Abstract: An apparatus, systems, and methods to print multiple fields on a substrate in parallel are provided. The apparatus incorporates a lithographic apparatus composed of two or more lithographic heads coupled to a common housing as a unit, with each head configured to hold a patterned template. Software can be utilized to keep track of what is printed at any given step, and conventional servometers can be used to reposition the head unit and templates in multiple steps to print the remainder of a wafer.

Abstract: Bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack tend to experience lower operating temperatures near and at the ends of the stack, and these plates require lower coolant flow. But common stamping tooling can be used to make all of the plates for the stack when suitable coolant flow restrictors are stamped into each plate for lowest coolant flow. The flow restrictors are then trimmed (or their formation avoided) from those plates designated for higher coolant flow.

Abstract: A porous bat may be used on a pottery wheel including a locating pin at a nominal location. The porous bat includes an elongated hole at a location corresponding to the nominal location. The elongated hole is adapted to slidably fit over the locating pin. The hole has a first axis with a dimension sized to fit over the locating pin and a second axis with a dimension larger than the first dimension to compensate for variations in the location of the locating pin on the pottery wheel.

Abstract: An annular molded product of the present invention is molded by means of injecting a molten resin into a mold through an injection gate and cooling and solidifying the injected molten resin. The annular molded product is formed in the mold around a center pin having a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the circular center hole. The center pin axially extends further away from a position corresponding to the circular resin-molded product, whereby the injection gate is constituted by a tubular channel formed by a cylindrical annular clearance formed within the mold around an extended portion of the center pin. An annular gate trace is formed on the front or back surface of the annular molded product in such a manner as to project in an axial direction of the annular molded product.

Abstract: A method for protecting a tuyere assembly and a refractory lining of a furnace, and in particular a blast furnace, against damage caused by expansion of the refractory lining. This method includes providing a clearance between the tuyere assembly and a refractory lining portion below the tuyere assembly and monitoring this clearance by means of a displacement sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of hot-rolled steel strip comprising at least one continuous casting machine, at least one pair of scissors, at least one calibration oven, a de-scaler, optionally, a roughing train, a finishing train (multi-stand rolling mill or Steckel mill(s)), a roller path comprising a cooling area and at least one pickup reel for the thermal strip. A compact structure is achieved by virtue of the fact that the casting line and the rolling line are arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other such that the direction of casting and direction of rolling are oriented essentially in an opposite direction to each other.

Abstract: In a paper feed apparatus, a CPU 211 functionally includes: an abnormality detector (211a) that detects whether or not abnormal transport of recording paper is occurring in a paper feed path via which recording paper is transported from the paper feed apparatus to a main apparatus; a cover state detector (211b) that detects whether or not a cover is in a closed state; a lowered position setter (211c) that, when the cover is operated from the closed state to an open state, sets a lowered position of an electrically movable tray based on the detection result from the abnormality detector (211a); and an up/down movement controller (211e) that, when the cover is detected to be operated from the closed state to the open state, controls an up/down motor (222) to move the electrically movable tray down into the lowered position set by the lowered position setter (211c).

Abstract: A system element for the transporting and positioning of a tool on a surface of a workpiece, includes at least one suction device that generates a suction stream, and a transport device that is arranged around the suction device, and includes: at least two rollers that are rotatably supported on the suction device, connection elements that interconnect respective end regions of various rollers, and the rollers and the connection elements are elastically deformable, and when there is a suction stream, the system element substantially conforms with the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A lifting plate provided in a sheet accommodating member is locked at a position, to which the lifting plate is downwardly turned against a pushing force of a spring, by a locking mechanism having a locking member configured to lock the lifting plate, and also having a lock releasing lever configured to release locking of the lifting plate by the locking member. When the sheet accommodating unit is mounted, the lock releasing lever is made to abut against a lock release member. Thus, the lock releasing lever is moved integrally with the locking member in a lock release direction. When the sheet accommodating unit is drawn out, the lock releasing lever is made to abut against the lock release member. Thus, the lock releasing lever is singly moved in a direction opposite to the lock release direction to maintain the locking of the lifting plate by the locking member.

