Abstract: A compression spring rod for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member moveable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound, of different length, of different outside diameter, and of different wire diameter whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. Two sets of the springs can be arranged for biasing the rod member to a central position relative to the housing.

Abstract: An elastic wheel comprising a disk (1), a rim (3) supporting a tire (20), a pair of guides (4) annularly fixed on the inner periphery surface of the rim (3), a pair of walls (5) annularly fixed in two side areas along the wheel axial direction on the outer periphery surface of a base rim (2) disposed on the disk (1) or on the outer periphery surface of the disk (1), and rubber elastic bodies (6) each annularly interposed between the side faces of the guides (4) and the side faces of the walls (5), wherein at least one belt (8) is annularly arranged on each rubber elastic body (6). By virtue of the shear deformation of the installed rubber elastic bodies (6), it is possible to absorb vibration, particularly to improve a riding quality associated with a low input, and to improve a vibration prevention performance, a sound insulation performance and a steering stability. As for sound insulation performance, the elastic wheel is extremely effective for sound insulation in high frequency ranges of 100 Hz or more.

Abstract: A spring holding cone (1) for a spring end of a spiral torsion spring (13), especially a sectional door spring for an industrial door or a garage sectional door, has an outside surface (2) for supporting the spring end of the torsion spring (13) at its inside diameter and fixing means for fixing the spring end to the spring holding cone (1) in a torque resistant way. The fixing means comprise a flank (5) which protrudes from the outside surface (2) and engages between the first spring turn (12) and the second spring turn of the torsion spring (13) at the spring end. The flank (5) extends over less than 180° of the circumference of the outside surface (2); and a securing element (6) extends over a flank-free area of the outside surface (2).

Abstract: A tool for selectively compressing and expanding work, the tool comprising a handle including bar holders and at least two slidable bars having work engaging surfaces at ends thereof both of which are slidably received in a separate one of the bar holders and both being adapted to be selectively fixed therein whereby at least one of the slidable bars is adapted to be reversibly received in one of the bar holders of the handle.

Abstract: A mold holder of an injection molding machine includes a base, several clamping blocks, and nuts. The base has cylindrical channels extending inwards from a lateral edge thereof, and trenches formed on an upper side; the elongated trenches are above, and in communication with, respective cylindrical channels. Each of the nuts has a cylindrical shape and a screw hole on a curved side thereof; the cylindrical nuts are fitted in the cylindrical channels, and bolts are tightly connected to other common nuts, the clamping blocks, and the cylindrical nuts so that a mold can be held on the base with the clamping blocks being pressed against it.

Abstract: A tile shaping bench including an elongate guide extrusion having surfaces defining a channel adapted for receiving an edge of a tile, a first surface of the channel defined by a resilient surface, an elongate top extrusion positioned adjacent to the guide extension and including an elongate tile engaging surface, and an elongate clamp extrusion disposed below the top extrusion and including at least one operable clamp mechanism, the clamp mechanism operable to urge a tile against the elongate tile engaging surface of the top extrusion.

Abstract: A cutting stand for sheet goods including supports, each support including a foot, a lower upright joined to the foot and an angled upper support joined to the lower support; a carriage joined to the supports; sheet goods may be removably mounted on the carriage,; and a guide movably joined to sheet goods, the guide adapted to be removable from the sheet goods.

