Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method.

Abstract: A flat article hopper having a plurality of bottom rods to form a supporting surface for supporting a stack of flat articles and a paddle to push the flat articles towards a flat article feeder at the downstream end. A scrub wheel is rotatably mounted on a fixed, rotation axis on the paddle and is in contact with one of the bottom rods. The rotation axis of the scrub wheel is oriented at an angle relative to the rotation axis of the contacting rod, so that when the contacting rod rotates, it causes the scrub wheel to rotate, thereby producing a force on the paddle urging the paddle to move towards the downstream end. Preferably, the flat article hopper has a side rod on one side of the envelope stack, and the supporting surface is tilted from the horizontal surface, so that the flat articles are moved towards the side rod by gravity in order to register against the side rod. Preferably, the side rod also rotates in order to reduce the friction between the flat article stack and the side rod.

Abstract: A document separating mechanism for an Automatic Document Feeder is an elastomer with the features of having a vertical plane and an arc surface, wherein the vertical plane is perpendicular to the main plane and capable of resisting the leading edges of the documents directly or indirectly. The arc surface is a turning plane for joining the vertical plane and the main plane. The document separating mechanism further includes the document guiding incline for making the documents being pressed by the feeding roller and arranged in order initially.

Abstract: A separator includes a housing, a feeder mounted in the housing for feeding documents along a feed path and a retard mechanism mounted in the housing along the feed path and opposite to the feeder. The retard mechanism includes a body and a pad attached to the body. The body is mounted at first and second pivot points such that the body and pad can rotate around the first and second pivot points.

Abstract: The invention is a sheet feeder including a skimmer and a separator. The separator is designed for advancing the engaged sheet while separating any adjacent sheets. In one embodiment, the separator has a driven infeed roller nipped with a drag or separator roller. The separator roller also includes a recoil mechanism. The drag normally slips and permits the separator roller to be driven forward by the infeed roller, which cocks the recoil mechanism, then allows the infeed roller to advance a sheet. The separator roller recoils backward when a multifeed of two or more sheets is engaged between the advancing and separator rollers. The sheet separator can have as its sheet-engaging member a roller sleeve. The roller sleeve can be axially slidable on the rotatable element for ready installation on and removal from the rotatable element.

Abstract: A paper feeder for use in an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The paper feeder applies vibration to paper sheets being paid out together to thereby reduce an adhering force acting between them. The paper feeder therefore reduces the simultaneous feed of two or more papers to a noticeable degree. An image forming apparatus including the paper feeder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pallet for supporting media such as papers is disposed on a parallel motion mechanism. As the media is loaded, the pallet is shifted from an initial site toward a predetermined site in parallel, and therefore the media supported by the pallet is sequentially scrubbed and transmitted to a printing device by a scrubbing device.

Abstract: A sheet jogging device includes a compact housing having an inclined front face, and a rack resiliently mounted to said housing along said front face. Within the housing a drive spring is fixed at one end to the housing and connected at an opposite end to the rack. An electromagnet is mounted beneath the drive spring to exert an oscillating magnetic force on the drive spring to flex the drive spring about its base to reciprocate the rack along the inclined face of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the presentation of articles to the singulation head of a system for singulating a stack of edge-mounted articles, for example mixed mail, which mechanism senses the instantaneous pressure at which the lead article of the stack is pressed against the singulation head. A feedback control may be provided responsive to a difference between detected instantaneous pressure and a desired target pressure for controlling at least one drive member in a manner so as to reduce such difference. Where there is a pick window of instantaneous pressure at which singulation can be effectively performed, a control may also be provided to inhibit operation of the singulation head when the instantaneous pressure is outside the pick window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing burden in retrieving sheets of material from the bottom of a substantially vertical stack of sheets in a sheet feeder. The apparatus comprises a first convex surface at the bottom half of the stack protruding into one side of the stack for pushing the sheets toward the other side, and a second convex surface on the second side below the first convex surface for pushing the sheets toward the first side. The first and second convex surfaces each provide a counteracting force resisting the downward movement of the stack, and these countering forces have upward vertical components partially countering the downward vertical force due to the weight of the stack.

Abstract: In an automatic document feeder for use in an image forming device such as copy machine and facsimile machine: a document shunting path for temporarily shunting a document is provided at an upstream side of a document reading portion; in a different-size mixed mode where different sizes of documents are placed in a mixed manner, the leading edge and rear edge of the document are detected by a sensor during conveyance of the document in the direction toward the document reading portion, so that the length of the document is detected; thereafter the document is conveyed in the reverse direction so that the rear edge of the document is shunted into the document shunting path; and thereafter the document is again conveyed in the forward direction to conduct reading. Thus, it becomes unnecessary to provide, a longer conveyance path for detecting the length of the documents, so that the size of the feeder itself can be reduced.

