Abstract: A keyboard which includes a housing that defines a media feed path. A pagewidth printer is arranged in the housing operatively with respect to the media feed path to carry out a printing operation on media passing through the feed path. A feed mechanism is arranged on the housing for feeding media through the feed path.

Abstract: The fluid delivery/refilling system includes a unit-of-use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brushhead and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brushhead in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An accessory for a writing board, a file or the like, characterized in that it at least consists of a holder (4) which can be provided to a file or the like (3) whereby this holder (4) works in conjunction with or can work in conjunction with a binding mechanism (5) of the type comprising elements over which documents (8) that are provided with openings (9) can be threaded on the one hand, and whereby this holder (4) can be manually attached to a file or the like (3) on the other hand.

Abstract: A connection group for movable road barriers, comprising a pair of jawed joints (3, 4) suitable for being attached to the respective upright members (1, 2) of adjacent barriers and connected to each other in such a way as to compensate imperfections as regards the coplanarity and/or the parallelism of said upright members due to the conformation of the ground on which the barriers are set up.

Abstract: An adhesive is applied to a male-threaded portion of a tapping screw. The male-threaded portion with the adhesive is threadably engaged with a non-threaded through hole of the full-closed stopper with female-threads being formed on the surface of the though hole. In this case, the adhesive functions as lubricant between the inner surface of the through hole and the male-threaded portion. Accordingly, the male-threaded portion can be screwed into the through hole with a low torque and without applying high load to the full-close stopper. Therefore, the full-close stopper is prevented from being projected around the inlet and the outlet of the through hole, and the full-close stopper is prevented from being cracked.

Abstract: A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus disclosed for providing a fastener that can hold suitably flat planar objects. No tools are required to actuate the fastener. The fastener holds the object with a predetermined range of force, determined by a built-in spring when actuated. The fastener is particularly suited for fastening Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) in an electronics enclosure, and holds the PWBs in position, as well as providing electrical coupling of a voltage supply used on the PWB to the electronic enclosure.

Abstract: Workpieces that have various elements for joining in accordance with the prior art often have an undesirable play when in the mounted state or are costly to produce.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detachably connecting two construction parts (10, 24) abutting against each other in a flush manner, the first construction part (10) comprising a dovetail groove and the second construction part (24) comprising at least one sliding block (36) for engaging in the dovetail groove (32). After being introduced into the dovetail groove (32), the sliding block can be adjusted by means of a tensioning device (46) to tighten the abutting surfaces (22, 30) of the two components (10, 24) against each other. The inner surfaces (62) and the outer surfaces (64) of groove legs (34) defining the dovetail groove (32) are parallel to each other. Abutment surfaces (68 or 70) for the groove legs (34) are formed in the abutting surface (30) of the construction part carrying the sliding block (36) and are parallel to the outer surfaces (64) and the end surfaces (66) of the groove legs (34).

Abstract: A plastic panel connector for connecting at least two plastic panels having internal chambers separated by webs in the panels comprises a bar having a plurality of panel engaging posts on at least two side faces of the bar. The panel engaging posts include end posts to opposite ends of the bar and intermediate posts between the end posts. The intermediate posts comprise panel web grip posts and panel web deflection posts. Both the panel web grip posts and the panel web deflection posts have sloped guide surfaces for wedging them into frictionally secured panel engaging positions.

Abstract: An end cap locking mechanism used to protect attachment means connecting pre-cast concrete structural members from exposure to adverse environmental conditions having an end cap and a connection sleeve, wherein the end cap is inserted into an end of the connection sleeve and engaged therein prohibiting any exposure of the attachment means to precipitation, which if exposed to such, could possibly corrode the attachment means. The position of the end cap is locked when inserted into the end of the connection sleeve by protrusion rings and cooperating recesses within both the end cap and the receiving section of the connection sleeve.

Abstract: A modular drain for receiving drainage liquid with a polygonal upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a substantially lateral surface, a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface that define an upper cavity, the substantially lateral surface having a plurality of openings thereon. The lower portion is joined to the upper portion, the lower portion including a substantially semi-circular surface sized to receive a tube section of a connector therein. In one embodiment, at least one of the first vertical surface and the second vertical surface includes a retention mechanism that is sized and positioned to retain the tube section in the lower portion. In another embodiment, the vertical surfaces are provided with interlocking interfaces.

