Abstract: An inhalation device for dispensing medicament comprising a body; a medicament carrier; a mouthpiece, reversibly movable from a storage position wherein said mouthpiece is within said body to an in-use position wherein a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the body and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with said medicament carrier to allow passage of medicament therebetween; and a mouthpiece actuator coupled to the mouthpiece by a coupling mechanism comprising a rack and pinion mechanism or a hinged lever mechanism such that actuation of said mouthpiece actuator moves the mouthpiece towards said storage position and deactuation of the mouthpiece actuator moves the mouthpiece towards said in-use position, wherein said body is shaped to be holdable in one hand and the mouthpiece actuator is actuable in response to a discrete motion of the thumb on the same hand.

Abstract: Face masks for use in pressurized drug delivery applications, such as aerosol drug delivery systems, and a method of reducing aerosol deposition in the region of the eyes are presented. The face masks according to the various embodiments disclosed herein contain features that reduce the inertia of the aerosolized drug in perinasal areas. This results in a reduction in the amount of aerosolized drug that is deposited in the region of the eyes by inertial impaction, while at the same time, the features are constructed to maintain the flow of the aerosolized drug into the face mask so that the aerosolized drug is effectively delivered to the respiratory system of the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating snoring, includes injecting least one of a monomer composition, a polymer solution and a microparticle solution into a patient's soft palate, optionally with a least one of an additional medicament, bioactive agent, sclerotic agent or stiffening agent. The injected composition, if not already polymerized prior to injection, is allowed to polymerize to form a polymer within the soft palate, thereby stiffening the soft palate, rendering it resistant to palatal flutter.

Abstract: A first method for inhibiting snoring includes at least one layer of adhesive that is applied to a soft pallet to prevent vibration of the soft pallet. A second method employs a transdermal patch having an astringent or muscle-contracting drug thereon that is applied to the soft pallet. In a third method, the astringent or muscle-contracting drug is snorted by the user. In a fourth method, the astringent or muscle-contracting drug is applied to the soft pallet by an atomized nasal spray. In a fifth embodiment, a thin electrical device is positioned against the hard pallet in electrical communication with a pair of closely spaced apart electrodes that abut the soft pallet. A low, safe current between the electrodes stiffens the soft pallet and prevents it from fluttering. A denture-like device may be used to hold the thin electrical device in place.

Abstract: A medical drape for retaining and controlling fluid flow comprising at least one polymeric film having a predetermined texture made from a plurality of cells able to retain fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that facilitates the prevention of type II endoleaks in stent-graft treated arterial aneurysmal sacs comprising a catheter having an elongate tubular body with a balloon or wire mesh basket attached to the body adjacent its distal end. The balloon preferably comprising a plurality of energy conducting elements attached thereto for transmitting RF energy to tissue to be treated. In operation, the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery of a patient and then advanced through the femoral artery into the aorta until the balloon or basket is positioned within an aneurysmal sac. Once in place, the balloon or basket is expanded to compress the clot material within the aneurysmal sack under a pressure in the range of about 2-5 atmospheres. While compressed, the clot material is then heated by transmitting RF energy to the wire basket or the conducting elements on the balloon until the clot material is cauterized and collateral blood flow channels in the clot material are occluded.

Abstract: A method for drug delivery and polymer matrix suited to the method are disclosed. The polymer matrix has reversibly bound thereto a drug or combination of drugs, and is capable of releasing the drug or combination of drugs in response to mechanical stimulation of the polymer matrix. According to the method of this invention, such a polymer matrix is delivered to an in vivo locus, for example the site of a wound, trauma, etc., and mechanical stimulation of said polymer matrix is effected in vivo, thereby releasing the drug or combination of drugs in the area of the in vivo locus.

