Abstract: A ratchet tool comprises a head having a hole and a ratchet mechanism received in an inner periphery of the hole, an engaging member rotatably engaged with the hole and the ratchet mechanism, and a first ring connected to a side of the engaging member and located above a surface of the head; a periphery of the first ring exceeding a periphery of the head; the first ring including a flange extending inwards from an inner periphery of the first ring; a textured surface is formed on an outer surface of the first ring; and a second ring connected to another side of the engaging member. The ring and the engaging member are formed as a one-piece member.

Abstract: A screwdriver handle structure includes a handle having a storage compartment. The compartment comprises a number recesses to store screw heads therein. The handle is provided with a locator having a trough to receive an engaging device therein. The handle further comprises sliding sections to secure a sliding cover thereon in order to store screw heads.

Abstract: A multi-purpose pliers includes a pair of lever arms pivotally joined at a pivot. Each lever arm includes a handle end and a jaw end. The jaw ends comprise a plurality of graduated engagement positions to engage a range of fastener sizes. The graduated engagement positions include a plurality of stepped flats or angled notches for square or hexagonal fasteners or other with parallel sides. The handles and jaws may be temporarily fixed into position to simulate a box end wrench with parallel jaws. The pivot includes an adjustable joint with at least two pivot positions. Each of the handle ends may include a driver tip, such as a screwdriver, concealed beneath a removable grip. The driver tips are interchangeable.

Abstract: A multiple bit screwdriver comprising a plurality of tool bits, an elongate member defining an axial passage adapted to receive said bits therein positioned tip to end so that the foremost bit operably extends from the passage and is rotatable with the elongate member, first and second retainers connected to the elongate member near each end of the passage and extending radially inward into the passage to engage frictionally the foremost and last bits to prevent said bits from falling out of either end, and a motion restricting member within the passage having an expandable engagement portion that cooperates with at least one tool bit to permit the movement of bits within the passage in one direction only. The engagement portion is expandable in response a tool bit being pushed therethrough in one direction, but resists expanding when a tool bit is being pushed in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The device is constructed with a tensioning spindle (12), a counter-holder (14) and a carrier (30), at least the tensioning spindle (12) being mounted such that it is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and the carrier (14) being fixed to the tensioning spindle (12) and, when the workpiece (50) is clamped between the tensioning spindle (12) and the counter-holder (14), being capable of being brought into engagement with the workpiece (50) in such a way that it transmits a rotary movement of the tensioning spindle (12) to the workpiece (50). The device furthermore provides for the carrier to have a spring element (30) which can be coupled to the workpiece (50) under prestress to transmit a torque.

Abstract: A circular blade device (1) for cutting flat marble, granite, glass or similar sheets (5), including numerical control elements (2) for a cutting head (3) having a blade (14) addressable within a cutting volume, which includes elements for manipulating the sheets within the cutting volume.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a movable cutting tool apparatus and/or methods for cutting workpieces; either generally including a cutting tool apparatus having a cutting tool unit support apparatus including at least a substantially stationary support structure and one or more rear-mount glide rails; wherein the one or more rear-mount glide rails are disposed within and are adapted to reciprocally and translationally slide within apertures defined in and through the substantially stationary support structure; a cutting tool unit which is supported by the support apparatus being connected to the one or more rear-mount glide rails at and extending from the rear side of the cutting tool unit, the cutting tool unit being movable therewith relative to the substantially stationary support structure; a cutting implement held by the cutting tool unit, whereby the cutting tool unit operates and controls the cutting implement; and, at least one fluid coolant and/or lubricant tube connected to the cutting tool unit, the at least o

Abstract: A cutting blade includes a mounting portion and a working portion located at a distance from the mounting portion. The working portion includes a first surface portion at least partially lying in a first plane, a second surface portion at least partially lying in a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane, and an intermediate surface portion between the first and second surface portions. At least part of the intermediate surface portion has a wear-resistant property that is substantially different from a wear-resistant property of at least part of the second surface portion. The intermediate surface portion can be treated via thermal spray coating, laser hardening, induction hardening, and other similar surface hardening processes. Additionally, a piece of hardened material can be bonded to the intermediate surface portion. Furthermore, the blade thickness adjacent the intermediate surface portion can be increased.

