Abstract: A submersible vehicle comprising a plurality of rigid submersible vessels 2, 3, some of which, 2, include propulsion means and some of which, 3, do not include propulsion means, the rigid submersible vessels being coupled by resilient couplings which are adapted to transmit pulling and braking forces between adjacent rigid submersible vessels. Steering means and position sensing means is provided on at least some of the submersible vessels whereby to ensure that the following submersible vessels follow exactly the lead vessel to avoid fixed obstructions.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a tube (2) having opposed ends with at least one of the opposed ends having a reservoir (10a, 10b) for storing a reactant or an indicator, a transport system (12) extending from the reservoir to the other of the opposed ends of the tube (2) for transporting at least one of the reactant or the indicator until they contact each other, a reactant, and an indicator which when in contact with the reactant via the transport means (12) emits an observable change in property wherein the minimum length of the period of time corresponds to the time it takes for the reactant and indicator to contact each other. Thc tube (2) has a shape which undergoes at least two material changes of direction exceeding 90° and up to 180° from one of the opposed ends to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food and water to animals having a feeding component with an upper reservoir for receiving food therein, a watering component with a lower reservoir for receiving water therein and a water control system having a fluid level regulator to maintain the level of water in the lower reservoir. The upper reservoir is removably supported above the lower reservoir by a support mechanism interconnecting the feeding and watering components. In one configuration, the support mechanism is a post attached to the bottom of the upper reservoir sized and configured to be received in a post connector at the bottom of the lower reservoir. The fluid level regulator can comprise a float level system having a fluid valve connected to float by an actuating arm. A hose can be connected to a connector at an inlet on one of the lower reservoir's sidewalls.

Abstract: The suspended bird-feed catcher of the present invention includes a pan suitable for receiving and holding bird feed that falls out of a bird feeder and prevents the bird feed from falling to the ground. The pan is suspended from the same apparatus from which the bird feeder is suspended so the pan can be easily removed without disrupting the bird feeder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head comprising a water jacket that is delimited by a flame deck and an oil deck in a water-cooled reciprocating engine with cylinders that are arranged in series, each of said cylinders having at least one intake valve comprising intake ducts and two exhaust valves, whose exhausts open into exhaust ducts, in addition to a receptacle for a fuel injector or a spark plug that is located between the intake valve and the exhaust valves. The cylinder head is characterised in that a system of channels is provided at least in the vicinity of the exhaust side of each cylinder in order to conduct the coolant in the water jacket, whereby the coolant supply is conducted through said system from the exterior on one side of the exhaust duct towards the receptacle and is returned from the interior to the exterior on the other side of the exhaust duct and in that an overflow channel is provided.

Abstract: A free piston engine is configured with a pair of opposed engine cylinders located on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with a push rod connected between the inner pistons. The push rod extends through an inner pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of outer pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with at least one pull rod connected between the outer pistons. The pull rod extends through an outer pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. Piston stoppers are provided to prevent over-travel of the piston assemblies.

Abstract: An SAS two-cycle engine has a cylinder block that has a bore with at least one scavenging port and at least one fresh air port therein. The bore extends to a crankcase. A piston of the engine is located within the bore and separates a combustion chamber of the bore from the crank area and is movable between a first position, in closest proximity to the crank area, and a second position. The air port and the piston are configured such that air may flow from the air port into the combustion chamber of the cylinder when the piston is at the first position. In one example, the scavenging port and the air port have edges that are selectively revealed upon movement of the piston. The air port includes an upper edge, which may be contoured such that only a portion of the upper edge is exposed when the piston is at the first position.

Abstract: When an internal combustion engine including an electromagnetic valve drive mechanism driving a plurality of valves is to be stopped, application of current to at least one magnet for one valve or valve group is stopped at a different timing from another valve or valve group.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies an open/close characteristic of an intake valve, a target open/close characteristic of the intake valve is determined and at the same time, a control speed of when the intake valve is controlled to have the target open/close characteristic is determined, so that the variable valve mechanism is controlled according to the target open/close characteristic and the control speed.

