Abstract: EPDM or other roof membrane with preapplied seam tape is formed into a roll by forming two sheets and placing one on top of the other. The seam tape of the first sheet is at one end and facing one direction whereas the seam tape of the adjoining sheet is at the opposite side and facing the opposite direction, either up or down. The two sheets are then rolled up together. Since the combined thickness of the two sheets is constant throughout, the diameter of the roll is likewise constant throughout.

Abstract: A description is given of a device for controlling the discharging of rolls (R) from a rewinder, comprising a rolling surface (11) on which the rolls roll as they leave said rewinder and a member (17) able to rotate about an axis parallel to said rolling surface and perpendicular to the direction of discharge of the rolls. During operation, the rotatable member always rotates in the same direction about its own axis. It is provided with at least two roll retaining surfaces defining, with the rolling surface, a roll containing zone.

Abstract: A tool is provided for opening a cable having a length of filament disposed within a sheath. The tool has a mechanism for gripping an end of the filament and is equipped to be engaged with a powered mechanical rotation device that rotates a column about which the filament is spooled as the column is rotated. The spooled filament is confined to a longitudinal region by flanges, one of which may be removed to release the filament from the longitudinal region after it is spooled.

Abstract: An ultralight coaxial dual rotor helicopter having a substantially L shaped frame. Attached to the back of the frame is a vertical shaft engine, and a pair of yaw paddles for controlling yaw of the craft. The drive shaft connects to a belt drive at the top of the frame, which transmits the engine power to a transmission and coaxial drive gear for driving the rotors. Crank actuators are provided for tilting the rotor axis to control the pitch and roll of the craft. A pilot seat and ballast tank are attached to the front of the frame. The ballast tank may be filled with a volume of water to balance the craft for the weight of the pilot. The fuel tank is located behind the pilot seat on the centerline of the helicopter, such that as fuel is used and the weight of fuel in the tank changes, the balance of the craft will not be affected.

Abstract: An airframe includes an energy absorbing structure with a frame, a beam mounted to the frame at a rotational joint and a collapsible member. In response to reaching a predetermined threshold load value during a high sink rate impact event, the collapsible member will collapse under an aft section of the upper deck. The rotational joint operates as a virtual hinge such that a forward section of the upper deck deforms in a predictable manner. As the upper deck supports the high mass systems, the high mass components are less likely to separate from their mounting and penetrate into the crew compartment and the main rotor system will tilt aft away from the crew compartment to minimize the likelihood that the rotor blades may penetrate the crew compartment.

Abstract: A solar rechargeable, long-duration, span-loaded flying wing, having no fuselage or rudder. Having a two-hundred foot wingspan that mounts photovoltaic cells on most all of the wing's top surface, the aircraft uses only differential thrust of its eight propellers to turn, pitch and yaw. The wing is configured to deform under flight loads to position the propellers such that the control can be achieved. Each of five segments of the wing has one or more motors and photovoltaic arrays, and produces its own lift independent of the other segments, to avoid loading them. Five two-sided photovoltaic arrays, in all, are mounted on the wing, and receive photovoltaic energy both incident on top of the wing, and which is incident also from below, through a bottom, transparent surface.

Abstract: An aircraft landing assist apparatus is designed to be retrofit to existing aircraft having internal constructions that have been modified to support the apparatus. The apparatus is designed so that on rough landings of the aircraft on a ship deck, the apparatus will collapse in a controlled manner to avoid any damage to ammunition and/or fuel storage areas of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo locating system determines the location and weight of aircraft cargo placed in unit loading devices. A wireless tag, such as an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag is affixed to each of the loading devices. The system receives information from the tags, and from the information calculates the location of the loading devices and the weight of the loading devices. The system is able to calculate weight and balance parameters to assist in the loading process.

