Abstract: A disk brake disk comprises a braking band for cooperating with brake calipers in order to exert a braking effect on a vehicle. The braking band of one embodiment comprises a shaped body which extends about an axis of symmetry and is defined laterally by braking surfaces, and the shaped body is made of a composite material which, according to one embodiment, is produced by causing a mixture comprising bundles of filaments constituted substantially by carbon, arranged randomly and having dimensions no greater than 30 mm, to interact with silicon at a temperature high enough to bring about fusion of the silicon. According to this embodiment, the shaped body has a plurality of reinforcing fibers incorporated in the shaped body and extend around the shape fo the shaped body in a manner such as to deter the propagation of cracks.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid flow passage has a controlled restriction disposed within the passage. The restriction includes a first filter, a second filter and a plurality of particles disposed between the two filters. The particles are either dielectric particles or they are magnetizable particles. The dielectric particles create an electro-rheological fluid between the filters and the magnetizable particles create a magneto-rheological fluid between the filters. The arrangement for the dielectric particles is controlled by an electric field and the arrangement for the magnetizable particles is controlled by a magnetic field.

Abstract: A friction vibration damper for damping the vibrations of a vibrating component comprising a body, a chamber and a plurality of elements, the body defines the chamber which is partially filled with the plurality of elements, the friction vibration damper, in use, disposed on or in the vibrating component characterized in that the friction vibration damper is configured to substantially prevent the elements operationally moving in a convection-like flow pattern.

Abstract: A recoil brake isolation system for the hydraulic recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun, includes two sets of hydraulic valves disposed respectively within the inlet valve block and return valve block of the hydraulic cylinder, an orchestrated combination of which together block the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulic cylinder during the recoil/counterrecoil cycle or upon failure of the hydraulic circuit. A method of hydraulically isolating a recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun for survivability and improved weapon performance and a gun incorporating such a system are also included.

Abstract: A front suspension device includes an inner tube fixedly connected to the crown portion of the front fork and movably inserted in an outer tube. A valve member is received in the inner tube and connected to a sleeve which extends from the inner tube and an adjusting member is connected to the sleeve and the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the first end of the inner tube and connected to a hollow tube which is mounted by a ring member engaged with an inner periphery of the inner tube. A spring is mounted to the hollow tube. A core is movably received in the hollow tube and has a first end connected to an adjusting switch. A head is connected to the second end of the core and movably seals paths defined through the ring member. The spring is not compressed when the paths are sealed by the head. When a large pressure is applied to the head, the ring member is moved upward to compress the spring to re-activate the suspension device.

Abstract: A fluid damper, in particular for moving furniture parts, includes a cylinder and a piston linearly displaceable within the cylinder. The piston has at least one opening for a damping fluid provided in the cylinder, and the fluid damper further includes at least one movable ring disk in the area of the opening(s). The at least one ring disk (8, 9, 10, 11) is arranged such that it at least partially covers the opening(s) (15) of the piston (3) during the damping stroke of the piston (3).

Abstract: A luggage article including first rollers (44, 46) and selectively deployable or non deployable second rollers (52, 54). The luggage article includes a handle (26) that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The user can selectively deploy or not deploy the second rollers even when the handle is in the extended position. An improved detent device and also an improved caster system (200) are also disclosed. Also, a wheeled panel mechanism by itself for use not only with luggage but also other articles such as carts, dollies and baby carriages, is disclosed.

Abstract: A polyurethane conveyor roller end cap internally houses rolling bearing and externally is interference-fitted into an end of a roller tube. The outside surface of the body of an end cap, although arranged in large part to engage the tube, has provided therein a circumferential line of blind recesses designed to minimize the amount of polyurethane used for the end cap while still allowing for the provision of load bearing column of polyurethane.

Abstract: A dampening datum plate assembly for an assembly line for components, the dampening datum plate assembly having a member for moving a component from a conveyor to a datum position at an assembly station, a dampening pin assembly supported at the datum position for absorbing vibrational shock from the component moved by the moving member. The moving member has a plate on which is supported a second dampening pin assembly for absorbing vibrational shock from contact of the plate with the component. Each dampening pin assembly has a replaceable compressible pellet member that absorbs vibrational shock.

Abstract: A conveying system including individually motorized transport elements or shoes that transport articles laterally across a conveyor. The motorized transport elements ride along tracks across the width of the conveyor. A motor drives each transport element across the conveyor. Local controllers in the transport elements or in the conveyor control the application of power to the motors and, thereby, the lateral positioning of the transport elements and the conveyed articles.

