Abstract: An actuator which, by a movement of a component which is generated by means of an electric current, can effect control of another component in a mechanical environment having rotating parts which are housed in a very small space. A rotating element, for example a clutch shaft (1; 21), is hollow, and an electromagnetic coil arrangement (7; 24) is housed in this cavity in such a way that the excitation of the coil is converted into a mechanical displacement of a component arranged outside the clutch shaft, for example of a sleeve sliding axially on the clutch shaft. For this purpose, parts of the clutch shaft are made ferromagnetic and are integrated in the magnetic loop of the coil (7; 24). The actuator according to the invention can be used, for example, in a viscous clutch for controlling the throughput of shear medium.

Abstract: In a clutch device 1, a clutch cover assembly 8 is attached to a second flywheel assembly 5 to bias elastically a frictional connection portion 54 against a friction surface 21a of a flywheel 21. A release device 10 releases the bias toward the frictional connection portion 54 by applying a load to the clutch cover assembly 8 in an axial direction toward the engine. A support plate 39 elastically supports the second flywheel assembly 5 such that the second flywheel assembly 5 can move in a bending direction. A bending direction movement suppression mechanism 24 suppresses bending movement of the second flywheel 5 by connecting the second flywheel assembly 5 to a disk-like member 13 when the clutch cover assembly 8 receives a load toward the engine in the axial direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic system in a motor vehicle for operating a friction clutch is described, including a slave cylinder acting upon a spring plate of the clutch, and a manually or automatically operated master cylinder acting upon the slave cylinder. The hydraulic system includes a two-stage spring device.

Abstract: A plurality of steps 33 are connected to a pair of step chains 32 wound around step chain sprockets 30. The step chain sprockets 30 drives the step chains 32 to turn the step chains 32 through a forward path 43a, a return path 43b, and reversing areas at the opposite ends of the forward path and the return path. Front wheels 39 are supported on shafts attached to the opposite side surfaces of a front part of the step 33 and connected to the step chains 32, respectively. Rear wheels 40 are supported on a rear part of the step 33. Front wheel guide rails 44 supporting and guiding the front wheels 39 and rear wheel guide rails 45 for supporting and guiding the rear wheels 40 guides the step 33 in the forward path. In the reversing area, in which the step is inverted, an auxiliary step guide means including auxiliary rollers 41 and auxiliary roller guide rails 46 controls the position of the step 33 such that the rear wheels approach a connecting shaft 30a supporting the step chain sprockets 30.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for a street sweeper having a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly has a pair of rollers and a conveyor belt connected therebetween. The conveyor assembly is provided with debris skirts to lift the edge of the conveyor belt to prevent debris from traveling over the edge of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is formed into a concave orientation. The debris skirts is also connected to a rub rail to provide a dynamic seal along the length of the conveyor belt edges. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a roller scraper for removing debris accumulated upon the rollers. The roller scraper is adapted to envelop a portion of the roller. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a liquid delivery system for assisting in the removal of debris from the roller.

Abstract: A pusher for scraper chain conveyors comprising an upper and lower member, the two members being connectable by bolted connections. Each member of the pusher featuring one part of one or more chain beds through which a flat jointing plane runs, as well as one part of the recesses provided for the bolts of the bolted connections and located to the outside of the chain bed. The upper and lower member embracing each other at least partially, and the upper member being configured as a bow-like bridge element that wraps over both ends of the lower member from above. The two ends of the bridge-like upper member being of cuneiform shape and having upper and lower guide surfaces sloping towards each other in V-formation, and the upper and lower member engaging each other at each end by nose-like centering projections on the upper or lower member, the projections engaging complementary recesses in the contact surfaces of the lower or upper member.

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

Abstract: The planar conveyor belt is designed to move along curved trajectories and has a plurality of chain-links including, staggered at the fronts and at the rear of a central core, a succession of slots, each with an opening, in particular oblong in shape, so as to ensure play in a longitudinal direction of a chain-link relative to another adjacent chain-link. The conveyor belt is characterized in that at least on the side external to the curved trajectory it is designed to follow, at least some of the chain-links include, in their transverse extension, a chain-link modules providing, in particular across its slots a curvilinear contact zone with the pivot pins linking them.

