Abstract: A method and system for controlling the eccentricity of a near-circular orbit are embodied in a burn controller for an orbiting object (such as a satellite) that is configured to control burns to occur at either an apogee or a perigee of the orbit to effect a desired change in the eccentricity of the orbit. These burns occur at either an apogee or a perigee of the orbit depending upon the satellite's location in the long-period motion of the argument of perigee.

Abstract: Recovery of a towed body, in one embodiment in the form of a decoy which is initially stowed in a receptacle or canister and which is allowed to pay out behind an aircraft on a towing cable wrapped around a spindle, is accomplished by snaring or lassoing a portion of the towing cable and by dragging it to a further spindle which is driven so as to cause the lasso and a portion of the towing cable to wind up around the driven spindle. When a sufficient amount of the cable is wound around the driven spindle, the cable end secured to the canister is severed to allow all of the rest of the towing cable to be wound up. In one embodiment, a telescoping saddle or docking cradle is provided which extends from the canister to receive the retracted towed body so that it may be secured to the moving vehicle from whence it can be recovered, refurbished, and redeployed.

Abstract: A spacecraft embedded in a reference frame rotating relative to inertial space. The spacecraft generally includes actuators for maneuvering the spacecraft with respect to the reference frame, an attitude measurement device that measures the pitch and roll attitude of the spacecraft with respect to the reference frame, a control device adapted to keep the roll and pitch angles of the spacecraft close to the commanded roll and pitch angles, and a harmonic torque estimator adapted to read the commanded angular velocity of the spacecraft relative to an inertial frame, read momentum wheel speeds, read known predicted external torques and combine angular velocity, measured wheel speed and known external torque to produce an estimated observable periodic torque.

Abstract: A device for resisting movement of a pipe suspended by a pipe hanger includes a base and a pair of arms extending from the base. A recess is formed in each of the arms for receiving a portion of a pipe hanger. A projection extends from each arm. The device fits between a suspended pipe and the hanger. Contact between the arms and projections of the device on the one hand and a portion of the pipe hanger on the other hand resists movement of the pipe. Contact between the arms and a portion of the pipe hanger resists movement of the device with respect to the pipe hanger.

Abstract: A safety cable and rack system comprises tubular material-bay dividers with wire-rope safety-cable gates and easy-to-release cable clips. Long sticks or sheets of material are stood on-end inside the bays for retail display. The cable clips are mounted on the front edges of the tubular material-bay dividers and the wire-rope safety-cable gates are secured to prevent the retail material from falling out onto the aisleways. A sliding lock on the cable clips has an enlarged hole that can be aligned to allow a beaded end of the wire-rope safety-cable gates to be secured or released. Such sliding lock is loosely attached, and will fall into a cable-locked position when not held up.

Abstract: A holder is disclosed for mounting objects to a fastener. The holder includes a holding section for mounting object and an anchoring section for mounting the holder onto the fastener, the anchoring section including a cylindrical recessed portion having a circular opening, a bottom and a first inward circumferential surface adapted to engage an outward circumferential surface of the fastener, and an opening in the bottom surface comprising a second inward circumferential surface adapted to engage a second outward circumferential surface on the fastener.

Abstract: A cushion includes a formed or stretchable sheet, or cover, and a core. The core includes individual and separate particulates and an oil for enabling lubricated movement of the particulates within the core in response to an outside force applied to the sheet. Particulates may include a combination of polymers and foam materials particularly open celled foam materials that may be partially filled with the oil upon forming of the cushion.

Abstract: The holder in particular for an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a remote control, a palmtop or similar or an exhibition object, comprises a plate element (12) having an upper side, a lower side and a recess (36) formed in said plate element (12), said recess (36) being defined by a recess edge (38). Further, at least one stand flap (30) protruding from a first section (40) of the recess edge (38) and hingedly connected with said recess edge (38) is provided for supporting the plate element (12) on a surface. For gripping under an electronic device to be placed on the plate element (12) there is provided at least one undergripping flap (32) protruding from a second section (42) of the recess edge (38), said second section (42) being essentially located opposite the first section (40), and hingedly connected with the recess edge (38).

