Abstract: A device includes a housing having a hollow center and a case having a hollow fiber membrane. The case is at least partially located inside the hollow center of the housing. A first gas flow flows to the hollow center through an introducing pipe and exits the housing via a discharging pipe. A second gas flow flows through the hollow fiber membrane in the case. The first gas flow enters the case through an inflow opening in the case from a gap between a wall of the housing and the case and exits the case through a discharging opening in the case to the gap between the wall of the housing and the case. The introducing pipe is located adjacent to a dividing wall. The device provides a humidifying property by transferring moisture from the first gas flow to the second gas flow or vice versa.

Abstract: A mass or heat transfer device is provided in the form of a tray with at least one movable or fixed valve covering an opening to prevent liquid flowing in the design flow direction to pass through the opening.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a coil spring that reacts between first and second spring seats. The first spring seat is fixed to a shock cylinder and the second spring seat is fixed to a rod that is slidably received within the shock cylinder. An isolator is positioned between an end coil of the spring and at least one of the first and second spring seats. The isolator comprises an annular ring that defines a cavity that is at least partially filled with fluid. The isolator evenly distributes non-centered spring end forces through the fluid to reduce the effects of side load forces.

Abstract: A bar clamp includes a driving key including a first key plate, an intermediate second key plate engaged the first key plate, and a rear first spring engaged with the first and second key plates; a locking key including a third key plate, an intermediate fourth key plate engaged with the third key plate, and a rear second spring engaged with the third and fourth key plates; and a spring-biased release button engaged with a protrusion of the third key plate. Pressing the release button against a handle grip will counterclockwise pivot the protrusion to compress the second spring until the third key plate contacts the fourth key plate and the third key plate is disposed perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of a slide bar. Further pressing the release button will counterclockwise pivot the third and fourth key plates until they are perpendicular to the axis of the slide bar.

Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, as would be used with a printer or copier, sheets to be stapled are accumulated in a compiler tray. A set of pivotably-mounted fingers are pressed, by their own weight, against a top sheet as sheets enter the compiler tray. The mount on which the fingers are mounted can be moved to accommodate a growing stack and maintain a parallel contact between the fingers and the top of the stack. The even distribution of pressure from the fingers avoids curling or buckling of the sheets in the stack prior to stapling.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a compile tray that contains a recording sheet and has a sheet end position determination portion contacting with and determine a position of an end edge of the contained recording sheet, a first sheet end alignment member that carries the recording sheet to the sheet end position determination portion and aligns the end edge, a second sheet end alignment member that moves between the sheet carrying position and a standby position, wherein the sheet carrying position is where the second sheet end alignment member contacts with the recording sheet to carry the recording sheet to a side of the first sheet end alignment member, and the standby position is separated from the recording sheet, and a second sheet end alignment member control unit that moves the second sheet end alignment member between the sheet carrying position and the standby position and changes a carrying position sustaining time to sustain the second end alignment member at the sheet carrying position accor

Abstract: A cash transaction machine includes a storage for storing paper media, a first transfer element transferring the paper media sheet by sheet from the storage, a temporary stack part located at an end portion of the first transfer element in order to stack the transferred paper media and vertically transfer a stack of the paper media, a second transfer element including an upper transfer part and a lower transfer part for transferring the stack of paper media, a rejecting element including a moving cover sliding right and left in an entry space provided at the lower transfer part, and a withdrawal extension part formed corresponding to the end portion structures of the second transfer element and the rejecting element and installed at the end portion to provide an extension path connected to the transfer path.

Abstract: A sheet feeder having a stack hopper for holding a stack of sheets, and feed belts for advancing the bottom-most sheet from the stack, is constructed to move at least one of the feed belts laterally toward and away from another of the feed belts while the belts are being driven. Preferably, side guides extend substantially to the end of the feeder, and extend both above and below the upper surface of belts to which they are adjacent. The belts extend between and around shafts of uniform diameter through the reach of lateral movement of the belts. The shafts are journaled in bearings mounted in such a way that they can be lifted out to change belts quickly and easily.

Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus includes a pair of transporting rollers, a table and a table drive mechanism. The pair of transporting rollers consist of a driving roller and a driven roller. On the table are stacked a plurality of recording media to be supplied to the pair of transporting rollers. The table drive mechanism moves the table between two positions of a transport position and a standby position. The table drive mechanism descends the table to the standby position, from the transport position, after the uppermost recording medium of the recording media stacked on the table at the transport position is sandwiched between the driving roller and the driven roller.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum wicketting arrangement has a rotary hub body positioned on a shaft or spindle and supporting a number of pickup arms, and a non-rotating vacuum spinning head that provides vacuum to the rotating hub body and pickup arms over a portion of their arcuate travel. The rotary hub body is provided with a lock ring formed or a pair of half rings with hand levers so that the position of the hub body on the shaft can be adjusted toollessly. The pickup arms are held in place in their sockets by ball and spring detents, so that they can be pulled out for cleaning and reinserted without tools. A friction fitted plug closes off the end of each arm.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a universal interface is provided for operatively connecting and feeding sequential copy sheet output of various selectable first sheet processing machines to various selectable second sheet processing machines spaced apart horizontally or horizontally and vertically from the first sheet processing machines by widely varying ranges of horizontal distances. The universal interface includes a frame and a universal interface module providing a sheet feeding path repositionable relative to the frame therethrough, from one side to the other of the module, for transporting the copy sheet output of the first sheet processing machine to the copy sheet input of the second sheet processing machine. Further, the universal interface module includes an integral horizontally or horizontally and vertically repositionable sheet receiving and sheet discharging sheet path ends opening at opposite sides of the universal interface module.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing sheet material includes a transport device for transporting single sheets of the sheet material. The transport device includes a diverting device for diverting the transport direction of the single sheets having one or more opposite first and second diverting elements between which the sheets are transported through for diversion. One of the diverting elements has a roughened surface with depressions of at least 1 mm. The apparatus further includes a smoothing device arranged so as to pull apart the sheet material in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction immediately before diversion in the diverting device.

Abstract: A spiral slot stacker (1) has a stacker wheel (4) for accommodating sheet material (6, 7, 8), a stripper (2) for stripping off the accommodated sheet material (6, 7, 8) and a stack deposit (9) for stacking the stripped-off sheet material (6, 7, 8). The stacker (2) is movable and in a first position strips off the sheet material (6, 7, 8) from the stacker wheel (4) in such a manner that it is intermediately stacked between the stacker wheel circumference and a guideway (3). When the stripper (2) is moved to a second position, it stacks the intermediately stacked sheet material (7) on the stack deposit (9), and subsequent sheet material (6, 7, 8) is directly stacked on the stack deposit without intermediate stacking.

Abstract: A scratch off lottery game card including a substrate on which a plurality of original game indicia are printed on a substrate, and a replica set of the original game indicia is placed on the top of the original game indicia in a scratch-off material covering the same. The replica game indicia and original game indicia are preferably in contrasting colors to be visually different from each other.

