Abstract: A paper towel holder facilitates tearing of paper towels from a continuous roll of paper towels supported on the holder, and prevents excessive unraveling of the roll. A portable paper towel holder has a vertical pole and a base having an annular rim of uneven height. The uneven annular rim provides the combination of tall and short sections to balance between effectively holding the towel from excess unraveling, and facilitating ease of tearing of paper towel pieces from the roll. A releasable handle is provided at the distal end of the pole to securely retain the paper towel roll on the vertical pole. The handle is provided with recessed releasing buttons for releasing the handle from the pole. A further embodiment provides a quick-release, detachable, spring-biased retractable handle for applying a braking force to restrain the towel roll from rotation about the pole.

Abstract: A reel of a recording tape cartridge has a reel hub formed in a shape of a hollow cylinder; an annular reel gear; an upper flange; a lower flange; and a reel plate. A reel gear is provided coaxially at an outer surface of a floor of the reel hub, and meshes with a driving gear of a rotating shaft of a drive device. A reference surface is provided integrally at an outer side of the floor. The upper flange extends integrally toward a radial direction outer side from an open end of the reel hub. The lower flange is mounted to a floor side end of the reel hub, and opposes the upper flange. The reel plate is fixed to the outer surface of the floor, and is attracted by a magnet of the rotating shaft without being contacted by the magnet.

Abstract: A flow regulator includes a body with an aperture into which an inlet and an outlet open. A pin has a bore extending therein and communicating with the outlet. A first aperture, a second aperture and a bypass orifice are spaced longitudinally along the pin and extend there through opening into the bore. A valve member is slideably located around the pin and is biased by a spring into a first position along the pin in which the valve member closes the first aperture while opening the second aperture. When a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet exceeds a first level, the valve member moves away from the first position and begins covering the second aperture. Thereafter continuing increase of the pressure differential above a greater second level results in the valve member moving into a second position at which both the first and second apertures are closed. However in the second position, a secondary flow path exists between the inlet and the outlet through the bypass orifice.

Abstract: A protective shield assembly capable of being deployed from a launch vehicle is provided, and methods for assembling and deploying the protective shield assembly are also provided. The protective shield assembly includes a shroud, and a flexible sheet of material within the shroud. The flexible sheet of material is capable of substantially conforming to a contour of at least a portion of the launch vehicle to provide a protective barrier.

Abstract: The invention recites an exhaust pipe clamp for clamping at least two pipes. The clamp includes a band formed to at least partially surround each of the two pipes, the band defining an internal volume. A reaction block is interconnected with the band and disposed substantially within the internal volume. The exhaust clamp also includes a clamping member operable to reduce the internal volume of the band.

Abstract: A shelf support system includes a sleeve or wedge member and a collar adapted to be secured to a generally cylindrical support post, that is one that is circular when viewed in radial cross-section. The sleeve has an inner surface that is configured to embrace the support post and an outer surface formed with a first axially outwardly inclined wedge portion and at least one second axially outwardly inclined wedge portion that, when viewed in such radial cross-section, extends at an angle to the first portion. Additionally, the collar is adapted to be secured to a member to be supported and to embrace the sleeve. The collar has a first wedge surface formed to mate with the first portion of the outer surface of the sleeve and at least one second wedge surface formed to mate with the second portion of the outer surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a dual-purpose position structure used as a hook and a dock comprising a base and another base, wherein the base is sheathed into the another base along a guiding track and two sides of a sliding trench of the base by using a guiding trench and two sides of a sliding plate of the another base, the another base is adjusted by engaging between a saw-toothed part of an elastic arm and a saw-toothed surface of the guiding track to form a dock with a size-adjustable containing space for setting an electronic apparatus therein or being hanged inversely on an office partition as a hook. At least one buckling device located on the supporting plate of the another base can be assembled with at least another buckling device located on a surface of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An extendable tray structure is disclosed for receiving a server. The extendable tray structure is composed of a tray main body, a tray extension body and a plurality of locking elements, wherein the tray main body has a plurality of locking holes, and the tray extension body has a plurality of stripe-shaped openings which are parallel to each other, and the locking elements are installed on the locking holes of the tray main body through the stripe-shaped openings. The extendable tray structure is featured in extending and adjusting the length of the tray structure by positioning the locking elements in the stripe-shaped openings.