Abstract: An engine for a vehicle includes a cam chain tensioner actuated by pressure of lubricating oil for stabilizing a movement of a cam chain, a lubricating oil passage through which the lubricating oil is supplied to cam shafts in a cylinder head and a branched lubricating oil passage, branched from the lubricating oil passage, through which the lubricating oil is supplied to the cam chain tensioner. The branched lubricating oil passage is branched from the lubricating oil passage at a portion on an upstream side of an orifice in the lubricating oil passage located upstream of the cylinder head, and in communication with the cam chain tensioner.

Abstract: A valve-operating lever comprising a valve arm including a first aperture defining a valve arm engagement portion. The lever also includes a connector member having an outside surface and a first stop. The connector member and the first stop cooperate to define a first engagement portion. A first portion of the connector member overlays a portion of the valve arm adjacent the first aperture, and the valve arm engagement portion engages the first engagement portion.

Abstract: Mechanical controls for continuously varying the length of the stroke of the valves in an internal-combustion engine and for maintaining the valves constantly closed while the engine is in operation while simultaneously varying how long the valve or valves remain open, whereby the valves are actuated by rocker levers that are in turn actuated by an angled lever, whereby the positions of the levers are varied in order to vary the length and duration of the stroke. The valves are actuated at low engine speeds by assigning a specific narrow angle of rotation to each abbreviated stroke to be established. FIG. 1 illustrates valve stroke controls with an angled lever (2) actuated by a cam (17) mounted on a lateral roller (3). In the event of a misalignment, a planetary gear comes into play, wherein a roller (9), mounted on the rocker lever (8) that actuates the valve (1) acts a sun wheel, the angled lever (2) acts as a planet wheel, and a setting lever (5) acts as a planet bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the valve lash of an internal combustion engine is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a probe is employed for verifying and/or setting valve lash settings in an automated manner. A further aspect of the present invention does not require determination of a zero lash position or reference datum prior to adjusting the valve lash adjusting screw for desired lash.

Abstract: A decompressing mechanism (D) for an internal combustion engine (E) is incorporated into a camshaft (15) provided with a bore (54) extending in the direction of the arrow (A) along the axis (L1) of rotation of the camshaft (15). The decompressing mechanism (D) includes a decompression member (80) formed by metal injection and integrally having a flyweight (81), a decompression cam (82) for exerting a valve-opening force through an exhaust rocker arm (48) on an exhaust valve, and an arm (83) connecting the flyweight (81) and the decompression cam (82). The flyweight (81) is supported for swing motion by a pin (71) on the camshaft (15). The axis (L2) of swing motion of the flyweight (81) is included in a plane (P4) substantially perpendicular to the axis (L1) of rotation, and does not intersect the axis (L1) of rotation and the bore (54) of the camshaft (15). The fully expanded decompression member (80) revolves in a cylindrical space of a small diameter around the camshaft (15).

Abstract: In a cylinder block for an internal-combustion engine, a cap-mounting bulk portion is connected with both first and second side walls of a crankcase formed below a lower deck. Each of first and second bulk connection portions connecting the first and second side walls, respectively, with the cap-mounting bulk portion projects inwardly from the corresponding side wall. The bulk connection portion is formed with a hollow portion extending in a vertical direction of the cylinder block. The first and second bulk connection portions are connected, respectively, with first and second head bolt bosses, which are formed on an upper block wall surrounding an upper part of a cylinder of the engine, by first and second connecting ribs extending in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An arrangement for lubricating a piston engine comprising a source of lubrication medium, first pressure elevating means for elevating the pressure of the lubricating medium, and first ducting means for delivering the lubricating medium to lubrication targets of the engine. The arrangement comprises at least one second ducting means which is separate from the first ducting means and which is provided with a valve arrangement controllable by external control for controlling flow of lubricating medium in the second ducting means. The second ducting means is connectable in now communication with a source of lubricating medium through the valve arrangement. The invention relates also to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A system for an internal combustion engine (10) arranged for being powered with a fuel mixed with a lubricant, which system includes:—a detector (16) arranged for detecting the presence of a given additive in the lubricant mixed fuel—an electronic module (24) arranged for comparing the detected presence of the additive with a predetermined threshold value, and designed so that if the lubricant is not mixed in the fuel, or has been mixed in the fuel in an amount lower than a through the additive against the threshold value correlated amount, by means of an indicator (30) indicate that a lack of lubricant is at hand in the fuel and/or by means of a connection (26) to an ignition or injection system (11) for the engine (10) prevent or modify the operation of the internal combustion engine if said lack of lubricant is at hand in the fuel. The invention also refers to the method of how the system operates.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an in-cylinder injection valve and an intake port injection valve. The engine is operated in a combustion mode that is selected from at least stratified lean combustion and homogeneous combustion. An ECU selects the combustion mode according to the operational state of the engine, and controls the fuel injection valves in a fuel injection mode that corresponds to the selected combustion mode. When a misfire is detected while the engine is operated in the stratified lean combustion or the homogeneous combustion, the ECU switches the fuel injection mode such that the ratio of the amount of fuel injected from the intake port injection valve to the entire amount of fuel supplied into the cylinder is increased. As a result, misfires are suppressed while preventing the fuel economy from deteriorating.

