Abstract: Described are methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. In one embodiment, the imprint process is designed to imprint only a portion of the substrate. The remainder of the substrate is imprinted by moving the template to a different portion of the template and repeating the imprint lithography process.

Abstract: A connecting element of thermoplastic material is provided for connection to a hollow body, such as an insert for a fuel tank. The connecting element or insert has the form of a component which lines a connection opening of the hollow body and/or forms a seat for a connection element. The connecting element is produced by press shaping a laminate of thermoplastic material, preferably one which has low permeability for hydrocarbons by including at least one barrier layer in the laminate. The press shaping is carried out between two mating platens, preferably male and female mold portions. The laminate may be formed by co-extrusion of a multi-layer preform, preferably in the shape of a tube having oppositely disposed walls, which are pressed against each other in the press shaping step.

Abstract: A method for producing an endless belt for electrophotography by melt-extruding a thermoplastic resin having a diphenyl sulfone structure represented by the following Formula (1) from a circular die to produce the endless belt continuously 1

Abstract: A treatment apparatus (10) includes a liquid reactant metal containment vessel (11) for containing a first liquid reactant metal and isolating the reactant metal from the atmosphere. A release chamber (14) is adapted to receive the first liquid reactant metal from the containment vessel (11) and a submerging arrangement (21) is adapted to dunk or submerge a container (46) of feed material into the liquid reactant metal and move the container to a release location within the release chamber (14). Relatively light materials rising from the submerged container (46), including unreacted feed material, intermediate reaction products, and perhaps final reaction products collect in a collection area (60) having an upper surface defined by an upper surface of the release chamber (14).

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas cylinder capable of operating in a stable manner, including: a release arm connected to one end of a predetermined cable, for being rotated by pulling operation of the cable; a taper holder for receiving the release arm in its inside, and for supporting the position of the release arm upon movement of the release arm; and a busing inserted into the contact surface between the spindle and the base tube of the gas cylinder, for reducing frictional force upon up and down movement of the spindle.

Abstract: Gas spring damper units have flow limiting valves, which are either constant flow drillings or spring loaded non-return valves. Said solutions either do not permit a damping behavior which is dependent upon the direction of displacement or are too complicated and expensive. According to the Invention, the flow limiting valves (15) thus each have a different flow resistance depending upon the direction of flow and the flow resistance of each flow limiting valve (15) is set in at least one direction such that the critical Reynolds number for the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow lies within the pressure difference across the flow limiting valve (15) as determined by the possible piston speeds.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for absorbing impact energy to a vehicle. The system provides first and second blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing members, each of the energy absorbing member having opposing first wall and a second walls, at least one rib disposed within each energy absorbing member, that rib being integrally molded from at least the first wall. Also provided is a joint whereby the rib attaches to the second wall such that the first and second energy absorbing members absorb an impact energy. The first and second energy absorbing members are aligned such that the impact energy is distributed between the energy absorbing members and is absorbed by the energy absorbing members.

Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece or a family of workpieces. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine. The modular tooling apparatus permits machining a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail, by inserting the insert member from the family of inserts to properly position and orient the corresponding workpiece member, without needing to change, disconnect, or move the base tooling.

Abstract: A roller arrangement for booklet makers comprises at least a first (1) and a second (2) pair of rotatably driven rollers, between which booklets (4) are intended to pass successively for folding. The first pair of rollers comprises two rollers (1) that are arranged such that they can move towards and away from each other and having a spring loading towards each other, while the second pair of rollers (2) comprises two rollers with a mutual separation that can be adjusted. Mechanical means (3) are arranged to, following the insertion of a booklet between the rollers of the first pair of rollers, automatically adjust the mutual separation of the rollers of the second pair of rollers depending on the distance between the rollers of the first pair of rollers.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a multi-function machine includes a scanner unit scanning data recorded on a sheet of document and a document transport part to transport the sheet of document. A printer unit prints data on a sheet of paper for an output and includes a carrier including a print head with an ink jet nozzle mounted thereon to carry out the printing operation by moving the print head. The driving apparatus includes a driving motor, a scanner driving part driving the scanner unit, a printer driving part driving the printer unit, and a power switching part disposed with the driving motor, the scanner driving part, and the printer driving part. The power switching part selectively transmits a power of the driving motor to at least one of the scanner driving part and the printer driving part.

