Abstract: This sheet multifeed determination device is capable of accurately detecting a sheet multifeed state, and the sheet multifeed determination device includes: a separating member side sheet speed detecting part which detects a transport speed of a sheet surface on the separating member side of a sheet transported to a nip unit of a paper feed roll and a separating member pressure-contacting mutually; a multifeed sheet detecting part which detects presence of plural sheets in the course of being transported through the nip unit; and a multifeed state determination part which determines not to be in a multifeed state of sheets when the sheet speed detected by the separating member side sheet speed detecting part is V2?0 and determines to be in the multifeed state of sheets in the case of V2>0 in a condition where the multifeed sheet detecting part detects multifed sheets.

Abstract: For producing (cigarettes) packs (10) with a coupon positioned between the pack and outer wrapper made of film, the coupons are supplied to a packaging machine for the outer wrapper and are transported in the region of the packaging machine by a coupon conveyor (17). The coupons pass into the region of a feeder (20) and are applied by the latter to a free top side (13) of the packs.

Abstract: A gaming machine disclosed includes a rotary reel having a plurality of symbols on an outer periphery thereof, a group of sheet members disposed in front of the rotary reel, the sheet members being laminated each other and each having an opening, a liquid crystal panel disposed in front of the sheet members, wherein the plurality of symbols are recoginizable through the opening on each of the sheet members, from a front side of the gaming machine, and wherein each of the sheet members includes; a light guiding material, and a light diffusion material disposed in front of the light guiding material and having a larger opening than an opening of the light guiding material, or each of the sheet members includes a light reflecting material, and a light transmitting material disposed in front of the light reflecting material and having a larger opening than an opening of the light reflecting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.

Abstract: A family vacation board game, designed to encourage family unity and cooperation and to help parents help children learn life skills, such as good decision making, comprises a board having a start space connected by game spaces to an end space. One player is chosen as banker. An amount of start-up currency is distributed to players and to the game banker. After family members choose a vacation designation and the total cost of the vacation, the play begins. Each player moves a representative token a number of spaces, determined by a throw of the dice, to be awarded or penalized according to play instruction presented on the game instruction spaces or according to instructions on a choice card given to a player landing on a choice card space. When all players reach the end space, they must determine if they have accumulated enough money to go on their dream vacation.

Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.

Abstract: A card game designed to simulate movements and activities between two combatants. The object of the game is to force all the other players to lose their game points before the winner does. The game uses a unique set of playing cards each containing one of three possible main color codes, and up to three out of four possible activity symbols. Each activity symbol is associated or linked to a second color code that matches one of the three main color codes. The game is presented herein as a sword fighting game between combatants. The activity symbols represent various offensive and defensive activities performed by opposing players during a sword fight. During the game, an offensive player selects an opposing player to attack after reviewing his or her holding cards and the top card in the discard pile of the other player. The defender must either dodge, parry or riposte the attack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game table with a plurality of player stations with an integral lighting system. The game table, for example, a poker table, includes a light window adjacent all of the player stations. An illumination device is fixedly disposed beneath the light window. With such a configuration, lighting is provided from beneath the table, which minimizes shadows during television taping.

Abstract: A diving game assembly and method includes a non-buoyant housing. A digital timer is mounted in the housing and is configured to count down from a selected number of minutes and seconds down to zero seconds. A power supply is electrically coupled to the timer. The timer includes a digital display for displaying the number of minutes and seconds remaining on the timer. To use the assembly, the timer is set, started, and then the housing is thrown into a pool of water. Players then attempt to bring the housing to the surface of the water before the timer reaches zero seconds.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a wiping and/or sealing element for sealing a piston (11) guided movably in a housing (10) with a seal held in a groove (21, 30). The present invention pertains, furthermore, to a process for sealing a movable piston (11) by means of a seal inserted into a groove (21, 30) and a clamping and/or support element with a piston (21), which is guided in a housing (10) such that it can be withdrawn and extended, wherein the piston (11) is sealed by means of a seal arranged in a groove (21). To achieve sealing of the piston (11) with a high sealing force for high liquid pressures at low friction, the wiping and/or sealing element according to the present invention as well as the clamping and/or support element according to the present invention are wherein the seal is a quad ring (22) with a square cross section.

