Abstract: A squeegee unit having a stirring squeegee and a leveling squeegee fixed thereto is rocked with the reciprocating operation of a transfer unit moving mechanism to cause the stirring squeegee and the leveling squeegee to approach the pan surface of a transfer unit on going and returning paths. Consequently, the stirring squeegee stirs a viscous fluid put on the transfer unit on the going path of the transfer unit and the leveling squeegee uniformly flattens the viscous fluid stirred on the going path to have a predetermined thickness on the returning path of the transfer unit, thereby forming a flat viscous fluid transfer surface on the transfer unit. By immersing the terminal portion of the electronic component in the viscous fluid transfer surface, the viscous fluid is transferred to the electronic component and the electronic component is then mounted in a predetermined mounting position.

Abstract: A method of attaching solder balls to a BGA package using a ball pickup tool is disclosed. An array of solder balls is formed on a first substrate for interconnecting with conductive sites on another substrate. The ball pickup tool picks up balls with a vacuum suction from a fluidized ball reservoir and utilizes a puff of gas to release the solder ball(s) carried thereon to conductive sites of a substrate for bonding thereto. In another embodiment, the bond pads of a substrate are coated with a flux or adhesive and lowered into a fluidized ball reservoir for direct attachment of solder balls.

Abstract: A method of joining tubular structures using friction welding is disclosed. The invention provides a method of joining a first tubular structure having a conical contact surface to a second tubular member with an elliptical contact orifice by placing the conical surface within the contact orifice, rotating one of the structures, and pressing them together to form a weld. The invention further discloses airbag inflators constructed using the method of the invention.

Abstract: A vacuum brazing method is disclosed for joining aluminum stock materials to each other. The typical cladding material utilized includes aluminum and a melting point lowering agent such as silicon. In addition, the cladding material typically includes magnesium to provide for enhanced wetting of the cladding material into the joint area. It has been found that adjusting the ratio of magnesium to calcium to a level of equal to or greater than 625 to 1 provides greatly enhanced brazed joint formation and reliability of the vacuum brazing method.

Abstract: A reclosable locking container and method for packaging dry materials, comprising a box formed from a foldable substrate and a molded reclosable, locking fitment, said fitment being lockable in the open or closed position. The container of the invention may be adapted to provide barrier packaging of materials to extend the shelf life thereof by incorporating a barrier material, fin seal closure elements and optionally a skived side seam, and a tearable perforated opening.

Abstract: An article for forming a box-like body, particularly for storage of media containers, comprising a sheet-like element that is folded so as to form a tubular body that can be flattened and forms two larger faces joined by an upper minor face and a lower minor face; an inner flap and an outer flap are provided respectively on one of the free edges of each one of the larger faces, and the flaps can be mutually overlapped in order to form the box-like body, the article further comprising, on the inner flap, a layer of self-adhesive material protected by a removable protective layer, means being further provided for removing the protective layer by way of automatic devices.

Abstract: A package having a locking mechanism and reinforced cell includes first, second, and third panels, wherein the first and third panels are foldable over each other. The reinforcing cell is defined by at least one flap of the third panel folded to have an edge engage an interior surface of the first panel. The locking mechanism is provided by an upper edge of the second panel being engaged by a top edge of the first panel. A push button provided on the second panel is used to disengage the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an envelope that includes a first portion of material, forming a first surface, a second portion of material, forming a second surface, the second portion being connected to the first portion at selected regions and a third portion of material, connected to the first portion and adapted to contact the second portion, the third portion having a flap that is removable to provide access to an aperture. The flap is fabricated from the same material as the third portion of material. A perforation located in proximity to the flap and adapted to facilitate opening of the envelope.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a mailbox is equipped with a RFID reader. The RFID reader receives a continuously transmitted signal from an RFID tag that contains an RF identifier. Upon receipt, the RFID reader compares the RF identifier in the signal to an RF identifier assigned to the mailbox. If a match is established, the mailbox is unlocked and access is permitted.