Abstract: Hanging conveyance equipment according to the present invention comprises a carriage, a number of work supports and a work hand. The carriage travels along a horizontal travelling path, which has stop positions arranged along it. Each of the work supports is fixed below one of the stop positions. An amount of work-lifting positioning and an amount of work-lowering positioning are set for each of the work supports. The work hand can hold a work W hanging from it. The work hand is supported by the carriage in such a manner that the work hand can be positioned horizontally two-dimensionally with respect to the carriage. The work hand can vertically move with respect to the carriage to load a work onto or unload a work from each of the work supports. When the work hand is lowered from the carriage in each of the stop positions to lift a work from the associated work support, the work hand is positioned horizontally two-dimensionally in accordance with the amount of work-lifting positioning for the support.

Abstract: Chain conveyors in an agricultural harvesting machine can be tensioned by means of a tension adjusting device including an adjusting unit which is coupled to a displaceable shaft via a linkage means or connector members. The adjusting units are advantageously hydraulic cylinders controlled in synchronism. The hydraulic cylinders can be mutually independently pressurized via bypass lines incorporating control valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quadrate carrier advertising assembly that has a cradle for supporting an advertising piece, promotional item or premium. The advertising quadrate assembly is provided as an intermediate vehicle that is intended to be complimentary to consumer products intended for sale. The quadrate carrier of the present invention permits the premium to be visible.

Abstract: A package assembly or kit can be used in conjunction with storing and dispensing adhesive materials. The package assembly can include an enclosure in which an applicator and a container may be positioned. The container contains adhesive material. The enclosure may include a base and a cover. The base preferably includes one or more cavities, with at least one applicator disposed in one of the cavities. Further, the container may be disposed in another of the cavities. The cover may be provided with a plurality of wells. The container may include a restrictor positioned within a neck of the container. The restrictor is provided to limit the volume of adhesive material retained in an absorbent end of an applicator such as a swab. The package assembly can be provided in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: A medical information system utilizing a document listing particular medical information of a subject. The document is compressible into a container for holding the document. The container is positioned in a particular place and includes alerting means indicating position of such container and the identification of such container.

Abstract: A compact package for a garment made from a delicate material includes a container body having a volume of less than 10 in3 (164 cm3), a delicate material garment, a cover member and a cap. The cover member is inserted into the container body atop the garment, followed by the cap. Preferably, a buffer material is arranged between the garment and the cover member within the container body to protect the garment from damage during the packing process. The package is preferably produced by directing the garment and buffer material into a pre-loading tube, followed by shifting of a plunger member to load the container body with the garment, buffer material and the cover member. Subsequently, the cap is snap-fit upon the container body.

Abstract: A form for a package for holding consumer articles including optically-based media. The form is comprised of a base member comprised of a first section with one or more tandem slots and a second section with one or more corresponding tandem fold lines. The first section is folded over onto the second section and then secured to the second section so that the tandem slots at least partially fit over the corresponding set of tandem fold lines. Holders, such as one or more trays for digital video disks, can be secured to this two layer thick assembly. The assembly with the holders and their contents can then be folded-up along the tandem fold lines into a book-like configuration without substantial binding or creasing of the overlying first section. The invention includes the package made from the form and a method of making that package.

Abstract: A light-shielded photosensitive material roll equipped with adapters is provided in which a photosensitive material sheet, which has been unwound once, can be wound up again smoothly. The photosensitive material roll, which can be mounted in a predetermined machine, includes: (a) a hollow, cylindrical winding core; (b) an elongated photosensitive material sheet wound-up on the winding core; (c) an annular member including a cylindrical portion inserted in an opening of the core, and a flange portion extending in a radial direction from one end of the cylindrical portion; (d) a ring-shaped light-shielding sheet disposed between the annular member flange portion and the core; and (e) an adapter including an adapter tube portion inserted into the annular member cylindrical portion, and an adapter flange portion extending in a radial direction from one end of the adapter tube portion. The light-shielding sheet is partially adhered to the adapter flange portion.

Abstract: A device for handling and identifying small implants used for the coaptation of bone fragments or osteosynthesis. The device is characterized in that it includes a small implant and a matching identifying support, the support including a body, at least partially made of an elastically deformable material. The body includes a retaining housing whose shape corresponds to that of the small implant matching the support and in which the implant is at least partially accommodated. The support also includes a characterization mechanism enabling it to be identified and hereby rendering the implant that matches the support recognizable.

