Abstract: A valve for controlling liquids is embodied with a piezoelectric unit (3) for actuating a valve member (2) that is axially displaceable in a bore (8) of a valve body (9). The valve member (2), which has at least one control piston (7) and at least one actuating piston (10), is assigned a valve closing member (13), which cooperates with at least one valve seat (16, 17) provided on the valve body (9) for opening and closing the valve (1), and which divides a low-pressure region (16) at.system pressure from a high-pressure region (17). A hydraulic chamber (11) between the control piston (7) and the actuating piston (10) functions as a tolerance compensation element for the piezoelectric unit (3) and as a hydraulic step-up means.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off of a vacuum line for a tool having a first hose portion and a second hose portion, the portions of hoses being in fluid communication with each other. A first member is disposed in the first hose portion and the first member is moveable between a first position and a second position. A valve is disposed in the second hose portion, wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. A second member operatively interconnects the first member and the valve. The first member operatively moves said second member to open and close the valve. When the tool is being operated the first member will move, thus opening the valve, to allow a vacuum through the tool. Also, the automatic shut-off significantly reduces noise produced by the tool during operation.

Abstract: In a fluid metering device for metering a fluid from a supply source to means of use of this fluid comprising a metering valve able to slide in a sleeve over a travel C, this valve comprising an intake orifice (16) for admitting the fluid from the said supply source and an orifice (18) for ejecting this fluid to the means of use, there are provided means (20) for channelling the fluid intended to allow, during the movement of the metering valve in its sleeve, a sweeping of the fluid over all the contacting surfaces of the valve and of the sleeve. The means of channelling the fluid advantageously comprise a helical groove of width L and of pitch P.

Abstract: An electrical flow control valve is provided which comprises a retention section for centering a ball retained between one end of a rotor and a surface facing the end. A boss is provided which projects from a motor housing towards a motor holder, is integrated with said motor housing, and retains a bearing in a fixed position. This arrangement allows the greater axial alignment accuracy of the rotor and the stator and greater axial alignment and simplification of the structure of the motor.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes an electromagnetic drive unit for generating a magnetomotive force when being fed with electric power. There are a controlled-fluid passage and an accommodation chamber containing the electromagnetic drive unit. A partition wall defines a part of the controlled-fluid passage. A valve opening extends through the partition wall. A shaft extending through the valve opening is driven by the electromagnetic drive unit. A valve member fixed to the shaft moves into and out of contact with the partition wall to block and unblock the valve opening in accordance with movement of the shaft. A thin-film sealing member made of rubber-based resilient material operates for airtightly separating the controlled-fluid passage and the accommodation chamber from each other. A communication passage connects the accommodation chamber and an exterior. An orifice provides a smaller effective cross-sectional area of the communication passage.

Abstract: A brake bleed tool includes a pliable plastic tube which sealingly engages a bleed fitting. A bleed wrench coaxially slides along the tool to engage the bleed fitting. The bleed wrench includes a socket end for engaging the bleed fitting at one end and a winged end at the opposite end which is used to loosen and tighten the bleed fitting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector which has an inner displacement member. The flow is stopped by the connector, i.e. the connector is impervious, in a first position. In a second position of the displacement member, with a stop defining the position, flow apertures are released which release the flow into the flow carrying line.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket and a plug having front end portions engagable with each other. This socket comprises a plurality of lock balls movable to lock positions where the lock balls partially project into an axial bore of the socket body, and a sleeve for holding the lock balls at the lock position. The socket body has a plurality of engage holes elongated in the axial direction. The sleeve is rotatable on the socket body and has a press portion for pressing the lock balls toward the lock positions, a press release recessed portion circumferentially is adjacent to the press portion for retracting the lock balls from the lock positions, and a large diameter portion.

Abstract: A dual cylinder jack with interchangeable attachments is provided. The jack includes a jack assembly having a base which supports a lower pneumatic stage and an upper hydraulic stage. The distal end of the jack assembly receives a jig carriage for coupling a particular vehicle part jig to the jack assembly for use. The various part jigs are adapted and designed to cooperate with specific parts of a vehicle in mating fashion.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a quick rise type lifting jack positions multiple valves that control two stages of the lifting operation of the jack in the same valve housing machined into a base of the jack and thereby reduces the costs involved in manufacturing and assembling the hydraulic circuit of the jack.

Abstract: A rack-type lift for vehicles includes a first, stationary rack and a second movable rack that supports a lifting unit. A toothed wheel that is movable within the lift between a first and second end position is interposed between the racks, which racks are so positioned relative to the toothed wheel that opposite ends of these racks engage the toothed wheel at the different of travel positions of the toothed wheel. Thereby, the lifting unit of the vehicle lift travels a distance twice as large as the toothed wheel.

