Abstract: A document feeder includes a tray for holding one or more document sheets and a first flag disposed adjacent to the tray so as to engage a document sheet in the tray. A second flag is disposed adjacent to the tray to engage the document sheet so that the first and second flags produce balanced amounts of friction on the document sheet.

Abstract: Sheets fed out of a cassette supporting the sheets by a pickup roller are separated and fed by a sheet separation feeding unit having a feed roller and a separating roller which is rotatable in a direction opposite to a sheet feeding direction. A charge eliminating mechanism for eliminating charges of the separating roller is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction in a separation nip portion between the feed roller and the separating roller.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder with a drive system that can efficiently handle double-side scanning and accommodate more than one timing sequence for sequentially picking individual sheets from a stack using only two motors—a pick motor and a media motor. The automatic document feeder includes a pickup unit with a pick roller, a set of de-skew rollers, a main media path configured to guide a media sheet from the pickup unit to a scanning region and from the scanning region to an output tray, and a switch-back path configured to guide the media sheet back into the main media path. The drive system is operable to provide a high-speed picking mode and a delayed picking mode. In the high-speed picking mode, the pickup unit is driven by the pick motor to pull a subsequent media sheet from a stack of media sheet as soon as a previously pulled media sheet has passed the pick roller.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods relating to a media stack stop are disclosed.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus used in a state where the apparatus accumulates paper sheets for an image forming apparatus to form images thereon and the paper feeding apparatus is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein an engaging-holding member is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and the engaging-holding member engages and holds the paper feeding apparatus with an exterior housing of the image forming apparatus so as to enable the paper feeding apparatus to move into/from the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus, is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and wherein the engaging-holding member is provided for a specific one of the exterior wall faces of the paper feeding apparatus corresponding to the moving direction determined according to the specification of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet-feeding device includes a tray for holding sheet media of various widths and a shaft extending across the tray. A plurality of pick assemblies is mounted to the shaft. The pick assemblies are spaced along the shaft so that one or more of the pick assemblies contact sheet media in the tray depending on the width of the sheet media. Furthermore, the spacing of the pick assemblies is such that the pick assemblies in contact with the sheet media define a total offset relative to the centerline of the sheet media that is sufficiently small enough to avoid skewing of sheet media for a variety of different media widths.

Abstract: An air delivery device and printing or coating machinery using the same. In one configuration, the air delivery device is an air knife that cooperates with a printing device such as a printing press, coating machine or the like. In a particular configuration, the air knife is situated adjacent a set of cylinders in the printing device such that upon a sheet or related piece of printed substrate being put in an air flowpath created by the air knife, one or more operations can be performed on the still wet printed or coated sheet to minimize the chance of contact of the wet sheet surface with sheet delivery or related components. Examples of such operations may include turning, bending or folding the sheet, as well as drying the ink or coating placed on the sheet by the printing machinery.

Abstract: Provided are a sheet material accumulating method and a sheet material accumulating apparatus capable of performing a proper accumulation of a sheet material that does not produce a defective in the next process even when an overlap condition of a conveyed sheet material, such as a printed sheet, varies. Provided is a sheet material accumulating method for accumulating the sheet material W continuously conveyed from the above while a part of the sheet material W is overlapped, with the sheet material standing on a lower horizontal table 7, including the steps of: detecting a backpressure F that a bundle of sheet materials applied to a holder 8 for preventing a head side collapse of a bundle of sheet materials accumulated on the table during an accumulation process; and controlling a movement of the holder in an accumulation direction so that a backpressure may maintain a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the alignment of a stack of sheets comprising at least one pair of trimming elements (2, 14) which can be adjusted at distances relative to each other in a preferably continuous manner in order to accommodate and align the stack between said trimming elements (2, 14) An object of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus which permits the centered stack alignment in an inexpensive, reproducible and reliable manner, preferably occurring in transverse, as well as in longitudinal, direction, even when sheets are expected to be duplex-printed. In accordance with the present invention, the trimming elements (2, 14) are coupled to allow their counter-directional movement with respect to each other, in that an automatic stop means (4) preventing an enlargement of the distance between the trimming elements (2, 14) is provided, and in that this stop means (4) can be deactivated if required.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a platen that guides a sheet, restraining members disposed on the platen at respective side edges of the sheet to restrain the side edges of the sheet from being raised, a sheet width detector that detects the width of the sheet, and a restraining member detector that detects the positions of the restraining members. At least one of the restraining members is moved in accordance with the information obtained by the sheet width detector regarding the positions of the side edges of the sheet and the information obtained by the restraining position detector regarding the positions of the restraining members.

