Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grouping a multitude of film-like or sheet-like materials, which are stacked in a magazine (20) and which consist of at least one material layer, using at least one suction apparatus (42), which suctions the film-like or sheet-like materials in a clocked matter while removing them from the magazine, whereby one film-like or sheet-like material at a time directly rests with a portion of its surface that forms a contact surface against the suction device. To this end, one portion of the magazine contents consists of gas-impermeable film-like or sheet-like materials whereas another portion contains film-like or sheet-like materials that are each provided with at least one gas-permeable zone. The invention develops a method for grouping film-like or sheet-like materials during which a number of film-like or sheet-like materials can be grouped without impairing the speed of subsequent processing.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus, including: a first pair of rollers which nip and convey a sheet; a second pair of rollers provided on a downstream side of the first pair of rollers in a conveying direction of the sheet, which nip and convey a sheet; and a position detecting sensor which detects a position of a sheet in a width direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction. In the sheet conveying apparatus, when the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers nip and convey the sheet, the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers are simultaneously moved according to a position detected by said position detecting sensor in the same direction of the width direction which is perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A sheet feeder (20) and method of operation thereof feeds sheets in a conveyance direction (30). The sheet feeder (20) comprises a sheet hopper (22); a sheet deflector (24); and a sheet extractor (26). The sheet deflector (24) is arranged for deflecting a top sheet-to-be-fed (32) from a sheet stack (28) from a sheet undeflected acquisition position to a sheet deflected position. The sheet deflector (24) has a major axis (34) oriented essentially parallel to a trailing edge the top sheet-to-be-fed from the sheet stack (28). The sheet deflector (24) is arranged to undergo three degrees of motion including selective rotation about its major axis for moving the top sheet-to-be-fed from the sheet undeflected acquisition position to the sheet deflected position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus convey sheets onto a stack which reduces the risk of damaging a sheet or the conveying elements. The sheets are conveyed over the stack one after another and aligned on the side edge by moving a surface of at least one stop. A position of the side edge of the respective sheet in relation to the stop surface is monitored, and a signal is output if the side edge lies behind the stop surface. The apparatus contains a detector for detecting the position of the side edge in relation to the stop surface.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes an aligning member and a shift conveying unit. The aligning member is movable in a width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction and presses a sheet stack loaded on a sheet processing tray so as to align the sheet stack in the width direction. The unit is provided on the upstream side of the tray and conveys a sheet, shifting the sheet in the width direction. Being shifted by the unit, sheets are loaded at first and second loading positions on the tray. When sheets are loaded at the first loading position, the aligning member is moved to a first standby position corresponding to the first loading position in advance. When sheets are loaded at the second loading position, the aligning member is moved in advance to a second standby position corresponding to the second loading position.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus including: a skew feed amount detecting portion for detecting a skew feed amount of a sheet; a pair of skew feed correcting portions for correcting the skew feed by conveying the sheet by their independent rotations; a conveying amount detecting portion for detecting the sheet conveying amounts by the correcting portions; and a controller for controlling rotations of the correcting portions based on detection results obtained by the skew feed amount detecting portion and the conveying amount detecting portion, wherein, after a skew feed correcting operation-is started, the controller detects a sheet correction amount by the correcting portions based on a detection result obtained by the conveying amount detecting portion, and controls the rotations of the correcting portions so that the sheet correction amount equals to the skew feed amount of the sheet detected by the skew feed amount detecting portion.

Abstract: A sheet detecting device includes a follow roller, an urging member, first and second support members, and a detecting unit. The second support member rotatably supports the follow roller and supports the urging member. The second support member is supported on the first support member, allowing the second support member to move to a first position when the drive roller and the follow roller nippingly convey the recording medium, and allowing the second support member to move to a second position upstream of the first position in the conveying direction when the recording medium is separated from the drive roller and the follow roller. The second support member is provided with a detection member that moves with the second support member when the second support member moves between the first position and the second position. The detecting unit detects the detection member, thereby detecting the position of the recording medium.

Abstract: A board game that incorporates a playing surface and movable game pieces. In some embodiments the game pieces include a character portion and a movement portion. The character portions may be interchangeable with the movement portions. In some methods of game play, players maneuver their game pieces between regions of the board to attain points.

Abstract: A game table, notably a rectangular game table, with at least one playing surface, preferably a shuffleboard surface, disposed between a first end and a second end of the table, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width. This table may also comprise at least one reflective surface and/or a trough, while requiring less surface area for better placement in arcades and other gaming environments.

