Abstract: An air spring suspension damper assembly includes a first housing and a second housing which telescope relative to each other. An actuating member such as a cable is connected to a height leveling valve contained in one of the housings and attached to the other housing. The actuating member moves a member such as a rotating cam, a rotating valve plate and/or a rotating valve such that changes in the suspension height rotate the member. Rotation of the member selectively opens inlet and exhaust flow paths to control the air pressure in the damper assembly and maintain air suspension height at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A method for controlling vibrations includes receiving the vibrations from a vibration-generating substructure at at least two vibration diverters and diverting the vibrations away from each of the vibration diverters, using the respective vibration diverters, to a vibration confiner that interconnects the vibration diverters. The vibration diverters can include passive elements, e.g., plates, ribs, notched plates, plates having wells, etc., active elements, e.g., actuators, sensor/actuators, etc., or a combination of passive and active elements. The vibration confiner can include a passive layer damping material for dissipating vibrations.

Abstract: A process is provided for operating a hydraulic bearing and a bearing is provided designed for carrying out the process. The process makes it possible to directly affect the complex transmission characteristic of a hydraulic bearing and to provide a bearing suitable for this. A defined force is directly introduced into the bearing in a contactless manner into the oscillatory system, namely, in the area of the overflow channel or the overflow channels. The direction vector of this force is superimposed in parallel as well as in phase or antiphase to the direction vector of the damping agent moving through the overflow channel or overflow channels. In the bearing at least one overflow channel accommodates a mass element, which is displaceable in the overflow channel by a force generated by means of a magnetic field and can thus be affected concerning its force which comes to act in addition to the restoring force of the buckling springs of the oscillatory system.

Abstract: A hydro-mount comprising a support bearing and an end bearing which support each other by means of a spring element made of a resilient material. The spring element encloses a work space filled with a damping liquid. The spring element is made of silicone and, on its side facing the work space, is provided with a protective layer consisting of a material that is resistant to the damping liquid and is impervious thereto.

Abstract: Suspension strut unit comprising a connector bearing for piston rod of the suspension strut unit, a spring plate for a vehicle spring, and a first has a bearing with a bearing input part on the spring plate side and a bearing output part on the connector bearing side, which bearing allows relative rotational movement between the vehicle spring and the connector bearing of the piston rod. After the piston rod has traveled inward a certain distance, the cylinder is supported against the connector bearing by way of a stop buffer. A second bearing allows relative rotational movement between the connector bearing and the cylinder when the stop buffer is active; the second bearing is located functionally between the stop buffer and the connector bearing, and a functional separation is present between the bearing input part for the spring plate and the second bearing.

Abstract: A bar clamp includes a spring that serves to prevent rearward displacement of the jaw in reaction to the application of clamping force, and a bar-engaging element that allows free descent of the adjustable jaw under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A fixture for rapidly and precisely mounting uniquely-shaped work-pieces in machine tools, incorporates a U-shaped member whose bight is fixed to the fixture and whose upright legs constitute levers on the free ends of which are formed lateral outside and inside surfaces. The outside surfaces engage the work-pieces; the inside surfaces, convex in the vertical direction, are engaged by an operator to move the lever free ends outwards to engage the work-pieces. The operator is a vertical cone, driven axially by a bolt fixed to it and threaded into the fixture through the bight. The U-shaped member may be seated in a well on the fixture, and cut-outs on the surfaces of the fixture and the lever free ends have edges complementary to the work pieces and receive the work-pieces prior to being fixed on the fixture. In an alternative embodiment, the outside surfaces of the lever free ends my engage the inside of a work-piece to fix it on the fixture.

Abstract: A system for binding sheets into a bound text body includes a non-linear sheet cutter configured to cut sheets to form pairs of sheets each sheet in the pair having a non-linear edge. A sheet collector forms a text body from the pairs of sheets with the non-linear edges of the sheets adjacent one another and an adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the non-linear edges for binding the text body into a bound text body. The system for binding sheets increases the spinal area exposed for adhesive penetration on a text body to increase the binding strength of the bound text body.