Abstract: A sealing gasket assembly includes one or more carriers each having an offset flexible stopper portion spaced laterally outwardly away from an offset inner sealing portion that is adjacent an opening or other area requiring sealing between mating members adapted to be clamped together. An optional shim can be disposed adjacent to, and aligned with, the carrier. A resilient sealing material is applied to at least portions of the carrier and/or the shim, such as by screen printing, for example. The gasket assembly can be used advantageously in sealing applications such as those for cylinder heads and blocks, intake or exhaust manifolds, piping or other fluid conveying devices, housings, enclosures, or other situations where relative movement can occur between the members to be sealed to each other.

Abstract: A seal (301) has a first surface capable of contacting a valve cover (101) over a first fluid while a second surface, opposed to the first surface, is capable of contacting a seal seat (303). The seal (301) also has a third surface capable of contacting a sensor (201) disposed in a second fluid, while a fourth surface, opposed to the third surface, is capable of contacting the seal seat (303). The seal (301) is capable of separating the first fluid from the second fluid while preventing the first fluid and the second fluid from leaking out of the valve cover (101).

Abstract: An Active Roll Control System for a motor vehicle that utilizes small valves to control large flows. Flow is supplied by a hydraulic pump which is powered in some fashion by the motor vehicle. Flow is directed to the actuators by a three-position-four-way valve that is controlled by two pairs of small ABS style solenoid valves. This allows for a minimum of power to be supplied by the vehicle to operate the system. Also, this valve arrangement allows a desirable failure mode whereby hydraulic fluid is locked into the hydraulic actuators, there by locking in the anti-roll bar in case of a system failure.

Abstract: In a suspension system that connects a wheel support to a vehicle body, the wheel support is designed to carry a wheel of radius “r”, the wheel is intended to rest on the ground via a contact area, the system includes an arrangement that confers upon the wheel support, relative to the body, a degree of freedom of the camber and a degree of freedom of the deflection of the suspension that are independent of one another. The system is configured such that the camber movement of the wheel support relative to the body has, around a mean position, an instantaneous center of rotation (CIR r/c) located within a range from 2.5 r above ground to r below ground.

Abstract: A skating blade with a cross-section of three different portions. The upper portion is narrower, the middle portion is wider and the lower portion is trapezoidal to give improved ice penetration at the lower edges. The rocker is formed with two different curves. The front curve is defined by an arc of a circle and the rear curve is obtained by pivoting a radius forwardly along an arc of a circle and rearwardly along the rocker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually powered drive assembly for a vehicle. A foot crank winds a helical torsion spring through a system of shafts and sprockets in a first direction. By releasing a brake applied to a wheel, or wheels, of the vehicle, the wound spring transfers a rotational movement from a spring shaft to a freewheel sprocket coaxially aligned with the axle supporting a wheel, so that the rotational movement upon the wheel assists a user in manually moving the vehicle. The drive assembly may be advantageously used with a wheelbarrow to assist in building up momentum for moving heavy loads.

Abstract: For baby strollers, particularly umbrella strollers, a device to prevent tipping comprising a pair of rearward extension bars. Each bar is adapted to extend rearwardly over or nearly over one of the rear wheels of the stroller. Each curves downwards so as to clear the wheel over or near which it extends and then curves to present a distal end section at least approximately parallel to the surface on which the stroller sits. Each bar is provided with a clamp by which it may be attached to the stroller. The clamp is adjustable to optimize tip prevention and loosenable so that the extension may be folded transversely for storage or transport.