Abstract: A reel assembly of the invention includes a first elastic member capable of axial and circumferential deformation at the joint between a motor shaft and a reel. A motor exerts torque on the reel through circumferential deformation of the first elastic member, which absorbs circumferential vibrations of the reel at a stop position. A fastening member coupled to the shaft includes a second elastic member capable of axial deformation. The fastening member presses the second elastic member against the reel in the axial direction to secure the reel on the shaft and compress the first elastic member. The second elastic member absorbs axial vibrations of the reel at a stop position. When the first elastic member is made of elastomer, its circumferential elasticity varies with axial compressions, and accordingly, the circumferential elasticity is easy to optimize in order to absorb the circumferential vibrations of a reel of whatever size and weight.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game using dice is disclosed. The method is ideally suited for video-based machines or Internet-based applications. However, it may be conducted in a live environment. Dice comprising multiple characteristics (e.g., values and colors) are used to generate random outcomes. Players may place wagers on value outcomes and color outcomes. Multiple groups of distinct dice may be used to create a game matrix having multiple pay lines which afford players multiple wager options. In one electronic version five dice are used. A player places a wager and then four of the five dice values are generated and revealed. With four of the five values known, possible winning outcomes are highlighted from a pay table listing all winning outcomes. In this version, there are always possible winning outcomes after four of the five dice have been revealed. Bonus trigger outcomes are also discussed.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method is provided for biasing or controlling the deal of cards, or other indicia, to players of a game. The cards are biased such that each player in the game will receive a hand that is close in ranking to all the other players of the game. Each player of the game is assigned a deviation multiplier selected from a list. Next an initial single hand rank is randomly selected and each player's deviation number is used to identify a range of hand rankings from which each player's hand is selected. If the initial hand ranking is 50 and the average deviation for a player is 2, the player's hand ranking will be in the range of 50±(10×deviation multiplier) or 50±(20) which is 30-70. (i.e. 50±20 or 50?20=30 and 50+20=70). Biasing the deal of the cards increases the excitement and competition of the game by allowing all players of the game to have relatively close hand rankings.

Abstract: An electronic dart game includes a dart and a dartboard provided with a frame and a main body for being shot by the dart. The dart game can be scored automatically for being provided a plurality of inductance coils on the frame and connected to a electronic scoring means. A point or a slender shaft of the dart is magnetized so that an electronic signal can be generated while the dart is shot to go through the inductance coils in accordance with the Lenz's law. Therefore, the chances for erroneous signal to occur are very slim. As the main body is designed directly to the frame, the dartboard has a stable one-piece surface, thus a player will have a similar satisfactory sensation as shooting onto a classical one-piece dartboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal with non-contact adjacent deflector rings, arranged concentrically to each other, about a common rotation axis, whereby, on a first deflector ring of the deflector rings, at least two axially-adjacent radial lips are embodied an said radial lips are embodied such as not to come into contact with a second deflector ring of the deflector rings and an annular hollow cavity is embodied between two axially-adjacent radial lips and the second deflector ring.

Abstract: A sealant is provided that possesses many or all of the characteristics of conventional thread sealants, and allows application with improved smoothness and uniformity of application. Sealants in accordance with the invention utilize engineered fibers such as melamines like Basofill and polyaramids such as Kevlar in its composition. Engineered fibers offer consistency and uniformity that other previously used sealants lack. Engineered fibers can improve the gap filling characteristics of the sealant, as well as the resistance of the sealant to chemicals and high pressures. Engineered fibers tend to have very high strength and low density.

Abstract: A seal ring 10 for sealing between first and second members 12, 14 each having an outer groove surface 16, 126 and inner groove surface 18, 127 includes a metal seal body 26, 42, 52, 60, 70, 80, 92, 110, 122, 140 for engagement with the outer groove surface on the first and second members, and a metal flexible flange 30, 32, 44, 46, 54, 56, 62, 64, 76, 78, 88, 90, 94, 96, 112, 114, 128, 144, 146 with a cantilevered end of a flexible flange providing substantially line contact sealing engagement with the inner groove surface on respective first and second member. The metal flexible flange is configured for being fluid pressure energized, and is deformed beyond its elastic limit when securing members secure the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A gasket assembly includes a one-piece gasket that has a mounting end, for mounting in an opening of an associated enclosure body, and a pipe engaging end, for receiving an associated pipe. An intermediate section is located between the mounting end and the pipe engaging end. A clamp assembly is used on the pipe engaging end of the gasket. The clamp assembly is looped to assume an annular configuration. A retaining member, of one piece with the gasket, extends from a wall of the gasket, for retaining the clamp assembly to the gasket in a transport position.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel dual-membered suctional gasket which has a reliable function to fit and fix the gasket to an object to be sealed, and also provides an effective suction effect and air venting function. For that purpose, the gasket which has a function to prevent fluid from leaking when compressed, comprises an inner sealing member 1 and outer sealing member 2 arranged on a surface perpendicular to a compressing direction; and a plurality of connecting members 3 for connecting and fixing the inner sealing member 1 and the outer sealing member 2 together. Suction cup structures are formed, when a proper amount of air closed between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member is vented from the inner sealing member, the outer sealing member or the both sealing members by compressing the dual-membered gasket.