Abstract: The invention simplifies the structure of a magneto generator and stabilizes the operation of an internal combustion engine at the time of start-up, thereby providing an ignition device simplified in structure and reduced in size and providing improved safety to the internal combustion engine. In an ignition device for a capacitive discharge internal combustion engine, an ignition timing signal is calculated with a cycle detection signal obtained at a timing at which a forward voltage portion of an output voltage from a generator coil has reached a cycle detection voltage for making continual ignition operations available, and a peak voltage detection signal and a start-up voltage detection signal are obtained in accordance with a delayed reverse voltage portion of the output voltage from the generator coil. In a preset normal region speed or less in which a load is coupled to the engine, an ignition signal is output immediately after the peak voltage detection signal has been generated.

Abstract: An amount-of-air detecting time period Ti is preset based on an intake time period Tr during which intake air is actually drawn into a cylinder chamber. An intake air amount average value Qa during a time period, other than the time period Ti, between intake strokes is calculated. After confirmation that one half or more of an amount-of-air detecting time period Ti(n+1) has elapsed, an integrated value of the intake air amount is multiplied by a correcting coefficient Ka, and divided by the amount-of-air detecting time period Ti(n+1), thereby calculating an intake air amount Qin during the amount-of-air detecting time period Ti(n+1). The average value Qa of the intake air amount is subtracted from the amount Qin during the amount-of-air detecting time period Ti(n+1), thereby calculating an estimated amount Qp of intake air introduced into the cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A final control element movable between a minimal and a maximal position for controlling an internal combustion engine is acted upon by a first spring element acting in the closing direction and a second spring element acting in the opening direction, the latter having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second spring element is supported in stationary fashion in a housing. The second spring element transmits its intrinsic tension in the tangential and radial directions either to a bearing point on the final control element or to a second bearing point of the housing and is adjustable in its angular position by means of an adjustable stop.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine and a device for executing the method which are based on the fact that a throttle valve is situated in the intake port and an exhaust emission control device is situated in the exhaust system. The air flow setpoint value for the throttle valve is changed following occurrence of a request for heating and/or regenerating the exhaust emission control device. A first diagnostics of the throttle valve provides an error signal in the event of a throttle valve error. When the error signal and the request are present, a switch is made in a characteristics map from a first or a second dataset to an additional dataset on the basis of which at least one control signal of the internal combustion engine is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling an engine, in particular of an aircraft. The device has at least one throttle and a regulating device for additionally controlling the throttle automatically. A displacement of the throttle is transmitted permanently, in a direct or indirect manner to a position sensor.

Abstract: In an electronic control type throttle valve apparatus, a throttle valve position sensor includes a magnet provided at a throttle valve shaft and a hall element which output changes in accordance with the rotational deviation of the magnet. The hall element is housed within a sensor chip together with an amplifier circuit. In a control unit provided separately from the sensor chip, there are provided with an A/D conversion circuit for converting an analog output from the hall element through the amplifier circuit into a digital signal and a digital processing circuit for performing temperature compensation and zero-span adjustment of the hall element in a digital manner.