Abstract: A sheet tray device including (a) a first tray and (b) a second tray which is disposed on an upper side of the first tray and which includes (b-1) a support member, (b-2) a supported body pivotably supported by the support member, and (b-3) a hinge through which the supported body is pivotable. The hinge includes (i) a shaft portion, (ii) first and second bearing portions, and (iii) a removal preventer portion for preventing removal of the shaft portion from the first and second bearing portions. The first and second bearing portions are offset from each other in an axial direction of the shaft portion, and are located on respective opposite sides of the shaft portion in a diametrical direction of the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion that are contactable with the first and second bearing portions, respectively. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray device.

Abstract: The inventive gripper device for a tufting machine comprises a gripper device (10). The gripper device contains a gripper (11) and a guide member (12) that has a cutting edge. The gripper (11) has two gripper sections that are at a distance from each other in the direction of movement and are preferably separated from each other by a step (33) and/or by an extension (34), said gripper sections being configured as gripper edges that are parallel to each other, but spaced apart and offset with respect to each other in view of the pile height direction. The reversal between cut pile operating mode and looped pile operating mode takes place by means of the longitudinal adjustment of the gripper (11).

Abstract: A layer press (10) for compressing sheet-like articles (12) arranged in a stack (14). The press has an accommodating chamber (18) for accommodating the sheet-like articles (12) and also a pressing arrangement (34) with a contact pressure lever (42) which can be pivoted about a rotary spindle (44) and on which is arranged a contact pressure body (31) with a contact pressure element (32). In a standby position (BS), the contact pressure lever (42) is pivoted into the accommodating chamber so that the contact pressure element (32) engages the uppermost article in the stack, and for pressing purposes, the spacing between a base (20) of the accommodating chamber (18) and the contact pressure element (32) located in the standby position (BS) is reduced.

Abstract: A sheet feed tray has a bottom plate on which a sheet is to be placed; two side fences for positioning opposite widthwise sides of a sheet placed on the bottom plate; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking movements of the side fences toward and away from each other. The interlocking mechanism includes two racks integrally attached to the respective side fences with toothed surfaces thereof opposed to each other and movable along the bottom plate, and a pinion provided on the bottom plate. The pinion is rotatable about its central axis and is engageable with the pair of racks. Locking projections are disposed at the respective rack sides and project toward the bottom plate side. Contact portions are disposed at the bottom plate side and engage the locking projections with the pair of side fences maximally or minimally spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A pusher-type prize dispensing device in which each of two support plates on which a bonus prize is placed is pivotally supported on one end on an axis of which the axial direction coincides with the horizontal and depth direction, and is locked almost horizontally by allowing the other end to be suspended on a locking member. A suspended string is tied to a bent upper portion, and the other end of the support plate is suspended on the top surface of a lower portion, whereby the locking member locks the support plate. When a weight member falls from a stationary table, the locking member moves rotationally due to the fall of the weight member so that the upper portion moves downward, whereby the support plate falls downward, causing the prize P placed on the top surface of the support plate to fall toward a prize receiving port.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a gaming system for use in connection with a spectator event is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a gaming method for use in connection with a spectator event is provided. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the spectator event may be a sporting event. In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the sporting event may be a team sporting event. In another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the sporting event may be carried out at an area, stadium or other appropriate venue.

Abstract: A game device and a method of playing a game. The game device includes a chance selection device in the form of a polygonal dice, preferably a twelve-sided dodecahedron dice, to randomly select sequential numbers from one to the number of facets displayed on the dice. A plurality of score sheets are provided as part of a score pad which includes a backing sheet made of cardboard all interconnected by a resilient binding strip. Each score sheet is made of paper with a front side printed with respective areas to record player names, roll scores, and total scores, and a back side printed with game rules. A writing device is provided, preferably a pencil with integral eraser, for recording the player names, the roll scores, and the total scores on the score sheets. The dice may be of a foamed construction being molded from self-skinning urethane in a size sufficient to prevent ingestion by children.

Abstract: A sliding tile puzzle in which a series of rectangular tiles having exposed upper surfaces marked with indicia are packed together in a square planar array for lateral sliding movement in the planar array into a vacant space to change the relative positions of the tiles in the array thereby altering the indicia sequence. Tile turntables are mounted in four corners of the array so that tiles can be slid laterally thereon and are connected by gears to a handle shaft which extends perpendicularly below the array and which can be pushed axially upwards and twisted to raise the corner tiles above the plane of the array and rotate them for return to the array in a changed angular position. Upward movement of the shaft also raised a locking plate into engagement with adjacent tiles to prevent movement thereof.

