Abstract: Separation means 16, which are located downstream from a transfer roller in the sheet transport direction, apply a separation voltage to a plurality of separation needles 17 disposed in an alignment orthogonal to the direction of transport of the sheet, so as to produce a discharge between a photosensitive drum 2 and the separation needles 17 and remove the charge on the sheet that was charged by a transfer roller, so as to separate the sheet from the photosensitive drum 2, the separation means 16 comprising an upstream wall 27 and a downstream wall 28, and a ground electrode 33 being disposed on the back side of the downstream wall 28, which is the side not facing the separation needles 17, and protruding towards the photosensitive drum 2, beyond the line that connects the tips of the separation needles 17 and the end of the downstream wall 28.

Abstract: A bookbinding system that pastes a cover sheet on a sheet bundle, the bookbinding system includes: an image forming section which forms a toner image based on image data; a sheet storing section which stacks recording sheets on which toner images have been recorded by the image forming section, aligns the recording sheets thereby forming a sheet bundle; a heating member which applies heat to an adhesive to melt; a cover sheet pasting section which pastes a spine of the sheet bundle and a cover sheet with the adhesive melted by the heating member; and a controller which controls the image forming section. The controller controls the image forming section not to record the toner image based on the image data in the vicinity of an edge portion on a side of the spine of each of the recording sheets that constitute the sheet bundle.

Abstract: [Object] Provides a printing apparatus which eliminates complexity of power-ON operation and can enter into print preparation when print is enabled. [Solving Means] The printing apparatus is started on so-called sleep mode or energy saving mode in which power is supplied only to the control portion and a sensor portion. If a detection signal is received from a personal computer (S5: YES), four printable conditions, that is, whether or not a cover is closed (S7), whether or not a tape is loaded normally (S9), whether or not a cutter operates normally (S11) and whether or not battery voltage is within a normal range (S13) are checked successively, and if all the conditions are satisfied, the main power supply is turned ON (S15). Consequently, the print mechanism and other portions are supplied with power so that the entire printing apparatus is supplied with power. As a result, the print preparation processing is executed (S17), and the printing apparatus waits for reception of print data (S19).

Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a main body which contains a paper roll container where a paper roll is loaded, a lid for closing an opening section of the main body through which opening section the paper roll is loaded in the paper roll container, a letter printing mechanism which is formed when the lid is closed, and a detecting arm disposed on a rear surface of the lid for detecting a near-end state of the paper roll. When the paper roll is loaded in the paper roll container and the lid is closed, an arm main body of the detecting arm contacts an outer circumferential surface of the paper roll. When the paper roll reaches the near-end state, the detecting arm does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the paper roll and is moved, and a switch disposed at the main body becomes OFF.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved printer and an associated platen support device and method for printing a linerless media. The platen support device, which is adapted for contacting an adhesive surface of a linerless media in a printer, includes support rails disposed proximate a platen roller. The platen roller is configured to rotate so that an outer surface of the roller engages the adhesive surface of the linerless media. The support rails are disposed proximate the ends of the roller and extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the platen roller to define a support surface for supporting the linerless media and preventing the media from wrapping around the platen roller.

Abstract: A packaging and application device for a cosmetic product. The device may include a platform, a tube forming a housing for the product and a driving mechanism for translational movement of the platform in the tube. The movement of the platform allows dispensing of product via a dispensing opening in the tube. A side wall of the tube includes an inner cross-section having an inwards-concave portion and an inwards-convex portion. The tube is arranged in a base having an outwards-convex outer cross-section.

Abstract: Provided is a bar-like cosmetic delivering container which is internally sealed and suppresses the cosmetic from forming a play due to negative pressure and prevents the lipstick from contacting the inner surface of a lid sleeve body. The bar-like cosmetic delivering container adapted to project and retract the cosmetic by relative rotation between a receiving sleeve body and an outer sleeve body, wherein a lid sleeve body is provided with a sealing sleeve body adapted to fit on the outer sleeve body, thereby sealing the interior of the container. This ensures that even when the lid sleeve body is opened to release the sealing sleeve body, the receiving sleeve body alone is not internally subjected to negative pressure, preventing the lipstick from floating up or forming a play.