Abstract: In order to avoid pressure and volume compensation as much as possible during measurement of the pressures of air spring units, the pressure in the air spring units (5, 6, 7, 8) is estimated prior to measurement of the pressures of the air spring units (5, 6, 7, 8) and is compared to the pressure in the air pressure accumulator (3). The higher of the two pressures determines the position of a 3/2 directional control valve (11) which separates the collector line (25) connecting all air spring units (5, 6, 7, 8) from the air pressure accumulator (3) or which connects it to as small a chamber volume of the supply system as possible.

Abstract: A stabilization system for a motor vehicle includes an independently actuatable airbag assembly disposed at each wheel. A damper assembly disposed at each wheel is lockable to maintain the motor vehicle in the desired level position. The system includes a controller in communication with the airbag and damper assembly and a sensor assembly that senses a relative position of the body of the motor vehicle relative to a level plane and adjusts the airbag assembly in order to attain a level position of the motor vehicle and once that level position is attained, lock the damper assembly in order to provide a foundation-like feel to the motor home in a parked position.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.

Abstract: A recycling cart (100) for sorting, retaining, and transferring articles is provided. The recycling cart includes a waste container (10), at least four supporting members (20), at least four rotating members (30), and a sorting member (50). The supporting members are attached with the waste container. The rotating members are attached with the supporting members and configured for facilitating moving the recycling cart. The sorting member is configured for sorting articles. The sorting member is hinged with two of at least four supporting members and located above the waste container.

Abstract: A movable power implement is provided for operation by an operator positioned adjacent to the implement and the operator directs the implement via a handle of the implement. The implement includes a lower portion having a base, a motor located on the base, a driven operational mechanism operatively connected to the motor for driven operation, a first handle portion connected to the base, a second handle portion connected to the first handle portion, and a handle height adjustment apparatus. The handle height adjustment apparatus includes a connection mechanism adjustably connecting the second handle portion to the first handle portion. The connection mechanism includes a first pin located on one of the first and second handle portions and a plurality of pin receptacles located on the other of the first and second handle portions. The first pin is locatable into a respective pin receptacle for each respective adjusted position of the second handle portion.

Abstract: A supporting structure of a stabilizer to a vehicle body including a twist-deformable torsion bar having a pair of arms at respective ends thereof, the arms being connected to a suspension and a supporting device supporting the near the ends of the torsion bar on a vehicle body and having boll joints for supporting the torsion bar rotatably relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The variable ratio floating suspension system (10) includes upper (30) and lower (40) leverage arms with a shock-absorbing component (50) connecting the leverage arms (30, 40). In the preferred embodiment, the leverage arms (30, 40) and shock-absorbing component (50) pivotally connect a vehicle chassis to a vehicle wheel spindle (26). As the vehicle moves over uneven terrain, the configuration of the variable ratio floating suspension system (10) isolates vibrations and other unwanted forces in the shock-absorbing component (50) so that these forces are not transferred to the associated vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension utilizes a shunt linkage assembly between first and second torsion springs to change effective lengths of the first and second torsions springs in jounce and roll modes of operation. A first lever arm couples the first torsion spring to a first wheel and a second lever arm couples the second torsion spring to a second wheel component. The shunt linkage assembly acts as a tension-compression link between the opposed first and second lever arms. During jounce the first and second torsion springs would have one effective length, and during roll the first and second torsion springs would have a shorter effective length to provide roll stiffness that is greater than jounce stiffness.

