Abstract: Highly reliable hydrodynamic bearing device and spindle motor are provided as a result of improving cleanliness by using an iron metal having austenite structure, which is a non-magnetic body, and solving the problem of lowering of abrasion resistance due to low hardness. A shaft is formed using an iron metal having austenite structure, and a surface treated layer dispersed with solid lubricant is formed on at least a part of the surface of a shaft facing a sleeve by spraying fine particles of solid lubricant. Cleanliness is improved since the shaft is formed using an iron metal having austenite structure, which is a non-magnetic body. Further, since the surface treated layer dispersed with solid lubricant is arranged on the bearing surface, the abrasion resistance is enhanced and excellent bearing reliability is obtained.

Abstract: A lubricated bushing is mounted in a mounting cavity in a bushing housing and has a body and a flange. The body has an axial hole formed coaxially through the body to rotatably hold a shaft of a rotor of a fan and a bottom concentric recess formed in a bottom end of the body. The flange is formed on and protrudes radially out from the outer wall of the body, is mounted against an inner wall of the mounting recess, extends longitudinally from the top end of body and is shorter than half the body. Even though the inner wall of the mounting cavity tightly compresses the flange, the compressive force cannot be effectively transmitted to the body to deform the axial hole, so the shaft is kept from seizing up in the axial hole.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member and an inner member. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the outer and inner raceway surfaces of the outer and inner members, via cages. Seals are mounted between the outer and the inner members. A backup seal is fit onto the outer circumference of the outer side end of the outer member. The backup seal has a metal core that includes a cylindrical fitting portion and an upstanding portion that extends radially outward from the fitting portion. A sealing member is integrally adhered to the metal core. The sealing member has a side lip formed so that it extends radially outward from the metal core and inclines toward the inner side surface of the wheel mounting flange to slidably contact the flange, via a predetermined interference.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for absorbing axial loads, which has a plurality of axial roller bearings arranged one behind the other and each having a housing plate, a shaft plate, and rolling body sets arranged between the runner plates. In each case, the shaft plates and the housing plates are supported axially by spacer rings arranged between them. The housing plates and the shaft plates have a constant axial thickness over their entire radial extent in the region of the rolling body sets, and at least one of the shaft plates has an annular clearance at its inner circumference which is inwardly open in the radial direction.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly and method for venting gas inside in a fiber optic connector sub-assembly. The fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector sub-assembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder having a passage extending therethrough. A stiffener tube having a tube body disposed about a portion of at least one optical fiber supports insertion of the optical fiber into the ferrule holder passage. The stiffener tube contains at least one opening in its tube body configured to vent gas trapped inside the stiffener tube during assembly. In this manner, the trapped gas does not form a gas pocket in the bonding agent, which could compromise bonding among the optical fiber, stiffener tube, and connector sub-assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ferrule holders and associated fiber optic connectors used in optical communications networks, optical devices, and the like to optically couple optical fibers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ferrule holder and an associated fiber optic connector having improved anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features, such as a twin-threaded configuration, a single-threaded configuration, a splined configuration, a broached configuration, a counter-bored configuration, a dented configuration, a finned configuration, etc. These anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features assist in holding an optical fiber in secure optical and/or physical contact with a ferrule within the ferrule holder and associated fiber optic connector.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to obtain an inexpensive bidirectional optical module wherein a diffraction efficiency can be maximized at different diffraction order for light beam with different wavelength, and light usage efficiency is enhanced. The bidirectional optical module includes a light-emitting element for transmitting an optical signal toward an end of an optical fiber; a light-receiving element for receiving an optical signal from the end of the optical fiber; and a grating in which stair shapes are repeated with a predefined pitch. In the bidirectional optical module, a phase function is defined as phase-difference contour lines which is formed by making two light fluxes from predetermined positions interfere with each other on a surface arranged at a position of the grating. A planar pitch of the grating is formed such that values of the phase function form phase contour lines each representing an integer multiple of 360 degrees.

