Abstract: To provide a sheet material cutting unit which can retain the posture of a sheet material when the sheet material is cut such that a movable blade can bite the sheet material with stability. A sheet material fixedly holding portion provided in parallel with a fixed blade and a sheet material movably holding portion linked with a movable blade are provided downstream from a sheet material cutting position in a sheet material transfer direction to retain a sheet material from both sides of the sheet material when the sheet material is cut.

Abstract: Meat slicing machine, comprising a belt blade (5) conceived to follow a straight cutting line (50) for the meat to be sliced, characterised in that it comprises a support surface (9) parallel to the cutting line (50) and set at a distance from the line at right angles to the support surface (9) itself; a container (11) for the meat to be sliced, having an exit opening (12) facing the said support surface (9) on the side of the cutting line (50); Pushing devices (13) associated with said container (11), conceived to push the meat down towards said exit opening (12); and a moving mechanism (19, 22) conceived to translate the container (11) in a parallel manner to the support surface (9) with a backward and forward motion from one side of the cutting line (50) to the other.

Abstract: A cutting arrangement comprises a blade shaft (32) which is mounted for drivable rotation about a blade-shaft axis of rotation (31) and which has at least one circular blade (34); and a brush roll (16) which is disposed opposite the blade shaft (32) and mounted for rotation about a brush-roll axis of rotation (15); the brush roll (16) possessing shells (37) in the cross-sectional shape of a segment of a circle which are disposed on a roll core (17) and which have an outside (39) and an inside (40) that is turned towards the roll core (17), bristles that stand out from the outside (39), torque-transmission means (44, 45, 46) for transmitting torque from the roll core (17) to the shells (37), and fastening means (49, 51) for fixing the shells (37) to the roll core (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a slicing device for slicing foodstuffs (1), in particular, sausages, meat or blocks of cheese with a rotating cutting blade (2), which may be displaced parallel to the rotation axis (3) thereof. The invention further relates to a method for the axial displacement of a cutting blade (2) and the use of axially-displaceable counterweights (4) for stabilisation of the action of a cutting blade (2) on a cutting machine, the use of the axial displacement of the cutting blade (2) of a slicing machine, for adjustment of the initial point and the use of the axial displacement of the cutting blade (2), for adjustment of the wheel gap between the cutting blade (2) and a cutting strip.

Abstract: A device for punching flat packaging elements or the like such as sheets of paper, cardboard or corrugated board, comprising punching blades, which project from a punching die while serving as a shaping or cutting element. The sheet placed on a supporting punching plate is assigned to the blade tips or cutting edges of the punching blades, and a layer made of a magnetic material is placed between the surface of the supporting punching plate and the sheet to be punched. The layer is made of an elastic magnetic material, optionally from a magnetized plastic. It can be provided in the form of a thin mat, which is made of magnetic material and which spans the contact surface for the sheets to be punched.

Abstract: A punching die for punching a sheet of an inorganic fiber mat to manufacture a holding seal member for winding around an exhaust gas purifier body. The punching die includes a base plate. A punching blade, supported by the base plate, punches the inorganic fiber mat to cut out the holding seal member. A plurality of elastically deformable elastic members are adhered to the base plate.

Abstract: A band saw is disclosed to includes a holder frame, which is movable along two vertical guide rods above the machine base and holds a saw blade and a saw blade driving mechanism, a nut fixedly provided at the top of the holder frame, a vertical motor mounted on a connecting frame at the top of the guide rods, and a screw rod threaded into the fixed nut and rotatable by the vertical motor to move the holder frame along the guide rods to the desired elevation.

Abstract: This invention relates to picks, used on string instruments, and particularly to picks incorporating electronics used to provide functionality to the pick and to enhance the experience by the user of playing a stringed instrument. Additional functionality may include a metronome, a tuner, and a decorative visual display.