Abstract: Vibration insulators made of heatproof elastomer are integrally molded with an engine joint section of the heatproof resinous throttle body and a motor holder. Thus, engine vibration transferred from an engine intake manifold to the throttle body and the motor can be absorbed by the vibration insulators. Therefore, without increase of components and reduction of assembling workability, the vibration can be suppressed.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus having a high-pressure fuel pump and a fuel injection valve for each cylinder. An electrically actuated control valve controls a connection of the pump working chamber to a discharge region. A first injection valve element controls at least one first injection opening and a second injection valve element guided inside the first injection valve element controls at least one second injection opening. Pressure in a control chamber acts on the second injection valve element at least indirectly in the closing direction. By means of a connection controlled by a valve, the control pressure chamber is connected to a pressure region in which a respective pressure increase and decrease are delayed in relation to pressure in the pump working chamber when the control valve respectively closes and opens. The valve is acted on in the opening direction by the pressure prevailing in the pressure region and the closing direction by the pressure prevailing in the pump working chamber.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, the fuel reaches the combustion chamber of the engine via a fuel-injection device which includes a piezo actuator (50). In order to be able to optimally inject the fuel, it is suggested that the desired level (U_DES) of the drive energy (U) and/or the desired gradient (dU_DES) of the drive energy (U), with which the piezo actuator (50) is driven, is dependent upon a plurality of influence quantities (T, t, n, dx, dh) which influence the operating behavior of the piezo actuator (50).

Abstract: A method and a device for storing and/or reading out data of a fuel metering system, in particular a fuel pump or an injector, as described. Data on the fuel pump and/or the injector is assigned to at least one electronic component. The data is taken into account by a control unit in controlling the fuel metering system. The component is mechanically and/or electrically connected to the control unit during a first interval of time and is mechanically and/or electrically detached from the control unit and/or the fuel metering unit during a second interval of time.

Abstract: A fuel pumping system that includes a pump drive is provided. A first pumping element is operatively connected to the pump drive and is operable to generate a first flow of pressurized fuel. A second pumping element is operatively connected to the pump drive and is operable to generate a second flow of pressurized fuel. A first solenoid is operatively connected to the first pumping element and is operable to vary at least one of a fuel pressure and a fuel flow rate of the first flow of pressurized fuel. A second solenoid is operatively connected to the second pumping element and is operable to vary at least one of a fuel pressure and a fuel flow rate of the second flow of pressurized fuel.

Abstract: A composite control valve is constructed by a valve housing, first and second diaphragms mounted to the valve housing and disposed to be opposed to each other, a negative pressure working chamber defined between the first and second diaphragms to communicate with a negative pressure generating section in an engine, a first control valve adapted to be opened and closed by advancing and returning of the first diaphragm, and a second control valve adapted to be opened and closed by advancing and returning of the second diaphragm. The first control valve is incorporated into an air vent system for a fuel tank, and the second control valve is incorporated into a fuel passage system extending from the fuel tank to a fuel supply section in the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine fuel system applies injection control pressure to fuel injectors (26) to force fuel into combustion chambers (28). A processor of a control system (22) develops data values for injection control pressure set-point (ICPC—T13) representing desired injection control pressure and evaluates (134) the injection control pressure set-point data values for compliance with an allowable dynamic range defined by a data value for a minimum dynamic limit correlated with engine speed (N) from a function generator (132) and a data value for a maximum dynamic limit correlated with engine temperature (EOT) from a function generator (130). The processor limits the data value of desired injection control pressure that is subsequently processed to control injection control pressure applied by the fuel system to the fuel injectors to the allowable dynamic range.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel control system for an internal combustion engine having improved leak check precision and decreased false check results. The system provides a controller including a leak check control section to operate the leak check system, a refuel detecting section to determine whether refueling of the fuel tank has occurred, a purge quantity totalizing section to add up the quantity of purge during operation of the engine, and a leak check stop section to prevent the leak check until the total purge quantity that is added by the purge quantity totalizing section during operation of the engine is larger than a predetermined value if refueling is determined by the refuel check section.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a ventilation device for a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. Said device comprises a centrifugal oil separator, which has an inlet for an oil-air mixture, an air vent for the purified air and an oil outlet for the oil. To improve the operating efficiency of a ventilation device of this type, the centrifugal oil separator is configured as a disk separator.