Abstract: A sealed blister assembly is made up of a plastic sheet and a plastic lid. The plastic sheet and plastic lid are joined together to form a impermeable seal. The seal is formed by engagement of an undercut in the plastic sheet and a shoulder in the plastic lid. A plastic sheet and/or plastic lid are made from a polymer such as low density polyethylene to obtain the impermeable seal.

Abstract: Cubic boron nitride tooling, e.g. for woodworking, is fabricated with the same geometries and machinery as is used for fabricating conventional carbide tooling.

Abstract: An improved strainer in a shower bath tap valve is essentially having provided a trough respectively over the inlet passages of cold and hot water to place in a strainer comprised of support, seat and mesh; the strainer then is secured to the valve with fixation nuts so to make easier replacement of the strainer without removing couplings to both cold and hot water supply lines.

Abstract: A biological fluid filter is disclosed for use in a biological fluid processing system. The biological fluid filter comprises an inlet section, with said inlet section comprising a top wall and a downstanding peripheral side wall, an outlet section complimentary in shape and bonded to said inlet section to form a chamber, said outlet section comprising a bottom wall and an upstanding wall and a filter element mechanically held in place between said inlets section and said outlet section to divide said chamber into at least an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber also in communication with a vent embedded in said filter element.

Abstract: In a releasable locking device, which is useful at a beam-to-column connection in a storage rack, a housing having a lateral wall with two parallel slots has an end wall at an outer end and is open at the inner end, a locking pin having an internal portion movable within and along the lateral wall is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, toward which the locking pin is biased, and an outer sleeve is movable outside and along the lateral wall of the housing and is connected to the locking pin via a connecting pin extending through the locking pin, through the parallel slots, at each end to the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has an external flange to facilitate pulling of the outer sleeve to move the locking pin toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A reversible child resistant closure system including a closure and container having a neck portion, an engaging means and an axis extending therethrough about which the closure is rotatable. The closure has a child resistant mode when applied to the container in a first child resistant position and has a non-child resistant mode when applied to the container in a second non-child resistant position. The closure includes an outer cap and an inner cap. The inner cap is coaxially positioned and nested within the outer cap and is axially movable between the first child resistant engaging means and the bottom edge of the outer cap such that a plurality of angular abutment surfaces of the inner cap engage a series of angular abutments of the outer cap upon rotation of the outer cap to rotate the inner cap in a closing direction.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a container having a sealing surface, and a cap having a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the container, the cap, or both is prepared by either being made of a coarse texture or polished so that the sealing surface of the container and the cap may cooperate with one another to form a seal, yet allow gas to flow into or out of the container assembly, as required.

Abstract: A steam kettle lid assembly includes an elongated arm movable between an up position and a down position. A steam kettle lid includes central portion non-rotatingly attached to the arm in a manner which permits floating movement of the lid for proper seating on a kettle opening, but which also prevents a condensate rim on a bottom portion of the lid from rotating out of its functional position.

Abstract: A fuel tank and a fuel-filler tube, which maintain excellent corrosion-resistance over a long term even in a severely corrosive atmosphere, is made of a ferritic stainless steel sheet good of formability. The steel sheet, which has elongation of 30% or more after fracture by a uniaxial tensile test and minimum Lankford value (value-rmin) of 1.3 or more, is formed to a product shape, and paint is cathodically electrodeposited on a surface of the formed stainless steel sheet. The stainless steel sheet may be one coated with an Al or Zn plating layer. When the fuel tank or fuel-filler tube is fabricated by welding, Zn-rich paint is preferably applied to a welded part in prior to cathodic electrodeposition coating.

Abstract: The invention is a plastic, molded paint tray (used in conjunction with roller applicators) with a handle integral to the body, a spout at the reservoir end of the tray, and inclined ribbing on the incline of the tray extending onto the floor of the paint reservoir.

Abstract: An enamel cooking ware, of which the cooking ware's body consists of an inner coating layer, an outer coating layer, and the cooking ware's body; wherein, the cooking ware body is made of stainless steel, and a dense mass of small concaves with small sizes is formed on its surface. Both of the inner and outer coating layers are enamel layers; such enamel cooking ware, of which the thickness of cooking ware's body can be greatly reduced, the covering capability of the enamel-surface layer also can be enhanced greatly, and the weight can be lowered substantially.

