Abstract: A process for preparing a multilayer structure product in which it quickly becomes possible to obtain a satisfactory molded article after restarting the molding without using a special purging agent. In the process, which comprises feeding a saponified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and other resins to a melt-molding machine having a die to mold a multilayer structure product, the saponified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer residing in the melt-molding machine is allowed to stand at a temperature lower by 0 to 100° C. than the melt-molding temperature throughout the period from a melt-molding process conducted for a certain time to restarting a melt-molding process.

Abstract: A composite material which is elastic, which exhibits a resistive load under deformation which increases with the rate of deformation, which is unfoamed or foamed, comminuted or uncomminuted and which comprises i) a first polymer-based elastic material and ii) a second polymer-based material, different from i), which exhibits dilatancy in the absence of i) wherein ii) is entrapped in a solid matrix of i), the composite material being unfoamed or, when foamed, preparable by incorporating ii) with i) prior to foaming.

Abstract: In case of administrating weight and thickness of a molded article molded by compressing powder material, if the thickness of the sampled molded article is measured, it takes time to conduct thickness control based on the measured thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting feed material into granules under the application of pressure. The apparatus includes a conveyor screw arranged about an axis of rotation with at least one screw spiral, a rotationally symmetric working chamber arranged about the axis of rotation, which chamber is formed by two annular walls arranged at an axial distance from one another and by an annular perforated die. The annular wall has a central opening arranged coaxial to the axis of rotation into which the conveyor screw discharges in order to feed the working chamber with feed material. The apparatus also includes a pressure element that rotates about the axis of rotation and has at least one pressure arm, which extends from the axis of rotation toward the perforated die delivers the axially supplied feed material to the perforated die in the radial direction, and compacts it while doing so.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed or a plurality of successive layers of model material and sacrificial mold material. Each successive layer is constructed by depositing, drop-by-drop, at least one line of sacrifical mold material delineating at least one boundary of the model material within the layer and thereafter depositing the model material onto all delineated regions of the layer by spray deposition. Each successive layer is completed by a planing process which removes the undesired thickness of both the sacrificial and the model materials. Following completion of the composite model, the sacrificial mold material is removable from the composite model, by a process effecting only the sacrificial mold material, to produce the three dimensional model. A device, for depositing the model material at the rate faster than the rate that the mold material is deposited, is also described.

Abstract: A method of thermo-mechanically forming macrotextures in a microtextured film wherein a heat shield is utilized to thermally insulate the microtexture during the forming process.

Abstract: A method of producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastener elements extending from a base. The method includes introducing molten resin to the circumferential surface of the mold roll under pressure conditions and forcing some of the resin into molding cavities to mold an array of fastener elements integrally with resin disposed at the circumferential surface of the mold roll.

Abstract: A guide for a traveling transmission medium such as a timing chain comprises a resin shoe for sliding contact with the transmission medium, supported on a base frame having an two flanges and a web in an I-shaped cross-section. The base frame is produced from aluminum by die casting, using a three-part mold. Two parts of the mold cooperate to form a part of the mold cavity that forms one of the flanges and the web of the base frame, and a third part of the mold cooperates with the first two parts to form a part of the cavity in which the other flange of the base frame is formed without a draft.

Abstract: A process for dispersion spinning non-melt-processible fluoropolymer fiber in which a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of non-melt-processible polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer particles and an aqueous solution of matrix polymer is formed. The non melt-processible particles have an SSG of less than about 2.40. The aqueous dispersion contains an aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant having a 20% residuals temperature determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of less than about 290° C. and is essentially free of surfactants containing aromatic groups. The dispersion has a fluorinated surfactant content of less than about 300 ppm. The mixture is extruded into a coagulation bath containing a concentration of ions which coagulate the matrix polymer to form an intermediate fiber structure. The intermediate fiber structure is sintered to decompose the matrix polymer and coalesce.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a layered manufacturing process to produce an article (2) having at least one small-diameter fluid conduction vent (6) produced during the layered manufacturing process. The invention also includes articles (2) containing at least one small-diameter fluid conduction vent (6) wherein the article (2) and the small-diameter vent or vents (6) are simultaneously produced by a layered manufacturing process.

Abstract: A binding resin, particularly for manufacturing articles, the method for its preparation, and articles that can be obtained with the resin. The binding resin is obtained by mixing essentially a first powder that comprises silica and one or more hardening agents with a solution of at least one silicate of an alkaline metal. Some of the possible additional ingredients are a powder that comprises at least one pozzolanic inorganic binding agent, at least one pozzolanic binding agent with high specific surface area, and a solution of at least one waterproofer. The addition of the optional ingredients provides additional advantages. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and using the resin and to the products (or articles) that can be obtained from the resin.

