Abstract: An exhaust valve for a bag comprising a valve body having an exhaust opening communicating with a part between the inner and outer surfaces of the bag, a lid body detachably fitted to the valve body having a suction opening, a valve plate arranged above the upper end of the exhaust opening to move up and open the exhaust opening at the time of exhaust of the bag and to move down and close the opening the exhaust opening after the aeration of the bag, and a lock mechanism for keeping the exhaust opening closed and for allowing the valve plate to move up and down.

Abstract: Valve structures formed in elastomer material are electrostatically actuated by applying voltage to a flexible, electrically conductive wire pattern. An actuation force generated between the patterned wire structure and an electrode result in closure of a flow channel formed in elastomer material underlying the wire. In one embodiment of a valve structure in accordance with the present invention, the wire structure is patterned by lithography and etching of a copper/polyimide laminate, with an underlying gold plate positioned on the opposite side of the flow channel serving as an electrode. In an alternative embodiment, a first wire structure is patterned by physically cutting out a first pattern of strips from an Aluminum/Mylar(®) laminate sheet. A second patterned wire structure serving as the electrode is formed by the same method, and positioned on the opposite side of a control channel.

Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a spout, a valve, a position sensitive device, and a logical control. The position sensitive device is positioned on the user's side of the spout, and has a trigger zone and an extended zone, each defined in part by a distance range from the position sensitive device. The logical control comprises a manual mode, wherein the position sensitive device is deactivated and the valve remains open, and a hands-free mode, wherein the valve is opened when the position sensitive device detects an object within the trigger zone, and wherein the valve is closed only when the position sensitive device does not detect an object within the trigger zone and does not detect an object that is moving within the extended zone.

Abstract: A staple removing tool comprises a shaft having a working end at which opposed sloped surfaces are formed, such that shaft, in side elevation, the working end of the shaft substantially comes to a pointed end. A notch is formed in the forward end of the tool, and a slot extends rearwardly from the apex of the notch. The tool is rotated to remove staples from furniture and can be adapted to be received in an electric drill or screwdriver.

Abstract: In the drawworks for lowering and withdrawing a load, in particular a drilling or a drilling plugging device, in particular for use on floating drilling platforms, which drawworks has at least one brake arrangement for braking and holding the load, an emergency brake device is provided for producing an additional braking force.

Abstract: A fence assembly comprising fence posts, fence rails and clips for connecting them together. The fence posts have at least one opening in one or more of the walls and the rail clips are sized to snap fit into the openings. The rail clip includes a rear wall with a pair of aligned side walls extending outwardly away therefrom. A pair of spaced apart flanges extend outwardly away from the outer surface of each side wall and the spaced apart flanges define a slot therebetween. A portion of the wall of the post is received within each slot when the clip is inserted into the opening. The rail is inserted into the clip and then fasteners are employed to secure the clip and rail together and, if desired, to secure the clip to the post.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting tray equipped with downcomers having sidewalls with liquid outlet openings, which openings are provided with a liquid guiding device such as a lip or a spout. In one embodiment the contacting tray constitutes an upper tray having downcomer(s) which are arranged in parallel, and symmetrically, with downcomers on a lower tray.

Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring pot has a pot wall and a bottom connected to the pot wall and also an annular flange connected, opposite the bottom, to the pot wall and intended for the fastening of, for example, a pneumatic spring concertina, the annular flange having a smaller diameter than the largest diameter of the pot wall. The bottom, pot wall and annular flange are formed in one piece with one another by sheet metal forming from a sheet part, in such a way that the annular flange is formed from the outer edge region of the sheet bar. Furthermore, a method for producing the pneumatic spring pot is described.

Abstract: A fluid filled vibration-damping device includes an elastic body disposed between a first mounting member and a second mounting member and partially defines a fluid chamber having a non-compressible fluid sealed therein, and exhibits vibration damping action on the basis of flow action of the non-compressible fluid created within the fluid chamber during vibration input. At least one mounting member from among the first and second mounting members is formed independently of the elastic body and is disposed in abutment with the elastic body in an initial load acting direction, while making the mounting member displaceable away from the rubber elastic body in a opposite direction from the initial load acting direction. A rebound stop mechanism for limiting displacement of the mounting member away from the rubber elastic body in a cushion-wise fashion is disposed between the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A vice for fly tying comprises a support disposed adjustably on a suitable base plate, a maintaining base attached on the support and provided with a fastening screw on its side surface, a revolving knob connected with the maintaining base at its rear end, a revolving base rotatively connected with the maintaining base at its rear end, through a through hole of the later by an axle bar of the revolving knob, and a holding member pivotally connected with the revolving base, through two pairs of movable connecting plates attached to both sides of the later and a connecting axle bar attached on its rear end portion.

