Abstract: A backlight unit, suitable for a large sized LCD device, includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps alternately provided under an LCD panel in at least two parts, formed by dividing a light-emitting surface. Adjacent end parts of the fluorescent lamps are overlapped partially. Each fluorescent lamp is shorter than a length (e.g., horizontal dimension) of the light-emitting surface. A reflective plate is provided below the plurality of fluorescent lamps, and has a rugged part underlying the overlapped portion of the fluorescent lamps. Alternatively or in addition, a light-scattering pattern can be provided in a portion of a light-scattering means, over the overlapped portion of the fluorescent lamps. The rugged part and/or light-scattering pattern prevents obscure rays in the overlapped portion and improves a uniformity of luminance of the backlight unit.

Abstract: This invention discloses a direct-type backlight unit structure, which at least comprises at least one light generation component and at least one reflection mirror. The light generation component is used to generate a light and the reflection mirror is set in a side of the light generation component, wherein the reflection mirror faces to the light generation component to form a paraboloid and the paraboloid extends till a top of the light generation component. The reflection mirror can also be set on the top of the light generation component, and faces to the light generation component to form two paraboloids from a center line of the top of the light generation component. The light generated from the light generation component, especially the upward light, can be reflected by the reflection mirror to turn toward the side direction, and finally intermix uniformly in a mixed space, and pass through a light emitting surface to form a uniform backlight.

Abstract: A lamp standard for mounting in an air handling system composed of a stand having a plurality of channels wherein the channels span along the longitudinal axis of the stand and a plurality of lamp modules positioned over the channels. The lamp modules include a housing, a lamp bulb extending from the housing, and the wiring associated with the lamp modules are positioned within the channels. In use, the lamp standard can be installed within a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system to minimize airborne and/or surface microorganism contaminants. The ultraviolet dosage delivered to the HVAC system can be controlled by varying the number of lamp standards, number of lamp modules coupled to the lamp standards, and spacing between the individual lamp standards.

Abstract: An illumination device has a light-transmitting member formed in the shape of a toroid having a light-receiving surface and a light-emitting surface, the light-transmitting member defining a central axis, a light source located along the light-transmitting member central axis, and a light-directing housing for guiding light from the light source into the light-receiving surface of the light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member may have optical waveguide and light-scattering characteristics, whereby the light-transmitting member emits light having a substantially uniform intensity along the light-emitting surface. The light-directing housing has a top reflector member and a bottom reflector member positioned on opposing side of the light source and cooperating with the light-transmitting member such that light is emitted only through the light-transmitting member.

Abstract: A vehicle side mirror apparatus for looking backward circumstances of a vehicle has: a housing that is of a transparent or semitransparent material with a cross section having a predetermined thickness, the housing having a light entering end into which light enters, and a light radiating end that faces the back of the vehicle; and an LED lamp that is disposed in the vicinity of the light entering end. Light emitted from the LED lamp enters into the light entering end of the housing, passing through within the cross section, being radiated to the back of the vehicle from the light radiating end of the housing.

Abstract: To obtain a planar light source which is free from brightness variations or chromaticity variations by using a point light source having a high directivity for emitted light, and to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of obtaining superior display characteristics by using this planar light source device. A planar light source device having an opening in the upper surface comprises a hollow box, a diffusion plate disposed in the opening, a reflecting plate disposed on the bottom of the hollow region of the box, and a plurality of point light sources disposed in a row along at least one side surface of the box.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for providing illumination, comprising: a) an array of surface-emitting light sources, wherein each surface-emitting light source directs a source illumination beam, over a beam angle ?, toward an illumination plane; b) an array of beam spreading optical elements corresponding with the array of surface-emitting light sources, wherein refraction of the source illumination beam by each beam spreading optical element substantially satisfies a distribution function: dy / d ? ? ? = f ? ( ? ) wherein y is a radial distance along the illumination plane from the optical axis of the beam-spreading optical element, dy is an arbitrarily small increment of the radial distance, d? is the angular increment of the beam angle corresponding to dy, and ƒ(?) is the distribution function for the angular distribution of the light source, such that each beam spreading optical element adjusts the luminous intensity of the source illumination beam from the corresponding surface-emitt