Abstract: A shakable push button pen includes a stopping ring respectively disposed on outer circumferences of front end and rear end of an inner sleeve, a slidable load ring arranged between the two stopping rings, and a shaft extending backwards, assembled with a ratchet on rear end of the inner sleeve. The shaft inserting through an inner hole of a ratchet on the button is threaded with a sliding ring that is slidable inside the inner hole. When the pen is shaken forwards, the inner sleeve and the button are driven to slide forwards by momentum of the load ring that runs into the front stopping so as to make the refill extend or retract. Thus the push button pen can also be used as a shake pen.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid substance comprises a bulb portion, a cannulated shaft in fluid communication with the bulb portion, and a swab portion in fluid communication with the cannulated shaft. The bulb portion comprises a capsule. The capsule comprises a liquid substance. The bulb portion further comprises a valve operable to control the flow of a medium through the bulb portion. The bulb portion is operable to rupture the capsule to release the liquid substance. The cannulated shaft is dimensioned to extend percutaneously into a patient. The swab portion is operable to apply the liquid substance. The apparatus may be used to percutaneously apply adhesives to tissue, such as through a trocar or other cannulated member.

Abstract: A leveling tool having a body which consists of a handle part and a leveling part. Said leveling part being generally pointed in shape by way of two converging plows. An apex formed by the convergence of said converging plows. An exit located at said apex.

Abstract: A paintbrush that constructed to be cleaned by conveying a cleaning solution into the handle of the paintbrush. Cleaning solution passes into the through the hollow handle, and through holes made in the heel of the paintbrush (the end of the handle to which bristles are attached.) Cleaning solution then disperses into the bristles and washes paint from the bristles. In particular, paint is cleaned from the heel of the brush, which is particularly hard to clean.

Abstract: A ring binder for holding punched paper is configured using two or more curved rotational ring elements (CREs) and corresponding post elements. A linkage mechanism couples the CREs together so that the rotate in unison. When a CRE engages a corresponding post element a ring element is formed for holding punched paper. The interface between the CRE and the post element has features that ensure that the interfaces have minimum gapping and they resist separation in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the arc of rotation when the rings are closed. The linkage may be latched against rotation. Likewise the interfaces between the CREs and the post elements may be detented to ensure minimum gapping. The mechanism may have features that break the detent before rotation commences. Ring binders with two or more rings may be formed in a variety of sizes.

Abstract: A joining system for tubular members having attaching members and two types of stabilizing members. A first type of stabilizing member is used to attach two tubular members at a plurality of angularities and a second type is used to attach two tubular members at a ninety degree angle. One tubular member is attached to another tubular member by a groove in a stabilizing member being positioned against a first tubular member, another groove of the stabilizing member being positioned against a second tubular member at a desired angle. The attaching member is positioned through holes in the tubular members and stabilizing members. The system includes two wing nut wrenches for attaching tubular members to each other. One wing nut wrench can also be used as a petcock wrench. Two jig systems for holding tubular members in place while holes are drilled therethrough are also disclosed, as is a method for joining tubular members.

Abstract: A quick connector module for a safety device is disclosed.

Abstract: A roadway safety warning device, preferably in the form of a continuous, integrated, prefabricated, plastic, raised rumble strip (IPPRRS), preferably pigmented to serve as edge lines as well as a continuous shoulder rumble strip (CSRS), for roadways, including but not limited to highways, county roads, and streets. It is preferably provided as a strip which has a series of first areas and second areas, the first areas having a first height, the second areas having a second height, and the second height being different than the first height. The first and second areas extend substantially across the width of the strip. The first and second areas alternate substantially along the length of the strip. The strip is made of an abrasion-resistant material and bonded to the pavement. The devise warns the driver of the vehicle riding on it.

Abstract: An apparatus for a tactile surface in a pedestrian walkway aiding navigation of the walkway by visually impaired persons. The apparatus includes a tactile tile segment with a base and a pair of parallel, raised ribs. In one embodiment, the tile segment is a resilient material. Between the parallel ribs is a flat area or guideway configured to receive a tip of a cane for guiding a cane user in a direction parallel to the ribs. The tile segments are configured to butt together at their distal ends to form an extended surface. In one embodiment, a clamping strip is positioned with a portion over a longitudinal edge of the tile segment to prevent the lifting of the edge of the strip from vehicular traffic. The clamping strip is configured to attach to a roadway and is made of a durable, rigid material.

