Abstract: A toner container contains toner and includes: a container having a toner discharge hole; a toner conveyance screw for conveying the toner within the container toward the toner discharge hole; and a shutter cylinder including a peripheral wall formed with a toner discharge opening at a position corresponding to the toner discharge opening. The toner conveyance screw is rotatably supported at one end thereof by a bearing within the shutter cylinder. The shutter cylinder is mounted to a side wall of the container in a rotation free manner.

Abstract: A toner container for containing toner includes a toner discharge hole, a toner conveyance screw for conveying toner within the container toward the toner discharge hole, an agitator with an agitating blade for agitating the toner, and a recessed screw accommodation portion recessed in a bottom of the container for accommodating the toner conveyance screw. The toner conveyance screw is retained in the recessed screw accommodation portion with the toner conveyance screw exposed partially. The agitator is disposed in the container in parallel with the toner conveyance screw, and the agitating blade interferes with a portion of the toner conveyance screw exposed from the recessed screw accommodation portion.

Abstract: A magnetic particle carrying device includes a magnetic field generator and a hollow cylindrical structure. The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field. The hollow cylindrical structure encases the magnetic field generator and attracts magnetic particles on an external surface of the hollow structure using the magnetic field. The external surface of the hollow cylindrical structure is provided with a plurality of elliptical depressions. The depressions include first type depressions and second type depressions. A long axis of a first type of elliptical depression is substantially extending in an axial direction of the hollow cylindrical structure, and a long axis of a second type of elliptical depression is substantially extending in a circumferential direction of the hollow cylindrical structure. The external surface of the hollow cylindrical structure has more elliptical depressions of the second type than elliptical depressions of the first type.

Abstract: An auto color registration apparatus and a method thereof capable of improving the precision of a color registration operation, the auto color registration apparatus includes: a color image sensing module to sense color image patterns printed on a transfer belt; a first correction value calculating module to calculate a first color registration correction value for each color by calculating positions of the colors; a correction coefficient calculating module to calculate a correction coefficient of one or more blocks of each of the colors, the one or more blocks formed from first color registration patterns that are printed according to the first color registration correction values; a second correction value calculating module to calculate a second color registration correction value for each block using the corresponding correction coefficient; and a registration controller to print a second color registration pattern according to the second color registration correction value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises toner with a coloring agent including magnetic powder as a nucleus arranged on a surface of one side of each toner particle, a toner image forming medium on which a toner image is formed using the toner, and a magnetic substance arranged at an opposite position to the toner image formed on the toner image forming medium.

Abstract: A fixing device for image forming apparatus includes: a first nip member in a shape of an endless belt and a second nip member that rotates while pressed against the first nip member. A heat source heats at least one of the nip members. A pressure receiver receives pressure applied to the first nip member from the second nip member. A sliding contact has a contact surface that makes sliding contact with an inner surface of an axial end of the first nip member. A supporting mechanism supports the sliding contact to displace the contact surface thereof away from the pressure receiver as the first nip member moves away from the sliding contact along the axial direction. The displacement increases frictional forces between the contact surface and the inner surface of the first nip member, thus suppressing axial displacement of the first nip member from the sliding contact.

Abstract: A fusing roller which is heated by a heat source, includes: a core member; a first primer which is formed on a circumference of the core member; an elastic layer which is formed on a circumference of the first primer, and adhered on the circumference of the core member by the first primer; and a basic coating layer which is disposed between the core member and the first primer, and chemically combined with the first primer.

Abstract: A release-promoting agent is configured to be applied to a heating member in a fixing device that presses the heating member against a recording medium on which a toner image is formed and fixes the toner image to the recording medium, to promote release of the toner image from the heating member. The release-promoting agent is formed with a mixture of a dimethyl polysiloxane and an amino group-containing dimethyl polysiloxane represented by respectively, where b?0, and c>1000.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a lubricant applicator and a process cartridge using the same. The lubricant applicator includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant retainer, a lubricant holder, a lubricant application mechanism, a pressure mechanism, a friction resistance reduction mechanism. The lubricant retainer holds the solid lubricant. The lubricant holder stores the solid lubricant and the lubricant retainer. The lubricant application mechanism applies the solid lubricant to an object. The pressure mechanism is provided between the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder, and presses the lubricant retainer to push the solid lubricant from the lubricant holder. The friction resistance reduction mechanism is disposed at a position where the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder come into contact in a frictionally sliding manner.