Abstract: A guardrail terminal having a number of vertical supporting members fixed into the ground one after the other along the edge of the road; a curved or straight first transverse horizontal retaining member fixed to the vertical supporting members at a given height off the ground, and curving in the horizontal plane so as to extend gradually away from the edge of the road, as of the end of the guardrail; and a curled second transverse horizontal retaining member, which projects from the terminal end of the first transverse horizontal retaining member, curves back in the horizontal plane towards the first transverse horizontal retaining member, and is fixed by its own terminal end to the start end or to an intermediate portion of the first transverse horizontal retaining member, so as to form, together with the first transverse horizontal retaining member, a substantially tear-shaped collapsible annular member.

Abstract: A reflective pavement marker includes a shell having a top wall, a side wall extending from an end of the top wall, and reflective end walls extending from an other end of said top wall, wherein the shell forms an interior cavity. The shell is formed from a polyacrylate or a polycarbonate having a tensile strength of more than 9,000 psi and a ratio between tensile strength and flexural modulus of between 0.021-0.050:1. The reflective pavement marker also includes a reflective portion integral with the reflective end wall, a reflective coating covering the reflective portion and a bonding coating covering at least the reflective portion. The reflective pavement marker further includes a filler material within the interior cavity of the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion joint structure (1) to be placed between adjacent concrete slabs (66a,66b) in a concrete slab system. The structure comprises a first profile element (10) to be attached to an edge of a first concrete slab, and a second profile element (12) to be attached to an edge of a second concrete slab, said profile elements being joined together by removable connecting trips (28) such that there is a gap (26) between the profile elements. In an expansion joint structure according to the invention the profile elements and connecting strips constitute a single continuous entity of extruded aluminium profile. The connecting strips are attached by their edges to the profile elements through very thin necks that keep the elements together during the pouring of the slab. An expansion joint structure according to the invention is positioned on the concreting base at the correct height prior to the pouring of the concrete slabs.

Abstract: An electrically conductive paving system that has enhanced conductivity of the conductive graphite/asphalt layer. This is achieved by incorporating into the paving mixture a blend of two naturally occurring crystalline flake graphites, one being coarse (generally larger than 40 mesh/425 microns) and the other being fine (generally smaller than 100-200 mesh/150-75 microns). The ratio of course flake graphite to fine flake graphite may be from 1.5:1 and 1:1.5, but is preferably approximately 1:1.

Abstract: Improved roadway crack sealing apparatus (20) is provided which includes a mobile vehicle (26) with a forward crack sealing assembly (22) and a following finishing assembly (24). The assembly (22) includes laterally spaced apart fill and sealant hoppers (30, 36) each equipped with selectively openable outlets (32, 34, 38) and an elongated roadway crack sighting passageway (128) therebetween. The fill hopper preferably has a pair of outlets (32, 34), with the sealant hopper (38) between the latter so that a crack is sealed by sequential application of fill, sealant and additional fill. In use, an operator within the vehicle compartment (162) visually locates a crack (28) through the passageway (128), and steers the vehicle (26) accordingly; the operator also manipulates appropriate controls for selectively opening the outlets (32, 34, 38). The finishing assembly (24) includes a series of lateral brushes which sweep and finish the sealed crack and adjacent roadway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pavement compacting machine comprising at least one drum (11; 12) and an operator's platform (20) including at least one steering means (26; 27). The steering means (26; 27) can be horizontally swivelled from one side of the operator's platform (20) to the other to achieve high flexibility and a plurality of operator positions with minimum complication and simple design.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: A trench located in a landfill including the combination of a liquid infiltration piping system and a horizontal gas withdrawal piping system, the combination allowing for simultaneous liquid infiltration and gas withdrawal from a landfill.

Abstract: A method for laying a pipeline (1) on the sea bed from a lay barge (10) in order to achieve controlled thermal expansion, comprises the following steps: Feeding out of the pipeline (1) having a radius of initial residual curvature (RrInit) from a pipeline reel (2), preferably via a stinger (3) to a curvature means (4) where a radius of reversal curvature (Rmk) is applied to the opposite side of the pipeline with respect to the radius of initial residual curvature (RrInit) when the pipelines is passing through the curvature means (4). The curvature means (4) straightens out the pipeline to longer mainly straight portions (L) with length (LL) having a radius of residual curvature (Rr) which is larger than a desired minimum radius of residual curvature (RrMin).

Abstract: A protective element for a riser segment, comprising an elongated buffer body, at least one foot connected with the buffer body, the at least one foot being provided with an engagement part arranged to engage on a main pipe of a riser segment, the distance between the engagement part of the foot and the buffer body being such that in mounted condition the part of the buffer body located farthest from the main pipe is located farther from the main pipe than auxiliary pipe elements arranged on the main pipe.

