Abstract: This apparatus comprises a thumb lever 10 which is supported rotatably around an axis of a shaft portion 11, a return spring 13 to urge the thumb lever 10 towards an initial position, and a position sensor 20 which detects a rotating angle of the thumb lever 10 around the axis of the shaft portion 11, and outputs electronic signals as information of the accelerator position while the position sensor 20 detects the rotating angle of the thumb lever 10. In this manner, a drive-by-wire system is adopted to an accelerator operating portion of motorcycles etc. without losing the steering operativity.

Abstract: An automobile gearshift lock includes a fixing base and a protective cover. The fixing base is secured with the gear lever, provided with an insert groove and a lock core holder for receiving a lock core with a resilient projection. The protective cover is fixed with the fixing base, provided with a protruding-out portion and a shielding plate extending downward to be inserted in the insert groove. The shielding plate has an engage slot for the resilient projection to be engaged therein. In locking, the protective cover has its protruding-out portion exactly covering the knob of the gearshift and its shielding plate is inserted into the insert groove of the fixing base, convenient in operating. Besides, the screwed portion of the fixing base and the gear lever are shielded by the shielding plate, having excellent effect of anti-theft.

Abstract: An electronic accelerator pedal system with a foot pressure-adjusting function. The foot pressure is variably adjusted with respect to the pedal arm stroke during the depressing and releasing of the accelerator pedal to improve the accelerator manipulation sensation. A foot pressure-adjusting means is installed on the pedal arm that causes a foot pressure to be varied in accordance with the pivoting direction of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A transmission has an oil drain passage for connecting an oil reservoir with a mission case in a pump casing. The automatic transmission has also a retainer serving as a shielding member to shield between a discharge opening of the oil drain passage from at least part of a multistage transmission mechanism. This ensures that breather oil blow, which is caused by the spattering and stirring of operating oil by the high-speed drum member, is shielded from at least part of the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing, a tire supporting hub mounted for rotation with respect to the housing, a drive axle and a planetary unit for coupling the drive axle to the tire supporting hub, such that rotation in the axle produces rotation in the hub. The planetary unit includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear and a ring gear, with the planet gear being in co-meshing engagement with the sun and ring gears. Damping material is used to inhibit or reduce the transmission of vibrations produced by the gear meshes during vehicle operation to the planetary unit cover. In one construction, the planetary unit includes a cover portion and a carrier portion with damping material, such as copper, disposed between the portions. In another construction, bushings made from damping material, such as brass or bronze, are disposed between the planetary gear (or gears) and the pin member which supports the planetary gear.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a nano-structured material, including four primary steps: (A) providing a reaction chamber wherein the nano-structured material is generated from at least a starting material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a metal compound, and a ceramic; (B) operating a twin-wire arc nozzle, comprising two wires and a working gas being controllably fed into the chamber, to form an arc between two converging leading tips of the two wires to heat and melt the starting material at the leading tips for providing a stream of liquid droplets traveling in a predetermined direction (preferably vertically downward); (C) operating at least a second high energy source for producing a vaporizing zone adjacent to the arc and inside the chamber wherein the liquid droplets are vaporized to form vapor species; and (D) cooling the vapor species for forming the nano-structured material.

Abstract: Improved hydrogen storage materials are disclosed. A first material comprises a hydrogen storage nanomaterial that contains nanoparticles or nanoparticle clusters of a metal that is capable of combining with hydrogen to form a metal hydride. The nanomaterials may be formed using a thermal spray process. A second material comprises a micro-sized support that contains a hydrogen storage material deposited thereon. The hydrogen storage material may comprise a thermal spray deposit formed on a fly ash particle. A third material comprises a hydrogen permeable container having a hydrogen storage material therein. The container may comprise a microparticle having an internal void (e.g., a fly ash cenosphere or glass microsphere) containing a hydrogen storage material that has been permeated therein. Alternatively, the container may comprise an enclosing layer formed over a hydrogen storage material.

