Abstract: A radial roller bearing has: an outer ring; an inner ring; and, a cylindrical roller interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring, the outer and inner rings respectively including flange portions formed in the end portions thereof so as to be opposed to the end face of the cylindrical roller, wherein, in the end face of the cylindrical roller, there is formed a circular-ring-shaped contact portion of the roller end having centers of curvature continuously existing on a circle which lies on a plane parallel to the end face of the cylindrical roller and also the center of the circle is on the rotation axis of the cylindrical roller.

Abstract: A roller bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of cylindrical rollers each provided between rolling contact surfaces of the inner ring and the outer ring. Each of the cylindrical rollers includes an end face having a peripheral part that is crowned. A flange portion is formed at an outer circumferential face end part of the inner ring and/or an inner circumferential face end part of the outer ring. The peripheral part is crowned in a curving shape represented by an exponential function of y=a·exp(?b·x); where a and b are constants, x is a distance from the rolling contact surface in a radial direction of the cylindrical roller, and y is a crowning fall-off amount from a central part of the end face of the cylindrical roller in an axial direction of the cylindrical roller.

Abstract: A bearing housing comprising an annulus having an aft side and a forward side, a barrier extending from the aft side to the forward side to form a first and second zone, a first opening in the first zone extending through the forward side, and a second opening in the second zone extending through the forward side at least a portion of the first opening being at a level lower than a lowermost level of the second opening.

Abstract: A clutch-release mechanism for actuating the friction clutch of a motor vehicle, installed concentrically around a guide sleeve, includes a release bearing with an inner ring and an outer ring as well as a sliding sleeve. The inner ring is in working contact with a release spring of the friction clutch and the outer ring is in working contact with the sliding sleeve by way of a sliding surface, and the release mechanism has both a first device for compensating for a tilt of the center axis of the friction clutch with respect to the center axis of the guide sleeve and/or for a wobbling eccentricity of the release spring, and a second device for compensating for an offset between the above-mentioned center axes. The first device consists of a modified raceway for the balls, where the race has both a first race radius and a second race radius to form a surface in the form of a spherical segment, where differences between the angles of the release spring and of the release bearing are compensated.

Abstract: The optical plug includes a ferule, adapter housing, a plug body, a compression coil spring and a compression bonding sleeve. The plug body includes a projecting portion and an extending portion which is provided with a plurality of annular grooves. The compression bonding sleeve includes a crimp portion and a support portion. According to the present invention, the diameter of the crimp portion is uniformly narrowed so that the crimp portion compression-bonds the high tensile strength wires to the annular grooves of the extending portion. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the deformation of the crimp portion within the limit of its plastic deformation and hence, the occurrence of cracks and rupture can be prevented, so that the optical plug can be miniaturized. Further, it is possible to mount the optical fiber cable to the optical plug at a low cost.

Abstract: A method for fixation of optical fiber in an optical device module, and a fixation pipe, the method of fixation comprising the steps of utilizing a fixation pipe configured for insertion of the optical fiber, and adapted for affixation of the fiber by solder in an intermediate part of the pipe, the external surface of the intermediate part having a groove for a copper bit; installing the pipe to the case so that the intermediate part is positioned outside the case; inserting the fiber inside the pipe so that a stripped part of the fiber is in the intermediate part, and a coated part of the fiber is positioned opposite to the case from the intermediate part; and contacting a copper bit to the groove, to affix the fiber to the pipe by solder. The fixation pipe has the features described above.

Abstract: A mode indicator for use with a transceiver module includes a colored plastic button having an engagement feature configured for attachment to a corresponding transceiver module engagement feature.

Abstract: A printer unit comprises a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism for positioning a platen with respect to a print head when a cover frame is closed. The first positioning mechanism is constituted to restrict a change in the position of the platen to a rotation around a first positioning fulcrum, such as a lock pin. The second positioning mechanism is constituted to restrict the rotation of the platen around a first positioning fulcrum by abutment on a second positioning fulcrum, such as a lock lever spindle.