Abstract: A board game and method with a social drinking theme is provided. Generally, the game and method allows two or more players to move their game pieces around a path on a playing board, following the instructions on the spaces and on cards drawn, and participating in the MINI GAMES after each round, until the first player reaching the end of the path wins. As this game follows a drinking theme, consequences of various MINI GAMES, instructions on spaces, or instructions on drawn cards generally include taking a specified number of sips of a drink.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method is provided comprising a a game board having a circular rotating base with a top surface having a raised outer track defined by a linear progression of playing spaces. Said track having a start/finish playing space defining a closed-loop movement track. Said playing spaces further having a color indicia inscribed thereon alternately disposed along said track. Said color indicia defining a required course of action necessary for advancement along said track. The game device also includes a first and second deck of directive action cards corresponding to said color indicia of said playing spaces. Some or all of the first deck of directive action cards are determined by each player prior to commencement of the game and may be changed during the course of the game. Said second deck of directive action cards includes a plurality of cards causing rearranging with other movement pieces. A movement piece is assigned to each player.

Abstract: An apparatus including a board for playing a game is provided, the board typically including a plurality of spaces. Each of the plurality of spaces has a depiction of a person who appears on a monetary item. The monetary item may be a coin or a bill. The board may include a square of spaces, each of which has a childhood depiction of a person who appears on a monetary item. The board may also include a ring of spaces, each of which has an adult depiction of a person who appears on a monetary item.

Abstract: A team-poker tournament includes having at least two teams play poker either for a predetermined period of time, a predetermined number of hands, or until the members of one team have no chips remaining. A team captain may call a timeout and implement strategic moves.

Abstract: A poker-type card game that combines the benefits of limit, pot-limit and no-limit wagering into a single game. At least one round of wagering is of a pre-determined limit, pot-limit or no-limit, while at least one other round of wagering within the same game is another of a pre-determined limit, pot-limit or no-limit. The betting structure embodied in the poker-type card game of the present invention can implemented in Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Five-Card Draw or some other poker-type card game.

Abstract: An interactive ball game, which uses software associated with an existing computerized ball game, in which a ball projected by a player provides input to the interactive game, which would otherwise be provided by a joystick or similar control device, includes a screen upon which the game is displayed, and which acts as a target, and a device for preventing the ball from hitting the screen. The interactive ball game further includes a ball sensing apparatus, which detects the motion of the ball as it passes through the ball sensing apparatus. The ball sensing apparatus includes software which determines the trajectory of the ball and a player's level of success in the game relative to the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring element. The spring element includes a metal ring with a central aperture and radial pleats formed on the metal ring. The radial pleats flatten when pressure is applied axially to compress the ring such that the metal ring increases in effective diameter. The seal element may be used to radially seal an annular bore.

Abstract: Seal (1) for sealing a shaft (2), comprising a supporting ring (3) and at least one sealing lip (4) made of polymeric material, the pressing of the sealing lip (4) against the shaft (2) taking place by magnetic interaction, the sealing lip (4) containing magnetizable particles (5).

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: Tool-holder chuck for fitting to a rotating machine The invention relates to a tool-holder chuck for fitting to a rotating machine, comprising: a front clamping portion comprising a first axial recess, designed to receive a tool, opening to the outside at a first end for insertion of the tool and delimited, at a second end, by a first bottom wall, the front clamping portion also comprising means for clamping the tool, a rear portion comprising a second axial recess designed for engaging a rotating spindle, opening to the outside at a first end for engaging the spindle and delimited by a second bottom wall at a second end, the first and second bottom walls being traversed by an opening connecting the first and second recesses.

Abstract: Sliding in the body of the chuck are jaws whose external thread is engaged with the internal thread of a nut mounted to rotate on the body. The nut is rotated by a sleeve, allowing the jaws to move. The chuck includes radial locking means which can be actuated by a rotation of the sleeve so as to inhibit rotation of the nut with respect to the body, and axial locking means which can be actuated by an axial movement of the sleeve and make it possible to prevent the radial locking means from being actuated. Sequencing means are designed to prevent the axial locking means from passing into the locked position while the radial locking means are not in the locked position.