Abstract: A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface includes an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data. When the sensing device is placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, it senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data. The graphical information designated is at least partially indicative, to the user, of the operation. The operation indicated by the indicating data is then performed in the computer system.

Abstract: A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data.

Abstract: A system for authorizing a check cashing transaction between a consumer and a merchant using identity verification based on biometric information. A system comprises a central biometric information database containing biometric and personal identity-verifying data registered therein by a consumer and containing merchant identity-verifying data registered therein by a merchant. The system further comprises a merchant local device having a biometric reader and linked via a network to the central biometric information database. Using the biometric reader, a consumer desiring to cash a check presents biometric data to the central biometric information database via the biometric reader. The central biometric information database provides an electronic comparison of the present biometric data with the biometric data registered by the consumer. If the presented data and the registered data match, an approval signal is transmitted to the merchant local device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for a family of electronic devices based on the concept of a Personalized Authenticated Controller (PAC). The PAC is able to recognize characteristics of an authorized person and allows only that person to rapidly communicate authenticated identification and requests to access, control and transact with many “smart” Instrumentalities designed with compatible communication capabilities. The PAC is conveniently combined with an electronic wristwatch and worn by its user. Personal Smart Instrumentalities, such as vehicles and firearms, will operate without difficulty for their owners but become worthless if stolen. Commercial Smart Instrumentalities, such as merchants and banks, can quickly communicate with the customer's PAC to establish positive personal identification and optionally charge purchases or transfer funds. Various security features are incorporated to ensure authentication of the customer and integrity of the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting ticket data from mass transportation vehicles in which conductors on each vehicle collect tickets, scan in the ticket information into readers, and the readers on each vehicle transmit the ticket information back to a central computer. In some embodiments the central computer can also transmit data, such as expected passenger lists, to the readers.

Abstract: A fast scan axis for a high speed flat bed scanner has an elongated reciprocating table for securing the material to be scanned. The table is narrower than the material and portions of the material overhang the table. The overhanging portions are supported by stationary support surfaces with a plurality of air ports in the surface thereof for providing an air bearing support for the overhanging portions. The moving mass of the scanner is thus kept small enabling fast scanning of the material.

Abstract: A luminescent card and casing assembly has a luminescent card and a casing. The luminescent card has a plastic layer, a luminescent layer and a memory device. The luminescent card is inserted into the casing, the casing provides electricity to the luminescent card, and the luminescent card emits light. Only a few specific manufacturers make the luminescent layer so if criminals try to counterfeit any luminescent card device, law enforcement agents are able to trace the criminals through the luminescent layer manufacturers. The issuing banks and card companies do not lose money from any counterfeit cards.

Abstract: An Internet-based method of and system for monitoring, configuring and servicing planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based network remotely situated from and using any Internet-enabled client computing subsystem functioning as the network management station (NMS). The PLIIM based network (i) has a plurality of nodes, (ii) is operably interconnected to the infrastructure of the Internet, (iii) has set of parameters related to network, system and/or subsystem characteristics of said PLIIM-based network, and (iv) is capable of performing a predefined set of object identification and attribute acquisition functions in a network environment. The method comprising using the NMS to remotely monitor the set of parameters related to network, system and/or subsystem characteristics of the PLIIM-based network.

Abstract: A system for managing a plurality of local lists of a single user includes a compact user-carried smart card including a microprocessor and a memory storing a master list. The plurality of local lists is located at a plurality of remote appliances. Each appliance holds a corresponding local list and includes a card reader. The master list is configured for synchronizing with each local list. The microprocessor is programmed to synchronize the master list with the local list on a remote appliance when the smart card is engaged with the remote appliance card reader. Synchronization allows the user to carry the smart card with the master list stored in the smart card memory to various remote appliances and synchronize the master list with the various local lists of the appliances.

