Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide an electrically isolating clamp that is suitable for use, among other locations, within a composite wing structure and other fuel environments. According to embodiments described herein, the clamp includes a clamp body and cushion. The clamp body is manufactured from a non-conductive material and includes a strap and a base. The cushion may be manufactured from a different non-conductive material to provide at least two layers of electrical isolation between the tube or other object being secured and a structure. The cushion material allows for axial movement of the tube through the cushion. The cushion is disposed between the strap and the base. Shoulder flanges prevent axial movement of the cushion with respect to the clamp body. The clamp may have a cushion retention mechanism to secure the cushion within the strap prior to installation around the tube.

Abstract: A cable clamp-bracket combination for rigidly connecting to an item to be suspended, especially a HVAC duct suspended from the ceiling of a structure. The combination utilizing, e.g., a commercially available cable clamp rigidly but removably connected to the clamp in a position where openings in the bracket surfaces mate with the cable channels through the clamp and a slot through the bracket mates with a clamp release projection on the clamp. The cable clamp includes a clamp clutch adjacent each cable channel for holding a support cable. The combination resulting in a rigid connection between the clamp and the item (e.g., duct) and a non-slip connection between the supporting cables and the item. The bracket can be formed from a flat plate having preformed openings and connecting elements by bending the plate into the desired form for holding the clamp and being securable to the, e.g., duct.

Abstract: A holding device for at least one pipe, or the like, is disclosed, the holding device including a housing having a basic body and a lid movable relative to the basic body, and an insert for insertion into the housing. The insert includes at least one substantially U-shaped pipe receiving area into which the pipe is insertable through an insertion slot in a radial direction, so that the insert surrounds the pipe at least in sections. To improve the holding device such that it achieves improved acoustic decoupling together with a considerably simplified structure, it is provided that the insert includes a flexible device configured to close the insertion slot in the closed state of the lid at least in sections.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a retaining element for securing at least one elongate member to an installation surface in conjunction with a fastener. The retaining element includes a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion secures the retaining element to the installation surface. The at least one second portion engages the elongate member. Also, the second portion defines a single continuous arch formed by a plurality of engagement surfaces disposed on a bottom side of the second portion. The engagement surfaces define a portion of the perimeter of at least two substantially overlapping shapes, such as ellipses, having different dimensions. In this way, upon installation the elongate member directly engages and is secured to both the installation surface and at least one of the engagement surfaces.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stackable mount assembly that includes indexing and/or locking features. The stackable mount assembly includes a plurality of mounts. Each mount includes a hub and a fastener. Indexing features prevent the hub from freely rotating about the fastener, but allow the hub to index or rotate about the fastener at an index angle. The locking features prevent the hub from rotating about the fastener, locking the hub in a desired position and/or orientation.

Abstract: A protective cap or furniture glide is provided that includes a main body and a secondary body. Each body has multiple protrusions and multiple openings such that the protrusions from the main body are inserted into the openings on the secondary body and the protrusions on the secondary body are inserted into the openings on the main body. The main body further includes a circular base that includes a removable material attached to the bottom.

Abstract: A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is at least one flexible drip ledge of the base member. The drip ledge is generally self-adjusting with respect to the thickness of the adjacent siding.

Abstract: A hanging apparatus is provided that facilitates the attachment of a medical instrument to a support structure. The mechanism includes a generally longitudinal, telescoping assembly that extends outward from the back of the medical instrument and positions a rotatable arm to serve as one face of a clamp, opposing the back of the medical instrument as the second face of the clamp. The mechanism assembly includes a cylindrical shaft that extends outward against the tension force of a spring from a housing component of the assembly. A cam mechanism within the hanging apparatus allows for locking and tightening of the clamp against the support structure after closure of the clamp under the influence of the tensioning spring.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting a computer monitor of the type which has a thickness substantially less than the height and width thereof, said apparatus comprising: a base structure for resting on a support surface, said structure contacting said surface over a width and depth sufficient to provide a stable base for the computer monitor, the front of said structure extending under at least a portion of the monitor; a support member attached to the monitor for supporting the same; an elongated linkage having a rear pivot attachment to said base structure and a front pivot attachment to said support member; said rear pivot attachment permitting said linkage to pivot from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position; said front pivot attachment permitting the support member and monitor to pivot to assume a tilt angle within a predetermined limited vertical range during normal use and to pivot rearwardly so that said support member and monitor are generally parallel to said linkage f