Abstract: A light-conductive rod element includes a solid rod-shaped body having a side surface extending along a longitudinal rod axis between a first light-input end and a second light-redirecting end. The rod element is fabricated from a material exhibiting a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air in order to facilitate total internal reflection. The light-redirecting end includes at least a first planar face extending along a first plane definable by a first normal that is pitched with respect to the rod axis such that light propagating by total internal reflection between the first and second ends that impinges on the interface defined by the rod-element material and air at the first planar face is redirected by at least one of (i) reflection and (ii) refraction. Refracted components of light exit the rod body through the first planar face and reflected components of light exit the rod body through the side surface.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an illumination apparatus for an optical observation device (10), in particular a stereomicroscope or a stereo surgical microscope. A multi-armed light guide with coupler (2) mixes colored light emitted by light-emitting diodes (1a–c) to yield white mixed light (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of manufacture for detecting motion that includes a substrate with a plurality of volumes of material, where each volume is capable of transmitting light from one location on a surface of the substrate to a second location. The present invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a motion detector with a substrate with a first surface, and a volume of material contained within the substrate and adapted to transmit light from a first location on the first surface to at least a second location. The present invention also relates to methods of making the articles and to methods of transmitting information and detecting motion.

Abstract: A portable mixing apparatus that employs disposable 5-gallon plastic buckets as containers for mixing mortar, grout, plaster and other materials. First and second motor-driven rollers support the buckets at a downwardly sloped angle. A separate mixing basket is placed within the buckets, and includes a plurality of blades that pass through the material as the bucket is rotated by the rollers. The leading roller is positioned lower than the trailing roller so as to engage the flexible wall of the bucket in an area where it is subject to outward pressure from the material during rotation. The rollers are provided with ribbed, non-slip covers having channels that accommodate water and debris on the exteriors of the buckets. The mixing basket is formed of a plurality of coaxial, longitudinally-spaced rings joined at their edges by longitudinal rods.

Abstract: A drive unit for operating a plastics injection machine includes a rotatably supported bushing intended for accommodation of an extruder screw and a rotor which includes a hollow shaft and is defined by an inner diameter sized to allow passage of the bushing and accommodated extruder screw through the rotor. The rotor is hereby detachably connected with the receiving member in fixed rotative engagement.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an implement which enables the user to mix paint, clean the can and can lip, and to clean conventional paint rollers utilizing a hand drill. The implement is selectively adjustable to be configured to mix paint in large and small containers and to support a paint roller for cleaning, thereby being capable of providing several functions. The implement is provided with a paddle member that is perforated and of a geometric form to enhance mixing. A paint can remover and a paint can rim cleaning device are also incorporated into the implement. A single implement serves the six functions of opening paint cans, stirring paint in large or small containers, cleaning the groove around the lip of a paint can, cleaning a paint roller, and as a spatula to aid in removing paint from a can.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: The balance-spring is formed by a first assembly, comprising the coils (3) and the outer curve (2), made in a first material such as Elinvar having an elastic torque that is insensitive or almost insensitive to elongation, temperature and magnetic field variations, and by a second assembly secured to the first assembly, comprising in particular the inner curve (4) made of a second material essentially selected for its mechanical properties and for the shapeability of said inner curve (4) along the most favourable contour for concentric expansion of the balance-spring, such as a Grossmann curve (14), said second assembly also being able to comprise a collet (5).

Abstract: A pendulum box for a clock pendulum box includes a tumbler seat, a pendulum mover pivotally mounted on the tumbler seat, and a pendulum rod mounted on the pendulum mover and having a portion secured in the pendulum mover to move therewith. Thus, the pendulum rod is combined with the pendulum mover closely, so that the pendulum rod is moved with the pendulum mover synchronously. In addition, the pendulum rod is combined with the pendulum mover rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the pendulum rod from producing vibration or sway during movement.

Abstract: A self-standing aquarium thermometer includes an impermeable self-standing housing disposed within an aquarium containing a predetermined volume of water, the self-standing housing has a lower cavity for receiving a weighting element, which has a predetermined weight for overcoming a floating force of the self-standing housing ensuring the self-standing housing downwardly sunk into a bottom of the aquarium, a thermometer unit received within the self-standing housing in an air-tight manner, the temperature display unit includes a temperature sensor having a sensor probe exposed into the aquarium for monitoring a temperature of the, a display screen for indicating the temperature, so that when such thermometer is disposed with the aquarium, the temperature of the water would be easily viewed through a glass wall of the aquarium.