Abstract: Table games related to shuffleboard are disclosed, as well as a game table for the playing of such games. Games based on shuffleboard, bowling and billiards are disclosed, all of which can be played on a “shuffleboard” type game table. Also disclosed is a game table which allows for the playing of these games, and also allows the displaying of messages to the players, either through the display of translucent, holographic or lenticular materials, or by the use of a television monitor.

Abstract: A gaming device with orbs for the generation of a greater number of results is disclosed. The device draws out numbers in a single playing cycle in various games where a greater number of orbs are used and the result depends on the numbers that are marked in the openings by randomly laying orbs. The balls are, as a rule, of two dimensions—wherein the balls with the smaller dimensions are in the game for reasons of better scattering and greater attractiveness, while the balls with the greater diameter that represent the result or the drawn numbers are retained in random holes on the plate of the cylinder with the help of the offset plate of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of playing a dice game that uses a pair of identical die. The dice have a plurality of possible outcomes and the game establishes a payout multiplier for each possible outcome of the dice. A wager is established by a player on one of the outcomes. The player wager includes a wager amount and a selected wager outcome. The dice are rolled to establish a rolled outcome of the dice. The rolled outcome is compared to the selected wager outcome to identify matches of wagers to the rolled outcome. If a player has match, a payout is determined by a function of the product of the wager amount and the fractional payout multiplier associated with the rolled outcome of the dice.

Abstract: A method of playing a game. The game has plurality of possible outcomes and establishes a fractional payout multiplier for each possible outcome. A wager is established by a player on one of the outcomes. The player wager includes a stake and a selected wager outcome. The game establishes an actual outcome. The actual outcome is compared to the selected wager outcome. If the actual outcome matches the selected outcome, a payout is determined by a function of the product of the stake and the fractional payout multiplier associated with the selected outcome.

Abstract: A casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that includes a circular cylindrical body with an upper and lower surface and a continuous sidewall. Also, this device has a diameter and a thickness that are very similar to the diameter and thickness of a standard sized casino style dealer button. Built into the body of the dealer button is a timer, a startstop/on/off button, a minute-setting button to set the duration of each round, and a speaker to emit an audible beeping sound to signify when time has elapsed. The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer will accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order of play.

Abstract: The present invention relates a board game wherein players are educated on emergency preparedness, response and recovery and on the homeland security threat advisory levels as issued by the Department of Homeland Security while the players attempt to move tokens from a designated start space to a designated home space. The game further includes playing cards, player tokens, and disaster kit tools.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game is disclosed. The method includes providing a game board having multiple base areas, a destination and an advancement path having a plurality of advancement spaces between the base areas and the destination. A set of the playing cards is dealt from the deck to each of multiple players. At least one game piece is provided on each of the base areas for each of the players. Each of the players draws one of the playing cards from his or her dealt set of said playing cards and advances the game pieces from his or her base areas on the advancement path for a number of the advancement spaces corresponding to a numerical value displayed on the drawn playing card.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing a community card poker game and methods of distributing house winnings responsive to a community card outcome of the game are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment the method of distributing house winnings to one or more players of the game may be based on one or more rankings of a community card outcome. In response to a community card outcome, one or more players may receive a portion of the house winnings according to a predetermined payout table. A portion of the house winnings may be distributed to one or more players as a fixed payout or as a progressively building payout. A fixed payout may depend on the ranking of the hand formed from the community cards. A progressive payout may provide a greater house winnings distribution resulting from less frequent payouts by awarding a payout on a higher ranking community card hand.

Abstract: An improved method for the play of a baccarat card game includes the player placing either a banker hand wager or a player hand wager. An initial player hand and initial banker hand are dealt. Depending upon the sum of the initial player hand, each player may have the option to designate the quantity of cards in the final player hand used to resolve that player's player hand wager. A final banker hand is formed. The final banker hand and the final player hand (including the player-designated quantity of cards when applicable) are compared and wagers are resolved.

Abstract: In a hold 'em type game, each player receives two hole cards. Then the first community card is dealt, followed by a second community card and then the three final community cards. The player with the best five card poker hand using his two hole cards and any of the community cards wins the pot. Alternatively, the community cards can be dealt two, one and two; two, two and one; one, two and two; or one, three and one. Wagering can occur after each round of dealing of a card or cards.

Abstract: A side wager for blackjack that allows the player to win when the player loses a hand that the player would have expected to win. If the player is initially dealt a good hand, e.g., 20, and the player still loses, then the player can be rewarded by collecting a “bad beat” award.

