Abstract: In the missile containing a predeterminate number of swing wings made of a flexible, resiliently elastic, substantially flat material, the substantially flat material contains a closed cavity. Pressurized as can be infed into the closed cavity from a pressurized gas source in the swung out condition of the swing wings. In one embodiment the substantially flat material of the swing wing directly forms the closed cavity. The substantially flat material is made of thin sheet of spring steel. The swing wings are connected at their base to the missile body via respective swivel joints. Each swivel joint comprises a pressurized as cartridge constituting the pressurized gas source for inflating the swing wing. Each swing wing contains two tongue-shaped members of the substantially flat material. The two tongue-shaped members have respective substantially straight base edges and substantially U-shaped external rim portions and are interconnected in the region of their external rim portions.

Abstract: An acoustically treated bullnose fairing assembly for a thrust reverser of an aircraft, the thrust reverser having an outer fixed structure and a stowable blocker door. The bullnose fairing assembly includes a back sheet, a face sheet and a honeycomb structure positioned between the face sheet and the back sheet—these three items being bonded together and securely affixed to an outer fixed structure of the thrust reverser. The back sheet has a forward end and a back end. The face sheet has a forward portion and a back portion, the back portion being aft of a forward edge of the blocker door when the blocker door is stowed. The forward portion of the face sheet is perforated. The perforated forward portion of the face sheet cooperates with the honeycomb structure to maximize the acoustic performance of the thrust reverser.

Abstract: A cargo handling system for cargo compartments utilizes a cargo container which rides along restraining guide rails and on top of rollers situated within and projecting slightly above structural members which are attached to roller possessing cross tracks. The cargo handling system utilizes an omni directional panel just inside the cargo door to facilitate loading, unloading, and rotational alignment of the cargo containers with the guide rails and rollers. Cargo locks situated within the roller channels and the omni directional panel secure the cargo containers in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft fuselage while a side latch within the omni directional panel secures cargo containers vertically, and in a lateral direction. An automatic anti-rollout restraint prevents the cargo container from rolling out of the aircraft while the cargo containers are being loaded or unloaded. Optionally, a power drive unit automatically moves the cargo containers along the rollers.

Abstract: An evacuation system and method for an airplane. The evacuation system and method consists of an evacuation cabin that is positioned within an airplane, and that is deployed through a trap door in the bottom of the airplane. The evacuation cabin is positioned on guide rails that control up and down movement. One or more parachutes located at an upper portion of the evacuation cabin control its velocity when deployed. A flotation device positioned at the bottom of the evacuation cabin may be used in the event of a water landing, or an as impact attenuator.

Abstract: A separation frame for mounting and separating satellites in a launch vehicle, includes two congruent frames (10, 12) are arranged one inside the other. The frames are connected to each other by means of a swivel joint.

Abstract: A returnable and reusable space vehicle including a main body separate from and releasably mounted to a booster rocket assembly. A crew compartment module is provided that is separate from and releasably mounted to the main body. A propellant system is operably coupled to the crew compartment module so as to propel the crew compartment module from the main body during an emergency procedure. An orientation control system is coupled to the propellant system such that the orientation control system maintains the crew compartment module in a predetermined attitude during the emergency procedure. A pair of aerodynamic lifting wings extend from the main body to provide aerodynamic lift to the main body to permit the main body to return from the orbit and land.

Abstract: A non-imaging solar concentrator having a primary concentrator and a turntable. The primary concentrator is mounted to the turntable such that it is rotatable about a turntable axis and a secondary axis that is orthogonal to the turntable axis. Rotation of the primary concentrator about the turntable and secondary axes permits the primary concentrator to be positioned anywhere within the visible sky, even when a solar offset angle of 90 degrees is not used.

Abstract: A device for supporting ducts includes a strap that may be adjustably connected to a support. A cradle is carried by the strap. The cradle is adapted to rest against a flexible duct to prevent the duct from buckling over the strap. The cradle is slidably adjusted on the strap. A buckle may be provided to allow the strap to be looped over a support. Two cradles may be slidably mounted on a single strap when a larger diameter duct is supported by the device.