Abstract: A modular surface element that can be arranged in a running bond pattern with other such modular surface elements. The modular surface element has a configuration comprising a decorative face, an opposed base, and sides extending therebetween generally orthogonal to the base. The sides are proximal to and within a modular perimeter defined by three non-alike pairs of opposed matching segments that are oriented substantially parallel to each other. At least two of the pairs of opposed matching segments are non-linear and at least two of the pairs of opposed matching segments are point symmetric. Optionally, the modular surface element may comprise two or more mating components.

Abstract: A boat lifting and stacking vehicle having a low profile frame, a carriage connected to a frame via a transverse I-beam track, a mast having a pair of forks protruding therefrom, and a hydraulic suspension system. The vehicle further includes an operating console that moves transversely and vertically with the carriage for enhanced operator visibility. Additionally, the vehicle does not require extra counterweights as the length of the frame and location of the engine equipment and fuel tanks provide adequate rotational balance for even the heaviest boat loads during the boat storage process. Moreover, the front wheel bases include a pair of deployable hydraulic cylinders that work in combination with the wheels as a weight distribution means. For proper loading and unloading alignment, a variety of steering options are available via the computer operated controls.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for creating an outer surface effect of a structure wherein at least one wall of the structure defines a support surface, the apparatus comprising means defining a covering surface which overlies the support surface but is movable therefrom, so that a quantity of material to create the outer surface effect can be positioned between the support surface and the covering surface, and wherein the covering surface is in the form of a panel.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom. The tubular support members are tapered so that the tubular support members are nestable with the tubular support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are stacked.

Abstract: A water flow control device comprising an outer water permeable bag formed from burlap or an equivalent material which contains internally thereof an inner bag of a close woven cotton fabric containing a minimized quantity of a novel restorable superabsorber. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bag is substantially equal in laid out dimensions as the internal dimensions of a laid out outer bag. Further, desirably, the inner bag is anchored in its laid out position within the outer bag. The present product is readily storable in a dry compact state and may be reused up to as many as 5 or more times. Multiple ones of the present water flow control devices may be stacked in storage for future use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing machinery flumes couples precast, fabricated sections of flume having a channel lining in a concrete cast. The sections are assembled to seal end to end forming a continuous trough in which assembly work is contained to reduce installer exposure, reduce field installation time and reduce construction costs for flume systems. Preferably, an end of a lining extends beyond the cast sheath for connection with an overlapped portion of an adjacent precast section's lining.

Abstract: Process for the towering of underwater pipelines by means of head tugs (R) for the pulling and tail tugs for the counterpulling characterized in that it is effected by the use of a set of equipment (A), connected to the pipeline (C) itself, substantially containing floats (G), of which at least a part has a variable buoyancy or partially variable buoyancy, which, when placed in a pre-established position and at pre-established intervals, provide a graded buoyancy to the pipeline in relation to the distance (f) from the seabed (F) so as to obtain a “festoon” configuration of the pipeline, i.e. with suspended sections of pipeline, in correspondence with the floats, alternating with resting sections.

Abstract: A mortar-less retaining wall apparatus is built from of a plurality of masonry blocks, each masonry block having four side walls and two end walls, two or more masonry blocks being abutted on respective side walls, at least one of the end walls of each masonry block having a split texture surface and a plurality of recesses creating a natural stone simulated surface. One or more of the masonry blocks each has a side wall that tapers from one end wall to the other end wall, thus allowing either straight or curved walls to be built by changing the relative orientation of the tapers of adjoining blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall system for preventing collapse of a retaining wall. The MSE wall system includes: at least two pillars installed on a front surface of the retaining wall; a plurality of screens installed on a rear surface of the pillar and arranged along a vertical direction to intercept a space between the adjacent pillars; at least a connector installed between the adjacent pillars to preserve a space between the adjacent pillars and prevent the screens from being separated into a front direction; and at least a front panel spaced from a front surface of the screen. Since deformation of the screen which supports the load of the backfilling soil is not transferred to the front panel, it is possible to provide excellent appearance.