Abstract: A powder conveyance device capable of removing toner (powder) stuck to a conveyor belt easily and reliably comprises a powder conveyor belt having a plurality of concavo-convex portions formed continuously on a conveyance surface thereof, driving means for driving the conveyor belt, and a scraping member that contacts the conveyor belt. At least one of the scraping member and a convex portion of the conveyor belt deforms elastically such that a tip end of the scraping member enters a concave portion and scrapes away the powder stuck to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A signal output apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. An apparatus for determining the type of sheet comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact, wherein the type of the sheet is determined based on the signal from the detection unit. An image forming apparatus comprises an impact applying unit applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, and a detection unit outputting a signal by the impact. A method for determining the type of sheet comprises the steps of applying an impact to a sheet from the outside thereof, outputting a signal from a detection unit by the applying step, and determining the type of sheet based on the signal. An apparatus carries out the method for determining the type of sheet.

Abstract: A hand-held printer includes at least one print nozzle and a guide for maintaining the alignment of the at least one print nozzle relative to an object. The guide is operable to operable to maintain the position of the at least one print nozzle relative to the object while the hand-held printer is in motion relative to the object, which is stored in a memory of the hand-held printer. The hand-held printer is operable to print an image using the at least one print nozzle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method to control the same. The image forming apparatus variably outputs the PWM signal until the printing medium reaches the target position, accelerates the printing medium-feeding motor, and decelerates the printing medium-feeding motor in multi-stages. If the printing medium reaches the target position, the image forming apparatus decreases the PWM signal value to a predetermined value, maintains a current level, and stops the printing medium-feeding motor without rotating the printing medium-feeding motor in the reverse direction, such that the printing medium-feeding motor may instantaneously rotate in a reverse direction. As a result, the image forming apparatus can prevent the printing medium from stopping the feeding operation without reaching the printing medium to the target position due to the instantaneous reverse rotation of the printing medium-feeding motor, such that the printing medium can be maximally/correctly transferred to the target position.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a supply unit to supply recording media, a recording unit to record information to the recording media, and a storage unit to store the recording media. A tray is formed in at least one of the supply unit and the storage unit and detachably connected to the apparatus to store a plurality of recording media in a stacked state. The apparatus includes a support surface for supporting a bottom surface of the tray, and at least one wall surface touching or opposing a side surface of the tray. An opening is defined by the bottom surface and the at least one wall surface to allow the tray to be detached from a direction within a predetermined angle of the side surface of the apparatus. A positioning device is disposed in at least one of the support surface and the wall surface for positioning the tray.

Abstract: A device for storing and applying a dental substance, with a container from which the substance can be removed through a first opening in a first direction with the aid of an applicator, and with a substance supply which can be introduced into the container through a second opening in the wall of the container and which is sealed off against this opening by a breakable foil, is characterized in that the second opening is arranged transversely with respect to the first direction and that the foil is applied over the opening in such a manner that it closes same.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implement 1 for applying a volume of liquid to a treatment surface. The implement includes a support means 3 onto which is mounted a receptacle 2, the receptacle defining a reservoir space 4 which receives the liquid. The receptacle includes a wall 6 having a working surface that is used to spread the liquid over the treatment surface. The wall 6 is resiliently deformable so in use the working surface maintains contact with the treatment surface when spreading the liquid. The implement has a specific application in applying a transdermal lotion to the axilla area of the user. The invention also relates to a system for transdermal administration of a physiological active agent from a liquid composition and a method of conducting the same.

Abstract: A ring mechanism is selectively configurable between an open configuration in which loose leaf pages can be added or removed from the mechanism and a closed configuration in which loose leaf pages are retained by the ring mechanism. Ring mechanism including an elongate frame having first and second frame elements. A hinge pin interconnects the first and second frame elements to permit pivoting movement of the frame elements relative to each other. At least one ring includes a first ring member mounted on the first frame element and a second ring member mounted on the second ring element. At least one hanging member is mounted on the frame for releasably hanging the ring mechanism from a support and inhibiting longitudinal movement of the hanging member relative to the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter, which in a simple manner enables secure connection of two components (A1, A2, A3, A4, T1, T2, T3, T4) manufactured from different materials. This is achieved according to the invention in that the adapter has a basic element (5, 6, 7, 8) which is manufactured from a material which belongs to the group of materials to which the material of the first component (A1, A2, A3, A4) is allocated, and a connection element (10, 19, 24, 25, 28, 29) indissolubly connected by a joint operation positively and non-positively to the basic element (5, 6, 7, 8), said connection element being manufactured from a material which belongs to the group of materials to which the material of the second component (T1, T2, T3, T4) is allocated. In addition to this, the invention relates to a component produced using an adapter according to the invention.