Abstract: A display box that includes: a) a base having a bottom and at least one wall that terminates in an upper perimeter, b) a product display holder positioned in the base, and c) a cover for the base. The cover comprises a clear window and a frame that contains the window. The frame irreversibly engages the upper perimeter of the base wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a case for transporting handguns and methods of using and manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the case is comprised of (i) an expansion mechanism located within the case, having a mounting bar coupled thereto and configured to deploy the mounting bar as the case is opened; and (ii) a handgun holder coupled to the mounting bar that includes (a) a clamp configured removably to secure the handgun holder to the mounting bar and coupled to a first shank having a threaded receptacle at an end thereof, (b) a holster seat configured to conform, and coupled, to a handgun holster and further coupled to the side of a second shank having a major axis substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the handgun holster, an end of the second shank mating with the end of the first shank, and (c) a fastener configured to pass through an opening through the second shank along the major axis and engage the threaded receptacle.

Abstract: The toolbox has a primary case, two add-on cases and four pivot pins. The primary case has a front casing and a rear housing. The rear casing has two pivoting sides, two locking hinges and multiple hinge barrels. The add-on cases are pivotally attached to the pivoting sides and each has a connecting casing and a pivoting housing. Each connecting casing is attached to one of the pivoting sides and each has multiple hinge barrels and a resilient clamp. Each pivoting casing is attached to the corresponding connecting casing oppositely to the rear casing and has a locking hinge, multiple hinge barrels and a slice. The pivot pins are separately pass through the locking hinges and the corresponding hinge barrels of the rear housing, the corresponding hinge barrels of the connecting casing and the locking hinges and the corresponding hinge barrels of the pivoting housing.

Abstract: A sharps blade protection device is disclosed that adapts to currently used scalpel handles but uniquely is also usable with other existing styles of sharps including kitchen and hobby knives. This invention is adaptable over a broad range of sharps devices enabling users of many different sharps to be protected during and after use. The device is designed so that the user can easily insert and remove the sharp so that training of use is minimized if needed at all. The device is usable with a single hand, and both left handed or right handed operators are able to use all of the benefits of this device with equal ease. Device can include a member whereby it removes the tang portion of a surgical scalpel blade from the holder on the scalpel and places it onto a retention post, where it remains until the blade is safety removed from the handle by a movement of the blade guard.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical transport carrier, as well as a medical waste disposal container. The medical transport carrier includes a carrier tray and a medical waste disposal container. The carrier tray includes a supply area adapted for containing medical supplies. The medical waste disposal container is interengagably and removably mated with the carrier tray and is located at a location remote from the supply area. The present invention is also directed to a medical waste disposal container adapted for engaging with a carrier tray having a supply area for containing medical supplies. The medical waste disposal container is interengagably and removably matable with the carrier tray and is adapted for containing medical waste at a location remote from the supply area of the carrier tray.

Abstract: A container for shipping screens for large screen television sets has a screen support platform with a top surface for supporting a plurality of the screens stacked thereon. A pallet is integrated with the screen support platform, and a tubular side wall having an open top end and an open bottom end is adapted to rest at its bottom end on the pallet, with the side wall disposed around a stack of screens supported on the platform. A cover is provided for placement over the open top end of the tubular side wall. The screen support platform, pallet, side wall, and cover are all constructed of corrugated cardboard. In a preferred embodiment, a tray forms the top deck of the pallet, and the support platform is received in the tray.

Abstract: A cutting device is described having a base with an opening with cutting edges, and a flap articulated with respect to the base, the flap having a shape corresponding to the opening and cutting edges corresponding to the cutting edges of the opening. The cutting device is preferably provided as part of a kit for preparing and delivering hemostatic material to a patient.

Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.