Abstract: A load lifting and supporting device for leveling beams and other adjustable compressive load applications. The load lifting and supporting device includes a housing with opposite ends, a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, a threaded bore extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. A pair of opposed extension members each have a threaded portion and a head portion. The threaded portions are threadedly received in the threaded bore of the housing and are extendible therefrom.

Abstract: A jack assembly for supporting a shelter structure includes a first tubular member fixed at a first end thereof to a plate, a nut disposed in the first tubular member and fixed to the plate, the plate defining a central hole aligned with a central hole in the nut, and a threaded shaft extending through the plate central hole and threadably engaged with the nut, the shaft having thereon a flat sided base portion. A second tubular member is telescopically mounted on and moveable on the first tubular member to elongate the assembly, and a lock member is provided for locking the second tubular member to the first tubular member in a position in which the first and second tubular members overlap and the lock member is disposed in a region of the overlap.

Abstract: The invention is a transmission lift and stand to elevate and support one or more transmissions or other heavy vehicular parts for stationary work and repair at a height of optimal comfort and access by a mechanic, the device receiving transmission clamps and adapters attached to the transmission of vehicle. The transmission lift utilizes a piston ram to force a crossbar attached to a slider member up and down a main support post, with a locking mechanism to lock the slider assembly at a desired location on the main support post, elevating and maintaining up to four transmissions or other vehicle parts, and allowing for the raising a lowering the attached parts as needed during repair.

Abstract: Modular fence, consisting of wire-mesh panels (1) and tubular fixing posts (3), which are anchored at the bottom into the ground or into a supporting base. The panels (1) have horizontally shaped features (6) of a depth approximately equal to the diameter or width of the posts (6). These posts are fitted snugly between the rods of the shaped features and of the non-shaped regions, between two consecutive vertical rods.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials. In such an embodiment, the dispensing device can include a housing and a removable, reusable/replayable, closed, multiple scent-containing article of manufacture which is removably inserted into or onto said housing.

Abstract: A diaphragm carburetor is disclosed wherein a mechanism for varying the fuel flow rate through the carburetor for delivery to the engine can be controlled by electronic feedback based on engine performance. A permanent magnet/wire coil assembly is attached to the diaphragm controlling the opening to the metering chamber within the carburetor. The assembly responds to commands based on engine performance and can vary the size of the opening to the metering chamber. In this way, the fuel flow rate through the carburetor can be modified to obtain the optimal fuel/air ratio for peak performance of the engine.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining a condition of a wick in an evaporative humidifier includes one or more temperature sensors for detecting temperatures at measurement locations along the wick, and circuitry in communication with the one or more sensors for determining a temperature differential between adjacent measurement locations. The circuitry generates at least one signal indicative of the condition of the wick when the temperature differential is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing device comprising: a hollow spring including a chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bellows comprised of a springy material connecting the proximal end to the distal end and enclosing the chamber; a shock absorber extending through the hollow spring, the shock absorber including a cylinder and a piston which slidably engages the cylinder, the cylinder extending through and being attached to the hollow spring proximal end, the piston extending through and slidably engaging the hollow spring distal and the piston including contacting device located distally of the hollow spring distal end for urging the hollow spring distal end proximally when the contacting device is forced against the hollow spring distal end and for urging the piston distally when the hollow spring distal end is forced against the contacting device.

Abstract: A seat post for a cycle has inner and outer members that are slidably mounted together forming a variable volume chamber. The variable volume chamber communicates with a fixed volume chamber in the inner member through orifices and a check valve. Slots are formed in the inner member, and a pin extends from the outer member through the slots. A cushion at one end of the slots prevents hard top-out.

Abstract: A portable multi-purpose workstation assembly for allowing users to mount two engines side-by-side and to easily transfer parts from one engine to the other engine. The portable multi-purpose workstation assembly includes a base assembly including a plurality of elongate base members, and also including base connecting members interconnecting and supporting the elongate base members, and further including wheel assemblies upon which the elongate base members and the base connecting members are supported; and also includes a support assembly being adjustably mounted upon the base assembly, and including sleeve members being disposed about one of the elongate base members, and also including post members being attached to the sleeve members, and further including bracket assemblies being mounted upon the post members.