Abstract: In a low rotation speed and low load operation region of an internal combustion engine, the heating of an air-fuel ratio sensor by a heater is stopped, and also an air-fuel ratio feedback control is stopped, and just after the heating of the air-fuel ratio sensor by the heater and the air-fuel ratio feedback control are started, a smoothing degree of a detection signal of the air-fuel ratio sensor is set to be small, to perform the air-fuel ratio feedback control based on the smoothed detection signal.

Abstract: A windscreen apparatus (10) for outdoor cooking grills wherein, the apparatus (10) includes a base member (20) that supports a cooking grill and a pair of side wall members (30) (30?) and a rear wall member (40) adapted to be pivoted into an upright position relative to the base member (20) wherein, at least the rear wall member (40) is hingedly connected (50?) to the base member (20) and wherein, all of the wall members (30) (30?) and (40) have a height greater than the top of the cooking grill.

Abstract: A tank retaining device for inhibiting a scuba tank from slipping downwardly in reference to a buoyancy control device. The tank retaining device includes a ring member having a diameter smaller than a scuba tank designed for abutting a bottom the of the scuba tank, and a plurality of strap members operationally coupled to the ring member, each one of the plurality of strap members is couplable to a tank securing strap of a buoyancy control device operationally coupled to the ring member.

Abstract: A forehead support (10) for a respiratory mask (14). The forehead support (10) includes a pair of arms (22). The arms (22) are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion (30). The arms (22) are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms (22) are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support (10) can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask (14).

Abstract: An eyeshield (10) for protecting babies' eyesight during phototherapy treatment for neonatal jaundice includes a strap (11) of soft material sized and shaped to pass around and secured to the head of the baby. An eye pad (18) is attached or formed integrally with the strap (11). A tab (13) extending from the strap (11) adjacent to the eye pad (18) can be grasped to aid in positioning the eyeshield (10) such that the eye pad (18) lies over the baby's eyes.

Abstract: A device comprised of hair-flow-channel guides continuously moved over the surface of the scalp. A track cap of parallel tracks is placed on the head to guide device's movement over the scalp along non-overlapping rows. At the front of the device is a hair-tensioning straightener that pulls hairs perpendicular to the scalp before and during processing. A bend-under assembly, formed by two pinching conveyer belts, facilitates hair exit from the channels by bending scalp-attached hairs beneath the walls of each hair channel. Intermittent intersection of each channel by an obstructing member isolates one or a few leading hairs for processing and forces trailing hairs to wait their turn for cosmetic processing behind it. Isolated scalp hairs may be cosmetically processed in ways including coloration; cross-section reshaping, hair-extension attachment and removal, and cutting to length according to position along track.

Abstract: A toothpick and interdental brush combination comprises a case comprising a lengthwise groove on a side, first and second end openings both in communication with the groove; and an assembly slidable in the case, the assembly comprising a projected trigger member, a first body member extended from the trigger member toward the first end, an interdental brush integrally formed with the first body member at first end, a second body member extended from the trigger member toward the second end, and a toothpick integrally formed with the second body member at the second end. In a storage state both the toothpick and the interdental brush are concealed in the case, or in a use state of the interdental brush or the toothpick a pushing of the trigger member toward the first or the second end causes the interdental brush or the toothpick to project from the first or the second opening respectively.

Abstract: A flosser apparatus has a handle with a first slot formed into a surface at a first end of the handle and a second slot formed into the surface adjacent the first end and extending in transverse relationship to the first slot, a locking member affixed to the handle, and a flosser element removably received in one of the first and second slots. The locking member retains the flosser element within one of the slots.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to remove minute particles adhered to the surface of semiconductor wafers effectively in the cleaning process of semiconductor wafers. In the final rinsing step using ultra-pure water or hydrogen water and carried out after cleaning of semiconductor wafers with HF solution, ultrasonic waves are irradiated in the cleaning solution after a prescribed time delay (preferably 20-30 sec or more).