Abstract: When forming a film on work, such as a lamp holder, the work is not set in a film-forming chamber as in the prior arts, but a film is formed thereon by using a mold, thereby simplifying the film formation work. A movable mold is matched to a fixed mold in a state where a vacuum deposition apparatus, the film-forming element, is provided in the fixed mold and the work is supported in the movable mold. Next, film formation is carried out with the film-forming space in a vacuum state. Thereafter, the movable mold is opened, wherein the film formation work on the work surface using molds can be carried out with a series of processes.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a compressed gas tank that includes a combination of an injection molding process and a rotomolding process. In a first step, a boss to be positioned in the opening of an outer structural layer of the tank is provided and a thin portion of the liner is injection molded to the boss so that a channel within the boss is filled with the liner material to increase the seal integrity between the boss and the liner. Once the liner material is hardened, the surface of the injection molding liner portion is cleaned. Next, a rotomolding process is performed to mold the remaining portion of the liner to the boss. During the rotomolding process, the injection molded portion of the liner melts to be part of the liner made during the rotomolding process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bonded assembly comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a conversion coated metal substrate, a method to produce a bonded assembly comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a conversion coated metal substrate and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: An adjustable baking form includes a strip of malleable material forming a series of longitudinally extending discrete links. Each link includes a wall section and a base section extending transversely from the wall section. The base sections are bent generally perpendicularly to the respective wall sections and the wall sections are bent relative to one another to hand-manipulate the strip into a desired shape. When opposite ends of the strip are brought together, the links cooperatively form a baking vessel. Baking a cake includes providing a roll forming a series of discrete links and manipulating the roll to a desired shape. The first and second ends of the roll are joined to form the baking vessel having the desired shape. A resultant cake is obtained in the shape of the baking vessel after placing the baking vessel on a baking pan and pouring batter into the baking vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for injecting an injection molded part made of plastic, using an injection unit having a gate (1) in a nozzle housing (2), the gate (1) being connected to a flow channel (5). According to the invention, the gate (1) is opened and closed by an inner needle (4), and plastic flowing from the flow channel (5) to the gate (1) is predosed and injected by an outer needle (3), and/or a retention pressure is applied to the plastic.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a set of injection moulds and a set of cooling moulds. The set of injection moulds include a male injection mould and a female injection mould that are closed together to define an injection mould cavity. The set of cooling moulds include a male cooling mould and a female cooling mould that are closed together to define a cooling mould cavity. Molten plastic material is injected into the injection mould cavity to form a plastic article. The male injection mould and the male cooling mould are identical and interchangeable to enable the plastic article to be transferred to the cooling moulds. While the plastic article is accommodated in the cooling mould cavity and being cooled therein, molten plastic article is injected again into the injection mould cavity to form another plastic article. Thereby, the injection molding cycle time is reduced and the efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus includes using a planar plotting mask which can continuously change a mask image; continuously moving the planar plotting mask with reference to the surface of the photocurable resin composition and exposing the surface of a photocurable resin composition to light by way of the planar plotting mask while continuously changing a mask image of the planar plotting mask in accordance with a cross-sectional profile pattern of an optically-cured resin layer to be formed and in synchronism with movement of the planar plotting mask, to thus form an optically-cured resin layer having a predetermined cross-sectional profile pattern; and performing building operation such that boundary areas among adjacent plotted areas in the optically-cured resin layer become unnoticeable in a finally-obtained stereolithographic three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plastic containers. The method may comprise the steps of (1) forming a plastic container from a preform in a blow-molder, where the blow-molder comprises a plurality of molds and spindles; and (2) inspecting the plastic container after formation in the blow-molder. The containers are inspected by impinging infrared light thereon and detecting the portion of the infrared light that passes through the container and converting the same into corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from sensors associated with the blow-molder relating to the position of the molds, the identity of the molds and the identity of the spindles in order that the information that is determined by inspection can be associated with specific molds and spindles. The information may be visually displayed so as to provide feedback regarding the inspection process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle block for use in a bottom of a molten metal ladle. The ladle block reduces the amount of contaminants, particularly slag, exiting the ladle during casting operations. The ladle block includes a floor defining an outlet and sidewalls substantially orthogonal to the floor. The floor and sidewalls define a channel having dimensions of length, width and height. Channel dimensions are determined from the Froude number, which is based at least partially on the casting flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding closing element, especially for an intermediate distributor or similar metallurgical containers. According to the invention, the mobile sliding plate of said closing element can be driven by means of a drive comprising a driving road and a push rod connected thereto. In order to ensure that the oscillatory movement of the sliding plate does not impair the connection during operation, a coupling arranged as a connecting body between the opposite ends of the push rod and the driving rod is provided with two coupling parts that engage in each other without play.

