Abstract: A seal arrangement for a vacuum valve with a valve body in which is arranged a valve opening having a longitudinal axis and which has an inner jacket surface surrounding the valve opening and forming a valve seat, and with a valve plate which closes the valve opening in the closed state of the vacuum valve and which has an outer jacket surface surrounding the valve plate, said inner jacket surface and said outer jacket surface being located opposite one another in the closed state of the valve. The seal arrangement comprises a sealing ring which is arranged in an annular groove arranged at the outer or inner jacket surface and which has groove flanks and a groove base, and a sealing surface which is provided at the inner or outer jacket surface and which has a conical shape relative to the longitudinal axis the valve opening and which is contacted by the sealing ring in the closed state of the vacuum valve.

Abstract: In a valve member adapted to co-operate with an annular seat and comprising a plate with an annular channel for receiving a gasket which is crimped by folding in an outer wall of the channel, any risk of the gasket being ruptured is minimized by the outer surface of the gasket presenting, in the absence of any stress being exerted thereon, a first region extending frustoconically towards the central axis of the valve member, which first region is extended by a second region extending frustoconically away from the central axis, and by the outer wall of the channel being folded progressively towards the first region so as to fit snugly against the shape thereof without penetrating into the material of the gasket, without exerting any stress thereon, and without compressing it. The valve member is suitable for use in particular in thermostat valves.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing carpet kicker for positioning and stretching carpet is disclosed. The carpet kicker includes an engaging head with forwardly-inclined pins for engaging carpet materials on a floor, a shaft connected to the engaging head and extending therefrom, a cushioned pad facing away from the engaging head and connected to the shaft a distance away from the engaging head, and a shock-absorbing device connected to the shaft and interposed between the engaging head and the cushioned pad. The shock-absorbing device comprises a resilient member preloaded against a collapsible tension member, whereby kicks to the cushioned pad are transmitted through the shock-absorbing device to the engaging head. The preloaded tension member permits a portion of the energy of each kick to be transmitted directly to the engaging head, while the resilient member absorbs excess energy of the kick.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use in handling a load includes a load-bearing rope, and a mechanism for paying out and recovering the rope. There is also a drum for holding a service cable with a length of the service cable extending from the drum. A wrapping device rotates the length of service cable around the rope as the rope is payed out to wrap the service cable around the rope, and to unwrap the service cable from the rope as the rope is recovered.

Abstract: A tie down device having a pulley incorporating a ratchet and a security lock. The tie down device has a housing which encloses a pulley over which is reeved a plastic jacketed metallic stranded cable, a ratchet wheel and associated pawl, and a key operated lock. The housing is formed in two parts united by rivets, and is devoid of externally accessible tool operated fasteners such as screws. A crank handle affords a user mechanical advantage when imposing tension on the cable. In an alternative embodiment, the tie down device includes a mounting element for securing the tie down device to a transport vehicle. In one alternative embodiment, a hook is provided to suspend the tie down device from an environmental object.

Abstract: A method of setting a pole in the ground. A cavity is prepared in the ground extending down from ground level. The pole has an end placed in the cavity. Organic fiber pellet material, expansible with the addition of water thereto, is introduced to the cavity and the cavity filled. Water is then added to produce a porous organic cake firmly holding the post in place.

Abstract: A slotted cap for a corner or support post of a fence, particularly a chain link or “Cyclone” (trademark) or “Hurricane” (trademark) fence. In a preferred embodiment, the slotted fence post cap includes a cylindrical cap wall which is mounted on the upper end of the vertical fence post, and a horizontal adjusting slot is fitted on one side and a fixed nipple is fitted on the opposite side of the cap wall. The fixed nipple receives the horizontal top rail of a fixed fence segment or run, and the adjusting slot is fitted with an adjustable nipple which receives the top rail of an adjustable fence segment or run in construction of the fence. The adjustable nipple is typically bolted to the cap wall at the adjusting slot, and the bolt can be loosened to facilitate adjustment of the adjustable nipple and attached adjustable fence segment into a selected angular relationship with respect to the fixed fence segment.

Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the bulk delivery of a precursor, such as an organometallic compound, from a bulk container, such as a bubbler (1) to a plurality of reactor sites (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) wherein a carrier gas (2) is introduced into the container (1) of the precursor to pick up the precursor to form a gaseous mixture. The gaseous mixture is then selectively distributed to one or more of a plurality of reactor sites (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). The gaseous mixture may be stored in a reservoir (9) and be drawn by means of a pressure differential or under vacuum to each of the reactor sites, when required.

Abstract: A gas spring for moving a load relative to a body includes a cylinder member having an axis, an inner surface forming a chamber, a rod end and a closed end, a piston rod seal/guide received in the rod end of the cylinder member, and a piston rod received in the seal/guide for movement into and out of the cylinder member. A floating piston is received in the cylinder member for movement along the axis and in sealed engagement with the inner wall to define in the chamber a gas section between the floating piston and the rod end and a closed end section between the floating piston and the closed end. A mass of gas under a pressure above atmospheric pressure is contained in the gas section. A powered drive is provided for moving the floating piston axially of the cylinder member to vary the volume of the gas section of the chamber. A sensing device senses a characteristic of the gas spring that is indicative of the force applied to the rod by the gas in the gas section and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of spaced end members with a flexible sleeve ending therebetween forming an intervening air chamber. A partition is mounted in a hollow interior of one of the end members and forms an auxiliary air reservoir in the end member. A control valve having a moveable plunger is mounted on the one end member and is connected to a source of pressurized air. The plunger extends between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir and is controlled by a solenoid for selectively providing air passages between the pressurized air and the main air chamber and between the main air chamber and auxiliary reservoir to change the volume of the main air chamber to change the spring rate of the air spring.

Abstract: A multiple chamber piston includes a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber attached by a first channel and a third fluid chamber connected to a fourth fluid chamber by a second channel. Air chambers are provided between the first fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber as well as the second fluid chamber and the fourth fluid chamber. As a result, when vibration is to be attenuated, walls of the air chambers are able to bend and deform to increase compliance of the overall multiple chamber piston.

Abstract: A double orifice type liquid-in vibration isolating device including a partition portion fitted between a vibration isolating substrate combined through a body fitting and a first diaphragm made up of a partition main member forming a first orifice, a partition plate member forming a second sub-liquid chamber and a second orifice, and a partition support plate forming the first orifice. An inlet/outlet on the main liquid chamber side of both orifices is common to both orifices. The first orifice is diverged from a part of the second orifice having a liquid passing resistance smaller than that of the first orifice to provide two orifices compactly. Any variation or change of the property can easily be coped with by circumferential position adjustment of the component members of the partition portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration support including a first rigid connection device having a base and a vertical pin, a second rigid connection device having a rigid vertical tube, a first elastomer body connecting the base to the second connection device and able to support a permanent weight, a second elastomer body fitted inside the tube. The second elastomer body has two deformable walls, on both sides of a free passage traversed by the pin, defining two hydraulic chambers connected together by a throttled channel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clamp assembly having a pair of clamp handles and a clipping member or a poking member, and the clamp handles use an extendible clamp wire set to control the clipping member or the poking member, so that the tool can be extended into a small narrow operating space for its application.

Abstract: Fluid bearings, vacuum chucks and methods for producing these devices. One example of a method for forming a fluid bearing includes forming a plate having a face surface and a bonding surface, coupling a first side of a body to the bonding surface, placing the face surface of the plate against a predetermined surface, and generating a pressure difference to conform the face surface to the predetermined surface. One example of a fluid bearing of the invention includes a plate support and a flexible bearing plate having a bonding surface which is attached to the plate support with an adhesive which is flexible before hardening. The flexible bearing plate conforms to a predetermined surface during a portion of the time that the adhesive hardens. Examples of vacuum chucks, and methods for forming vacuum chucks, and other aspects of the invention are described.

Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin. The pin includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm. The drive pin can be supported during movement by one or more rollers mounted in the body. The drive pin can include a pin body and a pin member moveably associated with one another to selectively define the position of a cam surface.

Abstract: A clamping jig particularly adapted for use with elongate work pieces. The jig has an elongate work face, a work stop abutment the length of the work face, a plurality of toggle clamps affixed to the work face. One or more elongate or linear work pieces to be worked are positioned on the work face and held in place by the work stop abutment. The plurality of toggle clamps may be used to either hold the work piece in place or hold one or more additional work pieces to the first work piece. The work face or faces are rotatable around the elongate axis. Each toggle clamp has a toggle clamp arm with which the toggle clamp is set. On rotation of the work face, an actuating bar engages the toggle clamp arms to release the toggle clamps for removal of the work piece.

Abstract: A multi-position swivel vise includes a base structure and a generally spherical vise ball which is movably and rotatably supported on the base structure. A crown is mounted on the base structure above the vise ball, and a jack device such as an hydraulic jack is mounted on the base structure below the vise ball, the jack device operative to elevate the vise ball into a contact position in contact with the crown such that the vise ball is releasably immobilized via frictional contact with the crown.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining objects on surfaces includes a body, a lock pin extending from the body, and a pin extending through the body and engageable with the lock pin so that movement of the pin causes movement of the lock pin so that the apparatus is secured to the surface. The pin may be slidably moved into and out of the lock pin and thereby cause the lock pin to secure and release the apparatus from the surface. The apparatus may also include an engagement member that contacts an object and provides additional retentive forces. The apparatus provides clamping forces on the object so that the object may be forged or otherwise machined. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power-actuated jaw is provided for a vise including first and second vise jaws. The actuated jaw includes a force transfer mechanism adapted for transferring a force from a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic piston-and-cylinder unit, through pivoting and sliding subassemblies. The sliding subassembly mounts a jaw contact member and pushes same between open/retracted and closed/extended positions. A compressed air source is connected to the piston-and-cylinder unit through a three-way valve for cycling the actuated jaw through load/unload cycles.

Abstract: A workpiece support device includes a body having a base portion adapted for mounting on a surface. The workpiece support device also includes a support member mounted on the body so as to be extendable outward relative to the body and away from the base portion, and retractable inward relative to the body and toward the base portion. The support member has an outer end adapted for supporting a workpiece, and it has an inner end. The workpiece support device also includes a cam member having a camming surface. The cam member is mounted on the body so as to be movable in first and second directions. The movement of the cam member in the first direction causes the camming surface to drivingly engage the inner end of the support member and force the support member to extend outward relative to the body. The movement of the cam member in the second direction allows the support member to retract inward relative to the body.

Abstract: A number of circulatory elements arranged one behind the other are driven in a direction of circulation and have a suction element and a supporting element in each case on the first side and on the second side. The circulatory elements receive a supplementary product at the pick-up location and transfer the same, in a first mode of operation, to the respectively preceding circulatory element. In a second mode of operation, no transfer takes place. This results in it being possible for the supplementary products received in the same manner to be brought into abutment optionally against the leading side or trailing side of the printed products and pressed on there.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining when adhesive in a replaceable adhesive dispenser is nearly spent are described. In one aspect, a bookbinding system includes a receptacle for receiving a plug-in cartridge housing of an adhesive dispenser that contains a length of solid sheet adhesive wound into a roll, and an adhesive quantity interrogator that is configured to obtain an indication of the length of solid sheet adhesive remaining within the plug-in cartridge housing. In another aspect, an adhesive dispenser includes a plug-in cartridge housing that is configured to plug into a receptacle of a bookbinding system, a length of solid sheet adhesive that is disposed within the plug-in cartridge housing and wound into a roll, and an indicator of the length of solid sheet adhesive remaining within the plug-in cartridge housing.

Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention includes jogger fences for jogging sheets sequentially stacked in a stapling section, and a stapler for stapling the sheets together. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) controls a jogger motor such that the jogger fences each move to a first position, a second position, and a third position in accordance with the width of sheets in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. The first position is remote from the edge of a sheet stack in the direction of the width by a preselected amount. The second position is closer to the edge than the first position by a preselected amount and slightly overlaps the edge. At the third position, when the stapler staples the sheet stack, the jogger fence substantially contacts the edge in accordance with the width.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention are equipped with discharge rollers for discharging a sheet, a fixed stacking portion for supporting one corner of the sheet discharged by the discharge rollers, a storage tray disposed below the fixed stacking portion with an area larger than the fixed stacking portion, and a stapler for binding the sheet while the sheet straddles the fixed stacking portion and the storage tray. It is possible to configure a more compact size in the sheet transport direction. Further, it is possible to stabilize the sheet bundle when post-processing the sheet bundle straddling the sheet single corner portion support tray and the sheet storage tray, thereby enabling the accurate post-processing.

Abstract: A device for transporting sheets in a region of a selectively usable sheet pile feeder includes a crosscutter of a sheet-fed processing machine having conveyor belts and contact-pressure devices cooperating therewith for feeding the sheets from the crosscutter, and a separating device of the sheet pile feeder, whereon contact-pressure devices are disposed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing the ability to more effectively control a paper stack in a reproduction apparatus. The level control behavior of the paper stack is characterized, and accordingly, additional lift commands are signaled when the behavior indicates that such increments are necessary. The behavior is characterized by sampling data during a sampling period including switch initiated increments. Upon characterization, additional increments are initiated by a source other than the switch initiated increments to more effectively control the paper stack.

Abstract: An improved hopper and singulating/feed assembly for a utilization device, such as an inserter, that feeds sheet-like materials from a hopper feed stack that reduces the various geometrical and physical problems that lead to jams, misfeeds and failures to properly singulate the stack is provided. A hopper reduces the pressure on the bottom sheets of the stack by providing a parallel wedge structure at the stack base. This wedge structure also helps to drive bottom sheets successively forward toward a front face so as to further break frictional and adhesive contact between sheets at the bottom of the stack. Hopper side guides with integral angled shelves engage front side edges of the stack and allow easier singulation of respective bottom sheets. Likewise a fixed sucker block assembly, which seats a suction cup in a rotating base with a surrounding planar block face and an integral fulcrum edge improves the separation of the bottom sheet from the overlying stack.

Abstract: A feeder device for removing folded or unfolded signatures from a stack of signatures in an adjacent signature magazine and feeding a production line with the signatures. The device includes a conveying rotor having an approximately circular circumference and being rotatable in a conveying direction. The conveying rotor includes a recess at the approximately circular circumference for holding a front edge, in the conveying direction, of a printed product removed from the stack of signatures. A conveying belt partially rests against the circumference of the conveying rotor, and is drivable in the same direction as the conveying rotor, and together with the conveying rotor forms a conveying gap through which the signatures are conveyed to the processing line. At least one synchronously driven separating element includes a control device comprising a pivotal control shaft arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the conveying rotor.

Abstract: A media tray refill shuttle for inserting print media into a media tray of an imaging device, for instance an inkjet printer. In one embodiment, refill print media is inserted into the media tray while the imaging device is actively printing a print job. The media tray refill shuttle includes a media support cassette and a media shuttle which is moveable with respect to the media support cassette to displace a refill media from the media support cassette into the media tray of the imaging device by operation of a media shuttle translation assembly or element.

Abstract: A note stacker for a currency validator includes a stationary punch and movable rails having slots therein adapted for receiving the currency tendered thereto. The stationary punch comprises a top plate surface of the housing maintaining drive motors and gears of the stacker itself. The top plate is curved to accommodate the natural deflection of the bill as it is being stacked, and is provided with a durable frictional material along lateral edges thereof to prevent the bill from sliding or otherwise moving upon the surface of the curved plate. A leading edge of the curved plate is provided with serrations or teeth which, in conjunction with a shutter fixed to the movable rails, serves to defeat strings or other retrieval elements.