Abstract: A retaining wall system having at least one wall section. Each wall section including a base, retaining face and a hinge. The base having a front, rear and sides. The retaining face having a top, bottom and sides. The hinge connecting the front of the base to the bottom of the retaining face. Whereby the hinge allows the retaining face to be folded to and from the base. The retaining face includes an open grid pattern between the top, bottom and sides. The wall section further includes a plurality of receiving elements on each of the sides of both the base and retaining face to allow different angle settings between the base and retaining face. A brace is connected to one of the receiving elements on the base and one of the receiving elements on the retaining face on each side of the wall section between the base and retaining face.

Abstract: A method of constructing a retaining wall by connecting one or more layers of reinforcing sheet material, such as a polymeric geogrid, to the rear of one or more wall panels via slots defined in the rear walls of the panels having an angular locking section inside the panels adapted to retain U-shaped end sections of the reinforcing material carrying a connection bar that is cammed into the locking sections of the slots by a wedge.

Abstract: To make an oriented plastics material geogrid 10 in which oriented strands 6, 9 form triangular meshes with a junction 11 at each corner and six of the strands 6, 9 meet at each junction 11, a plastics material sheet starting material 1 has holes 2 in an array of hexagons 3, opposite holes 2 of each hexagon being aligned in the machine direction, and the starting material 1 is stretched first in the machine direction and secondly in the transverse direction. In the eventual geo grid 10, the centre portions of the hexagons in the starting material 1 form the junctions 11. The centres of the junctions 11 are slightly biaxially oriented, but at the edges of the junctions 11, the orientation of the edge of substantially each strand 6 or 9 runs around the edge of the respective junction 11 and into the edge of the next strand 6 or 9. During the second stretch, restraint can be applied in the first stretch direction and discontinued before the material is allowed to relax in the second stretch direction.

Abstract: A system for mounting bearing and a router bit on the end of a drive shaft. The drive shaft includes and expandable end portion onto which the bearing member is mounted by an attachment element that is inserted substantially with the expandable end portion to cause sufficient expansion thereof to mount and retain the bearing member in place on the drive shaft.

Abstract: A small size insert for use with a machine tool for grooving, boring and turning and adapted to be received in a toolholder has an arcuate surface portion and a substantially arcuate-shaped shoulder integral with the body of the insert for accurately positioning the insert within a toolholder.

Abstract: A lockset drilling guide and a method of forming holes in a door are provided. The drilling guide includes a frame and at least a first opening and a second opening defined in the frame. The first opening is positioned at approximately 90 degrees to the second opening. The frame is configured for positioning on a door to facilitate the forming of openings in a door for the installation of a lockset. The method includes the steps of providing a frame having at least a first opening and a second opening defined in the frame; positioning the frame on an edge of the door; inserting a first holesaw at least partially into the first opening and drilling a first hole in the door; inserting a second holesaw at least partially into the second opening and drilling a second hole in the door; and removing the frame from the door.

Abstract: Multiple-stage drilling tool with chip groove for drilling different bit diameters as required, which increase from stage to stage, is disclosed. The invention is characterized by a first bit stage (1-1) designed as core bit, and at least one second bit stage (1-2, 1-3) arranged above it in the form of a step, where a hole can be drilled by the core bit leaving an uncut cylinder-shaped drilling core.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a passenger truck cab unit which includes a body mounted to and supported by a truck chassis and a lower structure mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for additional support of the body; a freight transport unit; and a hitch mounted to and supported by the truck chassis for attaching the freight transport unit to the passenger truck cab unit. The body comprises a door opening extending into the lower structure for providing a vehicle operator entry and exit separate from a driver compartment door. The passenger truck cab unit tows the freight transport unit. In a second preferred embodiment, the hitch is removed and replaced by decking of sufficient strength to support and transport a load of freight. The present invention also includes the method of simultaneously transporting freight and at least one passenger, as well as the passenger truck cab unit used in simultaneously transporting the freight and at least one passenger.

Abstract: A retainer for pre-attaching fasteners within the bore of a structural member, part, or similar item. The retainer includes a cylindrical body having a main axis, an opening into which a fastener may be inserted, and a plurality of solid walls positioned co-axially around the main axis. In one embodiment, the retainer may be made of plastic such as a thermal plastic which is relatively flexible and soft enough not to scratch or damage metal surfaces or protective coatings. Each wall has a top portion and a bottom portion and is separated from at least one of the other plurality of walls by a gap. The retainer also has a first beveled ring located near the top portion of each of the walls, and a second beveled ring located near the bottom portion of each of the walls.