Abstract: The present invention is a cabinet installation device that is simple in design so as to provide for an apparatus that is not only user friendly, but is successful in operation for achieving the desired results. Enabling such an apparatus, the present invention comprises a base that maintains and houses a support, lifting and lowering assembly. Extending upwardly from the base is a guide assembly. The guide aids during the lifting and lowering process. An access extends through the guide to provide access for the operation of the support and lifting assembly, known as the operational assembly.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus, which is configured in a simple construction and at low cost, includes a first sheet stacking portion for temporarily stacking a sheet discharged thereon, an alignment member for aligning the sheet discharged on the first sheet stacking portion, a sheet processing member for performing a predetermined process on the sheet stacked on the first sheet stacking portion, and a second sheet stacking portion located substantially vertically below the first sheet stacking portion. The alignment member acts to cause the aligned sheet to drop to the second sheet stacking portion.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) used in a facsimile machine, photocopier or the like. A sheet path from a sheet inlet to outlet is defined by lower, intermediate and upper frames of the ADF. The sheet path is generally shaped like “C” when viewed laterally. The intermediate frame has a pivotable member that can be opened and closed, and a guide member for guiding a sheet passing over a platen glass. An elastic member is provided for biasing the guide member on the platen surface from a turning portion of the C-shaped sheet path. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a clearance between the platen surface and guide member and prevent the sheet from flapping. A retard roller is removably supported by the pivotable member so that replacing and maintenance of the retard roller is simplified. Further, the pivotable member is a one-piece element and made from resin.

Abstract: Over engagement protection of roller drive gears on a single sheet feeder roller assembly, which may comprise a replaceable roller bogie, is provided by a clutch gear which drives a pre-feed roller, the clutch gear being mounted in a roller support frame which includes spaced elongate, preferably arcuate, slots which limit gear travel toward the pre-feed roller when the roller is driven in a forward direction and which disengages the gears when the input power is reversed. The clutch gear is provided with elastomeric teeth for noise reduction and the roller assembly also includes a separation roller which is over driven relative to the surface speed of the pre-feed roller.

Abstract: Sheet feed apparatus including a scuff feed for reliably transporting sheets from different types of sheet stacks and different types of sheets within the stack. The apparatus comprises a sheet feed roller and a retard device in contact with the feed roller. A nudging device, contacting a paper stack, is used to feed single or multiple sheets into the nip between the feed roller and retard device. The feed roller, retard device, and nudging device all have a surface layer of 35-28092-N-GY-A, which gives them a much longer useful lifetime. A method for maximizing the efficent use of these rollers and of testing and using these rollers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure for fixing a roller on a base is disclosed. The structure includes a sheet-like elastomer having a guiding hole for trapping a shaft of the roller, and two fixing elements respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the base, which is located at two lateral sides of the roller, for receiving two ends of the sheet-like elastomer to provide a deformation of the sheet-like elastomer for providing a suppress power for the roller.

Abstract: A device for separating groups of sheets may be used on an apparatus for forming and banding groups of sheets comprising at least one track to feed the individual sheets to a pick up roller for the individual sheets arriving and to transfer said sheets to a stacking channel, extending along a stacking axis, where the sheets are placed on top of one another in stacks which may be preset and banded, one after another. The device comprises a partial support element for the sheets transferred, which operates between the roller and the channel and is mobile, by means synchronized with the roller, between an operating separation position, in which the element is partially inside the dimensions of the roller, intercepting a portion of a first sheet in a stack to be formed, and a release position, in which the element is outside the dimensions of the roller and close to the mouth of the channel, partially supporting a corresponding presettable stack of sheets fed from the roller.

Abstract: The sheet guide device for machines that process sheets of printing material, such as a sheet-fed rotary printing machine, has a first guide element which has a supporting face inclined transversely with respect to the transport direction of the sheets of printing material. The supporting face supports side edges of the sheets of printing material. The guide element is mounted such that it can be adjusted with an adjusting device in the form of a motor.

Abstract: A posture correction device includes a detector configured to detect the state of posture of conveyed paper-like material and correction mechanisms configured to correct the posture of paper-like material according to the detected state of posture of paper-like material. The posture correction mechanisms include a correction roller pair configured to clamp and convey the paper-like material, a support frame configured to support the correction roller pair, a first driving mechanism provided separately from the support frame configured to rotate and drive the correction roller pair, and a second driving mechanism configured to tilt the correction roller pair by a prescribed angle in the paper-like material conveying direction by rotating the support frame.