Abstract: A label to be attached on a plastic product formed in a mold and identifiable by a detecting device includes a soft circuit board, a protective layer and an adhesive layer. The soft circuit board has its outer surface provided with a radio frequency identifiable device (RFID). The protective layer is transparent, adhered on the outer surface of the soft circuit board for protecting and enabling RFID identified by a signal transmitted by a wireless detecting device. The adhering layer is made of a compound material and adhered on an inner layer for protecting the inner surface of the soft circuit board and the RFID as well. The label is attached on a plastic product during injecting molding process, widely usable for identifying an object affixed with the label by means of a detecting device.

Abstract: A sanitary mixing unit (1), in particular for wall installation, has a cartridge (6) with an outer housing (12), a flow adjustment device, a temperature adjustment device and a thermostatic device, in which the flow adjustment device has a fixed valve disc (13) and a rotatable valve disc (14) which co-acts with the fixed valve disc. A sanitary mixing unit which is of simple and economical construction and in which a functional matching of the inlet connections for hot and cold water can be matched to the locations of the hot and cold water supplies is provided by an inner housing (15), which can be coaxially rotated relative to the outer housing (15) having the thermostat device arranged in it, the rotatable valve disc (14) being fixed to the inner housing (15) and the fixed valve disc being fixed to the outer housing (12).

Abstract: The invention described herein is a framed fluid delivery device that is made up of a fluid-delivery cartridge for the timed-release delivery of a fluid contained therein, and a frame assembly for retaining the fluid delivery cartridge. The frame assembly is made up of a base portion that facilitates the delivery of fluid released from the fluid-delivery cartridge, at least one side panel associated with the base, and that secures the fluid-delivery cartridge within the frame assembly proximate the released fluid delivering means. Additionally, a fluid delivery device is disclosed that includes a fluid-delivery cartridge for the timed-release delivery of a fluid contained therein, the cartridge having a bottom, a top, and sides, and a dispersion pad positioned proximate the bottom of the fluid-delivery cartridge, wherein the dispersion pad at least partially surrounds the sides of the fluid-delivery cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid application system for a truck with a truck bed. The system includes a fluid source, a pump, and a spray unit with a nozzle. A sensor is also provided to output a vehicle detection signal including a vehicle profile signal. A controller is adapted to receive the vehicle detection signal, activate the pump to deliver the fluid to the spray unit in response to the vehicle profile signal when the profile signal indicates a first end of the material container portion, such as the start of the truck bed. The controller turns off the pump when the end of the material container portion of the vehicle is detected, or a pump timer expires.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment for removing residual material retained on the dispensing nozzle of a fluid dispenser, having a retainer adapted to releasably attach the nozzle attachment to a dispensing nozzle, and a pair of hollow-bodied nozzle attachment components that define, when nested together, an intervening space useful as a gas passageway for pressurized gaseous fluid introduced and directed to a discharge opening at a lower axial end of the nested nozzle attachment components. The gas passageway is adapted to emit gas introduced into the gas passageway as a gas stream in a manner effective to remove residual material clinging to the nozzle. Dispensers using the nozzle attachment are presented, including one using a truncated valve head.

Abstract: An exterior portion of the nozzle with a top side viewable from above the turf or ground surface mates with a base portion of the nozzle to define a nozzle orifice and a flow path leading to the nozzle orifice. The base portion has at least one projection that extends through an aperture in the exterior portion and provides an indication that is visible when viewing the top side and that represents a water distribution pattern and/or flow rate of the nozzle orifice. The exterior portion of the nozzle defines an inner arc section of the nozzle orifice and the base portion of the nozzle defines an outer arc section of the nozzle orifice that is radially spaced from the inner arc section. An improved water distribution pattern is achieved without the spikes and voids associated with conventional spray nozzle orifices.

Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.

Abstract: A bottle crushing system for breaking apart bottles into fragments includes an enclosure having an upper component containing region and a lower glass receptacle region separated from one another by a support panel. A crushing assembly includes a drive and a rotating crusher element operably connected thereto. The drive is disposed above the support panel, within the upper component containing region and the rotating crusher element is disposed below the support panel within the lower glass receptacle region. A chute assembly has an entrance opening in the enclosure for introducing bottles to the crushing system and traverses through an opening in the support panel. The chute system has a discharge at the crusher element that is positioned immediately above the rotational path of the crusher element. The chute system includes a pair of baffle element sets.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as a portion of a refining surface of a rotatable refining disk is disclosed. The apparatus includes a refining segment having a periphery and being mountable on a rotatable refining disk in juxtaposition with an opposing refiner disk for treating lignocellulosic material in the gap between the disks, and at least one cleaner protruding from the periphery of the refining segment between that periphery and the refiner housing surrounding the refiner whereby lignocellulosic material is cleared from the outer periphery of the refining disk upon its rotation.

