Abstract: A vibration damper, comprising a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement, where, inside a working space in the cylinder, a stop spring in the form of a circular ring is located, which, after the piston rod has reached a defined stroke position, is compressed between a stop surface on the piston rod side and an end surface forming an axial boundary of the working space, and where the stop spring also forms a boundary of a radially inner space, which is connected to the working space outside the stop spring by means of at least one radial channel. The stop surface on the piston rod side and/or the axially limiting end surface is formed by a rigid body and is provided with at least one radial channel, which extends from the radially inner space to the radially outer working space, “inner” and “outer” being defined with respect to the stop spring.

Abstract: A power strut assembly for a vehicle includes a first strut member having joined outer walls that define an interior cavity. The first strut member extends from a first end to a second end. The first end includes a base wall joined to the outer walls. A second strut member also having joined outer walls defining an inner cavity extends from a first end to a second end. The second strut member is telescopically disposed within the interior cavity of the first strut member. A lead screw extends from a first end to a second end and is rotatively retained at the first end of the first strut member. The lead screw extends into the interior cavities of the first and second strut members. A clutch is retained by the second strut member and the lead screw is positioned to interact with the clutch.

Abstract: A clamping device includes two handles pivotally connected with each other and each having a first end and a second end, and two clamping members each detachably mounted on the first end of a respective one of the two handles by a quick release mechanism. Thus, the clamping members are detachably mounted on the handles by the quick release mechanism, so that the handles can co-operate with clamping members of different specifications and shapes according to different requirements, thereby facilitating a user operating the clamping device to clamp workpieces of different specifications and sizes.

Abstract: A handheld, portable, motorized clamping device is disclosed. The device includes a housing, a frame, a stationary clamp member, and a displaceable clamp member. The displaceable clamp member may be repositioned by a drive assembly, or may be manually adjusted. In another embodiment of the invention, the stationary clamp member may be repositioned on the frame to alter the dimensions of the clamp opening. In still another embodiment, the clamp device operatively connects to a secondary tool that engages the drive assembly.

Abstract: A plug member (12) inserted into a positioning hole (5) formed in a second block (2) is projected from a first block (1). A plurality of slide portions (61) opposed to each other across the plug member (12) are arranged around the plug member (12) movably in a first radial direction (D1) substantially orthogonal to the opposed direction thereof. A first pressing member (15) and a second pressing member (19) are arranged outside the slide portions (61) diametrically expandably and diametrically contractibly and axially movably. The first pressing member (15) is driven toward a base end by a drive device, whereby the slide portions (61) expand the first pressing member (15) via the second pressing member (19), thereby the slide portions (61) are moved in the first radial direction (D1) with respect to the plug member (12).

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus may include a conveyance path and a tray. The conveyance path may convey sheets. The tray may receive the sheets conveyed from the conveyance path. The tray may include a stapler and a folding member. The stapler may staple the sheets. The folding member may fold the stapled sheets and may be provided upstream from the stapler relative to a sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: A collecting device for forming a printed product includes a conveyor and a plurality of printed material delivery devices, the plurality of printed material delivery devices including a first delivery device for first printed materials and a second delivery device for second printed materials. A first transfer device is assigned to the first delivery device and delivering the first printed materials to the conveyor and a second transfer device assigned to the second delivery device and delivering the second printed materials to be collected with the first printed materials on the conveyor. Each of the first and second transfer devices have printed material buffer positions between the respective first and second delivery devices and the conveyor, which permit advantageous reduction in the amount of waste.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a pair of sheet feeding rollers for receiving the sheet supplied from an image forming apparatus and conveying it to the downstream side, a stand-by tray for receiving the delivered sheet and an assist arm arranged at the sheet delivery side of the pair of sheet feeding rollers and adapted to turn. The assist arm turns, utilizing the rotary force of a motor that is adapted to rotate both forwardly and backwardly, so as to press the rear end of the sheet delivered from the pair of sheet feeding rollers against the stand-by tray when the motor is driven backwardly.

