Abstract: A stand for propping up an instrument is provided, the stand having an open and a close position. The stand includes a body having a support end for resting on a surface and a coupling end for attaching to the instrument casing. The stand further includes at least one coupling arm at the coupling end, the coupling arm having contours about multiple axis. The contours undergo elastic deformation when the stand is coupled with the instrument casing, such that the elastic deformation causes the stand to match contours of the instrument casing when the stand is in the close position with respect to the instrument casing. The elastic deformation further supplies a force that assists the stand in movement of the stand between the open position and the close position. The contours also allow the stand to non-destructibly detach from the instrument casing during a hyper-extended open stand operation.

Abstract: A subframe support apparatus adapted to engage and support a subframe of a vehicle is provided wherein the subframe support apparatus engages and supports the subframe of the vehicle when the vehicle is either raised on a lift and/or on the ground and when a mechanic is working on components of the vehicle supported by the subframe of the vehicle. The subframe support apparatus includes an elongated housing or elongated support member having first and second subframe engaging assemblies adjustably connected thereto for engaging oppositely disposed portions of the subframe of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of display monitors is disclosed, wherein the apparatus is provided at a user's desk or workstation. The apparatus can be easily moved toward and away from the user such that all the monitors mounted on the apparatus move in unison in the direction indicated by the user. Accordingly, the apparatus accommodates the visual preferences of virtually all users of the desk or workstation so that eye and skeletal muscle fatigue are reduced.

Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a base assembly for supporting a free standing structure such as a tent. The base assembly is configurable such that a base can be positioned in a generally horizontal orientation to support and stabilize a stationary structure. In some cases the base can be positioned in a generally vertical orientation to allow the base assembly to roll along a support surface, thus providing a ready and easily configurable manner of transporting the base assembly and any structure attached thereto.

Abstract: An adjustment valve includes a first diaphragm integrally formed from an attachment section engaged with and fixed to the bottom of a rod, a joining section to which a valve body is fixed, a thin film section radially extending from a shoulder section, a thick wall section continuous with the thin film section, and a seal section provided at the peripheral edge of the thick wall section. The second diaphragm has a central hole, and includes an integrally formed thin film section radially extending from a thick wall section at the center hole, and a seal section is provided at the peripheral edge thereof. A diaphragm hold-down member penetrates the central hole at the shoulder section of the rod, causing the second diaphragm to be sandwiched and fixed. The rod is disposed with play in the through-hole in the bottom of the cylinder, and is supported by a spring engaged between a step section of the cylinder and the bottom surface of the shoulder in a state such that radial movement is prevented.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, particularly of the type to be used for controlling a hydraulic system for variable actuation of the valves of an internal-combustion engine, has a valve element co-operating with a valve seat and a pusher element, separate from the valve element, which is pushed against the valve element by the movable core of the solenoid valve when the solenoid of the solenoid valve is energized in order to bring the valve element into contact with the valve seat. After de-energization of the solenoid, the time necessary for bringing back the pusher element into the resting condition in contact with the valve element is reduced thanks to the application of a braking current to the solenoid of the solenoid valve during the stage in which the movable core and the pusher element associated thereto displace in the direction opposite to the direction of the movement generated by the magnetic field of the solenoid, following upon de-energization of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A plurality of valves are triggered so that a first valve is triggered by a first trigger signal and a second valve is triggered by a second trigger signal, the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal are each generated by generating a pulse width modulated frequency signal of the first frequency f1 and a dither signal of the second frequency f2, where f1>f2, the trigger signal is generated by modulating the clock pulse duty factor of the frequency signal with the dither signal, and the dither signals of the first trigger signal and of the second trigger signal are synchronized with one another at chronological intervals.