Abstract: A jaw crusher unit for use in crushing stone and other crushable material has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which define a crushing zone therebetween. A drive mechanism coupled with the movable jaw operates to rock the movable jaw to and fro to crush material in the crushing zone. A link mechanism sets a space between the lower end of the movable jaw and the fixed jaw and thereby controls the discharge of crushed material from the lower end of the crushing zone. A removable wear plate is mounted on a mounting face of at least one of the jaws by a wedge arrangement coupled with a power-operated linear actuator. The linear actuator moves the wear place into and out of engagement with the mounting face to facilitate replacement of the wear plate.

Abstract: A centrifugal braking device for a bait casting reel. A spool has a spool shaft which is rotatably coupled to a reel body. A brake housing is coupled to one end of the spool shaft to be rotated integrally with the spool and has sliding grooves. Brake elements are slidably received in the sliding grooves to be rotated integrally with the spool. A brake drum can be brought into frictional contact with the brake shoes to selectively limit rotation of the brake housing to some extent. The brake elements are positioned differently from one another by a predetermined angle along a circumferential direction and slidably received in the sliding grooves, respectively. A frictional force between outer end surfaces of the brake elements and an inner surface of the brake drum is selectively increased or decreased depending upon a rotation direction of the brake elements.

Abstract: A sound generating mechanism 60 includes a sounding member 61, a retaining member 62, a sounding pin 64, and a coil spring 65. The sounding member 61 includes a disk portion 61a formed into a ring shape, a plurality of sounding concavities 61b formed circumferentially apart on the disk portion 61a, and engagement portions 61c integrally formed with the disk portion 61a. The retaining member 62 prevents the sounding member 61 from falling off. The sounding pin 64 is mounted in the knob member 56 at a position opposite at least one of the sounding concavities 61b so as to be movable toward and away from the sounding concavities 61b. The coil spring 65 urges the sounding pin 64 toward the sounding concavities 61b. The sounding pin 64 is unlikely to fall off when the knob member 56 is attached to or removed from the knob mounting portion 52.

Abstract: A U-shaped frame for a seat belt retractor has two spaced arms made from a material of a predetermined thickness and having a cutout in the material of each arm for receiving a lockbar. Each cutout has an edge comprising a land portion for supporting the lockbar, which land portion is of a reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the material of the arms, to present a reduced surface area to the lockbar. The frame may be of pressed steel and the lockbar of die-cast non-ferrous material.

Abstract: A sensor for triggering a vehicle occupant restraint system, in particular a locking mechanism of a belt retractor, comprises an inertia body, a lower shell in which the inertia body is received, and an upper shell which rests on the inertia body and into which it projects. The upper shell is part of a pivotally mounted sensor lever which swings on displacement of the inertia body and activates the locking mechanism. At least one of the shells has at least one projecting support section for abutment of the inertia body.

Abstract: A paper roll dispenser comprising a tube having an open upper end through which rolls may be introduced and an open lower end through which dispensed rolls may be retrieved. The tube is adapted to hold a plurality of rolls comprising at least a lowermost roll and a roll upwardly adjacent the lowermost roll. A lever member is supported on the tube to pivot on the tube, and is pivotable between a retaining position (in which a lower end of the level engages the lowermost roll and an upper end of the lever is spaced from the upwardly adjacent roll) and a dispensing position (in which the lower end of the lever is spaced from the lowermost roll and the upper end of the lever engages the upwardly adjacent roll). Also provided is a biasing device biasing the lever from the dispensing position to the retaining position.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for aircraft fuselages that consists of placing longitudinal vertical or slanted fins or plates on the lower and lateral lower part of the whole fuselage, said fins forming a channel with the underside of the fuselage, including nose, fuselage and tail, open on their lower area. Further adding longitudinal horizontal or laterally slanted fins on the lateral middle or middle-to-low area of the fuselage and with a positive slope up to the nose with said fins arranged in such a way that the upper fins are projected increasingly laterally, and because of this arrangement and their slope up to the nose, the air flow is directed downward and backward.