Abstract: To provide a sheet post-processing apparatus for stapling and ejecting sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus. The sheet post-processing apparatus comprises a processing tray to load the sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus and a stapler to staple a sheet bundle of the sheets loaded on the processing tray, and the stapled sheet bundles are led to a sheet receiving tray and are ejected so that the stapling positions of the plurality of sheet bundles loaded on the sheet receiving tray are shifted from each other at each upper and lower stages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus, such as a finisher or sorter, for implementing predetermined processing such as alignment and stapling on an inserted sheet material (i.e. any sheet-form recording medium such as recording paper, transfer paper, or an OHP sheet), and an image forming apparatus comprising the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus comprises a rear end fence horizontal portion that contacts the end portion of the sheet member on the upstream side of a sheet member conveyance direction during alignment of the sheet member, a rear end fence vertical portion for supporting the other parts of the sheet member, and a staple unit for stapling the sheet member. The stapling direction in which a staple is punched by a stapler of the staple unit is set to be parallel to the rear end fence horizontal portion that contacts the rear end portion of the sheet member.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus comprises a pair of alignment plates for aligning the plurality of sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus at the two lateral sides, the pair of alignment plates being movable by a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the sheets, and a stapler also movable along the leading edge of the aligned plurality of sheets. The stapler moves according to the alignment position of the sheets and staples the sheets at a plurality of positions corresponding to the alignment position. As the stapled bundles of sheets are sequentially discharged, they are stacked on a delivery tray in a zigzag manner.

Abstract: Rollers or drums of a printer may be separated to prevent damage from continued contact, for example, during shipping. In some embodiments, operation of at least one of the rollers or drums during normal printer operation de-activates the separator. For example, the separator may rotate from a first position, in which it maintains a separation, to a second inactive position where the separator allows the two components to contact for a normal operation.

Abstract: A pick mechanism for picking sheet media comprising control circuitry, a motor and a pick means, wherein the motor is arranged to move the pick means such that it can pick sheet media and the control circuitry is arranged to determine a pick action and to control the motor such that the pick means follows the determined pick action. The pick mechanism may be for use in an Automated Teller Machine, in which case the sheet media comprises currency notes.

Abstract: A bottom friction feeder comprises a material magazine assembly, a gate assembly including a guide subassembly and a singulation gate subassembly, a back wedge assembly, and a bottom friction belt assembly.

Abstract: A system, method, and process of for packaging liquid product into cartons using an automated packaging system and more specifically methods of enclosing the packaging system and routing conditioned air over the cartons is presented. More specifically, a carton magazine assembly for collecting plastic coated paper carton blanks prior to sanitization, assembly, filling, and sealing includes a magazine cover that can be opened to insert additional carton blanks into the packaging system as necessary. The magazine cover has an integrated air manifold that directs pressurized conditioned air over the carton blanks towards suction ports. The suction ports collect the air with potential contaminants and the filters the air prior to ejecting it away from the vicinity of the packaging system.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a paper tray, a pick-up roller and a sheet-lifting mechanism. A plurality of sheets including a first sheet and a second sheet disposed above the first sheet is stored in the paper tray. The paper tray includes a bottom plate in contact with the first sheet, and a stopper for stopping leading edges of the first sheet and the second sheet. The pick-up roller, which is movable and rotatable, picks up the second sheet and enables the leading edge of the second sheet to pass over the stopper. The sheet-lifting mechanism disposed on the paper tray lifts up the leading edges of the second sheet and the first sheet from the bottom plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet loading device, which comprises a sheet tray adapted to place thereon a sheet stack consisting of a plurality of stacked sheets, a pair of side fences disposed on the side on a top surface of the sheet tray to sandwich the sheet stack therebetween in a direction orthogonal to a sheet loading (direction, a pair of racks attached to respective ones of the pair of side fences and disposed on the side of a bottom surface of the sheet tray to extend In mutually opposed directions of the pair of side fences, and a pinion adapted to be rotated about a pinion shaft penetrating the sheet tray and engaged with the racks. The pinion has a first surface opposite to the bottom surface of the sheet tray, and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface and provided coaxially with a flange having a diameter greater than that of an engaged portion of the pinion.

Abstract: A sheet carrying unit, which comprises double feed detecting means for detecting double feed of sheets and stopping means for stopping carrying of a sheet based on detection result of the double feed detecting means, comprising accepting means for accepting a type of a sheet to be carried, wherein the stopping means is constructed to stop carrying a sheet based on the type of sheet accepted by the accepting means and detection result of the double feed detecting means.

Abstract: A sheet transportation device includes a transportation roller driven during operation, a guiding element and an actuation device that is used to switchably affect the interspacing between the transportation roller and the guiding element. In a closed state during operation, a sheet is guided against the driven roller by the guiding element. The sheet transportation device also includes a freely rotatably arranged roller that is positioned in the vicinity of and arranged concentrically relative to the transportation roller. The freely rotatably arranged roller extends in a radial direction beyond a circumferential edge of the transportation roller. A reversing station and a printer can also include a sheet transportation device of this kind.