Abstract: A rivet or screw connection, comprising: a first component having a first through-opening; a second component having a second through-opening; and a rivet or screw having shank, wherein the first and second through-openings are arranged and penetrated by the shank of the rivet or screw, the rivet or screw comprises a rivet head, screw head or nut on both sides of the through-openings, having a diameter larger than diameters of the through-openings, and at least the first component comprises a pot-like recess near the rivet or screw extending towards the second component, on whose base the first through-opening is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for sealing a manhole structure. A band with a relatively rigid angled corner engages the upper margin of a manhole structure. Adhesives may also be used with the band to enhance the seal with the manhole structure.

Abstract: A mat construction usable in the construction, mining and the like industries wherein timbers or other such materials are tied together into an array. The mat can be used as an underlayment for roadways built over unstable ground surfaces, or a number of the mats can be superimposed one upon the other to form a thicker mat.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of sludge and collection of byproduct gases of decomposition uses a crisscross trenching pattern, excavated, filled and covered in a sequential and cyclic manner. Once the crisscrossing trenches have been completely filled with sludge, evolving gases are captured under an impermeable sheeting placed over the disposal site and then drawn off for use.

Abstract: This application describes apparatus (200, 6200, 8200) for laying elongate articles from a vessel (100) at sea. The apparatus comprising tensioning means (204, 6204, 8204) for controlling paying out of said articles along an axis of said tensioning means, and a structure tiltable (202, 6202, 8202) between upright and horizontal states. The apparatus is operable in a first mode, wherein the tensioning means is carried by said structure with its axis at an elevated angle and said structure for example also carries a radius controller (220, 6220, 8220) and a straightener (212, 6212, 8212), and in a second mode wherein the tensioning means is arranged with its axis substantially horizontal. The tiltable structure may be detachable from the tensioning means in the second mode, so as to assist in transferring in-line accessories overboard. Alternatively a separate A-frame may be provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A lift bracket system for lifting a building structure such as a foundation and the like comprising a lift plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface for insertion under the building structure; a generally cylindrical housing affixed to the lift plate and extending perpendicularly from the top surface and the bottom surface of the lift plate, the housing defining a generally circular opening through the lift plate, the opening being disposed away from the center of the lift plate; and at least one gusset for supporting the lift plate, the gusset having a first end and a second end, the gusset disposed beneath the lift plate, wherein the first end of the gusset is attached to the bottom surface of the lift plate and the second end of the gusset is attached to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for joining and supporting adjacent sheet pile panels for the construction of wall structures. A connection beam is provided with male and female connectors to attach to the male and female connectors of sheet pile panels. The connection beams allow for connection of a geogrid thereto. The geogrid is secured to the connection beams with a connection rod. Each connection beam has an extension that is provided with at least one through hole for receiving the connection rod. The geogrid is then buried under the backfill of the retaining wall. The backfilled grids, which are attached to the connection beams, support and prevent deflection of the sheet pile panels of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A box truck for supplying sufficient electrical power and compressed air flow to enable spray foam contractors to use specialized equipment to foam insulate buildings. Such a truck has the necessary generator and air compressor systems mounted within the chassis of the vehicle and said systems do not take up valuable cargo space within the truck box, while utilizing components present in normal box truck designs to assist in their operation. The generator system is hydraulically powered and utilizes a PTO (Power Take-Off) mechanism to use power from the truck power train to drive the hydraulic system. The air compressor is a screw type compression system and is belt driven off the truck engine.