Abstract: A delivery of a machine for processing flat printing materials, having a sheet guide surface over which the sheets are drawn during operation, with forcible guidance of an edge of the sheets extending in a processing direction, respectively, includes nozzles opening into the sheet guide surface and providing flow therethrough during operation, and a blown air curtain, formed during operation, which extends over the sheet guide surface transversely with respect to the processing direction and is aimed at a target region on the sheet guide surface. The nozzles are arranged on the sheet guide surface in accordance with a first mode and a second mode, the nozzles arranged in accordance with a first of the modes outputting during operation a flow which counteracts a volume flow, from the blown air curtain, which is deflected downline with respect to the processing direction.

Abstract: The bill stacker is provided which comprises an encasement 50b for forming a compartment 51 for storing bills therein; a cover 52 provided in the encasement 50b; and a window 70 for visual observation of a bill stacked in the compartment 51 without unlocking the cover 52. The window 70 can allow to visually and rapidly observe and confirm the denomination of a bill at the top of the compartment 51 by a clerk and a user without unlocking the stacker.

Abstract: A track bottom piece is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate. A document track is defined in a surface of the track bottom piece. Document items can move along the document track from an upstream end to a downstream end. An angled surface is defined along an edge of the track bottom piece. The angled surface receives a releasable mechanism to secure the track bottom piece relative to the baseplate. When the releasable mechanism is released, the track bottom piece is allowed to move relative to the baseplate.

Abstract: Two belts 20a and 20b disposed perpendicularly to a bottom belt 10 passed round and driven by a pair of pulleys 11 and 12, have profile members 23 for accelerating or decelerating conveyed matter conveyed on the bottom belt 10 in contact with the leading or trailing end of the conveyed matter, thus permitting conveying of successive items of conveyed matter at a predetermined conveying interval without clamping the conveyed matter and independently of the thickness of shape thereof.

Abstract: A deceleration drum assembly has a deceleration drum with at least one gripper for gripping and transporting signatures. A guide surface assembly is provided which produces a fluid flow for transporting the signature in a contactless manner above the guide surface assembly.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a wagering game 16 wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14 and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. At least one representation of a playing piece of a predetermined board game, where each type of such playing piece has a predefined movement pattern in the board game, is displayed on the display 14. Each representation of the playing piece has its predefined movement pattern as it applies in the board game. At, at least, an end position to which the representation of the playing piece moves, the control means performs an operation on an underlying symbol of the wagering game 16.

Abstract: A board game in which a game can be developed in an unexpected way can be provided. Plural dice selected from among plural dice which can be unfolded two-dimensionally are rolled. According to the results of the rolling of the dice, a die is unfolded and placed on the play field. On the unfolded dice a player places his/her piece. Also according to the results of the rolling of the dice, a player saves costs necessary for pursuing a game on an Addition/Deduction Unit. On the cards respectively corresponding to pieces, the Group, Level, Ability etc. of the pieces are indicated. A player makes his/her piece advance or attack the opponent's piece by paying the saved costs, and at the same time makes his/her piece defend itself by paying the saved costs as well. A player who succeeds in giving pre determined damage to a specific piece of the opponent wins a game.

Abstract: A multiple-field game card is provided for playing a game of chance. The game card comprises a matrix of five rows and five columns defining twenty-five grid squares adapted for playing the game of bingo. Each of a first plurality of the grid squares includes a single game symbol representing a number in a range of 1 to 75. Each of a second plurality of the grid squares includes two game symbols representing two numbers in a range of 1 to 75. Each of a third plurality of the grid squares includes three game symbols representing three numbers in a range of 1 to 75.

Abstract: A modern version of an old gambling game enables players to wager on a particular card or hand being dealt into a first position or a second position. Wagers matching the first card or hand in the first position and wagers matching the second card or hand in the second position are paid. Wagers for matching ranks in the incorrect position are taken. If that particular card or hand does not appear, the wager stays in play for a next round. When the first card or hand is equivalent to the second card or hand, matching wagers win, and unmatching wagers are resolved according to characteristics of the first card or hand and the second card or hand, such as card suit, card color, whether the cards are odd or even or high or low, using a hand rank such as according to poker combinations, by a numerical computation of the hand with reference to prescribed rankings of high/low or odd/even or the like.