Abstract: A molten aluminum alloy processing method is intended use sludge produced by the zinc phosphate treatment of sructures including those of aluminum alloys effectively as a flux for molten aluminum alloy processing. The flux contains 3 to 30% by mass fluorine-equivalent metal fluorides, 40 to 90% by mass metal phosphates (8 to 18% by mass P) and 50% by mass or below inorganic salts. The sum of contents of the inorganic salts and metal phosphates is 90% by mass or below.

Abstract: High strength aluminum alloy powders, extrusions, and forgings are provided in which the aluminum alloys exhibit high strength at atmospheric temperatures and maintain high strength and ductility at extremely low temperatures. The alloy is produced by blending about 89 atomic % to 99 atomic % aluminum, 1 atomic % to 11 atomic % of a secondary metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, lithium, silicon, titanium, zirconium, and combinations thereof, and up to about 10 atomic % of a tertiary metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, W, and combinations thereof. The alloy is produced by nanostructure material synthesis, such as cryomilling, in the absence of refractory dispersoids. The synthesized alloy is then canned, degassed, consolidated, extruded, and optionally forged into a solid metallic component. Grain size within the alloy is less than 0.5 &mgr;m, and alloys with grain size less than 0.

Abstract: A power tong or back-up tong has a jaw assembly that is advanced into engagement with a pipe through a cam follower that contacts the camming surface on the inside circumference of a ring gear, the cam follower being in the form of a series of roller elements arranged as a circulating bearing. In a preferred form, the roller elements are cylindrical roller bearings and the jaw assembly is mounted for sliding advancement towards the pipe to be engaged.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench includes a handle, a head extending from an end of the handle and having a hole communicated with a compartment in the end of the handle, a drive member rotatably mounted in the hole of the head, and a ratcheting mechanism. The drive member includes an inner periphery for securely holding a fastener-driving member, allowing joint rotation when the drive member is turned. A retainer is mounted around the end of the drive member and has two resilient portions extending into the hole of the drive member via the slots for rotatably holding the drive member in the hole of the head and for securely, releasably holding the fastener-driving member in the hole of the drive member.

Abstract: A magnetic socket wrench assembly includes a tubular wrench body, an annular mounting member, and a plurality of magnets. The wrench body is adapted to be connected to a tool, and has a central hole that includes a shank-receiving narrow hole portion and a socket-defining wide hole portion, which receives the mounting member fixedly and which engages a nut to be rotated on a bolt. The mounting member has a nut-engaging end surface with a plurality of magnet-receiving holes for receiving the magnets fixedly. When engaging the nut, the bolt can extend through the mounting member and into the narrow hole portion.

Abstract: A screwdriver with a bit storage member rotatable about a slotted, apertured core. A magnet-tipped push rod slides through the core. A magnetic lever arm is pivotally coupled to the core and biased toward its slot. The rod moves through the member between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the core is rotatable with respect to the member to position the slot adjacent a bit storage cavity; and, the lever arm is pivotally biased toward and through the slot, magnetically attracting the tool bit in the cavity. While the rod moves into the retracted position, the member is not rotatable about the core; the rod pushes the arm and bit away from the cavity, through the slot into the core; the rod's magnet moves forwardly magnetically attracting the bit; and, pushes the bit forwardly through a shaft to protrude through the shaft's open forward end.

Abstract: A multiple-in-1 hand tool stores multiple tool bits adjacent a handle proximate end and is removably joinable to a tool handle. A hand tool handle cap is removably attached to the hand tool enabling rapid tool bit access while enabling simple one-handed use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that cuts sheet metal, and more specifically, cut seamed sheet metal materials at user-specified angles. The present invention is capable of operation by a single person, is portable, easy to manufacture, use, adjust, and maintain, and in one embodiment utilizes a serrated blade capable of moving in a guillotine motion.