Abstract: In a high-mounted double wishbone suspension device, an arm portion extending upward from a knuckle main body portion, through which an axle runs, is provided with a tie rod connection portion. A tie rod for turning a wheel is connected to the tie rod connection portion. The distance between the axle and the tie rod connection portion is increased to effectively suppress knuckle lateral vibration centered on the axle by the tie rod. Therefore, it is possible to reduce road noise without increasing the number of components or the weight. In particular, since the tie rod is connected to a joint provided on a lower face of the tie rod connection portion, it is possible to minimize vertical positional change of the tie rod, while suppressing lateral vibration of the knuckle by raising the position of the tie rod connection portion, whereby the arrangement can be easily applied to a conventional vehicle merely by replacing the knuckle alone.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a load-bearing vehicle is described which comprises first and second mounting brackets secured to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. First and second lower control arms are pivotally secured at their forward ends to the first and second mounting brackets and extend rearwardly therefrom. First and second axle supports are positioned rearwardly of the first and second mounting brackets and have the rearward ends of the first and second lower control arms pivotally secured thereto. An axle and wheel assembly is secured to the first and second axle supports. First and second air springs are operatively secured to the first and second axle supports. A stabilizer bar assembly is provided and combines the functions of a stabilizer bar and upper control arms.

Abstract: (57) A roll control system (20) for installation between axially aligned wheels of a motor vehicle, the roll control system comprising a torsion bar (22); a damper (24) attached to one end (28) of the torsion bar and attachable to one of the wheels; and attachment means (25) attached to the other end (29) of the torsion bar and attachable to the other wheel; wherein the damper comprises an axially extending cylindrical housing (52); a piston (34) slidably mounted inside the housing; a piston rod (58) connected to the piston, extending out of one end (55) of the housing, and movable in an axial direction relative to the housing; a floating piston (35) slidably mounted in the housing between the piston and the other end of the housing; a compensation chamber (37) between the floating piston and the other end (54) of the housing containing a first pressurised fluid; a compression chamber (30) between the floating piston and the piston containing a second pressurised fluid; a rebound chamber (32) between the pist

Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.

Abstract: A step apparatus for a vehicle having a door and a rocker panel includes a step disposed at and in operable communication with the door, wherein the step has a retracted position in response to the door being closed and a deployed position in response to the door being at least partially open. The vehicle has a first ground clearance in response to the door being closed and the step retracted and a second ground clearance in response to the door being open and the step deployed. The first ground clearance, which is defined by the vehicle and is independent of the step apparatus, is equal to or greater than the second ground clearance.

Abstract: For a manually propelled wheelchair having a rear wheel located on either side of the wheelchair, each rear wheel including an annular or round push rim of substantially uniform, uninterrupted cross section, a grip attachment attachable to the rim used by an occupant of the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair. The grip attachment includes a gripping body having a preferably convex palm-pushing surface on a posterior side thereof and a preferably concave finger-pulling surface on an anterior side thereof. A rim-engaging member having an annular or circular-shaped attached to each rear wheel is adapted to cooperate with the gripping body to clampingly secure the gripping body to the rim in a laterally outwardly extending orientation. By this arrangement, an occupant may propel the wheelchair forwardly by exerting palm pressure against the posterior side and rearwardly by exerting finger pressure against the anterior side.

Abstract: A two-piece bicycle frame pivotably attached together at a pivot point with a biasing mechanism adjacent to the point of attachment. The bias mechanism bears an angle of between 30° to 60° relative to true horizontal. Each frame section has a relative plane which planes in relation to one another bear an angle exceeding 180° when no weight is on the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle towing device for towing a trailing bicycle behind a leading bicycle including a leading bicycle connection interconnected to a trailing bicycle connection by a tow bar. The trailing bicycle connection is connectable to both upper and lower locations on the trailing bicycle such that the center of gravity of the force pulling the trailing bicycle is centered on the trailing bicycle to provide stable maneuverability of the trailing bicycle. The leading bicycle connection and the trailing bicycle connection include pivotal joints that allow limited degrees of rotational movement with respect to the tow bar. In this manner of attachment, the tow bar is pivotal with respect to both the leading bicycle connection and the trailing bicycle connection to account for differences in height between the bicycles while forcing the trailing bicycle to lean at substantially the same exact angle as the leading bicycle at all times.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus is for use with a portable bleacher of the type having a lower framework supporting and interconnecting a plurality of generally parallel longitudinally extending bleacher seat assemblies. The framework includes longitudinally spaced laterally extending base members. The trailer apparatus includes a torque tube rotatably attached to a lower part of the bleacher framework and above the base members to extend beneath and generally perpendicular to the seat assemblies. A torque arm is rigidly attached to one end of the torque tube. A first wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to the torque arm on an axis of rotation parallel to the torque tube axis. A generally vertically or horizontally extendable lift jack is coupled at a lower end to the torque arm and operatively coupled at its upper end to the framework.