Abstract: Waste ejecting blade assemblies for hand-held cutting tools and methods for cutting fiber-cement materials are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the blade assembly includes first and second fingers attachable to the cutting tool, and a reciprocating cutting member between the first and second fingers. The cutting member includes a body pivotally coupled to the first and second fingers and a blade projecting from the body. The blade includes a top surface between opposing side surfaces and a waste ejection member at a rear portion of the top surface. The waste ejection member includes a ramp having a front edge, a back edge, and an inclined portion between the front and back edges. The inclined portion is canted toward the first or second finger and configured to direct a waste portion of the workpiece away from the blade toward the first or second finger.

Abstract: A method of machining a flat harness, the flat harness including a plurality of conductor portions and an insulating portion arranged between the conductor portions, the method comprising: providing a punching machine that includes a first punching die and a second punching die, and forming different types of hole portions in the shape on the insulating portion of the flat harness in a die cutting process by using the first punching die and the second punching die.

Abstract: A device for invalidating planar security documents is provided. The device has a horizontal base plate (9) onto which objects (14) to be invalidated are placed, and die plates (13, 17, 18) which are vertically movable and parallel to the base plate. The device has a perforating apparatus supported on the base plate and the die plates, and a drive mechanism by which the die plates can be displaced up and down. The perforating apparatus has at least one cutting bushing (23) with a hollow paper punch (19) interacting with each cutting bushing in order to displace the paper scrap in the paper punch. The upper end of each paper punch (19) is open and provides an exit for the paper scrap into an upper storage cavity for containing the scrap. The cavity is in a support (03), having a vacuum connection, and is connectable to a vacuum apparatus for removal of the paper scrap.

Abstract: An improved tool assembly for enhancing the surface of a heat transfer tube is provided. The tool assembly includes rods having cutting tips and positioned in rod guides which are slidably positioned in shafts provided in a tool holder. In an equilibrium state, the cutting tips do not extend from the tool holder. When a force is applied to the rod guides, the rod guides move in a first direction along the shafts in the tool holder, resulting in exposure of the cutting tips which enhance the tube surface. When the force is removed from the rod guides, the rod guides move along the shafts in a direction opposite the first direction to retract the cutting tips within the tool holder. In this way, the cutting tips are protected when not in use.

Abstract: A cutting line indicator is adapted to be installed on a circular sawing blade of a sawing machine to produce a line-shaped beam to delineate the cutting line of the circular sawing blade. The cutting line indicator has a light source for generating a light beam that forms the line-shaped beam, a lower cover that is made from a first metal plate, and a spindle received in the lower cover, with the spindle being made from a second metal plate. An inner housing is arranged on the lower cover, with the light source coupled to the inner housing. An upper cover is coupled to enclose the lower cover.

Abstract: A cutting unit (1, 11, 41) for trimming sheet material has a support plate (3, 13, 43) for supporting the sheet material (56) to be trimmed. At least one cutting device (4, 14, 15, 44, 59) is associated with the support plate (3, 13, 43). At least one storage compartment (10, 33, 53) is provided beneath the support plate (3, 13, 43) with a horizontal spacing from the at least one cutting device (4, 14, 15, 44, 59).

Abstract: A radial arm saw is adapted with a safety top configured with cutting box enclosure that contains and collects substantially all of the sawdust generated during use. A dust collection system is in fluid communication with the cutting box for removing the sawdust contained therein. Spring biased push blocks function to hold the work piece in place during the sawing process while maintaining the user's hands safely away from the saw blade. A laser alignment device projects a beam within the cutting box along the cutting plane. A control panel is provided to allow use by authorized users upon entry of an authorization code.

Abstract: A string bending device for stringed instruments and methods of use are claimed. The novel device permits the user to tension a string to change the pitch and tone by means of a tension arm and attached string pad. The string pad is unique in that it possesses an arcuate channel that acts as a string guide and promotes string life by gently bending the string along the arcuate channel and distributing pressure along a length of the string rather than at one point. The device may be repositioned during play so that other strings can be individually bent. The use of a plunger that may be easily disengaged and reengaged during the playing of the instrument allows the tension arm to easily be repositioned by sliding the tension arm along a rail system. Adjustable tension arm stops permit the user to predetermine the maximum tension that can be applied to each string.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand with a self-locking neck lock assembly for a guitar-shaped musical instrument has a post, multiple legs and a self-locking neck lock assembly. The self-locking neck lock assembly is attached to the post and has a stationary bracket, two locking palms, a movable bracket and a spring. The stationary bracket is attached securely to the post and has a U-shaped stationary collar having two distal ends. The locking palms are rotatably mounted on respectively the distal ends. The movable bracket is mounted pivotally on the stationary bracket and has a U-shaped movable collar. The movable collar has two distal ends mounted slidably to the palms to open or close the palms. The spring is mounted between the stationary and movable brackets and biases the movable collar upward to open the palms. When the movable bracket pivots down, the locking palms pivot to lock the neck.