Abstract: A device for minimizing cigarette sidestream smoke and reducing free-burn rate of a burning cigarette is disclosed. The device comprises a non-combustible tubular element encasing an effective length of a tobacco charge of a cigarette located in the tubular element. The tubular element minimizes sidestream smoke emission from a burning tobacco charge and reduces free-burn rate of such burning tobacco charge to increase the number of puffs from the burning tobacco charge.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cigarette filter containing an extract of Vernonia Cinerea (L.) Less. According to this invention, novel cigarette filter and cigarette are provided which are capable of effectively providing a desired effect in facilitating smokers' suppressing smoking or giving up smoking such as to satisfy smokers' desire to smoke and smoking habit without changing the cigarette's own flavor thereby allowing the smokers to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked easily while permitting them to keep on smoking without interruption.

Abstract: The invention concerns an applicator (5) with its end part having a conical or polyhedral shape (1) which enables, when it is facing downwards to retain the product and to allow a lock of hair to be inserted into a slot (2) for treating it to modify the colour of the lock of hair.

Abstract: A flosser apparatus having a body with a first fork member and a second fork member, a flexible member interposed between the fork members, and a length of floss having one end affixed to the first fork member and an opposite end affixed to the second fork member. The flexible member is cooperative with the fork members such that the fork members move away from each other upon an application of a force onto the flexible member in a direction to the direction of the length of floss. The pivot point for the fork members is on an opposite of the flexible member from the length of floss.

Abstract: The carbon layer forming method starts a film deposition process of a carbon layer by vapor phase deposition after a content of particles having a particle size of 0.5 &mgr;m or more is adjusted in a film deposition system of the carbon layer to 1000 particles/ft3/min or less. The carbon layer forming method by means of a vapor phase deposition technique such as sputtering or CVD ensures that a high-quality carbon layer having significantly reduced pinholes or cracks can be obtained. Since the carbon protective layer obtained by this method has no cracking and delamination due to pinholes and cracks, the thermal head having the carbon protective layer has a sufficient durability to ensure that high reliability is exhibited over an extended period of time to perform thermal recording of high-quality images consistently over an extended period of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical processing of multiple workpieces comprises a transfer module, first and second supercritical processing modules, and a robot. The transfer module includes an entrance. The first and second supercritical processing modules are coupled to the transfer module. The robot is preferably located with the transfer module. In operation, the robot transfers a first workpiece from the entrance of the transfer module to the first supercritical processing module. The robot then transfers a second workpiece from the entrance to the second supercritical processing module. After the workpieces have been processed, the robot returns the first and second workpieces to the entrance of the transfer module. Alternatively, the apparatus includes additional supercritical processing modules coupled to the transfer module.

Abstract: A wafer preparation module is provided. The wafer preparation module includes an enclosure, which contains wafer engaging rollers. The wafer engaging rollers are oriented at an angle and are designed to spin a wafer at an angle during preparation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut. The apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug, with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug, having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut, to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut. The detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loops.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow-through pressure regulator which is self-contained. The flow-through pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet offset along an axis. The housing is separated by a valve assembly into a first chamber and a second chamber. The valve assembly is disposed between the inlet and the outlet along the axis. The valve assembly has a closure member that permits or inhibits flow.

Abstract: A double directional check valve and flow restrictor combination including a housing which contains a pair of axially-aligned check valves and a flow restrictor disposed between the check valves. Dry purge air flows into the housing through the flow restrictor, which facilitates smooth and uniform flow of the air, and out of one of the check valves to a dessicant chamber to dry or regenerate dessicant in the chamber. The housing is fitted with flanges or other connection structures for quick, easy and convenient attachment of the housing to a piping network in an air, nitrogen or other process drying system.

Abstract: A structure is mounted on a sink top or counter top between a dishwasher discharge line and a vented plumbing line to provide an anti-siphon feature for a household dishwashing machine. The structure also includes in combination a pump-type soap dispenser. The pump-type soap dispenser includes a push-actuated pump to pump liquid soap from a reservoir bottle, and the pump slides into and out of a mounting collar for ease of removal to facilitate refilling the reservoir bottle.