Abstract: A projecting tab formed with a bulged portion and an indent on an upper side thereof is provided inwardly projecting in a transport path. A sheet being transported in the transport path is formed into a seemingly wavy configuration in the width direction of the transport path while in contact with the projecting tab. The sheet thus formed with the seemingly wavy configuration is given with a sufficient transport backup force in a transport direction, thereby being hard to bend in the transport direction. Thus, the sheet supplied with the sufficient transport backup force is free from a curled lead end, folded or bent corner lead end of the sheet in the transport direction, and sheet jam. The arrangement of the projecting tab securely accomplishes sheet transport in a desired transport direction without a possibility of sheet transport failure.

Abstract: An unintentionally overlapped condition in a paper sheet being transported is detected by making ultrasonic waves incident on its path and detecting a phase difference between the received ultrasonic waves and a predetermined standard phase. For detecting an overlap on the basis of this phase difference, a specified data item on the detected overlap such as a cumulative number of times an overlap has been detected is generated and one of a plurality of preliminarily defined levels corresponding to this specified data item is selected. The selected level is outputted. If the overlap is detected over an entire detection range of the paper sheet from its front edge to the back edge, however, it is concluded that there is no possibility of an unintentional overlap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery table (1) for flat material (2), in particular sheet paper, with a safeguard so that the material (2) does not slide on the delivery table (1). Exact and stable positioning of the flat material (2) is achieved in that the safeguard to prevent sliding of the flat material (2) is constructed as a surface (5) disposed in the back area (4) of the delivery table (1), exhibiting high friction vis-à-vis the flat material (2).

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open playing cards (10), at least some of the playing cards having printed on them one or more immediate instant win a award indicator wards (44). Some of the playing cards (10) have printed on them a bonus ticket symbol (42) that entitles the holder to receive a set (50) of bonus tickets (12). Some of the bonus tickets (12) have printed on them one or more instant win awards (78). The awards on the cards and tickets (10, 12) are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34, 100) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the playing cards (10) include one or more eligible game symbols (82), which entitle the playing card holder to enter a bonus round of play. The holder of a playing card (10) thus has three (or more) potential ways to become a winner.

Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.

Abstract: A method for playing a game in which players play against a casino using a standard fifty two card deck plus at least one joker, which acts as a wild card. In an alternate embodiment, the game may be played on an electronic device and electronic representations of the cards may be used. Each player makes a base wager and, optionally, a bonus wager. Five cards are dealt to each player and to the dealer. Any player having a predetermined automatic winning holding is immediately rewarded and excluded from further participation in the game except to resolve any bonus wager. Each player not having an automatic winning holding has the option to discard and replace a single card. The dealer hand is revealed the dealer receives a single additional card. In turn, each player's hand is revealed. Each base wager is resolved by comparing the poker ranking of the player's hand to the poker ranking of the casino hand.

Abstract: The invention is a card game having multiple suits where one suit is selected as a bonus suit. Cards of the bonus suit provide a multiplier amount which multiplies the primary wager or a jackpot wager. With a jackpot wager, this multiplier allows the bet to be totally separate from the primary bet so that it can be made with any game where a limited number of cards are dealt. The jackpot wager is not payed unless the primary bet is won.

Abstract: A casino wagering game, comprises 1) placing a wager to participate in the game; 2) a dealer dealing a hand of three cards to each player who placed a wager; 3) resolving the player hands against a plurality of predetermined winning poker outcomes; and 4) paying each player odds whose hand consists of a predetermined winning outcome. The present invention comprises a casino style wagering game against a dealer, comprising the steps of placing a wager, dealing a three card poker hand to each player, dealing at least three cards to the dealer, and paying the player on the bet when a poker rank of his hand exceeds the rank of a dealer's hand. In a preferred form of the invention, the hierarchy of poker hand ranking differs from that of standard five card poker.

Abstract: A game system including a large container, and a plurality of small containers. The game system further including figurines reflecting different types of animals, said game system including a player attempting to match up the various animals after drawing them from the large container.