Abstract: A plurality of moving-amount detecting units respectively detects a moving amount of the sheet fed by a feeding unit at a plurality of points in a width direction of the sheet. A skew detecting unit detects a skew of the sheet based on the moving amount of the sheet detected by the moving-amount detecting units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work sheet conveying device having a traveling member with a compact work sheet holder, making it possible to improve work sheet conveying speed and to reduce the time required for acceleration and deceleration, the work sheet conveying device further making it possible to improve the efficiency with which small work sheet's are conveyed. The work sheet conveying device includes a plurality of traveling members 13, 14 that can travel independently along a plurality of tracks 11, 12 installed parallel to one another between a work sheet processing machine 1 and a work sheet placement portion. Each of the traveling members has a work sheet holder 19, 20 that holds a work sheet. A part of the work sheet holder 19, 20 is configured as an expanding portion 26 the position of which can be changed to a traveling area R1, R2 for the traveling member traveling along the adjacent track.

Abstract: The paper thickness of a medium to be recorded is detected, and the pressurization force of a conveyance roller is controlled. When a thick paper is detected, the pressurization force of the conveyance roller is made high. When a normal paper or a thin paper is detected, the pressurization force of the conveyance roller is decreased or the pressurization is released.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work sheet conveying system which enables a work sheet cabinet to be simplified and which allows palettes to be efficiently moved into and out from the work sheet cabinet. The work sheet conveying system according to the present invention includes a work sheet cabinet 3 having a housing portion 3a with a plurality of stages in which palettes 9 on which work sheets W can be loaded are housed and from which the palettes 9 housed on the respective stages of the housing portion 3a can be individually drawn out in a horizontal direction, and a work sheet conveying device 4 that conveys a work sheet W between a work sheet processing machine and the palette 9 drawn out from the housing portion 3a of the work sheet cabinet 3.

Abstract: A method for feeding sheets includes feeding a first sheet to a location for flipping sheets with respect to a target position before the first sheet is fed passed the target position. A second face of the first sheet is fed passed the target position. The first sheet is fed to a second location for flipping sheets with respect to the target position. The second location is different than the first location. A first face of the first sheet is fed passed the target position.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus of the invention includes a sheet guiding unit configured to have plural components including paper carrying components be attached thereto, a tray onto which a sheet of paper is discharged, and a protection cover attached to the sheet guiding unit at a portion in close proximity to the tray side. A protection cover has a cover main body, a screw attachment portion, a screw cover that covers the screw attached to the screw attachment portion, and a slit used for the tip end of the screw cover to be inserted into the cover main body to be fixed thereto.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming machines having movable top boxes. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a main cabinet having a first display for presenting a game and an extendable top box coupled to the top of the main cabinet. In one embodiment, the top box includes a front surface and an opposite back surface. The top box abuts the top of the main cabinet in a first position, and the top box is in a vertical position away from the top of the main cabinet in a second position.

Abstract: A casino style game apparatus preferably having a table layout for playing a roulette or roulette-like game without a roulette wheel. The preferred embodiment uses a ball blower to select a numbered ball from a set of thirty-eight numbered balls. A monitor displays the selected ball as viewed from a video camera mounted above the ball blower. The number displayed constitutes the random number decision generation replacing the use of a roulette wheel. An additional embodiment uses a random number generator to select a number from one to thirty-eight for random number decision generation. Another embodiment uses a shuffled thirty-eight card deck from which a numbered card is selected constituting the random number decision generation. An additional embodiment uses a remote control activated by a player to initiate the random number generator for selection of a number from one to thirty-eight to constitute the random number decision generation.

Abstract: A device comprised of: a shell forming a chamber within the shell; an inner housing allowed to freely rotate within the chamber of the shell and a display unit with multiple light sources within the inner housing. The display unit is weighted such that light sources always face upward when the device comes to rest. When dropped, the display unit randomly illuminates at least one of the light sources to indicate a number, simulating the roll of a die.

Abstract: My child educational board game, “Electronic Word Battle”, requires players to approach word learning, sequencing, and construction from a naval/military strategist point of view in that instead of targeting objectives in a mere hit-or-miss salvo situation, where the goal in and of itself is to reach and eliminate occupied coordinates, he/she must locate and actually identify, through the support of computerized digital displays that connect opponents and which keep track of dispersal and success or failure of attacks, the quality of the opponents' pieces (these being letters) before the other competitors capture or eliminate out of play all his/her own word patterns.