Abstract: A plant stand designed to be mounted on a railing of a structure, such as a deck, is provided. The plant stand includes a generally vertical frame having a proximal end connected to a base plate. A clamp connected to the base plate is designed to selectively clamp a railing of the structure between a body of the clamp and the base plate. A plurality of plant supports are coupled with the frame for supporting plants thereon. In first and second embodiments of the plant stand, the plant supports are spaced apart from and coupled with the frame via support arms. In the second embodiment, the support arms are adjustable by way of a plurality of brackets secured to legs of the frame.

Abstract: A two-part pipe and cable rotary hanger includes a first U-shaped end for engaging within slots formed in ceiling struts and an opposite end arranged for receiving a hook-shaped support arm. A wing-shaped adapter attaches to a ceiling I-beam and receives the rotary hanger along a center portion thereof.

Abstract: A two-piece detachable holder includes a position seat and a fastener. The position seat is fastened on a support while the fastener is used for holding the object to be fastened. An inserting device is set between the position seat and the fastener to enable the fastener to be quickly inserted on the position seat in vertical, transverse, and oblique directions and to be fastened by the position seat.

Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a first track having a mounting wall and first and second spaced apart side walls extending from the mounting wall, and a second track having a base flange and first and second spaced apart side flanges extending from the base flange. The side walls and the side flanges each have a pair of flat surfaces which cooperate to define a pair of load transmission channels. The load transmission channels are preferably square-shaped and oriented at 45 degrees. Load transmission elements are positioned in the load transmission channels. At least one of the first and second tracks produce an interference with the load transmission elements so that at least one of the first and second tracks is resiliently deflected by the load transmission elements to bias the load transmission elements into engagement with each of the four flat surfaces.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for adjustably connecting a picture frame strut to a picture frame back includes a mounting plate having length and a width. A first fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the mounting plate for affixing it to the picture frame back. A hinge member includes a first plate that is slidably connected to the mounting plate. A second plate is rotatably connected to the first plate. A second fastener, such as rosettes, are provided on the second plate to affix a picture frame strut thereto.

Abstract: A triangular-shaped portable collapsible stand to accommodate either sheet music or books. It is a three-piece stand is designed for table top use. It is assembled by sliding angled slots into grooves.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a flat mirror or monitor has an outer frame fixed in a motor-vehicle roof and forming an opening, a member forming a side of the opening and pivotal in the frame about a horizontal first axis, and an inner frame fittable in the opening adjacent the member and carrying the flat mirror or monitor. A connector is pivotal in the member about a second axis transverse to the first axis. A slide joint secures the connector to the inner frame for movement of the inner frame parallel to the transverse second axis on the connector. The slide joint includes a slot formed in the connector and a screw seated in the movable frame and extending transversely through the slot.

Abstract: A device for hanging an object on a wall comprises a vertical guide (22) and a horizontal rail (44) mounted on a body (30) which is adjustable up and down the guide. A further horizontal rail (46) may be slid horizontally along the rail (44). In use the guide (22) is fixed to the wall and the rail (46) is fixed horizontally to the back of a picture of other article to be hung. The position of the article is adjusted by sliding the body (30) in the guide (22) and/or the rail (46) along the rail (44).

Abstract: An improved restraining strap and method of using same is provided for securely attaching pressure vessels tanks to the supporting structure of a vehicle. Each strap has an extensible, elongated body which is lies over the tank and has first and second ends which are attached rigidly to the structure. A plurality of V-bends are spaced along the body between the first and second ends, each V-bend has an apex displaced out-of-line of the body so that when the tank is cycled between its contracted and expanded states, the body of the strap elastically shortens and lengthens while each V-bend flexes within the elastic range and providing a consistent vessel holding force. The holding force is sufficient to withstand acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle under normal operating conditions as well as under most impact conditions, whether the tank is fully expanded (pressurized) or fully contracted (depressurized).

