Abstract: A sealing member which is compressed by a contactless temperature sensor and a cover member of a fixing unit is provided between the sensor and the cover member. An opening portion for temperature detection is shut off from a space around the fixing unit by the sealing member, thereby preventing the air from flowing from the opening portion into the fixing unit.

Abstract: An image-forming device according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a photosensitive layer, a pressing member pressed against the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to remove a deposit from the photosensitive layer, and a static eliminating unit for eliminating the static electricity of the deposit to be removed by the pressing member. Another image-forming device according to the present invention includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a photosensitive layer and an electroconductive pressing member that comes into contact with a deposit on the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to eliminate the static electricity of the deposit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a substantially cylindrical body rotated by rotation power transmitted via an first end portion from in an image forming apparatus and a photosensitive layer including a latent image forming area formed on an outer circumference of the body. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus provided with the electrophotographic photosensitive member. In the photosensitive layer, when the body is charged with a constant charging ability in the axial direction, dark electric potential at the latent image forming area gradually becomes larger as proceeding in the axial direction of the body, from the first end portion to a second end portion opposite to the first end portion.

Abstract: A power transmitter, including a driving gear rotated by a driving motor, a driven gear rotatably coupled with the driving gear through a coupler, and a power interruption unit to be broken when the driven gear is overloaded so as to release the coupling between the driven gear and the coupler such that power transmission to the driven gear is cut off.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus detachably mounts black and non-black cartridges each including a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. The apparatus includes a driving source; first and second clutches for connecting and disconnecting between the driving source and the developing roller of the black and non-black cartridges, respectively; movable first and second members actable on the first and second clutches, respectively, for switching between transmitting the driving force to the developing rollers and not transmitting the driving force; and a switching member, movable by the driving force of the driving source and actable on the first and second members for switching among first, second, and third modes for transmitting the driving force to the developing rollers of all of the cartridges, not transmitting the driving force to any one of the rollers, and transmitting the driving force only to the developing roller of the black cartridge.

Abstract: A color printer 1 has a rotary type developing device 30 which rotated by an input gear 46 that receives power from a motor, and a plurality of developing units 13 supported on a frame 28. The plurality of developing units 13 accommodates toner of different colors therein. The frame 28 a first annular gear 29 being configured to be rotated by the input gear 46, and a second ring-shaped annular member 32 having a larger external diameter than the first annular gear 29. The second ring-shaped annular member 32 is disposed adjacent to and on the outer side of said first annular gear and on the same rotational axis.

Abstract: A rotary developing device 30 is provided in an image forming device that is rotated by an input gear 46. The rotary developing device 30 has a plurality of developing units 13, a frame 28, and a rotation stop mechanism 50. Each of the plurality of developing units 13 house toner of one of the colors, and develops at a predetermined developing position. The frame 28 includes a support portion 36 that supports the plurality of developing units 13 and has a rotation shaft, and a ring shaped gear 29 that is rotated by the input gear 46. The rotation stop mechanism 50 stops the rotation of the frame 28 at the developing position. Also, the number of gear teeth in the ring shaped gear 29 is the number of gear teeth in the input gear 46 multiplied by the number of developers.

Abstract: The color image forming apparatus comprises a transfer belt device which feeds a transfer member such as a paper and a plurality of image forming units. The image forming units are disposed facing towards the transfer belt device. The transfer belt device, at least in a portion in which the image forming units have been disposed, is arranged such that it is inclined with respect to the ground. Each of the image forming unit forms a desired image and sequentially transfers the formed image on the transfer member fed by the transfer belt device.

Abstract: A developer cartridge holds toner therein. A chamber is A shutter rotates in slide contact with the arcuate surface of the chamber, being movable either to a closing position where the shutter closes the first opening or to an opening position where the shutter opens the first opening. A rotating shaft is rotatably supported in the chamber. A resilient scraper blade has one end fixed to the rotating shaft and extends from the rotating shaft to scrape the arcuate surface when the rotating body rotates. When the scraper blade extends through the first opening, the scraper blade extends in a direction at an angle with a line tangent to an arcuate plane in which the arcuate surface lies, the scraper blade. The angle is in the range of 30 to 70 degrees.