Abstract: Device for enabling a rigid or semi-rigid material of a planar shape or of the thin, elongate type to be rapidly supported and chocked in order to carry out a finishing process on it. The device includes a top chocking structure on which the material to be finished can be supported and clamped, the top structure being made from one or more elements of the bar or tube type extending essentially in a vertical plane and having at least one substantially horizontal support portion, extended by a substantially vertical support portion. The device includes a bottom base structure on which on which the top structure is mounted, enabling the device to be stabilized on a working surface, the support zones of which are fitted with non-slip fixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport apparatus for a bank note processing machine wherein bank notes are supplied via guiding element 2 to transport diverter 11 in order to be diverted by transport diverter 11 to a stacking pocket or stacking wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selection device for separating one by one, or singulating, the items of a stack of mail items, comprising a support surface, conveying means for driving these mail items over the support surface, a mobile presser plate cooperating with the conveying means in order to drive downstream a part of the mail items issuing from the stack of mail items to be separated and corresponding to a predetermined maximum thickness of mail items, and independent, individually mobile selection means for selecting a mail item from the mail items driven by the conveying means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for loading the input unit of a letter sorting system with letters that are stood on their edges. The device comprises of at least one stack receiving device which is located on a carriage and which can receive a stack of letters at a given location. The device comprise a stack base which can be moved beyond the carriage in the direction of the stack, horizontally, and one or two separating blades which hold the stack. The blades can be displaced along the stack base and can rotate in and out of the stack receiving device. The dimensions and the height of the stack receiving device are configured in such a way that the stack base can be moved onto the letter conveyor line with the separating blade(s) of the stack receiving device and urged to the input unit.

Abstract: A paper tray automatically adjusts to accommodate a variety of media sizes. An array of photodetectors on the support surface of the tray are masked from light by placing media in the tray. A controller determines the size of the media by monitoring which photodetectors have been masked. The controller can then direct tray guides to move to predetermined positions corresponding to the size of the media.

Abstract: In order to provide a sheet determination apparatus having a high reliability and capable of correctly determining the number and kinds of sheets even when sheets having a fold, breakage, tear, or the like are transported in an unfavorable state of overlapping transport, skew transport, or the like, there is provided a thickness sensor with a plurality of thickness detection elements arranged over an entire width of an identification transport passage along a widthwise direction of transport of the transport passage, on which sheets are to be transported, profile data of sheets are extracted from thickness data detected every thickness detection element, and the extracted profile data and profile basic data of sheets, which are stored in a storage unit to constitute standards, are compared with each other and judged to determine the number of sheets.

Abstract: A document feeding apparatus in which the vibration of a document by the shock when the trailing edge of the document has passed an ante-reading roller is prevented to thereby prevent the misregister or distortion of a read image.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion print media guide system comprises two racks which are operatively coupled for reciprocal movement relative to each other by way of a central gear cluster instead of a single central gear (pinion) to expand the maximum media capture range. The gear cluster comprises first and second pinions and at least one center idler gear which is operatively coupled between the pinions with each rack skipping the center idler gear during operation.

Abstract: A recording plate or film loading device for use with an image recording scanner. The device comprises a platen (6) arranged at an angle to the horizontal and onto which a plate or film is manually placed. A loading mechanism includes one or more first pusher members (12) cooperating with the platen to push a plate or film to an output position. A centering mechanism includes a pair of second pusher members (13) movable laterally with respect to the platen (6) to centre a plate or film on the platen.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing media through a hardcopy device includes a cylindrical guide wheel having a first radius mounted on a shaft having an axis transverse to a media feed path axis. A guide surface is spaced apart from the guide wheel and defines a media feed path between the guide wheel and the guide surface. A drive wheel having an extended portion that is concentric with the guide wheel, and which has a greater radius than the first radius is fixed to the shaft. A pinch roller communicates with the media feed path.

Abstract: A drop-box mechanism or system is disposed adjacent to an article conveyor and atop a flat mail storage tub and comprises a platen movable between first and second chambers at which the open top of the storage tub is respectively uncovered and covered. When the platen uncovers the storage tub, deflecting fingers move downwardly so as to cover the platen tracks and the space defined between the bottom of the drop-box mechanism and the open top of the storage tub so as to prevent flat mail articles from becoming jammed within the tracks or from being inadvertently discharged through the space defined between the bottom of the drop-box mechanism and the open top of the storage tub. In this manner, the predetermined conveyed order of articles is preserved so as to facilitate sequence address delivery of the articles to recipients.

