Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A tandem drive axle set includes a forward drive axle and a rear drive axle coupled to the forward drive axle with a connecting driveshaft where input torque is distributed to both the forward and rear drive axles without differential action. The forward drive axle includes a pinion gear that is directly coupled to a forward driveline connector at an outboard end and directly coupled to or integrally formed with through shaft at an inboard end. The through shaft is coupled to the connecting driveshaft at a forward drive axle output. The through shaft and pinion gear are coaxial. The pinion gear includes a head portion and a shaft portion. A bearing set rotatably supports the pinion gear and includes a first bearing located outboard of the head portion and a second bearing located inboard of the head portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting structure in which an upper radiator of a vehicle is mounted on a chassis. The mounting structure includes: a frame installed right and left sides of an upper tank of a radiator; an insulator inserted on the frame, and having a groove for receiving a pin in its center; a mounting hole formed on a front end carrier positioned on an upper portion of the radiator; a pin inserted into the groove for receiving pin and the mounting hole, for fixing the upper portion of the radiator in the front end carrier. Therefore, the radiator is easily joined to a chassis.

Abstract: A robot cleaner capable of returning to an external recharging device.

Abstract: In a steering angle detection device for an electric power steering apparatus, a steering wheel shaft rotation angle is derived by calculating a rotation angle signal which corresponds to a rotation angle of a steering wheel shaft within a single rotation, based upon detection signals of first and second resolvers which detect the rotation angle of the steering wheel shaft and which have different pole pair numbers. A third resolver detects, as a motor rotation angle, a rotation angle of an output shaft of an electric motor that imparts assistance force to an output member of a steering gear having a reduction ratio that varies in accordance with a steering angle of the steering wheel from a straight ahead position.

Abstract: The speaker has a diaphragm main body 30 supported resiliently on a frame 23 via an edge portion 31 around its outer circumference, and the groove ribs 35 integrally formed in the edge portion 31, wherein a regulation member 37 for partially improving a flexural strength of the edge portion 31 is provided on a part of the front or back face of the edge portion 31.

Abstract: A sound producing rock having a matching body and a cap such that the cap is supported above the body in a spaced relationship to give the illusion that the cap and body are a monolithic structure. The cap and body are produced by sawing the cap from the body. A cavity is formed in the body by drilling a borehole in the body which extends downwardly from the flat body surface. A speaker is mounted in the cavity to project sound upwardly against the flat surface of the cap so that sound is projected outwardly from the space formed between the cap and body.

Abstract: An emergency stairway escape apparatus permitting wheelchairs to egress a multi-story building via a stairway comprises a ramp platform of sufficient width to cover at least half of each stair tread and of sufficient length to span from an upper landing to a lower landing of said stairway. A latch is mounted to an outward wall for impinging the ramp platform in a stowed position and releasing the ramp platform to a deployed position. A plurality of hinges are used for affixing an edge of the ramp platform to the outward wall and permit an arcuate release of the ramp platform to a deployed position. A motion retarding reel is mounted to an upper landing wall, the reel comprising high strength cable outwardly dischargeable in a linear manner and self-retracting, the cable comprising a hook attachable to a wheelchair, the reel controlling ascent and descent along the ramp platform.

Abstract: A support device may be used by a technician when performing elevated line work, for example. The support device may include a shaft having a first end and a second end and threads disposed at the first end of the shaft for use in securing the device to a pole. The support device further may include at least one rigid support member disposed on the second end of the shaft for supporting an object from the device and a pusher attached to the second end of the shaft and adapted to drive the support device into the pole. The pusher may include a driving end adapted to receive force applied from a piston of a powder driven tool, an extension portion extending from the driving end and contacting the support device.

Abstract: A device (10) which assists a person (P) in working on the engine (E) of a vehicle (V) includes a base member (11) which rests on the ground and has a socket (17) extending upwardly therefrom. A post assembly (23) includes a stem portion (24) which is selectively positionable within the socket (17). The stem portion (24) is provided with a plurality of opposed spaced apertures (27), and a pin (28) is inserted through a selected of the opposed apertures (27) and through apertures in the socket (17) to adjust the height of the device (10). A step (29) is carried by the stem portion (24) at a selected height by a pin (31) received through the selected apertures (27) and through apertures in a flange (30) carried by the step (29).

Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.

Abstract: A self-lubrication cable assembly includes a cable with a sheath mounted thereto and an end cap is connected to an end of the sheath. The end cap has a chamber defined therein and a plurality of lubrication rings are received in the chamber and mounted to the cable which extends through the end cap. A hole is defined radially through a wall of the end cap and communicates with the chamber. A protection sleeve is movably mounted to the end cap and covers the hole.