Abstract: Paper storage apparatus is provided with friction members that are provided at opposing sides (7c) of a lifting table (7) facing a pair of guide rails (3, 4) such that the friction members (30, 31) project toward the guide rails (3, 4). When a paper (10) is moved by the lifting table (7) so that end portions of the paper (10) escape from the grooves (3a, 4a), the paper (10) slides while being in contact with the friction members (30, 31), thereby to prevent the paper (10) from being moved on the lifting table (7).

Abstract: The holding-down arrangement for holding down a sheet (24) in a sheet-bearing region of a sheet-processing machine, in particular of a folding machine, includes a plurality of blowing devices (19, 21) which, during use, are directed toward a sheet (24) and direct an air jet (20, 22) onto the sheet (24). The holding-down arrangement may be fitted in a sheet-aligning device which is arranged downstream of a sheet infeed and includes a sheet-bearing device (12), on which an incoming sheet (24) comes to rest.

Abstract: A sheet material feeder includes a sheet material holder for holding a pile of sheet material, a rotating drum for transporting the sheet material from the pile, and an acceleration device receiving the sheet material from the rotating drum at a first speed and releasing the sheet material at a second speed greater than the first speed. Also disclosed is a sheet material feeder with a sheet material holder for holding a pile of sheet material; and a rotating drum for transporting the sheet material from the pile, the rotating drum including at least one sucker rotating with the drum for contacting the sheet material.

Abstract: A sheet take-out apparatus includes a pickup roller to send out sheets, a take-out roller to take out sheets sent out by the pickup roller, a separation roller pressure contacting the take-out roller to separate taken out sheets one by one by applying revolving torque in the direction reverse to the sheet take-out direction, a swing arm that is supporting the separation roller and swings according to change in the diameter of the separation roller, a detector to detect the position of the swing arm, and a controller to control revolving torque applied to the separation roller according to the detection result of the detector.

Abstract: A sheet material feeder includes a sheet material holder for holding a pile of sheet material; a sucker bar device having at least one sucker for contacting the sheet material, the sucker bar device having a pivot axis, and an actuator for pivoting the sucker bar device about the pivot axis and having a first position and a second position. When the actuator is in the first position, the sucker pivoting about the pivot axis from a first angle where the sucker contacts the sheet material by a predetermined angle so that the sucker removes the sheet material from the pile; and when the actuator is in the second position, the sucker pivoting about the pivot axis from a second angle where the sucker does not contact the sheet material.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a platen, a feeding device, and a suction device. The paper carrier includes first protrusions, recesses, second protrusions, and two suction ports in each recesses. The first protrusions extend in parallel with a feed direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction. The recesses are defined between adjacent ones of the first protrusions and extend in the feed direction. The second protrusions are provided on downstream and upstream sides, respectively, in the feed direction with respect to an image forming region and extend in the direction perpendicular to the feed direction. The two suction ports are defined on the downstream and upstream sides, respectively, in the feed direction with respect to the image forming region in each of the recesses. The suction ports communicate with the suction device.

Abstract: A pick mechanism, having a clutch mechanism, for picking media sheets from an input tray and introducing them into a paper path of an image forming apparatus. The clutch mechanism comprises a plurality of balls positioned between an inner race and an outer race. Angular backlash between the inner race and the outer race may result in variations in the timing of the media sheets. An algorithm is further included to estimate the pick timing of the media sheets. The algorithm calculates an estimated pick time for a subsequent media sheet that incorporates the known engagement variations of the ball clutch pick mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for singling sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., for subsequent processing of single pieces of sheet material. To permit recognition of mix-ups in the singling order, maintenance of the singling order is checked at the place of singling by monitoring whether the next piece of sheet material to be singled is singled.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a method to pick up paper using the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A media feed system includes a roller and a selectively adjustable biasing system operatively connected to the roller, wherein the adjustable biasing system includes a spring coupled to an adjustable mount, the mount being movable to compress or decompress the spring.