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a universal joint is provide. The universal joint comprises first and second ends, a first member pivotally connected to said first end about a first axis, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member about a second axis wherein the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to and intersect each other and wherein the second end is operably connected to the second member. The apparatus comprises a ring rotationally connected to the second pivotable member about a plane containing the second axis, a restraint for restraining the ring from rotation about the first axis, and a lock for locking the ring relative to the first member.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is adapted for mounting a field device, as well as to a field device that for the purpose of attachment to a mounting surface comprises such a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket comprises (a) a first bracket strap which includes a first rotary bearing, (b) a second bracket strap, spaced apart from the first bracket strap by a space, including a second rotary bearing and (c) at least one movable lock on one of the two bracket straps. The rotary bearings are designed to articulate on two opposing sides of a field device that may be arranged in the space so that the field device may be rotated, on an imaginary axis that extends through the space, from a first angle position to a second angle position. The lock is designed to engage the field device in order to in this way resist a torque of the field device in that the lock converts the torque to a pair of forces which is removable by way of one of the rotary bearings and by way of the lock itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding element for fastening equipment elements to a supporting rail with a rail head having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional outer contour which is fastened to an inner supporting structure of a fuselage cell of an aircraft. The holding element has, inter alia, two resilient and pivotable clamping arms which, when “clamped on”, bear against the rail head and thereby bring about an initial fixing of the holding element on the supporting rail. The holding element can still be displaced longitudinally in this state. If the holding element is pressed further upward onto the supporting rail counter to the resilient action of two silicone buffers, a plug-in pin latches together with a spring clip and, by means of an upwardly moving locking frame, the locking of the clamping arms takes place at the same time, and therefore the clamping arms are secured against an intentional expansion in this “locked state”.

Abstract: A modular ceiling-mounted medical services system including a vertical column supported by an articulating arm assembly. Rotational joints connect the column to the lower arm, the lower arm to the upper arm, and the upper arm to the ceiling mount. Rotational movement at each of the joints is controlled by an electrically-released electromagnetic brake, and all of the brakes may be controlled by a switch panel on the column. Thus, the entire assembly is held in place until the switch is activated. Slight hand pressure is sufficient to operate the switch while simultaneously pushing or pulling the column into the desired position. The service lines that supply the outlets in the column all pass through large central openings in the brakes. In this way, the brake mechanism is stronger and more reliable, and the profile and footprint of the entire assembly can be minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protecting apparatus (10) for protecting a structure (100) from an impact. The protecting apparatus (10) is arranged to be mounted on the structure (100) and includes a bumper member (12), a structure positioning member (14) and at least one resiliently flexible joining portion (16). The structure positioning member (14) is arranged in use to be positioned in contact with or adjacent to a portion of the structure (100) being protected. The at least one resiliently flexible joining portion (16) extends between the bumper member (12) and the structure positioning member (14) so that when an outer surface (12a) of the bumper member (12) is impacted, the impact force is dissipated at least in part by flexure of the at least one joining portion (16).

Abstract: A rotatable support mechanism is attached to a body of an electronic device for upholding the body on a plane and adjusting relative positions between the body and the plane. The rotatable support mechanism includes a base, a rotatable disk, and an elastic stopper. The base attached to the body of the electronic device has an axle. The rotatable disk has a holder and a groove. The axle passes a sidewall of the groove. The rotatable disk rotates around the axle as an axis. The sidewall of the groove has at least an opening. The elastic stopper mounted to the axle has an elastic shell fragment and does not rotate with the disk. As the disk is rotated, the elastic shell fragment enters and passes through the opening to exert a resistance force to the disk. Therefore, the electronic device is upheld vertically or horizontally by the rotatable support mechanism.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably supported relative to the lower rail and having a U-shaped cross section opened downward. The seat apparatus includes a supporting member integrally formed with a bottom wall portion and fixed, at both longitudinal ends thereof, to an upper portion of the upper rail and a side wall portion extending upward from at least one width directional end of the bottom wall portion. The supporting member supports a vehicle seat. The supporting member includes a curved portion integrally formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall portion of the supporting member and curved upward to be distant from the upper rail.

Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand or document holder to support a document for review by a user. The reading stand may include a base portion including at least one aperture to allow the user to grasp the reading stand, as well as a platform portion for supporting the document. The platform portion is hingedly connected to the base portion. The platform portion includes at least one page holder for retaining the document upon the platform portion. Further, the reading stand includes a prop member. The prop member extends from a backside of the platform portion. The prop member is adapted to engage with the base portion so as to support the platform portion in an angled position.

Abstract: A Hang Level Suspension System, hereafter known as Suspension System, for articles such as frames for pictures, mirrors, or other articles to be supported on a wall in a level attitude. The Suspension System for the frame includes two wall hangers, which are attached to a wall in a level attitude, two suspension elements comprising two washers, two equal lengths of chain and two eye-screws. These two suspension elements are mounted, one on each side of the frame, at a precise distance from the top of the frame. Two hangers are spaced apart, on the wall in a level attitude, the same distance as the suspension elements attached to the back of the frame. When the Suspension System is completed, a washer of the Suspension System is placed on the corresponding wall hanger on the wall. The suspended article will hang level at all times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the correct alignment of forms structures for the pouring of concrete walls, the device has guide elements and assists the operator in the correct positioning thereof and fastening thereof on the layouts that it is customary to mark out on the foundation template for the raising of walls; it is a body of a single piece, produced form a plastic resine. The configuration of the device of the invention allows an operator manually or using a pneumatic gun to fasten a plurality of devices, in order to align the center “walls” so that they are parallel to one other, such that the planned thickness of the wall, corresponding to the width of the device, can be guaranteed in the section included between the guide devices. On account of its design and the material which it is produced, the device functions suitably with the form, the concrete and the reinforcing steel.

Abstract: A plug valve having an entry region, a chamber, and an outlet region, each with a flow area that is equal to or greater than the flow area of, for example, a standard wall ANSI B 36.10 (M) pipe connected to the inlet and outlet flanges of the valve. The valve's plug has a cylindrical front sealing face and a planar rear face. The axis of the sealing face is parallel to, but off-set from the axis of the plug. When the valve is fully open the planar rear face allows unimpeded flow through the chamber and substantially reduces friction to the flow. The valve's seat is cylindrical for mating with the cylindrical front sealing face of the plug. The seat has a rectangular outline shape.

Abstract: A telescopic lifting assembly designed particularly for the hydraulic height adjustment of a medical treatment table includes two antiparallel juxtaposed linear drives (2, 3) connected functionally one behind the other in the direction of actuation (1) whereby the inner components (6) are connected to a coupling piece (7) which is provided with guide surfaces (14) cooperating with the outer components (5) in the direction of actuation (1). A secure and stable guiding mechanism is made possible thereby along the entire lifting range.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A portable winch system mounted to a standard trailer hitch tow ball of a vehicle permits steep incline pulling angles of the winch without cutting into the neck portion of the tow ball. To achieve a broad range of inclination angles, the cup plate (socket that fits over the tow ball) and/or the ball-locking portion of the winch system includes relieved neck-clearance areas. In some embodiments, the cup plate and/or ball-locking mechanism includes neck contact points that are softer than the material of the tow ball.

Abstract: A flagpole winch that fits inside the internal hollow space a flagpole and is configured to alternatively wind or unwind a cord spool or to lock the cord spool into a rotational position. The winch uses a release spindle that unlocks an actuator mechanism when turned in either direction, allowing the cord spool to be positively rotated in either direction. Once the positive input or turning ceases, the continuous tension on the cord causes the actuator mechanism to automatically lock to arrest the cord spool.