Abstract: A kit for playing a construction/deconstruction game is described, and includes a plurality of flat planar cards and a plurality of v-shaped articulated cards from which a deconstructable structure can be erected. A plurality of spherical objects, such as marbles, adapted to be fired against the structure, is also provided. A ball retaining wall, adapted to at least partially encircle the structure may also be provided.

Abstract: A table type baseball playing table structure includes a ball batting assembly, and a ball ejection assembly. Thus, the pitcher may pull and release the ball ejection handle, so that the ball striking rod may be pushed by the spring to strike the ball by the eccentric post. After the ball is ejected outward by the eccentric post of the ball striking rod into the top face of the table, the batter may push the handle to move the pull rod, so that the shaft may be rotated by engagement between the gear face of the shaft and the serrated face of the pull rod. Thus, rotation of the shaft may drive the bat to rotate, so as to bat the ball ejected from the ball ejection assembly.

Abstract: A seal is provided at the intersegments of hydrogen seal rings for preventing oil leakage through this potential gap between the seal ring segments. By minimizing leakage through the gaps between the open rings, hydrogen consumption in hydrogen-cooled generators due to leakage oil is reduced. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is provided by a brush seal secured to one of the seal ring segments and received in a slot defined in the other of the seal ring segments.

Abstract: A seal assembly and method according to which a plurality of seal members are provided, each of which is formed by a strip of material having two interlocking portions. One of the interlocking portion of each seal member interlocks with one interlocking portion of another seal member, and the other interlocking portion of the each seal member interlocks with one interlocking portion of another seal member.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket is used for an internal combustion engine with at least three cylinder bores. The gasket is formed of a metal plate extending substantially throughout an entire area to be sealed, and a reinforce coating. The metal plate includes two end holes, at least one inner hole sandwiched between the two end holes, and beads surrounding the respective holes. The two end holes and at least one inner hole are arranged linearly to correspond to the cylinder bores of the engine. The reinforce coating is deposited around the peripheral portion of the at least one inner hole so that sealing pressures are formed substantially equally around the two end holes and at least one inner hole. Other reinforce coatings may be deposited around the peripheral portions of the end holes.

Abstract: A hidden device in a multifunctional sports shoe comprises a roller mechanism and an actuating mechanism. The roller mechanism is disposed under a bottom sole of the shoe and the actuating mechanism, being attached to the roller mechanism. The roller mechanism further comprises an upper base frame, a lower base frame, and four pairs of cross arms, a roller frame with lined up rollers. The upper and the lower base frames at two longitudinal lateral sides have elongated sliding grooves respectively for these pairs of cross arms slidably moving along. The upper base frame and the wheel seat frame are fastened to the bottom sole on the sports shoe. The actuation mechanism further comprises a shaft disposed next to an end of the upper base frame transversely. A ratchet wheel, two rolling wheels, and a rotary disk with a turning stem are provided on the shaft. A ratchet stop with a press knob engages with the ratchet wheel. The elastic cords join these pairs of cross arms and wound on the rolling wheels.

Abstract: A portable luggage carrier, and, more particularly, to such a carrier having an exercise means associated therewith. The portable carrier comprises a support member or means for supporting the luggage. A fold out platform means connected to the support means for holding the luggage is provided and the carrier has a collapsible wheel means affixed to the support means in association with a handle means affixed to the support member.

Abstract: An assembly for use as part of a vehicle suspension system includes an adjustable roll rate that is automatically adjusted responsive to maneuvers of the vehicle. A stiffener element is coupled with a stabilizer bar. The stiffener element increases the roll rate responsive to the vehicle wheels being turned. In one example, the stiffener element is a metallic plate that rotates into various positions responsive to the vehicle wheel being turned. The further the wheel turns, the further the plate rotates and the greater the increase in the roll rate.

Abstract: An improved front-wheel suspension for buses and such, whereby the suspension for each wheel (5) substantially consists of at least one upper suspension arm (1) and at least one lower suspension arm (2); in between said suspension arms (12), a pivotable connection piece (3), whereby said connection piece (3) also is connected to the wheel axle (4) of the corresponding front wheel (5); a hydraulic shock absorber (7) and an air bellows (6) which is provided above the front wheel (5), wherein said connection piece (3) consists of a connection rod (17) showing, at its upper extremity, a part (18) connected to the upper suspension arm (1) and showing, at its lower extremity, a part (19) connected to the lower suspension arm (2), whereby the part (18) is hingeably attached to the upper suspension arms (1) by means of a bearing (20) which also carries the air bellows (6).