Abstract: A cabin crew area (10) of an aircraft (14) includes an aft area (16) with multiple galley carts (30). The aft area (16) has a fore/aft depth that is approximately equal to the depth of two or more of the galley carts (30). A galley storage unit (32) resides in the aft area (16) and stores the galley carts (30). The galley storage unit (32) is configured for placement of a portion of the galley carts (30) in a lateral row in a forward section (42) of the aft area (16). A main counter (34) resides over the galley storage unit (32) and extends laterally across a galley-servicing area (12) of the aircraft (14).

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for substantially reversing a change in the disposition of an elongate hose extending from a first aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, lightweight, and easily installed damping device that may act to minimize the occurrence of oscillations within the elongate hose that may act to produce a change in the disposition of the elongate hose. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention facilitate the detuning of the elongate hose and, for instance, an attached drogue that may oscillate uncontrollably at a resonant frequency in response to aerodynamic forces exerted on the hose and drogue during an in-flight refueling operation.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing satellite coverage at predetermined local times for a set of predetermined geographic location includes a processor operative to determine a period of rotation for each of the desired satellites in the satellite constellation. The processor also determines a time dependent coverage of the satellite constellation based on the period of rotation and the trajectory of each of the desired satellites. The trajectories of the desired satellites are tilted until the satellite constellation provides maximum coverage at the predetermined local times for the set of predetermined geographic locations. If a new satellite constellation is being designed, command signals are programmed into a computer of a launch vehicle containing the modified trajectory. If an existing satellite constellation is being modified, the ground station transmits command signals to the satellites for modifying the trajectory of the satellites in accordance with the tilted trajectory.

Abstract: A method of forming ablative insulation coatings on aerospace structures and articles produced thereby. The method includes forming a mold having a cavity configured to complementarily receive at least a portion of the structure and directly molding the ablative coating to a surface of the structure by introducing a prepared ablative mixture, such as an epoxy resin, into the mold. The process may desirably include curing at atmospheric pressures to reduce the expense and equipment required in carrying out the process. The method of applying the ablative coating further includes features such as varying the thickness of the ablative coating from one portion of the component to another. Control of the thickness may be effected through use of spacers embedded into the ablative coating and formed of the same or similar material previously cured prior to placement in the mold.

Abstract: A spacecraft attitude control system and method in which an attitude controller is configured for sensing three-dimensional attitude of the spacecraft, and producing torque signals for stabilizing the spacecraft in a prescribed attitude in space. At least four mutually skew reaction wheels are rotated in response to the torque control signals for storing three-dimensional angular momentum, and speeds of rotation of the wheels are measured. A reaction wheel speed control processor, responsive to reaction wheel torque and speed for producing reaction wheel spin control signals, implements an infinity-norm algorithm for causing the nullspace components of wheel speed to re-distribute a desired three-dimensional stabilizing momentum of the spacecraft in such a manner that the maximum speeds of rotation of all the reaction wheels is minimized. As a result, periods between successive momentum dumping maneuvers are prolonged to the maximum possible.

Abstract: A reusable module is affixed atop a reusable orbital vehicle (OV). Various configurations of the reusable module have identical external dimensions in the region of attachment to the OV to permit interchangeability. Different configurations can accommodate a variety of missions of different type and duration. A variety of cargo modules of different configurations allow cargo to be uplifted into orbit. In one embodiment, the cargo module is an unpressurized cargo module in which the cargo is exposed to the environment of space during the unloading process. The cargo module may also be a pressurized cargo module. In an alternative embodiment, the cargo module may include both a pressurized cargo module and unpressurized cargo module.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: an aerodynamic surface adapted for producing an adverse pressure gradient in a fluid flow; and a first pulse detonation actuator disposed adjacent the aerodynamic surface and adapted for impulsively detonating a fuel/air mixture to produce a pressure rise and velocity increase of combustion products therein, the aerodynamic surface having a plurality of separation control holes adapted for communicating combustion product flows from the first pulse detonation actuator to the aerodynamic surface for modulating separation of the fluid flow from the aerodynamic surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transmission of information between a track (11, 12) and a vehicle (13, 14) located on the track in a model railroad system, whereby when electrical contact between the vehicle and track, such as between a wheel of the vehicle and a rail of the track, is lost, a capacitor that then exists between the vehicle and the track is used for the transmission of information.