Abstract: A Venetian blind cutting machine is constructed to include a machine base, two blind locating modules mounted on the machine base at different elevations, each of which having a set of through holes for supporting component parts of a Venetian blind to be cut, a blind carriage adapted to carry the Venetian blind to be cut, a carriage for moving the blind carriage to the elevation of one of the blind locating modules for enabling the Venetian blind to be cut to be put in the selected blind locating module for cut, a cutter provided at the other side of the blind locating modules, and a cutter drive adapted to move the cutter across the imaginary axis passing through each of the through holes of the blind locating modules to cut the component parts of the loaded Venetian blind and then to return the cutter after cutting.

Abstract: A table saw having a blade suspension structure includes a work table formed with a cutting slot for passage of a circular blade. A bent suspension rod is secured on the bottom of the work table, and is located adjacent to the cutting slot of the work table. The suspension rod having a distal end formed with a bent pivot shaft which is located adjacent to the circular blade and is in parallel with the circular blade, thereby apparently reducing a distance between the pivot shaft and the circular blade, and thereby reducing the swivel radius of the circular blade.

Abstract: A cutter module for use in a Venetian blind cutting machine is disclosed to include a base, two sliding blocks and at least one cutter. The base has two parallel sliding grooves and two parallel sliding faces. The sliding blocks are slidably coupled to the sliding grooves of the base. The cutter is fastened to the sliding blocks and has two sliding faces respectively supported on the sliding faces of the base to keep the cutter in position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disk cutter including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports, and a plurality of cutting tip inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports. Each of the cutting tip inserts has a pair of rakes inclined from the opposite side surfaces of each tip insert to the center of the thickness of each tip insert so as to define a first V-shaped groove, and a pair of flanks inclined from the opposite side surfaces of each tip insert to the center of the thickness of each tip insert so as to define a second V-shaped groove. The pair of rakes are formed in symmetry with respect to the center of the thickness of each tip insert, and the pair of flanks are also formed in symmetry with respect to the center of the thickness of each tip insert.

Abstract: There is provided a music box of great volume and excellent sound quality. A box is formed of a sounding board for transferring a sound produced by a movement of a music box, three columns for supporting the sounding board, a bottom plate, side plates, and supplementary wood pieces. Spacers are disposed between a base frame of the movement and the sounding board and leg portions are disposed at a lower face of the bottom plate and are integrally fixed to the columns by screw bodies. Spaces formed by the spacers and the leg portions function effectively for transmitting the sound.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder of a drum is equipped with a lug fixing structure for detachably attaching a lug thereto by using a lug fixing member, which projects externally from the hollow cylinder and engages with an engagement hole of the lug. Herein, the lug fixing member has a spacer by which the lug is spaced apart from the exterior circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder and would not come in direct contact with the hollow cylinder. Thus, it is possible not to prevent the hollow cylinder from vibrating during playing of a drum. In addition, the lug is turned over after released from the lug fixing member, which is thus prevented from being engaged with the engagement hole of the lug again. This guarantees rapid replacement of a drumhead because a human operator can easily release engagement between the lug and lug fixing member without performing troublesome operation.

Abstract: There is provided a keyboard device for a keyboard musical instrument, which is capable of enhancing the key touch feeling sensed when each key is depressed, and durability of stoppers. Keys each open downward, and have side walls and an abutment portion provided inside the side walls. The abutment portion has a lower end located at approximately the same height as lower ends of the side walls. The keys each perform downward pivotal motion when depressed. Stoppers are arranged under the keys in a manner associated therewith, respectively, for abutment of the side walls and the abutment portion of the associated key thereagainst, for stopping downward pivotal motion thereof. The stoppers have a shock-absorbing property.