Abstract: A contact support suitable for mounting on a cycle brake control cable, the support comprising: a first portion which is fixed relative to the cycle frame, said fixed portion having a first contact surface; a second portion which is movable relative to the cycle frame, and suitable for being secured to the cable, said moving portion presenting a second contact surface; the support comprising connection means between the fixed portion and the moving portion, said connection means being suitable for being deformed elastically between: an extreme relaxed state for the support in which the contact surfaces are spaced apart from each other; and a tensioned state for the support in which the contact surfaces press against each other, the connection means then being elastically deformed.

Abstract: An improved structure (stand) for providing flexibility for holding and mounting components, such as microscopes and cameras, in order to eliminate disruptions from undesirable vibrations and tilting of the mounted component. The stand uses a vertical stand member, and a horizontal arm member movably positioned in both vertical and horizontal orientations relative to the stand member. Adjustable brackets and associated clamps are utilized.

Abstract: The fast-acting clamp for a musical instrument is selectively attached to an extending support and has a bracket, a connector, a threaded rod and a positioning assembly. The bracket is U-shaped. The connector is attached to the bracket. The threaded rod extends through the bracket. The positioning assembly has a base, a primary retainer, a secondary retainer and two springs. The base is attached to the bracket. The primary retainer is mounted pivotally on the base and has a tab, a semicircular notch and two edges. The secondary retainer is mounted pivotally on the base and has a semicircular notch and two edges. The springs connect to the base and the retainers to press the retainers inward. The tab is pressed to release the threaded rod so the fast-acting clamp can be quickly attached to or released from an extending support.

Abstract: A seat adjuster system includes a shaft and an elongated member. In another aspect of the present invention, the member is a lever which is attached to the shaft by an interference fit. A further aspect of the present invention employs hydro-forming of the shaft to attach the member to the shaft, which is preferably a torsion tube for an automotive seat.

Abstract: A device and method for locating the point on a wall at which a nail, or other wire suspending element, is to be installed for the hanging of pictures and the like. The device includes a retrieval arm operable for engaging the framing wire of a picture and a wall striking element operable for marking on a wall the place for a nail or other hardware to be secured. The device also includes a flanged assembly operable for receiving the retrieval arm and selectively engaging and disengaging the retrieval arm. The flanged assembly is disposed for promotional information or attachments.

Abstract: This invention provides a pinch valve having a pinch region defined by a pair of rotating pinch elements. These pinch elements define a variable profile that substantially surrounds the entire circumference of a tube in the pinch region and that thereby ensures that the tube is always returned to the desired opening size at all valve adjustment settings in a range from fully open to fully closed. More particularly, the pinch elements are provided with a pinch region that defines a surface geometry that includes a continuously variable-length (ramping) linear segment, disposed at a continuously variable depth (ramping from full open to fully pinched), that pinches the walls into a pair of opposed parallel lines throughout the majority of their rotational movement/adjustment range.