Abstract: A face hobbing or gear cutting head for cutting gears, such as spiral, bevel, and hypoid gears which has a blade carrier for holding cutter blades. 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. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A four-sided cutting insert has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a pair of first side surfaces connected to a pair of second side surfaces via corner surfaces. The cutting insert has a rotational axis of symmetry, a first axis extending along the first side surfaces and second axis extending along the second side surfaces. Opposite corners of the cutting insert are provided with a first pair of corner edges defined between a first edge and an associated second edge. Proximate its leading end, the first edge has a main portion which, in a top view of the insert, extends inwardly toward the first axis at a first angle. In a side view, the first edge slopes downwardly from the corner edge in the direction of the base surface. The associated second edge, in the top view of the insert, extends from the corner edge in an outward direction relative to the second axis.

Abstract: The router bit includes an upper and a lower cutter, axially aligned and separated by a fixed longitudinal displacement. No substantial portion of the bit extends beyond the lower end of the lower cutter. In some embodiments, the lower cutter may be configured with bottom face blades to allow the router to be used as a plunging bit. The cutters may use wing blades or spiral blades. The portion of the bit intervening between the upper and lower cutters may also be configured as a cutter. In some embodiments, the router bit is integral. In other embodiments, it comprises separate elements that may be axially secured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toolholder mountable on a lathe or other machine tool for supporting a cutting plate relative to a workpiece for cutting or shaping the workpiece. The toolholder including a body having a tapered tool base at one end thereof, the tool base defining a tool seat for supporting a cutting plate. A plug screw having a head defining threads on an outer surface thereof for engaging a threaded hole in the tool base is also provided. The plug screw further defining a shank extending eccentrically from the head, the shank being receivable through a mounting hole defined by the cutting plate for locating the cutting plate relative to the tool seat upon rotation of the plug screw relative to the tool base. A lock nut is provided for receiving a threaded end of the shank for securing the cutting plate to the tool base and toolholder.

Abstract: A generally parallelogram-shaped cutting insert includes a top face; first and second main radial clearance faces, each intersecting the top face; first and second minor axial clearance faces each intersecting the top face and connecting the first and second main radial clearance faces; and a main cutting edge at the intersection of the top face and the first main radial clearance face. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the main cutting edge comprises a variable radial rake angle including a portion having a positive radial rake angle and a portion having a negative radial rake angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drilling tool comprising a first drill bit (2) that is provided with at least two forward cutting edges (4, 5) and a second drill bit (3) which encompasses at least two rear cutting edges (6, 7). A cutting groove (8, 9) runs continuously from one respective forward cutting edge (4, 5) to a rear cutting edge (6, 7). Said cutting groove (8, 9) is embodied in an asymmetric manner in an area (A) bordering the forward drill bit (2), in a symmetric manner in a central area (B), and asymmetric in an area (C) bordering the rear drill bit (3).

Abstract: A rotatable multi-operation tool for chip removing machining, including a plurality of replaceable cutting inserts of different types, and a basic body that is rotatable around a center axis and includes a rear end and a front end from which there is extending rearward an envelope surface in which at least one chip space, delimited by two opposite side surfaces, is countersunk, which opens in the envelope surface and in the front end. A first cutting insert is mounted in a first insert seat that is formed in one side surface of the chip space and situated in the immediate vicinity of the front end and included in a cavity that opens in the front end for the cutting insert to partly protrude axially forward from the front end. A second cutting insert, of a type other than the first cutting insert, is mounted in a second insert seat, which is formed in the same side surface as the first insert seat and situated axially behind the first insert seat.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for deburring with planing tools (7) a metal strand (1) cut to length by gas cutting, which planing tools are adjustably held each for themselves transversally to the metal strand (1) in a support (6), and with a drive for the relative advancing movement of the planing tools (7) relative to the metal strand (1) which is cut to length. In order to provide advantageous deburring conditions it is proposed that the annular support (6) comprises at least two sets of planing tools (7) which are radially adjustable to the metal strand (1) cut to length, which sets are arranged behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the metal strand (1) cut to length and which are staggered against each other set by set.

Abstract: A vehicle tire tie-down winch and chock assembly ties down at least one tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform with a tire harness. The load carrying platform has at least one raised rib with elongated apertures at a top surface of the rib. The assembly has a chock surface and a rotating lock mechanism with an elongated lock element which in an insertion position fits within one of the apertures in the rib and in a locking position has its longitudinal extent substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the elongated aperture to engage the aperture. At least one hook is engageable in another of the elongated apertures of the rib or in an elongated aperture of another rib at the platform. A winch is provided on the assembly which secures to an end of the tire harness. The winch may have a foot pedal release.