Abstract: There is provided a method in which a conveyance force of a feed roller applied to recording paper is maintained constant in a period from the start to the end of use of the feed roller and a separation roller. The separation roller pressing force control method according to the present invention is such that a pressing force of the separation roller applied to the feed roller is set to be low in a variable range (Sa) such as the start of use in which the coefficient of friction of the feed roller is high, so that the conveyance force applied to the recording paper is not too large. As the coefficient of friction gradually decreases in accordance with the use of the feed roller, the pressing force of the separation roller is made to be gradually raised, thereby increasing the conveyance force applied to the recording paper and retaining it in a stable area Sb.

Abstract: An overlapped-sheet detection apparatus can detect whether sheets are overlapped and shift the same, if overlapped, for further processing. The overlapped-sheet detection apparatus is provided with conveying belts 2a and 3a, forwarding and shifting rollers 4 and 5, motor 6 and discriminator 80. Conveying belts 2a and 3a hold and convey sheets 1 on a conveying path. Forwarding roller 4 is provided at the conveying path to forward sheets 1 in a conveying direction and forward sheets 1 in conveying direction A. Shifting roller 5 is provided opposite to forwarding roller 4 to shift sheets 1 back to direction C which is the reverse of conveying direction A if said sheets are overlapped. Motor 6 supplies shifting roller with driving torque to shift sheets 1 back to direction C reversed to conveying direction A. An encoder is built in motor 6 to detect a rotation state of shifting roller 5. Discriminator 80 judges from an output of the encoder whether sheets 1 are overlapped.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sheet media input tray comprises a base and opposing sidewalls. The base includes a first feature configured to support sheet media lying flat in the tray and a second feature intersecting the first feature across the width of the tray. The intersection between the first feature and the second feature defines an elongated fulcrum along which media sheets can bend when pressed against the base. In another embodiment, a sheet media input tray comprises a first elevated sheet supporting surface, a depression portion immediately adjacent to and downstream from the first sheet supporting surface, and a second elevated sheet supporting surface immediately adjacent to and downstream from the depressed portion. The depression portion spans the full width of sheet media that may be supported in the tray and the second sheet supporting surface lies in the same plane as the first sheet supporting surface.

Abstract: A banknote condition detection device for a banknote storing unit where the banknote storing unit can be removably positioned within a banknote receiving unit. The banknote storing unit receives a banknote from the banknote receiving unit into the banknote storing unit. The received banknote is moved by a moving unit within the banknote storing unit for storing the received banknote within the storing unit. Each of the stored banknotes is aligned together in a stack within the storing unit. The storing unit includes a plurality of optical guide units each having a receiving surface, and each positioned at the surface of the storing unit. A plurality of optical emitter-receiver pair units are positioned within the banknote receiving unit opposite the plurality of optical guide units, each optical emitter-receiver pair unit is positioned to send light to and receive light from a predetermined optical guide unit.

Abstract: A banknote moving system including a banknote storing unit that can be removably positioned within a banknote receiving unit. The banknote storing unit has a storing section and receives a banknote from the banknote receiving unit. The mover unit can move between a standby position and a moved position to move the received banknote into the storing section of the storing unit. The mover driving unit operates the mover unit in a reciprocating manner between the standby position and the moved position. The rotating driving unit selectively operates the mover driving unit by applying a rotating force in either a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction. The standby position detecting unit produces a standby condition signal when the mover is in a standby condition, and the moved position detecting unit produces a moved position condition signal when the mover unit is in a moved position condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for receiving and manipulating the travel of a sheet material, such as paper, from a device such as an imaging device. One embodiment of a system can be implemented as a system for handling a sheet material including a flipper device that has a shaft for accelerating a sheet material, such as paper. The flipper device also has a drive system for causing the shaft to rotate. A drive system is also provided that has a direct current motor configured to drive the shaft.

