Abstract: A developing unit using a developing liquid and an image forming apparatus including the same are disclosed. The developing unit includes a developing roller made up or a core formed of metal or similar conductive material and a roller portion formed of silicone rubber, urethane rubber or similar elastic material. The roller portion has a volume resistivity ranging from 0 &OHgr;·cm to 107 &OHgr;·cm. The developing roller with this configuration reduces irregular development.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting carrier liquid utilizes thermal energy generated above a surface from which the carrier liquid is being extracted. The thermal energy can be generated by a heating element positioned over the surface. The thermal energy is used to evaporate the carrier liquid on the surface so that the evaporated carrier liquid can be condensed for collection.

Abstract: A toner container of the present invention includes a rectangular, hollow case having a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls facing each other and two end walls facing each other. The side walls and end walls each are formed with a thin portion at the intermediate position thereof, so that the case is foldable along such thin portions. An expandable, flexible pack is implemented as a gazette bag and received in the case. A bottom plate is affixed to the bottom inner surface of the case while a shutter member is mounted on the underside of the bottom plate. The case, pack, bottom plate and shutter member are formed with respective openings for toner discharge in corresponding positions. The shutter member selectively blocks or unblocks the opening of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A developing device for an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier performing endless movement while carrying a developer in the form of a layer thereon, and a regulating member for regulating the thickness of the layer. Toner stored in the developing device is covered with an additive whose particle size is less than 2 &mgr;m. The regulating member is implemented as a doctor roller having a surface roughness Rz equal to or greater than the above particle size, but smaller than 2 &mgr;m. The doctor roller is pressed against a developing roller or developer carrier by a preselected pressure, forming a nip for development. The developing device reduces irregular development ascribable to impurities caught at a regulating position assigned to the doctor roller more than a conventional developing device using a doctor blade as a regulating member.

Abstract: A transfer device includes: a discharge type transfer element for transferring the developer to a sheet by discharging electric charge to a static latent image support through the sheet so as to form an image of an original thereon; and a transfer casing accommodating the transfer element, wherein the side on the sheet's entrance side is formed of an electrically insulating element, and is constructed such that the transfer element and transfer casing are arranged so as to be offset to the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the static latent image support, along the outer peripheral surface thereof and so that the upper end of the insulating element blocks up into the paper feed path, and the insulating element is adapted to be bent toward the sheet feed direction by virtue of an elastic member.

Abstract: A cleaning device of this invention has a first cleaning member that is provided opposing to a developer image carrier for the scraping of the surface of the developer image carrier and a second cleaning member that is put over the first cleaning member and runs between the surface of the developer image carrier and the first cleaning member for the wiping of the surface of the developer image carrier simultaneously with the scraping of the surface of the developer image carrier by the first cleaning member. This cleaning device is used for cleaning of the developer image carrier of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: an image recording portion that records an image on a sheet; a sheet stacking portion which is provided above the image recording portion and on which the sheet delivered from the image recording portion is stacked; and an image reading portion that is provided above the sheet stacking portion and reads an image on an original, the image reading portion being disposed on a rear side so that the sheet delivered from the image recording portion onto the sheet stacking portion is partially exposed to the outside on a front side of the image reading portion.

Abstract: Originals fed out by a feeder provided above an original supporting portion for movement toward and away from the originals placed on the original supporting portion are separated by a separating portion and fed one by one toward an image reader. A regulator provided between the separating portion and the feeder is then moved to a retracted position in which it does not hamper the feeding of the originals, by an interlocking member, in operative association with the movement of the feeder to a feeding position in which it contacts with the originals when it feeds out the originals. Also, by the interlocking member, the regulator is moved to a regulating position in which it regulates the originals placed on the original supporting portion coming to the separating portion before the feeding operation by the feeder, in operative association with the movement of the feeder to a feeding stop position in which it becomes spaced apart from the originals.

Abstract: A simple and lightweight torque clutch apparatus capable of freely changing a torque and a printer apparatus capable of tension controlling of ink ribbon in a simplified structure are proposed. A torque clutch apparatus includes a shaft, a first gear rotatably fitted to the shaft, first and second sandwiching members fitted to the shaft so as to sandwich the first gear therebetween and to rotate integrally with the shaft, a second gear rotatably screwed on the shaft, and a spring arranged between the second gear and the first or second sandwiching member opposing the second gear.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for imprinting a strip (1) or labels (2) adhering to a strip (1), in which the strip is unwound from a supply roll (3) and fed to a printing unit (4), the supply roll being held by a receiving device (14) and the printing unit can be opened for loading a flat strip and closed for printing the strip or labels adhering to the strip. In order to make the loading and/or replacement of the strip more comfortable, the printing unit (4) is provided with an automatic actuating device which automatically opens the printing unit as a function of a signal. In addition, a holding device, which secures the supply roll (3) on the receiving device (14) during the printing procedure, is automatically actuated by the automatic actuating device or another automatic actuating device as a function of the said signal or another signal, so that the holding device releases the supply roll (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a cover attached to an output device that is connected to an imaging device. The purpose for this cover is to avoid output motion and media movement detection in high security areas, such as banks, insurance companies or the like. Such structures of this type, generally, provide an alert mechanism to the imaging device to forward the printed output to the covered output device.