Abstract: This invention aims at preventing degradation in printing precision with a low cost even when a toner container is exposed to a high-temperature atmosphere. To achieve this object, the toner container includes a resin molded article having a heat-insulating layer in it.

Abstract: A developer container has a main part accommodating a developer therein and is detachably attached to a main part of an image forming apparatus. The developer container comprises an outlet provided at a side of the developer container to discharge the developer from the developer container. An input unit is provided adjacent to the outlet and has a small-diameter portion an inside diameter of which is smaller than a diameter of the container main part wherein, when the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the input unit is engaged with a drive motor of the image forming apparatus to receive a rotating force of the drive motor. A developer guiding unit causes the developer inside the developer container to be moved to the outlet beyond the small-diameter portion of the input unit by rotation of the developer container.

Abstract: An developing device comprising a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image on a photo conductor; a developing roller driving unit for rotating the developing roller in a forward direction and in a backward direction respectively while development is performed and not performed; a thickness regulating member, which is pressed against a surface of the developing roller, for regulating a thickness of developer adhered to the surface of the developing roller; and a suppression unit for suppressing a pressing force of the thickness regulating member when the developing roller is rotated in the backward direction.

Abstract: The invention realizes a uniform toner coating on a developing roller, thereby preventing a density unevenness and a toner dripping and suppressing a developing roller set mark image in a contact developing method, by conditions that the DC voltage applied to the developer regulating member is the same as the DC voltage applied to the developer carrying member or at a side of a charging polarity of the developer with respect to the DC voltage applied to the developer carrying member; and a frequency f (Hz) and a peak electric field strength E (V/m) of the AC electric field formed by the AC voltage between the developer regulating member and the developer carrying member, and a peripheral speed v (m/s) of the image bearing member satisfies conditions: 4.2×v?f?2500 and 2.2×106?E?5.2×106.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing body that is rotatable about a central axis thereof, and that bears a dot-like latent image, on a surface of the image bearing body, in each of a plurality of divided regions that are arranged in rows along a direction that intersects an axial direction of the central axis at a predetermined intersection angle; and a developer bearing roller that is rotatable in order to make visible, as a developer image, the dot-like latent images borne by the image bearing body, using a developer borne on a surface of the developer bearing roller, the developer bearing roller opposing the image bearing body such that an axial direction of the developer bearing roller is parallel to the axial direction of the image bearing body, and that includes a helical groove portion on the surface of the developer bearing roller, the helical groove portion being inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the developer bearing roller and bein

Abstract: There are provided a developing roller capable of making useless a drying line in the formation of a resin layer and using a carbon-based electrically conducting agent for giving an electrical conductivity to the resin layer as well as an imaging apparatus using the same. The developing roller 1 comprises a shaft member 2 of a metal pipe and a resin layer 4. The resin layer 4 is made from a ultraviolet-curing type resin containing a carbon-based electrically conducting agent and a ultraviolet initiator, in which the ultraviolet initiator has a maximum wavelength in a ultraviolet absorption wavelength zone of not less than 400 nm. The resin layer 4 may be made from an electron beam curing type resin containing the electrically conducting agent.

Abstract: There is described a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image onto a transfer material by superimposing a plurality of unicolor toner images. The apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member onto which the plurality of unicolor toner images are successively transferred in such a manner that the plurality of unicolor toner images superimpose with each other, so as to form a full color toner image on the intermediate transfer member and a discharge section, in which a potential of the side plate is set at a polarity opposite to that of the grid electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multi-color image is disclosed which includes a controller that performs an anti reverse-transfer control such that a surface potential of a previously-formed separated-developer-image subset of a plurality of single-color separated-developer-images which has been previously transferred onto an image transferred medium is reduced, prior to a subsequent transfer in which a remainder of the plurality of separated-developer-images is transferred onto the image transferred medium after a previous transfer of the previously-formed separated developer-image subset onto the image transferred medium, to thereby prevent a reverse transfer of a part of a developer material on the image transferred medium from the image transferred medium onto a photoconductor at the subsequent transfer.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus is disclosed, in which two or more toner images in different colors are superposed on an endless conveyance belt to form a color image for imprinting, and the color image for imprinting is imprinted to an imprinting medium. The image formation apparatus includes: an image formation unit for forming plural sets of marks for position error compensation for compensating for a position error of the different colors, which position error is generated when forming the color image on the conveyance belt; a detection unit for detecting position information about positions of the sets of marks for position error compensation formed on the conveyance belt by the image formation unit; and a control unit for performing a position error compensation process based on the position information detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments to facilitate the characterization of fuser stripping performance. Recognizing that the characteristics of a substrate exiting a fusing nip are indicative of the operation of the nip and the stripping operation itself, several contact and non-contact sensing methods are described to detect or predict degraded stripping performance, thereby permitting one or more compensation techniques to be employed, or to identify the need for fuser subsystem replacement.