Abstract: 1,800 dpi binary image data is divided into 3-bit data groups or 2-bit data groups, and is input from an input unit 11 to a tone setting unit 12 and a print position controller 13. Each group of 3-bit image data is converted into 8-bit tone data and 2-bit attribute data by the tone setting unit 12 and the print position controller 13, respectively, and both sets of post-conversion data are input to a pulse width modulation unit 15 at the same time. Because all 3-bit data is handled at the same time, the input and output operation clock signals can stay the same as for a 600 dpi resolution.

Abstract: An ink distribution assembly for a printhead has a duct cover in which is formed a number of ink inlet ports. Each inlet port is associated with a cross flow channel that extends from a port to a duct opening. The duct cover seals against a distribution molding and the distribution molding has a longitudinal axis and a number of ducts running in parallel along the axis. Each duct opening of the duct cover is located in registry with a duct so that each port is in fluid communication with only one duct. All of the ducts having a lower duct portion which is in fluid communication with an upper layer of a laminated ink distribution structure. The laminated ink distribution structure having a first layer and a number of subsequent layers, each subsequent layer having vertical passages and transverse channels for bringing a fluid from a duct, via the first layer, to one of a number of printhead chips.

Abstract: A method of distributing ink and air to an array of print chips in a printhead assembly. The method includes supplying different inks from respective sources to a longitudinal distribution housing. The housing has a respective duct for each ink that extends longitudinally along the housing. The ink is then transferred from each duct to a laminated ink distribution structure fixed to the distribution housing, so such inks are supplied to the print chips as required. The method also includes supplying air from an air source to an air duct extending longitudinally along the distribution housing. Air is then transferred along the air duct to a space between the print chips and a nozzle guard.

Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.

Abstract: An easy-load mechanism and its associated method for installing a printer cartridge comprises a moveable cartridge bay for holding the printer cartridge, a lever device for accepting an external force, and a linking device the external force from the lever device to the moveable cartridge bay, wherein when the lever device is able to move the movable cartridge from an initial position to a target position via the linking device. Additionally, an alternative easy-load mechanism and its associated method for installing a printer cartridge comprises a moveable cartridge bay for holding the printer cartridge, a lever device for accepting an external force, a first engagement device, a second engagement device, and a third engagement device for transferring force from the lever device to the moveable cartridge bay, wherein the lever device is able to move the movable cartridge from an initial position to a target position via the engagement devices.

Abstract: Improvements that facilitate loading of supply items into data bearing identification or financial document production equipment. Supply items include web materials that are used in data bearing identification or financial document production equipment, and which are supplied from a supply cylinder and wound onto a take-up cylinder after use. Examples of supply items include monochromatic and multi-color print ribbons, webs that carry laminate patches, cleaning tape, and other web materials that are used up during use of the equipment. Data bearing identification or financial document production equipment include thermal printers, laminators and combinations thereof, and other equipment that utilize supply items.

Abstract: A document feeder device is disclosed. The document feeder device includes a frame, a first roller shaft coupled to the frame, and a second roller shaft coupled to the frame. The first shaft is cantilevered. The document feeder device further includes a bearing coupled to the first roller shaft. The bearing has an eccentric shape and the eccentric shape allows the bearing to be rotated such that the position of the first roller shaft stays parallel to a second roller shaft. As a result, rollers attached to the first and second roller shafts are kept aligned so that they reliably feed documents through a printer. The document feeder device decreases production costs by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware.

Abstract: To provide an applicator which is free from ink leakage under any usage-environmental conditions, is suitable for oil-based ink, maintains appropriate ink delivery and is produced at low cost.

Abstract: A head has an open flat circular front face, a rearwardly extending housing in a generally hemispherical configuration with a downwardly extending handle, a front face having a central opening and a circular lip. A water handling assembly includes an annular manifold supported by the circular lip. The water handling assembly has a front plate with a plurality of orifices and a rear plate. The water handling assembly also includes a cylindrical pipe located within the handle. An insert in an annular shape has forwardly extending bristles and rearwardly extending rings. The rings are adapted to span the lip of the housing for simple attaching and detaching whereby a user may utilize bristles of a desired flexibility.