Abstract: A strainer for a snare assembly adapted to be attached to a percussion instrument, comprising a tensioning mechanism for applying a tension to snares of a percussion instrument; a lever having a first end and a second end, the lever being pivotably mounted to the tensioning mechanism, whereby pivoting the lever changes a position of the tensioning mechanism to change the tension in the snares; and a positive locking mechanism to positively lock said lever in at least one of a plurality of snare tensioning positions. The positive lock mechanism mechanically connects the lever to a body portion fixedly mounted to the percussion instrument. In the preferred embodiment, the positive locking mechanism comprises a movable button that is movable relative to the lever to change the positive locking mechanism to an unlocking condition where the lever is free to pivot with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a snare assembly adapted to be attached to a percussion instrument, comprising a main body adapted to be fixedly mounted to the percussion instrument; a snare fastener assembly for fastening snares with respect to the main body; and a pivotable or rotatable tension adjuster mounted with respect to the main body and the snare fastener. Pivoting or rotating the tension adjuster changes a position of said snare fastener to change tension of said snares. A bearing assembly, preferably in the form of roller bearings or low-friction plates, is interposed between the slider/piston member and the main body of the snare tensioning system to reduce play and vibration between the slider/piston member and the main body mounted to the percussion instrument.

Abstract: A tensioner system for a snare assembly adapted to be attached to a percussion instrument, comprising a main body adapted to be fixedly mounted to the percussion instrument; a snare fastener assembly for fastening snares with respect to the main body; a rotatable tension adjuster lever rotatably mounted with respect to the main body and the snare fastener. Rotating the tension adjuster changes a position of the snare fastener to change tension of said snares. A positive locking mechanism positively locks the rotatable tension adjuster in at least one of a plurality of snare tensioning positions, wherein the positive lock mechanism mechanically connects the tension adjuster with respect to the main body fixedly mounted to the percussion instrument. The positive locking mechanism comprises a movable knob that is movable relative to said main body to change the positive locking mechanism from a locking condition to an unlocking condition.

Abstract: A CPU sets an application of music sound generation to each of plural ports, and a priority to the set application, and further sets the maximum number of channels that assign an arbitrary sound source to each port from plural kinds of sound sources and produce sounds. When a new sound generation request is supplied to a certain port in which all sound generation channels of the port are currently generating sounds, and when the sound generation channels to be used for the sound generation are in short, the CPU supplies the sound generation request to a channel not producing a sound currently in other port to which the application of the same priority is set.

Abstract: An automatic performance data processing apparatus which makes it possible to simply convert a plurality of automatic performance data into digital audio data in a batch. Each of a plurality of automatic performance data in an order designated by a playlist data stored in a storage device is sequentially reproduced. Audio signals generated by a tone generator that is supplied with tone generator driving events that occur in response to reproduction of each automatic performance data and that generates audio signals based on the supplied tone generator driving events are digitally recorded. The digitally recorded audio signals are stored in a storage medium as digital audio data.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is equipped with a preliminary data producer comprising an experimental routine and an editor; a motion controller forces each of the black and white keys to travel on a test trajectory at different values of key velocity so that the black or white key gives rise to rotation of hammer by means of an action unit, and a hammer sensor varies the magnitude of a hammer position signal depending upon the current hammer position; the hammer velocity is converted to a value of MIDI velocity so that a table producer correlates the values of key velocity with the values of MIDI velocity; while an automatic player is performing a music passage, the motion controller exactly determines a value of key velocity on the basis of the relation already determined by the preliminary data producer.

