Abstract: A monitor stand includes an upper support member (100) for supporting a monitor thereon, and a lower support member (200). The lower support member comprises a fixed piece (270), a slidable piece (210) slidably attached to the fixed piece for supporting a notebook computer connected to the monitor, the slidable piece being slidable in a first direction, a clutch (243) movable between the fixed piece and the slidable piece in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction to selectively engage the fixed piece so that the slidable piece is tightly held in place relative to the fixed piece, and a button (250) enabling the clutch to be disengaged from the fixed piece so that the slidable piece is free to slide relative to the fixed piece.

Abstract: A device that has as simple frame that pivots at the center instead of the top. The axels are stored in the device when not needed. They are simply slipped through holes in the frame for use. Reels are placed on the outside of the frame, which makes changing reels simple and efficient. When stored, it forms a small package that be placed anywhere. When stored. The axels are held in holders formed on the frame. In this way, the axels are always kept with the device.

Abstract: A conical rotary joint is provided for a vehicle mirror assembly and the like having a fixed mount and a moveable support arm. A base is carried by one of the fixed mount and moveable arm, and a conical receptacle is carried by the base. A conical plug body is received in the conical receptacle. The conical plug is carried by the other of the fixed mount and support arm. The conical receptacle has a conical bearing surface which mates with the conical bearing surface of the conical plug. A biasing element presses the conical bearing surfaces together in a tight fit to reduce play and wear. First and second indents correspond to operating and folded positions of the support arm, and biased operator has a first deflected position in which the operator engages with a selected indent to retain the support arm in position.

Abstract: Objects hung with the improved hook & cord loop hanging system uses one or more adjustable hooks for changing the length of one or more flexible cord loops. This hanging system is an improvement over the hangers described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,438. Each improved hanger can either be affixed to the object or to the surface the object is being hung on. The cord loop or loops interface with various supports connecting to or affixed to the object or to the surface when the hanger is on the object. The single hook and single cord configuration provides vertical adjustability by shortening the length of the cord through the turning of the screw the adjustable hook is ridding on. A single hook and double cord configuration provides support and locking for the object. A double hook and double cord configuration provides vertical adjustability and locking capability These hangers can be used alone for small objects or in pairs for larger or heavier objects.

Abstract: A vibration isolation mount, a vibration isolation system and a method of resiliently mounting a device, and particularly a device that is mounted in a cramped space with the vibration isolation mount including a dagger plate having an elastomer secured thereto to permit a resilient mounting of the dagger plate on a device and a dagger pin for mounting on the support housing for blind engagement with the dagger pin with the dagger pin forming a snug but non-interference fit with a sidewall of an alignment hole in the dagger plate. The method also includes the mounting of a device by resiliently securing a dagger plate to a device and then positioning the device on a dagger pin by moving the device along an axis parallel to the axis of the dagger pin and then securing a further portion of the device to a support housing.

Abstract: An improved relief valve for use in a diaphragm flush valve is constructed having a sealing member provided with an exteriorly threaded shaft extending down into the diaphragm flush valve with a smaller diameter metal stem extending from the bottom of the shaft, a sleeve member slidable along the metal stem and having a vertically aligned slit in its side wall, and a retaining member adjustably vertically positioned on the threaded sealing member shaft, wherein the retaining member having a stop element extendable into the vertical slit to prevent the sleeve member from dropping further than a predetermined distance from the bottom of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a multiple orifice valve (MOV) for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid. A housing directs the flow from an inlet to an outlet and supports an interior stationary surface. A moveable surface selectively impedes the flow and is disposed in facing relation to the stationary surface to form a leakage path therebetween. A sealing member is disposed in a medial portion of the leakage path so that a leakage portion of the flow passing along said path compresses the sealing member against a shoulder portion of one of the surfaces to urge the sealing member across the path and form a mass seal. Preferably, the leakage path comprises a first portion in a first direction and a second portion in a different, second longitudinal direction, and the sealing member is compressed against the shoulder portion adjacent a junction between said first and second portions.

Abstract: A winch assembly (38) comprising a winch (10) having a winch spool (23), an hydraulic drive motor (15), a clutch (17) for directly coupling the drive motor (15) to the winch spool (23) to effect rotation of the winch spool (23) by the drive motor (15), an hydraulic power pack (39) having an hydraulic pump (40) driven by an electric motor (42) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the winch drive motor (15) via a valve assembly (45) and a controller (43) for controlling operation of the hydraulic power pack (39) and the valve assembly (45) to control the supply of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic power pack (39) to the winch drive motor (15).

Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.