Abstract: A paper sorting device for an image forming apparatus is capable of sorting printed paper in a zigzag pattern. The paper sorting device for the image forming apparatus has a rotating shaft which is rotated by a driving force from a driving force source, a hollow shaft into which the rotating shaft is slidably inserted so that the hollow shaft rotates with, and is reciprocated on, the rotating shaft, and reciprocating means for reciprocating the hollow shaft. Since printed paper is ejected by the reciprocating movement, the paper is automatically sorted in a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: A game board structure for a construction toy set. A basic game board is formed of three generally rectangular panel assemblies of hollow construction. The panels have interengaging projections and recesses for mechanically locking the panels together to form a flat playing surface for various rolling ball games, such as pinball and speedball. Joining of the panels automatically connects the panels together electrically for scoring and control functions throughout the board. The assembled game board accommodates mounting of a score-indicating panel in different locations, for different playing modes, such as pinball, typically played by one person, and head-to-head games, such as speedball, played by two persons.

Abstract: The game kit for a board game comprises a game board having three levels and at least one stairway between the three levels, at least one die, at least two fighter pieces and a unique battle card for each piece. The game kit is used to play a medieval castle board game comprising the steps of: rolling the die to determine which player goes first; each player then sequentially rolling the die to determine the number of spaces the player can move his fighter piece on the board; and sequentially moving the fighting piece around the board until it is positioned to do battle with another fighting piece or it reaches a sanctuary.

Abstract: The invention is a three-dimensional, pyramid-shaped, word forming game having a plurality of levels independently rotatable around a vertical support column secured to a base. The game is played with cards of four different colors, which correspond to the same colors of the pyramids' sides. Players take turns inserting playing cards into card holding slots located on the outer edges of the levels in an attempt to spell words. The levels freely rotate in either direction. Each letter-bearing card has a point value associated with it and players earn points for words spelled on the pyramid shaped game. The game is won by the player with the most points for words spelled out on the game.

Abstract: The present invention is a game, as a board game or computer game, relating to visualization and completion of geometric shapes. Repeating geometric shapes appear on a game board. The geometric shapes share perimeter boundaries with other geometric shapes on the game board. Game pieces are provided that correspond to a portion of the perimeter of one or more geometric forms. Players place game pieces on the game board, completing the geometric shapes.

Abstract: An electronic Bingo game and method are set forth wherein a player inputs a wager and a Bingo card is displayed. A first set of balls is selected and compared to the numbers of the Bingo card. If a predetermined winning pattern is obtained, the player receives a reward. A second outcome set of balls is selected. If the player obtains a cover all Bingo card from the first and second outcome sets, the player is entitled to a second award. The player can select the numbers for his Bingo card and can make a desired wager up to a pre-selected maximum wager.

Abstract: A casino card gaming method utilizes a conventional fifty-two card deck and begins by first determining the players for a given round. Players may select to be eligible for a bonus card. The individual players' hands, a set of common cards and a bonus card for players eligible for the bonus card are dealt. Players which continue through the round determine whether to play the hand as dealt or to utilize the common cards. Players utilizing the common cards discard a number of cards from their hands equal to the number of common cards. The relative ranking of the final hands for the players is determined with the relative ranking based upon the statistical likelihood of obtaining predetermined combinations of cards. The relative ranking accounts for the use of the set of common cards and the bonus card.

Abstract: A game board apparatus and method of playing a game for improving mathematical skills that includes a game board having a top surface. The top surface has indicia forming a grid thereon and the grid includes a plurality of boxes for positioning one of a plurality of game pieces thereon. The plurality of boxes further includes blank boxes, symbol boxes, chance boxes and bonus boxes. The apparatus also includes a plurality of game tiles comprising number tiles, symbol tiles, and joker tiles and blank tiles. The number tiles have the digits 0 through 9 marked thereon, the symbol tiles have arithmetic symbols marked thereon, and the joker tiles have the word “joker” marked thereon so that the are for representing any symbol or number indicated by a player. The apparatus further includes a plurality of chance cards for use when a player moves a game tile onto a chance box. The chance cards have point and explanation indicia.

Abstract: A seal apparatus including an elongated body formed of a resilient expandable material defining an interior chamber and having a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is capable of being rolled up on itself by rolling one of the first and second ends of the elongated body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one stem is attached to the elongated body and is in fluid communication with the interior chamber.

Abstract: A bearing end cap having a circular mounting surface, a sidewall adjacent to the mounting surface, a seal groove positioned in the mounting surface, and an integrated seal positioned in the seal groove.