Abstract: Described is a fixing arrangement for releasably fixing an air conditioning module to the roof of a vehicle such as a rail vehicle. The module has opposite side surfaces from which first fixing projections project. The vehicle roof supports positioning rail members in mutually parallel relationship at a spacing from each other corresponding to the spacing between the side surfaces of the module. The positioning rail members have upwardly open first openings. Second fixing projections project from the positioning rail members at the outside thereof laterally beside the first openings.

Abstract: This invention relates to an object having a display panel embedded in its top surface and processes for its manufacture. This invention also relates to an in-mold display transfer film or foil, which comprises a temporary carrier film, a release layer, a display panel, an adhesive or tie layer and optionally a durable layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the submarine valve actuators, and specifically to those actuators, that in order to effect a standard valve closing operation are connected to an oleo system feeding an hydraulic cylinder (1), whose plunger (3), by a mechanical link, operates the valve and compresses a spring (8) which provides for the standard opening operation. Said actuators are provided with an input shaft (21) for connectin a ROV for valve opening and closing operations when there is a failure in the oleo system. The connection between the ROV-operated input shaft (21) and the mechanical link between the piston (3) and the spring (8) is carried out by a planetary gear reducer (15).

Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve has a poppet type valve element supported so as to be brought into uniformly close contact with a valve seat disposed in a passage connecting two main ports. The valve element is connected to a valve stem by a connecting mechanism that allows the valve element to tilt relative to the valve stem. A piston included in a cylinder actuator moves the valve stem axially.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for preventing accidental disconnection of a valve fitting from a compressed gas cylinder (tank) is provided. A valve safety device preferably includes a valve stem having a first threaded section. The first threaded section is preferably configured to engage threads in an internal section of a compressed gas storage device during insertion and reside within an internal portion of the compressed gas storage device following insertion. A non-threaded section is preferably arranged proximal to the first threaded section. One or more vents are preferably provided on the non-threaded section to provide for a safe release of compressed gas from the compressed gas storage device before the first threaded section can be removed from the compressed gas storage device.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve for use with fuel cells has a valve housing made of aluminum, for example and having first through third heating medium passages defined therein. A valve seat disposed in and fastened to the valve housing is made of stainless steel, for example. A valve head has a disk which can be seated on and unseated off a valve seat member of a valve seat. The valve head is coupled by threaded surfaces to the distal end of a movable member which is displaceable when a solenoid is energized. The movable member is made of a magnetic metallic material, and the valve head is made of a corrosion-resistant metallic material such as stainless steel or the like, for example.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a valve, a valve seal, and a piece of epoxy. The valve comprises a valve gate, a housing, and a plurality of screws. The housing comprises a fluid passageway and a groove that extends into the housing from the fluid passageway. Each of the screws extends into the groove of the housing. The valve gate is movable relative to the housing between an opened and closed position. The valve seal is positioned at least partially within the groove. The piece of epoxy surrounds at least a portion of each of the screws and has a geometry that is interlocked with the valve seal and with each of the screws in a manner securing the valve seal to each of the screws and in a manner such that the valve seal is positioned to compress against the valve gate when the valve gate is in the closed position.

Abstract: An electronic jack for lifting heavy objects, such as a portion of a vehicle is described. The electronic jack has an outer casing that houses a motor, a hydraulic system, and a hydraulic lift unit that is activated by the hydraulic system. The motor is preferred to be a twelve volt electric motor and can be electronically connected to a vehicle through a cigarette lighter adapter.