Abstract: Couplers for joining actuators to valves are configured to allow their affixment to different makes and models of actuators and valves, thereby allowing an off-the-shelf S coupling solution and avoiding the need to specially construct a coupler which is only adapted to connect whatever valve and actuator that are desired for coupling. The couplers include a shaft/stem bore which accommodates the torque-transmitting components of the valve and actuator to be coupled, and sets of affixment holes surround the shaft/stem bore, with these affixment holes being arrayed in patterns matching those of different common valves and actuators. Thus, a coupler may affix to different valves or actuators provided the appropriate affixment holes are chosen. The couplers may be formed as single-piece or multi-piece units.

Abstract: A combination junction provides a fluid, electrical-power and control-signal connections. A combination tap comprises a flow probe that pierces a main conduit when it is attached to it. It thereby provides fluid communication between a tap conduit and the main conduit. The combination tap also includes one or more tap electrical conductors to tap electrical conductors embedded in the main-conduit wall.

Abstract: To constitute a poppet valve with a heater by providing a heater which heats a valve member at a fixed position inside valve casing without attaching the heater to the valve member, a rod or the like which is a movable member as necessary. In a valve casing 1 having main ports 11, 12, a flow path 13 which connects these main ports 11, 12, a valve seat 14 which is provided inside the flow path 13, a valve member 17 which opens/closes the valve seat 14, and a rod 18 which is coupled to the valve member 17, a cylindrical heat transfer body 28 is disposed at a fixed position therein so as to surround the rod 18, and the heat transfer body 28 is caused to house a first heater 31 therein, so that a poppet valve is constituted such that the valve member 17 comes in contact with the heat transfer body 28 at a time of opening of the valve member 17.

Abstract: A fluid diaphragm valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphragm chamber is provided in the primary valve that is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphragm valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphragm valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphragm in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphragm, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly of fluid machinery is provided. The discharge valve assembly of fluid machinery includes a valve housing connected to a discharge side of a compression chamber, forming a valve holding space for holding a valve, forming a discharge hole on one side of the valve holding space, forming a back current hole in the other side of the valve holding space to be separated from the discharge hole, and fixedly installed in a discharge chamber, and a sliding valve positioned between the discharge side of the compression chamber and the discharge hole of the valve housing so as to open and close the discharge hole while sliding according to the pressure of the compression chamber and the pressure of the discharge chamber and inserted into the valve holding space to slide. The sliding valve completely opens the discharge side of the compression chamber and the discharge hole of the valve housing when compressed refrigerant gas is discharged.

Abstract: A water tank includes a bottom surface having a suction opening for draining water, and an air-suction preventing member covering the suction opening, spaced with a gap allowing water to flow into the suction opening, above the bottom surface. The air-suction preventing member is so arranged as to interrupt suction of air by the suction opening due to generation of a vortex at the suction opening. The arrangement provides a water tank free of any possible failure and having a simple structure not increasing weight and cost, preventing the air from being sucked in.

Abstract: A valve means for a flow pipe includes a cylindrical or sleeve like body part having a length which is longer than the extension of the flow opening in the flow pipe. The body part is fastenable to the flow pipe or to a branch part of the flow pipe by a connecting means, whereby the connecting means comprises a first flange extending in a first direction of the flow pipe and a second flange extending in a direction opposite to the first direction of the flow pipe, said first and second flanges being fastened to the body part. The body part is made of a flexible structure in order to provide for the valve function in a simple manner.

Abstract: A valve assembly for mixing hot and cold water includes a rotable non-reciprocal valve member positioned therein to control the mixture of hot and cold water in the outlet stream. The valve member has a hollow stem tube having hot and cold inlet and outlet ports which are rotably engageable with the hot and cold inlets and outlets of the sleeve. The stem tube includes at least one wear plate receiving area for receiving at least one wear plate. The wear plate is in fluid communication with at least one of the stem tube hot and cold water inlet and outlet ports. The valve assembly may further include a stem driver which is attached to the stem tube to control rotational movement of the stem tube and a sleeve which receives the stem tube.