Abstract: A board game which represents a predetermined geographic area including a plurality of cites which a plurality of players may visit. The players may enter and exit the predetermined area through various entrances and exits and a plurality of travel routes are designated within the area along which a player may move. A player receives points determined by which area of interest and which themes related thereto exist. Various cards are provided for each player which may be used by the player during the play of the games which the cards determining the manner in which the player may move or be restricted from motion.

Abstract: My child educational board game, “Word Battle”, requires players to approach word learning, sequencing, and construction from a naval/military strategist point of view in that instead of targeting objectives in a mere hit-or-miss situation, where the goal in and of itself is to reach and eliminate occupied coordinates, he/she must locate and actually identify the quality of opponents' pieces (these being letters) before the other competitors capture or eliminate out of play all his/her own word patterns.

Abstract: A game system is presented. The system includes a plurality of cards, each card being associated a game feature, and a scanner configured to scan information from the cards. The processor is operable to associate a first card with a first player upon the first player causing the first card to be scanned, associate the first card with a first game feature, display a representation of the first game feature on a first display area associated with the first player, enable the first player to access the first game feature, reassociate the first card with a second player upon the second player causing the first card to be scanned, display the representation of the first game feature on a second display area associated with the second player and enable the second player to access the first game feature.

Abstract: A floating game table for playing a predetermined game thereon while relaxing in a receptacle containing a predetermined fluid therein. The floating game table includes a main body member manufactured from a predetermined material capable of floating on such predetermined fluid. The main body member has each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size. Such main body member also has each of an upper surface for playing the predetermined game thereon and a bottom surface for contacting such predetermined fluid.

Abstract: A shooting target apparatus has a portable base capable of staying put on a surface and a target holder for holding a target for shooting. The target holder is supported by the base for pivotal movement. There is a battery-operated drive mechanism in the base for causing movement of the target holder between a concealed position, concealing a target held by the target holder, and a revealed position, revealing the target. Also included is a control circuit controlling the drive mechanism, which includes a wireless signal receiver for receiving a wireless control signal to activate the drive mechanism to cause movement of the target holder from the concealed position to the revealed position and from the revealed position to the concealed position.

Abstract: A hand assisted laparoscopic seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes a seal body and a housing supporting the seal body. The seal body includes a core composed of a fast recovery foam and a flexible membrane covering the core.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry and labyrinth-type teeth that influence the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: A method and seal assembly for sealing a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of flexible leaf plates in an opening defined between a pair of spaced walls that include an adjustable front wall and an adjustable back wall that is opposed to the front wall. The method also includes adjusting a width of the opening by axially adjusting at least one of the front and back walls with respect to a central rotational axis of the rotary component.

Abstract: A driven seal assembly is provided for a shaft rotated by a motor disposed in a motor housing and having a seal housing adjacent to the motor housing through which the shaft extends. A first stationary seal seat is mounted on the shaft and secured in a bore of the seal housing. A first rotary seal is frictionally fit on the shaft adjacent the first stationary seal seat. A second stationary seal seat is mounted on the shaft and is secured in a bore of the motor housing. A second rotary seal is frictionally fit on the shaft adjacent the second stationary seal seat. A spring surrounds the shaft and provides bidirectional axial forces on the first and second rotary seals against the first and second stationary seal seats.

Abstract: A sealant is configured to activate (e.g., cure and/or foam) in two stages (e.g., of two distinct portions of time). Advantageously, the sealant can exhibit self supporting characteristics during the second activation at least partly because of the first activation.

Abstract: A bi-directional metal seal is energized and un-energized by a rolling action that takes place between radiused seal lips. The seal forms an assembly with upper and lower energizing rings. The rings have external grooves for engaging hook ends on the inner surfaces of the seal lips in a nesting arrangement when the seal is in the un-energized position. When the upper ring is pulled upward, the seal is un-energized and does not contact the adjacent conductors or wellhead members. When the upper ring is forced downward, the hooks ends of the seal are forced out of the grooves causing the seal lips to roll around in a radial outward direction, rather than stretch, and expand against the seal's outer diameter. This energizing process also causes the seal to become smaller on the seal's inner diameter, and thus forms a pressure-assist, metal-to-metal seal with the adjacent conductors.

