge-perforated medium or pinch roller pressure engagement of the medium as the medium moves in a vertically-oriented path, said reduction being effectuated through selectively altering the contact path length of guides supporting the medium in a direction reducing any friction forces.

Abstract: The present invention is made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus which can monitor a sheet conveying condition even with small sheet interval, an image forming apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, an image reading apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus. The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus that has detecting means for detecting each of the sheets to be conveyed, wherein, when the sheets are conveyed continuously, conveyance of a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet is started in a condition that the succeeding sheet cannot be detected by the detecting means, and the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet are conveyed in such a manner that a an interval which can be detected by the detecting means is created between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet at a position of the detecting means.

Abstract: A method and system provide for generating a predetermined feed spacing between a first document and a second document. The method includes the steps of determining an adjustment time period, and reducing a feed wheel speed to an adjustment speed. The feed wheel transports the documents between a document stack and a transport wheel. The method further provides for increasing the feed wheel speed after the adjustment time period has expired such that the trailing edge of the first document and the leading edge of the second document have the predetermined feed spacing. Determining the adjustment time period in conjunction with variable control of the feed wheel provides and enhanced approach to feed spacing unachievable through conventional approaches.

Abstract: Transfer media is positioned with a positioning apparatus. The apparatus has an output repository, a sensor, a controller, a lateral transporter, and a longitudinal conveyor. The output repository has an offset edge axis. The sensor is configured to sense a lateral position of the media relative to longitudinal alignment with the offset edge axis of the output repository and output an alignment signal responsive to the sensed lateral position of the media longitudinally aligning with the offset edge axis of the output repository. The controller is configured to output a lateral movement signal in absence of an alignment signal from the sensor and output a longitudinal movement signal. In response to the lateral movement signal from the controller, the lateral transporter laterally transports the media towards alignment with the offset edge axis of the output repository.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a transport device for rerouting flat mail pieces (6) that are transported clamped between an endless lower band (1) and an endless upper band (2), wherein the upper band (2) is realized in a longitudinally elastic fashion and guided back in an outwardly directed loop. According to the invention, an inexpensive and space-saving rerouting with the least possible stress on the mail pieces is realized due to the fact that the driven lower band (1) is guided on a stationary, immovable guide element (3) with a sliding surface that has the shape of a curved segment, and the sliding surface of the curved segment has a lower coefficient of friction than the lower band (1) and the mail pieces (6). The lower band (1) has a low coefficient of friction on its side facing the guide element (3) and has a high coefficient of friction on its side facing the non-driven upper band (2) and the mail pieces (6).

Abstract: A method of aligning a portion of textile fabric, whereby at least two movable gripping elements of a display device are brought alongside one another into contact with and fastened to a front edge of the portion of fabric and the gripping elements are moved substantially parallel to the surface of a display surface until the portion of fabric is laid out with one side flat on the display surface. In this case, the feed rate of the independently controllable gripping elements (2a, 2b) is so selected that the alignment of the portion of fabric (4) is variable by a feed difference (d, v) between the gripping elements (2a, 2b).

Abstract: A sheet registration system, especially for printers, with a lower cost and lower mass-movement system for both sheet deskewing and transverse registration repositioning of the sheets in the same integral system, especially for higher speed printing. Only one main drive motor can drive both of the two spaced apart sheet feeding nips, together with a much lower power, and lower cost, deskewing differential drive system for providing the relative differential angular movement of the two spaced sheet feeding nips to achieve the desired amount of sheet deskewing movement, without interrupting the forward feeding movement of the sheet. Also disclosed are extensive further reductions in the component mass of the lateral translation movement for lateral sheet registration.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning stacked or piled sheets in a feeder of a sheet-processing machine, wherein a sheet to be separated is pivotable about a vertical axis extending at least approximately orthogonally to a transport direction of the sheet, as viewed in the transport direction thereof, in order to correct a skewed position of a leading edge thereof relative to at least one front lay. The method further includes determining, relative to the front lay, a skewed position of sheets oncoming at the front lay or resting at the top of the sheet pile, and displacing, transversely or approximately transversely to the transport direction, either the sheet pile, before the sheet is lifted therefrom, or the sheet lifted off the sheet pile, depending upon the determined skewed position, over a displacement distance that is of such length that, after the skewed-position correction, there is a defined spaced distance between a side edge of the sheet and at least one side lay.

Abstract: A delivery system (1) for flat material (2), in particular sheet paper, with a guideway (3) and at least two glide elements (4) extending in the direction of conveyance (10), whose surface (5) opposite the guideway (3) is elevated in construction and the guideway exhibits substantially reduced friction vis-a-vis the flat material.

