Abstract: A safety device includes a first loop arranged around a handle of a nozzle. via a first strip of material. A second strip of material extends across the second A second loop is arranged around a body of the nozzle and adjoins the first loop loop. A first strip of material includes a fastener for creating a third loop that prevents a bale of the nozzle from being opened. The safety device may include a visual indicator arranged at a free end of the first strip of material for indicating that a firefighting crew maintaining the nozzle has passed inspection and the type of agent the fire hose expels.

Abstract: Stable flow control is made possible even under high-temperature environments by relieving tensional force applied to a piezoelectric element when a piezoelectric actuator is retracted. Thus, a piezoelectric driven control valve includes: a body having a valve seat; a metal diaphragm to contact with and separate from the valve seat; an actuator box supported ascendably and descendably on the body; a split base fixed to the body; a disc spring pressing and urging the actuator box downward to bring the metal diaphragm into contact with the valve seat; and a piezoelectric actuator housed inside the actuator box and that extends upward with application of voltage to press the actuator box upward against the elastic force of the disc spring, and a precompression mechanism, for applying a compression force constantly to piezoelectric elements in the piezoelectric actuator, provided between the split base and the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A valve assembly for modulating fuel flow is disclosed which includes a valve housing having an inlet section and an outlet section, at least one valve rotor disposed between the inlet section and the outlet section for modulating fuel flow through the valve housing, wherein the at least one valve rotor is formed from a ferritic magnetic flux permeable material and is mounted for rotational movement within the valve housing, under the influence of a torsion spring, between first and second magnetically latched positions, and a pair of electromagnets means for alternately latching the at least one valve rotor in the first and second magnetically latched positions.

Abstract: A valve utilizes a composite two-piece housing to provide a low cost, high strength, light weight alternative to conventional metal and plastic valves adaptable for corrosive and non-corrosive environments. The valve includes a valve body defined by a first body half coupled to a second body half. A valve disk assembly is disposed between the first and second body halves. The disk assembly includes a valve disk, a valve stem and a valve seal. The disk stem is positioned within the valve disk along a central axis of the disk such that when the disk is rotated about the valve stem, the valve is opened or closed. The valve seal includes a primary portion lining an interior surface formed by the first and second body halves to engage an outer surface of the disk. The seal also includes a secondary portion disposed within and between the first and second body halves. The primary and secondary sealing portions configured to retain position within the housing and in sealing engagement with the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus which is positionable between a structure to be lifted and an underlying support surface for lifting the structure utilizes a bottom plate and a cap between which a spacer member, such as a piece of tubing, is positionable and a threaded rod which is threadably received by an internally-threaded opening in the cap. By rotating the threaded rod within the cap, the threaded rod moves lengthwise relative to the cap. Therefore, by positioning the apparatus between a structure to be lifted and an underlying support surface and then rotating the threaded rod within the cap, the bottom plate and the threaded rod act between the structure to be lifted and the underlying support surface to lift the structure.

Abstract: The hitch mounted jack adapter device provides for removable insertion into an existing receiver hitch. The device receives the jack I-beam of an existing hi-lift jack. The smooth use of the device is provided by the spaced apart first rollers and second rollers that guide the existing jack I-beam through the I-shaped jack notch of the device. The vertically spaced apart first rollers and second rollers further provide defined vertical guidance of the jack I-beam. By negating binding and significantly reducing friction, combined with the gusset disposed between the hitch insert and the riser of the jack receiver, the device further provides for safe operation through strength coupled with frictional reduction. Of importance is that the device provides for easy, uncomplicated use.

Abstract: A winch for elevating at a plant, in particular for cranes, cable-operated excavators, and similar construction machinery, has a hoisting drum, an electric motor for the drive of the hoisting drum which is received in the interior of the hoisting drum, and power electronics and/or control electronics for the electric motor including at least one frequency inverter and/or frequency converter. The power electronics and/or control electronics for the electric motor are received at least partly in the interior of the hoisting drum. With the compact construction of the winch, short cabling distances are achieved, interference emissions having negative effects on electromagnetic compatibility are avoided, and voltage overshoots impairing the service life of the inverter and the motor are reduced.