Abstract: A single sheet collecting device for stacking sheets of paper or plastic has at least one transport element and at least one stop unit arranged in a transport path of the sheets. First and second deflecting parts are arranged along the transport path of the sheets for moving the sheets during transport for a moment out of a transport plane of the sheets. The first and second deflecting parts are adjustable from a first position for top stacking the sheets into a second position for bottom stacking the sheets and vice versa.

Abstract: A business model algorithm in which icons representing businesses, products, services and the like are displayed during the play of slot machines for a consideration of cash or cash credits. The icon displays, if properly aligned on a pay line, may represent an award of a product or service or a discount thereon. Thus, a business benefits by reason of a new customer and source of business contacting the business to collect the award and from the constant reminder of the business to those playing the slot machine and seeing the business icon; a casino or other owner of a slot machine benefits from the money received for playing the slot machine and the payout of a product or service which costs the owner of the slot machine nothing; the slot machine player benefits in that anything the player has won cannot be lost be being played back into the slot machine; and valuable marketing information is collected for the businesses concerned by recording the choices winners make in selecting product/service payouts.

Abstract: A game having a game board and pieces that attach to the game board is disclosed. The game board may optionally be configured to attach to a support. In one embodiment, game board has a general scoring area defined on it. A first player attempt to cover as much of the general scoring area by positioning one or more blocking pieces onto the game board. Uncovered sections of the general scoring area are designated a specific scoring area. A second player then attempts to position one or more scoring pieces within the specific scoring areas. The players may take alternate turns to determine which player can successfully position more scoring pieces during a selected number of turns. The blocking piece(s) may be positioned directly or by tossing it onto the game board. The scoring piece(s) are typically positioned by tossing or throwing them onto the game board.

Abstract: Our invention consists of a metal cast or machined coin-like generally flat playing piece with a provision to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive backed label. The label is printed with high quality artwork, which can represent characters, creatures and objects related to the game being played. The label, when adhered to the coin-like playing piece, provides a high quality, rugged and robust playing aid for use in role playing and other type games. The generally heavy weight of the metal and flatness of the playing piece provides a very stable playing aid that will not fall over like cast or molded miniatures or get blown away like paper plating pieces and is very easy to carry.

Abstract: An improved solitaire game having a plurality of game pieces. The game pieces have first, second, and third indicia formed thereon. The first, second, and third indicia are visible while playing the game by moving the game pieces on the game board. Each game piece may be fitted with one or more holes to receive pegs used to indicate the strategic status of each piece. The game may be played with or without a game board.

Abstract: A game including a string attached at each end to a wall, and moderately tensioned so as to have a minimal amount of sag. At each end of the string, a series of several scoring zones are designated by different colored lines or colored segments of the string. Each scoring zone has a designated point value assigned to it, with higher point values assigned for scoring zones closer to the end of the string. Mounted on the string are a number of beads, each of which has a centrally located hole through which the string passes. The game is played by standing near one end of the string and propelling the beads along the string toward the opposite end. The beads are propelled one-by-one along the string using a sort of throwing motion, with the object being to impart the necessary velocity to the bead to cause it to come to rest in a scoring zone.

Abstract: Summarization of video content including sumo.

Abstract: A brush seal element is disclosed that includes an array of bristles and a backing member. The array of bristles extends across the face of the backing member and at least part of the surface of the face of the backing member is formed of or covered by a material which is tribologically matched, with at least the material of the bristles immediately adjacent the face.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus for a differential exhaust mechanism having a labyrinth seal and a plurality of vacuum pockets includes a differential exhaust system for evacuating the vacuum pockets and an exhaust system for evacuating a chamber of exhaust gas. The differential exhaust system and the exhaust system are connected by control valves that can be opened and closed, enabling communication between the vacuum pockets and the interior of the chamber to be opened and closed (or connected and disconnected) as well. The valves are opened when a vacuum is being formed inside the chamber or when a malfunction occurs in the exhaust system, thus connecting the vacuum pockets and the chamber and preventing excessive pressure from building up on the hydrostatic bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a labyrinth sealing assembly for placement between a shaft and a bearing housing comprising an annular stator having a body portion, an axially inner engagement surface, an axially inner extending portion extending from a radially outer end of the stator, an axially inner extending member extending from a radially inner end of the stator, and a keeper lip extending radially outward from the axially inner extending surface of the radially inner end of the stator, and an annular rotor having an axially outer engagement surface having a plurality of wear ridges on a radially outer engagement surface, and a keeper notch arrangement on a radially inner surface comprising a recess. The keeper lip engages the keeper notch to provide a snap fit between the rotor and stator.