Abstract: A compound percussion instrument comprises a first percussive instrument, such as a tambourine (1). The tambourine (1) has a frame (2) having a rim (3). A plurality of jingles (6) is mounted to the rim (3). A second percussive instrument includes a hammer and an anvil. The hammer or anvil may be a temple block (7) and the other of the hammer or anvil may be a fixed or movable striker (11, 14). A trigger (13) is mounted to a handle (5) of the tambourine (1). Actuation of the trigger (13) causes the hammer to strike the anvil to sound a musical note from the second percussive instrument. The compound percussion instrument may be played with a single hand and allows two different musical sounds to be obtained.

Abstract: This invention provides a system of notation whereby a musical composition may be graphed accurately without dependence upon the use of a key signature or accidentals. One reading a printed copy of a composition is informed instantaneously of the exact pitch of each note without the need for remembering the key in which the composition is written. The system involves consistently associating a specific color with a selected shift in pitch with respect to the literal staff position indicated by the position of a printed note symbol.

Abstract: An audio system and method. The audio system comprises a sensing device and a memory device. The memory device comprises a list of groups of gesture types. A first specified audio sound is stored within the memory device. A user programs a first association between the first specified audio sound and a first specified gesture received by the sensing device. The first specified gesture is associated with a first group from the list of groups. The first association is stored within the memory device. The audio file is amplified by the audio system. The user uses the sensing device to perform the first specified gesture. The audio system recognizes the first specified gesture as a gesture from the first group. The audio system enables and amplifies the first specified audio sound and integrates the first specified audio sound with the audio file.

Abstract: The present invention enables music performers and sound engineers to perform collaboratively over a data network such as the internet. Each musician creates musical signals which are processed at two points: Signals are processed at a central server to produce a mix, which mix is subsequently distributed to all participants; Signals are additionally processed at each musician's location whereby each musician's track is removed from the mix and replaced with a local, low-latency version of said musician's track. In this way, musicians play to a real-time mix that satisfies the strict requirements for low delay. Using records of each musician's tracks kept at the server, musicians or sound engineers can post-process the tracks to create one or more master mixes in which delays are eliminated entirely and tracks are synchronized.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a video display using at least one musical tone as control input comprises a data converter for receiving a sound signal that includes one or more musical parameters associated with the musical tones, comparing the parameters to one or more pre-specified parameters, and converting the signal into a data signal. A control command relay for converting the data signal into a command signal, and a display interface converts the command signal to a display command signal.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an electro-acoustic guitar having an isolated resonant soundboard with or without an integrated transducer attached to the soundboard. The soundboard/transducer assembly fits into an aperture of the guitar body frame and has structure allowing it to be adjusted in multiple axes to provide the best playing action. The soundboard may also be interchangeable with other soundboards to further alter sound quality. String vibration energy is conducted by an acoustically pure bridge to the soundboard/transducer assembly. The large magnetic transducer is integrated by having one portion, a magnet structure, secured to a magnet support and another portion, the voice coil and mounting hub, secured to the soundboard spaced and opposed above the magnet support thus creating a truly integrated electro-mechanical soundboard transducer assembly with tonal qualities modified by an internal chamber defined by the space between the soundboard and the magnet structure support.

Abstract: Key structures are provided. A key structure includes a key cover, a substrate, a slider movable with respect to the substrate, a first rod, a second rod and a resilient member. The first rod pivotally connects the key cover and a first guiding portion of the substrate. The second rod pivotally connects the key cover and a second guiding portion of the substrate. The resilient member connects the substrate and the first rod, and exerts a lateral force on the first rod. When the key structure is in a normal state, a first contact portion of the slider contacts and restricts the second rod. When the key structure is switched from the normal state to a depressed state, a second contact portion of the slider impels the second rod outward of the key structure, such that the key cover descends toward the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to help users understand chord theory by employing a novel visual and tactile harmonic note strand paradigms, so arranged in a note-to-chord and next step-note relationships for chord structure and flow. Flow referring to the succession of chords played on a musical instrument to create the underlying harmonic chorus for melodic cadence. The Photonic Sequence keyboard array actuates users to perform specific notes within an appropriate sequence of step-notes. Visual Information including Numbers, Letters, Colors, and Icons consisting of Round, Square, Triangles, Rectangular, or Oval Shapes may be used to represent these notes that comprise the Photonic Sequence Paradigm Octaves and its original music tablature.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument which can realize natural sounds with favorable sound quality as an acoustic piano. A sound board 33 made of a plate member is vibrated so as to generate musical tones. A first performance signal generator 22 generates a first performance signal based on the operating state of a plurality of keys of a keyboard 17. A second performance signal generator 23 generates a second performance signal, which is different from the first performance signal, based on the operation of the plurality of keys and the operation of a pedal 18. Speakers 41A to 41D generates musical tones based on the first performance signal generated by the first performance signal generator 22. Transducers 21A to 21C mounted to the sound board 33 vibrate the sound board 33 based on the second performance signal generated by the second performance signal generator 23.