Abstract: An animal barrier device comprising one or more rotating bodies and fixture structures, in which in use the fixture structures, rotatably support the one or more rotating bodies on a construction with which the animal barrier is used, in which each rotating body is an elongate body which rotates in use about a longitudinal axis, and in which the longitudinal axis is located at any point on a line between a center of the rotating body and a point below the rotating body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals by applying a water mist and dry air. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. The mist and dry air can be applied together or separately, simultaneously or alternately, with varying timing and intensity. In some embodiments, the mist and dry air are manually controlled or operate according to the passage of time. In other embodiments the need for cooling is determined by one or more physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. Still other embodiments estimate the heating of the individual by measuring the amount of work performed or the rate of energy expenditure.

Abstract: There is described a water carbonation apparatus in which two carbonation units (10, 11) are linked to a volumetric control unit (9) which stores a volume of carbonated water ready for use. When carbonated water is to be discharged, the stored carbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9) is discharged, while simultaneously carbonated water from one of the carbonation units (10, 11) is discharged into the other carbonation unit (11, 10) is filled with uncarbonated water from the volumetric control unit (9), and a volume of uncarbonated water is drawn from a water supply (2) into the volumetric control unit. The volumetric control unit (9) in one embodiment comprises a pair of piston and cylinder assemblies which together define four internal chambers (21, 22, 23, 24), the pistons being linked together such that the volumes of the four internal chambers vary at the same rate.

Abstract: A reaction vessel assembly achieves enhanced aeration or gas exchange in its gas-in-liquid multiphase mixing reaction through the use of its mixing energy and gas-lift venting, and without the traditionally practiced external line gas sparging. It combines the best of both shake flask and stirred tank reactor vessel and possesses some of the key generic features like cost and parallel experiment advantages of the traditional flasks and shaker hybrid but without their shortcomings like limited gas exchange and uncharacteristic mixing.

Abstract: The present invention is a container having a diptube inlet, at least one baffle disc positioned between the outlet of the diptube and the outlet of the container to provide a narrow annular space between the baffle disc and the sidewall of the container to prevent liquid droplets from entering the outlet to the container and the inner surface of the container sidewall and an annular, radially inward projecting deflector ledge on the sidewall, proximate the baffle disc. The present invention is also a process of delivering a chemical precursor from a container having the above structure. Liquid and vapor delivery are both contemplated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a bubble curtain with a diversity of bubble diameters for purposes such as suppressing surface-related multiple reflections in marine seismic surveys. Bubble generating elements are used that combine porous wall material with discrete holes.

Abstract: A vaporizer is provided with a vaporizing chamber heated by heaters; a primary filter positioned in a bottom end portion of the vaporizing chamber and heated by the heater; a liquid material supply portion for dropping down a flow-controlled liquid material from upper portion of the vaporizing chamber toward the primary filter; a carrier gas guiding passage for guiding a carrier gas into the underside of the primary filter; and a material delivering passage for discharging a mixed gas including the carrier gas and a vaporized liquid material from the top of the vaporizing chamber. The liquid material dropped down onto the primary filter is partially vaporized, while the rest thereof is atomized by being subjected to bubbling effect provided by the carrier gas flowing from underneath.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A clamping device has a top part (1) provided with an adjusting mechanism for a clamping arm that can be pivoted into a clamping position and an opening position on the top part (1). A housing (7) carries the top part (1). The housing has an inner region to receive a linearly mobile adjusting rod that is connected, at one end, to the adjusting mechanism (3) and to a drive, at the other end, arranged in the housing (7). The housing (7) has an extruded hollow profiled element (8). The inner region of the extruded element (8) has a uniform inner cross-section over its entire length.