Abstract: A device for stirring and aerating a liquid in a treatment vessel may include a funnel disposed in the upper portion of the vessel to form a passage with the vessel. A duct is connected to the funnel and extends toward the bottom of the vessel and includes an opening in each of its upper and lower portions. A main screw is situated in the duct and has a driving device for driving its rotation. Also, the stirring device may include an aerating device that incorporates air into the liquid by imparting movement to the liquid inside the stirring device so that the liquid cascades over an upper edge and a peripheral structure disposed in the vicinity of the upper edge of the funnel.

Abstract: A compact engine start device of a combustion engine rotary-type carburetor overrides normal operation of a rotary throttle valve to provide a richer mixture of fuel-and-air to start a cold engine. Rotation of a start lever of the start device activates a releasable camming interface coupler causing the throttle lever to rotate about a rotary axis and axially lift partially out of the carburetor at prescribed angular and axial distances. This provides the engine, through a fuel-and-air mixing passage, with a controlled and enriched ratio and volume of a fuel-and-air mixture. Preferably, the start lever has a projecting rod that inserts into a hole in the carburetor body for rotation about an axis orientated substantially parallel to the rotary axis.

Abstract: A carburetor including a mixture channel and an air channel that are separated from one another, wherein a fuel opening opens into the mixture channel. A throttle element is rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends transverse of the direction of flow in the mixture channel and in the air channel and extends through both channels. As a function of its position, the throttle element throttles a flow cross-section of the mixture channel and the air channel. The flow cross-section of a portion of the mixture channel and/or of the air channel has a non-circular shape in the vicinity of the throttle element.

Abstract: A carburetor including a frame having a first air/fuel channel and a second air channel; and a throttle valve assembly connected to the frame and having two valve sections. Each valve section is located in a respective one of the channels. A second one of the valve sections has an air bleed hole therethrough. The second valve section is movable relative to the frame from a first idle position to a second intermediate closed position and then to a third open position at a wide open throttle (WOT). The air bleed hole allows flow through the second channel at the first idle position, but does not allow flow through the second channel when the second valve section is at the second intermediate closed position.

Abstract: The swirling type micro-bubble generating system according to the present invention possesses a container main unit having a cylindrical space with bottom or a frusto-conically shaped space, a liquid inlet provided in a tangential direction on a part of a circumferential surface of an inner wall of said space, a gas introducing hole provided on the bottom of said cylindrical space or opening of said frusto-conically shaped space, and a swirling gas-liquid mixture outlet arranged at the opposite end of said cylindrical space or opening of said frusto-conically shaped space. According to this system, it is possible to readily generate micro-bubbles in an industrial scale, and the system is relatively small in size and has simple structure and can be easily manufactured. The system can be used in applications such as purification of water quality in ponds, lakes, marshes, man-made lakes, rivers, etc.

Abstract: A process for effecting mass transfer between a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in a filled-type column comprising an external shell which accommodates at least one filler-containing basket wherethrough the phases are caused to flow in countercurrent relationship, advantageously comprises the step of feeding the gaseous phase to the at least one basket through a gas-permeable surface thereof which is larger than the basket cross-section, preferably in a prevailing radial flow direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns inserts in the moist/wet region of cooling towers, which essentially consist of plastic. An additive that prevents or considerably reduces soiling through the formation and buildup on the inserts during subsequent use is added to the plastic.

Abstract: A lift spring assembly has a compression spring rod with a housing having a longitudinal axis and axially opposite ends, and having a rod member coaxial with the axis and having an inner end in the housing and an outer end axially outwardly of one of the opposite ends. A guide member is provided on the inner end of the rod member for supporting the rod member during movement of the rod member. A first stage spring assembly extends between one of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A second stage spring assembly extends between the other of the opposite ends of the housing and the guide member. A mounting member extending from one of the opposite ends of the housing for mounting the spring rod assembly to a hood assembly. A locking member is pivotally connected to the mounting member and pivots into locking engagement with one of the ends of the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension assembly including a first torsion member connectable to a frame along a first axis and a second torsion member operatively coupled to the first torsion member along a second axis. A plurality of wheel arms are coupled to the second torsion member, which, in turn, are each coupled to a wheel shaft. This type of vehicle has enhanced suspension.

Abstract: A postprocessing apparatus stops and positions an image recording sheet delivered from an image forming apparatus at a predetermined position, punches the sheet with a punching unit, and thereafter folds the sheet with a folding unit.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder for an image forming apparatus comprising a separation roller for separately carrying a plurality of paper sheets picked by a pickup roller, a feeding roller for carrying the paper sheets, a discharge roller for discharging the scanned paper sheets, and a transmission unit for transmitting a driving force from a driving motor. The transmission unit comprises an internal roller installed on the same axis as the feeding roller, the internal roller having an internal gear, a swing arm rotatably attached to a bracket, the bracket being inserted into the internal roller, and a swing gear rotatably installed on one side of the swing arm, the swing gear being engaged with the internal gear for rotating the internal roller.