Abstract: A workbench has at least one drive member to clamp table members against one another. The drive member has a receiving tube and a crank tube. The receiving tube and crank tube are coupled with respect to one another for telescoping movement. One of the tubes has a threaded member and the other tube has a thread engaging member. A mechanism engages and disengages the thread engaging member into the threaded member such that in an engaged position, the crank tube can be rotated in the receiving tube for screw type movement. In a disengaged position, the crank tube is freely slidable for sliding movement in the receiving tube.

Abstract: An annular plug portion (21) projects from a clamp pallet (2). An annular shuttle member (23) is supported by the plug portion (21) to be movable in the vertical direction. A work pallet (3) is provided with a tapered inner peripheral surface (12) which makes an engagement with a tapered outer peripheral surface (28) of the shuttle member (23). A transmission member (29) is inserted into an upper portion of a cylindrical hole (21a) of the plug portion (21), while a rod (31) is inserted into a lower portion of the cylindrical hole (21a). When the rod (31) is driven downward for clamping, an output portion (36) of the rod (31) moves the work pallet (3) downward through engaging balls (34) to form a transmission gap (G) between a pushing portion (31a) of the upper end of the rod (31) and a pressure receiving portion (29b) of the transmission member (29). When the rod (31) is driven upwards for unclamping, the pushing portion (31a) pushes upwards the work pallet (3) through the transmission member (29).

Abstract: A document assembly system with jam detection capability. The system including an accumulation chassis having a series of pusher fingers for pushing collations of documents. Above the chassis, document feeders release documents to the chassis to form the collations. A set of horizontal photo-sensors is positioned below the document feeder at a level substantially even with the tops of the pusher fingers on the chassis. The photo-sensors detect lead and trail edges of documents traveling in the flight path from the document feeder to the chassis. The sensors generate signals representing the lead and tail edges of documents breaking the line between the photo-sensors. A controller receives the signals from the photo-sensors and compares them to an expected profile calculated as a function the parameters of operation for the chassis and feeders. An error signal is generated when the compared signals are different from the expected profile by greater than a predetermined margin of error.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying sheets from a printing machine to a stack has highly rigid gripper bars that can be produced with relatively little expense, and the gripper assembly permits great flexibility in the use of the apparatus. The apparatus has at least one gripper bar carrying one or more grippers which, during the conveyance, holds a sheet at its edge between a gripper finger and a gripper pad. Endless chains move the gripper bar on a path between a cylinder belonging to the machine and the stack. An actuating mechanism opens and closes the gripper as a sheet is picked up from the cylinder and as it is allowed to fall onto the stack. In the opened state, the gripper finger is located below a path described by the upper edge of the gripper pad.

Abstract: A sheet separator includes an advancing roller driven to rotate to move a sheet forwards along a sheet path, and a reversing roller driven to rotate to move a sheet backwards along the path. The reversing roller and advancing roller are mounted adjacently and are relatively movable between a pinched position and a separated position. The reversing roller has a torque limiter for allowing the reversing roller to slip and counter-rotate with the advancing roller when friction applied by the advancing roller on the pinched reversing roller exceeds a preset value. Overriding roller mounted therein allows a sheet to pass over a roller when the rollers are separated and to remain idle when the rollers are pinched.

Abstract: A device for the assembly of brochures from folded sheets includes a continuous conveyor which defines a direction of conveyance, feeders which deliver the folded sheets to the continuous conveyor, and controls for controlling the operation of the feeders and the continuous conveyor. In order to avoid waste and operational malfunctions, the controls provide the feeders located downstream from a first feeder with a law of motion which is dependent on the format of the folded sheets.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the field of document material handling in high-speed in-line mailing systems. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a cross track divert device, system and method for diverting a suspect or invalid document from a paper pathway prior to the document entering a raceway conveyor. The cross track divert device is designed to divert and remove the suspect or invalid document without stoppage of the mailing system's operation cycle.