Abstract: A rotary machine has a stationary component with circumferential grooves and a rotatable component, as well as annular packing or sealing ring segments movable toward and away from the rotating component. To prevent circumferential displacement of the lower side packing ring segments by gravity forces and enable the lowermost segment in the lower housing to be moved radially inwardly, the side segments of the lower housing are supported adjacent the casing midline in a manner preventing downward movement and enabling horizontal movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower side packing ring segment is elongated so as to extend above the horizontal joint of the housing and a key bar extends from a key bar groove in the housing to engage a corresponding groove in the segment. The key bar may be disposed to define a seal key for the horizontal joint.

Abstract: A seal for sealing an interface between a piston shaft (4) of an expander mechanism for a disk brake and an inner surface of a housing (5) of the brake in which the shaft is received is described. The seal comprises: a laterally outwardly disposed portion (11) adapted to engage a portion of the housing in fixed relation therewith; a laterally inwardly disposed portion (12) which is adapted to form a static seal with a surface of the shaft; and an intermediate portion (13) interconnecting said laterally outwardly disposed portion (11) and said laterally inwardly disposed portion (12) such that the laterally inwardly disposed portion is permitted to move axially together with the shaft relative to the laterally outwardly disposed portion, in use, in static sealing relationship with the shaft.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal sealing element for a wellhead assembly which includes at least first and second adjacent components and first and second generally annular sealing surfaces that are each formed on a corresponding one of the components. The sealing element comprises an annular base, an annular sealing lip which projects radially toward at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces and which comprises a seal retaining groove, a soft metal sealing insert which is disposed within the seal retaining groove and which in use engages the at least one sealing surface, and an annular intermediate portion which extends between the base and the sealing lip. The intermediate portion presses the sealing insert against the at least one sealing surface in an interference fit relationship.

Abstract: A sealing resin-metal assembly includes a sealing resin layer injection molded on at least one side of a sheet metal via an elastic primer layer within a mold die. A portion of the elastic primer layer that is brought into abutment with the mold die is formed thicker than the other portion of the elastic primer layer that is not brought into abutment with the mold die so that a clamping pressure of the mole die is received by the elastic primer layer at the portion formed thicker, when the sealing resin layer is laminated.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a rotary vacuum-chuck is provided that may hold a substrate such as a silicon wafer for rotation. The vacuum-chuck includes a hollow rotary shaft and a chuck mounted on the hollow rotary shaft and having a surface adapted to support a substrate. The chuck has one or more openings in fluid communication with the hollow rotary shaft. A venturi is formed near an end of the hollow rotary shaft to apply vacuum to the hollow rotary shaft and the openings in the chuck surface. No seal is required between the end of the hollow rotary shaft and a surrounding stationary block.

Abstract: Rotatable tool coupled to support body, and drive shaft detachably mounted to rotatable tool, such that rotatable tool is drivable in a working direction, in which support body includes an inlet opening defined by at least three eccentric segments and drive shaft includes an immersion area structured and arranged for insertion into the central inlet opening. Immersion area includes at least three longitudinal ribs arranged to project radially outwardly and symmetrically distributed on a circumference of the immersion area, and longitudinal ribs include thread-cutting segments. After inserting immersion area into cylindrical inlet, longitudinal ribs are rotated relative to the support body, whereby thread-cutting segments at least partially cut threads into the at least three eccentric segments to couple drive shaft to support body. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A manually tightened chuck including a hollow chuck body member, provided with three bores inclined forwardly toward a central axis. A jaw is slidable in each inclined bore, a nut is sheathed on the peripheral surface of the chuck body member, and is interconnected with each jaw through threads. A peripheral surface of the nut is provided with a front sleeve, and on a peripheral surface of the chuck body member a rear sleeve is sheathed also. In the middle of the chuck body member a stepped part extends radially outwardly and includes a surface opposite to a rear end surface of the nut. Plural bearing balls are disposed in circular grooves formed in the opposed surfaces of the nut and chuck body member.