Abstract: A nut assembly for quick adjustment of axial position relative to a threaded shaft. The nut is formed in two, physically separate sections, each having a surface portion with threads for mating engagement with the shaft. Each nut section is pivotally mounted to a bushing which surrounds the threaded shaft for movement of the nut threads into and out of engagement with the shaft threads. The sections are moved about their pivotal mountings by movement of a second bushing axially with respect to the first bushing through cooperative conical surfaces on the second bushing and on each of the nut sections. In one embodiment the second bushing is physically separate from and is moved linearly with respect to the first bushing, and in a second embodiment the first and second bushings are threadedly connected to one another with relative rotation of the two producing the relative axial movement.

Abstract: A stand assembly for a monitor is provided. The stand assembly includes a base and a stand having an upper end rotatably coupled to a monitor body, and a lower end rotatably coupled to the base. The stand assembly also includes torque correcting means for generating a torque which varies non-linearly with rotation of the stand, thus allowing a tilt angle of a monitor body coupled to the stand assembly to be easily adjusted throughout a large range of motion.

Abstract: A leg device includes a leg shaft with a male thread section having a contact section at a lower end thereof, and an elevating part supported on the leg shaft to be capable of rising and lowering. The elevating part includes a base section having a portion to be fixed to an object, a through hole for inserting the leg shaft, and a locking piece integrated with the base section at one end thereof. The locking piece has a female threaded section on a front surface of the other end thereof for engaging the male threaded section of the leg shaft, and an operation knob on a rear surface of the other end. The base section and locking piece are integrally formed to position the female threaded section of the locking piece inwardly beyond an outer surface of the leg shaft passing through the through hole.

Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.

Abstract: A structure for an adjustable support of monitor including a main body connected to a monitor at a front and a positioning apparatus on an inside for controlling up and down movements of the monitor; and a connecting device pivotally connected with the main body on a front and coupled at a rear to a fastening device connected to a car. The positioning device includes a positioning member for positioning the monitor; and a stop member for releasing the positioning member to make the positioning member to move.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting a computer component. The system has at least one rail with first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion defines a recess. The second mounting portion has at least one detent. The system also has first and second supports. The first support has an extension extending into the recess and allows sliding of the first mounting portion relative to the first support. The second support defines at least one aperture that receives the detent and limits sliding of the second mounting portion relative to the second support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bracket, e.g., for securing a vent cover to a vent. The bracket includes a plate having a front face, a back face, a length, a width, and opposing side edges extending in respective length and width directions. The plate includes at least two openings in the plate, each opening wholly contained within the front and back faces so as to not intersect with the side edges. The plate also includes at least one pair of orifices in the plate, the pair of orifices located adjacent opposite side edges of the plate along the length of the plate so as to form a weakened zone widthwise for bending the plate along the weakened zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal seat adjustment device comprising an upper rail (40) and a lower rail (10). The upper rail (40) sits in the lower rail (10). Between the two rails (10, 40) a spindle (14) is fixedly connected to the lower rail (10). Drivable on said spindle (14) is a transmission (30), which can be retained in a specific manner by means of slotted bridges in the case of a crash.

Abstract: An object hanger system which provides a pair of interlocking hanger bodies configured to provide locked securement of objects to a hanging surface.