Abstract: A winching and drawing machine comprises a drive shaft for driving a load sheave, a pressure receiving member fitted onto the drive shaft, brake plates installed in contact with the pressure receiving member and fitted onto the drive shaft, a pawl wheel interposed between the brake plates, a drive member screwed on the drive shaft so as to be pressed to and separated from the brake plates, an idler spring installed between the drive shaft and the drive member, and a lever. A stopper engaging with the drive shaft is provided at an end face of the drive member and an idler grip is fixed on an outer face of the stopper 7. Lever latching structure at a drive-shaft end of the winching and drawing machine has a function of adjusting a chain length.

Abstract: The invention provides a “change of direction” device for use by a law enforcement technician. The device can be readily and easily attached to a building element and will allow the technician to pass a rope, wire or cable therethrough so that the rope, wire or cable can be pulled by the technician after one end has been attached to a hazardous item of concern. The change of direction device (CODD) would be positioned within the building at strategic locations where it is clear that the item of concern will have to change directions as it is being pulled from the location at which it was found. The invention provides several embodiments of the CODD for attachment to a wall, to a door hinge, or under the bottom edge of a door. Each CODD is simple in construction and is of such a nature that it can be positioned at the desired location without any preparation having to be done. In the case of the door and hinge CODD's they can be removed at a later point in time for re-use if necessary.

Abstract: A method for treating contaminates includes delivering a stream of a fluid to a directional microporous diffuser that has a sidewall with microscopic openings and has a partitioned interior region to effect discharge of microbubbles from less than the entire sidewall portion of the directional microporous diffuser at any particular interval of time. The directional microporous diffuser described include an elongated member providing the sidewall, the sidewall defining an interior portion of said member and coupled to the first inlet port and a partition member that divides the interior of the elongated member into plural, mutually isolated regions. End caps are disposed to seal ends of the directional microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A humidification device for a fuel battery system, which rapidly exchanges dry air with humid air over a wide area, thus increasing humidification efficiency, and which appropriately heats dry air and humid air during cold weather, thus preventing the moisture of humid air from freezing, therefore being effectively used in cold regions. The humidification device includes a hollow fiber membrane to pass dry air and humid air so that moisture exchange is conducted between the dry air and the humid air, and a dry air guide pipe to supply new dry air into the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas spring including the steps of fitting and inserting a first seal member, an annular space member, a second seal member, and a rod guide, to an outer periphery of a piston rod in accordance with this order from a side of a piston, a step of providing a piston rod assembly in which a lubricant is previously injected, in an annular chamber defined among the first seal member, the space member and the second seal member, and a step of charging a pressurized gas into an inner portion of a cylinder from an opening portion of the cylinder under a sealed state, and thereafter pressing the rod guide fitted and inserted to the piston rod, thereby inserting the piston rod assembly into the inner portion of the cylinder from the opening portion of the cylinder and fixing the rod guide to the cylinder.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle with suspension springs having a rigid member with a face and back. An upper stop is on the face of the stabilizer near an upper aperture passing through the stabilizer from the face to the back, and a lower stop is on the face of the stabilizer near a lower aperture passing through the stabilizer from the face to the back. An upper L-shaped bolt is fastened in the upper aperture with the shorter leg of the bolt oriented toward the upper stop in order, together with the rigid member, to create a channel within which a first portion of a suspension spring is retained. A lower L-shaped bolt is similarly fastened in the lower aperture with the lower leg of the bolt oriented toward the lower stop to create a channel within which a first portion of the suspension spring is retained.

Abstract: A device for laying a flexible material web 1 on a point of deposit 4 and which has at least one pair of deposit rollers 2, 3 that rotate in opposite directions. The deposit rollers 2, 3 form part of a deposit carriage 5 which is reciprocated in a reversible direction over at least the deposit length L of the material web 1. The device is more cost-effective in that the deposit carriage 5 has a smaller width than the point of deposit 4 and is reciprocated in a reversible direction over at least the deposit width B of the point of deposit 4.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a sheet feed stacker and a transport belt disposed along a platen substantially horizontally; a discharge stacker disposed above the sheet feed stacker; and a light-shielding cover member provided between the platen and the sheet feed stacker for blocking light from the platen. The entire device is arranged above the platen, and it is easy to mount and dismount the device relative to the platen. An original is transported from the sheet feed stacker and to the discharge stacker along the platen with little damage.