Abstract: It is to enhance mass-productivity through quick adhesion of an optical element 11 to an optical module holder 14 using an ultraviolet curable adhesive 7. When an optical element 11 is adhered to an optical element attaching section 5 by an ultraviolet curable adhesive 7 through ultraviolet rays being irradiated onto the ultraviolet curable adhesive 7 applied onto a predetermined application surface 5a on an inner circumferential surface of the optical element attaching section 5 from an outer side of the optical element attaching section 5, a thin-walled section 20 for maintaining a transmittance of the ultraviolet rays transmitted through the optical element attaching section 5 at a predetermined value or higher is formed on the optical element attaching section 5.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for an optical transceiver, where the frame ground is electrically isolated from the signal ground in a low frequency region and is conducted in a high frequency region, without applying a capacitor as a substantial circuit component. The transceiver includes a TOSA whose housing is grounded with the FG and connected with the driver with a FPC board. On the FPC board is formed with a parallel plate capacitor, one conductive pattern on the one surface is connected with the housing of the TOSA, while the other pattern in the opposite surface is connected with the SG. This parallel plate capacitor isolates the FG from the SG in low frequencies, while conducts the FG with the SG in high frequencies.

Abstract: Various embodiments of duplex fiber optic connectors and optical transceiver modules are provided. One embodiment comprises an optical transceiver module comprising: an integrally-formed housing having a duplex front port with a pair of alignment holes for receiving a pair of ferrules from a duplex fiber optic connector, the duplex front port having an upper flexible retaining element and a lower flexible retaining element for retaining the pair of ferrules from the duplex fiber optic connector; an opto-electronic assembly contained within the housing; and an electrical interface extending from the integrally-formed housing.

Abstract: An electro-optical assembly (EA) is provided in which the transmitter and receiver components are integrated together on a single circuit board, which is encapsulated in a single molded EA package. Integrating the transmitter and receiver components on a single circuit board allows the size and complexity of the EA to be greatly reduced as compared to the traditional TO-can and FOT architectures. A standard semiconductor inline automation system and process may be used to manufacture the EA packages so that they may be mass produced with improved throughput, yield and quality as compared to the method currently used to manufacture and assemble the known EA used in the traditional TO-can and FOT architectures.

Abstract: An index-matching gel for use with nano-engineered optical fibers is disclosed. The index-matching gel is cross-linked, which prevents the gel from wicking into the voids and down the nano-engineered optical fiber to a depth where the fiber performance and/or device performance is compromised. The formulation comprises a non-reactive constituent A, two reactive constituents B and C, and a catalyst D. The gel is pre-cured and forms a cross-linked internal network that results in a single-component gel that does not require meter mixing of an additional constituent or heat curing. The gel is suitable for use in the mechanical splicing of optical fibers when at least one of the optical fibers is a nano-engineered optical fiber. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nano-engineered optical fiber.

Abstract: In the focal plane shutter for cameras, a shutter base plate, an shank for attaching the first blade drive component and the second blade drive component respectively so as to enable to be rotated, an shank for attaching a set component so as to enable to be rotated, and an shank for attaching the first blade and the second blade so as to enable to be rotated respectively are made of synthetic resins. Each of the shanks is fabricated after a shutter base plate was fabricated beforehand, and grooves for sump having cross section of V letter shape are formed at the same interval of angle extending toward the axial direction of the shank at the circumferential side surfaces of the shanks.

Abstract: In one example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more coils for establishing a magnetic field; a rotating permanent magnet, which has at least one extreme position depending on the magnetic field; and driving members, which are coupled to the permanent magnet and by means of which the members coupled to the actuator mechanism are driven. In another example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more wires, which are manufactured of a shape memory alloy that shrinks when heated; and driving members, which are coupled to said wire and by means of which the members connected to the actuator mechanism are driven.