Abstract: Container for the storage and/or transportation of liquids or powders, in particular inflammables, suitable for preventing the formation of electrostatic charge, comprising a tank supported by a pallet, housed in a metallic cage and having an outer surface in contact with said metallic cage. The tank comprises a base layer of plastic material, a layer modified through plasma and a layer of metallic material deposited with vacuum PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technique. The metallic layer is in contact with the cage. The metallization of a plastic tank is carried out by generating in a chamber a plasma which activates the outer surface of said tank so as to form a surface layer and carrying out, with vacuum PVD technique, the deposition of a layer of conductive metallic material superposing said surface layer to obtain a tank metallized on the outside.

Abstract: A thermophoretic source may be contained within the packaging of a reticle during transport or otherwise to protect the reticle from particle contamination. For example, in advanced lithography technologies, very small particles may be thermophoretically attracted away from the reticle during transport so that cleaning on arrival may not be necessary in some cases.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical container comprised of three parts including a top shell, a bottom shell, and a rotatable ring. The top and bottom shells are affixed to each other and hold the ring captive in a race formed by the outer sidewalls and annular retaining edges of the top and bottom shell. A discharge opening in the ring can be aligned with one or more openings in the sidewalls to allow passage of objects in or out of the container. The ring opening can similarly be aligned away from the sidewall opening(s) to prevent the passage of objects. The container disclosed herein represents a significant advance over known hand-operated containers because, among other things, it is simpler to manufacture, provides more reliable operation, and offers reduced friction against stored objects.

Abstract: A method of making a point of purchase display container including folding a sheet of resilient material having a series of fold markings and cut lines into the shape of a product container. A product container including a plurality of resilient members for association with a product that can be contained, displayed, and/or transported in the product container.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automatically extracting pods from a carousel shaped casing tower which include elements for engaging and moving the pods within the carousel while the carousel maintains its place. The pods travel on a track within the carousel which comprises six layers of pods. The extracting is performed in an extraction zone which may be located at least one end of the carousel while the loading of pods occurs at other locations. The pods include pockets for accommodating articles. The articles may be mail pieces.

Abstract: A cyclone separator including an initial cyclone arrangement (1) arranged first in relation to a flow direction (18) through the separator; a second cyclone arrangement (2) connected in series with the initial cyclone arrangement; a bypass channel (3) bypassing the second cyclone arrangement (2), and a volumetric flow controlled valve device (4) for selectively directing a partial stream (5) through the bypass channel (3).

Abstract: A system meets needs in sludge collection by significantly increasing the flow rate through a header that collects sludge without causing problems in priming. Telescopic pipes stay in a line adjacent to the bottom of a basin and do not float upwardly into or against equipment in the basin. The entire sludge collecting system is in a space of a low-clearance height under the equipment that extends downwardly near the bottom of the basin. The sludge is collected by openings in header pipes, and by at least one bearing opening in an outer pipe, wherein the bearing opening extends to a radial clearance between the telescopic pipes. Flow of the sludge through the radial clearance from the bearing opening is allowed by a bearing that permits relative movement of the outer pipe and the inner pipe to allow traversing of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A balloon holding assembly includes a bottom support and an upper support each having a top side and a bottom side. A plurality of elongated vertical supports each has an upper end and a lower end. A plurality of couplers is attached to each of the upper and bottom supports for removably coupling each of the upper ends to a bottom side of the upper support and the lower ends to the top side of the bottom support. A cage is removably positionable over the upper support and extends downwardly from the upper support. Helium filled balloons may be positioned in the cage such that the horizontal wall prevents the balloons from floating upwardly away from the frame.

Abstract: A mobile merchandising unit for storing and displaying merchandise particularly in a retail store. The mobile merchandising unit includes a cart assembly including a cabinet being mounted upon a wheel assembly and having bottom, side, top, and back walls, and also having a tray section being disposed upon the cabinet; and also includes a chute assembly being mounted upon the cart assembly and including a plurality of chutes being disposed side by side and being adapted to receive merchandise.