Abstract: To prevent abnormal noise generation and bellows breakage by rattling, a metallic bellows type accumulator (1) comprising a housing (2) provided with a shell (3) and a gas end cover (4), a metallic bellows (7) arranged inside the housing (2), and a volume controlling spacer (22) fixed inside the gas end cover (4) is structured such that the spacer (22) is formed in a disc shape by a predetermined resin material, has a hole part (25) in a center of a flat surface, has a slit part (26) at one position on a circumference, has a larger outer diameter than an inner diameter at a position where the spacer is inserted in the gas end cover (4), is inserted to the gas end cover (4) in a state that the outer diameter is contracted, and is fixed inside the gas end cover (4) by its elastic restoring force.

Abstract: In the present invention, when the controlling of the damping force of a damper by an actuator becomes impossible in a suspension apparatus for a vehicle, having an actuator for controlling the damping force of the damper for a suspension from which a wheel is suspended from a vehicle body, and a regulating device that regulates a vehicle height by extending and contracting the damper, the vehicle height regulation device extends and contracts the damper and thereby reduce the vehicle height. Therefore, even when the damper is fixed in a low damping force condition with the rolling rigidity and pitching rigidity of the vehicle in a lowered state, the stability of the vehicle can be secured by extending and contracting the damper by the actuator and thereby reducing the vehicle height and lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a V6 engine that can switch between a first running state and a second running state which differ in the number of cylinders that are permitted to operate, when switching from L3 selective cylinder operation to V4 selective cylinder operation is determined to be required, control of an active vibration isolation support system corresponding to L3 selective cylinder operation is normally continued for one cycle. However, in this case of switching from L3 selective cylinder operation to V4 selective cylinder operation, a vibration pattern of L3 selective cylinder operation continues for longer than usual, that is, for a period greater than one cycle. Therefore, control of the active vibration isolation support system corresponding to the vibration pattern of L3 selective cylinder operation is continued for two cycles of the vibration pattern, thereby further effectively improve a vibrational state when switching between running states from L3 selective cylinder operation to V4 selective cylinder operation.

Abstract: A control circuit for an active engine mount is provided, including an electrical bridge circuit, and a pulse-width modulation (‘PWM’) circuit. The PWM circuit receives an input signal from a controller, and generates first and second PWM output signals. The first PWM signal, derived from the input signal, controls first and third switches of the electrical bridge circuit. The second PWM signal comprises a digitally inverted signal of the first PWM signal, and controls second and fourth switches of the electrical bridge circuit. First and second outputs of the bridge circuit are connectable to first and second terminals of the mount device. The controller receives an input signal from crank and cam sensors, as part of the control scheme.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator, an output member, and a spring arrangement having at least one spiral return spring. The output member has a neutral position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position. The neutral position is between the first actuated position and the second actuated position. The output member capable of being driven by the actuator from the neutral position to the first actuated position and to the second actuated position. The spring arrangement is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the first actuated position and is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the second actuated position.

Abstract: A secondary workbench for belt-type sawing machine includes two side frames and a transverse frame located between the two side frames. Each of the side frames includes a base frame, a roller mounted on the base frame, and a telescopic leg pivotally connected to a rear lower end of the base frame. The transverse frame is connected at two ends to front ends of the two base frames, so that a smaller saw bench of a belt-type sawing machine could be connected to a top of the transverse frame to locate between the two rollers of the secondary workbench and thereby has an expanded bench area, allowing a relatively big workpiece to be positioned on the rollers and the saw bench for sawing.

Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a first processing tray configured to temporarily store the sheet and deliver it. A first and a second path are positioned downstream of the first processing tray in a direction of sheet conveyance and configured to convey a first and a second sheet stack, respectively. The first path conveys the first sheet stack upward over the downstream portion of the first processing tray while the second path conveys it downward over the same. A switching device selects either one of the first and second paths. The sheet finisher of the present invention is low cost and highly productive and space saving.