Abstract: A linear guide bearing apparatus 1 includes a guide rail 2 and a slider 4 riding over the guide rail 2 movably relative thereto, the slider 4 includes a slider main body 8 and end caps 10 respectively joined to both end faces in an axial direction of the slider main body 8, and the end cap 10 includes an end cap main body 44 formed with a middle guide face 54 and an outer peripheral guide face 56 of an inner side direction change path 50 as well as an inner peripheral guide face 62 and a middle guide face 64 of an outer side direction change path 60, a return guide 46 formed with an inner peripheral guide face 52 of the inner side direction change path 50, and a lid member 48 formed with an outer peripheral guide face 66 of the outer side direction change path 60.

Abstract: A metallic flat plate base of a metallic component of a ball linear guide includes a pair of plate portions integrally connected with each other through a first flat plate portion and being formed with dovetail grooves which constitute loaded ball grooves. A first synthetic resin component is disposed so as to cover the flat plate, the first synthetic resin component having one sides which connect to a third flat plate portion to form slits, also having a pair of unloaded ball holes, and further having grooves for forming direction changing U-shaped passages which connect the loaded ball grooves and the unloaded ball holes. A pair of second synthetic resin components is mounted on the first synthetic resin component and closes the unloaded ball holes and the direction changing U-shaped passages, the pair of second synthetic resin components having other sides for forming the slits.

Abstract: In a linear guide device including: a rail having on either side surface thereof a track recess with a track surface formed thereon; a rail cover covering a rail upper surface of the rail; a saddle-like slider moving linearly on the rail; and a rolling member circulating through a connection path provided in the slider and adapted to roll on the track surface of the rail, the rail cover is equipped with a side edge portion having an engagement portion, an upper track surface serving as an engagement surface is provided in a lower portion of an upper side surface of the rail, the engagement surface being a slope gradually diminishing in the rail width direction downwardly from the upper side surface, and an engagement portion of the rail cover is engaged with the engagement surface, whereby it is possible to achieve an increase in the speed of the rail grinding work for allowing engagement of the rail cover covering the rail upper surface of the liner guide device.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing unit includes a bearing housing (20) axially defining therein a bearing hole (21), a rotary shaft rotatably received in the bearing hole with a radial space formed between the rotary shaft and the bearing housing, and lubricant filled in the radial space. A ventilating path (25) is formed in a wall of the bearing housing to communicate a bottom of the bearing hole with an exterior of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A double-split cage includes a strip-shaped metallic sheet curved into a semi-cylindrical shape and having several pockets for accommodating a single row of rollers arranged in the circumferential direction. The strip-shaped metallic sheet has two arch portions separately arranged in the axial direction and includes pillar portions arranged at several positions of both arch portions in the circumferential direction. Both arch portions have protrusions protruding from the pillar portions at both end portions in the circumferential direction, and a forward end portion of each protrusion is chamfered at a corner outside in the axial direction. Length of the chamfered portion in the circumferential direction is larger than the protruding length of each protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical contact module. The optical contact module comprises an optical device receiving member (20) including an optical device receiving portion (21) formed with an optical device receiving space for receiving an optical device therein, an optical fiber receiving portion (23) formed with an optical fiber receiving space for receiving an optical fiber therein, a contact hole (22) for communicating the optical device receiving portion (21) with the optical fiber receiving portion (23), a slit (27) formed on the optical fiber receiving portion (23) and a projection portion extended from the distal end of the optical device receiving portion; an optical fiber fixing cap (10) including a receiving portion (13), and a through-hole (12); and a fastening means for detachably fastening the optical fiber fixing cap (10) to the optical device receiving member (20).