Abstract: A generalized interface for interconnecting a wide range of electronic musical instruments and signal processing systems includes an outgoing multi-channel audio interface and an outgoing control interface. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface receives instrument audio signals generated by an external musical instrument, while the outgoing control interface receives MIDI control signals generated by the same external musical instrument. The outgoing multi-channel audio interface and the outgoing control interface respectively communicate audio signals and MIDI control signals to the external signal processing system. Variations include the addition of multi-channel audio paths to the instrument using drive transducer signals to excite instrument vibrating elements; the use of control paths to the instrument to control on-instrument lighting, signal processing, drive transducers, controller interpretation, etc.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducing elements (11, 12) are used to measure vibrations of a nearby musical drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). A first ultrasonic transducer (11) emits an ultrasonic signal (14) and a second ultrasonic transducer (12) listens for an echo of that signal (14). A phase change of the echoed (reflected) signal (202) is compared to a reference signal (206) to create a representation signal (216) which represents the movement of the drumhead or other vibrating surface (13). For this comparison to be properly made, a deviation signal (220) is generated that defines an average deviation of the reference signal (206) from optimum, which is then used to self-align the referee signal (206) to the reflected signal (202).

Abstract: A method of aiming a gun (14) that is mounted on a platform (12) and that has fired projectile at a target, the firing of the gun (14) causing the platform (12) to vibrato. The method includes tracking the projectile and the target, using a tracking device (20) and inferring an aim error vector from the tracking.

Abstract: A control valve is provided which may be incorporated within a fluid operating system. The valve has an internally-mounted check element which allows the valve to provide a fail-safe mode for a downstream device in fluid communication with the control valve. The invention includes the control valve, the valve in combination with a downstream device, and a method whereby the flow of pressurized fluid is controlled by operation of the control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a passage block with a first hole, an internal body received in the first hole connected to a hydraulic module and an actuator. The actuator has a cylindrical shell integrally connected at its one side to the passage block and projecting at its other side from the passage block. The passage block has a first and second passageway to communicate the hydraulic module with a groove means on the internal body, and a third passageway to communicate the groove means with a first chamber of the actuator. A connecting member connects the fluid distributor unit to the other side of the actuator to communicate the groove means with a second chamber of the actuator.

Abstract: A radial type hydraulic machine, which prevents a cylinder block from bending, and does not cause imbalance in a radial direction of a pintle, is provided. For this purpose, a cylinder block (4) is supported at a casing to be relatively rotatable with respect to a pintle (3) provided to be incapable of rotating with respect to a casing (1). The cylinder block is connected to a rotating shaft (5) at one end portion, and both end portions of a cylinder bore section (6) are supported at the casing via bearings (7). Cancel ports (20a, 20b) are formed at regions of both side portions of a low pressure port (16), to which a high pressure port (15) opposes, and pressure oil of the high pressure port can be introduced into them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacing and locking movable switch parts (1), comprising a hydraulic piston, which is formed by a rod (6) and cooperates, via coupling or locking members (8), with an axially displaceable sleeve (5) intended to receive the radially displaceable coupling or locking members (8), The displaceable sleeve (5) is coupled with the movable switch parts (1) and an externally arranged tube (4), at least partly overlapping the sleeve (5) and the rod (6). A hydraulic duct (11) is connected to the externally arranged tube (4), on a front face of the sleeve (5), facing away from the coupling site for the movable switch parts (1).

Abstract: A handling equipment of the swingable lever type comprises a driving double acting cylinder (5) having a chamber (18) in which a main piston (15) is sealingly mounted, which is slidable as a result of the selective delivery of fluid under pressure from opposite zones of the chamber (18) of the cylinder (5). The main piston (15) is connected to a rod (10) having a driving end (10a) which projects from the cylinder (5) and is associated with a movable arm (7). The equipment (1) is provided with a device for dampening the oscillation of the arm (7), which comprises an axial cavity (27) formed in the rod (10) and containing a service fluid.