Abstract: A food dispensing machine and method of use that includes separately loaded, conveyed, and heated first and second food portions. A first food portion, such as a hot dog, is dispensed from a chain of portions in an sealing film via a first dispensing device, which slices the film and expels the food portion. The first food portion is loaded onto a projecting component, which transports the first food portion to a first heating device and rotates the food portion during heating. Second food portions, such as buns, within containers attached to a film so as to form a chain, are dispensed by a second dispensing device, which separates each container from the film for placement onto a tray. The tray conveys the second food portions to a second heating device, and the heated first and second food portions are combined and dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.

Abstract: A water backpack and gun assembly for allowing users to shoot water for entertainment and activity-related purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing device for dispensing portions of liquid foodstuff from a foodstuff container. A pump device (5) includes a pump chamber (10) and a connecting pipe (7) or similar for connecting the foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10) and a pump means (14) forming part of the pump device (5) is designed and can be affected such that said pump means (14) can generate a vacuum in the pump chamber (10), connecting pipe (7) and foodstuff container (2) for drawing foodstuff (4) out of said foodstuff container (2) to the pump chamber (10). At least portions (18) of a through-flow passage (13) for foodstuff (4) in the connecting pipe (7) taper in which the flow direction (S) in which food-stuff (4) flows through said through-flow passage (13). The connecting pipe (7) has an inlet pipe (11) which can be pressed through a flexible wall (3) of the foodstuff container (2) and be connected to a connecting member (21) therein.

Abstract: The container of the present invention stores viscous substances in a sealed environment and is easily transportable. The contents of the container can be easily extracted completely without any tools or contact with the user. The container is an elongated housing with one or more opening near its ends and with one or more piston with approximately the same profile and dimension as the cross sectional profile of the interior of the elongated housing enclosed in the container that will slide along the length of the elongated housing when urged and extract the contents of the container completely.

Abstract: Pressurized Drinking Mug with a drinking mug capable of retaining a liquid. The mug has an attached hollow handle. The mug also has a removable, replaceable lid. The hollow handle contains a standard air pump mechanism that creates positive air pressure inside the mug. The lid has a liquid retaining reservoir that has a rigid straw portion extending down to the bottom of the mug and also extends upward to a removable replaceable flexible straw. The flexible straw is capable of being pinched closed or opened by a pinch valve so that when the pinch valve is opened, the liquid is forced up through the straw to the user's mouth. The rigid straw portion also contains a side port that can be restricted by a removable, replaceable plug. The port is also capable of retaining a push button valve that allows the pressurized liquid to be pumped into the reservoir.

Abstract: A lace-up device for tightening an article of footwear, providing for the tieing of the lacing without causing discomfort to the user's hands, as well as to the article of footwear equipped with such device. The lace-up device includes a gripping mechanism arranged on the linkage in the area of a loop formed by the lacing outside the tightening zone. The gripping device includes a rigid frame, making it possible to distribute the tension of the lacing over the hand of the user.

Abstract: A combination backrest and storage compartment for a motorcycle or the like includes a bag made of flexible material, dimensioned to fit in the space between the driver's seat and the sissy bar of the motorcycle. A rigid frame is removably located within the bag, and the front of the frame is connected to the back of the frame by an elongated rigid brace. A flexible strap member is attached to the bag and extends around the front of the bag to allow it to be releasably secured to the sissy bar to pull the bag, and the frame located within the bag, rearwardly into tight engagement with the sissy bar. This secures the combination bag and storage compartment onto the motorcycle. A padded lumbar support backrest is attached to the outside of the bag adjacent the driver's seat.

Abstract: A piggyback carrier designed for the safe and economical transporting of a container piggybacked to the back or front of a vehicle. Specifically, the piggyback is designed to be attached to the container and to support the container during transportation. The piggyback carrier can be adjusted and may be fitted to most vehicles having conventional type hitches. A left and a right jack is removably attached to each side of the frame of the carrier to enable one man to jack up a heavy cargo, roll it to the vehicle and mount the frame to the hitch on the vehicle.

Abstract: A backpack having a storage compartment (134) and a shoulder strap assembly (129a) attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location (140) and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location. The backpack further includes a buckle (116) attached to the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap (118) having a first end (120) attached to the upper portion (136) of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle. The buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.