Abstract: A power tool coupling system for coupling two boom members of a split-boom power tool. The coupling system includes a first section and a second section. The first section is adapted to be fixedly attached to an end of a first one of the boom members. The first section includes an aperture for receiving a locating member on a second one of the boom members. The second section is movably connected to the first section. The second section is adapted to depress the locating member, while the locating member is located in the aperture of the first section, when the second section is moved from a first to a second position.

Abstract: A folding joint arrangement, which is adapted for incorporating with a foldable furniture constructed by a plurality of first and second frame tubes, includes an angle joint body, a pivot arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a first axis, wherein the pivot arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the first frame tube such that the first frame tube is capable of rotating about the first axis of the pivot arm, and a connector arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a second axis perpendicularly to the first axis wherein the connector arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the second frame tube such that the second frame tube is capable of rotating about the second axis of the connector arm, so as to pivotally connect the first and second frame tubes in a two-plane directional movement.

Abstract: A latch structure for a mobile electronic device (1), for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) is disclosed. The latch structure comprises a side flange (20) of a cover (10) and a side panel (30). The side flange (20) includes a cantilever (200) and at least a first engaging portion (205). The cantilever has a slanted face (201) and a lock (203) on a free end thereof. The lock has a first ramp (207). The side panel detachably connects to the side flange and defines a hole (301). The side panel includes a second engaging portion (303) and a third engaging portion (305). The hole corresponds to the slanted face. The second engaging portion has a second ramp (307) corresponding to the first ramp of the lock. The lock engages with the second engaging portion in a first position and disengages from the second engaging portion in a second position. The first engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion in the first position and disengages from the third engaging portion in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection of a drain inlet to a vertical fixed runoff drainage pipe includes an intermediate adapter plate with a cylindrical shank that can be inserted in an impervious manner into a drainage tube at an adjustable relative height. The drain is slidably mounted such that it is guided bilaterally in translation over the plate. In this way, the drain can be disposed at a final determined position in relation to a curb before being sealed to the curb.

Abstract: Roadway barrier system and method are disclosed for decelerating a moving vehicle in a controlled manner and for retaining the decelerated vehicle. A net or mesh of the roadway barrier system receives and captures the moving vehicle. The net or mesh is secured to anchors by energy absorbing straps. The energy absorbing straps deploy under a tensional load to decelerate the moving vehicle, the straps providing a controlled resistance to the tensional load over a predefined displacement or stroke to bring the moving vehicle to rest. Additional features include a sacrificial panel or sheet in front of the net that holds up the net or mesh while deflecting vehicles that collide only tangentially with the roadway barrier system.

Abstract: A road block having an extensible bollard that is manually or electronically actuated by a powerful spring force for slow extension, and by both the spring and a power lift for rapid extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height and inclination of roadway and greenway appurtenances includes a rigid annular support ring mountable onto a rigid annular spacer ring sized so as to be mountable onto a manhole and a manhole frame mountable onto the support ring. The manhole frame is substantially frusto-conically shaped. A rigid annular base flange may be mounted around a base end of the manhole frame. A plurality of threaded bores are formed in spaced array around the base flange. Rigid elongate threaded members are threadably mountable into the threaded bores so as to be selectively threadably adjustable in the threaded bores and so as to protrude downwardly from the base flange into engagement, beneath the manhole frame, with a top surface of the support ring when the manhole frame is mounted on the support ring. The threaded members are threadably adjustable in the threaded bores to elevate or to tilt the manhole frame relative to the support ring.

Abstract: A backer rod adapted for insertion into a construction joint having a polymeric foam body of closed-cell construction and a foraminous skin with both open and closed cells. The backer rod, when compressively inserted into a construction joint, is impervious to hot and cold sealants alike and maintains the seal integrity during the extremes of expansion and contraction. The backer rod is usable over the temperature range of ?70 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The backer rod hereof is a continuously extruded closed-cell foam body that is degassed by a secondary extrusion. The skin portion is formed by heat treating the exterior of the polymeric foam body so as to create microperforations therein.

Abstract: A road milling machine has a driver's cab equipped with a floor plate and a steering gear mounted on the chassis of the road milling machine. The steering gear includes a console, on which a steering wheel is positioned. One end the console is fastened laterally to the chassis, while the other end of the console is not attached to anything. The console extends over the floor plate, forming an opening between the floor plate and the console on a side. Since this opening is below the console, it is possible for the operator to observe the road surface without having to lean to the side, as is necessary with conventional road milling machines, in which the side of the chassis on which the console is positioned blocks the view.