Abstract: In a container lock for insertion into a locking aperture, a post is provided insertable into and extractable from the locking aperture. At least one latch arm is provided within the post and which projects laterally from a side of the post. The latch arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis during insertion and about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis during at least a beginning of extraction. A compression spring is positioned to bias the at least one latch arm.

Abstract: A redundant locking device is disclosed with two adjacently positioned latching arms each including an L-shaped hook portion selectively engageable with the container for securing it to a trailer or truck transport apparatus. The two latching arms are positively driven by a powering means such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which urges both latching arms toward the engaged position for securement of the container. Powering is provided through a lateral link member which is movably secured such as by a universally flexible ball and socket joint with respect to each latching arm for powering movement thereof responsive to activation of the driving air cylinder. The locking device can be secured to the side of a transport vehicle with the cylinder located between the retracted position of the arms or beneath the vehicle with the arms along the side of the vehicle and the drive cylinder positioned therebeneath.

Abstract: A blind rivet design has an exposed mandrel portion modified from the conventional and standardized mandrel to reduce amount and cost of materials required to produce the mandrel, while also minimizing costs related to production, use, and spent mandrel disposal, all while still making use of conventional riveting tools for rivet setting and maintaining rivet performance. To work with the inventive blind rivet design, a conventional riveting tool, i.e., a rivet gun with a replaceable nosepiece, may be utilized, with a modified nose housing attached. The replaceable nosepiece and modified nose housing on the conventional rivet setting tool enables use of a mandrel having a reduced exposed mandrel portion relative to conventional and standardized mandrels. In addition, a modified stepped approach to setting the rivet may also be utilized in conjunction with the inventive rivet design to enable use of an even further reduced exposed mandrel portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a push button latch mechanism including a catch, a spring, and a plunger. The catch includes two legs connected to a catch face. Each leg includes a first hook insertable through and retained in a hole in the structure, a second hook extending inward and toward the catch face from the free end, and a third hook insertable into and retained in a hole formed in the cover. The plunger includes a shaft having one or more tabs insertable into a hole in the catch face and retained by it, and a v-notch at the free end of the shaft configured to be accepted into the second hooks of the catch when the plunger is pushed, thereby forcing the legs of the catch closer together and releasing the first hooks from the hole in the structure allowing the cover to be removed. The spring is disposed around the shaft and configured such that when the plunger is released, the plunger returns to its original position.

Abstract: A fastening element (1) to be inserted into an opening, or bore (2) of a work piece (3) is provided having a shaft (5) that is insertable into the bore (2) and has a roughened and/or profiled surface (4), and optionally includes a stop collar (6). The fastening element (1) is preferably formed from a fiber reinforced, elastically deformable material, and its shaft (5) can be or is inserted into the bore (2) in a force-fitting manner under an elastic deformation.

Abstract: A robotic end effector or blade suitable for transferring a substrate in a processing system is provided. In some embodiments, an end effector can include a body having opposing mounting and distal end, the body fabricated from a single mass of ceramic. The body can include a pair of arcuate lips extending upward from an upper surface of the body. Each lip is disposed on a respective finger disposed at the distal end of the body. An arcuate inner wall extends upward from the upper surface at the mounting end of the body. The inner wall and lips define a substrate receiving pocket. A plurality of contact pads extend upward from the upper surface of the body for supporting the substrate thereon. A recess is formed in a bottom surface of the body to accommodate a mounting clamp.

Abstract: A device for picking up, transporting and sorting electronic components in particular integrated circuits includes at least one loading device, one transport device, and one unloading device. The transport device has at least one transport wheel which is rotatable around a rotation axis and which has a peripheral face. The transport device also has at least one pick-up module which is arranged at the peripheral face and is suitable for accommodating components. In addition, the transport device is provided with a pressure source which is connected to the pick-up module. The pick-up module has at least one pick-up space for one individual component which extends along the peripheral face and can be moved between an initial position and an end position. The pressure source enables a prescribed pressure to be exerted at the pick-up space by means of which the component can be retained at the pick-up space or can be ejected from the pick-up space.