Abstract: A wet electrophotographic apparatus includes an intermediate transcriptional unit that includes a rubber member on a surface thereof, the intermediate transcriptional unit being configured to transcribe a toner image formed by toner held on a surface of the rubber member onto a printed subject, a cleaning solution applying unit configured to apply cleaning solution to the surface of the rubber member after transcribing the toner image onto the printed subject, and a toner removing unit configured to have a higher stiffness than that of the rubber member and to be in contact with the rubber member under a predetermined pressure so as to remove residual toner, which is left on the intermediate transcriptional unit even after transcribing the toner image onto the printed subject, with the cleaning solution.

Abstract: On an upper side of a protruding portion provided on a front surface of a paper cassette, a first gripper is disposed so as to enable a user to place a finger on a first pressure portion of the first gripper and pull out the paper cassette easily. Compared to a paper cassette with a first gripper disposed on an underside of a protruding portion, the first gripper is provided on the upper side of the protruding portion in the paper cassette of the present invention such that the user can easily pull out the paper cassette without bending over deeply.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a construction wherein a trouble caused by contact between a conveyed sheet and a charge removing member can be prevented and charge of the sheet can effectively be removed at low cost while the charge removing member does not interfere with the sheet conveyance. A sheet conveyance apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a discharge roller pair, an electro conductive nonwoven fabric, and a flag. The discharge roller pair conveys the sheet, and the nonwoven fabric removes charge in the sheet. The flag has a flag surface which comes into contact with the sheet conveyed by the discharge roller pair, and the f lag can turn about a pivot by contact with the sheet. In the sheet conveyance apparatus, the nonwoven fabric is provided in the flag within a range where the charge in the sheet S can be discharged to the nonwoven fabric while the nonwoven fabric is not in contact with the sheet.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic printer or copier, toner images of images to be printed onto a printing substrate are generated and fixed, causing sliding characteristics to be worsened. In order to remedy this problem, a moistening device is provided that applies on the printing substrate a moistening agent made from a moistening fluid and a lubricant dissolved therein. Two problems are thus solved: the printing substrate is moistened and simultaneously lubricated.

Abstract: A print engine assembly includes an elongate chassis. A pair of bearing moldings is operatively mounted to either end of the chassis. A printhead assembly is mounted within the chassis. The printhead assembly includes an elongate printhead having a plurality of ink printing integrated circuits (IC's) each disposed at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the printhead. Each IC overlaps adjacent IC's to enable continuous printing of ink along the printhead. A feed mechanism is mounted to the bearing moldings, and is configured to feed print media beneath the printhead during printing and then through the slot.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a data receiving section connected to a computer via a network for receiving a command from the computer, a command processing section for processing the command received by the data receiving section, a command interpreting section for interpreting the command and a data transmitting section for transmitting device information obtained by the command processing section. The command processing section requests the command interpreting section to interpret the command before completing a start-up of a device from which the command processing section obtains the device information.

Abstract: An approach is provided for implementing locked printing on a printing device. The printing device includes a user interface configured to display information and accept user input. The printing device includes a locked print process that is configured to examine print data received by the printing device and determine whether locked printing is to be used for the print data. The locked print process is further configured to verify password data entered via the user interface and if the password data is successfully verified, then allow the print data to be processed and a printed version of the electronic document reflected in the print data to be generated. The printing device also includes a Web server that provides a Web-based user interface to allow a user, such as an administrator, to specify configuration data that defines one or more functions performed by the locked print process.