Abstract: A fluid injection system controls the distribution of fluid from a supply line to a selected well at an adjustable rate. A fluid barrier divides a cylinder into first and second chambers. A multi-position valve comprises a first position for passing fluid from the supply line into the first chamber to displace fluid from the second chamber back through the valve to an injection point, and a second position for passing fluid from the supply line to the second chamber to displace fluid from the first chamber back through the valve to the injection point. A control system in communication with a position sensor times displacement of the fluid barrier to selected positions, and selectively adjusts a variable valve opening to adjust flow rate, switch between the first and second positions, and periodically increase the valve opening for cleaning.

Abstract: A valve device includes a receptacle having an upper and a lower ports for coupling to sprayer devices, a front wall having a lower opening, an upper housing attached the front wall for allowing water to flow from the housing into the receptacle, the receptacle includes a vertical partition to separate an interior into a front and a rear chambers which are communicating with the housing and the rear chamber of the receptacle. The vertical partition includes a lower aperture formed by a valve seat. A lateral stem includes a plug slidable to engage with the valve seat of the vertical partition, or to block the lower opening of the front wall, to effectively control the water to flow out through the upper or the lower ports of the receptacle.

Abstract: A pressure and vacuum vent utilizing a column of liquid to open and close the vent at predetermined pressure and vacuum levels. A column of liquid is constrained in connection with internal and external passages coupled between a pair of expansion chambers. The external passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined positive pressure level at which the valve will open, while the internal passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined negative pressure level at which the valve will open. At either the predetermined positive or negative pressure level, the valve opens when sufficient liquid has exited either the external or internal passage to permit the flow of a restrained gas past the liquid column.

Abstract: An exit opening (78) in a cartridge (22) is alignable with an opening (48) in a housing (32) for communication to an external drain. The cartridge and the housing have positions of final secured and initial unsecured interconnections, when openings (78, 48) are respectively aligned and unaligned. A lever (52) is swivelably secured to the housing bottom wall (46), whose cap (54) can close housing exit tube (28); a projection (56) is engageable with the cartridge for effecting the closure when the housing and cartridge openings (48, 78) are not aligned. Three L-shaped keyways (60) in the housing interior mate with three keyways (82) in the cartridge, and have corrugated surfaces to provide a ratcheted secure connection between the cartridge and the housing when in the secure connection. A tool (92) is used to insert and to remove the cartridge into and from the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve (1) is assigned to a pressure line (13) led from a pressure medium source to at least one load. The control valve has a first position in which the pressure line (13) is pressurized by the pressure medium source and a second position in which the load connected to the pressure line (13) is depressurized. The control valve (1) is directed toward the first position by an actuating device (17) and toward the second position by a restoring device (11). The control valve (1) has a safety function such that the pressure line (13) can be depressured to a container, irrespective of the position of the control valve (1). The safety function can be a valve function (20) integrated in a control slide (3) of the control valve (1).

Abstract: A control valve that reduces noise and controls flow includes a slotted cylindrical skirt and/or a tapered metal ring. The metal ring has a tapered external surface for engaging a matching tapered bore within a valve housing. One embodiment is directed to a control valve including a housing defining a central orifice in fluid in communication with an inlet port and an outlet port, and a movable valve plug assembly having a skirt portion slidably engaged within the central orifice to control fluid flowing through the housing. The skirt portion defines a plurality of openings, which can be slots, to gradually control the flow of fluid through the housing while reducing cavitation. A method of controlling fluid flow in a process includes receiving fluids via an inlet port of a control valve, and controlling the flow of the fluid via a movable skirted valve plug with a plurality of tapered slots.

Abstract: Weft carrying grippers (1, 2), of the type wherein the grippers are made of metal and are driven in their back-and-forth movements through the shed by carbon-fibre and/or polyester straps exclusively guided from outside the shed are both characterised by a metal shoe (3, 4) integrated in the gripper and projecting from the bottom thereof, near the tip, to which it is radiussed and in that the shoe (3, 4) has a large central recess (7, 8), designed to host the ends (12, 13) of the driving strap (10, 11), which is narrower than the rest of the strap and thinner than the recess (7, 8) of the shoe.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.