Abstract: A universal pot and pan lid holder is composed of two cylindrical segments having through aligned circular slots and radial outward projections. The projection of one of the segments passes through the circular slot of the other segment and vise verse. The side edges of the cylindrical segments, which face each other, define an opening between them for access to the interior of the holder. In an assembled state of the segments they form a substantially cylindrical body with open ends and an access opening in the side of the body, so that the holder can rest on a support surface with its lower edge and provide the upper edge for temporary supporting pot or pan covers or lids during cooking. The diameter of the cylindrical body should be smaller than the diameter of the lids to be supported.

Abstract: A device for hanging an article with a portion having magnetic susceptibility, including: a base member for attaching the device to a structure; an engagement structure for engaging the article, wherein the engagement structure is attached to the base member; and a magnetic member coupled to the base member, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic member comprises magnetic material, the magnetic material being positioned on the magnetic member to attract the portion of the article having magnetic susceptibility so as to facilitate the engaging of the article to the engagement structure.

Abstract: A supporting rod assembly includes a supporting rod made of a transparent plastic material through integral injection molding and having a row of air bubbles formed therein during the injection molding, and at least one receiving head connected to an end of the supporting rod. A light-emitting device having at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is received in the receiving head, such that light emitted from the LED is projected onto the end of the supporting rod to produce gradually changed brightness degrees and color shades along the supporting rod, and thereby creates a luminous decorating effect for an article on which the supporting rod assembly is used. Alternatively, a plurality of light-conducting strips may be embedded in the supporting rod when it is injection-molded. The LED may be conveniently turned on with a vibration-actuated, sound-actuated, or light-actuated switch.

Abstract: A suspension arm is constructed to include a mounting base for fastening to the top of a table by a mounting assembly, an axle block, a link pivotally coupled between the mounting base and the axle block, a gyro block pivoted to the a axle block to hold a swivel holder for holding a article, an elongated hollow support, the support arm having two bottom clamping plates arranged pivotally coupled to the mounting base and two top eyelets pivotally coupled to the gyro block, a first torsion mechanism adapted to lock the support arm and the mounting base, a second torsion mechanism adapted to lock the support arm and the gyro block, and a traction mechanism connected between the gyro block and the support arm and adapted to share the burden of the weight of the article to be carried on the suspension arm.

Abstract: An article storage device, which is installed in a vehicle, includes a storage section for storing an article and a shutter as a cover for opening and closing an opening of the storage section. The storage section is formed of side surfaces, a back surface and an inner bottom surface to define an inside thereof, and includes guide grooves formed along both protruded rim portions at both sides of the storage section. A shutter is bendable in a sliding direction and attached to the guide grooves. The shutter is formed of a main body bendable at a plurality of thin walled portions, and a plurality of projections provided at both sides of the main body to be fitted in the guide grooves. Each projection is disposed lower than the main body to have a step therebetween.

Abstract: An improved structure of a suspension device for displaying articles is disclosed. The present device for displaying comprises a suspension board and a fixing element for insertion at the bottom end neck portion thereof characterized in that the bottom end neck portion directly extended to an elastic fixing element formed from bending of a plate for the insertably mounting with a work piece, and one end of the plate is extended to a wider plate edge inclined at one direction having a small connection plate connected to the suspension board to form a body thereby the suspension device is safe to hang displaying articles.

Abstract: An apparatus, which facilitates viewing of an object by a reclining human user, comprising an upright stand, a hinge device, a beam hinged to the stand by the hinge device, a spring linking the stand and the beam, a carrier for an object, the carrier supported so that the object faces forwardly, a carrier connecting with the beam, and a stop on the stand top positioned to limit down hinging movement of the beam that moves the carrier downwardly, there being a guide supporting a lower portion of the beam for hinging movement carrying that beam lower portion to one side of the stand in uppermost position of the beam.

Abstract: A laptop computer support board with lamp for supporting a laptop computer and providing light over the computer. The device has a support board on which the keyboard bottom surface rests, a lamp assembly, and a vent portion for allowing dispersion of the heat emitted from the computer. The support board has stoppers secured to the board top surface for wedging the computer in place. The vent portion is positioned between the stoppers, having venting holes extending through the board, and a raised platform extending upward from the board top surface. The lamp assembly is secured to the board top surface and is adjustable and collapsible. Once collapsed, a lamp cover may be placed over the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A holding apparatus engages with an information input device, particularly a foldable keyboard, for supporting portable electronic devices such as pocket PC, Palm PC, PDA, mobile phone and the like. The holding apparatus includes a receiving dock which has connector spindles pivotally engaged with the input device and a slot. A bracket is provided to slide in the slot at a first position to flatly fold on the input device to facilitate carrying when not in use. The bracket may be slid in the slot at a second position and be unfolded at a selected angle against the input device for the receiving dock to support the portable electronic device when in use.