Abstract: This invention is a new-type, full-scale, tank-target silhouette for use in tank gunnery practice with the main gun of a tank. The new target employs lightweight sheet material that is corrugated in the manner of an accordion-door (or pleated) configuration to produce a self-supporting, rigid target silhouette which can be raised and lowered, and which can sustain multiple hits without collapsing. The corrugation configuration, when clamped along the bottom edge of the ridges and grooves, provides the necessary rigidity for the target to stand upright without other vertical structural members which could be hit and destroyed.

Abstract: A housing for a seal has a housing wall passing into a bottom that extends transversely to an axis of the housing. The bottom has a central opening through which a part to be sealed extends in the mounted position of the seal. The housing is a coil section that is cut from a coil having been wound from a metal part that is a metal strip.

Abstract: A slinger seal for a submersible motor having a shaft is disclosed. The seal comprises a cup having an inner cup surface and a slinger disposed on the shaft and axially spaced from the cup. The slinger has a lower portion defining a cavity proximate to the cup and a seal having a first seal portion engaging the cup inner surface and a second seal portion engaging the shaft. The first seal portion includes a member for maintaining the first seal portion into engagement with the cup inner surface and the second seal includes a spring for biasing the second seal portion into engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: An adaptor that can be used with rotary fluid equipment will protect mechanical seals and/or packing material adjacent a seal cavity (18) of the equipment. The adaptor includes an annular body (30) with a central bore (32) adapted to receive a shaft (12) of the equipment. When used with mechanical seals the adaptor is receivable in the cavity at the entrance thereto and it has a portion which surface which effects contact with a complementary surface of the seal. When used with packing the adaptor fits within the cavity and defines an outboard extension in which the packing can be received. The bore defines two portions, one of which is close to the shaft (52) and another portion (54) which flares outwardly from the one portion towards the outboard end of the adaptor. Each bore portion has a spiral groove (56, 58) therein, which groove serves to redirect contaminant material contained in fluids surrounding the shaft away from the seal cavity.

Abstract: A seal ring (10) of the present invention seals operating oil hermetically and is attached to an annular seal ring groove (16) provided on an outer circumference of a shaft member (12). The seal ring (10) includes fluororesin, modified fluororesin formed by being irradiated with an ionizing radiation in a range from 1 kGy to 10 MGy inclusive in a state of being heated up to a melting point thereof or higher under an inert gas atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of 1.33 kPa or less, and synthetic resin having a surface energy ranging 14 from +0 N/cm to 20 ˜10?5 N/cm inclusive of that of the operating oil.

Abstract: A sealing part that is inexpensive and enable excellent durability to be secured without the need for a predetermined sealing space as would be required for a double sealing structure. A sealing part seals an inside of a reduced pressure vessel from an outside, in which a high-elasticity polymeric material-eroding eroding substance is present and which is comprised of a substrate processing apparatus carrying out predetermined processing on a substrate housed in the reduced pressure vessel. The sealing part has a radical sealing member and a vacuum sealing member. The radical sealing member is disposed on an inside side of the reduced pressure vessel and is resistant to the eroding substance. The vacuum sealing member is made of the high-elasticity polymeric material and is disposed on an outside side of the reduced pressure vessel. At least one refuge space is formed through at least part of the radical sealing member and at least part of the vacuum sealing member being separated from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for airtight or fluid-tight separation of two spaces from another having a body comprising a first surface, which forms the interface with a first of the two spaces, and a second surface, which forms the interface to the second space; the body is formed from a gel or is loosely applied to the gel. According to this invention such a device has the following features: at least a portion of at least one of the two interfaces is formed by a membrane; the membrane is fixedly connected to the gel compound or is formed from the gel compound itself.

Abstract: A sheet-like gasket having a dense structure and exhibiting excellent sealing performance with a small clamping force even on an irregular flange surface is provided. The sheet-like gasket is obtained by molding a composition comprising a substrate fiber, a rubber material, a filler, and a rubber chemical into a sheet, having a bead on both sides or one side, and having a flat part with a density of 1.0 g/cm3 or higher, the bead having a density lower than the density of the flat part.

Abstract: A clamping chuck has a chuck body and clamping jaws that are shiftable in radial jaw guides. Conveying elements are radially guided in the chuck body. Lubricant is pumped into lubricating orifices, and through them to lubrication points by radial motion of the conveying elements. Each pocket has at least one pump piston in a cylinder bore of the conveying element, and is held in the pocket in so that the conveying element moves relative to the pump piston. The pump piston protrudes through the conveying element and into the radially outer region of the pocket. The tubular end portion is connected to the piston space. A first nonreturn valve is provided in the pump piston. The piston space is connected to a lubricating orifice of the chuck body, and a second nonreturn valve allows lubricant flow from the piston chamber to the lubricant conduit.