Abstract: A lottery game card including a plurality of squares distributed in a matrix format, and a plurality of game indicia initially covered by a removable material. Each squares of the matrix are populated with a game symbol and some of the squares of the matrix are covered by the removable material, forming a Sudoku puzzle. A player may play the Sudoku puzzle using the matrix. The player may remove the removable material from the game indicia and covered squares. If the squares identified by the game indicia form a predefined pattern, a prize is awarded to the player.

Abstract: A number game, wherein each player places a bet on at least one number out of a set of available numbers (N), each available number being all integers between a smallest (n1) and a largest (n2) number, wherein the winner is the player that has placed a bet on the lowest number that no one else has chosen.

Abstract: A variable point generation craps game includes a random indicator generator providing only members of a predetermined set of indicators, at least two point value selectors and a bet. Each of the indicators designates a point value selector, each of which has an initial state providing all possible point values obtainable, and with the same probability, from a single roll of a standard pair of dice. The point value selectors yield at least one point for the craps game upon designation by the random indicator generator. The bet depends upon at least one point value selected by at least one of the point value selectors. In a variation, a single point value selector is used and the random indicator generator designates an integer that determines a predetermined operation to be performed upon the point value selector to yield at least one point for the craps game.

Abstract: A card shoe for holding and distributing playing cards during a playing card game, where the card shoe can hold multiple decks of playing cards. The card shoe includes a wedge assembly that biases playing cards toward a playing card extraction opening. Gravity and/or other forces, for example a spring force, may bias the wedge assembly. The wedge assembly includes a wedge block and a roller subassembly. The roller subassembly includes a shaft, a clutch assembly, and a roller. In one embodiment, the clutch assembly and roller are mounted on an offset portion of the shaft so that the roller can be adjusted relative to a bottom of the wedge block. The clutch assembly permits the roller to roll in only one direction. The clutch assembly locks onto the shaft if a force is exerted which would tend to push the wedge block away from the playing card extraction opening.

Abstract: A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option to split any two cards whether they are identical or not.

Abstract: An educational card game is provided based on the traditional card games such as “War” or “Spades” utilizing cards having a value side and a non-value side. A value side may contain a value such as an integer where the non-value side may be blank or carry a graphic display such as a logo. The educational game may be a math game where the players reveal one of their respective cards at the same time during each round and the winner is determined by the player to first reveal the correct outcome of the agreed-upon mathematical operation. The winner of the game is the player with the most number of cards at the end of all the rounds of play according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A trading card game (10) includes a first card (212) having only one immovable section (234). The game (10) also includes a second card (314) including a first section (352) and a second section (354). The second section (354) can be slidable relative to the first section (352) so that the second card (314) moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the second section (354) is unexposed to the players. In the second position, the portion of the second section (354) is exposed to the players, and influences the outcome of at least a portion of the game (10).

Abstract: A multi-stage ferrofluidic seal, utile for substantially forming a hermetic seal about a rotatable shaft extending through an annular pole piece, is disclosed herein. The multi-stage ferrofluidic seal includes: a plurality of annular ridges defined and spaced apart on one or both of the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the pole piece so that the shaft is situated in close proximity with the pole piece by means of the annular ridges; a plurality of annular ferrofluidic seals respectively formed on the tops of the annular ridges so as to substantially seal close-proximity gaps between the shaft and the pole piece; and at least one annulus respectively situated in at least one of the spaces between the annular ridges so as to encircle the shaft, wherein each annulus serves to occupy space within the multi-stage ferrofluidic seal so as to reduce the gas load therein.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly is disclosed having a stator including a main body and axial and radial projections therefrom. The rotor is radially extended and encompasses the axial and radial projections from said stator. A passageway formed between the radial projection of stator and rotor results in an axial passageway having its opening facing rearwardly from the rotor and away from the source of impinging coolant and/or contaminant. A concentric circumferential receptor groove in the stator facing the housing allows insertion of conductive means for transmission of electrostatic charge away from the shaft through the shaft seal assembly to the housing and ground. The receptor groove is opposite the axial passageway and provides for both a substantially lower contaminant environment and improved engagement with conductive means.

Abstract: A seal for inter alia a stuffing box of a gland, the seal having an aperture through which lubricant can pass and at least one track detachably secured to at least one surface of the seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element at least comprising a housing area, at least one dynamically active sealing area and at least one statically active sealing area which at least partially interacts with the housing area. The invention is characterized in that the static sealing area is at least partially laminated with a hardenable material containing a predetermined number of friction-reducing elements.