Abstract: The rail mounted fishing pole holder is a specially designed device uniquely tailored to provide optimal support and convenience while using the inherent design of railing on most watercraft. A specially engineered mount is shaped to attach to an upper and a lower railing while also supporting a holder in an appropriately slanted position. Design specific clamps are structured to be adjustably affixed to said mount and enclose said railings. A cylindrical housing is incorporated with this demountable design to provide ease of use and economy of production.

Abstract: A television supporting frame includes a peripheral frame structure and mounting bracket assemblies extending between opposite portions of the frame structure for mounting a television in a vibration-isolated relationship thereto. Each bracket assembly includes a first mounting rail extending between and rigidly connected to the opposite portions of the frame structure, a second mounting rail extending generally parallel along the first mounting rail and spaced therefrom and from the frame structure and adapted to mount the television. A plurality of vibration-dampening elements are disposed between and interconnect the second mounting rail to the first mounting rail and the opposite portions of the frame structure so as to mount the second mounting rail to be floatably movable along generally orthogonal X, Y and Z axes such that any vibrations imparted to the frame structure will be prevented from reaching the second mounting rails and the television mounted thereto.

Abstract: A radial diaphragm valve includes a diaphragm having an elongated stem that is threadably or otherwise installed on an actuator piston. The elongated stem is slideably received in a bore formed in the actuator housing, and includes a circumferential recess that receives a seal. The seal provides a backup seal function separating the process fluid from the interior region of the actuator.

Abstract: A retainer is coupled around a shaft of an electromagnetic fluid control valve. A first projection is provided at one axial end of the retainer. A second projection is provided at the other axial end of the retainer. A central portion of a valve member is sandwiched between a flat surface of the first projection and a washer. A central portion of a diaphragm is sandwiched between a flat surface of the second projection and an end surface of a moving core 4.

Abstract: A ball valve having a magnetic seat sealing device comprises a valve body, a valve seat, a valve ball, a valve stem and a valve bonnet, wherein the valve seat is disposed within a valve body cavity of the valve body, the valve ball being rotatably disposed on the valve seat, the valve bonnet engaging the valve body to confine the valve body cavity, the valve stem passing through the valve bonnet and drivingly engaging the valve ball; and being characterized by comprising a magnetic seat sealing device that employs a magnetic mechanism to control the metal valve seat, so that when the ball valve is in a closed condition, the magnetic mechanism exerts a magnetic force to the metal valve seat to further tighten and seal the valve seat against the valve ball; and when the ball valve is in an open condition, the magnetic force is released to allow the metal valve seat to return its original position; whereby the metal ball valve can be operated by a low operative torque and maintaining superior sealing effect.

Abstract: A drive device (10, 100) with an actuating drive (40, 130) for driving a movable element (11, 110), in which drive device a lever (62, 144) coupled to the movable element (11, 110) is capable of being driven by the actuating drive (40, 130) via a gear (48, 132), the lever (62, 144) being capable of being acted upon by a firmly supported return spring (34, 164) so as to be capable of being pivoted back into a basic position (82, 161), and, in the basic position (82, 161), a first lever arm (64, 146) of the lever (62, 144) being acted upon by a stop (84, 160), is to have a particularly low space requirement and at the same time absorb momentum energy of the gear (48, 132) in a particularly reliable way in the event of a failure of the actuating drive (40, 130).

Abstract: An actuating means for a valve that is both opened and closed with a snap-action. The bidirectional, bi-stable snap acting valve has adjustable resistive forces governing the snap action of the valve. The bi-stable snap action mechanism can be incorporated into the operation of the valving element or the valving actuators.