Abstract: A pump is situated between the hydraulic drive and the accumulator, this pump being driven by a motor and conveying hydraulic oil from the hydraulic drive to the accumulator and vice versa without the presence of control valves which influence the flow of hydraulic oil, such as proportionally pilot-operated valves. Since the pump is subjected to the pressure Pz in the cylinder line and the pressure Ps in the accumulator line, the motor of the pump only has to work against the differential pressure and in certain operating states, can even function as a generator and release electrical energy through a power output device controlling it. The speed of the car is controlled through the control of the motor alone by a control and regulation device, through the power output device.

Abstract: A vehicle chocking system includes a control panel positionable within a vehicle for remotely operating the system. The system further includes a housing and a power source for supplying power to the system. The housing includes a motor disposed therein and electrically connected to the control panel. The system further includes a chock arm pivotally connected to the motor and a tire chock connected to the chock arm and engageable with a vehicle tire for preventing same from rotating in a predetermined direction. The chock arm includes an elongated pin connected thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. The tire chock has a slot formed therein for receiving the pin so that the tire chock can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a vehicle tire. The system further includes a plurality of collars securable to each other and engageable about a vehicle axle for assisting to maintain same at a non-rotating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake with self-boosting by means of a wedge mechanism. An actuating force is exerted on the friction brake lining via toothing sets that mesh with one another. By means of an engagement angle of the toothing sets, a favorable force introduction angle of the actuating force on the friction brake lining can be attained. In addition, by using a nonround gear wheel and/or a non-straight rack as the toothing sets, flaring of a caliper upon braking and an infeeding motion of the friction brake lining transversely to a brake disk can be compensated for.

Abstract: A disk-brake unit which has an unusual ability to operate safely as well as a simple construction and which is intended to be fitted in vehicles, comprises a caliper body extending astride a braking disk, at least one pair of pads facing the disk on opposite sides and restrained on the caliper body by suspension on a pin, each pad having a support plate for a friction lining, and stop region formed in the plates and facing respective complementary stop section formed in the caliper body for restraining the pads in a direction tangential to the disk, the unit further comprising between the pin and the at least one pair of pads, a single element for constantly maintaining the suspension of the pads on the pin and simultaneously constantly urging each pad both towards the complementary stop section and away from the braking disk.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor is provided which is balanced by removal of metal from between two opposed friction faces of the rotor. The friction faces are provided by two discs which are separated from each other by radially extending ribs.

Abstract: The floating brake rotor assembly with non-load bearing pins includes a brake rotor and hub that are coplanar and are interconnected by pin and spring assemblies such that the pins do not bear rotational torque being transferred between the brake rotor and hub. The rotor has tooth-like protruding members along its inner edge that mate with recesses along the outer edge of the hub. When aligned, each protruding member and corresponding recess forms an aperture through which a pin is positioned, and allows for transfer of rotational torque without applying load force to the pin.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle includes an outer body including a cavity having an axis, and an inner body situated partially within the cavity for relative movement into the cavity when the absorber is subjected to an impact. The inner body has at least one lateral protrusion. A number of deformable units are located in the outer body at different positions along the cavity. The deformable units partially protrude into the cavity for successive engagements and deformations, one unit after another unit, along the cavity, by the protrusion of the inner body moving into the outer body, thereby absorbing the energy of an impact in different stages. Each deformable unit includes a rigid ball protruding into the cavity and a deformable plate fixed behind the ball.

Abstract: The axial displacement of the clutch retainer 28 of the roller clutch 10 is prevented. And, part of the clutch retainer 28 is prevented from rubbing the portion which rotates together with the follower pulley 7 to suppress the heat generation during overrun. Accordingly, grease degradation is prevented and durability and reliability are improved. Bevel is formed on the inner periphery of the outer clutch-race 25 of the roller clutch 10 and on the outer periphery of rollers 26 at an axial end thereof. Accordingly, the circumferential location of the rollers 26 is properly maintained and the installation of the outer clutch-race 25 on the outer diameter side of the rollers 26 and so the assembling process thereof become easy.

Abstract: A heat engine motor vehicle, having a reaction plate, a friction disc, a pressure plate, a cover, the pressure plate being two half-plates, axially mobile relative to each other, under the action of device compensating play resulting from wear which comprises a pair of complementary ramps circumferentially arranged axially associated respectively with each of the two half-plates one of the ramps being designed to move circumferentially relative to the other ramp in the direction increasing the thickness of the pressure plate, and prevented from moving in the other direction by a one-way mechanism, one of the ramps being arranged at the periphery of an inertial part. A monitoring mechanism, is provided to control the wear compensation device.