Abstract: A hand powered cart uses a drive mechanism having a power lever operated by the operator's hands and arms, and is steerable by the operator's feet. The drive mechanism includes a closed drive chain that is given forward motion by a one-way freewheeling power sprocket, and that loops around idler sprockets, a drive sprocket, and a take-up sprocket. The power sprocket is attached to a reciprocating power lever, and moves back and forth. When moving forward, the power sprocket drives the drive chain. When moving backwards, the power sprocket freewheels without disengaging from the chain. The take-up sprocket is forced against the chain by a spring, and maintains the chain within a predetermined range of tension.

Abstract: A recumbent bicycle with (i) a cantilevered bicycle seat and (ii) a coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket around which the bicycle can be folded so as to form a more compact configuration. The folding of the bicycle is facilitated by the splaying of support arms for the coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket, which splaying allows the rear portion of the bicycle to be folded into a position lying between the splayed support arms.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair leg rest extension system. The system includes a ball screw assembly provided within a steel sleeve of the wheelchair frame, and actuated by an electric motor to raise and lower a leg rest, while protecting the ball screw assembly from damage, and reducing the unsightliness and potential for damage associated with external extension and retraction means.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotataly driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment system for properly aligning a vehicle with respect to a trailer without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle. The vehicle alignment system includes a first telescoping rod having a first base attachable to a hitch of a trailer, and a pair of telescoping rods extending from a cross member with a center magnet attached thereto for attaching to a ball. An upper member extends between the pair of telescoping rods for indicating when the ball and the hitch are properly aligned. An indicator ball is preferably attached to a distal end of each of the telescoping rods for increasing the visual indication.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element for retaining a boot on a ski including a body and a retaining jaw that are generally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane, the jaw being biased by a return spring housed in the body, the return spring being connected to the jaw by an anchor having two lateral arms, a central strap and a central fork having two teeth, the spring elastically maintaining the arms of the anchor in support against two retaining pins affixed to the body, the jaw having a median pin engaged between the two teeth of the fork. At least one of the elements of the anchor, which are the arms, the strap and the fork, is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane defined by the body and the jaw.

Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a skid, the retention element including a base provided to be affixedly connected to the ski, overlaid by a body, a jaw having two independent retaining wings journalled to the body about a vertical axle, the wings having, beyond their journal axle, a tip exerting an action by pressure on the head of a movable tie rod biased by a spring. A rocker, journalled with respect to the base, is inserted between the tips and the head of the tie rod, the tips being in support against an arm of the rocker, and the rocker being mounted asymmetrically with respect to the base or the tips.

Abstract: A height-adjustable and collapsible seat for a child stroller. In the preferred embodiment, of the height-adjustable, collapsible seat is the second, or rear, seat of a tandem stroller, and is such that the child can sit in the seat either forward-facing or rearward-facing. Using the height-adjustable, collapsible rear seat, the pusher is able to adjust the seat height according to his/her preferences and needs (for instance, he/she can place the child at eye-level), or can even remove the seat entirely to provide for additional storage space or room for a second child to ride on the standing platform at the rear of the stroller, if such a platform is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the rear seat is also fitted out with the necessary attachments for an infant carrier, so that the stroller can accommodate any combination of child and infant, facing forward or rearward.

Abstract: A load transporting trailer has modular construction with components that are readily separable for quick disassembly into light weight, packable, conventional luggage-sized elements. The trailer includes a pair of lateral frame sections, each including a folding wheel assembly adapted for folding relative to its associated frame section. A central frame section intercouples the lateral frame sections in side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, a pair of rectangular frame sections may be intercoupled with a hinge. A removable deck panel is installed in each frame section and a bike stand may be attached. The trailer includes a tow bar coupled with the frame for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. The tow bar folds to form a tripod for supporting the trailer in an upright, parked position. A pair of castered legs is coupled with the aft portion of each frame section to permit rolling of the parked trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: A roof rail air bag assembly includes an air bag module having an air bag and an air bag inflator, and a hanger designed to attach the assembly to the roof rail of a vehicle. The installation of the roof rail air bag assembly is accomplished by an operator standing outside the vehicle, and without the use of external fasteners. A roof panel is attached to the vehicle roof rail to permanently fasten the hanger to the vehicle, while the air bag module can be easily removed for servicing.