Abstract: A mop with a platen-shaped cleaning head member, to be used for dry or wet applications, with or without cleaning sheets, suited to be used as a liquid dispensing mop. An abrasive scrubber support is integrally formed with and extends from the forward upper surface of the cleaning head member. An abrasive scrubber component is secured to the support. The cleaning head member is connected to the mop's handle by a swivel joint which permits easy and ready rotation of the cleaning head member, 360° in relation to the handle. This permits unencumbered positioning of the abrasive scrubber, for efficient and effective cleaning of ingrained soiled surfaces. After this cleaning is completed, the cleaning head member can easily be rotated back to its primary cleaning position.

Abstract: A marking instrument housing including a cellulose ester, optionally encasing a marking mass, and methods for making the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: A container-applicator for fluid products, for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, comprising, at the mouth of a container, an applicator provided with a spongy-matrix body that is arranged proximate to an opening controlled by a valve element that can be operated from the outside of the container body, the valve element comprising a cap body that can be actuated rotationally in order to pass from a closed position to an open position of the opening and/or vice versa.

Abstract: A grooming device especially adapted for removing polish from finger nails. The device is compact, portable and resembles a writing pen in general appearance. A refillable reservoir defines a distal end of the device. A removable closure functions to provide access to the reservoir. The closure also functions as a storage receptacle for extra applicator tips. A felt tip is adapted to absorb polish removal fluid flowing slowly from the reservoir whereby the fluid may easily be applied to the applicator tip and nails for removal of polish therefrom. A removable cap closes the device. The cap is provided with a replaceable nail file/buffer member.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a spreadable composition to the skin or other exterior region of a human or animal body, comprising receiving means for receiving and carrying a unit or measured dose of the composition and a grip for enabling a user to grip and manipulate the applicator, wherein the grip and receiving means are arranged such that a user gripping the applicator by the grip is protected from inadvertent contact with a composition, a unit or measured dose of which is carried by the receiving means.

Abstract: A cord lock device for releasably securing a hinged object in a closed position includes a first cord loop projecting from a first side of a hinged object and a second cord loop projecting from a second side of a hinged object, the first and second cord loops projecting generally towards one another. The second cord loop includes an engagement loop section temporarily formed therein, the engagement loop section being extended through the first side of a hinged object adjacent one end of the first cord loop. The engagement loop section engages one end of the first cord loop, the one end of the first cord loop passing through the engagement loop section such that the first cord loop is intertwined with the second cord loop and thus the first and second cord loops cooperate to generally prevent access to the interior of a hinged object on which the first and second cord loops are mounted.

Abstract: A pipe connecting structure for trampoline frame includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a coupling bar. The first pipe is provided at an end with a diameter-reduced portion having two diametrically opposite slots. The coupling bar is press-fitted in the diameter-reduced portion of the first pipe with an axial opening formed at its outer end in alignment with the two diametrically opposite slots on the first pipe. The second pipe is provided near an end for connecting to the diameter-reduced portion of the first pipe with a radially extended fixing pin. When the second pipe is connected to the diameter-reduced portion of the first pipe, the radial fixing pin is located in the two slots of the first pipe and the axial opening of the coupling bar to prevent the two pipes from circumferential movement relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rod linkage for horizontal earth drilling which is characterized in that the ends of the rod segments can be interconnected by displacing the rod segment axes in parallel.