Abstract: An automatic clutch consisting of a centrifugally actuated pressure plate apparatus axially moveable relative to a clutch inner hub and rotationally coupled to a clutch outer basket. As the engine spins the clutch outer basket, the rotational coupling between the clutch outer basket and the centrifugal pressure plate causes the centrifugal pressure plate to move axially relative to the clutch inner hub and apply a force to driven clutch plates and driving clutch plates. The force exerted by the centrifugal pressure plate upon driven clutch plates and driving clutch plates causes the plates to couple, forcing engagement between the engine and transmission. Optionally, a variable spring tension may be applied through the clutch release mechanism to adjust the engine speed at which the clutch begins to engage.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a bilaterally symmetrical machine such as a vehicle or aircraft is provided to precisely control and vary engine power delivered to a pair of opposed drive mechanisms of the assembly. Each drive mechanism includes a first differential clutch connected with a power source via a power splitter, a drive element such as a wheel or propeller connected with the first differential clutch, and a first braking device connected with the first differential clutch to independently control the delivery of power to the drive element. A second differential clutch may be provided for each drive mechanism to control movement of the drive mechanism in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A system which will allow a bill acceptor and dispenser to be incorporated into a vending machine operating on a standardized vending machine protocol to allow the vending machine to dispense change in the form of coins and/or currency according to the amount of change to be dispensed and the availability of specific denominations of coins and currency.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. A means for flagging bills meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to a determination that a bill meets or fails to meet the criteria.

Abstract: A work fixing device in which the load of the conveyor is not increased even when using a fixed magnet. The work fixing device comprises: plurality of plates, on each plate of the plurality of plates a work with a ferromagnetic portion being mounted; a transporter for endlessly connecting and circulating the plurality of plates; at least one machining head provided above the transporter, a magnet fixed to the transporter, the magnet fixing the work, which is transported by the transporter, through magnetic force on each plate of the plurality of plates within a working range of the machining head; and a nonmagnetic clearance holder for separating the magnet and the work from each other at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: An pneumatic tensioner apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: a main drive belt; a chuck assembly, suspended from the main drive belt, having a spinning member and a drive contact portion; a first frictional drive belt in a first track, the first frictional drive belt in contact with the drive contact portion operative to spin the chuck assembly; and a first tension adjusting device having at least one pneumatic tension adjustment member operative to apply pressure to the first frictional drive belt tangentially to the drive contact portion.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting load carriers, having load-bearing members which are spaced apart parallel to one another on frame parts and are intended for accommodating drivable load-bearing elements which form longitudinally running load-bearing tracks for the load carriers resting on the load-bearing elements. The conveyor may include modular-construction conveying units, and each load-bearing element of at least two laterally spaced-apart load-bearing members of each conveyor unit may comprise an endlessly circulating load-bearing belt, which bears the load carriers and which is supported on load-bearing rollers mounted on the load-bearing members. The conveyor may be provided for transporting load carriers and may be suitable for conveying the load carriers both longitudinally and transversely. The conveyor may transport the load carriers with a lower level of noise, and may allow a high throughput even of large loads.

Abstract: Activatable point of sale cards in which multiple cards can be mounted on a display sheet for use in display or shipment applications. Several cards can be included in the package, with each card being associated with a unique account. The card accounts may be conveniently activated by orienting a data field on the display sheet that is associated with the accounts which can be used to activate all of the accounts in one transaction.

Abstract: The first aid kit of the present invention includes a case that includes means for providing quick access to the contents carried by the case. The case further provides, on the inside, a plurality of regions, defining compartments, arranged in an accordion style columnar array. Contained in the compartments are packs which are specifically designed with products appropriate for a particular first aid situation arranged according to a system of medical priorities following the principle of triage, from the most serious to the least serious first aid situation. The first aid kit further provides an guidebook that contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained in each pack as well as instructions on use of the products for different types of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes an overview card that is an overview of the components of the first aid kit, identifying each of the packs for quick reference in a first aid situation.

Abstract: A container system for storing and presenting craft materials for organizing, ready access and inspection of the craft materials. The container system for storing and presenting craft materials includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending upwardly form the bottom wall defining an interior space, and a plurality of lateral dividers positioned within the housing subdividing the interior space.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (1) has a vertically extending housing (2) with an upper housing segment (3). A separator (6) with a separator wheel is located in the upper housing segment along with a carrier gas/product inlet (7), and a carrier gas/fines discharge (8). A lower housing segment (5) is equipped with a coarse grain discharge (14). In order to increase the operating range of the cyclone separator, the lower opening of the central built-in element (10) is located at the level of the conical middle housing segment (4) and that below the lower opening is disposed a conical built-in element (11), which has the shape of a cone expanding in downward direction.