Abstract: A seal (10) which seals a gap (12) which is provided between a stationary first element (14), and a moving second element (16), in particular for caseless ammunition, with the second element (16) having a cylindrical sealing ring seat (22) in which a sealing ring (24) is provided. The sealing ring seat (22) has a main section (26) and secondary section (28) with a reduced diameter. The sealing ring (24) has a main body (30) and an initial seal (32). The sealing ring seat main body (26) has an internal diameter (34) which is larger than the external diameter (36) of the sealing ring main body (30) by at least an amount to compensate for thermal expansion. The sealing ring initial seal (32) is forced against the cylindrical sealing ring seat secondary section (28) with a push fit to produce a seal.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high-velocity projectiles, the plate comprising a single internal layer of pellets which are bound and retained in plate form by an elastic material, substantially internally within the elastic material, such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of spaced-apart rows and columns, the pellets being made of ceramic material, and the pellets being substantially fully embedded in the elastic material so that the pellets form an internal layer, wherein the solidified material and the plate are elastic, and wherein a majority of each of the pellets is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral confinement therebetween, each of the pellets being characterized by a body having a substantially regular geometric cross-sectional area and first and second end faces, each of the end faces projecting from the body and having an outwardly decreasing cross-sectional area wherein th

Abstract: A drag inducing armor includes a projectile hindering layer and a pliant layer operably associated with the projectile hindering layer to envelop a projectile that has passed through the projectile hindering layer. A drag inducing armor includes a forward face sheet, a projectile hindering layer disposed adjacent the forward face sheet, a rear face sheet, and a pliant layer disposed between the projectile hindering layer and the rear face sheet. A method for using a drag inducing armor includes providing a projectile hindering layer and a pliant layer disposed behind the projectile hindering layer, hindering a projectile with the projectile hindering layer, and enveloping the projectile after the projectile passes through the projectile hindering layer.

Abstract: An armor system is provided for installation in a vehicle having a body structure. The armor system includes frame members joined to form a framework having openings. The framework is joined to the inside of the body structure of the vehicle. Brackets are joined to the frame members. A number of armor plates are provided, which are configured to cover the openings of the framework. Each plate is joined to at least one of the brackets, so that gaps between the armor plates are overlapped by the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure control system having a control solenoid with plurality of coils disposed therein, and operable to provide a plurality of pressure gain characteristics to a torque-transmitting mechanism. By selectively energizing the individual coils or a combination thereof, multiple pressure gains may be achieved with a minimum of additional system hardware.

Abstract: A spring-actuated air-brake cylinder as the diaphragm cylinder for vehicle brake systems includes a diaphragm, an actuator-spring chamber in which there is received a spring-actuated piston, which is acted on by a compression spring as the actuator spring and is actively connected to the diaphragm, which is disposed between the actuator-spring chamber and a pressure chamber, in which there is guided moveably a sealed push rod, which can include a pressure member on its diaphragm side. The spring-actuated diaphragm is connected to the push rod or to the pressure member or to the spring-actuated piston by means of vulcanization.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic piston machine having a cylinder block with a plurality of cylinders (1), in which are slidably mounted pistons (2) in load engagement with a reaction member via transmission members (4), each transmission member is connected to at least one of the elements constituted by a piston and by the reaction member via a spherical joint (3), the latter comprising a ball recess (32) and a ball pivot (31) comprising a convex spherical surface (31a) having an axis of symmetry (6) which is a longitudinal axis of the transmission member (4).