Abstract: The motion reduction apparatus improves the safety of operation of a floating body floating on water by reliably reducing motion of the floating body, and has an orthorhombic shaped floating main body (11), a plumb plate supported vertically on one side section of the floating main body by means of stay members (13), and flow sections (15) for flooding with incoming water are provided between the floating main body and the plumb plate in such a way that an upper end section of the plumb plate is at about the same height as the bottom surface of the floating main body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable mechanism for playyard, comprising: a connection element for connecting a pair of hollow rods, having an U-shaped cross section, two pairs of guiding grooves and a plurality of through holes for rivets being provided at both sides of the connection element; a pair of hollow rods in which a spring and a latching block are accommodated respectively, a through hole for rivet and a groove being provided at both sides of the hollow rods respectively; and a press-down element having two ramps, for pressing the latching block literally to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod, wherein the press-down element, hollow rod and latching block are fixed on the connection element by rivets, when a user presses the press-down element, the ramps of the press-down element would push the latching block to move literally so as to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod to achieve the effect of collapsing th

Abstract: A joint for the movable connection of two components of a motor vehicle, which are movable in relation to one another, with a housing (1) and with a bearing shell (2) accommodated in the housing (1) for the slidingly movable mounting of a mount body (3) is presented, wherein the mount body (3) has a bearing surface (4) curved complementarily to the bearing shell inner surface and passes over at least on one side into a pin neck (5), which has a connection area (6) for connection to a bearing journal (7).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes a housing (142), a ball stud (170), a first bearing layer (110), and a second vibration dampening layer (120 or 130). The housing (142) defines a chamber (160) and has an opening (147) in communication with the chamber (160). The ball stud (170) has a ball portion (172) located in the chamber (160) and a stud portion (174) extending from the ball portion (172) through the opening (147). The ball portion (172) has a center (180). The stud portion (174) has a longitudinal axis (181) intersecting the center (180). The first bearing layer (110) is disposed in the chamber (160) and engages the ball stud (170). The ball stud (170) is rotatable about the center (180) relative to the first bearing layer (110). The second vibration dampening layer (120 or 130) dampens vibration transmitted between the housing (142) and the ball stud (170).

Abstract: The coupling assembly connects at least first and second members of a structure. The first member has at least a first end with an outer surface, and at least one attachment means is located on the first end of the first member. A collar has at least one attachment means for engaging the at least one attachment means on the first end of the first member, the collar being located on the outer surface of the first end of the first member. A cap surrounds at least the collar on the first end of the first member, the cap having a first end oriented toward the first end of the first member and a second end opposed from the first end. The cap has a lip on the second end, the lip being structured to engage the collar to thereby prevent removal of the cap off the first end. The cap has first connecting means at least on the first end of the cap. A base has a first end connected to the second member, and has a second end, opposed from the first end.

Abstract: A method of securing a blind fastener (10) in a composite material (40, 42) comprises the steps of forming of hole (48) in an outer wall (40) of the composite material, subsequently inserting a liquid adhesive (50) through the hole (48) so as to fill a chamber (44′) formed in the material behind the hole, then inserting a blind fastener (10) through the hole into the liquid adhesive until the head of the fastener (14) engages with the composite material wall (40), subsequently deforming the blind anchor (62) into engagement with an inner surface of the outer wall (40) to support the blind fastener (10) in the liquid adhesive while it sets and, in particular, for the liquid adhesive to engage with at least one channel (64) formed in the circumference of the fastener.

Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with a bonding method for bonding metallic members, which comprises the steps of: fitting a metallic members to another metallic member, followed by effecting preliminarily plastic bonding by means of a preliminarily bonding punch; and generating compression force in an axial direction of the members in the vicinity of the fitting portion of the bonding members after the preliminarily plastic bonding, and allowing part of the material of the bonding member to effect plastic-flow in such a manner as to fill a gap defined between the metallic members, so as to plastically bond the members; whereby the members are tightly integrated with each other.

Abstract: A fastener clip for securing together a first material and a second material, at least the first material including a three dimensional and planar sheet exhibiting a bored interior defined by a least one inwardly facing side wall. The clip includes a flattened strap portion from which extends a first end configuration for fixedly engaging within the bored interior and against the inwardly facing side wall. The first end configuration further has a plurality of outwardly and radially extending arms, a gripping tab extending from each of the arms and including a pair of reverse angled teeth portions. A second and oppositely extending end configuration engages the second material and includes a pair of individual rail clip portion adapted to biasingly engage against oppositely facing sides of the second material.