Abstract: A snowboard (10) includes a central section (12) and tip and tail sections (14, 16). The snowboard includes a core (30) bordered within the central section along longitudinal edges by sidewall members (24). The snowboard includes upper and lower reinforcement layers (32, 34) covered by a top sheet (36) and a base (38). The outer surfaces (44) of the sidewall members (24) are exposed between the top sheet and the base within the central section of the board. In the tip and tail section of the board, the sidewall members are absent, with a cap formed by the top sheet and upper reinforcement layer extending to cover the perimeter edge of the core and join to the base. The board thus has a fully exposed sidewall construction in the central section and a capped construction in the tip and tail sections.

Abstract: A stroller for transporting a child includes a wheeled frame including at least two base rails interconnected by a cylindrical hub, a spine, and a bracing linkage. A basket attaches to the spine, confining the child and supporting a seat ring. The seat ring includes upper and lower connected concentric arcs having different radii and supports a seat back on its lower arc. The seat back reclines, and the seat ring rotates from center. A seat base is supported on the frame and includes a platform movable between an extended position disposed inside the seat ring and a retracted position withdrawn from the seat ring. The stroller permits the child to be safely and comfortably transported in a standing, seated, or reclined position.

Abstract: A bolster spring assembly is adapted for securement to a vehicle having a primary suspension system for securing an axle to the vehicle. The bolster spring assembly is located and secured between the leaf spring over the axle and the undercarriage of the vehicle as a supplement to the primary suspension system.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly comprising a panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening comprising a window portion communicating with an angled channel portion. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute. The airbag assembly further comprises an inflatable airbag mounted on the door chute.

Abstract: An airbag module assembly including a module housing, a door and a door retainer ring. The module housing forms a compartment adapted to contain an inflatable restraint airbag cushion in a stored state. The module housing has at least one open end, and includes at least one side wall and at least one face wall generally perpendicularly disposed relative to the at least one side wall about the at least one open end. The door retainer ring is adapted to be joined to the module housing about the module housing open end. The door includes a circumference portion and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The door, in a static state, is disposed over the module housing to enclose the module housing open end with at least the circumference portion of the door disposed between the door retainer ring and the module housing. The circumference portion of the door includes at least one release portion and at least one hinge section.

Abstract: An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle does not require any heat stakes and permits a deployment door to be formed in the interior panel without the need for scoring or other pre-weakening thereof. The airbag chute is constructed of plastic and includes a substrate facing surface. A door assembly includes a metal door and a plastic door plate. The door plate is positioned between the substrate and the door portion, and has a substrate facing surface. The substrate facing surfaces of the airbag chute and the plastic door plate are attached to the substrate. The substrate facing surface of the plastic door plate engages the substrate over a contact area to distribute a force imposed on the plastic door plate from the deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A first airbag apparatus of the present invention has an airbag module, which includes an airbag and an inflator, and a displacement mechanism, which displaces the airbag module. The displacement mechanism displaces the airbag module from an original position to a predetermined position when a collision of the vehicle is predicted and displaces the airbag module from the predetermined position to the original position when the predicted collision is avoided. A second airbag apparatus of the present invention has the airbag module and the displacement mechanism, which displaces a support member. The support member displaces the airbag from the original position to the predetermined position before the airbag is deployed. The deployed airbag is supported between the support body that is displaced to the predetermined position and an occupant.