Abstract: A flow device intended for a two-phase flow processing enclosure of the natural counter-flow type, in which an ascending gaseous flow and a descending liquid flow circulate. The device is formed by an appreciably horizontal tray having openings for the passage of the ascending gaseous flow, and a channel for recovering the descending liquid flow, the channel discharging into a flow orifice. The flow device includes a single guide device extending beneath the tray and connected to the flow orifice in such a way that the liquid flows on its outer wall. Also, a processing enclosure, particularly for processing a hydrocarbonated or aqueous type liquid flow, containing the flow device.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contact tray apparatus having a tray with a fluid infeed section and a fluid travel section together with downcomer which is in fluid communication with the fluid travel section of the tray. A redirecting baffle is positioned at an inlet opening of the downcomer and push valves are provided in the fluid travel section of the tray. The push valves are preferably arranged in one or more zones of high concentration of push valves relative to one or more bubbling aperture zones with a lower concentration of push valves or no push valves. The redirecting baffle is provided in the downcomer and extends above the tray to capture fluid flowing horizontally off of the tray (e.g., exiting from a weirless or weir interface) and into a preferably concave upper portion of the redirecting baffle for controlling and redirecting the high momentum flow into and through the downcomer.

Abstract: A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is provides a clamping shell for placement about an elongate pipe for accommodating a chain vise thereover, the clamping shell having: a pair of elongate generally arcuate half-shells, each half shell having an internal portion for engagement with the pipe, the internal portion including a non-uniform surface for frictional engagement with the pipe; and at least one of the half-shells of the pair including a pocket formed on an external surface thereof for supporting the chain vise therein.

Abstract: A creasing device includes a feeding mechanism, a creasing mechanism, sensors, and an aligning mechanism. The feeding mechanism conveys paper on which an image has been formed in a post-processing apparatus main body direction. The creasing mechanism makes a crease on the paper. The sensors detect a deviation of the paper with respect to the feeding direction. The aligning mechanism, based on an amount of deviation in a result of a detection by the sensors, causes the creasing mechanism to rotate in such a way that the creasing mechanism is aligned parallel to a crease direction of the paper.

Abstract: A sheet supply tray and a sheet discharge tray are provided. Long sheets can be supplied from the sheet supply tray loaded with the long sheets. The sheet discharge tray is used also as the sheet supply tray, and receives the long sheets with a sheet discharge surface thereof in an area facing the sheet loading surface of the sheet supply tray. A discharge guide unit for guiding the discharge direction of the long sheets is detachably provided in such a dual-purpose type sheet discharge unit. A discharge/reception unit supporting the long sheets is detachably provided as a whole or a part of the sheet discharge unit. An extension sheet tray extensible with respect to a standard sheet tray is provided while the extension state of the extension sheet tray can be detected by an extension detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a plurality of paper feed trays in which paper sheets are to be stacked; paper feed units each provided to each of the plurality of paper feed trays, the paper feed units sucking or discharging air in accordance with setting values corresponding to types of paper sheet to carry the paper sheets stacked in the respective paper feed trays toward a paper path; a storage unit to store the setting values for the paper feed units according to the types of paper sheet; an input unit to input a change instruction value for changing at least one of the setting values; and a control unit to change the at least one of the setting values stored in the storage unit into the change instruction value and to store the changed at least one of the setting values into the storage unit.

Abstract: A recording medium transport apparatus includes: plural storage units each storing a recording medium; a transport unit that transports the recording medium from one of the storage units to a recording position where an image is recorded on the recording medium; a memory that stores a reference position of a recording medium prescribed for each storage unit; a measuring unit that measures a position of the transported recording medium; and a movement unit that reads the reference position corresponding to the storage unit that stored the transported recording medium, from the memory, and moves the recording medium according to the difference between the reference position and the measured position such that the position of the recording medium approaches the reference position when the recording medium is located upstream of the recording position in the transport direction thereof.