Abstract: A staggered keyboard for use with a portable device is provided. The staggered keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged into a plurality of rows of keys. For each row of keys, the labeling of the keys is arranged in either a linear or an arced relationship depending upon the key layout, but the key centers are staggered from key to key along at least two distinct reference lines or arcs so that adjacent keys can be placed in overlapping and/or contiguous configurations thereby minimizing the size of the keyboard layout. By staggering the key centers while maintaining a familiar layout of the key labels, typing efficiency can be maintained while the overall size of the keyboard is reduced.

Abstract: A method of supplying a media web to a wallpaper printer. the method includes opening a reusable case, placing into the case a core onto which has been located a supply roll of a blank media web and supporting the core for rotation within the case. then, leading a free edge of the roll between a pair of rollers and past an edge of the open case and closing the case. next the case is loaded into a self threading printer with the rollers located within the case and on either side of the media web. the printer includes a full width digital color printhead and the printhead prints a wallpaper pattern on at least part of the media web to produce wallpaper.

Abstract: A platen according to the invention has a metallic plate integrated thereto in such a manner that the plate surface is parallel to the direction of impact pressure applied from a printing section. Accordingly the platen has sufficient strength and rigidity even though being made of plastic, so that the platen is not deflected by impact pressure. A printer having the platen can maintain high print quality by preventing a decrease in print quality due to the deflection of the platen, thus reducing the cost of materials and achieving light weight.

Abstract: A web printer is provided for printing web patterns on print media. The web printer includes a cabinet. A plurality of ink reservoirs is mounted, in a releasable manner, within the cabinet and store respective types of ink to be printed. A print media cartridge is mounted, in a releasable manner, within the cabinet and carries a wound length of print media. A platen extends away from the print media cartridge to support print media provided from the print media cartridge along a print media travel path. A stationary printhead is mounted within the cabinet to extend transverse to the print media. The printhead is configured to print a web pattern with the ink and upon print media provided from the platen. In use, the print media travel path from the print media cartridge to the printhead forms a substantially straight line.

Abstract: A mopping device and a mopping system include a fluid reservoir connectible to a cart for conveying the fluid reservoir, a fluid container configured to be at least partially refilled from the reservoir and to be connectable to a head of a mop, and a connector for providing fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid container to allow fluid in the fluid reservoir to flow into the fluid container. The fluid container can be repeatedly refilled from the fluid reservoir to permit continued mopping.

Abstract: A stick container is provided. The stick container includes a cup, a sleeve and a base. The cup includes a placement portion for disposing thereon a lipstick, and a spiral shell pillar extended downward from the cup. The sleeve made of a hollow tube includes a locking portion formed on the bottom portion thereof. The base includes a threaded cylinder formed in the central portion thereof. The threaded cylinder includes a threaded portion corresponding to the spiral shell pillar. In addition, a locking portion is formed in the base corresponding to the locking portion of the sleeve. The stick container of the present invention is structurally simple and easy to assemble, which will largely reduce its fabrication cost.

Abstract: A container with an applicator, which is, although simple in structure, capable of solving a problem of residue adhered to a scraping section ejecting to a mouth of the container. The container with an applicator includes a container body and a lid body having a shaft body at the head of which an applicator is installed. A scraping section is provided on the container body mouth and an annular projection is provided on the shaft body of the lid body. Further, small air circulation holes are provided above and below the annular projection of the shaft body, and the holes enable air to circulate through the inside of the shaft body.

Abstract: A boat deck scrub brush includes a brush portion, a bucket and a handle. The brush portion includes a base having a first side and a second opposing side, the first side having bristles extending away from the base. The bucket is coupled to the second side of the base with the bucket extending away from the base. The opening of the bucket is open in a direction opposite the direction the bristles. The bucket may be integral with the base. The user of the scrub brush is able to retrieve water from a body of water being traveled by extending the brush into the water while holding onto the handle, filling the bucket and performing routine cleaning during use of the boat.