Abstract: An in-line skate includes a boot, a frame attached to the bottom of the boot, four wheels attached to the bottom of the frame and a pad attached to the bottom of the frame after the wheels. The boot includes a plurality of tension straps merged therewith on a side and a plurality of buckles merged therewith on another side for engagement with the tension straps.

Abstract: A generally rectangular shaped multi-purpose system featuring in combination the functions of mobility, electrical power supply, insulated hot or cold stowage, significant dry stowage capacity, high aspect ratio payload transport, and a payload restraint system to stabilize cargo transported on the top of or side of the unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cart for transporting cargo that is capable of climbing stairs. In the preferred embodiment, the cart has two three-wheel assemblies and a frame. The three-wheel assemblies are designed to rotate when contact is made with stairs, thereby allowing the cart to climb the stairs.

Abstract: A basket for use alone or in conjunction with a stroller or similar device is provided. The basket is detachable from the stroller and is constructed so that it can be crushable for storage. The basket includes a two-piece handle that, when mated together, can slide into a track of the stroller. The two piece handle separates to open the basket. In a fully open configuration, the basket can lay flat.

Abstract: A wheel-dolly for use in off-road or on road applications that can be secured to and carry a damaged or immobile wheel affixed to a vehicle over curbs and other obstacles when pulled by a tow truck or its winch. Wheel-dolly can be used singly, in pairs, or in sets for loading immobilized vehicles onto carriers, or for dollying vehicles on a roadway when pulled behind a tow truck.

Abstract: A skateboard locking device comprises a plate and an eyelet thereon. The device is interposed between a truck and the underside of a board. A securing means secures between the eyelet and another object, so as to protect against theft of the skateboard.

Abstract: A suspension reinforcing kit for use with a vehicle having a tow hitch and a suspension having suspension arms to which wheels of the vehicle are mounted. The suspension reinforcing kit has a supporting member for connection to the tow hitch and a reinforcing arrangement including a resilient member for mounting to the supporting member. The reinforcing arrangement is designed to engage at least one of the suspension arms of the vehicle. In use, the resilient member will tend to resist a compression movement of the at least one suspension arm.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, at least one wheel operable to contact a substantially horizontal support surface, a prime mover supported by the frame and in driving engagement with the at least one wheel, a suspension system operable to maintain the frame in an upright position while driving along a straight path and to permit the frame to lean relative to the support surface while cornering, and at least two headlights coupled to the suspension system and arranged in a substantially horizontal configuration, wherein the headlights remain in the substantially horizontal configuration when the frame is in the upright position and when the frame is leaning.

Abstract: A roll control actuator for a stabilizer bar includes an outer housing that is fixed to a first bar portion and a paddle member that is fixed to a second bar portion. The roll control actuator includes multiple fluid chambers with different fluid volumes. A control is used to selectively adjust roll stiffness of the stabilizer bar and includes a control valve in fluid communication with an accumulator. The first and second stabilizer bars can rotate relative to each other when the control valve is open to decrease roll stiffness and provide good ride quality. When the control valve is open, fluid flows freely between the fluid chambers. The first and second bar portions are hydraulically locked together when the control valve is closed to increase roll stiffness during cornering maneuvers. When the control valve is closed, the accumulator is isolated from the roll control actuator and fluid flow through the fluid chambers cannot occur due to differing fluid volumes.

Abstract: A joint structure for an independent system designed to improve the maintenance performance of a rear wheel suspension. Rear wheel axles extend leftward and rearward from a final case supported by the rear portion of a body frame to independently suspend respective left and right rear wheels. The respective rear wheel axles are coupled to left-hand and right-hand joints on the left and right sides, respectively, of the final case. A driven sprocket engaging with a chain is attached to the left-hand joint and a separate holder is detachably attached to the front of the final case. A joint-part shaft of the right-hand joint is supported by the final case via a bearing and also a brake disk is attached thereto. A male-shaped joint-part shaft integrally extending from the left-hand joint is fitted into the female-shaped joint-part shaft for integrally rotatable coupling.

Abstract: A vehicle including a frame, left and right wheels, and a leaning suspension system. The frame defines a longitudinal vehicle axis. The leaning suspension system includes a transverse beam, left and right damping members, left and right control arms, and at least one lean actuator. The transverse beam is coupled to the frame and pivotable about the vehicle axis. The left and right damping members are pivotally coupled to the left and right sides of the transverse beam. The left control arm is pivotally coupled to the left wheel and to the frame, and the right control arm is pivotally coupled to the right wheel and to the frame. The lean actuator is pivotally connected between the frame and the transverse beam. The lean actuator is configured to extend and retract to tilt the left and right wheels and to lean the vehicle while cornering.