Abstract: A suspension system adaptable for cross-flow operation includes a plurality of gas springs, a transfer passage in communication between the gas springs, and a transfer valve for selectively permitting gas flow along the transfer passage. A control system selectively actuates the transfer valve. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: A small skate device is described which in the user is supported and transported by two of such skates, one under each foot. Each skate has three or four wheels, one or two per axle of each device. Each wheel is mounted on the axles with at least one bearing. The two axles of the skates are supported on angled pivots so as to cause the skate to turn when the upper surface is angled with respect. to the ground. The upper surface, or deck, has either frictional material applied to the top face, small spring release bindings, or straps to hold the user's foot in place.

Abstract: A binding for affixing a boot to a snowboard, said binding being adapted to rotate between a plurality of fixed positions and having: (a) a first circular plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and having a plurality of holes between the top and bottom surfaces which are sized to engage fasteners. The first circular plate has a flange on its upper surface which mates with a complimentary flange on a second circular plate adapted to be fastened to the surface of a snowboard. The second circular plate has an upper surface and a lower surface and a centrally located hole that is sized to receive said first circular plate and having adjacent to said hole, a flange which is complimentary to the flange on the first circular plate. A third circular plate having a diameter which is substantially the same as the diameter of the second circular plate and which has a plurality of holes which are positionable to be in register with holes in the first circular plate.

Abstract: A ride-on operator platform or sulky is used in connection with a small self-propelled loader to provide a support for an operator. The operator platform is pivotally mounted to the loader about a generally horizontal axis, and has a rear support engaging the surface over which the loader is operating to maintain the operator platform at a desired position relative to the surface. The upward pivoting of rear portions of the operator platform is limited by stop members, and substantial downward pivoting is permitted.

Abstract: A luggage case is provided with straps or handles for carrying the case and a wheel and an extendable handle assembly for dragging or pulling the case. The wheel and extendable handle assembly is removably attachable to the case, such that it need not be carried when the case is carried by the straps or handles. The wheel and handle assembly are formed as a shell to snugly surround the luggage case. In the preferred embodiment, the case and the shell are joined by mating zippers at the bottom front and top rear edges of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus may facilitate management of implements and/or material. Management may include organization and transportation of implements and/or materials. Further, the management may include capability of providing various assisting features, such as but not limited to power.

Abstract: A hand truck provided with an ejector mechanism which includes a pusher carried by the truck frame and, when actuated, moves forwardly across the truck platform to sweep a load off of the platform. The pusher plate is actuated by a foot actuated pedal or bar. Linkage between the pedal and plate results in response to vertical movement of the pedal. The ejector mechanism may be added into a number of hand trucks already in the field, or may be incorporated in newly produced trucks.

Abstract: A wheel suspension includes a working cylinder, a main spring in parallel with the working cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the working cylinder and having a longitudinal axis, the piston rod having fixed thereto a piston and a mount for fixing the piston rod against movement with respect to a vehicle body. The piston is mounted with freedom of axial movement in an adjusting cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into a space above the piston and a space below the piston, and an additional spring is located on the longitudinal axis for supporting the adjusting cylinder against the working cylinder. A shut-off element is located in a flow connection connecting the space above the piston to the space below the piston, whereby movement of the piston in the adjusting cylinder can be blocked when the vehicle rolls.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension having a trailing arm, an air spring assembly and a spacer. The spacer is removably located between the trailing arm and the air spring assembly. Either or both of the top surface or the bottom surface of the spacer are tapered.

Abstract: A retractable step for entering and exiting rail vehicles. The retractable step has a surface which can be walked upon and is configured to be extended in an essentially linear direction to bridge a gap between the rail vehicle and a platform. The retractable step includes a leading edge and has at least one sensor configured to prevent a collision with objects during an extension operation of the retractable step. The strip is movably connected to the retractable step and extends over an entire length L of the retractable step.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes longitudinally extending elements such as roof side rail outer and inner members, a reinforcement member and a gusset that are part of a side impact energy management system for vehicles that include a sunroof. A laterally extending cross member is connected to the roof side rail members, and the roof side rail members are connected to an upper portion of an approximately vertical B-pillar. The cross-member is connected to the roof side rail members approximately perpendicular to the B-pillar, but longitudinally offset from the B-pillar. The reinforcement member extends between the roof side rail members to the cross-member.

Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.

Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck-type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis framework assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes three linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the framework. The ends of the three linkage arms are designed to engage and couple with three brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. When the respective coupling mechanism of the three linkage arms are each engaged, they are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a substantially common axis. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck-type trailer to the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a gliding board, a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot, and a binding selectively attaching the boot to the gliding board. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot.

Abstract: An air bag door ensures smoother inflation of an air bag. The air bag door has a groove portion of a predetermined depth serving as a predetermined break portion and provided at the peripheral edge of a door panel provided at a base of an instrument panel. The first groove portion extending at the boundary between the base and the door panel has side wall surfaces defining the base side of the first groove portion. The side wall surfaces are obliquely formed in such a way as to come away outward from the door panel as the groove portion extends toward a bottom portion from an open end opening at the back side of the base. The predetermined break portion provided at the bottom portion of the first groove portion is positioned outward of a base-side corner portion of the open end.

Abstract: An airbag device according to the invention is applicable to an airbag device having an airbag that is housed in a state of being able to inflate and deploy in front of an occupant. The airbag has a center chamber positioned in the vicinity of the center on the occupant side in a deployed state, and side chambers positioned on both the left and right sides of the center chamber. Moreover the airbag is provided with a gas supply section that supplies inflation gas to inside of the side chambers, and a means for introducing inflation gas to inside of the center chamber after the side chamber. Furthermore, the side chamber has; a gas introduction space into which inflation gas from the gas supply section is introduced, an upper space that extends upward from the gas introduction space, and a lower space that extends downward from the gas introduction space.

Abstract: An airbag assembly including one or more elongate tether elements that extend through vent openings along travel paths from anchoring locations such that the tether elements extend in sliding relation through the vent openings. The gas emission capacity of the vent openings may be adjustable based on internal cushion pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver's knee airbag (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, with a gas generator (2), a plurality of chambers (5, 6, 7) and catch straps (3, 4). So that it deploys better and provides better protection for a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, in the event of a crash, it comprises a first catch strap (3) dividing the airbag essentially horizontally, and two catch straps (4) extending essentially vertically from the first catch strap (3). The space between the steering column and the knees of the driver is therefore rapidly filled by the airbag in the event of a crash.

Abstract: In the knee protection air bag apparatus, the air bag cover is assembled to a case which stores therein an air bag and an inflator and also includes an opening formed in the vehicle backward direction portion thereof such that the air bag cover is movable with respect to the case in the vehicle back-and-forth direction, in the vehicle vertical direction and in the vehicle right and left direction and, at the same time, the air bag cover is mounted on its adjoining vehicle interior part (a lower panel). A projecting streak provided on the air bag cover regulates the movement of the air bag cover in the vehicle backward direction with respect to the case, whereby the expanding and developing power of the air bag can be properly transmitted to a breaking portion formed in the lid portion of the air bag cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection system for a motor vehicle having a vehicle seat with airbags which are integrated into lateral areas of a seating part and of a backrest, the air pressure of the airbags being adjustable by means of a compressed air regulating device. According to the invention, a coordination system is provided which evaluates the data which is relevant to the safety of the driving operation, and times the actuation of the compressed air regulating device in such a way that at least one airbag of the vehicle seat is inflated before the occurrence of an anticipated accident.

Abstract: A restraint system for a vehicle having sensors for detecting a collision of the vehicle is described. The system has a control unit which analyzes the signals and, in the event of a recognized collision of the motor vehicle, transmits a first signal to a safety belt restraint, which then activates a belt tensioner using a predefined first restraint force, and subsequently transmits a second signal to a front airbag system, which then triggers an airbag. The system has a malfunction monitoring unit for one of the restraint devices such that the control unit transmits a third signal to a replacement restraint device in the event that a malfunction of the front airbag system is recognized by the malfunction monitoring unit.

Abstract: An inflator device for an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber containing a stored gas. The housing includes a first outlet orifice and a second outlet orifice. A first rupturable seal is disposed over the first outlet orifice and a second rupturable seal is disposed over the second outlet orifice. The second outlet orifice is a pressure release orifice for releasing the pressurized gas upon unanticipated elevated temperatures, such as during bonfire conditions. A plug is disposed in the second outlet orifice. The plug includes a low melting temperature material adjacent the second rupturable seal. The low melting temperature material melts at or below an auto-ignition temperature of the inflator device to allow the second rupturable seal to rupture to vent the pressurized stored gas.