Abstract: A dispenser has a barrel which is closed at one end by a base and has a plurality of apertures at the other end through which a viscous material such as a gel or lotion is dispensed. A thermoplastic seal unit closes the plurality of apertures. The seal unit is comprised of an elongated section with a plurality of projections depending from the substantially planar section, the plurality of projections aligned with and closing the plurality of apertures. The seal unit can be removable and usually not replaceable after each use of the dispenser. The thermoplastic seal unit, which preferably is a thermoplastic elastomer, is molded onto the top surface of the barrel after the barrel top surface has been formed. It is molded into the apertures to thereby close the apertures. The seal unit can have pull tabs for the easy removal of the seal unit. This seal unit provides a positive seal for the lotion or gel substance that is to be dispensed from the barrel.

Abstract: A cosmetics brush for making-up face by applying air pressure generated by push-button to flow out a powdery cosmetics stored in a receptacle type body of the brush to the brush side, which includes the body containing the powdery cosmetics, an operational rod mounted with a plurality of mixing members to agitate and admix the powdery cosmetics in the body when the operational rod moves up and down, a filter Anointed on top end of the operational rod to screen fine particles of the powdery cosmetics to allow the powdery cosmetics to flow out through inlet and outlet holes and a powder transfer tube to the brush side in optimum particle status and in an amount to be desired, and another brush for distributing the powdery cosmetics flowed out from the top end of the operational rod on the brush side in a desirable distribution, and the push-button with a locking and releasing function to prevent unexpected flowing-out of the powdery cosmetics when carrying the cosmetics brush with one.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the inside of a car wheel rim which comprises a hollow j-shaped tube, having a long arm and a short arm, a source of cleaner affixed to the long arm of the j-shaped tube for providing cleaner into the tube, and a scrubbing member affixed to the short arm of the j-shaped tube for reaching behind and cleaning the inside of a tire wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for compiling all vital and pertinent information necessary in regard to an accident. The apparatus comprises a foldable binder member having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material. There is at least one worksheet having predetermined information printed thereon and disposed within the foldable binder member for recording all such vital information that is needed regarding such accident. A closure member is disposed on the binder member for keeping the binder member securely closed and protected, a portion of the closure member is disposed on a base portion of the binder member and a second portion of the closure member is disposed on a top portion of the foldable binder member.

Abstract: A thermally compensated mounting flange 10 useful for mechanically attaching equipment to a device which can be operated at a relatively high temperature is disclosed, such as an actuator 32 to operate valve 12. The mounting flange 10 and valve 12 can be made of different materials with unequal thermal expansion coefficients. The mounting flange 10 has a flange portion 14 and one or more legs 16A,16B extending from the flange portion 14 to a distal end mechanically secured to the valve 12. At least one pin 36 can be disposed through an attachment bore 22,24,26 in a leg 16A,16B and into or through the body of valve 12. An open-ended slot 30 is formed from the distal end and terminates at an aperture 28 spaced from a periphery of a leg 16A,16B. Aperture 28 can conveniently serve as a sight hole for inspection of the top of valve 12.

Abstract: A bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a bicycle seat having a mounting beam extending lengthwise on an underneath side of the bicycle seat and defining a first surface. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement. In one arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth. In another arrangement, the surfaces comprise a corresponding plurality of projections and depressions. The first and second surfaces may cooperate to form a wedge configuration to inhibit rocking of the bicycle seat relative to the clamp assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for attaching the end of a shaft (14) of a gas turbine engine engaged inside a coupling (15) supported by a bearing (3). Said system comprising a nut (16) is characterized in that the nut (16) comprises a first thread (16f1) by which it is screwed into said shaft (14) and a second thread (16f2) by which it is screwed to said coupling (15). Advantageously, the screw pitches of the two threads (16f1, 16f2) of the nut (16) are reversed relative to one another so as to form an adjusting nut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fastening the end of a gas turbine engine shaft (4) engaged inside a sleeve (15) supported by a bearing (3). Said system comprises a nut (16) and is characterized in that the nut (16) is screwed at one end inside said sleeve (16) and is connected by a segment-type connection (18) with the shaft at the other end.