Abstract: A module for coupling to a fiber-optic cable includes an optoelectronic assembly that includes a bracket and a metal receptacle. The metal receptacle includes an attachment member operable to releasably connect the receptacle to the bracket, an alignment end operable to receive an alignment device, and a connector end operable to releasably connect to the fiber-optic cable and to orient the cable with the alignment device. The metal receptacle can suppress EMI and can typically withstand higher temperatures than most plastic materials. Thus, when subject to high temperatures, the receptacle typically will not expel gas that can fog a lens or deform. The attachment member allows one to releasably connect the receptacle to an optoelectronic assembly without fixing the receptacle to the assembly with adhesive. Thus, the receptacle can be mounted to an optoelectronic assembly quickly and without an alignment fixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting an interconnecting cable between first and second printed circuit (PC) boards comprises: a base member disposed on a side of the first PC board for fixedly attaching one end of the interconnecting cable to the first PC board; a first connector attached to the other end of the interconnecting cable; a second connector disposed on a side of the second PC board; and a spring member attached to the base member for supporting the first connector away from the side of the first PC board, the spring member operative to force the first connector against the side of the second PC board to cause slidable engagement of the first and second connectors when one of the first and second PC boards is slid past the other of the first and second PC boards.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for fast and reliable integration of opto-electric components onto optical routing substrates. Accurate alignment of optical signals to and from the opto-electric components, and short electrical interconnect paths to the components to reduce signal delays to the devices on the components are enabled. In an exemplary embodiment, an attachment area is set out on the optical routing substrate to receive each component. One or more optical waveguides for coupling optical signals with the component are located adjacent to the attachment area. A plurality of conductive pads are located within the attachment area, and are for interconnecting to the component by way of bodies of solder, conductive adhesive, or the like. Interspersed between the conductive pads are a plurality of spacers that set a spacing distance between the attachment area and the opposing surface of the component, resulting in accurate alignment of optical signals.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector (30) includes a housing defining a cavity (314) and a receiving space (364) therein, an optical element (34) received in the cavity and a protecting member received in the receiving space. The protecting member includes a door (32) defining an aperture (322) therein and a spring member (33) assembled to the door. The spring member is deformable in the cavity along a front-to-back direction when a fiber plug (40) is inserted/withdrawn. The protecting member occupies a small inner space of the optical fiber connector.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical transponder module generates heat when operating and at least a copper heat wick and/or a copper block are disposed in the module body to perform passive transfer of heat from inside the optical transponder module to outside the optical transponder module. The heat wick may be soldered to thermal vias in the printed circuit board that is internal to the optical transponder module and positioned over the laser transmitter circuitry. The copper block may be positioned in a cutout in the optical transponder module body to acts as a heat spreader. Thermal grease, compounds, paste, interface material, etc., may be used to help the conduction of heat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hermetically sealed photonic device packages and the polymeric sealing means employed therefore for connecting one or more optical fibers to a photonic device.

Abstract: A rotation transfer mechanism includes a rotatable ring and has a circumferential gear formed on a peripheral surface of the rotatable ring, and a rotation transfer gear, wherein rotation of the rotatable ring is transferred to the rotation transfer gear via engagement of the circumferential gear with the rotation transfer gear while the rotatable ring and the rotation transfer gear move relative to each other throughout the entire relative movement range of the rotatable ring and the rotation transfer gear shaft. The rotation transfer gear includes a gear portion engaged with the circumferential gear to transfer the rotation of the rotatable ring to the rotation transfer gear, and a rotation limit portion having a non-circular cross-section engageable with an outer edge of the circumferential gear to prohibit the rotation transfer gear from rotating.

Abstract: To provide a printing system and a printing apparatus which can ensure high-speed, normal printing with small memory requirements even when lots of print commands are sent to a printer. The printing apparatus includes a print mode determination unit which judges whether intermediate-language data can fit in a page memory when print command data is converted in normal print mode and selects the normal print mode if the data can fit in, but selects compressed print mode if the data cannot fit in. Furthermore, the print mode determination unit includes a data reprocessing unit which, when the compressed print mode is selected, reduces any compressible part of intermediate-language data which corresponds to fine-gradation image data in normal print mode using a compression/decompression process, output gradation conversion process, clipping process, or reversible compression process whichever is applicable before storing it again in the page memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for specifying media in cluster printing systems that include printers that use device-specific media selection techniques, such as paper catalogs, media tray pulldown menus and media attribute pulldown menus. A universal media selector is provided that includes a universal paper catalog, an editor, a paper catalog translator and a tray associator. The universal paper catalog is a two-dimensional array that includes one or more entries that associate a media label with corresponding media attributes. The editor may be used to create, import, export and edit paper catalog entries in the universal paper catalog. The paper catalog translator is a two-dimensional array that may be used to translate attribute labels and associated values in the universal paper catalog to corresponding attribute names and associated values used in device-specific paper catalogs of printers included in the cluster printing system.