Abstract: A small or special media guide-in tray including a media tray, an aperture disposed in the media tray, first and second opposed guide arms extending through the aperture and biased to a first position. The first and second opposed guide arms are pivotally mounted and are synchronously movable when small media is inserted. The opposed guide arms and biasing are used to automatically center the small media as it is inserted between the guide arms. The guide-in tray may be utilized with media handling devices having an L-path media feed wherein the guide-in media tray is incorporated in an input tray or in a C-path media feed wherein the guide-in media tray is incorporated in an exit tray.

Abstract: A sheet-processing machine contains at least one processing station in the form of a printing unit, and a delivery with an endless conveyor and after-grippers that are guided by a mechanism connected to a drive. The after-grippers take over the processed sheets from the endless conveyor and release them over a stack. The sheet-processing machine provides for it to be possible for the mechanism to be set to positions that are correlated with different formats of the processed sheets, and for the drive that actuates the mechanism to keep the mechanism at one and the same phase angle with respect to the printing unit in each of the positions. Therefore, even in the event of different formats of the processed sheets, user-friendly placing of the stack is possible.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for feeding sheets to a sheet-processing machine, the leading edge of the sheet is smoothed before the grippers are closed by further transport into the sheet-processing machine. A curvature or bend in the sheet transport direction is imparted to the sheet. The feed table has, in its feeder region, a curvature in the sheet transport direction, against which curvature the sheet leading edge is laid with the aid of pneumatic or mechanical devices.

Abstract: A game apparatus comprises a pair of side rails, a first passageway member having a bottom and a plurality of passageways communicating with the bottom. A second passageway member has a bottom and a plurality of passageways communicating with the bottom. There also is a backstop, the side rails having portions which are mutually engageable with the passageway members and the backstop when the side rails are positioned on a flat surface generally parallel and spaced-apart from each other. The first passageway member, the second passageway member and the backstop are spaced-apart from each other and extend perpendicular to the side rails. There is a plurality of balls, the balls being capable of passing through the passageways of the first and second passageway members when rolled towards the backstop. A number of games are playable by players using the apparatus.

Abstract: A programmable card handling machine with a display and appropriate inputs for adjusting the machine to any of a number of games comprises inputs including a number of cards per hand selector, a card game selector, a number of hands delivered selector and a trouble-shooting input. These features also provide for interchangeability of the apparatus for many different games, for many types of cards or decks and in different locations thereby reducing the number of back-up machines or units required at a casino. The display may include a game mode or game selected display, and use a cycle rate and/or hand count monitor and display for determining or monitoring the usage of the machine. The card-handling machine is capable of randomly selecting numbers of cards to be delivered in a hand of cards to players and the dealer during a round of a casino table card game.

Abstract: This is a musical rhythms game whereby players move to rhythms of music notation placed on a staff. There are two separate versions—a floor and table top version, which are designed to help players develop more rhythmic awareness and to create a better understanding of how music notation works on a staff.

Abstract: An automobile race game and method for playing same, is provided, comprised of a playing surface have printed on one side thereof a closed circuit race trace. The race track is divided across its width into parallel lanes. Each lane is divided into a sequence of spaces. A token is provided for each player set on a space on the race track. Players advance their tokens around the circuit according to the roll of three dice—two conventional dice and one supplemental dice. Some spaces are designated to “DRAW CARD,” requiring player landing on such spaces to draw an event card from the top of an invented stack of event cards. The supplemental die has one face permitting lane change, and another multiplying the value of the other two dice. Players may change lanes only if they roll doubles, roll appropriately on the supplemental die, or draw an appropriate event card. The first player to complete a pre-determined number of laps or circuits of the race track is declared the winner.

Abstract: A platform for playing blackjack is used to implement a method of playing blackjack with a side wager. Each playing position on the platform has a side bet betting area having a first card betting area and a second card betting area. A player places an optional additional bet in the first card betting area or the second card betting area associated with the player's playing position. Each player is dealt two cards. If the player's first card ranks higher than the player's second card and the player placed a bet in the first card betting area, the player wins. If the player's second card ranks higher than the player's first card and the player placed a bet in the second card betting area, the player wins. The game continues to completion according to the traditional rules of blackjack.