Abstract: A construction kit for a manipulating system, includes at least one first and one second element that are located parallel or at an angle to one another and are connectable to one another, at least one centering element that is located between the first and second elements, and at least one securing element for connecting the first element to the second element. The construction kit has a centering element, which has an outer circumferential surface that is provided with at least one form-locking means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated dolly assembly that includes a body including a frame and a top surface, a sync arm and a support arm connected to the body, and at least one switch disposed on the body to control movement of the support arm. The sync arm is capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the sync arm is in the first position, the sync arm is free from contact with a portion of a workpart carrier traveling along a rail of an overhead conveyor. When the sync arm is in the second position, the sync arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier. The support arm is also capable of movement between a first position and a second position, and when the support arm is in the first position, the support arm is free from contact with a portion of the workpart carrier. When the support arm is in the second position, the support arm contacts a portion of the workpart carrier.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a folding roller pair, a sheet pushing member, and a detection unit. The folding roller pair folds a sheet or a sheet bundle by a nip portion. The sheet pushing member results in a tip pushing a portion between two ends of the sheet or sheet bundle into the nip portion and then performs a tip returning operation. The detection unit detects whether the tip reaches a predetermined position within a predetermined time. When the tip does not reach the predetermined position within the predetermined time, the sheet pushing member retries the pushing operation after performing the returning operation. When the tip reaches the predetermined position within the predetermined time, the sheet pushing member stops the pushing operation and controls rotation driving of the folding roller pair such that the folding roller pair starts to convey the sheet or sheet bundle.

Abstract: A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle in which printed sheets are bundled, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, a fold reinforcing unit that includes a reinforce roller, moves the reinforce roller along a direction of the fold line while applying pressure by the reinforce roller to the fold line of the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit, and reinforces the fold line, and a control unit configured to transport the sheet bundle from the fold unit to the fold reinforcing unit and to control to stop the fold line of the sheet bundle at a position of the reinforce roller, and the control unit changes, according to a thickness of the sheet bundle, a transport distance from a specified position in the fold reinforcing unit to the position where the sheet bundle is stopped.

Abstract: A sheet processing system includes a sheet processing device that includes a post-processing unit that performs a predetermined post-processing on a sheet member and a sheet supplying device that supplies the sheet member to the sheet processing device. The post-processing unit has two waiting positions including a first position that is a normal waiting position and a second position that is a position filling items to be used in the post-processing in the post-processing unit. When the post-processing unit moves from the second position to a post-processing position to perform the post-processing in response to a post-processing request, the sheet supplying device sets a supply time for supplying the sheet member to the sheet processing device longer than a time that is required for the sheet processing device to move from the first position to the post-processing position by a predetermined time.

Abstract: A sheet aligning apparatus includes an alignment surface formed in a planar shape and that presses an end of a sheet to move and align the sheet; and a holding unit that holds the end of the sheet at a position contacting the alignment surface in a state that a curled end of the sheet contacts the alignment surface and the sheet is thus pressed.

Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus that, for example, sorts or staples sheets after image formation, when preceding finishing is not completed on a processing tray, a third sheet fed anew into a waiting tray of a sheet placing member configuring a sheet waiting unit, which temporarily puts a sheet conveyed thereto on standby, is stacked to be shifted such that leading ends of second and third sheets are located further on a conveying direction upstream side than a leading end of a first sheet. Consequently, longitudinal alignment in the processing tray after that is surely performed.

Abstract: The present invention avoids a problem in that wound-up banknotes are located unevenly on substantially the same position on a winding drum. The paper sheet processing device is configured to process paper sheets.

Abstract: A first convey roller conveys a sheet in a sheet conveying direction such that a leading edge of the sheet passes through a nip of a second convey roller disposed downstream from the first convey roller. The second convey roller rotates in a reverse direction by a first rotation amount corresponding to a first linear distance to convey the sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet is released from the nip of the second convey roller. In response to the rotation of the second convey roller in the reverse direction, the first convey roller rotates by a second rotation amount corresponding to a second linear distance in the reverse direction to convey the sheet in the direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet contacts the nip of the second convey roller when the first convey roller has rotated by the second rotation amount and the second convey roller has rotated by the first rotation amount.