Abstract: The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum. The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local control modules information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: Passive control of fluid flow from a vessel is provided by a floating weir assembly. The assembly includes a float and a weir opening that is in fluid communication with an outlet from the vessel. The weir opening and the fluid path connecting the weir opening and the outlet are designed such that the rate of outflow is determined by the geometry and position of the weir opening. The weir opening is preferably vertically adjustable so that desired outflow rates can be specified.

Abstract: A subsea tool (10) designed to pull pipeline ends (PE1, PE2) towards each other is disclosed. The tool (10) comprises a first and a second main body (1, 2) that are able to be displaced to and from each other and have limited freedom of motion relative to each other. The first main body (1) comprises a frame construction (5) having means (11b) for guiding onto and fixed attachment to one of the pipeline ends (PE1). The second main body (2) comprises a frame structure (6) having means (18) for guiding onto and retaining the other pipeline end (PE2). A number of guiding means (15, 16) are provided on the first main body (1) for co-operation with complementary guiding elements (20, 21) provided on the second main body (2). A pulling device (3) is arranged between the first and second main body (1, 2) and is designed for pulling the main bodies (1, 2) including the respective pipeline ends (PE1, PE2) towards each other.

Abstract: When a glass fiber cable emerging from a main channel (1) is guided into a domestic channel line (2), in order to prevent this glass fiber cable from unacceptably having an excessively small radius of curvature in the direction-changing area (6), and thus being damaged, and in order to ensure that the glass fiber cable (3) is in the correct position, this glass fiber cable (3) is guided in a rigid guide tube (7) whose longitudinal axis runs essentially along a cylindrical envelope surface in its central section (7??). The rigid guide tube (7) is fixed in a pipe connecting stub (10) which can be widened elastically and thus, after insertion into the domestic channel line (2), rests on the wall thereof in a stressed manner, and is fixed in its position. That end of the guide tube (7) which projects into the domestic channel line (2) is connected via a sleeve (8) to a flexible pipe, tube (5) or the like.

Abstract: A cantilever beam of a jack-up unit is provided with constant force restraining members mounted on a deck of a jack-up unit forward from conventional hold-down cantilever beam clamp. A modified cantilever beam end plate engages a first end of constant force restraining member, which may be a hydraulic cylinder, with the second end of the hydraulic cylinder secured to movable padeye, which is releasably secured to the deck of the jack-up unit. If desired a fixed foundation may be secured to the deck to reinforce the area of attachment of a padeye to the deck. To allow extension of the cantilever beam even farther to a drill well, an extension member may be attached to the end plate between a free end of the end plate and the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: In order to control automatic working devices, especially soil compacting devices, a remote control device is provided which comprises a transmitter unit which can be actuated by a user and which is used to transmit control signals in the form of electromagnetic radiation and a receiver unit which is arranged on the working device and which outputs the received control signals in the form of electric control commands to the control unit of a working device. During operation of the working device, the transmitter unit can be connected to an external power source, which is arranged on the working device, via a cable for the supply of power thereto.

Abstract: An underwater riprap foundation which can be constructed efficiently using a reduced amount of ripraps and a consolidation smoothing method for efficient construction of the same are disclosed. The underwater riprap foundation includes a first region for supporting comparatively high load from a structure such as a caisson, and a second region positioned adjacent the first region for supporting comparatively low load from mulch blocks or the like. The first region is formed as a rigid riprap core wall body having a consolidation density higher than that in the second region. The first and second regions have top faces flush with each other. In construction, ripraps are thrown into water such that the extra-banking height in the first region is higher than in the second region, and free fall of a weight is repetitively carried out to the first and second regions to consolidate the ripraps.