Abstract: A tangential cutting insert has an insert body provided with a convex upper surface, a bottom surface provided with a cylindrical insert protrusion, and a peripheral side surface including a pair of opposing major side surfaces and a pair of opposing minor side surfaces. A sloped, major cutting edge in formed at the intersection of each major side surface with the top surface, the rake surface being formed in the major side surface. The bottom surface is provided with an insert protrusion abutment surface for seating the cutting insert. An insert recess is formed in the cylindrical insert protrusion, and this recess communicates with the insert's through bore. The cutting insert is seated in an insert pocket with the insert protrusion abutment surface in abutment with the pocket case. A cylindrical pocket protrusion rising from the pocket base and having a threaded bore formed therein enters the recess and is aligned with the insert's through bore.

Abstract: A cutting tap that has an elongate tap body with a fluted section at the axial forward end thereof wherein the fluted section includes a chamfered fluted section and a finishing fluted section. Each cutting thread in the chamfered fluted section has a cutting face disposed at a cutting face angle that becomes more negative the more axially rearward the cutting thread is from the axial forward end of the chamfered fluted section. Each cutting thread in the finishing fluted section has a cutting face disposed at a finishing cutting face angle that is essentially equal. The finishing cutting face angle is more negative than the cutting face angle for the cutting thread at the axial rearward termination of the chamfered fluted section.

Abstract: A cutting tool that includes an elongate body that has a forward end and a rearward end. The elongate body has a fluted portion that beginning near and extends in a rearward direction from the forward end. The fluted portion has a flute that defines a cutting edge. The flute presents a concave cutting face wherein the concave cutting face is defined by a first radius. The flute further presents a concave core surface adjacent to the concave cutting face wherein the concave core surface is defined by a second radius. The flute presents a convex heel surface adjacent to the concave core surface wherein the convex heel surface is defined by a fourth radius.

Abstract: Milling cutter (1), which can rotate about a cutter longitudinal axis (A), comprises a sleeve-shaped shaft (2) provided with an inner lying chip evacuation channel (11), which is arranged, in essence, symmetric to the cutter longitudinal axis (A), and with a suction opening (12). The milling cutter also comprises a milling head (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), which is held coaxial to the cutter longitudinal axis (A) and to the shaft (2) while being held on said shaft and which comprises, as cutting edges (7, 9), a face cutting edge (7) and a peripheral cutting edge (9). At least one cutting edge (7, 9) forms a positive rake angle (?a, ?r) on the periphery of the milling head (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). The milling cutter (1) is particularly suited for machining light metals, especially for circular milling. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.

Abstract: An in situ fan case rub strip machining tool mounts to a LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly of a gas turbine engine. After a fan is removed therefrom such that the machining tool is rotatable about an engine axis of rotation in conjunction with rotation of the LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly. The machining tool permits machining of a rub strip within the fan case of the gas turbine engine without disassembly of the fan case from the core engine as heretofore required. As the machining tool is mounted to the LPT/fan rotor shaft assembly, the cutting tool is accurately locatable relative the engine axis of rotation such that the rub strip is evenly and precisely machined to be concentric with the engine axis to assure proper fan blade tip to rub strip interface.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed for securing an object to channel framing. One embodiment of the assembly includes an elongate body such as a nut which engages inside faces of the framing at opposite sides of a slot in the framing, a washer spaced from the nut which engages outside faces of the framing at opposite sides of the slot, and a spring interposed between and connecting the nut and the washer for generating a force holding the washer and nut in clamping engagement with respective faces of the framing prior to securing an object to the framing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp for joining an add-on piece (20) to a base (19). Said clamp comprises a base plate (1) and an opposite plate (5) which lies across from the base plate (1), is joined thereto via at least one connecting web (3), and is provided with an engaging arrangement (7, 8) that can be engaged with a fastening part (22). At least one pressing clip (9) is also provided. Said pressing clip (9) rests against the base (19) on the side facing the base plate (1) when the clamp is slid on the base (19). The or each pressing clip (9, 10) is attached to the side of the opposite plate (5) which faces the or each connecting web (3) while an inclined section (13) thereof extends to the base plate (1) such that a relatively great tolerance regarding the thickness of the base (19) is obtained while handling the clamp during mounting and removing is unproblematic.