Abstract: A medium feeding device includes: a sheet holding unit, which holds a sheet and is pivotally attached to a device main unit so that the sheet holding unit is pivotal between open and closed positions; a sheet feeding roller that is located close to the sheet holding unit and that feeds the sheet to the inside of the device main unit; and a driving shaft that is located on an axis that is different from a rotation shaft for the sheet feeding roller and that drives the rotation shaft.

Abstract: A placing table includes a placing surface on which a substrate is placed; a suction unit which sucks the substrate to the placing surface; a separation unit which separates the substrate from the placing surface; and a rotation unit, being a part of the placing surface and rotating about a vertical axis with respect to the placing surface. In the table, the suction unit sucks the substrate to the placing surface at the rotation unit and the separation unit separates the substrate from a part of the placing surface excluding the rotation unit if the rotation unit is rotated.

Abstract: A sheet pick-up device of an automatic document feeder is provided. The sheet pick-up device includes a two-way clutch transmission mechanism, a sheet pick-up arm, a stopper and a linking assembly. When the two-way clutch transmission mechanism is operated to have the sheet pick-up arm move to a standby position, the stopper is moved with the linking assembly to be in a stopping position. Whereas, when the two-way clutch transmission mechanism is operated to have the sheet pick-up arm move to a sheet pick-up position, the stopper is in a non-stopping position. The sheet pick-up device has enhanced operating stability.

Abstract: A method for aligning a media sheet in a media path of an image forming apparatus includes aligning the media sheet against a first reference edge of an input tray. The media sheet may then move through an alignment nip which is constructed to laterally move the media sheet against a reference edge. The media sheet moves along the reference edge and becomes aligned prior to moving to a transport belt. The media sheet may then move through one or more transfer nips to receive one or more images.

Abstract: An image printing apparatus includes a printing unit and a supporting member opposing the printing unit and having a supporting surface for supporting the printing medium. The image printing apparatus further includes a first pair of rollers disposed upstream of the printing unit, a second pair of rollers and a third pair of rollers which are disposed downstream of the printing unit. The image printing apparatus further includes a guide member disposed between the second pair of rollers and the third pair of rollers. The guide member includes a guide portion which guides the printing medium transported by the second pair of rollers. The guide member is configured to pivot between a slanting position and a laying position.

Abstract: A peeling device is provided and includes: a rotating body that conveys a recording material; a peeling member capable of changing from a first state in which the peeling member is away from the rotating body to a second state in which the peeling member is closer to the rotating body than the peeling member in the first state is, the peeling member in the second state peeling off the recording material from the rotating body; and a gas spraying unit that sprays a gas to the peeling member to bring the peeling member from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A game system is provided that includes at least one game device and at least one game piece. The game piece includes game information, which is not readily legible to the naked eye, and is projected onto a game surface. A device is also provided for playing a game that is configured to receive a game piece that is at least semi-transparent and contains information thereon not readily legible to the naked eye. Also provided is a game piece that is at least semi-transparent that includes game information that is not readily legible by the human eye that is insertable in a game device for projecting or viewing the game information. A figurine is also provided that includes a plurality of semi-transparent game pieces containing indicia or images thereon. The figurine also includes a rotatable portion and an aperture configured for viewing or projecting the indicia or images.

Abstract: A game machines has a back side display unit composed of reels for displaying back patterns, and a front side display unit composed of transparent EL panels for displaying overlapping patterns overlapping with the back patterns. The back side display unit and the front side display unit are disposed not to produce blind spot regions of the back patterns. The game machine can provide various overlapping patterns with good visibility and a high game selection capability to a player.