Abstract: A substrate reverse moving device is composed of a reversing mechanism and a moving mechanism. A rotating mechanism incorporates a motor or the like, and is capable of rotating a first movable member and a second movable member to which first and second supporting members that support a substrate therebetween are fixed, respectively, around a horizontal axis through, for example, 180 degrees via a link mechanism. Moreover, a pair of transport rails is fixed on a base in parallel to V direction. A pair of sliding blocks is slidably attached to the pair of transport rails. A floorboard of the reversing mechanism is attached to the sliding blocks. A direct acting mechanism moves a driver in a direction parallel to the transport rails, so that the reversing mechanism moves back and forth in the V direction along the transport rails.

Abstract: An article supply apparatus includes a container storage rack for storing containers, and an article storage rack for storing articles taken out of the container. The article supply apparatus includes a transfer apparatus for transporting the articles between the container of the container storage rack and the article storage rack. The article supply apparatus includes a transportation apparatus for transporting the container between the transfer apparatus and the container storage rack, and a supply apparatus for taking required articles out of the article storage rack, and supplying the articles to a processing tool and supply the articles from the processing tool to the article storage rack.

Abstract: An attachment coupler includes a first arm and a second arm, each including a U-shaped portion, and upper portions of the first and second arms being swingably connected by a swing shaft, and an expansion-contraction tool which opens and closes the first and second arms around the swing shaft as a fulcrum. A locking member provided with a cam and a hook provided with a cam follower are rotatably provided on the second arm. A state in which a free end of the hook is removed from an opening of the U-shaped portion is maintained by engagement of the cam and the cam follower during contraction of the expansion-contraction tool. The cam follower is driven by the cam along with rotation of the locking member during expansion of the expansion-contraction tool, thereby causing the free end of the hook to advance toward the opening of the U-shaped portion.

Abstract: A handling device for boxes and the similar repeatedly presents the top box of a first box pile (11) at a predetermined height and making it possible to remove the top box in such a way that the removed boxes of the first pile (11) gradually form a second pile (12) includes a first vertically movable support (9) for receiving the first pile (11), a second vertically movable support (10) for receiving the second pile (12), a device for synchronously controlling the supports (9, 10) by way of at least one of them when one goes up and the other goes down and vice-versa. The handling device is arranged in such a way that the top box of the first pile (11) is transferable directly to the second pile (12) by lateral displacement at a more or less permanent level.

Abstract: When it is assumed that a thickness of a stator core is TSt as measured in parallel with an axial direction of a rotary shaft and a thickness of the fan housing is TFr as measured in parallel with the axial direction, a ratio of TSt/TFr is defined as 8% to 25%. With this arrangement, among frequency components included in vibration to be carried to the fan housing when a rotor is rotated, an over-all value of frequency components caused by cogging torque becomes smaller than an over-all value of frequency components caused by unbalance of the rotor. As a result, the vibration to be carried to the fan housing when a rotor is rotated may be restrained, in particular, when the rotor is rotated at a low speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides micro-fluidic systems, a method for the manufacturing of such a micro-fluidic system and a method for controlling or manipulating a fluid flow through micro-channels of a such a micro-fluidic system. Herefore, an inner side of a wall of a microchannel is provided with actuator elements which can change shape and orientation as a response to an external stimulus. Through this change of shape and orientation the flow of a fluid through a microchannel may be controlled and manipulated.

Abstract: Pump (1) comprising a rotary shaft (30), a bearing housing (80) that is fixed relative to the rotary shaft, at least one rolling bearing (70) the inner ring (71) of which is connected to the said rotary shaft and the outer ring (76) of which is able to slide in this housing along the axis of rotation of the rotary shaft. The bearing housing (80) comprises a shoulder (81) situated on one side of this bearing and able rigidly to prevent translational movement of the outer ring (76) along the axis of rotation, and a deformable elastic device (100) fixed to the housing on the other side of the bearing (70) so that the bearing lies between the shoulder and the elastic device.

Abstract: A technology for widening the operating range of a high-pressure ratio centrifugal compressor including a vaned diffuser is provided. The solidity of each vane in the vaned diffuser is set to the optimum value at which the region, in which burbles do not occur when the air flows into the diffuser, is wider than the region, in which burbles may occur when the air flows into the diffuser. In addition, the solidity is set in such a manner that the straight line, which extends outward from the inner peripheral edge of the vane at a right angle with respect to the chord of the vane, does not cross the adjacent vane. In this way, formation of a throat between the vanes is suppressed.