Abstract: A technology for selecting a sheet feeding source in an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding sources is disclosed. A rank is acquired for each of the sheet feeding sources from a search order. The search order defines ranks for possible setups of sheet feeding sources. Each acquired rank represents a setup of a sheet feeding source, which setup is available in the image forming apparatus. A sheet feeding source that satisfies a user specification and whose rank is highest is selected from among the sheet feeding sources.

Abstract: A sheet material feeding device comprises a sheet material housing part housing a sheet bundle having a plurality of sheet being stacked; a conveying-out unit press-contacting onto the front edge side of the upper surface of the sheet bundle to exert a push-out force, feeding a sheet by the push-out force in a predetermined conveying-out direction, and separating the sheet from the sheet bundle; a feeding unit arranged on the downstream side of the sheet material housing part along the conveying-out direction and continuing the feeding of the sheet, and after the conveying-out unit moves away from the rear edge of a preceding sheet, the conveying-out unit conveys a following sheet in a state that the following sheet is overlapped at the lower side of the preceding sheet until the front edge of the following sheet reaches a predetermined guide position set between the sheet bundle and the feeding unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing sets of sheets. The apparatus includes a frame, a hopper for moving a stack of sheets, a pre-singulator for separating a portion of a sheet from the stack, a sheet peeler for peeling part of a pre-singulated sheet from the stack, a sheet picker for gathering peeled sheets into a set, and a sheet discharger for clearing the set of sheets. The sheet peeler may include at least one rotating drum. The sheet picker may include one or more augers.

Abstract: A printer comprising: a support structure; a feed arrangement positioned on the support structure and configured to feed an endmost sheet of print media from the stack and including a movable pick-up assembly, the pick-up assembly having an array of spaced apart nozzles configured to direct air on to respective locations along said topmost sheet so that said topmost sheet can be picked-up from the stack by moving said pick-up assembly; a pair of rollers configured to engage with said endmost sheet fed from said feed arrangement; a printing station configured to print ink upon said endmost sheet engaged by said rollers; and an air displacement mechanism connected to the nozzles to displace air out of some expulsion nozzles and into some other suction nozzles, wherein said pick-up assembly is capable of rotational movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluff management in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include fluffing a stack of media with a predetermined amount of air flow, sensing sheet separation in the media stack, determining if the sheet separation meets predetermined criteria, wherein if the sheet separation does not meet the predetermined criteria, adjusting the air flow used for fluffing the media stack.

Abstract: A media buckler comprises a media engagement surface, a support structure having at least one dimension drafted from a first thickness to a second thickness, the engagement surface having varying stiffness.

Abstract: A sheet feed tray has a bottom plate on which a sheet is to be placed; two side fences for positioning opposite widthwise sides of a sheet placed on the bottom plate; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking movements of the side fences toward and away from each other. The interlocking mechanism includes two racks integrally attached to the respective side fences with toothed surfaces thereof opposed to each other and movable along the bottom plate, and a pinion provided on the bottom plate. The pinion is rotatable about its central axis and is engageable with the pair of racks. Locking projections are disposed at the respective rack sides and project toward the bottom plate side. Contact portions are disposed at the bottom plate side and engage the locking projections with the pair of side fences maximally or minimally spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper money guide apparatus of an ATM, and more particularly, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a paper money guide apparatus of an ATM that can adjustably guide various kinds of paper money having different widths by a simple structure. In order to achieve the object, according to an aspect of the present invention, a paper money guide apparatus of an automatic teller machine guides ends of paper money when paper money stacked in a paper money stacking space is moved by a transfer plate. The paper money guide apparatus includes paper money guide plates that each include a guide piece guiding an end of the paper money and a positioning part being detachably positioned in a width direction of the paper money depending on the width of the paper money.

Abstract: A paper-feeding device for use in an image forming apparatus that includes a tray on which a recording sheet is configured to be stacked, the tray having an upper surface and a lower surface both being exposed to outside. Two side fences that are movably attached to the upper surface are used for adjusting a position of stacked recording sheet. Two side-fence position indicators indicate a position of the side fences.