Abstract: Marching band string instruments and wearable string instruments are described that include a stiff waist band to prevent excessive side to side movement during use, while providing easy doff and don of the string instrument. String instruments also are provided with adjustable chest braces to allow accommodation for different player sizes and for minimization of back strain when playing the electric string instrument for extended time periods. Electric string instruments optionally have soft material interposed between bridge feet and a string instrument body, to allow a more resonant sound detection from a pickup located between the bridge feet and the body. Other advances include generation of a stereo signal from bridge vibrations, and electronic processing of sound that enhances the electric string instrument playing and learning experience.

Abstract: The LYNX-UGV is ideal for construction management applications. The platform autonomously collects and transmits real-time data from a remote location to a base station for assimilation. The data including pictures, measurements, and reports are then transmitted in real-time and simultaneously to the design team members, the contractors, the construction managers, and the stakeholders in each of their own respective offices. Using the UGV as a construction management tool reduces the number of individuals on a project site location such as Engineers, Construction Inspectors, Surveyors, etc. The costs associated with personnel, travel, insurance, etc. are dramatically reduced, significantly increasing bottom line profits. The LYNX-UGV is also ideal for use in Military Urban Reconnaissance Programs, Civilian Police Departments, and Homeland Security Applications.

Abstract: A system of armor plates is adapted for protection of a structure against projectiles B and S of two characteristic calibers DB and DS, DB>DS. The system compres a main armor plate and an auxiliary plate mounted in front of the main armor plate at a distance therefrom. The auxiliary plate comprises a plate made of ballistic material and perforated with through holes of characteristic diameter D, 1.2 DB>D>1.2 DS. At least one hard-material body of diameter DH is disposed in each of the holes, such that the auxiliary plate provides at least destabilization of impacting projectiles S capable of free passage through an unobstructed hole of diameter D.

Abstract: A vehicle is armored the steps of sequentially making a steel plate with a thickness of 4 mm to 15 mm of by weight 0.2 to 0.4% carbon, 0.3 to 0.8% silicon, 1.0 to 2.5% manganese, max. 0.02% phosphorous, max. 0.02% sulfur, max. 0.05% aluminum, max. 2% copper, 0.1 to 0.5% chromium, max. 2% nickel 0.1 to 1% molybdenum, 0.001 to 0.01% boron, 0.01 to 1% tungsten, max. 0.05% nitrogen, and balance iron and impurities. This plate is heated to above the AC3 temperature and deformed without cooling in a press. While still in the press, the steel plate is cooled and cured. Then the deformed and cured steel plate is taken out of the press and mounted on the motor vehicle without significant further working or shaping.

Abstract: Control arrangement for and method of controlling a plurality of Lorenz motors (1, 2) actuating a payload (4) where the payload has a center of gravity (12). Height signals (z1, z2) are received from sensors sensing heights of said payload. At least one rotation angle of the center of gravity about a horizontal axis is calculated from these height signals (z1, z2) and from this at least one rotation angle control signals (C1, C2) for the Lorenz motors (1, 2) are calculated such that a predetermined rotational stiffness for supporting the payload (4) is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve 120, especially a check valve, for hydraulic plungers (3) of shield-type support frames in underground mining with a valve housing 121 and a switchable valve insert received therein, connections 126-129 for high pressure lines connected to the cylinder chamber and/or the annular space of the hydraulic cylinder 3, and at least one connection 30 for an additional unit such as a pressure relief valve, a pressure sensor, and/or a pressure display. The valve housing 121 can be mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 3, and in the mounting stage, the connections 125-129 on the valve housing 121 extend axially parallel to the axis of the hydraulic plunger 3. According to an advantageous further embodiment, the valve housing can be provided with at least one fastening means for an extension housing 40 that can be mounted in a releasable manner to at least one side wall 22B thereof for additional hydraulic functions of the shield-type support frame (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: A hydrostatic pump assembly having an improved cooling arrangement. The pump assembly includes a hydrostatic pump having a housing which rotatably supports a drive shaft, and a fan is coupled to an external end of the drive shaft for rotation therewith. The housing includes a plurality of integrally formed, elongated fins which define a plurality of passages extending along the housing in a direction substantially parallel to the drive shaft. The housing also includes a flange at an end thereof proximate the cooling fan, the flange including at least one duct therethrough. The flange is secured to a wall of an implement with the housing disposed on one side of the wall and the cooling fan the opposite side of the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic accumulator comprising: a) an accumulator housing (1) consisting of a non-magnetisable material and defining an axial direction of the housing; b) a separating element (9) that can be axially displaced in the accumulator housing (1) and separates two working chambers (5, 7) from each other in the accumulator housing (1); c) a field-generating magnetic configuration (29) arranged on the separating element; and d) a series of magnetic field sensors (35) which are arranged on the outer side of the accumulator housing (1), extend along the path of the axial movement of the separating element (9) and react to the field of the magnetic configuration (29) on the separating element (9), in order to characterise the position thereof along the series of magnetic field sensors (35).