Abstract: The helical rotary cutter includes a cylinder with a plurality of grooves that extend from one cylinder end to the other end. Each groove has a leading groove wall and a trailing groove wall. The leading groove is in a first wall plane that extends outwardly away from the rotor axis in the direction of rotation and intersects the rotor axis. The trailing groove wall is in a second wall plane that extends outwardly away from the rotor axis in the direction of rotation and intersects the rotor axis. A plurality of first base support surfaces are each in a base support plane, perpendicular to the first wall plane and intersect each other. A plurality of second base support surfaces are each in a base support plane, perpendicular to the second wall plane and intersect each other. A rectangular flat cutter blade is clamped to each base support surface.

Abstract: An end mill including a cylindrical body having (a) flutes each formed in the cylindrical body and each extending from an axially distal end of the cylindrical body toward an axially proximal end of the cylindrical body, (b) peripheral cutting edges each provided by one of widthwise opposite edges of a corresponding one of the flutes, and (c) end cutting edges each located at the axially distal end of the cylindrical body and contiguous to a corresponding one of the peripheral cutting edges. The end cutting edges include first and second end cutting edges, while the peripheral cutting edges include first and second peripheral cutting edges which are contiguous to the first and second end cutting edges, respectively. A first axial rake angle of the first end cutting edge is smaller than a second axial rake angle of the second end cutting edge, while a first radial rake angle of the first peripheral cutting edge is larger than a second radial rake angle of the second peripheral cutting edge.

Abstract: The drill bit (14) passes through a drilling bush (2) for guiding said drill bit. The drilling bush (22) is pressed against the workpiece (10). However, the drilling bush does not terminate flush with the workpiece, but comprises a linear supporting edge (28) that overlaps the apex of the curvature of the workpiece. This prevents the drilling bush from sliding off a curvature of the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A collection device for use with a drill to capture debris ejected from drilling into a surface includes a body formed of flexible material having a first, substantially flat, configuration and a second erect configuration defining a cavity. The body includes a hole for receiving a drill bit into the cavity when the body is erect and adhesive means for adhering the body to the surface.

Abstract: A tapping device is configured to be used within a drill press or lathe or other device capable of holding a cylindrical object. The tapping device has an upper projection for being axially fixed in, for example, a drill press. The remainder of the body of the tapping device is rotatable with respect to the upper projection and includes side handles for providing handy mechanical advantage to the turning of the tapping device body. The end of the body opposite the upper projection includes a chuck for holding a typical tapping tool. The projection is connected to an internal shaft which engages the body of the tapping tool and is spring biased to draw the projection and internal shaft within the body of the tapping tool. Conversely, when the tapping tool is supported in, as an example, a drill press chuck, such spring urging acts to lift the body of the tapping tool in the direction of the projection.

Abstract: A deburring tool is adapted to be rotatably mounted in a chuck of a drive motor to perform deburring operations. The deburring tool includes an arbor and a blade having a cutting head portion defined at one end thereof and a clip portion defined substantially at the other end of the blade opposite the head portion. The blade is mounted relative to the arbor such that the blade projects a predetermined distance from the arbor in an unstressed condition. The blade is sufficiently resiliently yieldable such that it can move inwardly with respect to the arbor during deburring operations. The clip portion is adapted to flex to provide a spring-like force acting along the blade toward the head portion to facilitate insertion and removal of the blade relative to the deburring tool without use of any tools.

Abstract: A device for holding an object, and an assembly for holding and rotating an object. The device includes a base, a series of posts, each of which is equidistant from a center point of reference and further pivotably holds a follower rotationally linked to all other followers. Each follower has a gripping portion dimensioned to hold an object. An actuator serves to displace the followers radially about the post holding it creating a motion that causes the gripping portions to move either towards or away from the center reference point, dependent upon the displacement of the actuator. As all followers are rotationally linked, each follower of the device rotates to a substantially equal degree.

Abstract: A stanchion for an article carrier system comprises a main body member having a cavity extending inwardly of the main body member from a plate. A floor of said cavity includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. The stanchion further includes an arm having an end sized to rotate within the cavity. The cavity includes a bottom edge that includes a second plurality of circumferentially spaced ramps. A post is also included in the stanchion and has a first end positioned within the cavity and secured to the arm. The post also has a second end that includes a cleat. The first plurality of ramps and the second plurality of ramps are configured to cooperate to raise and lower the cleat in relation to the main body member when the arm is rotated about the main body member.