Abstract: Primary objective of the present invention is to provide a seal device for effecting a seal against a high temperature, high pressure fluid and to maintain seal surfaces thereof in a sealing contact relation with mount surfaces regardless of the displacement of the mount surfaces.

Abstract: A tool sledge includes a bottom runner, upturned ends, and sidewalls, an adhering portion affixed to the top of said bottom runner, a circular recess in the top of said bottom runner, and a pull.

Abstract: A luggage cart is disclosed, which comprises a supplementary support device equipped with a roller and pivoted to the back side of the cart body of the luggage cart and turnable relative to the cart body between a first position where the supplementary support device is closely attached to the back side of the cart body, and a second position where the supplementary support device works with the wheels at the back side of the cart body to support the luggage cart stably on the floor in a tilted position.

Abstract: A heavy duty steer axle assembly with a live spindle is provided. The assembly includes an axle beam extending transversely across the vehicle, a kingpin disposed within a kingpin bore in the axle beam, a knuckle mounted on the kingpin and rotatable relative to the axle beam, and a spindle hub configured to mount a wheel of the vehicle. A bearing assembly is disposed between the knuckle and spindle hub to allow rotation of the spindle hub. The assembly enables use of a cast, rather than forged, knuckle, allows for removal and service of the vehicle's brake rotor without removal or readjustment of the vehicle's wheel bearings, and allows for an external wheel flange that can be easily replaced with flanges of varying offset, without requiring a new wheel hub assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, a front axle, and a four bar linkage connecting the front axle to the frame. The four bar linkage may define a range of motion of the front axle with respect to the frame. First and second dampers may connect the frame to the front axle over the entire range of motion of the front axle. Third and forth dampers may connect to one of the frame and front axle and engage the other substantially exclusively through a substantial portion of the range of motion of the front axle less than the entirety thereof. So configured, the vehicle may be a hybrid performing well in both high speed travel and low speed, rock-crawling travel.

Abstract: Complementary suspension device applicable between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least two wheels of a vehicle, which transfer the forces originating in said wheels to the aforementioned complementary device by means of displacement, and/or decanting, of the fluids of said suspension systems through the corresponding conduits, said device comprising two fluid distribution units connected in parallel by means of each joint conduit, between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least one pair of vehicle wheels, in such a way that for each pair of wheels the first distribution unit is capable of allowing the intake of fluid through the joint conduit with the suspension system of one of the wheels and, at the same time, lets fluid exit through the joint conduit with the suspension system of the other wheel, whereas the second unit only allows the intake of fluid through the joint conduits with the two suspension systems at the same time.

Abstract: A running board is provided for a motor vehicle. The running board includes a stepping platform having a step side and an underside each extending longitudinally between opposing end walls and laterally between an inboard wall and an outboard wall. A bracket integrally molded with the stepping platform is adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A plurality of primary reinforcing ribs extends along the underside of the stepping platform between the inboard wall and the outboard wall. A plurality of secondary reinforcing ribs extends along the underside of the stepping platform. At least one of the plurality of secondary reinforcing ribs abut at least one of the inboard and outboard walls. The plurality of primary and secondary reinforcing ribs provide support to the running board as a downward force is applied to the step side of the stepping platform.

Abstract: A release device mounted in a bicycle includes a fork including a socket at a bent portion and two yoke arms extended downward from both sides of the socket to mount a front wheel at distal ends thereof; a sleeve fastened in the socket with an upper portion thereof projecting from the socket, the sleeve including at least one longitudinal top slit; an abutment tube including an upper extension passing a head tube to be threadedly secured to a stem; and a clamp put on an upper portion of the sleeve. The clamp is adapted to either fasten the sleeve and the abutment tube together by contracting the slit by exerting a force in a first direction or unfasten the sleeve and the abutment tube by exerting a force in a second direction opposing the first direction.

Abstract: A trailer includes a convertible handle having a handle portion, the handle portion pivotally attached to a tongue portion, the handle portion having a first gripping portion end and a second clevis end and an intermediate pivot, the handle portion being pivotably shiftable about the pivot between a first disposition presenting the gripping portion end proximate an end of the tongue portion and a second disposition presenting the clevis end proximate the end of the tongue portion. A method of operating a trailer is further included.