Abstract: A support bracket for mounting a device such as a laser targeting and feedback system to a spray gun. The bracket includes a bolt having a threaded end, a first collar disposed on the bolt opposite the threaded end and a second collar threadably engaged with the threaded end of the bolt. A compressible member is disposed on the bolt between the collars. Opposite the compressible member, a support arm used to support the device is attached to the second collar. The bracket is engageable with a portion of the spray gun body and is engaged therewith by deflecting the compressible member between the collars such that the compressible member frictionally engages the spray gun. The use of the compressible member to secure the bracket to the hook allows the bracket to be utilized with spray guns having various configurations so long as the spray gun incorporates a portion on the spray gun body that is engageable by the compressible member.

Abstract: A motor mounting structure having a motor and a mounting portion to which the motor is mounted. When an external force resulting from a load acting in a direction orthogonal to a motor shaft is applied to the shaft, a hardness or configuration of an elastic member disposed between the motor and the mounting portion to which the motor is mounted changes. Alternatively, a configuration of the mounting portion may be changed and the motor mounted such that the motor shaft is parallel to a set target mounting direction. Accordingly, an unbalanced load is not partially applied to a driving force transmission mechanism at the time the motor is rotated, and an excessive load is not placed on the motor.

Abstract: A self-climbing concrete wall form hoist for forming a concrete wall section atop a previously formed wall section has a wall mounting releasably secured to the previously formed wall section, a moveable vertical mast, a channel in the wall mounting which guideably receives the moveable mast, a platform alternatively supported on the mast and on the wall mounting, upper and lower dog latch assemblies mounted on the platform and pivotable between a platform raising position when the mast is supported on the wall mounting and a mast raising position when the platform is supported on the wall mounting, and an extensible and retractable linear actuator interconnecting the upper and lower dog latch assemblies for raising the platform relative to the mast when the dog latch assemblies are in the platform raising position and for raising the mast relative to the platform when the dog latch assemblies are in the mast raising position.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete retaining wall blocks. The blocks are cast in the form with a front face of the block down. A resilient face insert at the bottom of the form imparts an ornamental appearance to the front face of the block. The form has four sides which pivot at their bottom between a closed position for casting a block and an open position which permits removing the cast block from the form. Preferably, the cast block has parallel top and bottom surfaces and angled sides. Sides of the form form a groove in the bottom of the block which extends parallel to and spaced from the front face and form knobs which project above the top of the block for alignment with a grooves on adjacent stacked blocks forming a retaining wall. The block is formed with two lifting points, one for removal of the block from the form and one for moving the block when constructing a retaining wall.

Abstract: A water system uses a pressure reservoir of an extremely small size. A valve device is placed between a water pump and the pressure reservoir. The valve device has a constant outlet pressure to limit the flow from the pump at high pressures. The pump is turned on and off by a pressure on/off switch. The valve device maintains the pressure to the reservoir at or below the off switch pressure except for a trickle flow. The trickle flow fills the reservoir when there is little or no water usage from the reservoir. The trickle flow is achieved by preventing the surfaces to seal by a projection or notch the valve surfaces of the valve device. Each time the valve opens any debris is washed from the valve surfaces thereby keeping them free of debris.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of gas from a pressurized gas supply with an upper main body including a cavity; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A secondary flow path exists from the pressurized gas supply through the lower main body, through the upper main body, and terminating in the cavity in the upper main body. A first valve is installed in the secondary flow path to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve installed in an exhaust passage in the upper main body allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. When the second valve is closed, the pressure in the cavity in the upper main body can be increased to lower the pre-stressed diaphragm.

Abstract: A two-stage, bi-directional valve is provided for controlling gas flow into and out of a storage volume. The solenoid is provided to actuate a first stage piston to seal communication with a pressure source. In doing so, the sources imparted by the solenoid overcome biasing forces applied by a resilient spring on the first stage piston. Simultaneously, actuation of the first stage piston opens the bleed passage to permit the depressurization of space behind the second stage valve. Upon sufficient depressurization, the second stage valve is unseated from the main orifice by fluid pressure forces, thereby creating the flow path for escape of the gaseous fluid through the main orifice.