Abstract: A casino game comprising one or more decks of standard playing cards and a layout which designates a first area for the placing of community cards and a second area composed of a plurality of betting areas. The object of the game being to make a good poker hand of cards being composed of players' individual cards in conjunction with community cards. A further object of the game is to win the “Pot” bets by holding the highest poker hand. In one embodiment a bonus bet is allowed. The preferred game apparatus includes a single deck of standard playing cards and a layout that provides betting areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game tool for jumping building block-based stepping stones, comprising a plurality of stepping stone units that can be independently placed flat on the ground for children to step on and jump. As each stepping stone unit is triangularly tilted, a top surface of each stepping stone unit forms a different inclination by changing the combination at a different angle, thereby enhancing the difficulty level of the game. Therefore, it is possible to superimpose and pile up the stepping stone units at a different inclination. Moreover, an anti-slip piece having a different pattern is disposed on a top surface of each of the stepping stone units, thereby preventing slippage and achieving educational and recreational purposes.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing forms the primary rotating interface for a film riding face seal. This face seal includes a spring system that will allow the entire assembly to translate axially relative to a static attachment. The complete assembly will form a hybrid foil/film riding face seal that shows much promise at being sufficiently flexible to enable operation in a gas turbine engine. The seal includes a flexible top plate having a non-flat surface under its working conditions, and a spring support system to allow the top plate to accommodate axial excursions and out-of-flat distortions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil scraper ring for pistons of internal combustion engines, said oil scraper ring comprising a disc (1) provided with a bearing surface (h) having an asymmetrical crowned form with a vertex line (3) extending over the periphery of the disc. Said disk (1) is arranged in a ring groove (7) of the piston and respectively has a ring groove side (6) opposing the piston head and a parallel ring groove side (5) facing the piston head. The aim of the invention is to achieve an improved oil scraping action compared to that of prior art, while reducing the friction and the abrasion of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A collet and lock nut assembly includes a collet for receiving a cutting tool shank and a lock nut for creating a gripping force between the collet and the shank. The collet has a nose portion and a body portion separated by an annular groove. The lock nut has a plurality of retention tabs and a corresponding number of clear portions. The collet and lock nut assembly can be easily assembled by inserting at least one retention tab within the groove of the collet, and then applying pressure to the collet such that the remaining retention tabs of the lock nut are received within the groove of the collet to place the assembly in a locked position. The collet and cutting tool shank can be drawn from the tool holder by applying rotational torque to the lock nut. The collet is easily removed from the lock nut by applying pressure in any circumferential, lateral direction against the collet.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a vehicle rollover is disclosed. The system includes a vehicle suspension unit and a programmable control unit. The vehicle suspension unit is located proximate to each of the vehicle road wheels for maintaining a predefined vehicle body height with respect to a road surface. The control unit is in communication with the vehicle suspension unit for actuating the vehicle suspension device after control unit has received a vehicle rollover notification signal to prevent vehicle rollover.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the “best” leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: An occupant propelled device having at least one hydraulic cylinder, a platform and a housing. The at least one hydraulic cylinder has at least two chambers in fluid communication. The platform is attachable to the at least one hydraulic cylinder, such that upon movement of the platform a hydraulic fluid is displaced from one chamber to the other chamber. The housing is attachable to the platform at a pivot point and has at least one axle adapted to receive at least one wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to grommets. In particular, the present invention relates to grommets used within vehicle suspension systems. In preferred embodiments, the dome end of the grommet comprises an anular extension that engages a fastener or bolt extending through the grommet.

Abstract: A suspension arm made of an aluminum alloy extruded profile having a portion forming a bottom portion, portions forming at least two vertical walls, and a horizontal rib which connects the two vertical walls, wherein a suspension part lower end support portion is formed between the two vertical walls or at the bottom portion by removing a part of the horizontal rib. It is preferable to gradually change the interval between the two vertical walls in the portion in which the horizontal rib is removed.

Abstract: The cycle accessory system for child strollers can convert an ordinary child stroller into a multi-child transport unit. The multi-child transport unit can have at least four modes. The first mode (referred to herein as the “child control” mode) allows the lead child to power and steer the multi-child transport unit. (Note: even in child control mode, an adult has the ability to at least keep the multi-child transport unit stationary.) The second mode (referred to herein as the “adult control” mode) removes the ability of the lead child to power or steer the multi-child transport unit and returns control to an adult to power and steer the multi-child transport unit. The third mode is a multi-child transport unit storage mode. And the fourth mode is a tricycle mode.

Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a bicycle having adjustable orientation of the seat (6) and the pedals (4) with respect to the handle-bars (5). The bicycle comprising an x shaped frame comprised of a profile (31) and a rigid support member (32) that are rotatably connected to each other by a hollow pin (42). The rider of the bicycle can change the angle between the profile (31) and the rigid support member (32) to rotate about the hollow pin (42). The bicycle further comprises a seat (6), attached to the upper part of the rigid support member (32), a first toothed-wheel (33) attached to the frame (32) by means of a pin passing through the toothed-wheel (33) and the lower part of the rigid support member (32). The pin has a crank and pedal (4) attached to each of its ends. The bicycle also comprises a front gear and second toothed-wheel (7) attached to a pin that passes through the hollow pin (42) located between the seat (6) and the first toothed-wheel (33).

Abstract: Typical fifth wheel hitch assemblies require the operator to leave the cab of the vehicle to put the fifth wheel hitch assembly into position to receive a king pin of a trailer. The present invention is a fifth wheel hitch assembly that comprises a base assembly, a head assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly about a generally horizontal axis, the head assembly being pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, and at least one biasing member urging the head assembly into the raised position.

Abstract: A trailer-stabilizing device that stabilizes movement between a fifth-wheel trailer and the towing vehicle during normal trailering operations and that more effectively distributes the weight of the trailer to the towing vehicle is disclosed. The trailer-stabilizing device extends between the trailer and towing vehicle and is preferably positioned spaced apart from a traditional hitch and tongue connection pivotally securing the towing vehicle to the trailer. Preferably, the fifth-wheel trailer is pivotally secured to a conventional hitch within the bed of the pickup truck, and the stabilizing device is detachably secured to a conventional receiver on the back of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A towing mechanism for a vehicle is disclosed having an axle and wheel assembly, the towing mechanism including at least one of a linkage and a stabilizer to militate against a rocking motion of the towing mechanism and maximize stability.

Abstract: An airbag assembly is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. In one embodiment, the airbag assembly includes a cover with one or more ribs. A tray defines a cavity for housing an airbag and includes one or more channels that each receive a corresponding rib. An end of the cover is secured to an end of the tray. Upon deployment of an airbag, the cover pulls from the tray and dislodges the ribs from the channels.

Abstract: An airbag is fastened to a structural member of a motor vehicle. The airbag has at least one strap arranged on a border region of the airbag. The strap has a portal therethrough for receiving a hanger element that is a part of the structural member of the vehicle. The hanger element projects at least partly through the portal in the airbag strap. A fastener is attached to the hanger element, so that the airbag is arranged between the structural member and the fastener. The airbag may have a plurality of straps and the portals are arranged in pairs and the fastener is a handle that extends through the portals arranged in pairs.

Abstract: An airbag attachment associated with a non-inflatable portion on a side curtain airbag provides loops that are sewn or otherwise attached to the non-inflatable portion of the airbag. The loops directly encircle a gas supply tube and are provided on the non-inflatable portion such that the non-inflatable portion of the airbag can be slipped over the gas supply tube and suspended similar to a shower curtain on a curtain rod. The use of mounting tabs in the region of the non-inflatable portions is eliminated. Additional attachment ties with frangible seams can be used to attach the airbag to the gas supply tube in the location of the non-inflatable portion near the loop such that the airbag can be properly folded and bundled for compact placement within the vehicle body. The loops can be passed through openings in non-inflatable portions of the airbag, each loop directly encircling the gas supply tube.

Abstract: An airbag system includes an airbag, a retainer for retaining the airbag, a module cover having a vertical wall for covering an outer periphery of the airbag and capable of moving forward to approach the retainer and moving backward to return to an initial position, and a plate spring member mounted under the retainer and having an upper outer periphery portion for supporting the vertical wall of the module cover and for urging the module cover in a backward direction. A moving contact of a horn switch is provided to the module cover and brought into conduction when the module cover moves forward.

Abstract: A glove box airbag system is disclosed that may be used to protect the knees and/or legs of a vehicle occupant during a crash. The airbag assembly includes a glove box and a housing that encases a knee airbag. The housing is positioned below the glove box. The entirety of the housing may be positioned below the entirety of the glove box. The airbag assembly also has a front member that covers the glove box and the housing. The front member may include a glove box door that covers the glove box and an airbag door that covers the housing. Alternatively, the front member may be a glove box door that covers both the housing and the glove box. Further, the front member may include a glove box door that covers the glove box and an aperture that is positioned in front of the housing. A hinge and/or a latch mechanism that allow the glove box door to move between a closed position and an open position may also be added.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent flap that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior through a vent. A strap is coupled to the vent flap and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the strap extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the strap pulls the vent flap into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively presses the vent flap against the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the strap remains lax, and the vent remains open. Devices are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.