Abstract: A vehicle frame includes a head tube, a fork, and a rotation limiting mechanism. The fork includes a steerer that extends rotatably through the head tube. The rotation limiting mechanism is operable so as to limit rotation of the steerer relative to the head tube, and includes first and second positioning units, and an engaging unit. The first positioning unit is coupled to the head tube. The second positioning unit is coupled to the steerer. The engaging unit engages releasably the first and second positioning units to thereby limit rotation of the steerer relative to the head tube.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a drawbar and a hammer strap that is fixed to the drawbar forward of a drawbar hanger.

Abstract: A motor vehicle trim element having weakened areas for an airbag deployment opening is provided. The layered construction of the trim element includes a carrier layer, a spacer layer laminated thereto and a decorative layer. A weakened area of the decorative layer is not visible from the outside. An additional layer of material, made of, for example, a plastic film, is located between the spacer layer and the decorative layer to reduce the likelihood of the weakened area becoming visible from the outside, even under thermal and/or mechanical stress. The additional layer of material may also include a weakened area.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) includes at least one inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) including a first portion (50) inflatable to cover a first portion (20) of a vehicle and a second portion (52) inflatable to cover a second portion (30) of a vehicle. A single inflator (70) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A first conduit (52) has a portion terminating in the first portion (50) of the protection device (14). A second conduit (62) has a portion terminating in the second portion (60) of the protection device (14). The first and second conduits (52 and 62) are adapted to move relative to each other from a first condition in which the conduits are positioned for installation in the vehicle (12) to a second condition in which the conduits are positioned next to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling a vehicle actuatable occupant restraining system including a discrimination crash sensor (32, 34, 36) for sensing a vehicle crash condition and providing a discrimination crash signal indicative thereof. A first crush zone sensor (40) is located at a first vehicle crush zone location and provides a first crush zone signal indicative of crash acceleration sensed by the first crush zone sensor. A second crush zone sensor (42) is located at a second vehicle crush zone location for providing a second crush zone signal indicative of crash acceleration sensed by the second crush zone sensor. A crush zone safing determining function (218) of the controller (50) monitors the first crush zone sensor and the second crush zone sensor and provides a crush zone safing signal in response to one of the first and the second crush zone sensors signals exceeding a first threshold and the other of the first and the second crush zone sensors signals being faulty.

Abstract: An airbag device for a vehicle includes a gas supply portion, an airbag body, and a low-pressure portion. When a vehicle collision occurs, the gas supply portion injects gas into an airbag body. The airbag body has a single-chamber structure. When the airbag body receives the gas from the gas supply portion, the airbag body is inflated and deployed toward an occupant to restrain the shoulders of the occupant. The low-pressure portion is provided in the same area of the airbag body, which faces the occupant when the airbag body is inflated and deployed, to protect the occupant's head. When the airbag body is inflated and deployed, the low-pressure portion is inflated such that the pressure in the low-pressure portion is lower than the pressure in the airbag body.

Abstract: An air bag (100) has an inflatable chamber (101, 301) defined by a main front panel (102, 212) and a pair of side panels (104a, b; 224, 226). The air bag (100) has a vertically oriented recessed portion (110, 220) spanning along most of the length of the main panel or a limited section thereof. The recessed portion (110, 220) divides the air bag (100, 210) into two lower lobe portions (112a, b, 240, 242) on each side of the recessed portion. Upon inflation an internal tether (180, 250) is attached to the recessed portion and is anchored at or adjacent to the gas inlet passageway thereby limiting forward movement of the recessed portion upon inflation. The air bag is useful as a frontal air bag, particularly a passenger frontal air bag.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a collapsible steering column assembly having a rake adjustment is provided. The steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for rotation about a rake axis. The support mechanism includes a rod pivotably coupled to the column jacket and a clamp pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and interconnecting the rod and the mounting bracket. The clamp permits movement of the rod therethrough during collapse of the steering column assembly in only one direction, and is offset from the rake axis. Accordingly, the clamp prevents backward movement of the rod therethrough, thereby preventing rotation of the column jacket about the rake axis post collapse of the steering column assembly to support the column jacket in an elevated position.