Abstract: A piston ring is made of high polymers and fits in a circumferential groove of a piston in a cylinder of a compressor or a vacuum pump. A plurality of cuts are formed in the piston ring. When the piston ring is turned inside up or pulled out radially, it is stretched out. The piston ring can easily be fitted in the circumferential groove of the piston to prevent a fluid from leaking through between the piston and the cylinder with sufficient sealing capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine arranged to operate in explosive environments, comprising a rotatable shaft (16) extending through a stationary part (10) of said machine, a gland (20) which is mounted in said stationary part (10) and which is provided with a through hole in order to accommodate said rotatable shaft (16) such that a flame path is provided between the rotatable shaft (16) and the gland (20). The invention is characterized in that the machine comprises dampening means (42) arranged between and separates the gland (16) and the stationary part (10) in the axial and radial directions such that a flame path (50, 56) is provided, the dampening means (42) maintaining the flame path (50, 56) and permitting axial and radial movement of the gland (20) in relation to the stationary part (10) upon rotation of the rotatable shaft (16).

Abstract: A sealing element is provided for placement between first and second components, wherein the first component includes a cylindrical cavity with a step-shaped shoulder which narrows the cavity, and the second component is a cylindrical component for placement in the cavity. The sealing element comprises a stiffening body with a L-shaped longitudinal cut surface, with the first leg of the L, shape being provided extending between the jackets of the cavity and of the second component, and the second leg being provided essentially in the region of the shoulder extending between the two components and at least in partial regions for touching the shoulder and the end side of the second component.

Abstract: A combination seal is attached to a bearing comprising a fixed element and a rotating element which rotate relative to each other, so as to seal an inner side and an outer side of the bearing. The combination seal is comprised of a seal ring and a slinger. The seal ring is comprised of a reinforcing ring and an elastic seal supported by the reinforcing ring. A leading end side of the elastic seal, supported by the reinforcing ring extending toward the slinger, is brought into contact with a surface of the slinger, which is opposite to the seal ring, when the combination seal is attached to the bearing. During a combining work process, when combining the seal ring and the slinger to form the combination seal, a seal lip does not turn over and the seal lip can be held toward a predetermined direction without using a specific jig during the combining work process and without being particularly careful during performance of the combining work process.

Abstract: A sealing device is to be fitted at a side of a bearing unit in order to seal a gap (15) between a stationary race (11) and a rotatable race (10) of the bearing unit. The device includes a relatively rigid reinforcing insert (16) of disc-annular shape, and a gasket (17) of relatively soft rubber or elastomeric material, over-moulded or vulcanized onto the insert (16). The gasket forms two opposite peripheral sealing portions (18, 19) intended to perform a static sealing action against the rotatable race (10) and a dynamic sealing action on the stationary race (11), respectively. The insert (16) includes magnetized or magnetizable material for forming, at predetermined angular zones or fields, a sequence of alternate and/or spaced north/south poles, in order to act as an encoder.

Abstract: The asymmetric gasket counteracts the twisting tendency of a gasket in radiused portions. The design also energizes the seal in higher pressure applications to further increase the seal force and uniformity. The result is the minimization of potential for gasket roll and maximized seal pressure and stability. The gasket includes a gasket body having an upper surface and a lower surface each adapted to engage one of the two members being sealed. The gasket body has a radiused portion having an asymmetric cross section wherein the intermediate portion of the outboard surface extends radially outward from the outboard edges of the upper and lower surfaces to a greater extent than the intermediate portion of the inboard surface extends radially inward from the inboard edges of the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A gasket resistant to vibration and noise generation is interposed between a cylinder head and an exhaust manifold of an engine. The gasket includes a gasket main body interposed between a cylinder head and an exhaust manifold of an engine, a base plate affixed to the gasket main body and having a heat shielding portion integral with a base portion and extending to a side of the exhaust manifold, and a reinforcement plate fixed to the heat shielding portion, in which the reinforcement plate is not present at a region of the base portion in contact with the gasket main body, and a reinforcement rib is formed at the region of the base portion in contact with the reinforcement plate and a region of the heat shielding portion in contact with the reinforcement. The base portion is provided with a projected portion projected into a path of introducing secondary air from a side wall of the cylinder head to an exhaust port.

Abstract: A firewall sealing assembly is provided for use between a firewall and a penetrating member. The assembly comprises a primary seal, a secondary seal, and a plurality of retaining rings. The primary seal is configured to provide a primary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is configured to provide a secondary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is positioned spaced apart from the primary seal to define a seal cavity there between.