Abstract: A flow amplifying poppet valve is useful in hydraulic circuits requiring low leakage when in a loaded condition. Undesirable pressure fluctuations effect the stability of the poppet. Tilting of the poppet valve within the bore increases friction that degrades repeatability. The subject invention provides a flow amplifying poppet valve that dampens valve oscillation caused by pressure fluctuations and provides for a constant guide length to prevent poppet valve tilting in the bore. The flow amplifying poppet valve assembly comprises a poppet valve slidably disposed within a bore that includes a poppet seat for engaging the valve seat to meter the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet. The poppet valve and bore have radially overlapping shoulders movable axially toward and away from each other to define a pressure chamber that accumulates fluid for dampening poppet valve oscillation.

Abstract: The gist of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic valve 1 which can be produced at a lower cost. In this electromagnetic valve 1, a piston 3 and a plunger 7 are integrated with each other in such manner that an outer surface of the plunger 7 and an outer surface of the piston 3 are made coplanar in substance in the axial direction.

Abstract: A releasable coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first member having an exterior surface with a receiving portion and a second member having a hose adapter and a sleeve valve positioned within the adapter. The sleeve valve is in slidable communication with the adapter and includes at least one socket aperture that includes a mating ball that contacts at least one longitudinal groove in the adapter that includes a first and expanded radial portion. When the members are secured together, the ball of the sleeve valve is retained in the receiving formation of the first member by the first radial portion of the longitudinal groove of the hose adapter.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a plumbing appliance and for sealingly attaching an air admittance valve in a vent pipe. The connector assembly has an elastomeric sealing gasket with an interior threaded bore which is expanded by a rigid bottom portion of an air admittance valve. The bottom portion of the valve body has exterior threads and an expander portion which cooperates with the lower sealing ring of the sealing gasket to compress the elastomeric body of the sealing gasket against the interior of the vent pipe.

Abstract: An improved butterfly damper for air delivery systems, having multiple rotatable blades, and a centrally located blade rotating, or actuation means. Each blade comprises an offset, or displaced portion to allow concealment of the actuation mechanism upon closure. This offset portion allows the blades, upon closure, to meet and form a seal around the least complex portion of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The valve is enabled, by being endowed with the force of stored energy, to generate an opening/closing motion with a small operating torque infallibly and stably, permit a reduction in cost, allow a compact construction, excel in durability, and enjoy a highly satisfactory practical value. Further by endowing the valve body which has already acquired the function of water stop with the function of steady flow volume thereby diversifying functionality, the valve is enabled to acquire the function of varying steady flow volume by virtue of the rotational frequency of the spiral spring.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor is provided with twin cylinders each with a piston installed therein slidably, disposed horizontally adjacent in a direction parallel to axis of a motor shaft interposed between the twin cylinders and arranged in a direction intersecting with the twin cylinders at a right angle. An association system couples the motor shaft to each piston and is arranged so as to convert a linear movement of each piston into a rotational movement and transmit the rotational movement to the motor shaft. The twin cylinders, the motor shaft and the association system are disposed integrally in a casing. The association system has each of a first eccentric shaft and a second eccentric shaft, which in turn are disposed projecting from the motor shaft in opposite directions at a phase angle of 90 and coupled with a first eccentric pin and a second eccentric pin in an eccentric state, which in turn are coupled in association with the respective pistons.

Abstract: A clip-on picket fence cap assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The legs of the cap member upon which the clips are installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by gussets that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in a picket. The assembly includes metal clips having outer surfaces that are convex curvilinear in shape that enhances their strength and resistance to deformation. The outer surface of each clip is preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention means adapted for secure embedment into the inner wall surfaces of a picket member when the cap assembly is inserted therein.

Abstract: Masonry fence panel units are prefabricated, transported to the construction site and installed as modular units. Transport devices that facilitate transport and handling of the fence panel units at the manufacturing site and at the construction site are incorporated into the fence panel units. Masonry fence systems constructed of the fence panel units of the present invention are characterized by easier installation, easier removal, and lower cost than similar masonry fence systems built in situ.