Abstract: A media block system for the input tray of a media processing device. A barricade is provided in the input tray and is movable between blocking and retracted positions. The barricade is moved by an arm and a lever connected to a feed roll shaft whereby rotation of the feed roll shaft moves the barricade.

Abstract: The Media Handling Mechanism application to Media Handling devices includes pickup roller, cam and feed roller. The feed roller feeds the media, then the pickup roller presses the media with friction pad, and picks up the media by rotating motion. The Media Handling Mechanism applies to kinds of the media of different size and thickness. This simple design not only decreases the cost, but also the working efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus of an image forming apparatus has a paper setting unit that includes a knock-up plate raising/lowering portion raising and lowering a knock-up plate with respect to a pickup roller, a paper guide slidably formed on the knock-up plate to guide papers in accordance with a paper size, and a finger device portion formed on both sides of the frame to press both corners of a leading end of a paper when the paper is picked up by the pickup roller, thereby causing the papers to be separated and fed sheet by sheet. By providing the finger device portion that presses both corners of the leading end of the paper with a predetermined pressure, the papers can be picked up and fed sheet by sheet, and undesired phenomenon, such as paper jam, and double-, or multi-sheet feed, can be prevented.

Abstract: A sheet-processing machine includes a conveyor for transporting processed sheets at a processing speed and for releasing the sheets for braking to a depositing speed. A braking element serves for the braking of the released sheets to the depositing speed. A drive is provided for the braking element, and a drive connection is provided for connecting the drive to the braking element. Further included are an overrunning clutch in the drive connection, and a brake for retarding the braking element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transfer device between a conveyor (15) supplying articles and a second conveyor (13) whereon said articles are spread out, the transfer means comprising between said articles are spread out, the transfer second conveyor (13) a vertical passage wherein each article is successively brought in vertical position and clamps (8, 10), and means (12) for gripping the article, for example in the form of a slider provided with suction means. Said device comprises, opposite the means (12) gripping the article, a fixed stop (32) located on the same side of the vertical plane of the article as the supply conveyor (15), and against which the gripping means (12) are urged to be supported during the phases opening of the clamps (8, 10) and transferring the upper end of the article onto the gripping means (12).

Abstract: A printing plate is only guided by and wound around peripheral surfaces of cylinders. The cylinders are disposed along an axis of a rotating shaft at predetermined intervals, and support the entire printing plate with substantially equal balance. The printing plate has a degree of firmness, and thus, the printing plate can hold itself in a substantially cylindrical shape even if it is merely rolled in the air. Therefore, the whole printing plate can be accurately wound and held onto a peripheral locus of a predetermined radius coaxial with the rotating shaft merely by disposing guide members as auxiliary guides for positioning and winding parts of the printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game having a playing surface illuminated by a lamp.

Abstract: A board game device and method that includes a game board having a plurality of spaces positioned along the surface of the game board. The device also includes a plurality of bridge pieces receivable by the game board, at least one standard die, and at least one word bridge die. The device includes a plurality of bridge reduction cards along with a plurality of subject cards listing a variety of topical categories. The invention provides a method of building a word bridge with a string of words connected by joining at least one preceding word with the first letter of at least one succeeding word to create the word bridge of successive words aligned in tandem.

Abstract: A strategy board game is disclosed. The board for the game is typically comprised of a grid with a plurality of squares or spaces. The center square or space is called “base zero”. First, second, third, and fourth sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “runways”, respectively. The runways are next to base zero. Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “areas”. The game typically includes pieces, known as “stars” which after being fixed into a position at a particular space in an area, do not move for the duration of the game. The game also typically includes movable pieces known as “spaceships” which move a number of spaces on the board with a roll of dice. To win the game, typically a player must conquer all the stars, which are located within an area by landing on the stars with one of his or her spaceships.

Abstract: A blackjack-style card game method provides three cards to each of the dealer and the player. The player may place a main bet or a side bet, or both. If the player has placed a main bet, the player may also place a double down bet. The main bet is won or lost in accordance with standard rules of blackjack.