Abstract: The transporting of flimsy print media sheets having curled sheet edges being fed from a fuser or other input onto a vacuum sheet transport belt system is provided with improved acquisition by simultaneously blowing the upper surface of the sheet's curled lead edge area down towards the vacuum belt transport with a positive pressure airflow while the vacuum sheet transport is attracting the sheet with its an underlying vacuum manifold airflow. Both the vacuum manifold airflow and the positive pressure airflow may be respectively provided solely by the air intake and the air exhaust from a single blower. The positive pressure airflow may be provided from a manifold extending transversely over at least the upstream end of the vacuum belt transport, spaced therefrom, and feeding air to one or more air jets.

Abstract: A machine for sheet-fed rotary printing or sheet coating has a sheet gripper system, an upstream feed system, and an upstream feeder. A surface refinement station for the sheet is disposed downstream of the feeder and upstream of a transfer of the sheet to the sheet gripper system.

Abstract: A device for feeding a processing section with printed products includes a magazine and a feeding mechanism that includes a gripping mechanism and a conveying mechanism for removing the printed products from the magazine and feeding them to the processing section. The gripping mechanism and the conveying mechanism are driven so that the gripping mechanism can be accelerated in an angular region for a catch-up operation while the speed of the conveying mechanism remains constant.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method includes pre-processing objects (such as, e.g., mail or other thin-objects) that are delivered to an object feeder. Various embodiments disclosed herein can have various advantages, such as enhancing processing, improving ergonomics and/or other advantages.

Abstract: A positioning structure of roller adapted for auto document feed apparatus includes a flexible shaft and a flexible arm. Wherein the flexible arm has a first portion integrally formed with the flexible shaft, a second portion is arranged on a clamping portion of auto document feed apparatus, and a third portion is formed between the first portion and the second portion. Thereby, reducing higher manufactured cost and tedious processes, indirectly, decrease longer time of fabrication and maintainability.

Abstract: Vertical pocket feeder signature handling equipment which supplies signatures in an on-edge orientation one at a time to bindery equipment. The vertical pocket feeder particularly cooperates with a hopper loader apparatus which transfers and separates individual signatures of sheet materials from a vertically aligned, stack of such signatures. The separated, individual signatures may then be subjected to bindery operations such as stapling or stitching.

Abstract: A driver for use in collecting and packaging machines has a base member securable on a transport system. A drive lever is arranged pivotably on the base member so as to pivot at least between a swung-out drive position and a folded safety position. A spring element acts on the drive lever. The spring element, in the drive position of the drive lever, secures by a spring force the drive lever in the drive position but releases the drive lever, when a first counterforce surpassing the spring force acts on the drive lever, for pivoting the drive lever from the drive position into the safety position.

Abstract: Transporting an essentially sheet-like element, particularly for transporting a sheet of printing material in a printing press, in which the sheet-like element is picked up in the area of its leading edge by at least one rotating transport at a pickup site, transported to a delivery site, and then delivered there, wherein the sheet-like element is curved over a rotational or curvature radius during transport. The sheet-like element is forced between the pickup site and the delivery site by at least one guide element, that is, an intermediate guide element, that blocks at least in the centrifugal direction, in order to maintain the radius of curvature.

Abstract: This invention relates to lightweight, affordable, portable devices for assisting in the playing of Bingo and in providing ergonomic surfaces for reading, writing, drawing, and other activities that require a slanted surface, secure interior storage wells, and exterior utility wells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.