Abstract: A compression limiter assembly having a spring washer and a sleeve. The sleeve includes a cylindrical body and a flange radially extending from a first end of the body. A fastener inserted through the spring washer is received in a through aperture of the cylindrical body. The fastener includes a head, an unthreaded shank portion extending from the head, and a threaded shank portion extending from the unthreaded shank portion having a threaded diameter greater than a diameter of the unthreaded shank portion. An annular swage created proximate to the flange defines an internal protuberance extending into the through aperture of the cylindrical body. The protuberance is operable to prevent release of the fastener by contact between the threaded shank portion and the protuberance. The unthreaded shank portion is capable of lateral motion within a diameter defined by the protuberance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw with the distal end forming a cone-shaped portion, and a first and a second thread segment defined on the shank and the cone-shaped tip portion. Moreover, the first thread segment forms a thread peak and the second thread segment forms a plane surface; besides, said plane surface converges toward the thread peak of the first thread segment. Therefore, at the beginning of screwing, said plane surface of the second thread segment drills into the object to enlarge the channel. Since the channel is enlarged, the second thread segment can enter the object with less friction and higher screwing speed. Besides, the cutting debris can be removed from the space between the enlarged channel and the first thread segment to avoid cracking in the object and to maintain a better effect on fastening.

Abstract: An axial force control nut assembly 10 includes a seat member 11, a fastening nut 12 rotatable relative to the seat member and a ring assembly 13 disposed between the seat member and the fastening nut. The ring assembly 13 can include one or more rings. At least one of the rings is an axial force control ring 20 is freely rotatable before a bolt axial force reaches the proper axial force and is restricted in rotation after the bolt axial force is equal to or greater than proper axial force. Alternatively or in addition, the ring assembly 13 can include an elastic deformation ring 21. A gap is defined between a radially outer portion of the elastic deformation ring 21 and the seat member 11 before the bolt axial force reaches the proper axial force. The gap between the radially outer portion of the elastic deformation ring 21 and the seat member 11 becomes zero after the bolt axial force is equal to or greater than the proper axial force.

Abstract: A book binding machine has a page-forming mode and a spiral-binding mode, where a curved inexpensive piece of binding spiral coil or a convex member form a collection of pages being bound into a concavity on the spine of the pages to be bound with a proper pitch angle to accept insertion of a plastic spiral binding coil. An optional pivoting page-forming carriage and an optional pivoting cutter/crimper are respectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions. The book forming bar is optionally moved out of the way in an intermediate position while the spiral is spun into the perforations. Then the brackets place the cutter bar in position. Pulsed air is preferably used to operate the vibrator and the exhaust pulsed air is fed to a page aerating manifold to keep pages from clinging to each other prior to the sheets being clamped before insertion of the plastic spiral coil.

Abstract: A bale accumulation system for receiving, moving, and accumulating bales (3) on a bale support surface. The system may involve moving such bales (3) in linear path specific motions and transversely with respect to a bale accumulation surface (1). The system may further involve receiving such bales (3) onto a bale reception surface (11) and tilting such a bale reception surface (11) to deposit bales (3) onto the ground. Bales (3) may be aligned in various configurations on a bale support surface (1) perhaps without substantially restricting their movements on such a bale support surface (1) perhaps through the use of bale override alignment elements (16). The configuration of the bale support system also may minimize a total path distance through which bales (3) may be moved, perhaps decreasing the amount of time required to accumulate bales (3).

Abstract: A vehicle restraint restricts the movement of a vehicle at a loading dock by engaging the vehicle's RIG (rear impact guard). The vehicle restraint includes a barrier carried by a vertically translatable track follower, the barrier being driven by a motor or some other type of power unit. A RIG sensor detects the RIG's horizontal position relative to the barrier and can periodically energize the motor to maintain the barrier in generally continuous contact with the RIG, even if the RIG moves horizontally away from the barrier. Detection of such horizontal movement of the RIG triggers the barrier to move accordingly to reduce a horizontal gap that may have formed between the RIG and the barrier.