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit includes a piston rod guided axially in a cylinder, a support disk fixed to the piston rod, a mounting element fixed to the support disk, and a protective sleeve which can be threaded over the mounting element. The protective sleeve has an end wall with an aperture profiled to receive the mounting element therethrough as the protective sleeve is fitted to the support disk, the protective sleeve being rotatable relative to the mounting element when fitted to the support disk, the mounting element having an axial support surface which can be positioned axially above the end wall to retain the protective sleeve.

Abstract: A pneumatic servomotor (12) for an assisted braking having a rigid axial casing (16) with a movable substantially truncated-cone shaped transverse skirt (18) that is integral with a piston (20) for the actuation of an associated master cylinder (14) that defines two pressure chambers (24, 26) inside the casing. A substantially annular sealing diaphragm (30) made of an elastomeric material is interposed between the casing (16) and an outer peripheral area (32) of the skirt (18) has a substantially annular seal (34) made of an elastomeric material is interposed between an inner area of the skirt (18) and the piston (20). The sealing diaphragm (30) and the seal (34) have a portion that is moulded over the skirt (18).

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable membrane which has an excellent high-temperature amorphous stability and a long lifetime under high-temperature heating operation and which can be miniaturized for use in a high-performance hydrogen purifier. The hydrogen permeable membrane is made of a non-crystalline nickel-zirconium alloy or zirconium-nickel alloy composed of 44 to 75 atom % of nickel or zirconium; and 0.2 to 16 atom % of aluminum, 0.2 to 12 atom % of vanadium and/or niobium, or 0.2 to 12 atom % of niobium and 0.1 to 10 atom % of phosphorus (provided that the combined amount of niobium and phosphorus is not more than 18 atom %); with the balance being zirconium or nickel and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a mobile biogas processing system that includes a mobile platform, a compressor physically coupled to the mobile platform, a pump physically coupled to the mobile platform and having a water input and a water output, and scrubber tower physically coupled to the mobile platform and having input connected to the compressor and water pump. In examples, the mobile platform is a skid or a combination of skids, a trailer, or a shipping container. An example method of using a mobile biogas processing system includes coupling a first biogas compressor, first scrubber, second scrubber, and flash tank to a mobile platform and delivering the platform and system components to a biogas site. In an example, the system includes its own water supply and burns biogas or crude methane to power pumps, compressors, and other components.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a base, a lower portion of a body, an upper portion of the body, a heater, and a water pipe. The base is placed at the bottom of the coffee maker and connected to the lower portion of the body through screws. The base has a supporter by which a coffee cup can be supported. The upper portion of the body comprising a water tank, a lid, an infusing house and a flow distributor, is placed on the top of the body. The coffee maker also includes an actuating mechanism, which allows the upper portion of the body to move up or down. Upon the height of the coffee cup placed at the supporter, by turning a knob of the actuating mechanism, the upper portion of the body may be adjusted to prevent coffee from spaying out from the coffee cup.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end and at least one baffle divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein a temperature of the first compartment is greater than a temperature of the second compartment. A first drum is rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first compartment of the tank will enter the first drum and a second drum is rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the tank such that a cool transfer medium contained in the second compartment of the tank will enter the second drum. A food product transfer device transfers food product from the first drum to the second drum.

Abstract: An electric grill for use to create healthier meals is disclosed. The electric grill comprises a support structure which holds a top heating section and a bottom heating section connected by a hinge. The hinge allows for a wide range of movement whereby the top heating section may be face to face with the bottom heating section, may be perpendicular, or may be at a 180 degree angle. Moreover, the top and bottom heating sections may be tilted such that excess grease, oils and juices may be separated from the food being cooked. The electric grill disclosed herein also may include a digital read-out display and a user input keypad.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the transplantation of tissue from a donor site in a body to a recipient site. The device includes an outer chamber having an interior volume in which a perforated inner chamber can be placed. During the aspiration of tissue, a vacuum is formed in the interior volume of the outer chamber, to draw tissue from a cannula into the perforated inner chamber. The perforations are sized such that fat is collected within the inner chamber, while fluids and other materials are drawn through the perforations, away from the collected fat. For reinjection, the inner chamber can be removed from the outer chamber, and a sleeve positioned to cover the perforations and thereby form a syringe body that can be interconnected to a needle and plunger for reinjection of the collected fat.