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a metallic portion and a ceramic portion. In a disclosed example, a ceramic shaft has a generally conical end that is at least partially received within a generally conical recess in one end of a metallic shaft. The recess has a first portion that has an inner surface that is received directly against a corresponding outer surface on a section of the ceramic shaft conical portion. A second portion of the recess is radially spaced from the ceramic shaft and provides a controlled gap within which a braze alloy is maintained. In one example, the second portion has an axial length that is more than twice a radial depth of the second portion. In another example, a transition surface between the first and second portions of the recess has a linear profile.

Abstract: An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.

Abstract: A rotatable combination that includes first and second members respectively having first and second longitudinally extending pluralities of splines. The second plurality of splines extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis. The first plurality of splines includes first and second longitudinally extending sections having different orientations with the second longitudinal section defining an angle with the rotational axis. The first longitudinal section engages the second plurality of splines before the second longitudinal section during assembly of the two members. Engagement of the second longitudinal section with the second plurality of splines generates a greater resistance to longitudinal movement than engagement of the first longitudinal section with the second plurality of splines.

Abstract: Means and method for implementing an unobtrusive on-grade barrier. One embodiment employs a concrete-lined trench over which a biased hinged plate is affixed to an end wall. The biased hinge holds the free end of the plate against a tab affixed to the other end wall, assuring the plate does not rise above grade. The plate is supported for vehicle passage by a sliding mechanism energized by an actuator controlled by a controller that may be automated or operated by security personnel. The barrier may be configured so that vehicles may approach from either end. Upon authorizing access to the driver, the vehicle is permitted to pass over the supported plate. If the driver is not authorized access, the support is slid out of the way and any vehicle attempting to pass slides into the trench.

Abstract: A catch basin configured to allow selective positioning of the outlet and inlet ports on the side walls of the catch basin's receptacle body. At least one of the receptacle side walls comprise a slide opening having opposing sides. A slide member has a pair of slide edges that slidably engage the sides of the slide opening to substantially close the slide opening. The slide member has a port section and two or more positioning sections, with at least one positioning section located above the port section and one below the port section. The port section has an outlet or inlet port integral therewith or fixedly attached thereto or the port section comprises a mechanism for attaching an outlet or inlet port thereto, such as a port cutout having a removable knockout plate. The slide member has section removal indicators to identify which positioning sections should be removed.

Abstract: A trench pan and grate assembly generally rectangular in shape, having downwardly ramped transition bottom walls and an integrally-formed but removable strainer plate, terminating in a round pipe receiving fitting that is, through use of a bushing, able to accommodate the common different types of commercially-available plastic plumbing pipe of a given nominal size, and thus be connected to an underlying sloped main drainage pipe. The separate grate member is installed and fastened down, via threaded fasteners, to the trench pan to complete the assembly. This heavy duty grate is formed using gas-assist molding procedures with fractional-melt material (melt number<1.0). Individual assemblies can be formed end-to-end into an elongate trench drain system, with each assembly containing no standing effluent, and connected to different drainage pipes if desired. Assemblies can be solvent welded to drainage piping and thus require nothing to position and hold while the adjacent concrete is being cast.

Abstract: A jack includes a base, a guide extending from the base, and an extensible member having an extensible fit with the guide and extending from the guide to have a free end. A support is located at the free end of the extensible member. An actuator is capable of extending the extensible member. The guide and extensible member have portions which are laterally offset with respect to the base and the support such that when the support is in pressure engagement with a panel, the laterally offset portions are disposed adjacent one side of the panel to leave an area between opposite sides of the panel substantially unobstructed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for laying down, abandoning and/or recovering a pipe on the sea floor. During lay-down and abandonment, the pipe is lowered by a high capacity winch to an intermediate depth, at which the loading exerted by the pipe has dropped to within the rated capacity of a low capacity winch, to which the loading is then transferred. The high capacity winch line is then recovered to the attendant vessel and the pipe lowered to the sea floor using the low capacity winch. Pipe recovery is essentially a reversal of the above procedure. In this way, the length of the line of the high capacity winch is considerably reduced, which reduces the winch size and hence cost.