Abstract: Switch for flat, flexible mail items in a mail item sorting machine, wherein the mail items are transported off while clamped between two conveyor belts. According to the invention, the deflection element consists of two rigid partial deflection elements (1, 2) with a joint pivoting axis (3), which elements are positioned side-by-side in conveying direction and are fixedly connected outside of the letter flow. The joint pivoting axis (3) is located in the frontal part of the switch region, as seen in conveying direction, and away from the conveying belts (4, 5) that continue on diverging paths in the switch region. Depending on the switch position, the respective mail item, is guided in the chosen direction between one of the two partial deflection elements (1, 2) and the respective outer conveying belt (4, 5). The other partial deflection element (1, 2) in that case is completely located outside of the conveying belts (4, 5) that diverge in the switch region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulated baseball game apparatus. The game is played generally in accordance with the rules of actual baseball. The apparatus resembles a baseball field and is designed to be played by at least two players. An offensive player attempts to the hit the ball using a batting mechanism, while a defensive player pitches and fields the ball using pitching and fielding mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: A game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus game, permitting at one or more times the player to participate in the bonus event, and determining if the outcome of the bonus event is a winning outcome and if so, paying a bonus award. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes three first mechanical or video-generated reels for playing the first game, one second mechanical or video-generated reel for playing the bonus event, and associated mechanisms for accepting wagers, paying winnings, and associating win amounts from the first game with the at least one bonus reel.

Abstract: A ticket for and a method of conducting a probability game that can be used for instant lottery applications without the security risks normally associated with such games. Prior to generating the game tickets, the lottery or commercial entity decides what prizes they will offer and the frequency of those prizes appearing in the overall lottery. The total payout is determined based on standard statistical (probability) formulas. Based on this information, a computer is utilized to make a random selection of the number and/or symbol for each ticket that is that tickets winning number and the placement on the ticket of that winning number and/or symbol. Once the data is generated, an independent accounting firm verifies that each ticket does in fact contain a winner and that the placement of those winning numbers on the entire production run of tickets is without a pattern. When the verifications are completed satisfactorily, the tickets are printed and/or the data can be loaded to an on-line data base.

Abstract: A plurality of collectible dice, each including a multi-faceted polyhedron having an opaque base. A three dimensional character is positioned on the base and contained within each die. At least one of the facets of each die, other than the base, is transparent or translucent to permit viewing of the character. Indicia for distinguishing the die and for use in game play are contained on each die. Players obtain a collection of dice from a universe of distinctive dice and establish a set of dice from the collection. A set of dice for use in a given turn of a game is selected from the collection. At least one selected die is cast and the value is determined from a combination of the character contained within the die and the indicia showing on the upwardly facing facet of the die.

Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a card game played with a plurality of playing cards. A card imager automatically images a portion of each playing card, including at least a portion of an edge of the playing card. The card imager may also read an indicia carried by the playing card which indicates a rank and/or suit of the playing card. The system analyzes the edges of the playing cards for curvature, and examines relationships between the edges and ranks of playing cards to detect crimping and other forms of prohibited play.

Abstract: A composite cubical maze puzzle. The puzzle includes a transparent cubical casing constructed by six pieces of transparent square face plate which has four tubular latch sections at four edges to engage respectively with a pain for fastening to a neighboring face plate. Base frames which have respectively wedged slots formed therein are provided in the casing for holding transparent and vertical intersecting partitions and horizontal plane partitions in an alternate stacking fashion. The partitions have pre-formed and removable circular plates which may be selectively removed to form apertures on the partitions. Annular and translucent colored stickers may be provided to adhere tot he partitions around the apertures. The apertures may be arranged to form a complete tortuous maze path for a ball to travel therein thus forming an intelligence benefitting maze puzzle.

Abstract: A game in which all teams participate actively in the game during each turn of the game. No teams are forced to stay idle during a turn. Before a team having a turn answers a question printed on a drawn question card, this team has to bet that the team can answer the question correctly. The other teams may bet on whether the answer to be given will be the correct answer or not. In this way all teams are engaged in the game at all time.

Abstract: An initial hand of three cards is dealt to the player and three community cards are dealt face down. The player decides which cards to hold and which cards to discard. For each card that is discarded, the player uses one of the community cards as the replacement card. If the player discards one card, Card #1 is used as the replacement card. If the player discards two cards, Card #1 and Card #2 are used as the replacement cards. If the player discards all three cards, Card #1, Card #2 and Card #3 are used as the replacement cards. After the player has made his decision, all of the community cards are turned face up and the outcome of the player's final three card hand is determined. Winning and losing outcomes are determined based on a pay table and the amount of the player's wager.

Abstract: A bullet backstop assembly includes a modular support structure formed from legs, vertical ribs and horizontal ribs, and a modular inclined surface formed from a plurality of back panels. The back panels and the components of the support structure are attached to one another to form a bullet backstop assembly which may be assembled and disassembled without welding and with minimal use of tools.

Abstract: A playing machine making a player feel as if a car is running by moving a mobile body modeling a car shape on the surface of a circulating endless belt, wherein front wheels mounted on the mobile body are turned in a moving direction by a relatively simple mechanism. The mobile body 40 comprises a body 50, the front wheels 43 which are mounted so as to face toward the front both sides of the body 50 and which can swing around steering shafts 70 perpendicular to the obverse surface of the endless belt 20 and a wheel arm 46 to which the both front wheels 43 are connected at positions forward from the steering shafts 70 and which is formed to be movable according to the swing of the front wheels 43 around the steering shafts 70. Moreover, and the obverse-side attraction means 86 is fitted to the wheel arm 46 and is formed to be movable together with the wheel arm 46.

Abstract: A game set that allows a plurality of players to play a game of draw with water guns. The water guns are drawn from holsters that can be worn by the players of the game. The water gun that is drawn last is deactivated so that only the player who draws the water gun first can spray water.