Abstract: To provide a chuck device for preventing the loosening of the fastening condition, a plurality of claws inserted into a hole provided at an end of a body are opened, closed and slid by the rotation of a rotary sleeve and a tool is clamped by means of the claws. A coating that is hard and has a low frictional coefficient as much as possible is applied to an inner surface of the hole.

Abstract: A collapsible chair for transporting people up and down stairs, comprising a main frame, a seating assembly, and a rail assembly. The seating assembly is provided to form a set for a person, and this assembly is pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The rail assembly is used to support the chair for movement down steps, and this assembly is also pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the chair is provided with uniquely designed gripping bars that may be used to help carry the chair upstairs. Also, the chair is provided with a set of wheels that are uniquely located to help stabilize the chair.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable rear suspension. A supply of pressurized gas is pneumatically connected to a valve, and at least one air shock is also pneumatically connected to the valve. A pushrod is mechanically connected between a trike frame and a trike swing arm, and actuates the valve in order to maintain the distance between the trike frame and the trike swing arm at a factory pre-set value. Each air spring is disposed between an L arm rigidly attached to the trike swing arm, and the trike frame. In the preferred embodiment, a gas shock absorber was also disposed between the trike frame and the trike swing arm.

Abstract: An easily adjusted skateboard shoe comprises a front seat, a rear seat and a buckle structure for connecting the front seat and the rear seat. The buckle structure is formed by a round lower cover, a buckle, and a teeth bank. An upper side of the lower cover has a confining seat and the confining seat has guide grooves at two sides thereof. Thereby, the buckle moves straightly along the guide grooves of the lower cover. One inner end of the buckle has an engaging teeth which protrudes downwards and extends inwards so that the engaging teeth is exactly engaged to the teeth bank at a lower end of the front seat. The user can press the buckle from a lateral side of the skateboard shoe so that the engaging teeth of the buckle separates from the teeth bank; and thus the size of the skateboard shoe is adjusted.

Abstract: A roller shoe has a pliable bottom. Rear wheels are independently rotatable about a rear axle recessed in the heel portion. A front wheel is rotatable on a front axle recessed in the arch portion. Both axles are removably yet firmly supported partially recessed within wheel housings. Rolling with front and rear wheels on a flat skating surface holds the forward portion of the shoe bottom clear of the skating surface. Tilting forward onto the front wheel alone allows pivoting while rolling. Tilting farther forward brings the forward portion down to sliding, standing or walking contact with the skating surface. Tilting backward onto the rear wheels alone allows pivoting while rolling. Tilting backward in the extreme brings the shoe heel into sliding or resting contact with the skating surface. Wheels are formed of urethane, axles and bearings of steel, shoe of textile or leather, shoe bottom of resinous or rubber material, and wheel housings of strong plastic such as nylon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skate including base structure attached to and underlying a durable foot covering having heel and toe ends. A first axle is pivoted to the base structure proximate the heel end and has opposing ends. The opposing ends of the first axle carry opposing parallel first and second in-line wheeled frameworks. A second axle is pivoted to the base structure proximate the toe end and has opposing ends. The opposing ends of the second axle carry opposing parallel third and fourth opposing parallel third and fourth in-line wheeled frameworks.