Abstract: An integrated connection for a manhole having a wall opening defining a peripheral surface and a ring shaped elastomeric body cast in place on the peripheral surface. The elastomeric body includes a foot region cast within the wall thickness of the manhole and connected to a leg region. The leg region terminates in a primary sealing surface. A reinforcing element passes through the ring shaped elastomeric body at one circumferential location which, when viewed in cross section, appears below the peripheral surface of the wall opening once the gasket is cast in place.

Abstract: A gasket having centering features. The gasket comprises a centering portion for which three embodiments are described. The centering portion is switchable between a flush configuration, in which the gasket may be employed between the flange faces of two pipe flanges as typical, and a centering configuration, in which the gasket provides a means for centering the gasket in the pipe joint. In a first embodiment, a normally flush centering portion comprises a flap for centering the gasket, in a second embodiment, the centering portion comprises a collapsible protuberance for centering the gasket, in a third embodiment, the gasket comprises a non-collapsible protuberance for centering the gasket which is physically removable, and in a fourth embodiment the centering portion comprises an annular ring adapted for mating with an annular relief formed in a corresponding one of the flange faces.

Abstract: A drill chuck has a body formed with an axially forwardly open tool-receiving recess and with a plurality of angled guides opening axially forward in the recess. Respective jaws axially and radially displaceable in the guides are each formed with a row of teeth. A tightening ring axially fixed but rotatable about the axis on the body has a screwthread meshing with the teeth so that rotation of the ring displaces the jaws in their guides. An adjustment sleeve is rotatable about the chuck axis on the body. The body has rearward of the tightening ring an outer surface directed toward an inner surface of the adjustment sleeve. Mechanism inside the adjustment sleeve couples the adjustment sleeve to the tightening ring. A support washer has an inner periphery axially fixed to the outer body surface and an outer periphery axially fixed to the inner adjustment-sleeve surface.

Abstract: An in-line skate apparatus has a frame for attachment to the sole of a shoe with a pair of outer, substantially flat side faces, a front end, a rear end, and a lower edge. A plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted on the frame in a line from the front end to the rear end of the frame, and a cut out extends upwardly from the lower edge between an adjacent pair of wheels. A separate H-block is releasably mounted in the cut-out so as to substantially fill the cut-out, and has a width at least equal to the width of the frame, so that its outer side faces are substantially flush with the outer side faces of the frame. The H-block has an arcuate, downwardly directed sliding region extending across its width and along at least part of the height of each side face, whereby the sliding region of the H-block includes the only sliding surface of the apparatus during sliding maneuvers.

Abstract: A Snowboard binding includes a baseplate intended to be mounted on a snowboard. A rear bow, is mounted on the baseplate (2) at two attachment points and a highback is mounted so that it can pivot with respect to the rear bow. Further included are means for independently modifying the vertical position of each point of attachment of the bow (3) to the baseplate (2).

Abstract: A wheeled carrier device is provided which, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of foldable walls supported on a base member and movable between an erected state wherein the walls define a carrier space and a collapsed state wherein the walls are folded on top of the base member. The carrier device has at least two wheels and a wheel mounting assembly pivotably mounts the wheels on the device on opposite sides thereof such that, in one embodiment, the wheels are movable through 270° from a first, operative position wherein the wheels support the carrier device and a second, inoperative position wherein upon release of a latching mechanism the wheels are folded over on top of the folded walls in the collapsed state thereof. A handle is affixed to the carrier device and is movable between an operative state wherein the handle can be used to pull the carrier device and an inoperative state wherein the handle is stowed in substantially flush relation with the remainder of the carrier.

Abstract: A running board for a motor vehicle is provided. The running board includes a bracket assembly and a shroud for covering the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a forward fastening plate and a rearward fastening plate for attachment to a motor vehicle, a bar extending between the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate, and a step member attached to the bar extending between the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate and providing a step area. The shroud includes a step shroud constructed to cover the step member, a forward shroud constructed to cover the bar extending from the step member to the forward fastening plate, and a rearward shroud constructed to cover the bar extending from the step member to the rearward fastening plate. The running board can include a bracket adapter for attaching the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate to the motor vehicle. A method for installing a running board on a motor vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A hand cycle includes a frame and a seat which is pivotable relative to the frame about a longitudinally extending axis to effect steerage of the hand cycle.

Abstract: A dampener including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature which operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The dampener may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle that is convertible between a bicycle mode and a scooter mode. The cycle scooter includes a front wheel drive system with an operator seat that is movable between a lowered position that provides for comfortable operation of the vehicle in the bicycle mode, and a raised position for comfortable operation in the scooter mode. The frame includes rear and front portions that are pivotally attached and movable between a folded storage position and an extended operating position.