Abstract: A fence mounting bracket for use with a fence, railing, or the like having upright posts, lateral rails extending between the posts, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. The bracket comprises a body having a peripheral wall defining a T-shaped opening including a rail opening portion for receiving an end of one of the rails and two picket opening portions for receiving an edge of one of the picket boards. The peripheral wall has opposing side walls that are slanted and/or inwardly flanged to receive the rails when they are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to horizontal. The picket opening portions extend through the side walls to permit the picket boards to seat flush against the upright posts so that little or nor gap remains therebetween.

Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.

Abstract: A priming system for an engine carburetor. The priming system includes a passageway having a first end in fluid flow communication with a variable volume chamber of a primer bulb and a second end in fluid flow communication with a fuel well. The second end of the passageway opens into the fuel well below a static priming fuel level which is in said fuel well and which at least partially extends into said passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a gas in a liquid or slurry has a reaction vessel with an inner zone for the downward flow of liquid, an outer zone for the upward flow of liquid, a plurality of aerators in the outer zone and a propeller to induce downward flow in the inner zone and promote mixing and circulation of the liquid/slurry. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in the bacterial decomposition of organic waste matter, for efficiently aerating large volumes of waste/water slurries.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a liquid-filled type vibration isolator with the reduced number of parts and good productivity. The vibration insulator comprises an inner cylinder, a first ring approximately L-shaped in cross section, a second ring, an orifice ring approximately U-shaped in cross section and arranged between the first ring and the second ring, and an elastic member of rubber material integrally combined with an outer periphery surface of the inner cylinder and inner periphery surfaces of the first ring, the orifice ring, and the second ring.

Abstract: A liquid-filled cylinder-shaped hydraulic vibration isolator includes a main axial fitting, an intermediate cylinder fitting, a rubber elastic body, an outer cylinder fitting, and a sealing rubber. The intermediate cylinder fitting includes a pair of ring members and a bridging member bridging the ring members. The respective ring members include a drawn major-diameter portion, positioned on an outside in the axial direction and subjected to drawing, and a minor-diameter portion disposed inside the drawn major-diameter portion by way of a stepped portion, formed as a smaller diameter than that of the drawn major-diameter portion and having a plurality of slits formed along the peripheral direction. The sealing rubber is fastened to outer peripheral surfaces of the minor-diameter portion and the bridging member so as to enclose window portions, formed in the intermediate cylinder fitting. Thus, as one of the advantages, the durability of the rubber elastic body can be improved.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount includes a bushing assembly having a core bonded to an inner support structure by an elastomeric material. The inner support structure includes a first ring, a second ring, and a plurality of legs. The first ring includes an annular wall, an outer end wall, and an inner end wall. The second ring includes an annular wall, an outer end wall, and an inner end wall. The legs are integrally formed with and between the first and second rings, so that the first ring, the second ring, and the legs are formed as a one-piece component that does not require a post-forming operation. A housing receives the bushing assembly. Fluid chambers are formed between the bushing assembly and the housing to dampen vibrations as hydraulic fluid is displaced between the chambers.

Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration damping device includes a first mounting member and a cup-shaped second mounting member elastically connected by an elastic body such that an opening of the second mounting member fluid-tightly closed by the elastic body. An outer metal sleeve having an outward flange portion at its upper end is bonded by vulcanization to an outer circumferential surface of the elastic body, and a cylindrical orifice member is fitted onto the outer metal sleeve with an upper end face superposed on the outward flange portion. The outer metal sleeve and the orifice member are fitted into the cylindrical wall portion of the second mounting member. An outer metallic ring bonded by vulcanization to an outer periphery of the elastic rubber layer is superposed on an axially upper surface of the outward flange portion portion, and firmly fitted into an open end portion of the cylindrical wall portion of the second mounting member.

Abstract: A workpiece securing apparatus or clamp includes a piston, a coupling or transmission mechanism, and an unlock device. In another aspect of the present invention, the unlock device is rotatable to move the coupling mechanism. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a mechanism which converts linear movement of a piston to rotary motion of a hub and workpiece interfacing arm.