Abstract: A method of joining a first sheet-metal member to a second sheet-metal member in a right-angle relationship using an H-shaped interlocking member. An opening is provided near an edge of the second sheet metal member with a channel communicating the opening and the edge. The opening is sufficiently wide to allow the H-shaped member to be rotated therein so as to allow the upper and lower slots of the H-shaped member to engage with the second sheet-metal member. A tapped hole is provided in the center section of the H-shaped member, aligned with the channel, so as to allow a screw to be inserted through a hole on the first sheet-metal member and then the channel to engage with the tapped hole. After the screw is tightened, the surface of the first sheet metal member is securely joined to the edge of the second sheet metal member.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a reinforcing bar coupling used to easily, simply, quickly and mechanically butt-joint two reinforcing bars to each other for use in reinforced concrete construction. The reinforcing bar coupling consists of a cylindrical sleeve (2) axially receiving two reinforcing bars (1) through two inlets (20), with an uneven interior surface (22) formed in the sleeve (2) to correspond to the ribs (11) formed around the external surface of the bars (1). A plurality of wedges (4) are set in the gap between the bars (1) and the sleeve (2). The internal surface of the sleeve (2) and the external surface of the bars (1) with the wedges (4) are radially compressed to butt-joint the two bars (1) by the coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height and inclination of roadway and greenway appurtenances includes a rigid annular spacer ring sized so as to be mountable onto a manhole, and a manhole riser mountable onto the spacer ring. The riser substantially frusto-conically shaped. A rigid annular base flange may be mounted around a base end of the riser. A plurality of threaded bores are formed in spaced array around the base flange. Rigid elongate threaded members are threadably mountable into the threaded bores so as to be selectively threadably adjustable in the threaded bores and so as to protrude downwardly from the base flange into engagement, beneath the riser, with a top surface of the spacer ring when the riser is mounted on the spacer ring. The threaded members are threadably adjustable in the threaded bores to elevate or to tilt the riser relative to the spacer ring.

Abstract: A guidance system for providing control over the height and inclination of a portable screed is provided. The guidance system includes an inclination measuring means for measuring an inclination, an inclination display means for displaying the measured inclination to an operator, a level measuring means for measuring a height relative to a reference signal, and a level display means for displaying the measured height to the operator. The inclination measuring means, inclination display means, level measuring means and level display means can be mounted on a portable screed. The inclination display means and the level display means are adapted to be used by the operator to guide the portable screed.

Abstract: A flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the collapsed position, the upper membrane section overlies the lower membrane section, whereas in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: A pier assembly (20, 60) is provided that utilizes a rotatable shelf (12, 70) structure to place a screw jack assembly (15) under a footing (28) of a foundation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to preferentially fracture soil at a specific location to form a substantially single and continuous fracture that can cover a large area. Subsequently, a fluid material can be injected into the fracture that will solidify to form a subsurface layer of material in soil that is substantially single and continuous and with controlled thickness and in controlled locations. The process creates a layer of material in soil with minimal cost for material and installation. Many different materials can be injected to provide a wide variety of purposes and characteristics. The resulting material layer can also be tied into other structures (walls, etc.). Such material layers can be used as barriers for the control of contaminants, but they can also be used to retain moisture and nutrients in soil, or to filter, collect, or disperse other materials.

Abstract: A load conveyance device composed of:

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for pneumatic or hydraulic conveying of dusty, powdery or granular bulk material. The device includes a conveyor line, an inner pipe in the conveyor line that is parallel to the axis and preferably eccentric. The inner pipe has openings at intervals and flow resistors within itself, which have an upstream side plane and a downstream side plane in the region of the openings. As a result, outlet openings into the conveyor line and entrance openings into the inner pipe are formed for the conveying medium, characterized in that the upstream side plane forms an angle (&agr;)<90° with the axis (14) of the inner pipe (2) and deflects the striking conveying stream towards the outlet opening (20, 20a, 20b).

Abstract: The invention relates to an indexable milling insert (3) having a polygonal basic shape, comprising four peripheral sides, which meet each other in pairs in one the one hand two acute corners (15), and on the other hand two obtuse corners (16). Between chip surfaces (17) on the top side of the insert and flank surfaces (18) along the peripheral sides, cutting edges (19) are formed, which individually comprise on the hand a major edge portion (20), and, on the other hand, a rounded minor edge portion (21), formed in connection with an acute corner (15).

Abstract: In order to achieve especially low wear of the drilling tool during drilling and permit drilling with a high feed rate, the invention provides a drilling tool (1) having a shank (3) with a first end (5) and a second end (7), at least one of the ends having a drill head (8, 81, 82) with flutes (10), the drill head having at least three lips (9) and a centering cone (11), and the main cutting edges (91) of the at least three lips of the drill head (8, 81, 82) being relief-ground at least in sections, and the centering cone (11) projecting from an area which is described by the cutting edges (91) by rotation of the drilling tool about its shank axis (2).