Abstract: A dynamic seal for a rotary shaft, the seal comprising a sleeve for being constrained in rotation on the shaft and an annular lip of polymer having a low coefficient of friction to come into sliding rotary contact with a stationary casing surrounding said shaft so that the dynamic seal provides sealing between said shaft and said casing. An annular encoder element of magnetizable polymer and presenting at least one polarized mark is secured to said sleeve and forms a support for said lip. The invention also provides a device including such a seal, and a method of fabricating the seal.

Abstract: A shaft member that comes into contact with a seal member and relatively swings with respect to the seal member is employed in a sliding contact seal structure of various machines. When the material of the seal member is combined with the material of the shaft member such that the sum of the surface energies thereof is 95 dyne/cm on the sliding contact surface thereof, the wear and damage of the seal member and the shaft member can be reduced, sealing performance can be improved, and necessary durability can be secured. Accordingly, there can be provided the sliding contact seal structure which does not wear and damage the shaft member and the seal members, is excellent in the sealing performance for a long period of time, and has sufficient durability without sticking to the surface hardness of the shaft member.

Abstract: Multi-layered cylinder head seal, with a spacing layer that has openings corresponding to the number of combustion chambers taking cylinder bushings in a combustion engine, in the area which a combustion chamber edging containing a soft iron ring is located, and in the edge areas at least partially limiting elements are provided, where the spacing layer is in functional contact with layers that have several selectable distances from both the associated combustion chamber edging as well as the associated limiting element and that are provided with sumps.

Abstract: A seal device is constituted of a plurality of seal tubes. After a connected-tube body having base members disposed at a fore end and a rear end is inserted into a fluid passage such as a tubular member, the seal tubes are expanded by injecting gaseous nitrogen into each of the seal tubes. The intermediate portions of the seal tubes along a longitudinal direction are press-fitted to the inner surface of the fluid passage over the entire circumference thereof, whereby the fluid passage is sealed. Since the connected-tube body is easily bent in the vicinity of a connecting base member between the tubes, the connected-tube body can be easily curved along the fluid passage, thus facilitating an operation for inserting the connected-tube body into the fluid passage and also enhancing a sealing property with respect to the fluid passage.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a wall and a gasket support surface, such as between an oven housing and an oven door. The gasket includes a clip, the clip typically being made from a single strand of wire. The wire is bent into a head and a base, the base for engaging the gasket and head dimensioned for engagement with a wall for a support surface.

Abstract: An improved, polytetrafluoroethylene shaft sealing element, and a method to make the sealing element: The improved element is characterized by being manufactured as one piece of a selected polytetrafluoroethylene mixture (which is conventionally clamped in a conventional housing) that has a strategically placed circumferential groove and that preferably has hydrodynamic grooves that end at a selected distance from the toe end of the seal. Optionally, the improved seal may include a wiper lip as part of the one piece of a polytetrafluoroethylene mixture. Alternatively, the improved element may have the thickness of the part of the seal bearing on the shaft tapered in its thickness (not of uniform thickness). Adjustment of these properties optimizes the pressure distribution of the part of the seal that bears on the shaft with a resultant significant increase in the effective lifetime of the seal and significant improvement in the effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: A tool support for fixed or rotating tools embodied with a collet chuck receiver for a collet chuck for clamping a tool shaft from the direction of the tool side. The collet chuck receiver has a tapering bore for receiving a collet chuck and a coaxial screw thread assigned to the bore for receiving a tensioning nut. In place of a collet chuck, a tool clamping insert is inserted with a tapering receiving neck into the tapering receiving bore, wherein the tool clamping insert is clamped in place by fastening means from the direction of the tool side.

Abstract: A chuck device includes a body having a slot in a first end thereof and a hole is defined radially in the body and communicates with the slot. A spring is mounted to the body and is biased between a stepped shoulder on the body and a movable clamp connected to the body. A connection rod is connected to a second end of the body. A positioning pin is movably inserted in the hole and an end of the positioning pin extends from the hole and has a tapered periphery. A sleeve is slidably mounted to the body and has a first tapered inner periphery for being matched with the tapered periphery of the positioning pin. A second tapered inner periphery is defined in a second end of the sleeve so as to push the movable clamp when sliding the sleeve by compressing the spring.