Abstract: An electrical contact stud (1), a cap nut (12) of plastic material, an electrical contact system for fastening an electrical contact and a method for fastening an electrical contact to a workpiece (11) to be painted are provided. A cap nut (12), economically produced, made of plastics material, and not necessarily having to be electrically conducting, fastens an electrical contact shoe (21). As a plastics material nut can be self-locking, the required maximum torques for producing contact are relatively small, for example 8 Nm, and fastening an electrical contact is made possible even with thin sheets of metal with sheet metal thicknesses of less than 0.6 mm without deformation. The cap nut (12) made of plastics material serves in a first step as a seal against paint penetration into the electrical contact region and in a second step for fastening a contact shoe (21).

Abstract: A fastener is described having a head formed with a recess which accommodates a square head driver, symmetrical drivers, such as PHILLIPS™ style drivers, asymmetrical style cross head drivers, such as POZIDRIV® style drivers, and combination square and cross drivers without compromising performance of the drivers.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process employs a vented cold ring. The vented cold ring includes the capability of resisting the movement of a wafer that is being processed during a throttling operation. The vented cold ring also resists the buildup of unwanted deposition during CVD processing.

Abstract: A seam adjuster for ensuring that a tight seam is formed between a can end and a can body. The seam tool (32) is mounted via bearing (34) on the seam lever (31), the centre of the bearing being eccentric to its outside diameter. The bearing has an-external thread (35) which mates with a complementary worm mechanism (36). By virtue of the eccentricity, rotation of the worm mechanism rotates the bearing and moves the seam tool radially for adjusting seam tightness. Seam tool height is set by a spacer (33) or shim which is readily interchangeable for varying the seam tool height without affecting seam tool tightness.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting cylindrical bales comprises a pair of rails and a conveyor chain located between and below the rails such that a bale is maintained in position on the conveyor chain by the rails. The load engaging face of the conveyor chain comprises a plurality of resilient pads having a roughened surface to increase friction between the pads and the bale without protruding into the bale. The load engaging face can slide with respect to the bale. First and second loading arms are operative to raise first and second bales onto corresponding conveyors. A third loading arm raises the first bale from the first conveyor to allow the first loading arm to raise a third bale from the ground and position it on the first conveyor, and then lowers the first bale to rest on the second and third bales.

Abstract: A substrate fabrication system is provided which includes a buffer station located inline between a front docking port and a loadlock chamber, the buffer station being operatively joined with a front handling chamber. Preferred embodiments employ a buffer station having a rack with reduced pitch, or relative spacing between shelves. Additional embodiments provide variable pitch end effectors as part of the disclosed fabrication system.

Abstract: A valve circuit, including a first and second circuit portion, for hydraulically controlling a loading dock vehicle restraint. The first circuit portion permits raising and lowering of the vehicle restraint. The second circuit portion permits extension and retraction of the vehicle restraint. Preferably, the first and second circuit portion are separate and are configured on the same valve block.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and un-loading a recreational vehicle from a truck. The truck has a front and rear and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a vehicle receiving ramp and a lifting means engaged with the underside of the ramp. The lifting means is mounted to the rear of the truck and is selectively operable to arcuately move the ramp between a lowered position that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and a raised position that is parallel with the longitudinal axis. The ramp is longitudinally mobile in the raised position between a foremost and rearmost position and is selectively lockable in the foremost and rearmost positions using a locking means. To load the recreational vehicle, the ramp is preferably locked in the rearmost longitudinal position and placed in the lowered position for receiving the vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft munitions handling apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus has a set of wheel assemblies that can be independently driven and can be omni-directional to allow the apparatus to move in any longitudinal, lateral, or diagonal direction for excellent maneuverability. The apparatus also has a base and an elevator extending from the base. The elevator can use a double-parallelogram, cantilevered arm configuration that folds nearly flat to fit within a profile of the base. A portion of the arm rotates forward to place a munitions support in front of the base when remote reach is required. A pivot assembly having four movable cams at the four corners of the munitions support are used as a self-leveling device for unstable conditions, or to pitch and roll the munitions support as needed to attach munitions to an aircraft. In addition, the munitions handling apparatus is capable of passing beneath objects having very limited vertical clearances.

Abstract: A method for portable lift, support, and/or installation is disclosed which permits and enables these various functions without the need for external crane/lift machinery. The method includes attaching a removable swingarm assembly around an object extension of a structure, inserting a swingarm into a swingarm sleeve on the removable swingarm assembly, positioning the swingarm wherein an object support assembly on the swingarm is adjacent a removable object, attaching the object support assembly to the removable object, disconnecting the removable object from the structure, and pivoting the swingarm causing the removable object to be moved away from the structure.