Abstract: A method of generating holes in fiber-reinforced metal laminate material is provided, including creating a first bore 18 by passing a cutting element 18 from a first side 24 of the fiber-reinforced metal laminate material 10 to a second side 26, the first bore 18 including first bore sidewalls 19 at least a portion of which includes a taper 28 having a taper diameter 33 and a taper depth 32; passing the cutting element 18 through the first bore 16; moving the cutting element 18 outward of the taper diameter 33; and retracting the cutting element 18 through the first bore 16 to create a second bore 34 having straight second bore sidewalls 36.

Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of workpieces in an unmanned manner, including the steps of holding, with a jig, a first one of the workpieces, attaching the jig holding the first workpiece, to a workpiece holding device of at least one machining device, so that the first workpiece is machined by the machining device, detaching, after the machining of the first workpiece, the jig holding the first workpiece, from the workpiece holding device, removing the first workpiece from the jig, and holding, with the jig, a second one of the workpieces, and repeating the attaching step, the detaching step, and removing step.

Abstract: A knuckle 1 has a through hole 3 provided in a fitting hole 4 thereof. A cutting tool 9, which has a diameter being larger than that of the through hole 3 and also has a cutting part having a hemispherical leading end portion, is caused to go into the through hole 3 at an angle at which the tool 9 does not touch the remaining part of the knuckle 1. Then, a burr formed at a fitting-hole-side open end portion 7 of the through hole 3 is removed by rotating the cutting tool 9 while the leading end portion thereof is made to obliquely abut against the open end portion 7 of the through hole 3.

Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.

Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.

Abstract: There is provided a peel type blind rivet (22) for securement in an aperture of a workpiece, the rivet comprising a tubular shell (24) having a flange (26) at one thereof, this shell housing a mandrel stem (28) with a mandrel head (30) disposed at one end of the mandrel stem so as to abut a remote end of the tubular shell, the mandrel head (30) having a plurality of edges extending radially outwards therefrom which, in operation when the mandrel is subjected to a tensile load engage with the remote end of the shell so as to split the shell into a plurality of segments (40) to engage the blind side of the workpiece, whereby the stem of the mandrel further comprises at least one protrusion (38) about which the shell of the rivet body deforms during setting to retain the mandrel head (30) within the set rivet.

Abstract: A threaded insert for providing stronger threads to a parent material. The threaded insert includes a bushing portion having male threads on the external surface and female threads within an internal bore. The threaded insert also includes keys which lock the threaded insert into a threaded hole within the parent material. The keys are positioned within slots along the external surface of the bushing portion of the threaded insert. The slots include two substantially parallel walls which are substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the slots. A method for assembling the threaded insert reduces the tendency of the keys to be installed offset from the bottom surface of the slots.

Abstract: A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration to assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.

Abstract: A peel type blind rivet (30) for securement in an aperture (9) of one or more workpieces (5,7), the rivet having a tubular shell (4) a flange (6) abutting one side of the workpieces, together with a mandrel (10) with a stem (8) extending through the shell and forming an enlarged head (32) adjacent to the tail end face (20) of the shell, whereby the head (32) has a plurality of axially extending cutting edges (36) for engaging with the body shell (4) the setting process of the rivet whereby when the stem (8) is subjected to a tensile load these edges (36) serve to split the shell into a plurality of segments (40) to engage with a remote side (5) of the workpieces.

Abstract: The rivet (1) comprises a bearing head (2), a pulling stem (3) and an insertion body (4) which itself comprises:

Abstract: A screw grommet comprises a shank inserted into a mounting hole in a workpiece and a flange formed at one end of the shank that is larger than the mounting hole in the workpiece. A cavity is formed in the flange and the shank into which a tapping screw can be screwed after insertion through a hole in a member to be mounted on the workpiece. The shank has a rectangular cross-section appropriate for a rectangular cross-section mounting hole in the workpiece. Both the flange and a portion of the shank are divided by a plurality of axial slits. Protrusions are formed diagonally on the outer periphery of the shank separated axially from the flange by about the thickness of the workpiece. The screw grommet is able to obtain high retention force with respect to a workpiece without rotating together with a turned screw.

Abstract: A binding system in an imaging system includes an accumulator in which sheet material is accumulated in respective jobs to be bound. The binding system includes a binding assembly adapted and constructed to bind the sheet material together. A scoring member is connected to the binding assembly. The scoring member is adapted and constructed to form respective score patterns in sheet material received in the accumulator. The binding assembly can include a thermally low-mass heating element and a thermally high-mass cooling element. The scoring member can be connected for motion with respect to the binding assembly, for example, by forming at least one bore in the binding assembly, and at least one guide post extending from the scoring member and received for reciprocation in the at least one bore in the binding assembly. At least one resilient biasing member, for example, a coil spring surrounding the guide post, can be disposed between the scoring member and the binding assembly.