Abstract: A retractable trailer having a telescoping tongue formed by an outer housing slidingly engaged over an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is attached to a conventional hitch for engaging a towing vehicle and the outer housing is attached to the load bearing portion of the trailer. A threaded shaft is connected to a bearing in the rear of the outer housing and to a threaded receiver in the rear of the inner sleeve. The rear end of the shaft is interconnected to a two-way motor which operates off of the towing vehicles electrical system. Rotation of the shaft drives the outer housing axially with respect to the inner housing, thereby automatically telescoping the tongue to extend the length of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for resisting inadvertent separation of a trailer tongue coupler from a vehicle's hitch ball. The trailer hitch includes a sleeve, a retainer rotatably disposed within the sleeve and including: a rod rotatably disposed within the sleeve, a displacement member coupled to the rod and extending radially therefrom, and a retaining member coupled to the displacement member and resisting inadvertent separation of the trailer tongue coupler from the vehicle's hitch ball when the retaining member is axially disposed adjacent the vehicle's hitch ball. The sleeve includes a shaft coupler removably coupleable to the vehicle. Further, there is a hitch shaft substantially parallel to the sleeve. Also, the displacement member includes a bent rod and the retaining member includes a disk. Still more, the rod is rotatably coupled to the sleeve by a pair of apertures and a bolt.

Abstract: A trailer hitch comprises a combined locking bar and stabilizing bolt to further secure a trailer hitch connection and reduce vibrations during a towing operation. The stabilizing bolt is positioned on a trailer at a location that is not aligned with openings in the trailer hitch. This misalignment prevents the stabilizing bolt from being inserted into the openings for the locking bar.

Abstract: A lock for a trailer hitch is disclosed. The locking device is a substantially spherical member dimensioned to fit within the socket of a ball and socket-type trailer hitch. When a trailer tongue is detached from the ball on a towing vehicle, an unauthorized party may connect the trailer to a towing ball on another vehicle and steal the trailer and any property attached to or supported by the trailer. The present invention provides a locking device that lockingly engages the socket in a detached trailer hitch thereby occluding the socket and preventing the attachment of a towing ball thereto until the locking device is removed from the socket by an authorized party with the use of a key.

Abstract: A high-load drawbar eye (1) with a hitch socket (2) which is open about the rim for receiving a matching hitch ball (7), a hitch arm (3) and a hitch flange (4), includes a hold-down device (5) which cooperates with the hitch socket (2), for realizing a compact hitch connection with a hitch apparatus having a hitch ball.

Abstract: A binding device for a ski or other sports apparatus. The ski or sports apparatus provides an upper service adapted to receive a binding device for retaining a boot, the binding device including an anchoring mechanism to anchor the binding device to the ski, the anchoring mechanism including a slide and at least one tightening mechanism which enables the binding device to be forced in place against the upper surface of the ski or sports apparatus.

Abstract: A device for receiving a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard, the device including a support element adapted to be arranged between the sole of the foot or boot and the apparatus. The support element includes a first portion, a second portion, and an arrangement to adjust the position of the first portion with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: In airbag apparatus mounted on a vehicle, a folded shape of an airbag is held by an airbag-holding member disposed over an outer surface of the airbag, and is housed in a retainer. The airbag-holding member is made of a translucent film sheet, in which a plurality of resin layers is stacked in a thickness direction. The folded shape of the airbag can be visually confirmed.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus mounted on a motor vehicle is constructed such that a folded shape of an airbag is held by an airbag-holding member disposed in a manner to wrap an external surface of the folded airbag, which is housed in a retainer. The airbag-holding member is constructed such that a film sheet, in which a plurality of resin layers is laminated together, is configured to have a bag-shape that wraps around an entire external surface of the folded airbag.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag, an airbag housing portion for housing the airbag in a folded-back condition, an airbag cover for covering the airbag opening, a gas-supplying portion for supplying gas to the airbag, an airbag-holding member formed of a film sheet, and a thin thickness portion formed in the film sheet of the airbag-holding member. The airbag-holding member holds a folded-back shape of the airbag while wrapping around an external surface of the airbag in the folded-back condition. The airbag-holding member is ruptured at the thin thickness portion by the gas supplied from the gas supplying portion when a motor vehicle accident occurs.

Abstract: In an assembly with a gas bag module and a locking check arrangement, the gas bag module has a first detent element adapted for engagement with a second detent element to form a detent connection fastening the gas bag module to a vehicle-fixed component. The gas bag module can assume a not correctly locked state, in which the first detent element and the second detent element are in contact with each other but are not in correct engagement, and a correctly locked state, in which the first detent element is in correct engagement with the second detent element. The locking check arrangement has a movably arranged checking element for checking a locking status of the detent connection and indicating whether the gas bag module is in the not correctly locked state.