Abstract: An imaging device and a portable information terminal device of the present invention include: a blade driving unit (20) made up of a base plate (21) having an opening portion (21a) serving as an optical path, an infrared light cut filter blade (23) movably supported by the base plate between a receded position displaced from the opening portion and a position facing the opening portion, and a first electromagnetic driving source (26) that drives the infrared light cut filter blade (23); a lens optical system (32, 33, 34) arranged on the optical path passing through the opening portion; an imaging element (42) that images an object through the lens optical system; and a control unit (51) that drives and controls the blade driving unit (20) and the imaging element (42). The control unit drives and controls the first electromagnetic driving source (26) so as to move the infrared light cut filter blade (23) to the receded position when using an infrared light.

Abstract: A focal plane shutter for digital cameras includes a first driving member for a first blade and a second driving member for the first blade, mounted to the same shaft; arms for the first blade on which a set spring is hooked; and a set member for restraining the first driving member for the first blade in the proximity of the position where the exposure operation is completed, at a set position by rotating a restraining member, and actuating the first driving member for the first blade to the starting position of the exposure operation in the restoration to the initial position immediately after the release.

Abstract: A camera includes a housing, a camera lens and a supplemental lens mechanism positioned on the housing and located in front of the camera lens. The supplemental lens mechanism includes a supplemental lens set, a carousel, a holder, a bracket, and a positioning ring. The supplemental lens set includes a number of supplemental lenses configured for producing different imaging effects. The carousel is disposed in front of the camera lens. The holder joins with the carousel to hold the supplemental lens set. The bracket is disposed in the housing of the camera and accommodates/carries the carousel. The positioning ring couples to the bracket to hold the carousel. The carousel can rotate in the bracket to make a selectable one of the supplemental lenses in the supplemental lens set align with the camera lens.

Abstract: A printer has an ASF connection/disconnection sensor 18a as a sheet feeding device detector which detects if an ASF 60 is installed to the main printer unit 1, a roll paper holder connection sensor 38 as a roll paper holder detector which detects if a roll paper holder 40 is installed to the main printer unit 1, and a control circuit board 35 which controls operation of the main printer unit 1 according to the detection status of the ASF connection/disconnection sensor 18a and roll paper holder connection sensor 38.

Abstract: An unbacked transport and conditioning printing system for printing a pattern on a fabric is disclosed. The system includes a fabric characterization and tension control subsystem for gathering information on variations in the fabric and an irregularity detection subsystem for detecting irregularities in the fabric, as well as, crease detection and removal. The fabric passes through a fabric drying and conditioning subsystem for characterization of the fabric. The system also includes a fabric control subsystem for advancing the fabric through a print zone, where a pattern is printed on an unbacked fabric. The fabric is transported through a drying and post-processing subsystem and a closed-loop color control subsystem.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having on the bottom a cleaning operation surface and a valve opening and closing device that is connected to the cleaning head and can hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The cleaning implement further includes a first circulation path through which the first fluid is ejectable from the cleaning head and a second circulation path through which the second fluid is ejectable by interrupting the first circulation path.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having a cleaning operation surface on a bottom, a holding portion arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, a pipe for coupling the cleaning head and the holding portion, and a valve opening and closing device provided to the pipe so as to be able to hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The holding portion includes a lever coupled to the valve opening and closing device so as to open and close a first valve of the first container or a second valve of the second container. A first ejection nozzle can eject the first fluid forward of the cleaning head, and a second ejection nozzle can eject the second fluid rearward of the cleaning head.

Abstract: An airtight cap structure is provided, in which the number of parts is not increased, and moreover, a design property can be given, and air-tightness can be secured. A cap is configured by two-color molding of a soft portion comprised of an elastic soft resin, and a hard portion comprised of a hard resin, and in a state in which the cap is attached to a main body, the use end portion is inserted into the elastic soft portion to mare a direct contact to be sealed, and at the same time, the surface of the tip end portion of the main body is brought into contact with the soft portion, thereby securing air-tightness of a refill.