Abstract: An engine-driven work machine is attached to a pipe frame, and has a structure suitable for lifting. The engine-driven work machine has a transportable constitution attached to the pipe frame, and includes a collapsible sling fitting that is rotatably connected to the pipe frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of strengthening a mould manufactured from aluminium or its alloys. One method of strengthening a mould having mould body and mould walls as an integral unit is to include at least one insert into each of the mould walls. These inserts are of stronger material or materials as compared to the mould material. Each of these inserts is of the same height as that of the mould wall at the position where it is located. Another method uses reinforced walls which are separate units, with the reinforced walls made of a higher strength material or materials than that of the mould body. The reinforced walls are coupled to the mould body either by fasteners or by welding or bonding or by any other suitable means. The invention also relates to moulds including strengthening according to one or more of these methods.

Abstract: A mandrel for producing a large quartz glass body, comprising at least two columnar or cylindrical, carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite members and joined in series by screw thread parts, wherein preferably the contact surface of the screw thread parts of the mandrel is impregnated and/or coated with carbon, and more preferably a reinforcing member made of a C/C composite is provided on the outer periphery of the screw thread parts.

Abstract: A valve for gases, liquids or powdery material, comprises a diaphragm shutter element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports can be displaced axially with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in the axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, preferably formed by a first shape-memory wire and a second shape-memory wire set on the two opposite faces of the diaphragm shutter element.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shuttle valve with two valve passages (5, 6) provides an increased cross-section of the second valve passage (6) by increasing the diameter of the second valve closure member (8). To this end, a compression spring (17) which biases the second valve closure member towards the first valve closure member (7) is arranged inside the second valve closure member (8) and the second valve seat (27). It abuts a radial projection formed on the housing sleeve (1) below the second valve seat (27). In order to provide an even larger cross-section of the second valve passage (6), the housing sleeve diameter can increase around the second valve seat (27). In this case, the housing sleeve can include a bulged collar 9 to provide a stop for axial movement during assembly.

Abstract: Thin chamber diaphragm-operated fluid handling devices, including thin chamber pumps and thin chamber valves, facilitate device compactness and, in some configurations, self-priming. Diaphragm actuators of the thin chamber devices either comprise or are driven by piezoelectric materials. The thinness of the chamber, in a direction parallel to diaphragm movement, is in some embodiments determined by the size of a perimeter seal member which sits on a floor of a device cavity, and upon which a perimeter (e.g. circumferential or peripheral portion) of the diaphragm actuator sits. The diaphragm actuator is typically retained in a device body between the floor seal member and another seal member between which the perimeter of the actuator is sandwiched. The devices have an input port and an output port.

Abstract: An opening/closing mechanism for a vacuum processing apparatus comprises a link mechanism comprising a supporting member having first and second valve elements for closing first and second opening portions, and a base end side member rotatably attached at a rear edge portion side of the supporting member through a rotation axis, a guide mechanism rotatably supporting the supporting member to a horizontal moving direction of the first and second valve elements while restricting the vertical moving range of the supporting member, first and second guide members which move the rotation axis of the link mechanism to a vertical direction and at the top portion to the horizontal direction, and first and second vertical moving mechanisms which vertically move the first guide member, the second guide member and the base edge side member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a housing flange unit which includes a housing flange wherein a butterfly valve shaft is rotatably mounted in a perpendicular position in relation to the longitudinal axis of the housing flange and includes a butterfly valve which is arranged in the middle and provided with a first bearing and a second bearing. The butterfly valve shaft includes a circular disk on the outside of the first bearing. The disk engages with a cup-shaped seat of the housing flange. A pot-shaped element with a circular recess is fixed in the cup-shaped seat. The circular disk is embedded in the pot-shaped element. The invention also relates to the use of the housing flange unit as a sealing unit.

Abstract: Wire attachment and/or tensioning assemblies are described. The ends of wires may be fitted with mateable collar and wedge components to allow the wire to be securely attached to a supporting structure such as, for example, the surface of a railing post. The wire attachment assembly may be rotatably attached to a tensioning device that enables wire tension adjustments without rotating the wire itself, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the opposing end of the wire.