Abstract: An axial-direction intermediate portion (21) of a torsion beam is pressed so as to have a substantially V-shape cross section. The axial direction intermediate portion (21) includes an outer wall (21a) and an inner wall (21b). Plural protrusions (21a1) (convex portions) formed on the outer wall (21a) are in contact with the inner wall (21b). The plural protrusions (21a1) are arranged at predetermined intervals on one straight line along an axial direction of the torsion beam. An inter-wall space (21c) having a width equivalent to a height of the protrusions (21a1) is formed between the outer wall (21a) and the inner wall (21b). The width of the inter-wall space (21c) is set to a predetermined value, considering torsional rigidity and a shear center position of the torsion beam.

Abstract: A vehicle running step formed of an elongate tube, the tube having an opening therethrough with a plurality of spaced apart tread plates mounted within the opening. The spaced apart tread plates form a non-slip self-cleaning step area along the tube. Dirt, debris, snow and ice can pass between the spaced apart tread plates to increase overall safety of the device. Furthermore, the spaced apart tread plates are aesthetically pleasing and relatively simple to manufacture.

Abstract: A crank fastening device for a toddler's tricycle includes an axle, front struts, cranks and pedals. The axle comprises a pair of non-round center holes at respective ends. The crank has one end connected to a relative pedal and another end provided with a connecting section and covered with a lid. The lid comprises a threaded section. An axle seat is provided at the bottom of each front strut. The axle seat comprises an inner threaded hole corresponding to the threaded section of the lid. A recess is provided in the inner wall of the hole of the axle. The connecting section of the crank comprises a tenon corresponding to the recess of the hole of the axle.

Abstract: A scooter type vehicle provides a pair of right and left frame members in the interior of a vehicle body cover so as to extend substantially horizontally between a head pipe and the front end of a seat. Right and left footrest plates are provided outside on the right and left of the vehicle body cover. An engine is provided between the right and left frame members with the cylinder axis of the cylinder block being provided so as to extend longitudinally, and the center axis of a crankshaft is provided so as to extend laterally and to be located above the upper surfaces of the right and left footrest plates as seen in a side view. A balancer shaft is located below the crankshaft, and the crankshaft and the balancer shaft are sandwiched and supported between the upper and lower case halves with their center axes being located on the joining surface.

Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.

Abstract: A solution for newschool skiing so as to more readily be able to “grind” is provided. A ski boot may include an outer shell that has an upper portion and a lower portion; a liner, configured to fit within the outer shell; a closure system, that is attached to either, or both of, the upper portion and the lower portion, configured to suitably close the ski boot around a foot; and at least one extended portion (e.g., “lip”), that extends laterally from a side of the boot, configured to receive a rail, and further configured for travel longitudinally along the rail (e.g., allow for “grinding”). In one embodiment, an extended portion on either side of the boot is disclosed. A system that employs the boot with a ski is also disclosed, as is a method of using the ski boot.

Abstract: A braking device (10, 50, 203) for a board includes a brake base (16,52) and a braking arm (56) which is mountable to the base and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and a braking position. The device further includes a biasing spring (72) to bias the braking arm into its braking position, and a locking mechanism (13,90,206) operative to releasably lock the braking arm in its retracted position.

Abstract: A modular chassis of a stroller system includes a body, a front wheel mount on the body, a rear wheel mount on the body, and at least one stroller frame mount on the body. The stroller frame mount is configured to couple releasably and interchangeably a first stroller frame configuration and a second stroller frame configuration different from the first stroller frame configuration to the body.

Abstract: An air-bag in the form of an inflatable curtain (1) rolled to form a roll (7). Part (5) of the inflatable curtain that is to form the uppermost edge (2) of the inflatable curtain when inflated initially extends downwardly from the roll to lie adjacent a side part on motor vehicle on which the inflatable curtain is to be mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connection of an airbag module to a supporting vehicle component, comprising an expanding element, arranged on one of the modules for connection, a clip opening, provided on one of the other modules for connection, and into which the expanding element may be introduced such as, in a clipping position in the expanded state, to engage behind the edge of the clip opening and a security element which may be engaged with the expanding elements such as to retain the expanding element in the expanded state. According to the invention, the security element, before being engaged with the expanding element, is detachably connected to a component of the module, provided with the expanding element and arranged behind the clip opening such as to be able to be brought into engagement with the expanding element when the latter is run through the clip opening over the clip position thereof.