Abstract: An alignment pin or fastener includes a radially eccentric part such that when the fastener is tightened, the eccentric part shifts radially to simultaneously align the holes of two plates in a radial direction and clamp the two plates together in an axial direction. The bi-directional fastener includes two heads at opposite ends of a shaft, wherein the two plates become sandwiched and clamped between the two heads. The shaft and the two heads remain fixed relative to each other, so turning one head turns the other. This allows the fastener to be tightened even when only one of the heads is accessible.

Abstract: The self-attaching female fastener of this invention includes a re-entrant groove having a V-shaped bottom wall including relatively inclined bottom faces of equal width having an arcuate apex centered beneath the restricted opening to the groove. A die drives a panel portion through the restricted groove opening against the bottom faces, driving the panel portion into the apex and inwardly beneath the inclined inner side wall and outwardly beneath the inclined outer side wall of the groove, resulting in a better installation and accommodating a wider range of panel thicknesses. The V-shaped bottom wall also centers and balances the rolls during the rolling process resulting in a more accurate cross-section of the fastener.

Abstract: A first portion or plug and a second portion or pencil are provided, for use in a device, such as a marine engine. The first portion or plug may have an outer surface with external threads and a cavity with internal threads. The external threads of the first portion or plug may be threaded oppositely from the internal threads inside the cavity of the first portion or plug. The opposite threading allows the plug and pencil combination to be detached and unscrewed from an engine without the plug and pencil coming apart.

Abstract: An attachment means allows for easy attachment of a decorative item or attachment to a vehicle. The attachment means includes a mounting member comprising a flexible strip, which supports the decorative attachment. A plug is attached to each end of the mounting member. The plug may be easily inserted into and removed from the bottom holes of a license plate on a vehicle. The plugs are attached to the mounting member by extensions, and include slits.

Abstract: An attachment clip 10 is provided to attach a heat shielding plate 4 to an under-panel 2. The under-panel 2 has a bolt 5 projecting from a floor tunnel 2a. The heat shielding plate 4 has a bolt hole 4a formed to allow passage of a shank 5a of the bolt 5. The attachment clip 10 has a clip body 11 having an abutting part 13 for abutment on the heat shielding plate 4. The abutting part 13 has a shank hole 12 for passage of the shank 5a of the bolt 5. The attachment clip 10 further includes six engagement claws 10A–10F projecting from the inner periphery of the clip body 11 inwardly. The engagement claws 10A–10F have respective engagement tips 10a–10f formed to depart from the clip body 11 along the axial direction of the attachment chip 10, providing a substantial cone-shaped configuration. The engagement claws 10A–10F elastically engage with threads of the shank 5a while urging the heat shielding plate 4 toward the under-panel 2 along the axial direction of the bolt 5.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus for loading and unloading wafers to and from the semiconductor fabrication equipment. The present invention uses two U-shaped port plate supporters of high rigidity to respectively join with drive devices such as lead screws, shaft bearings, and a lead device, and then join with components such as a port plate, a port door, and a base. The assembly is driven by a motor via timing pulleys, timing belts, idle wheels, a pair of lead screws, shaft bearings, and a lead device. An encoder is matched for feedback control. Thereby, accurate positioning of the main mechanism of the wafer pod responsible for upward and downward movement can be achieved so as to increase the accuracy and reliability of positioning transfer of wafers. Secondarily, the contamination of particles resulted from the motion of the main mechanism can be reduced by using an intake filtering system.

Abstract: A storage lift has at least one chain drive (14, 15) used for loading and unloading storage goods carriers (4). Each chain drive has two chains (16, 17) that are laterally and vertically offset from each other and are interconnected by coupling members (22, 23). The chains propel drivers (27) fixed to extension arms (24, 25) of the coupling members (22, 23) and are used to transfer the storage goods carriers (4) to a vertical conveyor (1) and to hold them in a position in which the vertical conveyor is movable upwardly and downwardly. The chains (16, 17) of the chain drive or drives (14, 15) are located between the front edges of the storage goods carriers (4), which lie opposite one another in storage columns (2, 3), to enable the vertical conveyor (1) to have a relatively narrow construction.