Abstract: A valve for a pressurized container includes a valve housing having a central bore and a port in the for connection of a nozzle. Preferably, the valve has a unidirectional stepped valve housing. In the housing is a central bore that includes an upper portion, lower portion and a middle portion. The lower portion is narrower than the middle portion which in turn is narrower than the upper portion. The port is provided in the middle portion of said housing to facilitate connection of a nozzle to the valve. The valve has a t-stem with a lower end having a key-way and a cavity for receiving the upper portion of the valve seat. The valve seat provides the primary valve seal when the valve is closed. The upper portion of the valve seat has a geometry for engaging the t-stem to provide a locked assembly.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly that is implemented in a fully-electric configuration includes two rails and an armature that is moveably disposed between, and electrically coupled to, each of the rails. The armature is configured to couple to a valve element and is moveable between at least a first position and a second position, to thereby move the valve element to at least the open and closed positions, respectively. Upon application of an electrical potential of a first or second polarity across the rails, a current flows through the armature in a first or a second direction, respectively, to thereby generate a Lorentz force. The Lorentz force acts on the armature to move it to the first or second position, and thus move the valve element to the open or closed position, respectively.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a fully-integrated actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes, within a single housing assembly, a torque source, a position sensor, a gear train, and an output shaft. The torque source is adapted to receive one or more position control signals and, in response, to supplies a drive force. The position sensor is coupled to receive the drive force and, in response, supplies a signal representative of valve position. The output shaft is coupled to receive the drive force from the torque source, and thereby selectively moves the valve, upon receipt of the drive force, between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing a railway tank car valve (V1, V2, V3, V4), characterized by improved convenience in mounting on a tank car dome (160) and adaptability to various dome geometries, valve configurations, and car-to-car dimensional variations. A clamp assembly (52) mounts assembly (50) on dome (160). An adapter (90) operated by a motor (58) acting through a torque limiter (88) turns a valve handle (A1, A2, A3, A4) when motor (58) runs. A positioning mechanism (54) selectively positions adapter (90) relative to clamp assembly (52) to establish a spatial relationship between them for enabling clamp assembly (52) to be placed at a desired location on the dome wall (162) and adapter (90) to engage a valve handle. Positioning mechanism (54) comprises three degrees of freedom of motion for establishing the spatial relationship of adapter (90) to clamp assembly (52), two of which are in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A pantograph jack includes a base, a load rest, first and second lower arms each pivotably coupled at a first end to the base, and first and second upper arms each pivotably coupled at a first end to the load rest. Second ends of the first lower and upper arms are pivotably coupled at a first joint. Second ends of the second lower and upper arms are pivotably coupled at a second joint. A screw extends between the joints and operably moves the joints toward and away from each other upon rotation of the screw to raise and lower the load rest. A bearing spacer includes a flange forming a bearing engagement surface at a first end and a second end engaging the second joint. The drive screw has an abutment facing the bearing engagement surface. A bearing is located between the bearing engagement surface and the abutment.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and aligning a blade to a support, such as a grader moldboard or a scraper bowl. In one aspect the invention is an apparatus with a frame, flexible hoisting means for holding the blade, a drum to which each flexible hoisting means is attached, a stabilizing means for stabilizing the apparatus, and a drive means for rotating the drums. In another aspect, the invention is a method for lifting a blade to a support, which involves inserting flexible hoisting means through different apertures of a support and the corresponding apertures in the blade, and providing means to controllably reduce the length of the flexible hoisting means while holding the blade. The apparatus and method can be used by one person to lift, line up, and securely bolt a blade to a support.

Abstract: A gas charging unit for adding gas to a liquid polyurethane component, in particular a filler-laden polyurethane component of a polyurethane injection molding unit, includes a mixing vessel having an inlet opening and receiving a liquid polyurethane component via the inlet opening. Arranged in the mixing vessel in alignment with the inlet opening and axially adjustable in relation to the inlet opening is at least one movable mixing element to mix the polyurethane component fed into the mixing vessel with gas injected into the polyurethane component via a nozzle.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: The invention concerns a damping device for damping the kinetic energy of movable cabinet components, which has a first damping element with a first cylinder that has a first piston, which slides lengthwise in it, and at least one more (second) damping element with a second cylinder that has a second piston, which slides lengthwise in it. Both damping elements are located one behind the other in a serial arrangement and form an integral system. The invention is characterized by the fact that each of the two damping elements are each designed as pneumatic (air) dampers, and a compression chamber and an expansion chamber respectively contain variable volumes; whereby, the damping effects of the damping elements are affected by the guide canals, which control the air distribution and air flow within and between the compression chambers and/or expansion chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.