Abstract: A screening panel 10 comprises a peripheral frame 12 consisting of a pair of mutually laterally spaced side members 14, 16, which are integral with a pair of mutually axially spaced end members 18, 20. The side members 14, 16 and end members 18, 20 define corners of the panel 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 and the peripheral frame 12 where they meet. A plurality of mutually spaced ribs 15 extend across the periphery of the panel 10 to define a screening surface. The side members and end members are rectangular in cross-section, thereby defining substantially flat upper peripheral surfaces 12.1, outer peripheral surface 12.2 and lower peripheral surface 12.3 of the peripheral frame 12 and thus also the panel 10. The panel 10 includes locating recesses 24 provided at or near to the corners 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 of the panel 10. The panel 10 also has separate securing recesses in the form of semi-circular grooves 30 formed in the lower surface 12.

Abstract: A swimming pool debris trap having an externally operable venting mechanism for reducing pressure or vacuum in the trap.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological contaminants, such as fluids containing including bacteria and/or viruses, where the fluid water is passed through a purification material composed of apatite and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: A baby bottle assembly including a nipple having a substantially flat membrane defining multiple pinholes for controlling the flow of liquid. The nipple is mounted on a cap that screws onto the bottle body. The nipple is formed from a suitable elastomeric material (e.g., soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or silicone) such that the membrane stretches when subjected to a differential pressure. The pinholes are formed by puncturing the membrane while subjecting the membrane to radial tension, and using one or more pins having a substantially circular cross-section and sized such that each pinhole is closed by the surrounding elastomeric material when the pins are removed.

Abstract: A transfer set for transferring fluids from a first container, such as a conventional vial, to a second container, such as a conventional syringe. The transfer set includes an integral tubular housing having a tubular collar surrounding the rim of the vial, a radial portion sealingly engaging the stopper in the vial, an integral tubular transfer member and an outer tubular portion surrounding at least the distal portion of the tubular transfer member, a piercing member within the tubular transfer member and a closure releasably retaining the distal end of the piercing member.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing cards and other items. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least first and second card hoppers and a movable card carriage. The card carriage is movable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position proximate to the second card hopper. The card carriage is configured to receive a first card from the first card hopper when in the first position and a second card from the second card hopper when in the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the card carriage can dispense at least the first card into a card outlet chute when the first card has been sufficiently read by a card reader. Alternatively, the card carriage can dispense the first card into a card escrow chute when the first card has not been sufficiently read by the card reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulically and volumetrically dispensing target fluid. A hydraulic system includes an actuator, a hydraulic coupler that includes substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid, and a container. The container may include a slidable or movable plunger or wall that when moved forces the target fluid out of the container. The actuator includes a motor or driver, such as a step motor, linear actuator, servomotor, pneumatic motor, or other similar device, to drive a plunger or piston of the hydraulic coupler. The coupler includes a conduit, column, shaft or other leak proof assembly that acts as a conduit for the substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid and includes a plunger or piston that is selectively pushed by the incompressible hydraulic liquid, thereby driving a head of the plunger or piston to press against the wall or plunger of the container or syringe that contains the target fluid or against the target fluid, causing the target fluid to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A fouling resistant fluid dispensing assembly including a metering device and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly generally includes a nozzle holder including a body defining a cylindrical bore. The nozzle has a cylindrical portion proportioned to be inserted into the cylindrical bore in a close fitting relationship. The nozzle holder is pierced by a passage oriented substantially perpendicular to the bore axis and passing through the cylindrical bore on a non-diametrical chord and the nozzle has a complementary passage that can be aligned with the nozzle holder passage. Once the holder passage and the nozzle passage are aligned, a retaining member proportioned to pass through the nozzle holder passage and the nozzle passage retains the nozzle in the cylindrical bore. The fluid dispensing assembly further includes a floating head and a mass distribution to maintain a viscous fluid at a desired temperature.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a liquid delivery system is provided that includes a first liquid delivery module adapted to store and dispense a first chemical and a second liquid delivery module adapted to store and dispense a second chemical. The liquid delivery system further includes at least one connecting mechanism coupled to the first and second delivery modules and adapted to couple the first and second delivery modules to a substrate processing device. Each delivery module includes a vessel including a first chamber and a second chamber. The vessel is configured to receive a liquid from a bulk supply and to receive a pressurized flow of gas from a gas source. Each liquid delivery module also includes a valve assembly operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber during a non-refill state and to prevent fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber during a refill state.