Abstract: A connector for use in assembling a shelving member and rack or frame configuration that does not require tools for assembly. The shelving member includes an end with at least two depending shafts spaced apart a predetermined distance apart. The frame includes at least two apertures spaced apart a corresponding predetermined distance. The connector is used to coupling the shelving member to the frame member. The connector has a body or bridging section with at least two depending prongs spaced apart a distance corresponding to the predetermined distance. Each of the prongs has an upper end and a lower end, an aperture extending at least partially therethrough. The aperture of each prong is sized to receive one shaft of the shelving member, such as in frictional engagement. The apertures in the frame are also sized to receive the prongs of the connector, The connector can be used to join the shelving member and the frame or rack.

Abstract: A support arrangement for a hair styling salon has a stanchion for forming a substantially central support member for an annular rim member. The annular rim member has notches along its periphery for accommodating respective skeins of braiding/weaving hair. Each notch is dimensioned to grasp a respective skein of braiding/weaving hair. A radial support arrangement configured as spokes that extend radially from the stanchion supports the annular rim member rotatably and removably on the stanchion. A tray is concentrically disposed with respect to the annular rim member and is vertically adjustably supported on the stanchion. The tray supports beauty products and implements, such as needles and thread, that are used during the braiding/weaving process. An elastomeric portion is annularly configured and arranged to overlie the annular rim, and has a plurality of slit-like notches that grasp resiliently and securely respective skeins of braiding/weaving hair.

Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container may be a hot-fill container having an improved geometry. The container may comprise a base, a body portion attached to the base and a concave waist attached to the body portion and having a surface. The surface including a plurality of axial apexes and troughs alternately arranged around the waist. A dome may be attached to the waist. A finish may be attached to the dome, the finish having an opening.

Abstract: Folding crates includes a base and pivotable side walls which fold open from a stacked storage condition in which the walls are in juxtaposition and within the perimeter of the base. Latches are provided to connect the open walls and provide support between the walls. A pedestal and legs on the base are arranged so that the pedestal of one crate may be received and secured by the legs of a similar crate with side walls folded to the stacked storage condition. Crate connection assemblies are included for joining multiple crates into a crate array when the crates are open. The connection assemblies use receiver sockets that receive connection links therein. The links are preferably tubular to allow a tension fastener to extend therethrough and be secured by a septum wall against which the tubular links abut. The connection links provide compression transfer and resistance to shearing action between conjoined crates.

Abstract: A filter pump cover according to the invention comprises a filter cap, an air purge valve, and a filter cap retainer. An air purge valve according to the invention is comprised of a valve cap, a screw-threaded portion, and a valve stem having one or more outward-facing inverse hooks at the bottom. The inverse hooks are located at the bottom of the air purge valve stem and hook onto the bottom lip of the hollow central portion of the filter cap retainer to prevent complete removal of the valve stem from the filter cap retainer. The valve screw-threaded portion is interrupted by a valve opening slot on one side that permits the release of air from the pump when the valve is opened. The hollow part of the filter cap retainer mates with and holds the air purge valve by means of the screw threads when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A reclosable lid 10 for a container holding a flowable substance has a first piece or cover 12, and a movable second piece or disk 50. The cover 10 has a top wall 14, a side wall 16 and a mounting portion 22 for connecting the lid 10 on the container. The cover 12 has an opening 28 adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid 10. The cover 12 further includes a slot 30 located in the top wall 14. The disk 50 has at least one aperture 78, a post 54, and a projection 52. The aperture 78 and the projection 52 are each cooperatively dimensioned with the opening 28. The post 54 is adapted to be received by the slot 30 in the cover 12. The disk 50 is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the projection 52 is received in the opening 28 in the first position, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28 in the second position.

Abstract: A container comprises a body portion, a lid portion and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member. The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means including a sealing member which extends between the locking member and other of the body portion and the lid portion when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.