Abstract: A hermetic compressor capable of appropriately injecting oil from an eccentric unit of a rotating shaft in accordance with amounts required by respective regions. The hermetic compressor comprises a compression chamber in which a refrigerant is compressed, a piston to compress the refrigerant in the compression chamber, a rotating shaft to provide a drive force to advance or retreat the piston in the compression chamber, the rotating shaft having an oil path formed therein, a hollow eccentric unit to eccentrically rotate as the rotating shaft rotates, a bushing coupled to the eccentric unit and having a closed surface to close an opening of the eccentric unit, and an oil injection port formed at the bushing to determine an injection direction and injection degree of oil injected along an inner peripheral surface of the eccentric unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enabling the provision of purified carbon dioxide for direct use in operations requiring purified carbon dioxide, the method comprising passing impure carbon dioxide through various purification units for the removal of sulfur compounds, oxygenates, and aromatics. The present invention provides for a carbon dioxide supply systems, method and apparatus for purifying carbon dioxide and method for providing backup carbon dioxide. Sulfur species and other impurities are removed from the carbon dioxide by adsorption and reaction means.

Abstract: A regeneration method for a particulate filter includes estimating a quantity of particulate matter trapped within the particulate filter, comparing the quantity of particulate matter to a predetermined quantity, heating at least a portion of the particulate filter to a combustion temperature of the particulate matter, and introducing hydrocarbon fuel to the particulate filter. The hydrocarbon fuel facilitates combustion of the particulate matter to regenerate the particulate filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for purifying carbon dioxide. Bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals impurities from carbon dioxide gas stream are removed using adsorption, water washing, electrostatic precipitation or filtration.

Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.

Abstract: Methane or hydrogen are adsorbed by passing the substance through one or more openings provided in a wall part of a carbon-nanohorn aggregate. The carbon-nanohorn aggregate forms a self-locking carbon adsorbent. The substance passes through the one or more openings in one limited direction from the outside to the inside of the carbon nanohorn aggregate in isothermal or isobaric adsorption.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting liquid water from ambient air, including ambient air in severely arid and hot climates, are described. An example apparatus uses a sorption-desorption-condensation cycle using a sorption wheel to extract moisture from ambient air and concentrate the water vapor driven off from the sorption material in a circulating gas, with condensation of liquid water from the circulating gas.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removal of radon from indoor air. The process having the step of contacting indoor air with an adsorbent, that is a silver-exchanged zeolite. The apparatus for the removal of radon from indoor air comprises a silver exchanged zeolite.

Abstract: PFC is recycled from a gas mixture using adsorption technology and techniques. Two adsorption units each include an adsorbent having a selectivity by which the PFC is selectively adsorbed with respect to the other gas(es) that make up the mixture. The gas mixture is selectively supplied to one of the first and second adsorption units and a condition is created in the first adsorption unit so that the PFC is adsorbed in the first adsorption unit. Once the adsorbent is saturated in the first adsorption unit, a condition is created in the first adsorption unit that causes the PFC to be desorbed. At this time, the gas mixture is selectively supplied to the second adsorption unit, and a condition is created in the second adsorption unit so that the PFC is adsorbed. Once the adsorbent is saturated in the second adsorption unit, a condition is created in the second adsorption unit that causes the PFC to be desorbed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for purifying carbon dioxide. Moisture, oxygenates, aromatics and some sulfur species are removed from the carbon dioxide by adsorption with some of the impurities being removed by adsorption on a Y zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for purifying carbon dioxide. Moisture, sulfur species and other impurities are removed from the carbon dioxide by a series of steps which include adsorption means and reaction means. All the steps are preferably carried out in a single vessel.