Abstract: A cane with a pepper spray dispenser. The cane comprises a horizontal handle and a vertical member. The vertical member is preferably permanently attached to the handle near a first end thereof. A substantially cylindrical cap covers the bottom portion of the vertical member and provides firm traction. A container of pressurized pepper spray extends vertically from the handle to the vertical member. A button is in fluid communication with the container and is located along the upper surface thereof. In its closed position, a cover shields the button from the external environment and prevents it from being accidentally activated. The user can slide the cover into an open position along a pair of tracks in the handle, aim the nozzle near the eyes of the criminal and depress the button. The released pepper spray incapacitates the attacker for a significant period of time and allows the user to escape.

Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief value permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or values.

Abstract: A syringe is provided for the delivery of controlled, metered amounts of any of numerous different substances to humans or animals, such as medicaments, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, or to deliver materials which may react upon exposure to air, such as glue. The syringes include a body and a plunger. Means are provided in the syringe body and the plunger to effect controlled movement of the plunger into the syringe to permit delivery of a pre-determined amount of the substance contained in the syringe. A one-way valve is provided at the dispensing tip of the syringe to hermetically seal the portion of the syringe containing the substance to be dispensed.

Abstract: To provide a movable body feeding apparatus at a low cost by reducing a number of parts and making manufacturing process such as a molding, an assembling or the like simpler, the apparatus employs a tubular body (8) obtained by integrally forming a thread tube (8a), a ratchet gear (8e) in a side of a main body tube (1) and an elastic body (8b), instead of the conventional structure that a pair of ratchet gears are arranged between an engaging mechanism in a side of a main body tube and a compression coil spring, in which it is necessary to separate the engaging mechanism side and the compression coil spring side, and three parts (a plurality of parts) are required.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pressing the sleeves of a shirt and the pleated areas of the sleeves adjacent the cuffs during the same pressing operation.

Abstract: An ETC tag holder for motorcycles is provided. A securing case comprises a back panel with a bottom surface extending outwardly at a substantially right angle. A receptacle wall extending upwardly from the outer edges of the bottom surface, and along its length, connect with the back panel to form a hollow receptacle for removably receiving an ETC tag. The case is mounted onto a motorcycle by an engaging portion that securedly engages the back panel and a clamping portion for clamping onto a cylindrical part of a motorcycle.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool having a reciprocating driver blade and a nosepiece, and being configured for sequentially feeding fasteners to the nosepiece for engagement by the driver blade for subsequent driving into a workpiece, each fastener defining a plane, further includes a deformation formation in the nosepiece configured for engaging a portion of each of the fasteners so that upon impact of the fastener by the driver blade, the engaged fastener portion is deformed in a direction transverse to the plane to define a deformed portion, the deformed portion configured for providing a clamping force upon at least one of the workpiece and a workpiece material being secured to the workpiece. A fastener is provided for use in such a tool and includes a crown configured so that, upon impact with at least one of the workpiece and the workpiece material, the crown has a nonlinear configuration.

Abstract: A nail box of a nail driver comprises a main casing; a lower side of the main casing being installed with a firmly secured with a first magnetic element; a sub-casing pivotally installed to the main casing as so to form a casing; a lower side of the sub-casing being formed with an inclined resisting portion; a receiving unit for receiving a plurality of nails; a lower side of the receiving unit being firmly secured with a second magnetic element; one lateral side of a lower portion of the receiving unit being formed with a push portion corresponding to the inclined resisting portion of the sub-casing. The receiving unit is installed below the main casing and received in the casing; the same polarity of magnetic elements of the receiving unit and the main casing are oppositely arranged so as to generate an impulsive force.

Abstract: A tilt top anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling device for performing end-to-end anastomosis of tissue. The tilt top anvil assembly included an anvil head, a center rod and a biasing member. The anvil head is pivotally secured to the center rod about a transverse axis which is offset from the longitudinal axis of the center rod. The biasing member is supported on the anvil assembly at a position to urge the anvil head to a tilted reduced profile position. The anvil assembly includes a first abutment surface which is operatively connected to the anvil head is movable into engagement with a second abutment surface formed on a surgical stapling device during approximation of the anvil assembly to move the anvil head from the tilted reduced profile position to an operative firing position. When the anvil assembly is moved to the unapproximated or spaced position, the biasing member is positioned to return the anvil assembly back to its tilted reduced profile position.