Abstract: There is provided a transfer apparatus capable of increasing the length of a transfer arm when it is extended, without increasing the size of the transfer arm when it is contracted. The transfer apparatus 4 comprising a transfer arm 17 which comprises: two rotating shafts 5 and 6 arranged coaxially or in parallel; a pair of first arms 7 and 8, one end portions of which are fixed to the rotating shafts 5 and 6, respectively; a pair of second arms 10 and 11, one end portions of which are connected to the other end portions of the pair of first arms 7 and 8 by means of pins, respectively; and a holding portion 14 for holding an object w to be processed, the holding portion 14 being connected to each of the other end portions of the pair of second arms 10 and 11 by means of pins, wherein the second arms 10 and 11 cross each other.

Abstract: In a semiconductor fabrication facility, a conveyor transports substrate carriers. The substrate carriers are unloaded from the conveyor and loaded onto the conveyor without stopping the conveyor. A load and/or unload mechanism lifts the substrate carriers from the conveyor during unloading operations, while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Similarly, during loading operations, the load/unload mechanism lowers a substrate carrier into engagement with the conveyor while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Individual substrates, without carriers, may be similarly loaded and/or unloaded from a conveyor.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel pump comprising a housing, a pump cover having a first flow channel formed therein, a pump body having a second flow channel formed therein whereby the first flow channel and the second flow channel define a pumping chamber, and an impeller mounted between the pump cover and pump body and including a plurality of vanes spaced circumferentially about the impeller and defining a plurality of vane grooves. The vanes are spaced un-evenly in a non-repeating pattern about the impeller. The first and second flow channels each include an inlet end, an outlet end, and a stripper area defined as the area between the inlet end and the outlet end extending from the inlet end away from the flow channel. Each of the stripper areas including a plurality of grooves formed therein adapted to dampen pressure pulsations within the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A water pump (10) and impeller (30) for use in applications such as internal combustion engines. A plurality of holes (40, 44) are formed near the hub and periphery of the impeller (30) of the water pump to provide coolant flow through a cavity (22) housing a seal. The seal (18) is thereby cooled to prevent premature failure of the seal (18) due to overheating.

Abstract: A crack-resistant vane segment assembly member for an industrial turbine engine is disclosed. The vane segment includes at least one internally-cooled body portion and inner and outer shroud portions. The body portions include end regions characterized by blending and transition zones that ensure heat is transferred at a non-crack-inducing rate from the shroud portions to the body portions. The vane segment assembly also includes a cooling arrangement that reduces the impact of thermal gradient-induced stresses acting at the interface between the body portions and shroud portions. The cooling arrangement cooperates with the transition and blending zones to produce synergistically-enhanced crack resistance properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering cooling air to a seal arrangement in a turbine stage of a gas turbine engine. The system comprises at least one vane having a passageway extending from an outer platform of the at least one vane to an inner platform of the at least one vane. A tube insert is positioned within the passageway. The tube insert has an inlet at one end for receiving cooling air from a source of cooling air and an outlet at a second end. A cover assembly is attached to the second end of the tube for receiving cooling air from the tube and delivering the cooling air to the seal arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling air is pre-swirled in the direction of rotation of a rotor stage-of the turbine stage.

Abstract: In a turbine for an exhaust gas turbocharger including a turbine wheel with a number of turbine wheel blades supported in a housing, which defines a first radial inlet flow channel and which includes in the radial inlet flow channel a variable guide vane structure for guiding exhaust gas radially onto the turbine wheel, and a second, semi-axial, flow channel for guiding exhaust gas semi-axially to the turbine wheel, the turbine wheel blades are arranged and sized so as to define between circumferentially adjacent blades, a flow passage with a flow cross-section which has a minimum at its inlet end.

Abstract: A turbine engine shroud assembly comprises at least one shroud segment floating axially independently of other engine members disposed in adjacent juxtaposition with the shroud segment. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of shroud segments, in one form of a low ductility material, disposed in circumferential juxtaposition. Each segment includes a segment body comprising a radially outer surface with which a radially outwardly projecting segment support is attached. The shroud segment support includes therein a support wall surface extending generally axially into and at least partially through the segment support. The assembly includes a shroud hanger in axial juxtaposition with the shroud segment support, and at least one support projection, for example a support pin, extending generally axially from the shroud hanger into the shroud segment support at the shroud segment support wall surface.