Abstract: A stage apparatus is a stage apparatus having a substrate holding unit which chucks and holds a substrate, and includes a flat surface having a recess where the substrate holding unit is to be mounted, and a fixing member which fixes a projection support provided to the substrate holding unit onto the flat surface. The substrate holding unit is supported by the fixing member while a distal end of the projection support is in contact with the recess of the flat surface and the remaining portion of the substrate holding unit is not in contact with the flat surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrostatic chuck in which unification of a dielectric layer and a heating and cooling flange is omitted, whereby production cost can be decreased, resulting in having adequate corrosion resistance especially for high temperature processes for semiconductor. The electrostatic chuck comprises a stage and a dielectric layer formed on an upper surface of the stage by thermal spraying, and the dielectric layer is made of magnesium oxide.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle, or a kit for converting a standard bicycle into a tracked cycle, includes a track assembly with a bogie assembly for riding on snow, mud, sand, etc. The track assembly includes a continuous track movably disposed about a drive wheel coupled to a frame of the vehicle or bike, and a bogie wheel disposed rearward of the drive wheel. The bogie assembly includes a pair of arms coupling the bogie wheel to the frame of the vehicle or bike in a cantilever fashion.

Abstract: A mounting assembly in accordance with the invention provides rotational adjustment of a board binding, such as a binding of a snowboard, wakeboard, or the like, without the use of external tools. A spacer plate which enables the mounting of the binding in a position above the board is combined with a mechanism which can change its thickness on demand, thereby locking or unlocking the binding from a freely rotatable position.

Abstract: A wheeled, collapsible grocery cart (10) for carrying groceries (20/30) having an operative “L” shaped configuration for transporting bagged groceries suspended on hooks (17/17A) but also collapsible for storage. A series of laterally and longitudinally spaced, protruding, hooks on the “vertical” member (11) located at three (3) height levels, allowing the bagged groceries to be suspended either completely above the base member (12) or with the bottoms of at least some of the loaded grocery bags to be supported on the base member but with their tops suspended up by the hooks. The cart allows a large quantity of bagged and other groceries to be typically in one trip. The cart's small size with bagged groceries often can be placed in the user's vehicle and transported in its “L” shaped configuration, saving time and effort in moving the groceries from the store into the user's home.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a rear wheel of an electric scooter has two shock absorbers assembled between the rear wheel frame and the rear frame plate of an electric scooter. Each shock absorber has an adjusting ring threadably fitted on a tube which is assembled with the rear frame plate by a bolt inserted through the insert hole of the tube and a gasket and screwed with the fixing threaded rod, with a compression spring fitted around the tube. A protective ring and a washer are fitted around a lower rod, which is inserted in the tube, letting the opposite ends of the compression spring respectively pushing against the adjusting ring and the washer. A bolt inserted through the insert hole of the lower rod and the fixing hole of the rear wheel frame is screwed with a bolt-receiving member to combine the lower rod with the rear wheel frame.

Abstract: A spit-frame, heavy truck, suspension system for trucks that haul trailers made of three moveably interlocked rigid frames referred to as the front frame, rear frame, and interconnecting frame. The front frame supports the cab, engine, and transmission. The rear primary frame supports the drive axle and fifth wheel. The rear end of the interconnecting frame is pivotally mounted to the rear frame whereby the rear frame may rotate about a transverse axis. The front end of the interconnecting frame is mounted to the front frame in a manner that permits the interconnecting frame to rotate and pivot along its longitudinal axis relative to the front frame. Hydraulic cylinders are used to dampen vibrations and oscillations within this spit-frame structure. An alternative embodiment allows the front frame to connect directly to the rear frame.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: Devices and Equipment for Biking upright can be applied practically to any operator-powered vehicle (bicycle, tricycle, tandem, scooter, etc.) with the aim of increasing its operating parameters.