Abstract: Filter media and filter structure or media pack can be engineered to exhibit high initial efficiency and to surface load particulate removed from a gaseous stream. The filter technology protects engine operation from ingested particulate and accumulates the particulate as a surface loaded layer visible on the surface of the structure. The particulate accumulates as a surface loaded layer until it achieves a certain depth of particulate or gray scale characteristic or color depth indicative of the end of the useful life of the filter prompting a change of the filter structure. The filter structure is characterized by its ability to surface load particulate, avoid accumulation of particulate in the depth media and enhance the characteristics of the material through surface loading. Such technology is particularly useful in light duty vehicle maintenance technology.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a surface modified polymeric article having surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly includes an adsorber member disposed in a fluid passageway of the air cleaner assembly for eliminating pollutants from being discharged into the atmosphere contained within the air cleaner assembly. The adsorber member comprises a support and a silicate pollutant treating material free from zeolite disposed onto a surface of the support.

Abstract: A method for suppressing dust emanation from a dust-bearing material comprises applying to the material a dust suppressant that comprises molasses-derived protein.

Abstract: The natural gas is successively contacted in column CA with a relatively methanol-rich solvent flowing in through line 4, then with a relatively poor solvent flowing in through line 9. The acid gas-containing solvent recovered through line 3 at the bottom of column CA is expanded through valves V1 and V2 to release acid gases through line 6. A fraction of the expanded solvent is distilled in column CR. The regenerated solvent obtained at the bottom of column CR is sent to the top of column CA through line 9. A second fraction of the expanded solvent is mixed with a solvent drawn off from column CR at an intermediate point between the bottom and the top of this column. This mixture of solvents is sent through line 4 into column CA.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for the removal of particulate matter from a fluid stream such as particulate matter from the exhaust of diesel engines. The device provides an enlarged diameter primary chamber and deflector plates adjacent an inlet end to swirl the fluid stream around the interior of the outer walls of the primary chamber. An exhaust outlet is directed to draw fluid substantially centrally from the swirling gas flow in the primary chamber such that heavier particulate matter is centrifuged away from the exhaust outlet and may be collected through a particulate matter collection means.

Abstract: The electrostatic dust separator (10) has integrated filter tubing (12) whereby it is also known as a hybrid filter. The invention comprises plate-type collecting electrodes (14) which are arranged in a substantially parallel manner, filter tubing (12) extending in the channels thus formed (72) parallel to the collecting electrodes, and emission electrodes (16) disposed between the collecting electrodes (14) and the filter tubing (12). The electrodes (14,16) are connected to systems producing high voltage. A filter leading to the electrodes (14,16), a gas outlet (30) and a dust collector funnel (32). The collecting electrodes (14) are electrically insulated in relation to the filter housing (18) and connected to the positive pole of the system for producing high voltage. The negative pole of the system for producing high voltage is connected to the filter housing (24) which forms an earth (24).

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: An air filter includes a stack of filter discs formed with contacting faces having surface formations defining filtering passageways between adjacent discs for removing solid particles from the air passing through the stack. The filter discs in the stack further include electrodes spaced from each other axially of the stack and connectable to a voltage source for producing an electrical field attracting solid particles towards the discs to thereby enhance removal of the solid particles from the air passing through the stack. The filter discs in the stack include a first plurality of insulating discs composed of insulating material, and a second plurality of electrode discs composed of electrically-conductive material, with the electrode discs separated from each other by at least one insulating disc.

Abstract: An air quality monitoring arrangement is associated with an enclosed cab of an agricultural tractor used for towing or carrying spraying implements for treating crop with substances which might be toxic or otherwise harmful to people. A signal from a contaminant sensor is sent to a control arrangement which compares the actual sensed contamination of the air within the cab over time with a value from a performance map representing the performance expected from normal performance of the air circulating system of the cab. When the sensed contamination is higher than that of the performance map the operator is warned of a malfunction. The blower of the air circulating system may have its speed increased so as to pressurize the cab so as to exclude the entry of contaminated air through seals and other small openings of the cab.

Abstract: An assembly for removing carbon dioxide and water from a flow stream includes a housing that defines an inlet and an outlet. A CO2 sorbent sheet is disposed within the housing and includes integrally formed airflow passages and support structures. The CO2 sorbent sheet is encapsulated within a porous metal that is dimensionally stable and increases the rigidity and durability of the CO2 sorbent sheet.