Abstract: A microfluidic rotary valve and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stator chip having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotary valve also includes a rotor having at least one rotor channel in sealed engagement with the stator chip. The rotor rotates between valve positions preventing and allowing fluid communication between the inlets and outlets by way of the rotor channels and according to the design of the inlets, outlets and rotor channels. The stator chip includes a first planar substrate having a contact face and a second planar substrate having a contact face bonded to the contact face of the first planar substrate. The first planar substrate defines a first portion of the inlet and outlet, and the second planar substrate defines a second portion of the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic valve where constitution and assembling of a current conduction system to a solenoid portion is simplified to improve assembling easiness and an insulation performance of the current conduction system can easily be secured.

Abstract: A valve (1) for supplying fuel gas to a gas appliance comprises a valve housing (2) having a valve chamber (3) extending therethrough. Fuel gas is supplied through an inlet port (5) to the valve chamber (3) and from main and secondary outlet ports (6,7) to a burner and a pilot light jet, respectively, of the gas appliance. A primary valving member (35) and a secondary valving member (36) co-operate with a primary valve seat (15) and a secondary valve seat (20), respectively, for isolating the main and secondary outlet ports (6,7) from the inlet port (5). A main carrier member (30) carries the primary valving member (35) and is magnetically coupled to a first secondary carrier member (31) which is driven by a stepper motor (38). A second secondary carrier member (32) is magnetically coupled to the main carrier member (30) for carrying the secondary valving member (36).

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having porous materials that restrict fluid flow rate for a given pressure are provided. Multiple porous regions can be constructed in a single device so that they have different valving capabilities or impedances, and in unison can control the overall direction of fluid flow. Porous regions can be constructed in various ways, such as, for example: by inserting porous materials into or between channels; by sandwiching one or more sheets or layers of porous materials between other layers of a device; or by inserting a liquid, solution, slurry, or suspension into a microfluidic channel and then permitting the formation of porous deposits by promoting at least partial evaporation. Adhesive tape may be used for one or more layers of such a microfluidic device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A base fabric for a hollow-woven air bag, including: a bag portion (multiple fabric portion) formed by connecting a plurality of cloth pieces by hollow weaving; a fastened portion A connected to the bag portion (multiple fabric portion); and a fastened portion B of a weave structure different from that of the fastened portion A, which is formed in a boundary portion between the bag portion (multiple fabric portion) and the fastened portion A.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying air with a controlled pressure to the main weft insertion nozzles of an air jet loom includes a single servovalve connected between a pressurized air source, an air vent, and a pressure manifold, and individual shut-off valves respectively interposed in branch lines connected from the pressure manifold to the individual nozzles. A pressure sensor measures the actual pressure provided to the manifold. An electronic controller receives a pressure control signal and controls the servovalve responsive to any difference between the pressure control signal and the actual measured pressure signal. The arrangement is simple, economical, and rapidly reacting, to avoid the need of individual throttle valves or pressure regulators for the individual nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an integrated vapor recovery and fuel delivery system for a fuel dispenser. The apparatus includes a fuel dispenser having a member constructed from extruded material connected to the fuel dispenser. The member has at least one fluid conduit located inside the member for transporting fluid. The member also has a vapor conduit located inside the member for transporting vapor.