Abstract: The system for producing a micro-cluster liquid from a starting liquid utilizes a cavitation device with a plurality of reverse-fed pump volutes within a housing, where each volute establishes a rotational vortex for spinning the liquid in a circle and directing a liquid stream into a common chamber at a center of the housing. The starting liquid is pumped into the cavitation device at a first pressure and tangentially fed into each volute. The rotational vortex creates a partial vacuum within the spinning liquid so that cavitation bubbles are formed when the liquid exits the volute. The common chamber is maintained at a lower pressure so that the bubbles explode or implode upon exit from the volute to generate shock waves that break molecular bonds in the liquid. The volutes are oriented so that the liquid streams collide with each other within the common chamber, facilitating breakdown of molecular bonds.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid bag that makes bubbling possible with a simple structure without increasing the number of parts. The liquid bag according to the present invention includes: a bag main body for containing a liquid, the bag main body constructed of a flexible thermoplastic resin sheet; and a mouth member constructed of a thermoplastic resin, the mouth member sealingly bonded to a part of a periphery of the bag main body. The mouth member has a sleeve-like seal portion sealingly bonded to the bag main body, the seal portion including a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path opens and extends along the periphery of the bag main body and the second flow path opens at a bottom surface of the seal portion to an inside of the bag main body.

Abstract: A bush-type rubber mount is provided, preferably a hydraulically damping rubber mount, with a, preferably tubular, metallic inner part, an elastomeric mount body surrounding the inner part and connected to it by vulcanization. An outer sleeve accommodates the inner part. The inner part has, in an axial section, two radially outwardly extending elevations located opposite each other on its circumference and are completely embedded in the elastomer. Two elastomer recesses extend in a kidney-shaped pattern in relation to the circumference of the mount body between the elevations and pass axially through the mount body. The two elastomer recesses are arranged in the elastomeric mount body near the inner part, so that the inner part standing free in relation to the outer sleeve in the area of the kidneys is connected to the mount body essentially only via the elevations on the mount body. A defined cardanic axis extending through the apices of the elevations is formed at right angles to the axis of the mount.

Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration damping device including: a rubber elastic body elastically connecting a first and second mounting member and partially defining a pressure-receiving chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid; a flexible layer partially defining an equilibrium chamber filled with the non-compressible fluid; an orifice passage permitting a fluid communication between the pressure-receiving chamber and equilibrium chamber; and a cushion surface situated opposite to an opening of the orifice passage to the pressure-receiving chamber in a first direction of flow of the fluid into and out of the opening, with a predetermined distance therebetween, while extending in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluid-filled cylindrical elastic mount, including: a center shaft member; an intermediate sleeve; an elastic body; an outer cylindrical member having a thin sealing rubber layer on its inner circumferential surface and inserted on the sleeve; fluid chambers; and an outward flange provided at a first axial end of the mount. The outer cylindrical member has a concave portion, and the sleeve has a cylindrical portion at its one end located on the side of the first axial end and corresponding to the one end of the outer cylindrical member. An end face of the cylindrical portion of the sleeve is located nearer to a second axial end of the mount which is axially opposite to the first axial end, than a smallest-inside-diameter portion of the concave portion, whereby the end face of the cylindrical portion axially engages the engaging protruding portion of the sealing rubber layer.

Abstract: A clamp including a vacuum base having a seal adapted to engage a first object. A cavity is defined between the first object and the seal. The clamp includes a vacuum generator connected to the cavity for reducing pressure in the cavity and a clamping member mounted on the vacuum base for engaging a second object. The clamp further includes a valve connected between the cavity and the vacuum generator. The valve is selectably positionable between an open position allowing fluid communication between the vacuum generator and the cavity for generating a pressure inside the cavity that is lower than a pressure outside the cavity, and a closed position at least partially restricting fluid communication between the vacuum generator and the cavity for at least partially preventing air from entering the cavity when pressure inside the cavity reaches a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically synchronizing a number of paper feeding channels of an inserting system involving the following steps: a) inspecting the sheets provided for output in one of the channels by comparing their group sequence number and their sheet sequence number with predetermined reference values; b) outputting the inspected sheets from this channel if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values; c) inspecting the additional sheets provided for output in one or more additional channels if the group sequence number or the sheet sequence number of a previously inspected sheet does not correspond with the set reference values; d) outputting the sheets from the additional channels if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values, and; e) identifying a group as a defective group and outputting the sheet with the smallest group sequence number and with the smallest sheet sequence num