Abstract: A vehicle comprised of skies on the bottom and a folding device for means of storage and portability and a brake system for means of stopping. The skies allow the user to travel short distances on snow or ice. The collapsing device is based on locking the vehicle in an upright or collapsed position. The brake system is made up of a hinge, a spring, and a piece that digs into the snow to increase friction between the vehicle and the snow, when the user puts pressure on the top of the brake. The brake is located on the back of the vehicle. The result is a vehicle that allows the user to travel short distances on snow in a standing position. This also allows the user to travel down snowy hills as a kind of sled, in a stand up position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a recreational sled that is configured to selectively enable a user to carry a sliding mechanism up an incline and/or to support the user on the mechanism and allow the user to travel a distance down the incline. A seat is coupled to at least one of a winter sliding mechanism and a non-winter sliding mechanism. A user selectively uses at least one of the sliding mechanisms to slide down a snowy/icy incline or to slide down a non-snowy/non-icy incline.

Abstract: A removable large wheel assembly having two permanent sleeves inserted in holes drilled in the small wheel mounting blocks, two axles, one in each of the sleeves of the mounting blocks, with a permanent stop at one end and a fastener at the opposite end of each axle, said axles being inserted through sleeves of the mounting blocks of the small wheels or, if not possible through the existing small wheel mounting blocks, through holes drilled for sleeves through additional mounting blocks added to the bottom of the luggage and the large wheels having an extended tubular part at the hub of the inner side of each wheel, this part being molded as part of the wheels and of sufficient length so that when each wheel is placed on it's axle with the extended part facing inward toward the luggage the wheel is prevented from touching the outer edge of the luggage.

Abstract: A wheeled hand dolly for loading, unloading, and transporting cylindrical objects from one location to another including a pair of vertical support members cooperating to form a forwardly facing contact area and joined by a cross member having a recessed portion. An adjustable restraining strap includes a free end with an attachment member and an opposing anchor end for attachment to either side of said cross member to substantially encircle the cylindrical object and having a second contact area to sandwich the cylindrical object between the contact surfaces and frictionally retain it thereto such that the object may be transported along with the dolly.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a wheelbarrow (1) brakes automatically when it runs downhill. A rearward pulling force, naturally applied to handles (4) of barrow (1) by a user when resisting acceleration of barrow (1) down a slope, results in rearward pivoting of, or rearward movement of sleeves on, the handles (4). Such movements are transmitted by linkage (11) (or by cable or hydraulically), to braking mechanism (10) acting on wheel (6).

Abstract: An improved computer storage cart is provided which comprises an interior space defined by a top portion and a bottom portion joined to spaced apart opposing sidewalls and a back portion. Further, a plurality of vertically spaced apart shelves are located in the interior space for holding the computers or other rechargeable equipment. One or more doors are provided to secure the interior space and one or more electrical units having one or more electrical receptacles are positioned adjacent the shelves and proximate at least one door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skateboard including base structure attached to and underlying a platform having opposing leading and trailing ends. A first axle is pivoted to the base structure proximate the trailing end and has opposing ends. The opposing ends of the first axle carry opposing parallel first and second inline wheeled frameworks. A second axle is pivoted to the base structure proximate the leading end and has opposing ends. The opposing ends of the second axle carry opposing parallel third and fourth opposing parallel third and fourth inline wheeled frameworks.

Abstract: A lean-induced steerable wheel assembly has a pair of parallel wheel hub carriers arranged on either side of a leanable chassis spine. A linkage connects the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that the wheels lean in unison with the chassis spine. A steering mechanism couples the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that an induced lean on the chassis spine steers the wheel hub carriers through a steering angle dependent on the angle of induced lean.

Abstract: In a rack and pinion type steering apparatus whose housing includes a pinion accommodating portion, a rack accommodating portion, a radial opening defining a rack guide hole, and a projecting portion which is formed on the side of the rack accommodating portion opposite the rack guide hole. The radial opening is covered by a plug that is fixed by swaging. The projecting portion has a contact surface being received on a jig when the plug is fixed to the housing by swaging. Therefore, the reaction of the swaging from the jig does not directly affect the pinion accommodating portion.