Abstract: An extension for a rotatable puzzle piece that is used with a sliding puzzle, and a sliding puzzle that uses the same. In one aspect the puzzle has an extension for a rotatable puzzle piece, comprising a housing including a backing frame and a front member connected one to the other. The backing frame is formed with a fixedly disposed first recess defined by walls formed on the backing frame. A fixedly disposed second recess is defined by the front member. The puzzle also includes a plurality of puzzle pieces disposed in the second recess, wherein each of the pieces is individually slidably movable in the second recess, whereby the pieces are movable so as to be arranged in a desired solution in the second recess. A channel operatively communicates with the second recess such that the pieces can be moved into the channel and rotated therein, thereby rotationally reorienting the pieces. The rotationally reoriented pieces can be moved into the second recess in an attempt to solve the puzzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system that provide and/or process multi-featured games of chance. In one embodiment, it may be determined which game type from a plurality of available game types was selected in the multi-feature game of chance. The plurality of available game types include an N digit game, a N−1 digit game or a N−2 digit game. It may be determined which game option from a plurality of game options was selected in the multi-feature game of chance. Based on the selected game type and selected game option, it may be determined whether a selected set of digits on a ticket match a drawn set of digits. If the selected set of digits on the ticket match a drawn set of digits based on the selected game type and the selected game option, the ticket may be declared as a winning ticket.

Abstract: The domino and dice game includes a series of dominos having counts thereon which correspond to the possible counts generated by a pair of conventional cubical dice. The dominos are initially positioned face up, and the dice are tossed. Dominos having counts corresponding to the resulting count on the dice, are turned face down. Play continues by a single player until no more domino moves are possible, whereupon play transfers to the next player. Score is according to the number of dots displayed upon the remaining face up dominos after a turn is completed, with low score winning the round after all players have played. The present game also includes a playing box, with the box having at least one row of dominos pivotally secured thereacross and a dice tossing area. The playing box may include additional domino rows for doubles and blank dominos, if desired.

Abstract: A hand-held sign is provided. The sign has a handle portion and a second indicia-displaying portion. The indicia may be used to promote individual or group comments, or may be used as a pick-up line. The sign may have a dual purpose, such as use as a coaster.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for supporting elongate sticks or rods which comprises a main body (12) having a base formed by a plurality of legs (16) and defining a base footprint with a first defined footprint area, whereby the body member (12) supports and restrains a plurality of arms (14) extending therefrom so as to be inclined relative to a vertical axis extending through the body, the apparatus being used for supporting elongate sticks between the arm members and any previously supported sticks balance thereon.

Abstract: The annular sealing cup with axis &Dgr;, a so-called replenishment cup, which is intended to be positioned between a hydraulic cylinder and piston and which has a <<U>> axial section comprises

Abstract: A seal balancing arrangement for a rotating or reciprocating shaft used in a high pressure and/or high velocity environment includes a plurality of grease balancing chambers each bordered by a pair of seals and filled with extreme pressure grease. The grease is compressed between the additional grease chambers by the movement of the first seal due to pressure acting on this seal by system internal pressures, thereby reducing pressure on the first seal while distributing the pressure between the remaining seals. The balancing chambers are arranged such that the grease in between the seals can be replenished through ports provided in a supporting housing, thereby extending the life of the seal assembly by allowing grease to lubricate the seal faces by extruding grease from each grease chamber.

Abstract: A lip seal comprises resilient annular sealing means 2, 3, having a sealing lip 4 adapted for sealing engagement at an end 9 thereof with a relatively movable shaft and a valve lip 6, the lips being, in use, normally closed, and means 11, 13, for injecting fluid into a space 7 between the closed lips 4, 6 at sufficient pressure to cause the lips to open during use to allow the fluid to flow towards the end 9 of the sealing lip 4.

Abstract: A seal for sealing rotating shafts, or rods that move back and forth, comprising a shaft-sealing or rod-sealing element that has a sealing surface or sealing edge. The sealing element is provided on at least one of its surfaces with a facing that consists of a nonvowen material impregnated with a polymer dispersion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for moisture sealing the interface between a nut on the leading end of a male F-Type connector and the threaded tubular shaft of the female F connector. The male connector is attached to a coaxial cable and the female is mounted to an outdoor device such as a cable TV splitter, grounding device, satellite dish, or distribution device, amplifier or group. The sealing device includes a compressible portion comprising an elastically compressible member having a cylindrical bore and a conical outer surface. An annular compression ring overlies a portion of the conical outer surface of the compressible portion. The compressible portion is compressed radially inwardly against the shaft of the female F-Type connector as the leading edge of the male F nut is screwed onto the female threaded shaft of the female F-Type connector, providing a pressurized moisture ingress barrier.