Abstract: In a cover with an emblem used for an airbag device, the emblem is structured such that an entire circumference of a rim portion thereof is raised rearwardly in a wall shape to thereby form a side surface, and legs are projected rearwardly from an end of the side surface. Coating in the same type of the color as that of the cover is applied entirely to the base end sides of the legs and the side surface of the emblem. By inserting the legs of the emblem into holes formed in the cover, the emblem is fixed and fitted into a concave section of the cover. An appearance of a peripheral portion of the emblem is extremely improved.

Abstract: An inflatable belt system and method of operation for a vehicle occupant restraint in which a lap belt section or torso belt section or both have dual load bearing portions with an inner portion being inflatable. During inflation of the inner portion the other outer belt portion ruptures along a frangible line. The outer belt portion is a woven cylindrical member.

Abstract: An air bag module including a cushion, a diffuser and an inflator is provided. The cushion is expandable radially and rearward of the air bag module. The diffuser is disposed in the cushion and is also expandable radially and rearward of the air bag module. The diffuser includes a vent in fluid communication with the cushion. The inflator generates an inflator gas exhaustible into the diffuser to deploy the cushion. The inflation gas is receivable by the diffuser for expanding the cushion and the diffuser to a first predetermined position. The vent is positioned downstream of the interior surfaces when the diffuser is at the first predetermined position. The inflation gas is diffusible by the diffuser through the vent to radially expand the cushion after the rearward expansion to the first predetermined position. The cushion is further expandable rearward to a second predetermined position after the radial expansion of the cushion.

Abstract: An assembly consists of a vehicle structure including a vehicle side wall and of a gas bag side impact protection system including a gas bag. The gas bag is adapted to be inflated by means of compressed gas furnished by a source of compressed gas and comprising an outer side facing the vehicle side wall and an inner side facing the vehicle interior. The section of the gas bag located above the inflation port is folded at least twice and forms a stack at the outer side of the gas bag, the folds running substantially horizontally.

Abstract: An airbag is folded into a predetermined shape and is held by a shape-maintaining member or rubber strap to keep its shape. Both ends of the rubber strap are attached to the airbag by sewing portions. When the airbag is inflated with gas from an inflator, the rubber strap is detached, so that the airbag rapidly expands. In the airbag device with the shape-maintaining member, the shape of the folded airbag can be maintained, so that the airbag can be easily assembled.

Abstract: An airbag having low gas permeability characteristics. The airbag is formed from two separate layers of material, an inner layer having low air permeability and an outer strength layer enclosing the inner layer, where the layers are only attached together along seam lines. The inner layer is made from a film material, preferably urethane. The outer layer is formed from a fabric.

Abstract: A steering spindle (1) has a thin-walled container (5) which is filled by an incompressible flowable material (7). In the event of a crash, the container (5) is opened up by means of a, for example, pyrotechnic device (13). As a result, the flowable material (7) emerges and the container (5) deforms, whereby the forward vehicle intrusion is uncoupled from the behavior of the steering column.

Abstract: A belt pretensioner and force limiter in a vehicle having a piston-cylinder device with a cylinder chamber containing an explosive charge in which the piston has a piston rod that protrudes from the cylinder and is joined to a cable. The cable, via a drum and a planetary gear set, drives a reel mechanism for the belt in a winding-up direction when the explosive charge is detonated. The planetary gear set is engaged so that the gear ratio is about 1:1 between the drum and the reel mechanism when the drum rotates in the winding-up direction. The planetary gear set is engaged in the opposite direction so that the return movement of the piston a certain distance in the cylinder corresponds to a several times longer feed-out of the web from the reel mechanism.

Abstract: A high pressure be seating assembly adapted for liquid sealing against a rigid surface having a connecting conduit. The tube sealing assembly includes a rigid, elongated, tube member having a spherical sector-shaped distal end portion with a radius substantially larger than the radius of the tube member. The tube member further includes a central conduit terminating at an apex of the spherical sector-shaped distal end portion to define an annular rim portion such that a fluid-tight seal can be formed between the central conduit of the tube member and the connecting conduit of the surface. This seal is formed at a contact interface between the rim portion and the surface when a relative axial force is applied therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid-tight connector is attached at one end to an aperture in a junction box, a panel box, a motor or the like. The opposite end of the connector is adapted to receive a free end of a length of flexible conduit. A cuff is positioned on the connector to conceal the free end of the conduit from view.