Abstract: A seat belt device allows easy connection of a lap anchor fixed to one end of a seat belt relative to a vehicle body or the like even when a seat weight sensor is installed below a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor and the vehicle seat are fixed to a vehicle body floor. A hitch member is attached to the seat weight sensor via a mounting bracket by a bolt. A lap anchor is locked to a hitch member by an engaging hook of the lap anchor. The hitch member is directly attached to a mounting bracket of the seat weight sensor. The mounting bracket is positioned between a seat rail and the seat weight sensor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a seatbelt system is provided having a seat belt with a latch slidably disposed thereupon and operable to connect with a buckle to fasten the belt, having a pillar extending within the vehicle and covered by a garnish and having a protrusion extending from the garnish configured to support at least a portion of the latch when the belt is retracted and unfastened such that the latch is restrained from rattling during vehicle travel.

Abstract: A fender fastenable to a bicycle bracing post includes at least a fender body and a fastening assembly. The fender body has a front section on which a concave portion, a slit and a holding space are formed. The slit can be opened elastically to allow a bicycle rear fork to be held in the holding space. The fastening means and the fender body can be coupled and adjusted to quickly install the fender on the bicycle bracing post. As a result more space is available to hold other bicycle accessories.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved spray suppression device for vehicles. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a front panel having generally opposed first and second main surfaces and being configured to have a plurality of first through openings laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, each forming a flow path through the front panel and a plurality of protrusions each having a cap and at least one post, connected to said front panel and positioned to project from the first main surface for substantially facing their leading wheel of the vehicle. Each cap is positioned substantially above at least one said first opening in said front panel and forming a second opening between the first main surface and the cap. The present invention provides a mud flap which allows air to pass through its opening without clogging with mud, rocks, and road debris.

Abstract: A connector includes a rear body portion and a front body portion. The front side of the rear body portion, and the front body portion disposed therearound, are for fluidly coupling to first and second sources of pressurized fluids in a co-axial manner. The rear side of the rear body portion is for fluidly coupling to first and second destinations of the pressurized fluids in an adjacent manner.

Abstract: A fluid connector is provided that allows for the simultaneous sealing of multiple tubes within a single outer shell when an external radial compressive force is applied.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a fluid supply assembly to a fluid applicator. The adapter provides a connection between the fluid supply assembly and the fluid applicator that can be engaged quickly, easily, and securely, and which has a strong tight seal around the connection.

Abstract: A coupling having two or more mating components with alignment of the mating components provided by mating projections and recesses. The components include extensions having bolt hole that align to form a bolt pathway when the components are properly aligned, and that do not align to form a bolt pathway through the extensions when the components are improperly aligned.

Abstract: An end clamp housing for attachment to a cylindrical body, the side end housing being a unitary metal casting comprising; an open annular base element provided with a first, ingoing flange at a first side of the base element and a second ingoing flange at a second side of the base element. The second ingoing flange having a cross-section forming a loop extending outwardly beyond the base element; and a pair of clamp members projecting outwardly from the base element. The clamp members being positioned face to face and having an aperture to allow the insertion of a tightening element which can be operated to reduce the distance between the two ends of the open annular base element and thereby press an annular seal element against the outside of a pipe inserted through the seal clamp housing, which after release of the tightening element returns to its original dimensions.

Abstract: A lock device which includes a bolt actuated by a flexible shape memory element. The memory element can assume an extended or a shortened configuration as a result of heating. A constraining element which includes two points between which an intermediate portion of the shape memory extends is also provided. The two points belong to a moveable transmission element which moves when the shape memory element extends. As a result, a controlled element is moved from between an operating position and a non-operating position.

Abstract: A door of a vehicle is opened and closed by a handle mounted to the side of the door. In the door, a vehicle door lock control connected to the handle comprises a base plate on which an operating lever and a release lever are pivotally secured. The release lever is connected to a door-latching device which engages with or disengages from a vehicle body. The door is placed by a knob via a knob lever in a locked position where the door cannot be opened by the handle. The knob is coupled to the knob lever.