Abstract: A hammer-type stapler with cartridge is a tool using in building working for driving staples into a working object, comprising a casing having a hollow hammer casing on the front portion of the casing for containing a driving unit. The driving unit moves vertically by inertia force and having a driving element for driving staples, and an elastic element for recoiling the driving unit. A replaceable cartridge is installed in the casing and adjacent to the driving element having two identical, upper and lower staple containers. A pushing device is slidably mounted in the casing for holding the cartridge and pushing staples. The cartridge can load different size staples.

Abstract: A method for treating alloy before and after friction stir welding, the method comprising the following steps. First solution heat treating a multiplicity of aluminum-zinc alloy engineered components for a first time period at a first temperature. First air cooling the components in ambient air at room temperature until the components are cooled to room temperature. Friction stir welding the components to form an assembly. Second solution heat treating the assembly for a second time period at a second temperature. Additional steps and embodiments are considered.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the creation of high-accuracy and low-accuracy openings overlying points of electrical access over the surface of a semiconductor device supporting substrate. Openings are first created for access to the substrate followed by copper plating and then patterning of the plated layer of copper, creating the interconnect metal over the surface of the substrate. A first solder mask is coated over the surface of the substrate, this first solder mask must be provided with a first array of low-accuracy openings for electrical access there-through for the placement of contact balls. The first openings can be created using conventional film artwork since low accuracy is required for the contact ball openings, resulting in a low-cost process for the creation of the first openings. A second solder mask is next coated over the surface of the first solder mask.

Abstract: A conductive adhesive material characterized by metallurgical bonds between electrically-conductive particles dispersed in a polymer matrix of the material. The polymer matrix has a fluxing capability when heated to reduce metal oxides on the surfaces of the particles. At least the outer surfaces of the particles are formed of a fusible material, so that sufficiently heating the conductive adhesive material will reduce metal oxides on the particles, and at least partially melt the fusible metal, enabling the particles to metallurgically bond to each other and to metal surfaces contacted by the adhesive material.

Abstract: Each object (such as for example an integrated circuit) of a population of similar objects is configured to generate instances of a dynamic binary identification code (ID) that differ from instances of IDs generated by all other member objects of the population. While bits residing in most of the bit positions of the ID generated by each member object of the population do not vary in state from instance-to-instance of that ID, bits residing in one or more of the bit positions of the ID may vary (drift) in state from instance-to-instance of that ID. A set of instances of the ID generated by each member object of the population are analyzed to construct a separate “drift profile” for each member object's ID indicating for each bit position a probability that the bit position will contain a bit of a particular state.

Abstract: A smart card reader includes a frame (102), a carriage (108) that can slide forwardly when pushed forwardly by the front end of an inserted smart card, and a double click mechanism (193) that latches the carriage in a forward position when pushed there by a card, until the card is pushed forward a second time, a spring then pushing the carriage rearwardly to partially reject the card. A cam follower (112) of the double click mechanism has a pivoted mount end (214) that is held with friction against free pivoting by the spring. The frame includes a rear body (104) with a pair of legs (118, 119) projecting forwardly from opposite sides and straddling the carriage and forming fixed stops (191, 193) on opposite sides of the carriage. The frame also includes a front body (106) attached to front ends of the legs and forming a middle cavity region that receives the carriage, spring, and cam follower.

Abstract: A method for producing an ink-spread compensated variant of an existing optical code encodation scheme, wherein the existing encodation scheme has printed areas and spaces having a length in at least one dimension being a function of a given unit length for encoding information. In the method, the pattern of printed areas and spaces for a given data input is determined and a given length is added to the length of each space while the length of the printed areas remains unchanged to enlarge the overall length of the resulting code symbol in the at least one dimension.

Abstract: To facilitate the decoding of a 2D symbol (e.g., PDF417), a plurality of positioning lines are attached to the 2D symbol. Depending on implementation, these substantially parallel positioning lines may be provided on at least one side of the symbol or superimposed on the symbol. A scanning device is provided to capture an image of the symbol together with these positioning lines that are then detected to determine an orientation of the 2D symbol. In some cases, these positioning lines are used to correct images with distortion.

Abstract: An apparatus and actuator assembly for and method of projecting an image on a viewing surface either attached to the apparatus, or on a distant surface, includes sweeping a light beam along a plurality of scan lines that extend over the viewing surface, and selectively illuminating parts of the image at selected positions of the light beam on the scan lines. The viewing surface can be selected by the user by moving a panel on the housing, thereby allowing the user either option for display.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph scanned from a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for viewing.