Abstract: A transfer vehicle is pulled by a towing vehicle. The transfer vehicle comprises a container and an unloading conveyor. The container serves to receive bulk goods. The unloading conveyor serves to unload the bulk goods located in the container. In order to allow a simple technical construction and a variable drive of the unloading conveyor, an electrical drive is coupled to the unloading conveyor and serves exclusively for driving the unloading conveyor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aligner includes a grip mechanism provided with a plurality of damp arms for holding an external periphery of a wafer; a rotary mechanism for rotating the grip mechanism to rotate the wafer in a prescribed rotational direction, and a lifter mechanism provided with a plurality of lift arms for lifting up the wafer above the grip mechanism. The aligner is configured to align the wafer by the grip operation of the grip mechanism and the rotary operation of the rotary mechanism, and one or more of the plurality of the lift arms which interfere with one or more of the plurality of clamp arms at the time of lifting up the plurality of lift arms are engaged with restriction members provided on the grip mechanism to prevent an upward movement thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

Abstract: A suspended receptacle for at least one piece of dough has a base comprising two lateral retaining pins with which the base can be connected, so as to pivot about a pivot axis, to a conveyor element conveying a plurality of suspended receptacles of this type. A dough support element of the suspended. receptacle has a support for the piece of dough. The dough support element is configured as an exchangeable insert which is detachably connected to the base.

Abstract: A media stacker is adapted to accommodate plate-shaped media in a stacked manner. A sensor with which the media stacker is provided is operable to detect a height of the stacked media accommodated in the media stacker.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for automatically supplying and discharging a sheet material. The apparatus includes: a moving frame including a plurality of legs facing one another and traveling along an x-axis guide line and a y-axis guide line; a lifting bar installed at each of the legs for being risen and fallen; and a holder disposed at the lifting bar for lifting up the sheet material. The apparatus effectively loads and discharges various sheet materials having different sizes without regarding to the order of loading the sheet materials by changing the width and the length thereof.

Abstract: An adapter for a cup dispenser that can be used to replace flexible diaphragms so as to improve wear characteristics. Each adapter is preferably interchangeable with other adapters sized to accommodate other different cup sizes and shapes. The adapter includes two or more rows of preferably offset restrictions to stage and separate cups for easy dispensing. The invention also comprises a cup dispenser incorporating such an adapter and a method of interchanging a flexible diaphragm with such an adapter.

Abstract: A lifting device includes a lifting element with at least one holding element supported thereon. The holding element is adapted for holding a section of a human arm to provide support when the hand grips an object which is to be displaced. An operator of the lifting device may place their arm in the holding element and then use their hand to grasp an object to be displaced. The lifting device allows the grasped object to be displaced while the weight of the grasped object is borne through the holding element and lifting element.

Abstract: A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use.

Abstract: A VAWT wind engine includes a support structure, an articulating rotor mounted on the support structure for rotation about a vertically extending axis, and at least one airfoil on the rotor for rotor-powering purposes. The articulating rotor is mounted in a manner enabling tilting movement of the rotor during rotation so that the airfoil produces rotor rotation and rotor tilt as the airfoil orbits the rotational axis. At least one mechanical linkage is included to actively vary airfoil pitch according to rotor tilt. The partially articulating rotor of a teetering-rotor embodiment seesaws up and down about a horizontally extending pivotal axis. The fully articulating rotor of another embodiment supports three airfoils as it tilts in any direction by virtue of a gimbal or other rotor hub assembly providing a 360-degree swiveling action, while furling hinges help protect the airfoils against damaging winds during wind engine shutdown.

Abstract: A method and system of testing an overspeed protection system of a turbomachine. The method and system may include providing an overspeed protection system on a turbomachine that may have a single or multiple shafts; determining whether the speed the shaft or shaft(s) exceeds a shutdown value; changing an overspeed trip value of the turbomachine; and determining whether the overspeed protection system would operate to trip the turbomachine.

Abstract: A turbomachine has a housing and a rotor mounted radially and axially in the housing. The rotor has a shaft and at least one impeller attached to the shaft. Two tilt-segment bearings having tilt segments, which bearings act in opposite directions, are provided for axial mounting of the rotor. The bearings interact with an assigned contact surface of the shaft. At least one of the tilt segments has a force measurement device for direct detection of the axial force acting on the assigned tilt segment. The force measurement devices are connected with an electronic control device.