Abstract: A paper-feeding mechanism includes a paper tray for positioning print media, a pickup roller installed in front of the paper tray for pressing print media so as to pick up print media, a pickup arm fixed to a first shaft at one end and connected to the pickup roller at another end for driving the pickup roller to rotate around the first shaft, a first gear installed inside the pickup arm and connected to a first end of the pickup roller, a swing arm fixed to a second shaft at one end and connected to a second gear for gearing the first gear at another end, a third gear fixed to the second shaft and engaged with the second gear for driving the swing arm and the second gear to rotate, and a driving device for driving the third gear.

Abstract: A media separator, that cooperates with a media pick to form a nip in a feed path of a media handling apparatus, supports a separation pad that includes first and second friction regions for movement relative to the media separator, against a bias force, in a feed direction of a sheet of media through the nip. The first and second friction regions selectively engage the sheet of media passing through the nip with a retard/separation force determined by the bias force, to retard and control a feeding operation of the sheet of media through the nip, and to feed plural sheets of media through the nip one at a time.

Abstract: In an apparatus for aligning sheets that are deposited on a sheet stack, there are sheet leading edge stops disposed so as to be vertically displaceable by a common leading edge shaft. An auxiliary stack carrier that is to be introduced into the stack region for nonstop operation causes the leading edge shaft or leading edge stops to be raised.

Abstract: The sheet conveyance apparatus includes a controller which controls a moving unit. The moving unit moves a sheet conveyance unit for conveying a sheet toward a direction intersecting with a sheet conveyance direction. The controller performs the control such that a moving speed of a shift moving unit is reduced when a shift amount of the sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus main body is small. Therefore, generation of a noise and vibration can be suppressed to save electric power consumption. When the shift amount of the sheet is large, the moving speed of the shift moving unit can be increased to shorten an operation time necessary to the movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying a shingled or overlapping sheet stream from a stack of sheets of a sheet feeder to a feed table of a sheet-processing machine with a belt table. The belt table is provided with at least one revolvingly driven suction belt, which is in operative connection with at least two suction boxes that can be acted upon by negative pressure. The invention can include a device for taking hold of the sheets. The invention also relates to altering a device so that, independently of the material to be processed, a last sheet of a sheet stream can be easily aligned. This objective is accomplished as follows: after the last sheet is detected and its front edge has been placed against the front guide stops, the operation of the suction belt is stopped.

Abstract: A multi-sheet feed detection system comprises a photosensor configured to receive light emitted in a non-visible spectrum by a transmitter through at least one sheet, and a detection module configured to detect a multi-sheet feed condition based on an amount of non-visible light received by the photosensor.

Abstract: A sheet detecting apparatus provided with a light emitter and a light receiver for receiving light emitted from the light emitter through a sheet conveying path, wherein the light receiver detects any change in a quantity of light from the light emitter caused by a sheet passing on the conveying path intercepting the light emitted from the light emitter, to thereby detect the presence or absence of the sheet is provided with a V/I converting circuit for driving the light emitter, a comparing circuit for effecting negative feedback on the V/I converting circuit by an output signal, and changing the quantity of light of the light emitter, and a limiter circuit for applying a limitation to the negative feedback effected on the V/I converting circuit by the comparing circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving media through an image forming device using a roller having a recessed kick area is described herein. The roller includes a contact surface having a first radius that extends 360° around the roller. The roller also includes at least one recess that extends inwardly from the contact surface along a sector of the roller, where a bottom surface of the recess has a second radius less than the first radius. As a result, along the sector of the roller having the recess, the width of the contact surface is less than the width of the roller. The recess comprises at least one kick surface on one end of the recess. As the roller rotates, the kick surface kicks a trailing edge of media exiting the exit roller system into a desired bin of the image forming device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a game of chance and entertainment, which incorporates an element of risk by rewarding a player for corresponding master and score value designations. One embodiment of the method of the present invention is played by at least one player. This embodiment is played with one master die and a plurality of scoring dice. The master die has a plurality of master sides, each master side bearing a master value designation thereon. Each scoring die has a plurality of scoring sides, with each scoring side of each scoring die bearing a score value designation corresponding to one of the master value designations. In a turn, the player shakes the master die and the plurality of scoring dice to obtain an upwardly facing master side and a plurality of upwardly facing scoring sides.