Abstract: A belt is looped around a plurality of rollers including a drive roller and a follow roller. The belt has an inner peripheral surface facing inside of a loop of the belt and an outer peripheral surface opposite the inner peripheral surface. The belt has a first widthwise edge and a second widthwise edge. A widthwise-movement restricting member is disposed on the inner peripheral surface on a first widthwise edge side. The widthwise-movement restricting member restricts widthwise movement of the belt in a direction toward a second widthwise edge side. An expansion-contraction restricting member is disposed on the second widthwise edge side on at least one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. The expansion-contraction restricting member is less expandable in a peripheral direction of the belt than the widthwise-movement restricting member is. An urging member applies tension to the belt in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: A media supply system (40) suitable for use in an imaging apparatus (30) to remove sheets of imaging media from a stack of one or more sheets of imaging media. Media supply system (40) includes a pickup assembly (50) and an actuator system (52). Pickup assembly (50) is moveable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the pickup assembly is configured to selectively engage a first sheet of imaging media of the stack when the pickup assembly is in the first position. Actuator system (52) is selectively coupled to pickup assembly (50) and is configured to move pickup assembly (50) between at least the first position and the second position and to vibrate at least the portion of the pickup assembly engaging the first sheet of imaging media at a desired frequency after moving the pickup assembly from the first position, wherein the desired frequency is based on characteristics of the sheets of imaging media.

Abstract: A paper-sheet punching device punches a hole in a paper sheet. The paper sheet punching device includes a punching unit that receives a paper sheet via an inlet, and punches a hole in the paper sheet; and a return roller that delivers the paper sheet with the hole via an outlet.

Abstract: A feed roller and a separation roller each having convex portions are arranged so that the convex portions engage with each other. A lever is provided such that one end of the lever is fixed to a rotatable shaft and other end slides on a shaft around which the separation roller rotates. The other end has at least two portions with different radii of curvature. A knob is integrally connected to the lever. When a user operates the knob, the lever rotates and the shaft around which the separation roller rotates is pushed away depending on the radii of curvature of the portion of the lever so that amount of engagement between the feed roller and the separation roller changes.

Abstract: A media path jam clearance apparatus installable in a supporting structure includes media drive mechanisms for moving flexible media through media paths and a rotatable, removable jam clearance element. Within the jam clearance element facing surfaces of guide elements define guide surfaces for media paths, with the guide elements having external surfaces capable of supporting the flexible media as it is wrapped around the external surfaces. A pivotal support element supports and enables rotational movement of the jam clearance element within the supporting structure. The jam clearance element may be partially or entirely extracted from the supporting structure.

Abstract: When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.

Abstract: When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.

Abstract: When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.

Abstract: Embodiments of example apparatuses and methods for changing nip pressure are described.

Abstract: A dice game apparatus rolls dice to a stop, then photographs spots shown by the stopped dice with a CCD camera (41), then analyzes an image of the spots, and determines the spots shown by the dice. In the dice game apparatus, a dice rolling surface (35a) on which the dice are rolled is inclined downwardly from its outer periphery toward its center. The CCD camera (41) is disposed above the center thereof. As a result, the dice are gathered around the center in accordance with the inclination of the surface. An image of the upper sides of the dice substantially exactly facing the CCD camera (41) can be taken. Therefore, the spots shown by the dice can be analyzed more accurately.

Abstract: A board game apparatus may include one or more superimposed surfaces that are configured to be selectively movable relative to each other to form a changeable pathway. Separate upper and lower board elements may each include pathway indicia on a surface, one being selectively movable among a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the other. In each position, the visible pathway indicia of both surfaces may align to define one or more continuous pathways, and one or more of the continuous pathways are changeable by moving the movable surface from one predetermined relative position to another. Methods for game play may include placing a player mover on a pathway, changing one or more pathways by moving the selectively movable surface from one position to another, and moving the player mover from one board element to the other board element along the continuous pathway.

Abstract: A game and method of playing game is provided. The method includes providing a game board, the board comprised of a plurality of nodes, providing a source node for each player and providing a plurality of playing pieces, the playing pieces each having a plurality of states, the playing pieces representing each of the states. Each piece has predetermined movement abilities, according to the state of each piece. The game is played by assigning a plurality of distinguishable playing pieces to a plurality of players, positioning the playing pieces on the spaces of the board in a starting position, and moving the pieces by each player, in turn, by having one of the player's playing pieces act on another of the player's own pieces, a playing piece of another player, or an empty node according to its predetermined movement abilities as characterized by its current state, and then removing the acting piece.