Abstract: A jacking system is disclosed in which a hydraulic jack, having a raisable piston, is used, in combination with a jack stand having a raisable support column, to raise a load. In a preferred embodiment, the support column has two components that may telescope into each other and that may be held in fixed position by two ratchet mechanisms. The jack stand is configured so that, when the hydraulic jack is positioned alongside the jack stand, the piston of the hydraulic jack is able to interact with and raise the support column along with the load.

Abstract: Ship's winch including a frame which can be attached to a vessel and on which the cable drum and the motor driving the cable drum are provided. Adjacent to the cable drum, a slipping clutch is provided and between slipping clutch and the motor, a freewheel mechanism is provided which works towards the frame. The slipping clutch is embodied not to transmit further load to the freewheel mechanism or motor, respectively, in case of a certain overload caused by tension in the towing cable. In addition, by positioning the freewheel mechanism/clutch in this manner, the motor output for pulling in a certain load under greatly varying stresses can be reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a first part to be removably secured to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The first part is removably integrated with a boom receiver. The boom receiver can be removably connected to a boom extending upward at an angle from the first part. An electric powered winch can be attached to the boom receiver. The winch includes a cable to hang down from the boom. Coupled to the cable is a device to connect an object to be moved by the apparatus.

Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a rail, a plurality of support posts, and a plurality of fasteners assembly to redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy. Block-outs may be positioned in between the rail and support posts. A plurality of support posts each includes a slot extending along its length aligning with apertures in the rail and engaging with the rail through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots in the posts. Alternatively, the rail has a plurality of laterally extending slots aligning with apertures in support posts and engaging with the support posts through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots.

Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.

Abstract: A chain link fence slat system comprising a plurality of slats and a channel. Each slat is elongated and has a longitudinal dimension with a first and a second end, a width dimension and a thickness dimension less than the width dimension. Each slat further has at least a first and a second notch formed near the first end of the slat, each of the notches being formed on opposite sides of the width dimension and extending across the width dimension and partly through the thickness dimension. The first notch is positioned at a first vertical height and the second notch is positioned at a second vertical height with the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height. The channel receives one end of each slat. The channel has inner surfaces including a base portion, a first opposing wall and a second opposing wall.

Abstract: Volatization of oil to impart a scent into air in an environment includes sensing a wireless transmitted signal in the environment and selectively outputting a control signal in response to the sensed wireless signal. The control signal activates a heater. Oil is transferred to a target region proximate the heater. The oil is actively volatized by the heater. Optionally, further wireless signals can be ignored until a cycle is complete, such that volatization occurs in response to only a portion of wireless signals in the environment. An apparatus can be so constructed to volatize oil in response to wireless signal events in the environment.

Abstract: In order to control vibrations of two parts of a piece of machinery, a variable force may be generated to oppose the vibrations, with the variable force being generated under control of a controller on the basis of an iterative relationship, the iterative relationship being such as to generate the force of one iteration using a controller output signal in frequency domain vector form derived from the controller output signal of the immediately previous iteration in frequency domain vector form plus a frequency domain vector quantity derived from the resultant vibration of more than one previous iteration. Where these two parts are connected by multiple (f) mounting devices, the controller output signals a previous iterations are taken into account, and the frequency domain vector quantity derived from the controller output signals and more than f previous iterations.

Abstract: An implement for lawn and garden care includes a housing, a drive, and a handle attached to the housing with a vibration damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes an at least partially elastic damping element. The stiffness of the damping element is determined by its cross section that includes at least one cavity or recess.

Abstract: An exemplary clamp includes a holder, a moving unit, a fixing arm, and a driving unit. The moving unit includes a push block, a connecting member, and a guiding member. The guiding member is fixed on the holder. The connecting member connects the push block and the guiding member. The push block includes a slanted side surface. The push block is guided to move by the guiding member. The slanted side surface of the push block interacts with the connecting member. The fixing arm is fixed to the connecting member. The driving unit is connected to the push block. The driving unit is capable of moving the push block of the moving unit.