Abstract: A reel device for a gaming machine comprising a chassis configured to support the reel device and a reel structure attached to the chassis. The reel structure has a hub, a frame, and a spoke attached to the hub and the frame. The frame preferably defines the periphery of the reel structure. The periphery of the reel structure preferably has media adapted to display a symbol to a game player. The reel may further have a board attached to the chassis and a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned on the board, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes is adapted to transmit light to at least a portion of the media.

Abstract: A board game simulating a football season is played by two or more players according to the general rules of the game of “Fantasy Football.” The board game uses a game board with indicia thereon resembling a football field. A game path is formed on the game board, the game path being divided into spaces with instructions imprinted thereon directing a player to advance or retract when moving a game piece along the board according to chance means. The game uses several decks of cards, which are provided separately from the board with indicia thereon that represents actual players in actual teams that provide instructions to the game player of the manner of progression along the board, that keep weekly and seasonal scores for the teams.

Abstract: To prevent lowering and unstableness of magnetic force and trouble caused by influence of muddy water or the like entered between the magnetic encoder (21) and a magnetic sensor (6), a sealing apparatus (4) comprises an approximately C-shaped protecting annular member (11) fitted to one of an inner member (1) and an outer member (2), a first encoder member (12) having a cylinder portion (12a) fitted to the protecting annular member (11), a second encoder member (13) held between the protecting annular member (11) and the first encoder member (12), a seal annular member (14), and a seal member (15) which is vulcanized and bonded to the seal annular member (14) and has seal lips slidably contacting with the protecting annular member (11) and the encoder member (12).

Abstract: A rear drive assembly for a snow bicycle includes a body adapted to be supported by an axle which rotatably supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. An upper arm is rigidly affixed to and extends upwardly from the body. A lower arm is rigidly affixed to and extends at an angle downwardly and rearwardly from the body. A track tensioning and guide assembly is positioned at the remote attachment end of the lower arm. An extendible and retractable attachment member is positioned at a remote attachment end of the upper arm and is, preferably, attached to a seat post of the bicycle. As the bicycle begins to ascend a slope the attachment member retracts to maintain the track in ground contact and as the bicycle begins to descend the slope the attachment member extends to maintain the track in ground contact.

Abstract: A displacement apparatus is provide for skating footwear such as in-line roller skates. The displacement apparatus has extension triggers, each of which is connected to respective rod members that releasably retain the rollers in a retracted position, and a retraction trigger connected to a slidable rod member that releasably retains the rollers in an extended position. Manual operation of the extension triggers and retraction trigger allows extension or retraction of the in line rollers as required. When retracted, the rollers are conveniently housed within a cavity in the underside of the shoe to thereby allow normal walking.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snow sled with brake pedals that can be actuated operated either independently or cooperatively by foot pressure or by manual cable-brake control levers, to press the brake shoes into the snow surface over which the sled is traveling, thereby braking the sled. The brake pedals are pivotably suspended from the sled frame so that the rider's feet can rest upon them. The lower portions of the pedals form brake shoes extending downward and rearward from the foot rest portions of the pedals, such that the brake shoes can be pressed into the snow surface by applying foot pressure to the pedals. Alternatively, the brake pedals can be actuated by a bicycle-style cable-brake lever. Cable-biasing means is provided to keep the brake cable taut when the brake pedals have been partially actuated by foot pressure, so that the cable-brake system remains operatively effective at all times.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a pair of steering skis. Each ski has an elongated primary section that has a bottom surface. The bottom surface extends generally horizontally and warps upward at a forwardly end. A keel section extends along the primary section. The keel section projects downwardly from the primary section. A pair of generally vertical sections extends along the primary section. Each generally vertical section has a generally vertical surface that extends upwardly from a side edge of the bottom surface of the primary section. In one embodiment, a pair of generally horizontal sections extends along the primary section. Each horizontal section has a generally horizontal surface that extends generally horizontally outward from a top end of the generally vertical surface of each generally vertical section.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow has a main frame defining two laterally spaced-apart longitudinal portions, to which an axle is mounted with a wheel rotatably mounted thereto, and to which a body, such as a tub or flat bed, is mounted for carrying a load. Attached to the main frame are leg structures, each of which includes a straight base portion configured for aligning with and engaging the ground. Forward cross-braces are connected from a forward end of each base portion to a first point on the main frame, and rearward cross-braces are connected from a rearward end of each base portion to a second point on the main frame proximately adjacent to the first point. A lateral member extends from one longitudinal portion of the main frame to the other longitudinal portion, and a lateral cross brace extends from each leg structure to the lateral member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trash cart, namely an enclosed trash cart having a top and front doors that swing open on a hinged system. The enclosed trash cart is connected to at least one wheel axle having wheels that allow the cart to be transported from a storage area to the curb for garbage pickup. The trash cart can also have an attachment system that gives the owner the option of overlaying a number of different external decorative panels to the trash cart making the cart both functional and decorative. The trash cart of the present invention enables a homeowner to store daily garbage outside the home or garage in a decorative enclosure that keeps the garbage protected from animals and makes it easy to transport garbage to the curb on pick-up day.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beauty cart, which includes a wheeled cart body having racks at different elevations for holding devices and accessories for hairdressing, and a facial vaporizer installed in a vertical hollow holder frame of the wheeled cart body for producing steam for treating the skin of a person's face. The facial vaporizer has a nozzle pivoted to the top side of the vertical hollow holder frame of the wheeled cart body, and an electric heater installed in the vertical hollow holder frame and connected to the nozzle for heating water in a water container put inside the vertical hollow holder frame into steam and guiding produced steam out of the nozzle.