Abstract: A magnet movement gaming device includes a base and at least one track extending upwards from the base. A traveling magnet is movably mounted on the track and a propulsion magnet which is generally freely movable about the traveling magnet is used to propel the traveling magnet along the track upon the propulsion magnet being moved generally adjacent the traveling magnet. The traveling magnet is moved along the track via magnetic force between the propulsion magnet and traveling magnet.

Abstract: A lubricant leakage stop is provided on the shaft of a rotary device in the form of an annular groove in the shaft. In one embodiment the annular groove is formed with an annular inner surface at the bottom of the groove and with an annular intermediate surface positioned between two portions of the annular inner surface. The intermediate surface has a larger diameter dimension than the two inner surface portions on the axially opposite sides of the intermediate surface. The intermediate surface also has a smaller diameter dimension than that of the two portions of the shaft outer surface on axially opposite sides of the groove. In a second embodiment, the annular groove is formed with an annular inner surface that tapers from the bottom of the groove outwardly to the outer surface of the shaft on one side of the groove.

Abstract: A piston ring having a stainless steel base material, the base material having an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, the surfaces each having a nitride layer formed thereon, the nitride layer each first being formed to have a compound layer and a diffusion layer, the diffusion layer of the outer circumferential surface then being exposed by removing the compound layer of the outer circumferential surface, the exposed diffusion layer thereafter having an ion-plating deposition layer of hard ceramic formed thereon, the piston ring wherein the exposed diffusion layer is entirely removed on the upper and lower corners of the upper and lower surface and the outer circumferential surface by chamfering corner regions of the nitride layer located around the upper and lower corners before the ion-plating deposition layer is formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a packing assembly for rotating and/or oscillating machine shafts arranged in a machine housing. The packing assembly comprises a packing accommodation unit floating on said shaft. The packing accomodation unit is supported on the housing by means of a ball joint assembly that is pivotable and translatory movable in a radial direction to and from the shaft. The ball joint assembly comprises a ball member provided with a central bore received in a ball socket. A guiding element projecting into the bore of the ball member serves for translatory guiding the ball member along the axis of the bore in the ball member, whereby the axis of the bore on the ball member runs essentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A metal gasket is formed by a bead plate provided with a continuous bead, and an outer plate partly bent around combustion chamber holes to laminate the metal plates together. The bead has a linear common portion situated in an intermediate area between two cylinder bore holes, curved surrounding portions diverging from the linear common portion near the one second hole to partly surround the cylincder bore and water hole, and a curved linking portion extending between the curved surrounding portions to partly surround the water hole. The water hole is completely surrounded by the parts of the curved surrounding portions and the curved linking portion.

Abstract: A slide gate sealing system including a seal mounting frame disposed between the longitudinal rails and the intermediate and horizontal end frame members of a slide gate frame, a ball seal disposed in the seal mounting frame and having a mounting tail with a mating surface, a seal retainer to control the deformation of the ball seal under pressure, at least one isolation dam on the mating surface of the ball seal, and a ramping mechanism affixed to the interior side of the horizontal end frame member.

Abstract: An adjustable stabilizer bar (10) for a vehicle comprises a primary torsional reaction segment (12). The primary reaction segment includes an outer tube (36) selectively engaged through a splined cog (58) to a torsional bar (42). The cog (58) can be positioned to provide zero torsional stiffness by decoupling the outer tube (36) from the torsional bar (42) and it can be positioned to vary the torsional stiffness between minimum and maximum torsional stiffness positions wherein the cog engages the outer tube (36) to the torsional bar (42).

Abstract: The sports shoe mainly comprises a pivot, a blocking plate and a latch. The pivot is adapted to pivotally connect the sports shoes to a detachable ice/roller skate and the latch is adapted to securely lock therebetween. The blocking plate is arranged in spaced relationship with the pivot and a space provided therebetween is adapted to receive a pivotal hook seat of the pivot. The latch includes an elastic member and a plurality of guiding studs which are used to increase the sports shoe in assembled reliability for operating the detachable ice/roller skate.