Abstract: A multi-use sterile access/GMP diaphragm valve housing having a valve housing block having a main flow axis. The housing having a main flow valve mounting surface formed parallel to the main flow axis. The housing having a first port and an opposing second port. The housing having a first passage extending from the first port to the main flow valve mounting surface. The housing having a second passage extending from the main flow valve mounting surface to the second port. The housing having a main flow weir between the first and second passages. The housing having first and second planar lands formed upon the valve housing block adjacent the first passage for forming a third passage through a respective one of the lands in fluid communication with the first passage. The first and second planar lands are disposed orthogonal to each other and parallel to the main flow axis.

Abstract: A wire guide for electrical boxes utilizes a wire-guiding and support pulley mounted to the front of an attachment plate to feed or retrieve wire or cable from an electrical box. An access aperture provides access to the electrical box for hands or tools. Attachment screws 302 secure attachment plate to the electrical box through a plurality of attachment holes. Multiple attachment hole patterns allow use of the guide with various types of electrical boxes and allow attachment of the guide for vertical and horizontal offsets.

Abstract: A winch assembly for use with a tractor having a power take off (“PTO”) includes a winch framework releasably coupled to a rear portion of the tractor. The winch framework does not inhibit connection of an implement to a three point or drawbar hitch of the tractor. A winch having a cable reel is mounted in the winch framework and coupled to the PTO such that the cable-reel may unwind or retract a cable upon PTO operation. The winch framework may be released from the rear portion of the tractor and coupled to a storage frame mounted elsewhere on the tractor when the winch is not in use. While the winch may be connected to the PTO and used without uncoupling an implement from the tractor, the winch must be removed in order to actively couple the implement to the PTO.

Abstract: A security fence has a horizontal rail to which pales are connected and are spaced apart along the rail. The rail is shaped so that it cannot be used as a stepping surface for an intruder.

Abstract: A variable venturi carburetor for a combustion engine has an uprighted cup-shaped piston head which forms an integral part of a venturi within a fuel-and-air mixing passage carried by a carburetor body, and a needle that projects rigidly downward from the head into a fuel feed passage. The position of the piston head controls air flow by adjusting the air flow cross-section of the variable venturi, and the needle simultaneously controls fuel flow into the fuel-and-air mixing passage at the venturi via obstruction of the fuel feed passage. The piston head and needle move in unison by a flexible diaphragm engaged to and disposed above the head. An atmospheric chamber is defined below the diaphragm and a vacuum chamber is defined generally above the diaphragm. A vacuum passage extends through the bottom of the head communicating between the fuel-and-air mixing passage at the venturi and the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A fuel removal system for a carburetor with a float bowl carried by a body having a channel extending from the float bowl to the exterior of the carburetor body. An outlet tube is positioned within the channel and is movable from a first position wherein liquid fuel can be removed from the fuel bowl to the exterior of the body, and a second position wherein the outlet tube does not communicate with the float bowl.

Abstract: This column includes at least one exchange section (5, 9, 10, 11) defined between an associated upper liquid distributor (4, 6, 7, 8) and a lower fluid inlet/outlet (21, 23) or an associated lower liquid distributor (7, 8), the exchange section including an upper portion (5A, 9A) and, under it, another portion (5B, 9B, 10B, 11B) preferably of the conventional type. The upper packing portion of at least one packing section includes a packing module having less transfer units than a packing module of the conventional packing portion of the same section. Application to double columns for air distillation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dissipating inter floor seismic energy within buildings and other large structures which are subject mechanical deformation in response to seismic activity, wind shear, vibration, and so forth. The present invention provides displacement amplification methods and apparatus which increase the dissipation of seismic energy that is coupled from the building under deformation to a seismic damper. By way of example, the displacement amplifier is exemplified in a number of embodiments that utilize mechanical lever arms, gear sets, and combination amplifier/dampers to amplify energy dissipation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid-filled cylindrical vibration damping device including an elastic body interposed between an inner and outer sleeves for elastically connecting these sleeves with each other. A plurality of fluid chambers filled with a non-compressible fluid are partially defined by the elastic body so that a pressure of the fluid in the plurality of fluid chambers vary upon application of a vibrational load to the vibration damping device. A first orifice passage permitting a fluid communication between the fluid chambers is at least partially defined by an elastic member adapted to be subjected to shear deformation due to a fluid pressure acting on the first orifice passage so that a cross sectional area of the first orifice passage increases according to an increase of the pressure of the fluid acting on the first orifice passage owing to the shear deformation of the elastic member.