Abstract: A lottery card holder and marking guide comprising a rectangular opaque base sheet and a transparent outer sheet aligned therewith, and joined with the base sheet along at least one edge thereof, the transparent outer sheet and base sheet being configured to hold a lottery card therebetween; the lottery card having imprinted thereon a multiplicity of wager sections, each wager section having imprinted therein a multiplicity of boxes arranged in rows and columns; the transparent outer sheet having a multiplicity of open slots arranged in rows and columns configured in the same pattern as the multiplicity of boxes in the wager sections so that when the lottery card is positioned in the holder and marking guide, each of said slots will be aligned with a corresponding box on the lottery card.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are new forms of computer inputs particularly using TV Cameras, and providing affordable methods and apparatus for data communication with respect to people and computers using optically inputted information from specialized datum's on objects and/or natural features of objects. Particular embodiments capable of fast and reliable acquisition of features and tracking of motion are disclosed, together with numerous applications in various fields of endeavor.

Abstract: Players place bets. A 36 card deck with the tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings removed from a standard 52 card deck is dealt into eight piles of four cards each in front of a house dealer. A player/dealer chooses an action pile from the eight. A roll of three dice establishes who receives the action pile. The last four cards and any cards at vacant player positions are discarded. Players each create a front hand of two cards and a back hand of two cards of higher value than the pair of cards in the front hand. The player/dealer turns over his/her cards to the face side for both front and back hands. Each player in turn, beginning with the action hand, compares front and back hands with those of the player/dealer. Betting chips are paid or taken by the dealer/player depending on the comparative value of the player hands to the dealer hands.

Abstract: A game target is supported by a plurality of legs capable of remaining sure on both grass and concrete. The target is partitioned by the target frame into a plurality of zones. A pocket, attached to the target frame, occupies each zone. The pockets are of an appropriate depth to hold a plurality throwing projectiles. The target is supported in a reclining orientation in order to align with the typical trajectory of an underhand throw thereby better facilitating the capture of a throwing ball in a pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area.

Abstract: A combat game includes an inflatable arena, one or more inflatable player suits in fluid connection with said inflatable arena and at least one source of air in fluid connection with said inflatable arena and said one or more inflatable player suits, said at least one source of air capable of providing a flow of air under positive pressure.

Abstract: A seal for use in temperature and pressure extremes is disclosed. It features springs internal to the sealing members and the ability to seal against pressure differentials from opposed directions. A spacer ring prevents contact from oppositely oriented seal components and at the same time prevents spring and seal collapse under extreme loading conditions. The seal assembly is self-centering in a downhole seal bore and can be used on tools delivered on wireline, where the insertion forces available are at a minimum. The seal can withstand pressure differentials in excess of 13,500 PSI and temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a rack bushing and a rack and pinion steering assembly for use in a vehicle that includes such a rack bushing. The steering assembly may include a housing having a tubular rack portion with a tubular end, a rack mounted in the tubular rack portion and extending out of the tubular end, and a rack bushing mounted in the rack portion around the rack. The rack bushing includes a generally annular main body portion having a generally cylindrical inner surface centered about the axis and supporting the rack, an outer surface centered about the axis and including a generally cylindrical main surface adapted to engage the tubular end of the housing, and a first end and an opposed second end. The rack bushing may include a plurality of bores extending within the main body axially from the first end a portion of the way toward the second end.