Abstract: A T-slot clamp including a base and a bar member pivotally connected to the base. A link pivotally connected to the bar member. A handle pivotally connected to the link, wherein the handle is rotatable about an axis of the handle.

Abstract: A cutting board has a main cutting surface and a handle extending from the main cutting surface and vertically spaced above the main cutting surface.

Abstract: A method of making magazine formats in the form of signatures that include a flat 3-D piece that is die-cut from a web on a web press, which produces a plurality of such identical signatures as part of a high speed operation. The flat 3-D piece is located at the upper edge of one sheet and is freed from the remainder of the page on which it is die-cut when the lateral edges of the folded signature are trimmed.

Abstract: Timing information for use to determine the timing to discharge a sheet from an image forming apparatus is transmitted. The timing information is relayed, by being edited repeatedly, from a first sheet processing apparatus connected directly with the image forming apparatus to a second sheet processing apparatus which actually processes the sheet. The timing information is edited on each sheet processing apparatus by considering, for example, transit time of the sheet, processing time of the sheet, preparation time for the sheet to get ready to be processed, and the like. The second sheet processing apparatus transmits the timing information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus determines the discharge timing of the sheet based on the received timing information and discharges the sheet with the determined discharge timing.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for binding a sheet bundle by a binding member having a curved shape, including: a support portion configured to support, as a sheet bundle, a plurality of sheets having punch holes formed therein; an adjustment portion configured to adjust a position of each of punch holes formed in the sheet bundle so that a locus of centers of the punch holes continuing in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle supported by the support portion is aligned with the curved shape of the binding member; and an attaching portion configured to attach the binding member to the punch holes of the sheet bundle in which the position of each of the plurality of sheets is adjusted by the adjustment portion.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus including a sheet conveying path which is arranged at the sheet inserting device and which conveys the sheets on which the images are formed at the image forming apparatus main body and the insertion sheet to the post-processing device and a sheet conveying portion which is arranged at the sheet conveying path and which conveys the sheets being capable of accelerating and decelerating is controlled to accelerate sheet conveying speed of the sheets from the image forming apparatus main body from a predetermined conveying speed at the sheet conveying path, to insert the insertion sheet so as to follow a preceding sheet which is accelerated, and to convey the sheets from the image forming apparatus main body and the insertion sheet to the post-processing device after being decelerated to the predetermined conveying speed.

Abstract: A medium transport apparatus including a medium detection sensor having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit that are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and that changes the signal level of a detection signal output from the light-receiving unit according to the presence/non-presence of a medium between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, and a medium guide member that is arranged in the middle of a transport path for the medium to guide the medium, and that has a medium guide face for guiding the medium, and a sensor attachment so that the medium guide face may be arranged at a position closer to either the light-emitting unit or the light-receiving unit.

Abstract: A separating roller includes a sleeve having a first hollow cylinder, an arm protruding from an outer surface of the sleeve, a shaft assembly having a middle section, disposed inside the sleeve, and two ends on two sides of the middle section, a torque limiting element and two friction rollers. The sleeve and the shaft assembly are hung from a body by the arm. The torque limiting element coils around the middle section and contacts the shaft assembly, and is accommodated within the first hollow cylinder. One portion of the torque limiting element is fixed to an inner surface of the first hollow cylinder to provide a limiting torque to the shaft assembly and to limit rotation of the shaft assembly. The friction rollers are respectively fixed to the two ends of the shaft assembly. Each friction roller has an outer diameter greater than that of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sheet storing device includes a container including a first holding surface configured to hold a first sheet thereon, and a tray positioned at an upper side of the container. The tray includes a second holding surface configured to hold a second sheet thereon. The tray is configured to selectively move between a first position and a second position downstream from the first position in a first direction. The sheet storing device further includes a positioning unit configured to selectively position the tray in one of the first position and the second position, and a linking unit configured to link the tray to the container and to pivot about a particular pivot axis which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first holding surface of the container. The linking unit pivots to selectively move the tray between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An edge regulating device that regulates edge of a printing medium by an edge guide includes a first holding unit that is able to hold the edge guide with a predetermined pitch along the direction of displacement of the edge guide and a second holding unit that is able to hold the edge guide with a pitch larger than the holding pitch by the first holding unit along the direction of displacement of the edge guide.