Abstract: A hand power tool selected from the group consisting of a drill hammer and an impact hammer has an exchangeable tool holder, a guide pipe which receives the tool holder at its free end, a locking device arranged on the guide pipe and operative manually for fixing the tool holder on the guide pipe in a defined locking position assumed by the tool holder on the guide pipe, so that the locking position is arranged before a mounting position in a displacement direction of the tool holder, in which mounting position the tool holder is held unlocked on the guide pipe, the locking device being provided with means activatable by a release of the locking device and providing a displacement of the tool holder to the mounting position.

Abstract: A method of controlling the roll stiffness and roll moment distribution of a vehicle suspension system of a vehicle, the vehicle suspension system including front and rear vehicle support means for supporting the vehicle and any load carried by the vehicle, and at least one roll moment reaction means for providing a variable roll stiffness for the vehicle suspension system;

Abstract: Cart with a flat cargo platform (1), adapted to travel in the horizontal direction via foldable wheels (2, 2′) mounted respectively via one wheel fork (3, 3′), and with a vertically pivotable pole handle (11) which is connected to the bottom side (12) of the cargo platform (1) via a horizontally pivotable swivel mount (9). Each wheel fork (3, 3′) is mounted on the cargo platform (1) pivotable about an axle (4, 4′) parallel to cargo platform (1) and securable in an operating position projecting perpendicular to the bottom side (12) of the cargo platform (1) and at least one folded position parallel to the cargo platform (1). The pole handle (11) is linked to the swivel mount (9) in such a manner that it can be folded into a folded position parallel to the bottom side (12) of the cargo platform (1). The handle (11) can be secured in the folded in position.

Abstract: The Cleaning Industry has long needed a compact piece of equipment that would carry numerous Cleaning Hand Tools and Chemicals directly to the job site. Presently, the Janitor or Maid Carts are to large to enter most cleaning work areas. Much time is lost going back and forth to get Hand Tools and Chemicals from the large Maid Carts outside the door to Restrooms, Offices, Hospital Patients Rooms, etc. The Mobile Cleaning Caddy allow the Professional Cleaners the ability to have at their finger-tip the type of Cleaning Hand Tools and Chemicals necessary to complete any Cleaning Assignment in minimum time. The Mobile Cleaning Caddy allow you to complete Window Washing, Wall Washing, Restroom Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Hospital Patient Rooms, Commerical Kitchens and Eating Areas, High and Low Dusting, Lighting Tube Replacement, Carpet Spot and Stain Removal the ability to carry necessary Cleaning Hand Tools and Chemicals. It will easily fit through any door without the worry of scratching doors and door frames.

Abstract: A wheeled transport apparatus (10) for the storage and transport of a garbage can (100) wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a weighted base element (21) having a rearward portion provided with a handle element (24) and a wheel assembly (23) and further including a pair of arcuate capture arms (42) (43) slidably received in a hollow arcuate housing element (41) that is fixedly secured to the top surface (25) of the base element (21) whereby, the housing element (41) and the capture arms (42) (43) are adapted to completely surround the periphery of a garbage can (100) during transport from one location to another location.

Abstract: Interchangeable control panels for a gas cylinder cart, and a new cart frame for use therewith are disclosed. A method of reconfiguring the gas cylinder cart comprises disconnecting a first control panel from the frame and removably connecting a second control panel to the frame, wherein the first and second control panels comprise a first and second configuration of gas control devices arranged thereon respectively. A gas cylinder cart comprises a frame defining at least one bay shaped to receive a cylinder, a control panel removably connected to the frame, and at least one gas control device mounted on the control panel.