Abstract: Air filter assemblies comprise an air filter housing an air flow passageway extending therethrough, and a connection flange to facilitate attachment with an air filter member. The air filter member comprises an annular air filter element disposed concentrically around the housing. The filter member has a closed top at one end and a retaining band at an opposite band that includes a connection base that is configured to attach with the housing connection flange. An attachment assembly is positioned over the housing connection flange and air filter member connection base to releasibly attach the air filter member to the air filter housing. An O-ring seal is interposed between the air filter housing and member to provide a leak-tight fit therebetween. A sound attenuating chamber is disposed within the assembly to control unwanted intake air noise therein. A vacuum monitor can be attached to the assembly to assessing the remaining service life of the air filter element without need for visually inspection.

Abstract: Provided is a beverage e.g. tea, containing a high concentration of catechins and at the same time having an improved taste with alleviated bitterness and astringency and smooth throat-feel upon drinking. The beverage comprises the following non-polymer component (A), another non-polymer component (B), and component (C): (A) non-epi-catechins, (B) epi-catechins, (C) water-soluble polymers; and has, per 500 mL of the beverage, these components in amounts satisfying the following equations: (i) (A)+(B)=300 to 2500 mg; (ii) (A)=70 to 2250 mg; (iii) (A)/(B) (by weight)=0.25 to 9.0; and (iv) (C)/((A)+(B)) (by weight)=1/20 to 10/1.

Abstract: A beverage server and method of use for use as a stand alone server or in combination with at least one of a beverage maker and server power station. Contacts are provided on the server conductive coupling to the beverage maker or the station. The server is configured to preheat a reservoir in the server at least during one of prior to or during dispensing of beverage into the dispenser. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. The server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A device for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, comprises a lower container for receiving water, an upper container for receiving brewed beverages, and a grounds holder assembly with an injector differential system, into which coffee grounds, tea leaves and herbs are placed. The grounds are subjected to high temperature water and steam, to extract essences and produce a beverage, such as espresso coffee, tea, chamomille and others. The injector differential system has an injector nozzle and a floating piston in the lower portion of the stem. Pressurized hot water and steam from the lower container flow through the injector nozzle, lifting floating piston, at predermined high temperature and pressure, through the holes of lower perforated plate, and then into the grounds for brewing process. The water and steam extract of the grounds pass through inverted funnel and it is collected into the upper cylindrical container.

Abstract: Conventionally, it has been necessary to use abundant dusting powder to prevent food dough from adhering to a rolling apparatus.

Abstract: A cooking/stirring appliance includes a reservoir to receive liquid to be heated, a heater associated with the reservoir to heat the liquid, a vessel for receiving food to be stirred and cooked, and a drive motor and stirring blade. The appliance is particularly suitable for sauces and soups that tend to burn using conventional cooking/stirring means.

Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.

Abstract: An electric pepper mill includes a base member with a chamber defined therein and a grind blade is supported in the chamber. A connection shaft extends from the grind blade. A main section has a motor received therein and an output shaft of the motor extends from one end of the main section so that the connection shaft is driven by the output shaft when the main section is connected to the base member. An activation button for activating the motor is connected to the motor. A casing is securely mounted to the main section and the activation button extends from a hole in a top of the casing. The grind blade is activated by pushing the button.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing stack bundles from signatures includes a horizontally extending stack deposit support, a conveyor to continuously supply a scaled flow of the signatures to the horizontally extending stack deposit support for formation of a signature stack, a multi-part supporting device comprising first, second and third support elements, a compressing machine, and a bundle strapping machine. The supporting device is arranged to form a stack bundle by engaging the stack from below. The first and second support elements are arranged to act on the front end and the back end of the stack bundle, respectively, and arranged to be raised from below the stack deposit support to above the stack deposit support. The third support element is arranged to be raised and act on the front end of the stack bundle. The supporting device is arranged to transfer the stack bundle to the compressing machine by moving the stack bundle from a waiting position to a transfer position along the stack deposit support.