Abstract: A binder spine with a generally rectangular back panel that has a width and a length. The back panel is bounded by generally opposed longitudinal edges. The opposed longitudinal edges are joined through living hinges to adjacent side panels. The binder spine is foldable along the living hinges between an open generally flat configuration and a generally closed configuration. At least one post member is located on one of the side panels, and at least one socket member is located on the other side panel. The socket and post members are aligned with one another and include generally cylindrical mating walls. The post and socket members are spaced apart in the open configuration by a distance. The socket and post members are positioned to retainingly interengage one another in the closed configuration to hold the binder spine in that closed configuration. The socket in the socket member receives the post member in a snap fit.

Abstract: A joint unit of a control arm of a wheel suspension in a motor vehicle, with a housing (1) and a pivot (2), which is mounted slidingly in the housing by a spheroidal bearing surface (3). The joint unit has a catching device (4) to avoid complete separation of the housing (1) from the pivot (2). The catching device spans over part of the housing (1) in a contactless manner during normal operation. The catching device (4) has at least one flexible catching band or at least one securing strap (4.1, 4.2) with a recess (4.1.1, 4.2.1), into which protrudes a catching pin (1.1, 1.2) of the housing in a contactless manner during normal operation, or at least two securing straps (4.1 and 4.2).

Abstract: A pivot assembly includes a support defining a hole, a pivot insert disposed in the hole and a retainer securing the pivot insert in the hole. The pivot insert defines a circumferential groove, and the retainer is a ring having inwardly directed fingers for engagement in the groove.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a cylindrically shaped structure within a hollow cylindrical structure includes means to maintain the angular and axial position of the structures fixed while the clamp is tightened.

Abstract: The invention concerns a splice bar for connecting two abutting sections of said cable tray, each cable tray section comprising longitudinal warp yarns and transverse weft yarns connecting the warp yarns. It comprises: an elongated central part (2) having two transverse support zones (18), designed each to receive one weft yarn; two anvil lugs (4) connected to the central part (2) on the same side thereof and arranged on either side of the transverse support zones (18); and two locking lugs (6) connected to the central part (2) on the side opposite to the anvil lugs (4) and arranged on either side of the transverse support zones (18).

Abstract: A road traffic barrier module comprises a hollow body adapted to receive ballast and adapted at either end to link with similar modules to form a barrier in which there is a pair of upper and lower horizontal bolts passing through mating ends of adjoining modules and there is also a pair of cables the ends of which are also secured by the bolts. In an alternative form adjoining modules are linked by vertical pins passing through mating ends of the adjoining modules and there is a pair of cables the ends of which are also secured by the pin. The modules are molded from a plastic material and the walls may also be clad with metal pressings to increase structural integrity and to protect against damage.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure involves modifying a display marker at least partially by actuating an at least one positional display element. Another aspect of the disclosure involves modifying an effective positioning of at least one display marker relative to a supporting structure.

Abstract: A water diversion system includes a hydraulic chute and a chute screen assembly in the hydraulic chute having a wedge wire screen. The water diversion system also includes at least one collection chamber located below the screen configured to collect filtered diversion water which has passed through the screen. The hydraulic chute includes a base, a crest, a sloped accelerator, and an abrupt drop with an adjustable lip, which forms a hydraulic formation in a downstream pool. The hydraulic chute can also include sloped sidewalls, which constrict the flow of water and form fish passage zones. In addition, the chute screen assembly can include a modular panel configured to facilitate construction, maintenance and replacement of the wedge wire screen.