Abstract: A juicer attachment which can be latched onto a motor housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover attached to said upper cover to define a gear chamber. The drive for a rotary straining and juicing basket includes telescopically engaged upper and lower drive shafts with spaced heat dissipating bushings and speed reduction gears in the gear chamber. At least one spring biases at least one drive shaft upwardly to normally disengage at least two gears in the chamber so that the motor can be left running while the rotary parts of the juicer attachment remain stationary.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a bottom of a coffeemaker adapted to be placed onto and supported by a surface. Three or more wheel assemblies are mounted onto the bottom of the coffeemaker. The wheel assemblies rotate in substantially a straight line. The wheel assemblies are mounted on an imaginary circle on the bottom of the coffeemaker, and the straight line of rotation of each of the wheels is substantially tangent to the imaginary circle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable kitchen utensil for the collection and transfer of prepared food items located atop a kitchen chop board or countertop surface to a cooking, serving, refuse or other kitchen receptacle.

Abstract: A fruit skin peeling device is disclosed. The device comprises a base, a driving means, a rotating disc, a plurality of lateral plates and a top cover, the base having a top and a lower cavity, wherein the base is divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber and the lower chamber encloses the driving means having an axle protruded at the lower chamber and connected to the rotating disc, the bottom section of the upper chamber is provided with a debris opening and the lateral plates are position around the circular side of the upper chamber, characterized in that the rotating disc and the lateral plates are mounted with circular toothed-blade, the driving means drives the rotating disc to rotate such that fruits or the like placed in the upper chamber is driven to rotate and in contact with the circular toothed-blade to peel off the skin of the fruit or the like, and the peeled skins are discarded through the debris opening.

Abstract: A method for printing digital images on plastic containers having curved surfaces, including providing a series of hollow plastic containers, moving the containers along a track past first and second digital printing locations, and printing first and second digital images on the curved container surfaces while maintaining the container being printed under internal pressure and while firmly holding the container being printed at spaced locations thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad printing machine comprising a transfer pad carrier (22) which is displaceable not only up and down in a first y-direction (24) but also forward and backward in an x-direction (38). The design of the invention allows using one type of printing machines for a plurality of purposes.

Abstract: In a statistical variable display apparatus, first lengths along a first axis and second lengths along a second axis are determined. The first lengths are respectively allotted to first-type subgroups, and the second lengths are respectively allotted to the second-type subgroups. The apparatus displays the first-type subgroups arranged along the first axis to have the respective first lengths, the second-type subgroups arranged along the second axis to have the respective second lengths, and representations of acquired statistical variables correspondingly to a respective one of the first-type subgroups arranged along the first axis and a respective one of the second-type subgroups arranged along the second axis.

Abstract: A printing and drying method comprising laying a support sheet 20 elongated in the long direction so as to bridge both a printing zone 42 and a drying zone 44, in the printing zone 42, giving the support sheet 20 a first tension F1, in that state, printing the support sheet 20 with predetermined patterns, then feeding the support sheet 20 toward the drying zone 44, in the drying zone 44, giving the support sheet 20 on which the predetermined patterns were printed a second tension F2, and in that state, drying it in a drying chamber 62. The first tension F1 and the second tension F2 are given by separate tension giving means, and the second tension F2 is tension given along the support sheet 20 in the long direction and able to prevent shrinkage of the support sheet 20 in the long direction while passing through the drying zone 44.

Abstract: A printing tower includes at least two printing groups which can each be controlled independently of the other by the entry of data into an operating unit. The operating unit is configured independently of the printing groups and can selectively exchange data with different printing groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for checking the quality of articles to be checked, comprising a first inspection device which detects image data of a surface on the front side of the article to be checked and an evaluation device which evaluates the quality of the article to be checked based on the detection result of the inspection device. A second inspection device is provided for detecting a rear side of the articles to be checked and a third inspection device is provided for illuminating the articles to be checked.