Abstract: A book and board game combination device that allows a user to transport an entire board game in a book form. The device can comprise a book and a board for a board game coupled to said book. There can also be at least one container coupled to the book. There can also be a plurality of game pieces disposed in the container and being selectively removable from the container for use with the board in the board game. The game pieces can include at least one card, at least one interactive element such as clay or dough, at least one timer, at least one spinner, and at least one playing piece which can be used to identify a particular player. There can also be a method for playing a game which can include opening a book, presenting a game board coupled to the book, removing a playing piece from a container, answering a question and then selectively moving the playing piece on the game board in response to the answer to the question.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a plurality of tournament tables in at least one physical location wherein multiple players play identical hands of the same game thereby playing a game of skill with equal opportunity given to each player to win. The system including for each hand played a set of pre-packaged duplicate hands distributed to each tournament table so that each player in a tournament group will play an identical hand of cards.

Abstract: An apparatus that is used to convert an ordinary table or table-like surface into a card table, that can later be removed, stowed and easily transported. In its preferred embodiment, the device would be comprised of four major components: a thin flat piece of padding; a piece of cloth with a constricting perimeter; a long, soft, flexible border; and a strap with a joining mechanism. The device would be installed onto a table by laying the piece of padding flat on the table surface; covering the padding with the cloth; wrapping the border around the common edges of the cloth, padding and table; and securing the padding, cloth and border in place around the perimeter of the table surface edge through tension afforded by the strap, with the ends of the strap being connected by the joining mechanism.

Abstract: Magnetic locker darts with a grip region of length equal to the width of a human thumb provide throwing accuracy while minimizing contact with other locker contents. The target is a decal that can be attached to the inside of a metal locker door or other metal appliance.

Abstract: An archery target is manufactured by stacking a plurality of layers of foam with the bottom surface of an upper layer engaging the top surface of a lower layer in face-to-face engagement to form a stack having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces. The foam layers are compressed and the layers of foam are secured to each other by applying heat to the side surfaces such that a plurality of target faces of at least partially melted foam are formed. The layers of foam are further integrated to one another by applying a heated rod through the entire stack to form at least one hole extending through the layers. The archery target is capable of being used in a stand-alone arrangement having at least four target faces and could be used as an insert for a three-dimensionally shaped target shell.

Abstract: A prize-capturing game apparatus 10 comprises a prize storage portion 14 in which a prize 18 is stored. A drop inlet 26 for dropping the prize 18 gripped by a movable body 24 is disposed on the prize storage portion 14. The drop inlet 26 is opened or closed by a shutter 74 of a mechanism 37 for opening and closing the drop inlet. A prize deposit room 30 is disposed below the drop inlet 26 and an outlet 32 for taking out the prize 18 is disposed on a front face of the prize deposit room 30. The outlet 32 is opened and closed by the prize outlet door 34. During a game, the shutter 74 opens the drop inlet 26 to receive the drop of the prize 18 and the prize outlet door 34 is locked in a closed position using a locking mechanism 62. After the game, the shutter 74 closes the drop inlet 26 and a lock of the prize outlet door 34 using the door locking mechanism 62 is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-compensating dynamic joint between two parts of a piece of equipment, namely a fixed part and a moving part rotatable about an axis of rotation of the fixed part, to ensure the sealing of the equipment with respect to the outside comprising : a sealing part having a given coefficient of thermal expansion, provided with an end in frictional contact with a frictional surface of a first part, and mounted in a sealed way in a rigid mechanical structure connected to the second part, a compensation element, forming the link between the mechanical structure and the second part in a sealed way, said compensation element being thermally deformable and designed in such a way that, when the temperature varies, the displacements of the mechanical structure resulting from the deformations of the compensation element ensure that said end of the sealing part is kept in frictional contact with the frictional surface.

Abstract: An isolator device, which may be a bearing seal or a bearing isolator, for use hindering fluid flow between components which are rotating relative to each other about a longitudinal axis, the flow being in one direction parallel to this axis, includes a stator for securing to a rotary fixed one of the components and a rotor for securing to a relatively rotating one of the components. The stator has a surface which extends longitudinally and adjacent to a surface of a component, which rotates relative to the stator. The fluid flow is between the two surfaces and the stator surface is non-parallel to the adjacent component surface and is shaped to promote fluid flow in a direction opposing the general fluid flow direction.

Abstract: A removable cartridge includes a permanent magnet, a pole piece, a shaft sleeve and a magnetic fluid between the pole piece and the shaft sleeve and forming a magneto-fluidic seal by directing a magnetic field from the permanent magnet through the magnetic fluid. The magnetic field in the magnetic fluid is reduced when the cartridge is stored to reduce the aging process of the magnetic fluid either by diverting the magnetic field, or by saturating magnetic flux from the magnet through a reduced with of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A composition and method for coating a MLS gasket is disclosed. The coating may include a polymer with bronze particulate. The particulate improves the sealability of a coating on the gasket during operation.