Abstract: A rotary clamp having a linkage assembly that provides an over-center condition for providing high actuation and clamping forces without excessively wearing the components of the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is connected to a linear actuator for converting linear actuator motion into rotary clamp motion between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The linkage assembly provides a first link having an aperture for receiving a pin and a roller wherein the roller is coaxially connected o the pin. The second link is pivotally connected to the first link, and the third link is pivotally connected to the second link. The roller of the first link rollably engages a surface on the third link when moving in and out of the clamped position. A beam-like structure connected to the housing provides a wear surface wherein the pin engages the wear surface in response to the roller engaging the third link to prohibit the first link from reaching an over-center position.

Abstract: A paper clip automatic attaching device includes (a) a support assembly including a set compiler tray defining (i) a sheet supporting set plane, (ii) a first open space below, and a second open above the set plane; and (b) a paper clip travel path assembly defining a paper clip travel path adjoining the set plane. The travel path assembly includes (i) a first support member having a first guide surface for guiding a first leg of the paper clip into a first position below the set plane, and (ii) a second support member having a second guide surface for deflecting a second leg of the paper into a second position above the set plane. The automatic paper clip attaching device also includes a clip holding assembly for holding a stack of the paper clips for feeding into the paper clip travel path; and a powered device for automatically pushing a lead paper clip, legs first, into an attached relationship with a set of sheets on the set plane.

Abstract: An automatic document feeding apparatus of the present invention is arranged such that a transportation unit 24 (enclosing a pre-feeding roller 25, a pair of paper feeding rollers 26, a pair of resist rollers 27, a reading section 28, a pair of discharging rollers 29, etc.) is attached to a framework member 65 (a stay 66, a front-end plate 7, a rear-end plate 68, etc.) not fixedly, but in such a manner that at least the rearward end of the transportation unit 24 is capable of displacements in a vertical direction with respect to the framework member 65. Consequently, when the framework member 65 causes deflection, such deflection caused on the framework member 65 will not adversely affect an attachment state of the transportation unit 24.

Abstract: A device for transferring sheets in a sheet-processing machine includes a cylinder having at least one gripper device for the sheets, and a control device for opening and closing the gripper device, the control device having a first control cam for recto printing and a second control cam for recto/verso printing, at least one follower element for following the first and second control cams, each of the first and second control cams being formed with a through opening for accommodating a bearing element and, respectively, a cutout formed in the periphery of the first and second control cams and extending as far as the through opening for fitting the first and second control cams to and removing them from the bearing element radially. The first and second control cams, respectively, are of unipartite construction and, in peripheral direction, are aligned with one another so as to provide an at least approximately closed contour path for the at least one follower element.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products includes a sucker mechanism. The sucker mechanism has a sucker cup, a sucker tube and a vacuum device for generating a vacuum. The sucker tube has a first and second end, the sucker cup being coupled to the sucker tube at the first end of the sucker tube and the vacuum device being coupled to the sucker tube at the second end of the sucker tube. The second end of the sucker tube is movable arranged in the vacuum device so as to vary the sucker stroke of the sucker cup.

Abstract: A safety lock for locking an upstacker conveyor in an elevated position by means of a safety lock having a retractable member which is inserted between elevating members and the frame of the upstacker. Specifically, the safety lock is inserted between elevating members such as link members which rotate with respect to the frame as the frame is lowered and form an ever decreasing angle with the frame as the frame is lowered. By inserting a retractable member so that the angle between the structural member and frame can no longer decrease, the upstacker is effectively prevented from lowering accidentally.

Abstract: A right-angle sheet stager apparatus for merging multiple input sheet streams into a single output sheet stream includes one or more input channels and an output channel. Each input channel includes a transport surface and a staging surface. Each transport surface communicates with its corresponding staging surface at a transitional member interposed between the transport surface and the staging surface. Each transitional member includes an upper surface disposed at an elevation greater than an elevation of the corresponding staging surface. The output channel includes an output surface, and is oriented in a right-angle relation with respect to the input channels and communicates with the input channels at a merger location. The stager apparatus permits a sheet from the transport surface to enter the staging surface and overlap with a preceding sheet already present on that staging surface, prior to the preceding sheet's complete exit from the staging surface.