Abstract: A paint container liner system including disposable liners and an open container for receiving at least one of the disposable liners, the liners being sized and configured to fit into the inside of the container and around the rim of the container, the liners being maintained in position in the container by a suction generated during installation in one embodiment and by a noncuring adhesive interposed between the liner and container in another embodiment, the liners also being stretched around the rim of the container and in another embodiment configured with a rounded bottom to retain the liner in place during use, the system also including a container cap with a slot for supporting a paint brush during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A carrier comprising a bucket insert and bucket wherein the bucket insert comprises a first member having a handle having an opening, connectors, a second member joined or connected to the first member by the connectors, and wherein the first member defines openings for receiving beverage containers, and the second member supports beverage containers. The bucket having an internal stop member so that the bucket insert comes to rest on the stop member when installed in the bucket. A storage space defined by the second member, the base of the bucket, and the surrounding bucket wall. Another embodiment of the insert comprises a blow molded handle, connectors, and first and second members, such that the insert can be snapped together.

Abstract: A device for preserving freshness of contents, such as but not limited to, coffee, paint, nuts, etc., of a container. The device includes a body and a handle. The body is free of venting bores, comes to rest on the contents of the container, and substantially engages the inner side surface of the container, to preserve the freshness of the contents of the container by blocking virtually all air in the container from contact with the contents of the container. The handle extends foldably from the body so as to self-fold onto the body and prevent interference of the handle with the lid of the container when the contents of the container are at such a level in the container that the handle would, in its normal upward position, be interfered with by the lid of the container.

Abstract: A pressure containment apparatus includes a shell having a top end and a bottom end forming a pressure chamber. The pressure containment apparatus also includes a liner having an outside diameter larger than an inside diameter of the shell, wherein the liner is removably restrained within the shell by a frictional force between the liner and the shell. A retainer and retainer spring supporting the retainer are disposed within a space between the liner and a bottom manifold such that the retainer and retainer spring minimize axial forces exerted on a bottom end flange of the pressure containment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-cell tank (2) for pressurized gas formed by a group of tubes (2a) immersed in a fibrous resin body (4) and reinforced by means of external texture (7), closed with two covers that feature a intercommunicating series of domes on the internal side, which exactly match the opening of the tubes of the group.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing gravity-flowing objects from a storage area to a receiving station outside the dispenser comprising an upstanding wall portion, a top surface defined by the upstanding wall having a bowl-shaped surface with dual upwardly inclined portions meeting at an apex, an opening extending from the base of the bowl-shaped surface downwardly to the base of the upstanding wall portion, a chute extending from an upper portion of the opening laterally and downwardly to and through the perimeter of the upstanding wall portion, and a plunger disposed in a sliding reciprocating but non-rotational relation within the opening, said plunger having a recess in its side wall that is positioned above the opening in the bowl-like surface when the dispenser is in a non-dispensing position and positioned in registry with the inboard opening of the chute when the dispenser is in a dispensing position.

Abstract: A sample preparation system provides an automated process that dispenses appropriate amounts of solid material into wells of a microtiter plate for mixing into a suspension. The system utilizes an array of hollow tubes that are lowered into a particle reservoir such that particle material is forced up into the tubes. During loading, solid plungers in the tubes are positioned a known distance from the open end of the tubes. When the particle material is to be dispensed, the plungers are lowered to push the particle material out of the tubes and into receiving wells of the microtiter plate. The plunger stroke and internal diameter of the tubes defines the dispensed volume of particle material.

Abstract: A cap for covering an opening of a spout. The cap includes a top that defines an inner surface and an outer surface. An engagement portion extends from the inner surface and is adapted to engage the spout. A wall extends from the inner surface to define a container-receiving space and a pierce point extends from the inner surface and is at least partially disposed within the container-receiving space.

Abstract: A spout assembly for enhancing self-standing force of a flexible container includes a fitting portion for attaching on a portion of the flexible container, and a supporting member assembled on or integrally formed on the fitting portion and extending to contact at least more than one portion of front, rear, bottom and top portions of the container, thereby maintaining a predetermined shape of the flexible container.