Abstract: A conveyor chain has lower pins and is displaced in steps through a station. Respective pairs of plates have holes fitted to the pins and confronting cutouts together forming seats shaped to fit complementarily around necks of bottles. Horizontally displaceable supports in the station above the chain carry downwardly projecting upper pins. An actuator raises the plates in the station and thereby slides the holes of the plates in the station from the lower pins onto the upper pins. The arms and upper pins are moved apart when the plates are on the upper pins to open up the seat so that a bottle can be fitted to or taken out of the seat. The arms and upper pins are moved together when the plates are on the upper pins to close the cutouts around a bottle positioned between them, and then lowered back down onto the lower pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying spouts (or bags attached with spouts) to spout holding members provided on the edge of a circular rotor, including a pair of guide rails that engage with the groove portions of spouts, a timing screw that conveys spouts along the guide rails, and a pushing pawl that pushes out at a high speed a leading spout among the spouts, which are being conveyed along the guide rails, from the guide rails into the holding section of each spout holding member. The pushing pawl is disposed beneath the guide rails, and it is retracted so as not to interfere with the leading spout and then rotated inward so as to be behind the leading spout, advances and overtakes the leading spout, and then contacts the leading spout from behind, thus pushing the spout out in the forward direction and to the spout holding member.

Abstract: An inlet device for a reactor vessel (5) intended for a separation method comprising retaining a substance on a separation medium from a liquid passing through the reactor vessel (5) which contains the separation medium. The device comprises (a) a distributor block (7) enabling a liquid flow to pass through the block into the reactor vessel (5), (b) an inlet block (3), (c) a distribution chamber (1) defined by a space between the distributor block (7) and the outlet side (11) of the inlet block (3), (d) at least one conduit (I; 13a,13b . . . ) passing through the inlet block (3) from the inlet side (10) to the outlet side (11) of said inlet block (3) and ending in the distribution chamber (1), said at least one conduit being able to distribute liquid into the distribution chamber (1), (e) a gross liquid flow direction going perpendicular to the plane of the interface between the distribution block (7) and the distribution chamber (1).

Abstract: A dispenser for granular material in predetermined doses is provided, including an upper part forming a reservoir for storing the granular material, and a lower part forming a base supporting a metering device, the upper and lower parts of the dispenser being separated by a horizontal wall comprising a flow window, the metering device including a closure member that can move between an adjustable open position in which the granular material can flow through the flow window into a removable receptacle and a closed position in which the closure member closes off the flow window, the movement of the closure member between the passing position and the closed position is achieved by pulling on the receptacle, the receptacle being rendered temporarily secured to the closure member during movement between the two positions, and the movement of the closure member between the closed position and the passing position being achieved by pushing on the receptacle, the receptacle including means for forming a stop coming t

Abstract: An improved portable work bench includes a structural body, and a platform disposed on and frictionally contacting the structural body. In addition, the platform includes an override mechanism for allowing horizontal movement of the platform along the structural body. Further, the portable work bench may include a plurality of legs for supporting the structural body. The structural body may be tubular and preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section. Such work bench can be used by disposing the platform on the structural body, so that the platform frictionally contacts the structural body. Then the user can mechanically override the static friction between the platform and the structural body and move the platform horizontally along the structural body.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread pattern is provided, in which occurrence of uneven wear observed in a conventional lug-type tread pattern can be prevented without causing degradation in the various characteristics of the tire. The pneumatic tire having a tread pattern in which main lug grooves are disposed in the opposing tread shoulder regions at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction of the tire. The main lug grooves are so arranged as to provide circumferential phase difference between the opposing tread shoulder regions. In this construction, a narrow shallow groove is disposed in the central region of the tread portion in the tread width direction for connecting the main lug grooves located in the opposing tread shoulder regions, and a shallow groove portion is formed in the shoulder end region inside the main lug groove.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, comprising a core (C0) of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of six or seven wires (M=6 or 7) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, N being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Nmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable has the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): (i) 0.14<d0<0.28; (ii) 0.12<d1<0.25; (iii) 0.12<d2<0.25; (iv) for M=6: 1.10<(d0/d1)<1.40; for M=7: 1.40<(d0/d1)<1.70; (v) 5&pgr;(d0+d1)<p1<p2<5&pgr;(d0+2d1+d2); (vi) the wires of layers C1 and C2 are wound in the same twist direction.