Abstract: A surface effect damper comprising a housing having a wall that defines a chamber, the housing having a first end, a second end and an axis; at least one contact element movable through the chamber between the housing ends in a first direction and in a second direction; and at least two damping elements substantially surrounding each contact element, each of the at least two damping elements being movable away from the axis and into frictional engagement with the wall as the at least one contact element is moved in a first direction and each of the at least two damping elements being movable toward the axis as the at least one contact element is moved in a second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of utilizing vacuum in machine tool operations utilizes vacuum, rather than clamps and fixtures, to secure the work piece to the table of the machine tool. The apparatus employs a plurality of vacuum buttons arranged on a vacuum plate or a configurable vacuum plate. This system minimizes the downtime for machine tools by permitting the set up for a particular machining operation or series of operations to be conducted off line. That is, the set up for one operation is primarily made while the machine tool is performing another operation or series of operations on another work piece. The machine tool continues to operate producing one machined, useful product while the set up for a second product is being performed. The use of a plurality of vacuum buttons arranged on a vacuum plate allows the flexibility to accommodate a variety of different work pieces.

Abstract: A hobbyist's tool comprised of a grid-like base member containing a plurality of uniformly shaped and uniformly spaced apart peg openings into which adjustable, flexible arms may be attached. Formed on the lower end of each flexible arm is an elastic bushing designed to fit snugly into one of the peg openings on the base member. Attached to the opposite, upper ends of the flexible arms are clamp, vise, or other retaining members which temporarily hold parts needed to be glued, painted, or otherwise held suspended. The flexible arms are made of a plurality of ball-and-socket joints that enable the part holders to be posed in various orientations and elevations. The flexible arms may be selectively removed and replaced in any of the peg openings on the primary base member to hold different parts. An optional secondary base member is also provided that may be perpendicularly aligned and selectively attached to different locations on the primary base member.

Abstract: A jaw is provided for a vise which includes a sloping surface for supporting a work piece at a particular angle. The jaw includes a primary mass and a secondary mass which are either formed together as a single unitary mass or formed separately and coupleable together. The primary mass includes a front surface which extends vertically and acts as a surface to hold the work piece within the vise. The secondary mass includes at least one sloping surface which is oriented perpendicular to the front surface of the primary mass. The sloping surface has an angle matching that desired for the work piece. A set of different jaws are provided with each jaw having a secondary mass with a sloping surface of a different angle. The work piece has a surface thereof resting against the sloping surface of the secondary mass of the jaw so that the work piece is held at the desired angle within the vise.

Abstract: There are disclosed a pressing force adjustable roller unit, a sheet member or transport system in an image processing apparatus provided with the roller unit, and a sheet member supply system in which multi-transport can securely be prevented. In a holder to which a roller is attached via a holding shaft to move the roller in a load direction from a peripheral surface, a torsion spring is connected in a direction in which the holding shaft is pressed downward, a windup degree of a winding portion of the torsion spring is adjusted by engagement of an engaging arm projecting from the winding portion with a first or second stopper disposed on a holder side, and a roller pressing force can therefore be adjusted. There are also provided a hopper for piling sheets, a supply roller for picking up and feeding out the sheet, and a multi-transport preventing roller pair of a separation roller and a retard roller so that the hopper can vertically move with respect to the supply roller.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus comprises a pressure plate disposed at a position where sheets first hit the same and a separation plate for separating the sheets. The pressure plate and the separation plate are rotatable independently of each other. The pressure plate is pressed by one spring, while the separation plate is pressed by another spring, against sheet feed roller independently of each other.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus for an image information processor includes a driving apparatus having a sheet supply opening and a sheet discharge opening arranged above and below and in the same direction, and a registration roller, a delivery roller, a scan roller, and a delivery roller arranged in order along a sheet conveying path formed in an opening curve of a substantially C-shape. The driving apparatus drives the rollers in mutual operations with selective combinations according to a sheet conveying process, and includes a driving motor controlled to change driving modes in the forward and reverse directions, and a power switching device for selectively transferring a rotational force to first and second power transmission systems according to the driving modes of the driving motor, whereby changes in sheet conveying speeds are controlled to secure reliability in the skew-feed correction of a sheet when supplying a large capacity of sheets at a high speed, and to adjust image resolution by mode.