Abstract: A firewall sealing assembly is provided for use between a firewall and a penetrating member. The assembly comprises a flexible coupling and a secondary seal. The flexible coupling is configured to provide a primary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is configured to provide a secondary seal between the firewall and the penetrating member. The secondary seal is positioned spaced apart from the flexible coupling to define a seal cavity there between.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a grommet assembly to seal and reinforce holes through a cured in place liner for securing a cable. A first grommet base having a centrally located aperture with wedge shaped grooves is positioned on one side of the hole. A barrel having two opposed sets of wedge shaped projections is inserted into the grommet base and a second grommet base is placed on the barrel and pushed towards the liner until the second base firmly contacts the top surface of the liner and compresses the liner against the first base. The wedge shaped projections on the barrel and the complimentary grooves in the central apertures of the grommet bases prevent the barrel from being pulled out of either grommet base. The end of the barrel which projects out above the second base is cut off flush with the top surface. A hydraulic press to install the grommet assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow seal for use in sealing between relatively movable first and second panels, such as between a fixed window panel and a slidable window panel of a rear window of a pick-up truck or the like. The hollow seal has an internal geometry that supports an outside layer or portion of the seal under pressurization to prevent leakage and seal blowout. The outside portion is shaped to provide a pair of laterally spaced-apart sealing lips that have a pressure-activated sealing geometry for tight sealing against the panels when under pressurization.

Abstract: A collapseable spider wheel assembly on a towing device enables storage of the device into a standard rectangular space. Once collapsed, the collapsible spider assembly is protected within the body of the towing device. Furthermore, actuation of the folding and unfolding may be accomplished through the usual telescoping of the carrying handle of such a device, such as in a suitcase embodiment. While the spider wheels are in the open position, the carrying apparatus may exert a drive force to climb up stairs and braking force to descend stairs. The unit operates as a normal wheeled carrying apparatus while traversing a horizontal surface.

Abstract: There are provided suspension assemblies (1) for mounting a wheel axle to a vehicle chassis. The assemblies (1) are operable between a transport configuration and a loading configuration. An assembly (1) comprises a gas spring unit (10); a frame (20) for mounting said gas spring unit to a vehicle chassis; a moveable suspension arm (30) connected or connectable to a wheel axle; and guide means arranged to restrict the gas spring unit (10) from twisting when inflated and deflated. Also provided are vehicles incorporating such assemblies.

Abstract: A method of customizing a blade holder for an ice skate, comprising: (a) providing to a customer a blade holder body being at least partly made of a clear material and comprising a front pedestal with a front inner surface, a rear pedestal with a rear inner surface and a bridge portion interconnecting said front and rear pedestals, the front and rear inner surfaces defining respective front and rear cavities; (b) providing to the customer a plurality of graphical elements; (c) receiving from the customer an indication of a certain graphical element selected from the plurality of graphical elements; and (d) applying the selected graphical element to one of the front and rear inner surfaces such that the selected graphical element is visible through the clear material.

Abstract: A roller skate is disclosed, in which two wheels are provided, and width can be freely adjusted, and the wheels can be detachably attached to a rear side of a shoe with a band, and the wheels are moved down when used, and the wheels are moved up when not used by allowing the wheels to rotate up and down. So, when not used, the user can walk like the shoes are worn in real. The movement and wearing are easy, and the size can be freely adjusted, and it is very easy to start, run and stop.

Abstract: An articulating chassis for skates with accompanying boot comprises: a plurality of brackets, a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers, and at least one articulating member. The brackets have a first side and a second side. The first side affixes with the boot and the second side affixes with the rollers. The first set of rollers having a first side, a second side, and a rolling surface. The second set of rollers having a top side and a bottom side and a tread surface.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a wheeled base, a rear frame projecting upwardly from the rear end of the base with a handle at its upper end, a basket having a rear end secured to the frame and projecting forwardly from the frame at spacing above the base, and a fixed child seat secured to the rear frame. The basket is closed by a pivoted rear gate at its rear end. Two or more carts can be nested together by pushing the front wall of the basket of a first cart through the rear frame beneath the fixed child seat of a second cart, simultaneously pivoting the rear gate upwardly to allow the basket of the first cart to enter the basket of the second cart. The side walls are inclined upwardly from the child seat to the front end of the basket.

Abstract: Device for lifting and transporting loads, for example shrubs, comprising a support member (10), a wheel axle (2) connected to the support member (10) by means of first connecting means (1) and being provided with wheels (3a, 3b) on which the device is movable, a lifting member (20) connected to the front of the support member (10) for lifting the load and a handling member (50) connected to the back of the support member (10) for manipulating the device. The first connecting means (1) enable the wheel axle (3a, 3b) to be moved between an upper position in which the wheel axle extends above the plane of the lifting member (20) and at least one lower position in which the wheel axle (2) extends below the plane of the lifting member (20). The first connecting means comprise first locking means (19) for locking the wheel axle (2) in the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for transporting articles. Such transporting being, for example, over soft terrain, such as sand, often under controlled temperature conditions.