Abstract: An airbag system includes a vehicle airbag, which is mounted to an upper part of a sidewall of a vehicle, and an inflator for supplying inflating gas to the vehicle airbag. The vehicle airbag includes a rolled portion wound in a roll, a folded portion inside the roll, and bellows portions provided to ends of the rolled portion adjacent to a base end of the airbag and adjacent to a distal end of the airbag. The bellows portions being folded like a bellows. The airbag is configured to be inflated downward into an occupant protection region between an occupant and a sidewall of the vehicle to protect the occupant in the event of a car accident. The rolled portion is wound such that the projection of the folded portion faces the vehicle sidewall when the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction control system for a vehicle. The traction control system includes an energy radiator positionable in proximal relation to at least one of the vehicle tires. The traction control system further includes a control system having a signal generator, with the signal generator generating an activation signal to selectively activate the energy radiator. The activated energy radiator generates an energy to heat the tire in response to the activation signal, thereby increasing the fraction of the tire.

Abstract: A gas feed pipe connecting screw for a continuous casting nozzle which is mounted to the continuous casting nozzle formed with an axially extending ring-shaped slit concentric with a nozzle bore. The screw connects the nozzle to a gas feed pipe for blowing a gas into the slit. The screw includes a screw body having a gas feed hole formed through its central portion, a flange fitted into a mounting hole formed in a side wall of the continuous casting nozzle, a male thread engaging a first female thread formed in the mounting hole, and a second female thread formed in the gas feed hole for connection of the gas feed pipe. The flange has a detent corner engaging refractory mortar filling the mounting hole.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining a first pipe to pipes of varying diameters includes first and second hollow fittings which are secured together in end-to-end relationship by a crimping process to rigidly hold the fitting members together to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first fitting member is comprised of metal, and a second fitting member is comprised of plastic material. The second fitting member has a pair of well openings with the outer well adjacent one end thereof being of a greater diameter than the inner well. The outer well is adapted to receive the end of a hollow plastic pipe of greater diameter, e.g., ¾?. The second well is available alternatively to receive the end of a plastic pipe of reduced diameter, e.g., ½?.

Abstract: A device for regulating the suction flow in a flexible connection pipe between a tool for machining surfaces and a machining dust suction unit. The device includes a tubular terminal connector fitted with internal threading for attaching the flexible pipe and at least one side opening on the external surface. The device also includes a hollow cylindrical body that rotatably embraces at least one portion of the terminal connector and is fitted on its external surface with at least one opening that can be adjusted angularly in relation to the opening of the terminal connector.

Abstract: An integral transverse flange for a duct includes a first upturned portion extending substantially perpendicularly from a duct wall of the duct. The flange further includes a second portion bent rearwardly from the first upturned portion, and a third return portion turned toward the duct wall and rounded back toward the first upturned portion from the second portion. A fourth L-shaped portion extends from the third return portion, the L-shaped portion having a first arm arranged adjacent to and in close relation with the second portion and a second arm arranged adjacent to and in close relation with the first upturned portion. A bead is formed in the first upturned portion.

Abstract: A locking device includes an operating button and a lock member disposed in a case. When the operating button is pressed against an urging force of a spring member, the lock member switches from a locked position for restricting a movable member to move relative to a body to an unlocked position for allowing the movable member to move in an opening direction. A rotation guide device is disposed between the case and the operating button, so that the lock member switches from the locked position to the unlocked position when the movable member rotates in a direction opposite to the opening direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with latching elements, such as a latch and a ratchet and with a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a drive, the drive having a drive motor, or the like, and an actuating element. The ratchet can be raised by the drive, so that the ratchet moves into an action area of the drive, such that continued motion of the drive is blocked by the ratchet. Thus, the drive can be turned off in a blocking operation. The ratchet, viewed in the kinematic chain from the drive motor to the actuating element, is engaged to the drive for blocking in front of the actuating element but not on the actuating element.