Abstract: A steering and suspension system for bicycles and motorcycles that consists of an axle that is pivotally attached to the forward ends of two side rails that are positioned along each side of the vehicle wheel. The rearward ends of the side rails are pivotally attached to the ends of a rear rail that is parallel to the axle and positioned at the rear of the vehicle wheel. The length of the rear rail is large enough to allow sufficient clearance between the vehicle wheel and the side rails during a turn so that an acceptable steering lock is achieved. When viewed from the top, the system forms an isosceles trapezoid with pivots at each corner. The axes of all four pivots are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axle axis. This restricts movement of the axle and side rails in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wheel. The vehicle wheel is controlled by applying a longitudinal force to the axle through conventional control rods and ball joints.

Abstract: A body frame damping structure in a saddle-type vehicle includes a front fork steerably supported at a front end portion of a body frame and a front wheel supported at lower end portions of the front fork. The body frame damping structure also includes a rear arm pivotally supported at a rear portion of the body frame by a pivot support shaft so as to be swingable up and down and a rear wheel supported at a swinging end of the rear arm. Dampers are disposed so as to bridge a first portion of the body frame with a second portion of the body frame, with dampers being respectively coupled to the first and second portions of the body frame.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-induced course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the motive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a trailer hitch to meet a trailer in proximity to assist single handed hitching of a trailer to tow vehicle.

Abstract: A support device is provided to accept hitch mounted bicycle carriers and other hitch accessories with the device being capable of being supported on the ground or against either a vertical or a horizontal surface. The support device is part consists firstly of a support receiver that accepts a wide range of commercial carriers built for 2 inch or 1¼ inch diameter square tongues and for those that bolt directly to fixed hitches. The support receiver connects to a frame of the support device which supports the receiver on various surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus allows one to mount a utilitarian accesory on a pair of mounting arms on a receiver assembly. The apparatus includes a utilitarian accesory and a mounting assembly including a pair of posts that are connected to that accesory. The posts include mounting sections that when engaged with the accesory mounting arms on the receiver assembly define an included angle of between 1-45°, 5-45° or 10-45° with a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.

Abstract: A safety seat anchoring mechanism for a stroller and particularly an anchoring mechanism that has a pair of anchor docks connecting to a frame and having a coupling member formed on each anchor dock. The safety seat has a body pivotally coupling with a handle. The handle may be turned relative to the body with an adjusting apparatus to switch to a carrying position and an anchored position. The lower side of the handle is extended to form an anchor hook that is turnable with the handle. When anchoring the safety seat, move the handle to the carrying position and place the body above the anchor docks. Then turn the handle to a usage position to couple the anchor hook with the coupling member and form a latched condition. The anchor position is also attained by switching the handle position. The invention provides direct and effective movements to achieve safety and to prevent inadvertent misuse.

Abstract: A baby carriage chassis can have in a baby's car seat mounted thereon. The chassis comprises a main frame and a pair of support frames pivotally connected to the main frame for angular movement. In a first position, the support frames are substantially coplanar with one another to provide support for a baby's back when used without a car seat. In a second position, the pair of support frames are extended into a V-shape to accommodate and support front and rear retaining portions on the car seat.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer. The wheelbarrow can then be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A vehicular air bag assembly includes at least one rib extending from an air bag opening. The rib guides the air bag during deployment. The rib may also support an air bag door. Fingers extending from a panel into the air bag opening may be used to support the air bag door, either together with or instead of the rib. The rib then separates the fingers from the air bag during air bag deployment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable cover of a curtain airbag for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of bellows, which can control the angle and length of the cover which has a circular or polygonal shape, and an exploding part, which guides the spreading direction by being exploded by an exploding pressure of an airbag cushion, by a hook or a scoring process. This can guide the standardization of a cover which can be applied to the roof side rail of different vehicles. Thereby, it contributes to reduce the manufacturing cost by preventing manufacturing the cover individually in accordance with the existing vehicles and enhance a worker's convenience by aiming at an uniformity of the working process.

Abstract: A side airbag device (10) for protecting an occupant (P) from a side impact applied to a body (15). The inside of the airbag (18) is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A connecting portion (24) is formed by joining the inside surfaces of the airbag. The flow of the inflation gas is distributed to the upper chamber and the lower chamber by the connecting portion.