Abstract: A device for stacking sheets delivered on a first conveyor in a plurality of parallel streams of overlapping sheets, includes a second conveyor moving slower than the first conveyor that compacts the streams as they exit the first conveyor; a third conveyor that receives the streams from the second conveyor; and a plurality of stackers, each aligned with one of the streams exiting the third conveyor, formed of endless belts positionable horizontally which cooperate with stop members to stack the incoming sheets. Completed stacks are then moved downstream on the belt. When sheets in a stream are determined to be defective; its belt for that stream is tilted, and the stream falls onto a fourth conveyor for disposal.

Abstract: A double-side automatic feeding apparatus comprises a paper feeder, a paper outlet opposite to the paper feeder, a scanning region having a document traveling path bridging the paper feeder and the paper outlet, a plurality of rollers being arranged in the scanning region to convey a document to be scanned from the paper feeder to the paper outlet, and a paper flipping unit arranged in the document traveling path. The paper flipping unit can be selectively switched position thereof and used to flip the document during the document traveling path. By the invention, the document can be scanned on both sides thereof without cumbersome reverse movement. The document can be automatically aligned by the weight per se and the operations of paper placement and removal can be simplified.

Abstract: A page binding support tray has vibratory page alignment. The tray has a floor having a lower-most corner at which two side walls of the tray converge. Previously edge-glued printed uniformly sized pages are received to form a stack upon the tray floor and vibration of the tray ensures that edges of the page bear against the side walls of the tray to align the pages prior to edge-pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of X-ray films has a sheet member holding device disposed above a stacking position for temporarily holding at least a first X-ray film, and an actuating device for displacing the sheet member holding device from the stacking position to drop the X-ray film held by the sheet member holding device into the stacking position. The apparatus is capable of stacking a plurality of X-ray films highly accurately and efficiently in the stacking position while avoiding damage to the X-ray films.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is provided, which is capable of achieving high quality processing and maintaining high productivity without giving rise to problems such as sheet jam or damage of sheets even when various sheets having different attributes are conveyed. A buffer roller 505 is inhibited from carrying out a sheet staying operation in accordance with the type of sheets conveyed from an upstream side of the apparatus, to be conveyed to a downstream side of the apparatus via the buffer roller 505.

Abstract: In a multiple-sheet monitoring device for sheet-processing machines, provision is made to arrange a number of sensing elements spaced apart from one another over the format width of the sheets to be conveyed or the sheet stream to be conveyed, and in this case all the sensing elements interact with the same switching element in order to stop the sheet-processing machine.

Abstract: There is described an interlocking puzzle which can be separated into various sections according to backside marking pattern prior to solving. After separating the pieces into various sections each section is then individually solveable. In one embodiment the backsides of the individual interlocking pieces include a color or other pattern to identify each piece with a particular section. Each section can then be solved individually.

Abstract: A system for tracking players at a gaming table that includes a plurality of player positions and for displaying information related to the players. The system includes a central computer, a display monitor, a card reader and an input device. The system correlates where players are seated and displays their positions along with their first names and other desirable information related to the players.

Abstract: A board game system for promoting hometown identity includes providing a game apparatus, rolling a die, and moving the player's game piece along the game path. The method also includes coloring, by a player, one of the stripe portions of the scoring sheet red or coloring the field portion of the scoring sheet blue, when a preset condition is satisfied. The game is won by the player having all of the stripe portions colored red and the field portion colored blue. The game apparatus may include a game board having a path for advancing game pieces of players along. Some spaces have sponsor indicia associated with a sponsoring entity located in a hometown local. The apparatus includes a scoring sheet having stripe portions and a field portion. The stripe portions and field portion are arranged on the scoring sheet in a configuration appearing as a United States flag.

Abstract: A mechanical seal provides a sealing between a rotatable shaft and a housing. The seal has a stationary part for connection to the housing and a rotary part for rotation with the shaft. Mating sealing faces are carried by the stationary and rotary parts and the rotary parts are mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith. Each sealing face is held relatively stationary to their respective stationary or rotary part by means of at least one link member extending therebetween. The link member is arranged for at least limited longitudinal rotation.