Abstract: A levee apparatus is constructed of base panels connected end to end and supported by an underlying support such as the earth's surface. Side panels interlock with the base panels and with each other to form a generally triangular transverse cross section and a hollow interior that can be filled with a selected fill material. Interlocking projections on the side panels interlock with apertures of the base and with notches or recesses of other side panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: A floating platform system comprises first and second outer longitudinal beam members securing a truss frame having a plurality of truss elements. The floating platform system may further include at least one biasing device exerting a force on the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a platform interface and/or at least one flotation device secured to the longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame. The floating platform system may further include a plurality of inner longitudinal beam members interposed between the platform interface and/or the flotation device and the outer longitudinal beam members and/or the truss frame.

Abstract: A riser is connected to subsea well equipment and extends to a vessel. A tubular conductor is mounted stationarily to and around the riser, the conductor passing through an opening in the vessel. A set of rollers is mounted to the vessel around the opening for engagement with the conductor as the vessel moves relative to the riser. Hydro-pneumatic cylinder units are connected between the riser and the vessel for applying tension to the riser. An external flange is located on a lower portion of the conductor. A shock absorber is positioned around the conductor and mounted to the vessel for movement relative to the conductor. The shock absorber absorbs shock when the cylinder units are in an extreme stroke position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defined by a first surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The second clamp member is also supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defined by a second surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The actuator is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members.

Abstract: The resin anchor comprises an apertured tubular envelope designed to be compressed by a traction element, characterized in that it includes, on the inside of the envelope, a resin component and a hardener component that are intended to be mixed together and to cure under the action of the compression of the envelope, in order to fasten the anchor. The traction element is a stud having a threaded rod part that cooperates with a tapped traction element firmly attached to the end of the bushing. The anchor is fastened both mechanically and chemically, for either solid material or hollow material.

Abstract: A gabion deployment system comprising: a container for retaining a gabion and a gabion of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls and cross-members such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means associated with the container for retaining the gabion in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion to the retaining means; wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion to the retaining means when the gabion is folded but to release the gabion from the retaining means when the gabion is deployed.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing slopes having a first plate and a second plate attached to the first plate at a non-perpendicular angle. The second plate is configured to inhibit rotation of the first plate. At least one gusset is disposed on a first side of the second plate and attaches the first plate to the second plate. At least one strut is disposed on a second side of the second plate and attaches the first plate to the second plate. A guide tube is non-pivotally attached to the first plate such that at least one of a rod and an extension of the anchor are rotatable within the guide tube. The guide tube is a hollow cylinder that is completely closed except at the ends thereof.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments of the present invention, the present invention provides a plastic netting for use in various erosion control netting assembles. In at least one embodiment, the assembly comprises a first extruded plastic net, a second extruded plastic net secured to the first net, and a fiber matrix disposed between the nets. In at least another embodiment, the assembly comprises a first extruded plastic net, and a fiber matrix secured to and/or under the netting. In at least another embodiment, the net serves as a mulch control netting when secured to the ground over a mulch material. In yet another embodiment, the net serves as a turf reinforcement. In at least one embodiment, the net comprises a plurality of openings sufficiently sized, to enable small animals to traverse or weave through the erosion control netting assembly without getting trapped in the openings.

Abstract: A pneumatic nozzle capable of removing dry solid debris, liquids, and mixtures of solid and liquid waste is provided. The pneumatic nozzle uses a pressurized gas stream to push materials through the nozzle. The force of a pressurized gas stream provides a partial vacuum to allow material to be introduced into an opening of a nozzle via a slight suction force. Thereafter, individual particles and materials introduced into the pneumatic nozzle are pushed by a stream of pressurized gas through the nozzle.