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus which is capable of reliably sandwiching or catching sheets, and also capable of providing control so as to ensure reliable conveyance of succeeding sheets during the catching operation. A stack tray is provided downstream of a processing tray that stacks sheets. A position on the stacking surface of the stack tray at which the leading end of a sheet having its trailing end passing a discharging section, which discharges sheets toward the processing tray, contacts the stacking surface is lower in level than the highest portion of the processing tray. A swinging arm that discharges the sheets stacked on the processing tray to the stack tray is capable of selectively assuming a catching state in which a sheet discharged to the processing tray is caught by the swinging arm, and a non-catching state in which a sheet discharged to the processing tray is not caught by the swinging arm.

Abstract: In the case of an envelope-turning station with a turning cylinder which is oriented parallel to the mail-conveying direction and is equipped with openable and closable jaws on its circumference, it is possible, following charging of the turning-cylinder jaws with horizontally flat items of mail and rotation of the turning cylinder through 90° and/or 270°, for a mail removal arrangement to remove items of mail in the mail-conveying direction, in a state in which they are standing on one of their longitudinal edges, and to feed them to further processing or handling stations of a mail-processing installation.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier system including a printhead carrier configured for movement along a scan path, a first sheet picking mechanism, a second sheet picking mechanism, and a selector device. The selector device is configured to select one of the first sheet picking mechanism and the second sheet picking mechanism for picking a sheet of print media based on a position of the printhead carrier.

Abstract: In a sheet supplying device for feeding a sheet from a sheet stack configured by stacking plural sets of sheets collated by page order, each of which corresponds to one volume, for each set of sheets, in a state where the sheets are superimposed on one another so as to be sequentially offset from one another in a fore-to-aft direction, the sheet supplying device comprises: first transport means 2 for sucking a sheet in an uppermost position of a sheet stack P placed on a sheet table 1 so as to move the sheet rearward; second transport means 3 for sucking the sheet moved rearward by the first transport means 2 so as to transport the sheet forward; and a control unit 9 controlling suction operations of the first and second transport means 2, 3.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a media path. A print media source is provided for supplying a sheet of print media to the printing mechanism. A drive unit is provided, with a drive shaft coupled to the drive unit. A media sensor device is mounted to the drive shaft, wherein as the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction the media sensor device is moved from a first position that is out of the media path to a second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media. As the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction the media sensor device is moved from the second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media to the first position that is out of the media path.

Abstract: A sheet cassette includes a tray main body part, and a tray expansion/contraction part supported by the tray main body part and configured to slide relative to the tray main body part to a cassette expanded position where the sheet cassette is in an expanded state and a cassette contracted position where the sheet cassette is in a contracted state. The tray expansion/contraction part includes a rear end regulation member configured to be moved in a direction in which recording media stacked in the sheet cassette are fed to regulate rear ends of the recording media and a sliding guide part configured to support the rear end regulation member to freely slide and forming a moving path of the rear end regulation member.

Abstract: A sheet-processing machine, such as a rotary press, has normally closed grippers that circulate during operation. The grippers transport the sheets along a conveying section and guide the sheets at their leading and trailing edges. The conveying section is assigned a sheet decurler and a sheet guide device that follows the latter in the conveying direction. The conveying section further has a gripper opener assigned thereto for opening the trailing edge grippers carrying the trailing edges of the sheets in order to decurl the sheets. After the sheets have traversed the decurler and decurling has been carried out, the trailing edges are once more grasped with the trailing edge grippers for renewed positive guidance.

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game.