Abstract: A plurality of electric wires of a wire harness have a filler applied to predetermined waterproofing portions thereof. A sheet is wound on a peripheral surface of a bundle of electric wires to which the filler has been applied, and the sheet-wound waterproofing portion is repeatedly pressed from opposite sides. By such pressing, a relative displacement of the electric wires and the filler can be accelerated and the filler can be spread and filled securely in the waterproofing portion.

Abstract: A feeder for the surface mounting device is disclosed. The feeder includes a feeding unit being installed at one side of a main frame, having a plurality of armature coils and a circular permanent magnetic unit facing the plurality of armature coils to generate a rotation/reverse rotation force and carry a tape at a pitch interval and having a position sensing unit and a position detecting disk capable of sensing the position of the circular permanent magnetic unit, a vinyl separation unit carrying the vinyl removed from the tape by the rotation force or re-carrying the vinyl by the reverse rotation force, and a vinyl recovery unit recovering the vinyl by winding the same by the rotation force or discharging the vinyl by the reverse rotation force.

Abstract: Described is an installation (10) for producing multi-layer composite tubes (116). The installation (10) has a metal strip unwinding device (44), a metal strip storage device (48) adjoining the metal strip unwinding device (44), a metal strip shaping device (36) adjoining the metal strip storage device (48), an extruder station (12) adjoining the metal strip shaping device (36), and a cooling device (50) adjoining the extruder station (12). The metal strip shaping device (36) serves for shaping the metal strip (38) which is unwound from the metal strip unwinding device (44) into a metal tube with overlapping longitudinal edges which are welded to form the metal tube by means of a welding station (32) at the extruder station (12). In the extruder station (12) the metal tube is covered with an inner plastic layer in fixedly adhering relationship and with an outer plastic layer in fixedly adhering relationship. The composite tube produced in that way is cooled to ambient temperature in the cooling device (50).

Abstract: The present invention is an adhesive tape applicator 1 which applies an adhesive tape attached to a release liner to a door sash frame F of an automobile while removing the release liner as the adhesive tape applicator is moved along the door sash frame and comprises a holding element 2 which can slidably hold the door sash frame F, the holding element 2 comprising a guide element 11 which holds the door sash frame F and slidably guides the applicator and an elastic roller 9a which presses the adhesive tape to the door sash frame F. Thus, the present invention provides an adhesive tape applicator which is capable of applying an adhesive tape stably and accurately and provide an adhesive tape applicator which can realize improved operability and apply the adhesive tape at a high speed.

Abstract: A label applicator including a support surface having a central area and curving downwardly from the central area. A post assembly extends up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up. Thereby an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label. The curved surface flattens out as the article is pressed down, allowing the label to be smoothly applied to the article. Pins extending up adjacent to the support surface engage in notches on the label and help hold the label in place.

Abstract: An apparatus having several stations that receive, apply adhesive to, crowd, press and cure the wood pieces into a continuous wood panel. A singulation station engages an individual one of the wood pieces oriented in a cross-machine direction from an infeed station, presents the wood piece to an adhesive station for adhesive application and releases the wood piece for crowding at a crowding station into a batch of the wood pieces. A press station downwardly presses the batch with an upper platen and presses the batch in a downstream direction onto the continuous wood panel with a clamping device. A radio frequency device applies radio waves to cure the adhesive between the wood pieces of the batch so as to adhere the wood pieces together and so as to adhere the batch to the continuous wood panel. A cutting station cuts individual wood panels from the continuous wood panel.

Abstract: A rotation device includes: an endless guide; and a plurality of moving sections that move while being guided by the guide, wherein an interval between the moving sections can be changed.

Abstract: An upright connector or support post usable in a space-dividing wall panel system formed from serially connected panel assemblies. The post includes a plurality of openings disposed in vertically spaced relation with one another which receive load-bearing elements such as hangers or hooks typically associated with furniture components. Dimples or deformations extend transversely along the upper and lower edges of the openings and provide increased strength at the attachment points along the post.