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: An assembly for a wheeled platform includes a platform element adapted to be attachable to a platform and a housing adapted to receive the platform element, wherein a change in a contact point of the platform element relative to the housing results in a turning response of the wheeled platform.

Abstract: In a wheel support structure of a commercial vehicle including an axle with a jaw structure having two bearing bores and a stub protruding into the jaw structure with a pin extending into the stub and into the bearing bores, the bearing bores are closed adjustably by screw caps threaded into the bearing bores for adjusting the pin position and setting a predetermined moment of friction between the bearing elements.

Abstract: A bicycle side chair apparatus includes a frame assembly that further includes a base having a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A seat assembly is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the base. The wheel is positioned adjacent to the second side edge. A front bracket is attached to the frame assembly and is configured to removably secure the frame assembly to a bicycle frame between a seat and a pair of handlebars of the bicycle. A rear bracket is attached to the frame assembly and is configured to removably secure the frame assembly to the bicycle frame adjacent to a seat of the bicycle.

Abstract: To maintain the width of a vehicle body structure for a motorcycle wherein the rigidity of a vehicle body may be increased without increasing the width of the vehicle. Alternatively, to enable to restrain an increase in the weight of the vehicle body by realizing a vehicle body structure for a motorcycle in which the problem wherein the weight of the vehicle body increases when the rigidity of the vehicle body is increased. In a motorcycle including main pipes extending rearwardly from a head pipe, a pair of left and right down tubes are provided that extend from the head pipe obliquely downwardly. The down tubes are formed to be tapered from the head pipe toward an engine when viewed from the side of the vehicle body and to be constant in width from the head pipe toward the engine when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A toolless folding bicycle for facilitating storing and transporting a bicycle when not in use is provided. The toolless folding bicycle includes a bicycle assembly being designed for being ridden by a user across a support surface. The bicycle assembly comprises a frame member, a drive assembly and a steering assembly. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the frame member whereby the drive assembly engages the support surface. The drive assembly is designed for being actuated by the user whereby the drive assembly propels the frame member across the support surface when the drive assembly is actuated by the user. The frame member is designed for supporting the user when the user is seated on the frame member. The drive assembly is operationally coupled to the frame member for steering the frame member across the support surface when the drive assembly propels the frame member.

Abstract: A folding or collapsible bicycle includes a bifurcated solid frame defining a first storage space and a second storage space. The front and rear wheels are held by pivoting forks that can be selectively moved from an operational position to a closed position in the closed position, the front wheel is disposed in the first storage space and the rear wheel is disposed in the second storage space.

Abstract: A mechanism for ensuring that a trailer is properly attached to a trailer hitch on the back of a vehicle. The mechanism ensures that the trailer tongue on the trailer is properly and securely mounted on the metal ball on the trailer hitch on the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes a strap (10) for gripping the front part of a foot, the strap being capable of pivoting relative to an axis (11) substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the binding. The snowboard binding includes a stop for limiting the rearward pivoting of the strap (10) relative to the axis.

Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or boot on an apparatus, such as a binding for a snowboard. The device has a lateral portion and a medial portion demarcating a receiving zone, a rear support element, and a linkage. The linkage includes a front part and a rear part. The front part is located nearer a support surface of the rear support element and the rear part is located nearer a free surface of the rear support element.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a board adapted to a sporting activity, and a boot therefor. The device includes a base, a lateral edge, a rear support element, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base. The edge and the rear support element each have an inner surface. One or several of the inner surfaces of the device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to the inner surface, the friction plate being provided at least to oppose a movement of the boot in relation to the base.

Abstract: A knee protection airbag apparatus of this invention has an airbag having a construction in which folded and accommodated below the area in front of the knees of a passenger who is seated, and inflates upward toward the rear of the vehicle so as to be capable of protecting the knees of the passenger, when an inflating gas is inserted. The airbag includes a knee protection inflation portion which is disposed on the upper side of the airbag after completion of inflation and which is capable of protecting both knees of the passenger, and a shin facing portion disposed below the knee protection inflation portion after completion of inflation, in an area extending substantially vertically so as to be at the position of both shins of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an interior panel as a part of an inner surface of a vehicle cabin; a door portion formed in the interior panel and opening toward an inner side of the vehicle cabin; a retainer disposed behind a backside of the interior panel; an airbag accommodated in the retainer in a folded state; an inflator for inflating the airbag; and a door frame arranged between the retainer and the interior panel. The door frame includes a door frame movable member having a backing plate and a leg portion projecting from the backing plate; and a door frame fixed member having a flange portion and a leg portion projecting from the flange portion. The leg portion of the door frame fixed member has a height smaller than that of the leg portion of the door frame movable member.

Abstract: A method of bringing to readiness an inflatable airbag of a safety device is characterized in the interruption of the gas flow through the inlet of the airbag at a specified time instant. The interruption of the gas flow through the inlet of the airbag alternates with its resumption, generating a sequence of gas flow pulses of controllable duration and on/off time ratio. A safety device comprises the airbag (1) a gas source (3), and a valve device (8). The valve device is formed by a pneumatic distributor having two stable positions: an open position, and a closed position.

Abstract: A leg protection device includes an airbag to be inflated in front of a leg portion of an occupant for protecting the leg portion; a casing for storing a folded airbag; and a gas generating device for inflating the airbag. The airbag is formed of a front panel facing the occupant and a rear panel at the opposite side of the front panel when the airbag is inflated. The airbag has a folded portion folded into the airbag between the front panel and the rear panel at a perimeter of the airbag.

Abstract: A height adjuster for a vehicle safety restraint has a web guide (38) and a track (84) for the web guide. The web guide (38) is vertically moveable along the track (84). A lock (76) has a lock condition for preventing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and an unlocked condition for allowing vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84). A release mechanism (50, 80) is operatively connectable to said lock (76). The release mechanism (50, 80) has a release position for placing the lock (76) in the unlocked condition and an unreleased position from maintaining the lock (76) in the lock condition. A lift mechanism (66) at least partially assists vertical movement of the web guide (38) along the track (84) and biases the release mechanism (50, 80) toward the unreleased position.

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus with two pretensioners and a load limiter. The seatbelt apparatus has a seatbelt retractor, a belt guide, a lap belt anchor, a tongue, and a buckle. The seatbelt retractor and the lap belt anchor are provided with pretensioners. The buckle is fixed to an inner portion of a car body such as the car floor through a load limiter. This configuration allows the seatbelt apparatus to restrain a passenger more effectively.

Abstract: A frame for a gaseous fueled vehicle is provided. The frame includes a floor pan, a tunnel positioned centrally and longitudinally in the floor pan extending a full length of the frame, and a tank integrated into the tunnel, where the tank is circular in cross-section and has a variable diameter. The tunnel may also integrate two or more tanks.

Abstract: Patent for a blank modular book (FIG. 1), the modules being distinguished by tags (1), each having the same number of pages, designed to be filled in by the members of each generation of the same Family, whatever they may want to write, each module being provided with transparent plastic bags for keeping photographs and documents, thus, in view of its long life extending for many centuries and even millennia, the book will be a material sound link in the Family, and can even result in the formation of a true “Clan” and, in view of having this characteristic of a very long life, it requires the protection of a highly resistant case (FIG.