Abstract: An acid gas such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, or a mixture thereof is removed from gaseous streams using aqueous absorption and stripping processes. By replacing the conventional stripper used to regenerate the aqueous solvent and capture the acid gas with a multipressure stripper (51) that combines acid gas compression with stripping, less energy is consumed. The multipressure stripper is a multistage flash (52, 55, 59) in which the total vapor flow from each stage is compressed and fed to the bottom of the previous flash stage at a higher pressure. In this process, the heat in the water content of the vapor exiting each stage is utilized at a higher pressure in the previous stage. The described stripping process generates the acid gas at a higher pressure without operating the stripper at a higher temperature, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the system.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for ionizing (2) particles carried in an airflow (4) circulating inside a system, this device (2) including at least two electrodes (8, 9) held by a chassis (13) and connected, respectively, to the corresponding terminals (10, 11) of a polarized electrical power supply. Two adjacent first electrodes (8) are arranged on either side of a second electrode (9), which is formed from at least one conductor cable (14). The latter (14) is hooked onto fingers (15) that are designed as an elastic part for tensioning the conductor cable (14) and that are held by the chassis (13).

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle beam with an inner cavity that forms a purge reservoir. The purge reservoir is fluidly connected to an air dryer with a purge valve. The air dryer is part of a vehicle air supply system that supplies air from a compressor to storage reservoirs for vehicle systems such as suspension and braking systems. The air dryer includes a desiccant material that removes moisture from compressed air. During a compression cycle, air flows through the air dryer to the storage reservoirs and to the purge reservoir. Once a desired pressure level in the storage reservoirs is achieved, the compressor is unloaded and a purge command is generated to open the purge valve. When the purge valve is opened, air stored within the purge reservoir flows back through the air dryer to regenerate the desiccant material. The purge reservoir in the axle beam is filled during each compression cycle and is exhausted during each purge cycle.

Abstract: A purge valve for use with an air drying system is provided. The valve includes a housing or body, a piston disposed within the body, and a valve in communication with the piston. The respective geometries of the piston body and the valve define a circumferential cavity between and around the piston body and the valve. A sealing means is disposed within the circumferential cavity for forming a seal between the valve and the body. A plurality of guide members attached to or formed integrally with the valve provide positional stability to the valve within the body and provide enhanced airflow in, through, and around the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for gas removal including a vertical cylindrical vessel (1) having an outlet (8) and a tangentially arranged inlet (6). The inlet includes means which bring an incoming fluid (4) into a jet which is sharply delimited in the radial direction and runs close to the vessel's (1) inner surface (5) at such a high initial velocity that an upwards open whirlpool (12) comprising a curved fluid surface (11) is formed. The outlet (8) is arranged tangentially at a level which is below the fluid surface (11). The invention also relates to a method for degassing a process fluid, wherein a deep whirlpool (12) including a curved fluid surface (11) is formed in a cylindrical vessel. At said fluid surface gas is brought to escape by means of centrifugal forces acting within the fluid. The invention further relates to the use of the above arrangement and method, respectively, for deaerating a process fluid in paper- or cellulose making.

Abstract: A foldable beverage press plunger system is provided that includes a shaft and a plunger pivotally attached to an end of the shaft. The plunger may be selectively folded and unfolded, such that the plunger has a first width when the plunger is unfolded, and has a second width smaller than the first width when the plunger is folded. The second width may be sufficiently small that the plunger may be inserted into and removed from the mouth of a beverage container having a mouth that has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a body of the beverage container. A collar may be slidably disposed on the shaft, and the collar may be adapted to secure the plunger in an unfolded configuration after the plunger has been inserted into the mouth of the beverage container.

Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.

Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.