Abstract: A sortation bin module having a conveyor and diverter module for pneumatically securing, releasing and diverting selected mailpieces to a bank of sortation bins. The conveyor module includes a conveyor surface for transporting sheet material along the feed path and a pneumatic system for developing a pressure differential across the conveyor surface to hold the sheet material on the conveyor surface during transport. The diverter module includes a diverter surface for sorting sheet material from the conveyor surface, i.e., diverting sheet material from the feed path. The diverter module, furthermore, includes a pneumatic system for developing a pressure differential across the diverter surface to hold the sheet material on the diverter surface during sortation. The conveyor and diverter surfaces are also arranged such that the surfaces oppose each other to define a transfer interface.

Abstract: An image on a fed document is read, and recording paper on which an output image is formed based on the read image is discharged onto a first tray. When overlapped feeding is detected at the time of feeding a document, page numbers of the overlapped documents are recorded, and an image on a document fed after the overlapped documents is read, an output image is formed on recording paper based on the read image, and the recording paper is discharged onto a second tray to notify the occurrence of overlapped feeding. When the documents are set again by the user and fed, an image on a document of a page number matching a recorded page number is read, an output image is formed on recording paper based on the read image, and the recording paper is discharged onto the first tray.

Abstract: A method for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed.

Abstract: A gaming device having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, a prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a prize object display located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, and a controller configured to select a prize object from the prize object holder and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in the prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object display includes a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for playing a game by providing the prize object display inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming device is disclosed.

Abstract: A system reads an identifier from a hand of cards to identify the cards. For example, the system can read an identifier from a pair of cards forming the initial hand in blackjack, where the one card is face up and the other card is face down. The system determines the value of a hand of cards form the read identifiers. For example, the system can determine a value of an initial hand of two cards in blackjack, while only one card is face up. The system can inform a dealer of the value, or status based on value, of the hand. The system can determine whether cards forming a hand of cards are authenticate by validating the cards based on the read identifier. The system can determine if the cards forming the hand of cards are in an expected sequence based on a knowledge of the initial sequence of cards in a deck.

Abstract: Provided is a prize acquisition game device in which a control unit constituted from a microcomputer controls a prize acquisition unit that moves in a game space with a plurality of prizes disposed therein, and controls the acquisition of the prize. The control device moves the prize acquisition unit to the target prize based on an operation signal, judges the success of the acquisition of the prize, and moves the prize acquisition unit that acquired the prize to apposition where the prize can be paid out to the player. And an obstruction unit for obstructing the prize while it is being transported, or when the prize is to be dropped in the prize payout slot has been provided.

Abstract: A segment of a seal assembly for sealing a higher pressure area from a lower pressure area is disclosed. The segment comprises a radial external surface, a radial internal surface for sealing against a rotating member, a transverse groove for maintaining a pressure around portions of the segment, and one or more pads including a scooping groove. The scooping groove is positioned at or in proximity to an edge of the transverse groove and provides for a transition flow between the one or more pads and the transverse groove.

Abstract: A sealing assembly including a sealing member made of elastomeric material and PTFE; a supporting armature; and an annular L-shaped shield cooperating, in use, with the sealing member. The armature has a sleeve portion and a radial flange portion partly supporting a radial portion of the sealing member, projecting towards the axis of symmetry and made of elastomeric material with no supporting armature. The radial portion increases in axial size towards the axis of symmetry, and supports, on its free end, a sleeve made of PTFE, the sleeve having a cylindrical first end portion projecting axially, and a conical second end portion projecting axially on the opposite side to and by a greater amount than the first end portion to form an elastically deformable axial sealing lip extending, in undeformed conditions, farther away from the axis of symmetry as it comes away from the flange portion.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a base portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the base portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The stiffening bead reduces the seal's propensity for “bell mouthing” while the axially extending barrel portion provides improved shaft followability for the dynamic seal.