Abstract: A seal joint for sealing a fluid is particularly adapted for use in extreme pressure and/or temperature environments. The seal joint includes a first member having a first sealing surface and a first opening therein, and a second member having a second sealing surface and a second opening therein, such that the first opening and the second opening comprise mating openings, and together comprise a fluid passageway. The seal joint also includes a metal gasket sheet located between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface which has an aperture through the sheet which corresponds to the mating openings. The seal joint also includes a rigid seal which surrounds the perimeter of the aperture and which is attached to the surface of the metal gasket sheet. The rigid seal has a thickness and a width which vary as a function of position along the length of the seal.

Abstract: A pipe gasket includes a toroidal gasket body and projections extending away from a peripheral surface of the gasket body. The gasket body is configured to allow the gasket body to roll along a spigot end of a first pipe as the spigot end is received inside a bell end of a second pipe. The projections each include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to facilitate rotation of the gasket body in a first rotational direction. The second surface is configured to inhibit rotation of the gasket body in a second, opposite, rotational direction.

Abstract: To provide a seal for a conducting element (3) which is positioned eccentrically in a through-hole (2) in a housing wall (1), a proposal is made for a sealing body (8) which can be moved in a radial direction (11) and which can be fixed after assembly of the conducting element (3) by means of a clamping device (19).

Abstract: A roller-tow harness for wear by a jogger or skater to tow behind him a second person on roller skates or roller blades. The harness consists of a wide belt that has fastening means in the back of the belt for connecting to at least one tow rope equipped with a grip handle for easy gripping by a second person that is being towed behind. The harness may optionally consist of a pair of shoulder straps to further stabilize the belt on the wearer and to further distribute the load from the wearer's waist to his chest and back.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspended body (1), at least two wheels (2) each mounted on a wheel support. Each wheel support is mounted on a suspension device (5) comprising a suspension support (4) and means for guiding the wheel support relative to the suspension support. The suspension device allows a vertical displacement of the wheel support relative to the suspension support, the size of the displacement being sufficient to produce the vertical suspension movement required. At least one wheel is arranged transversely on one side of the body and at least one other wheel is arranged on the other side of the body. Each suspension support is connected to the body by a height variation mechanism (3, 7, 11, 12) which allows the relative height of the suspension support relative to the body (1) to be varied. Each height variation mechanism is actuated by height control means (15, 16, 17, 18).

Abstract: A brake assembly for a shopping cart includes an elongated shaft and a pair of pivots for pivotally attaching the elongated shaft to each rear leg of the shopping cart. A pair of L-shaped members is secured to the elongated shaft and movable for frictionally engaging a respective rear wheel of the shopping cart. An actuating lever is attached to one end of the elongated shaft and is manually operable for moving the L-shaped members. A detent and guide member is secured to the shopping cart in proximity to its rearwardly disposed handle bar for guiding movement of the actuating lever. A ring couples the actuating lever to the detent and guide member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile, electro-statically stable cart for storing and transporting computers, computer accessories, and sensitive computer equipment such as servers, Ethernet switches, and batteries. The body of the cart is configured to receive equipment in a portable rack mount fashion while providing protection against electro-static discharge events using anti-static wheels, either conductive or static dissipative, drag chains, grounding points, and static dissipative paint.

Abstract: A support block at a trailing arm and a stabilizer link that varies in contact state to the support block form a large toe-in during out-of phase movement of both wheels and form a small toe-in during in-phase movement of the wheels, thereby embodying an appropriate toe-in displacement according to the vehicle turn and forward motion, thus improving the vehicle driving characteristics.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for a pick-up truck is pivotally connected with the truck tailgate for movement between a stowed position where the ladder assembly is held against the tailgate and an operable position when the tailgate is lowered and the ladder assembly extends between the tailgate and the ground. A linkage assembly connects the ladder assembly with a mounting plate connected with the tailgate. The linkage assembly spaces the ladder assembly from the tailgate when the ladder assembly is in the operable condition, allows the angle of the ladder assembly relative to the tailgate to vary in accordance with the height of the tailgate relative to the ground, and prevents the ladder assembly from pivoting past a normal position relative to the ground. A handle is also pivotally connected with a side wall of the truck adjacent to the tailgate to assist a user with climbing the ladder assembly into the bed of the truck.