Abstract: The present invention includes a smoking cabinet and a central air supply system. The central air supply system includes an air-draining pipe and an air supply pipe connected with the smoking cabinet. The other end of the air supply pipe is connected with an air supply unit to supply cooking smoke to the smoking cabinet. The air supply pipe is connected with a compression motor. The other end of the air-draining pipe is connected with an air-draining pump to drain cooking smoke from within the smoking cabinet, and the air-draining pump is connected with an air-recycling unit. Thus, the compression motor and the air-draining pump respectively supply and drain compressed cooking smoke repeatedly so the meat inside the smoking cabinet swells and shrinks repeatedly. The cooking smoke can penetrate the meat quickly so that it the time required to cook the meat is drastically reduced and keeps the meat fresh.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a brewing filter apparatus capable of preparing foam, froth, or crema, particularly for coffee beverages, under low pressure. The apparatus can operate at pressures below 15 bar and as low as 1-3 bar. The apparatus comprises a filter, coffee container, O-ring, and foam maker having two opposing holes. The holes have a diameter in the range of 0.3 to 1 mm. The crema is created by the turbulent contacting of two opposing jets of coffee. To further increase agitation and the surface area for contact, a stainless steel wire mesh may be situated in the center of the foam maker directly in the path of and between the opposing jets of coffee to facilitate the formation of more crema.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a brewing filter apparatus capable of preparing foam, froth, or crema, particularly for coffee beverages, under low pressure. The apparatus can operate at pressures below 15 bar and as low as 1-3 bar. The apparatus comprises a mesh cover, coarse filter, fine filter, large O-ring, coffee container, small o-ring, and foam maker having two opposing holes. The holes have a diameter in the range of 0.3 to 1 mm. The crema is created by the turbulent contacting of two opposing jets of coffee, which enter the foam maker through the two opposing holes. To further increase agitation and the surface area for contact, a stainless steel wire mesh may be situated in the center of the foam maker directly in the path of and in between the opposing jets of coffee to facilitate the formation of more crema.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bulb slicer for preferably slicing garlic and shallots. The bulb slicer includes a top portion, a base portion, and a slicing portion. The top portion includes a plurality of fingers extending downwardly from the underside of the top portion. The slicing portion includes a plurality of blades. The number of the plurality of fingers corresponds to the numbers of spaces between the plurality of blades, the width of the plurality of fingers corresponds to the width of the spaces between the plurality of blades; and the positioning of the plurality of fingers corresponds to the position of the spaces between the plurality of blades. A gully defined above the slicing portion, the gully sized to cradle the bulbs in an orientation relative to the plurality of blades such that the bulb is sliced across the width rather than the length.

Abstract: A calender for a sheet of paper comprising a metal roll which is rotated by a first driving unit. The calender further comprises a rotatable cylindrical jacket, a pressurizing shoe, and a plurality of support members. The cylindrical jacket is disposed opposite the metal roll to form a calender nip so that the sheet of paper is continuously passed through the calender nip. The pressurizing shoe is provided within the jacket at the position of the calender nip and presses the interior surface of the jacket radially outward to pressurize the calender nip. The support members are disposed inside the jacket so that they are equally balanced in the peripheral direction of the jacket.

Abstract: A loose media compacting apparatus including a charging chamber with retractable walls where variable geometry components including pivotable opposed front and rear retractable charging chamber walls of a closed and compact charging chamber are retractably and expandingly positioned to present a large capacity open and expanded charging chamber having a volume sufficiently exceeding the capacity of the charging chamber in the closed and compact position. Upon accommodation of loose media by the expanded geometry of the open and expanded charging chamber, the front and rear retractable charging chamber walls are forcibly repositioned, whereby loose media is compressed in the reconfigured closed and compact charging chamber to form precompressed media which can subsequently be further compressed by an onboard ram or other compression devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing unit comprising at least one exchangeable roller mandrel (5) of a printing or screen roller, a coupling device (7), which occupies a usually front coupling location (16) of the roller mandrel (5) at the receiving location (13) of the coupling device (7), and which transmits the torque, which is necessary for rotating the roller mandrel (5), to said roller mandrel (5). To this end, the coupling device (7) and the roller mandrel (5) are formed in such a manner that the coupling location (16) of the roller mandrel (5) can be brought to the receiving location of the coupling device (7) by an axial motion (1) of the roller mandrel (5). The invention provides that either the roller mandrel (5), at its coupling location or the receiving location (20) [sic; 13] of the coupling device (7), tapers in the axial direction of the roller mandrel (5).