Abstract: A slowing device includes a flexible slowing member that extends transversely to the trajectory of sheets being fed. The member is movable between at least two limit positions, one in which its trajectory encounters that of the sheets, the other in which the slowing member is moved aside from the trajectory of the sheets. A drive device moves the slowing member between its limit positions. The drive device for the slowing member includes a pneumatic actuator which acts on a linear cam that pivots about a transverse shaft. A roller rolls along the surface of the linear cam. The roller and the slowing member are supported by a support that pivots about a transverse shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for aligning a media sheet in a media feed path of an image forming device. One embodiment includes a drive shaft with skew correction rollers spaced apart on the drive shaft. The media sheet contacts a first skew correction roller and then contacts a second skew correction roller. The drive shaft is then rotated, driving the second skew correction roller and aligning the media sheet to the media feed path.

Abstract: A roller mechanism includes a pair of rollers and an urging unit. The pair of rollers oppose one another sandwiching a conveyance path of a sheet material, and are provided to be capable of increasing and reducing an axis-to-axis separation thereof. The urging unit urges at least one of the pair of rollers in a direction of reducing the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers with an urging force that increases with an increase in the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers, and presses the sheet material with the pair of rollers. The urging unit increases the urging force non-linearly, with a rate of increase of the urging force falling as the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers increases within a range of changes at times of sheet material-pressing.

Abstract: A credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support, a substrate feeder and a substrate sensor. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis. The substrate feeder is configured to feed a substrate along the substrate support plane. The substrate sensor includes a substrate position indicator that is aligned with the central axis and has first and second positions. The first position indicates an absence of a substrate from a predetermined location of the substrate support. The second position indicates a presence of a substrate in the predetermined location of the substrate support. Also disclosed, is a credential substrate processing module that includes a credential substrate rotator, a first data encoder and a module controller. The credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis, and a substrate feeder.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a game includes a rotating wheel and illumination effects, both under microprocessor control. In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel indicator includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a plurality of lamps, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and the lamps to illuminate the display. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and illumination display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a plurality of lamps, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating light effects from said lamps.

Abstract: A game apparatus with passageways for object passage. Some portions consist of stationary pieces. Each of these contains a plurality of passageways. Other portions consist of multiple pieces. Some of these can be moved and others cannot be moved. Those pieces that can be moved contain a plurality of passageways. The operator of the game moves these pieces via handles. In each position the passageways in the moveable pieces align with passageways in either the portions above or below. As alignments occur, objects drop from one portion to the one below. Mechanisms cause the movement of some pieces to transfer to other pieces. Below the lowest portion are two collection trays on opposite sides of the assembly. By manipulating the movable pieces game operators can cause objects to move down through the apparatus into the collection trays.

Abstract: This invention relates to a restrictive seal of the labyrinth type of reduced external size. The invention has an inner deflector which is capable of retaining the lubricating oil within the bearing housing with great efficiency, and a highly accurate system for adjusting and aligning the elements of the labyrinths, ensuring an infinite service life. Because it has very much smaller external dimensions it can be applied as a replacement to the lip seals commonly in use without causing problems to accessory equipment connected to a pump.

Abstract: A mechanical seal has a seal cover attached to an outer surface of a device body, a fitting surface through which a shaft is insertable, and defines a space further away from a machine than the fitting surface. A quenching path penetrates the space and supplies quenching fluid therein. A first seal ring has a movement surface fitted to the fitting surface and a seal surface inward of the space section. A second seal ring has a relative slide seal surface in tight contact with the seal surface of the first seal ring and a seal surface that faces a restriction surface. A seal collar holds the second seal ring in a sealed state and is sealingly fixed to the shaft. A packing is in tight contact with the seal surface of the second seal ring and the restriction surface to prevent quenching fluid from leaking out of the machine.

Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle is described, in which at least a first and at least a second control arm (1, 2) are coupled in an articulated manner to a wheel carrier (4) carrying a vehicle wheel (3). The wheel suspension has a compensating device (5, 6) for correcting wheel positions, and each control arm (1, 2) has a portion of the compensating device (5, 6) or is connected to a portion of the compensating device (5, 6). The compensating device portions (5, 6) of one wheel are connected to one another by at least one coupling member (7, 8).

Abstract: An alignment changing control device that includes: a motor drive section which adjusts electrical power supplied to a motor of the electric actuator according to an operation command and, when receiving an operation inhibiting signal, limits or stops supplying the electrical power to the motor; a motor temperature estimating section for calculating an estimated temperature of the motor from at least a current supplied to the motor, an outside air temperature and a vehicle speed, based on heat balance relationship; and a comparator which transmits the operation inhibiting signal to the motor drive section when the estimated temperature of the motor calculated by the motor temperature estimating section is higher than a predetermined temperature, which is equal to or lower than an operation allowable temperature of the motor.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for floor installation, repair, cleaning or ground proximity work. This apparatus is comprised of a curved base board with the curvature towards the ground covered by a protective cushion with massaging surface for comfort of knees, three or more independently lockable wheels, an adjustable angle and height seat covered by spring loaded matt and cushion for comfort and a brake system with handle for manual braking and exertion of force to the work surface. This apparatus also includes an adjustable length and angle truss covered with cushion for comfortable positioning of legs while working on the work surface.

Abstract: A mop bucket cart that allows a mop bucket to be used on a relatively flat surface and allows a user to traverse one or more stairs with a mop bucket containing fluid by maintaining the bucket in a level position as the mop bucket cart is inclined to traverse one or more stairs.

Abstract: A collapsible stroller is configured to allow an infant to sit, stand or lie down in the stroller. The frame of the stroller has outer frame members and inner frame members that interconnect to form a protective enclosure for the infant.

Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle flexible axle comprising two longitudinal arms (20) connected by a cross bracing (10) with open cross-section whereof the flanks (11), (21) have each an edge (1), (2) extending between docking zones (4) with the ends of said cross bracing. The invention is characterized in that said edges (1), (2) have a non-rectilinear shape enhancing their tensioning when said cross member is subjected to torsion, said tensioning enabling said docking zones (4) to be relieved of stresses due to said torsion.

Abstract: An electric slide step for a recreational vehicle assists users in entering and existing the vehicle. A step housing is mounted to the vehicle beneath the exterior door. The housing has steps that are movable on inclined slides between a retracted position when not in use and an extended position for assisting uses while entering and exiting the vehicle through the exterior door.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overdrive system for a bicycle, which increases the speed through use of a combination of a plurality of sprockets and ratchet wheels, and which drives with less power where a user steps on a pedal of a drive lever using the principle of a lever as overdrive generating means.

Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a steering rod, a pair of arm units, and a drive unit. The steering rod is coupled rotatably to the vehicle frame. Each of the arm units is coupled pivotably to the vehicle frame. The drive unit is coupled to the arm units, and is operable so as to drive pivoting movement of the arm units relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A positioner means co-operable with a collapsed wheelchair frame, including a front frame, and configured, for selectively retaining the wheelchair in collapsed position, in one position of said positioner means, and for allowing expansion of the wheelchair in another position of the positioner means relative to the frame, and for positioning said frame to space the wheelchair front wheels to allow free swiveling thereof, and comprising, in combination, a clamp attached to said frame at two spaced apart locations associated with the two front wheels, to lock the wheels at predetermined spacing, for swiveling, the clamp including brackets sized to releasably push-connect to the front frame at said two locations.