Abstract: A display device for use as a computer monitor, the display device comprising: a flat panel display for displaying images received from a computer; and a printer, the printer including a pagewidth printhead for printing onto print media, the printhead being disposed adjacent a lower portion of the display device.

Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.

Abstract: An applicator dispenser includes a body forming a reservoir for the cosmetic product provided with a neck threaded on the outside, a sidewall and a bottom, an applicator having a head threaded on the inside forming a gripping element, an axial rod fixed at its upper end to the head and at its lower end to an application element, a wiper having an upper part fixing the wiper to said neck, and a lower narrowed part designed to wipe the application element. The wiper has an intermediate axial connecting part, which together with the upper and lower narrowed part form a single piece.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a deformable container, a sealing unit and a brush unit. The container defines a liquid-storing space therein, and has a liquid-discharging opening for discharging a liquid contained in the liquid-storing space. The sealing unit is mounted movably on the container, defines a fluid channel, and is formed with a sealing member. The sealing unit is movable relative to the container between a closed position, in which the sealing member covers the liquid-discharging opening, and an opened position, in which the sealing member is spaced apart from the liquid-discharging opening. The brush unit is mounted on the sealing unit, includes a brush member, and defines a fluid passage in fluid communication with the liquid-discharging opening through the fluid channel when the sealing unit is disposed at the opened position.

Abstract: A tube connector includes an anchor body having a lengthwise through-passage and a bolt head cavity. The through-passage and bolt head cavity are open to a side of the anchor body. One end of the anchor body has a tool-access opening and the other end has a tapered portion. A bolt extends through the tapered end portion and has its head located in the bolt head cavity. The bold is inserted into the anchor body via the side opening. A tightening body has a lengthwise through-passage through which the bolt extends and a tapered end portion facing the tapered end portion of the anchor body. A nut engages upon the bolt, and an expansion body has a pair of opposed inward facing ramp surfaces, one of which bears against the tapered portion of the anchor body and the other of which bears against the tapered portion of the tightening body. Upon relative rotation between the bolt and nut the tightening body moves toward the anchor body to expand the expansion body against an internal surface of the tube end.

Abstract: A joint includes a plurality of plates each including a first portion and a second portion for overlapping the first portion of the next one of the plates. Each of the plates may define a plurality of apertures each for receiving a fastener. Each of the plates may include a tab formed thereon for connection with an article.

Abstract: Terrain often hinders wheeled vehicles as cars mire in sand and wheeled carts in mud. Beaches, sandy playgrounds, and mud inhibit travel of wheelchairs. A reinforced mat upon a lattice of projections provides a stable surface for wheels and wheelchairs. The projections engage the terrain as the wheelchairs cross the mat toward a destination. Also, the projections take the form of spikes or hollow tubes, the mat has porosity or spaghetti like fibers, and the lattice has various patterns. The reinforced mat may be used with larger vehicles over a variety of terrain.

Abstract: A double walled riser sump has an annular space between the two walls. The provision of the annular space provides for monitoring the integrity of the two walls of the sump. The two walls of the sump are preferably separated by a thin film or a distance fabric that allows the passage of fluids, and preferably liquids. The annular space may be in fluid communication with a reservoir holding a monitoring fluid and positioned near the top of the sump to be easily accessible. In some embodiments, a top of the riser sump is also double walled and the top annular space is in fluid communication with the annular space between the vertical walls. If a leak develops in either wall of the sump, a corresponding drop in the fluid level of the reservoir will occur.