Abstract: A latch of a vehicle includes a displacement member having a first position, a second position, and an intermediate rest position and an output movable between a first output position and a second output position. A first mode of operation is possible where the output lever is driven between the first output position and the second output position by a stepper motor and a second mode of operation is possible where the output lever can be moved between the first output position and the second output position independently from the stepper motor. A common control controls all the latches in the vehicle.

Abstract: A casing assembly includes a casing having a receiving space and an entrance, and a lid mounted detachably in the entrance to deny access into the space. A fastening device is disposed in the casing, and includes a blocking plate and a resilient clip urging the blocking plate to rotate in a predetermined direction to engage the same with the lid, thereby preventing removal of the lid from the casing. The lid may include a downwardly extending tongue which passes through a hole in the casing and is to be engaged by a hook-like portion on the end of the blocking plate.

Abstract: A magnetic latch assembly includes a latch member movably mounted to a first object such as a door, and a retainer arranged in a second, opposing object such as a door frame. The latch member includes a latch arm, a hook formed on the distal end of the latch arm, and a first magnet mounted in the hook. The retainer includes a housing with a cavity and a second magnet. The cavity includes a first horizontal passage and a second vertical passage communicated with the horizontal passage. The second magnet has a magnetic pole of opposite polarity from the magnetic pole of the first magnet. When the first and second objects are relatively moved toward each other, the latch arm is moved into the first passage of the cavity.

Abstract: A striker assembly (10) to be attached to a door jamb to engage the tongue of a lock mounted on an associated door, the assembly (10) includes a base (11) to be fixed to the door jamb and a striker member (15). The striker member (15) is adjustable relative to the base (13).

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes an elongated energy absorbing member, a plurality of mounting members, a wiring harness and a bumper fascia. The elongated energy absorbing member is dimensioned to extend between first and second sides of a vehicle. The energy absorbing member has an inboard facing surface, an outboard facing surface and an upper surface disposed between the inboard and outboard facing surfaces. The mounting members are longitudinally spaced along the upper surface of the energy absorbing member, each of the mounting members having a wire attachment structure. The wiring harness is coupled to the wire attachment structures of the mounting members such that the wiring harness is supported longitudinally above the upper surface of the energy absorbing member at the mounting members. The bumper fascia fits over the energy absorbing member thereby concealing the wiring harness.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping tong including a moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a guide mechanism for guiding the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the guide mechanism and for fixing the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the guide mechanism, wherein the moveable pivoting clamping plate mechanism moves co-axially along the guide mechanism and pivots in multiple directions relative to the guide mechanism. An adjustable clamping tong including a pivoting clamping plate mechanism; a fixed clamping plate mechanism; and a spacing mechanism for spacing the pivoting clamping plate mechanism at a distal end of the spacing mechanism from the fixed clamping plate mechanism at a proximal end of the spacing mechanism, wherein the spacing mechanism includes an adjusting mechanism and the pivoting clamping plate mechanism axially pivots along the spacing mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum driven light bulb changer. The device has a power source that energizes an electrical circuitry so that when the power switch is activated it energizes a motor that activates a vacuum pump. The activation of the vacuum pump draws air into the intake head on the vacuum cup. When the vacuum cup is place firmly against the outside surface of a light bulb, the vacuum creates a depressurized zone against the outside surface of the light bulb and the inside bottom surface of the vacuum cup allowing the turning of the light bulb.

Abstract: An end effector (10) for an industrial robot has the ability to pick up plural objects, selectively rotate same and adjusts the spacing between the plural objects as the products are being carried by the robot to a desired deposit location. This functionality is achieved by locating a rotary actuator (16) at the end (8) of a robot arm and providing a lazy tong linkage assembly (60) to which plural product graspers (62) are affixed where the lazy tong assembly is carried by a rotatable platform (18) of the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator, the lazy tong assembly and the product graspers are preferably pneumatically actuated.