Abstract: A device for injecting additive fluids into a stream of a primary fluid as it passes through a common central bore is characterized by a series of specially formed layers each having a particular fluid flow pattern formed therein. The layers are registered one above the other and sandwiched together to form an integral unit in which there are separate fluid flow channels for each of a desired number of additive fluids. Each channel has an inlet for receiving fluid from an associated pressurized source and a plurality of outlets terminating in angularly spaced relationship around an interior perimeter surface of the common bore. A selection mechanism provides for choosing a desired additive fluid for injection into the primary fluid in a manner coordinated with the flow of the primary fluid through the common bore.

Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.

Abstract: A method of dispensing metered portions of molten lead comprises the steps of providing a heater body with a lead reservoir that produces sufficient heat to form molten lead and providing a lead dispensing shuttle plate with at least two lead metered cavities that are filled with molten lead in a fill position. The heater body is movable between a dispense position and a feed position. At least one of the metered cavities releases the molten lead when the heater body is moved to the dispense position. In one aspect, the method comprises supplying a strip of lead so that when the heater body moves to the feed position, it receives a portion of the strip of lead. In another aspect, the method comprises injecting inert gas over the lead reservoir and into the dispensing metered cavity to prevent air from entering the metered cavity.

Abstract: A staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 is provided having an apparatus 22 for movement of the cutter box 20 to allow automatic variations in staple length for one or more staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 said staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 being provided with a staple crown 105 supporting shoe 56 to permit supported insertion of the staple into the workpiece the device 10 having blades 50a, 50b for pinch-cutting of the staple wire 72 to provide chisel ends to legs 101 of stable 100 device 10 have key and rail construction to allow the operating drive 16 and bender 18 rails to travel on keys 32 that may be replaced to avoid wear on drive 16 and bender 18 rails and replacement of the rails and a floating bender rail 18 that prevents overstrike and damage to knives 50a, 50b.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in installing tack strips (e.g., as in carpet installation). This apparatus includes a body that has a longitudinal reference axis, first and second longitudinally spaced ends, and a longitudinally oriented body aperture that extends along the reference axis and between the first and second ends of the body. Further, a striker pin that is movable along the reference axis is disposed within at least a portion of the body aperture. Still further, at or toward the first end of the body of the apparatus is a tack strip track assembly that has a tack strip-accommodating guide channel defined therein. Moreover, this track assembly generally includes a substantially immobile spacer for promoting appropriate spacing of a tack strip from a surface.

Abstract: A stapling device (1) with at least two stapling heads (4, 5) attached to a stapling head unit (2) for stapling sheet-like material, in particular paper, cardboard or the like, is provided, wherein the distance between at least two stapling heads (4, 5) can be adjusted relative to each other. In a stapling device (1) according to the invention, the retrofitting necessary for various products is to be simplified. This is achieved in the invention by moveably arranging the stapling heads (4, 5) relative to each other, and providing a drive unit (9, 10) for setting the stapling head distance.

Abstract: A stapler includes a base, a cover put movably on the base, a feeding device for feeding staples, and a bending and cutting device provided between the base and the cover for bending and cutting the legs of each staple. The cutting device includes a seat provided on the base and a housing attached to the cover. The seat includes two wedges formed thereon and a pusher formed thereon. A stationary cutting element is provided in the housing. Two movable cutting elements are provided movably in the housing and on the two wedges so that they are moved towards the stationary cutting element in order to cut the legs of each staple as they are moved towards the seat together with the housing. A spring is put between the movable cutting elements in a tendency to push the movable cutting elements from the stationary cutting element.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a Simple Use Loading Unit (“SULU”) [SULU]. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.

Abstract: The bondhead of a Wire Bonder, that serves to produce a wire connection between two connection points by means of a capillary guiding a wire, is formed as a pantograph mechanism. The pantograph mechanism comprises a first swivel arm driven by a first motor, a second swivel arm driven by a second motor and two connecting arms. With this pantograph mechanism, the movement of the capillary takes place by means of rotary movements.