Abstract: This invention discloses a simple and convenient method of floods control and with great discharge capacity. This invention is a method of speeding up the river floods water discharge ability into the sea by means of the natural tidal range. This is done by the following technical proposals. To set up the PTCCG between the tidal current limit of the estuary and the coast tangent or narrower part of the estuary; the said PTCCG should be built across the river from the banks theoretically. When there is a danger of flood during the floods seasons, we can close the PTCCG and prevent the tidal current from entering into the inner river. When the tide ebbs, we can re-open the PTCCG and discharge the freshwater withheld into the sea. The PTCCG is normally open when it is not used. This invention is applicable to all tidal estuaries, which are affected by the astronomical tide range.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is comprised of a plurality of courses of side-by-side parallelogram front face patterns, each parallelogram front face pattern formed by first and second rows of a plurality of quadrilateral face patterns. The first and second rows of the plurality of quadrilateral face patterns have the same width and collectively define a height of the parallelogram front face pattern, with each of the parallelogram front face patterns having the same height. The quadrilateral face patterns in the first row have a width different than that of the quadrilateral face patterns in the second row. Each parallelogram front face pattern in a first course overlies two parallelogram front face patterns in an immediately adjacent course. The combination of off-sets of the quadrilateral face patterns in each parallelogram front face pattern and overlapping of parallelogram face patterns in adjacent courses creates a retaining wall having a non-uniform appearance of a natural stone wall.

Abstract: An indexable, helical cutting insert includes at least one axial clearance slash extending from a bottom surface to one of said side walls forming a wiper on an edge of the axial clearance slash. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one inside cutting edge that extends outwardly a distance from the side wall. In another embodiment, the helical cutting insert includes at least one progressive cutting edge. In another embodiment, the cutting insert includes at least one helical cutting edge that is curved inwardly to enable the cutting insert to perform machining operations on cutters having different diameters.

Abstract: A tool for removing an object from a hole in a workpiece which includes a first and second arm pivotably connected together. Each arm having an opening between the ends. The second arm also has a drill hole at the second end. A liner bushing and a drill bushing can be provided in the drill hole. To remove the object from the workpiece, the drill hole is positioned over the object and the arms are adjusted until at least one (1) of the openings of one of the arms is positioned over an existing hole in the workpiece. A securing bolt is then inserted through the opening in the arm into the hole in the workpiece and tightened to secure the tool to the workpiece. Next, a drill bit is positioned in the opening of the drill bushing adjacent the object and rotated until the drill bit is completely through the object.

Abstract: A docking system for securing a wheelchair into a vehicle in which a docking shoe is firmly attached to either the frame of the wheelchair or to the floor of the vehicle, or both. A firm anchor device, which may be a second docking shoe, is firmly attached to the other of the floor and wheelchair. A docking arm is mounted vertically in the anchor device and the wheelchair is positioned in the vehicle so that the docking shoe and the anchor device are vertically aligned one above the other so that the docking arm can be slidably and releasably locked into the docking shoe. Preferably, the docking shoe includes an electrically operated, spring loaded, release mechanism, and may also include a slide mechanism to allow limited forward and rearward movement of the wheelchair while under restraint.

Abstract: A fastener receiving member has a substrate which comprises channels for receiving one or more threaded fasteners. The channels permit positional adjustment of the threaded fasteners and positional adjustment of other components secured by the threaded fasteners relative to the fastener receiving member. Each channel comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls which are spaced apart from one another and which are preferably formed from a relatively soft material, such as plastic. When a fastener is rotatably driven into a channel, the threads of the fasteners deform the material of the opposing sidewalls to form deformations in the sidewalls. The threads of the fastener and the deformations formed by the threads in the sidewalls of the channel cooperate to retain the fastener in the channel.

Abstract: When the processing temperature in a heater should be changed between lots, for example, a foremost substrate in a subsequent lot is transported to a position close to the heater such as a substrate holding part, and is held in standby thereat until adjustment of a processing environment (namely, change of the processing temperature) is completed. The substrate held in standby is thereafter transported to the heater. As compared with the case in which substrates are placed in standby in an indexer, substrates can be fed faster to the heater after change of the processing temperature, thereby suppressing throughput reduction.

Abstract: An automatic plate feeding system for loading plates of various sizes into a printing plate imaging device, which includes a plurality of trays staggered one on top of the other is provided. At least two of the trays contain plates of different sizes stacked with their sensitive side downward. Separation papers are interposed between the plates. The automatic plate feeding system includes suction cups, which touch the non-sensitive surface of the plate, and a loading mechanism for loading plates from the trays and feeding the loaded plates to the imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.