Abstract: A power tool for drilling a hole in a workpiece made of wood or a wood material. The power tool generally includes a tool housing defining a handle and a motor contained within the tool housing that includes an output shaft that spins about a motor axis. A gear housing is connected to the tool housing. An output spindle is supported for rotation about a spindle axis in the gear housing. The spindle axis is disposed about ninety degrees from the motor axis. A gear portion on the output shaft is engaged to a gear portion on the output spindle. The motor and the gear portions are configured to rotate the output spindle at a speed in range from about five thousand revolutions per minute to about twenty-five thousand revolutions per minute. A cutting member is connected to the output spindle. The cutting member includes fluted cutting blades. A carriage assembly includes a base member and a head member connected by a first post having a first compliant member and a second post.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tap driver for rigid tapping, which includes predetermined tension and compression factors to self-synchronize the tap driver. In the preferred embodiment, the tap driver includes helical coils imparted in the tap driver body which allow the attachment body to synchronize axially in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude imparted on the tap. An additional embodiment of this invention provides such a tap driver body wherein the body allows for lateral flexure and movement to compensate for feed error and location error.

Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a wheelchair while transporting in a vehicle comprises a base with a guide channel adapted to accept a catch pin and has been secured to a wheelchair. The catch pin is guided into the channel by an angled portion of the base. A locking mechanism cooperates with a pivot plate to secure the catch pin within the guide channel. A release mechanism allows disengagement. The guide channel includes a deformation groove that allows the mechanism to operate even when the metal has been deformed through repeated use. Lips are also provided at critical locations to allow free rotation of the parts even when the metal is deformed due to use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bearing members at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a bearing member, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.

Abstract: Retainer for threaded fasteners such as the cap screws that secure the end caps of roller bearing assemblies to railroad axles. A locking plate is constrained against rotation relative to the fastener, a lock ring having a plurality of openings disposed along a circular path is placed over the head of the fastener, with the fastener being received in a non-circular central opening in the ring and thereby constrained against rotation relative to the ring, and tabs extending from the locking plate and engaging the lock ring through the openings to retain the lock ring on the fastener and prevent the lock ring and fastener from turning. In the disclosed embodiments, the ring can be placed on the fastener in different rotative positions, and the number of tab openings is either a prime number or another number that is not divisible by factors of the number of ring positions, whereby the fastener can be selectively locked in a relatively large number of different positions no more than a few degrees apart.

Abstract: A fastener system for retaining a loose elongate fastener in a counterbore, including an elongate fastener, such as a bolt, having a head for being received and retained in a counterbore in a structure and in generally flush relation to a surface of the structure surrounding the counterbore, and a retaining member for being secured to the structure proximate the counterbore and overlapping the counterbore to trap the loose fastener in the counterbore.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a collar configured to be secured to a structure, and a D-ring that may include a main ring body, end joints rotatably secured to the collar, and smooth intermediate sections integrally connecting the main ring body to the end joints. The smooth intermediate sections gradually transition the main ring body to the end joints. The main ring body may have a bow-tie cross-sectional shape that provides directional strength to the main ring body.

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

Abstract: A plurality of binding elements, each of a substantially uniform thickness, the fingers being looped over and coupled to the spine such that the inner surface of the fingers is disposed against the inner surface of the spine by an adhesive when assembled. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the binding element is resistant to a more permanent attachment to the adhesive such that the plurality may be stacked together, and successively decoupled or removed for insertion into a stack. The binding elements may include score lines or bends in the fingers to provide a rounded closed loop structure; optional gussets in the bends inhibit straightening of the fingers. The fingers optionally include variations in cross-section along the length to relieve certain stresses to inhibit the looped finger. The binding elements optionally include structure for facilitating interaction with an automating binding process.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling, transferring and storing conventional cargo storage containers on a cargo ship wherein the containers are stored in a multi-tier cell system and are manipulated by powered transfer units which are selectively moveable along an intersecting overhead track system such that containers may be simultaneously retrieved from, moved or placed within any of the cells of the ship. The transfer units are equipped both with hoists, which control spreader beams which are selectively secured to the cargo containers, and guide stabilizers, which prevent undesirable movement of the cargo containers when they are elevated above the cell structures such that the containers may be manipulated even during rough sea conditions such that the system is essentially continuously operable as a floating supply distribution system.