Abstract: An article tossing game assembly includes a frame with a first elongated member and a second elongated member. A plurality of bracing members is attached to and extends between the first and second elongated members. A mount is attached to one of the bracing members. A light emitting apparatus is attached to the mount. A panel is positioned on an upper side of the frame and covers the frame. The panel has a top side and a bottom side and has an aperture therein extending into the top side and outwardly of the bottom side. The aperture is positioned adjacent to the light emitter. The panel is comprised of a translucent material. The light emitter is visible through the panel to direct a person where to aim when attempting to throw articles through the aperture.

Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A target stand providing improved adjustability is provided. The target stand is suitable for use in reality-based training methods and may advantageously position a target holder in realistic settings for an improved training experience. The target stand has at least one target holder for securing at least one of a target and/or target trap, may be height adjustable, may support the target holder on flat and non-flat surfaces, and may allow for adjustment of the target holder in at least two axes of rotation.

Abstract: A bullet trap is provided having a housing, a plurality of downward sloping ramps, and a bullet receptacle. The bullet trap may provide a low cost, easy to maintain and effective bullet trap solution for firing ranges.

Abstract: A seal assembly which operates efficiently at high altitudes and low surface speeds includes a first seal ring, a second seal ring, and hydropads. The first seal ring is of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions. The second seal ring is positioned in facing relation to the first seal ring and rotatably mounted relative to the first seal ring about an axis of rotation. A plurality of hydropads formed on one of the first seal ring and second seal ring provides a lift force that varies about the circumference of the mating ring.

Abstract: A leaf seal arrangement is provided in which within a housing there are edge portions to inter associate with non parallel chamfer edges in leaf seal elements. In such circumstances, deflection of the leaf seal elements in an outward direction or inward direction relative to a rotating shaft creates variation in a control gap X, XX between the edges and the chamfer edge. Such increase or decrease in the control gap X, XX adjusts the aerodynamic radial force that is presented to the leaf seal elements whereby those elements can be more accurately maintained at a desired leaf position for optimizing leakage while achieving better wear resistance performance.

Abstract: A method of assembling a turbomachine that includes a rotor and a stationary component is provided. The method includes coupling a housing to the stationary component using at least one biasing member, wherein the housing extending circumferentially about the rotor. The method also includes coupling at least one annular ring to the housing, and coupling a plurality of plate members to the housing such that the at least one annular ring extends from the housing towards the rotor and partially through the plurality of plate members.

Abstract: A multipart packing ring for sealing a piston rod of a compressor includes ring segments and sealing segments which are alternatingly arranged to form a ring. The ring segments include a curved main part and an axial shoulder and the sealing segments include a curved main part and an axial projection. The circumferential ends of the main part of the ring segments and the circumferential ends of the axial projection of the sealing elements face one another and define first wear gaps there-between.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat gasket, having at least one metallic layer in which at least one port is formed, the metallic layer or at least one of the metallic layers (1) being formed at least in regions in the form of an undulating and/or serrated profiling (2) around the port(s).

Abstract: A single-ply sheet metal seal ring with a convoluted, V/E-shaped cross-section having planar-circumferential flexibility is shown to be more capable of conforming to the sealing face contours of warped, weld-deformed flanges than thin layer, multiple-ply seals developed to replace earlier E-shaped seals for this purpose. The basis of the improved flexibility of the new seal lies mainly in the discovery of geometric relationships that permit a reduction in the thickness of the sheet material employed in the construction of the seal while maintaining its pressure containing capabilities.

Abstract: By bending and stretching a link mechanism, both left and right wheels of a vehicle can be inclined toward inside of cornering to generate a camber thrust as a lateral force, i.e. an increase in cornering force. Further, by bending and stretching the link mechanism, the passenger compartment can be inclined in accordance with inclination of a connecting link, and thus the center of gravity of the vehicle can be moved toward its inner wheel during cornering. By preventing lifting of the inner wheel during cornering, cornering performance is improved. Because the passenger compartment is inclined toward the inner wheel during cornering, centrifugal force is less likely to be felt by the occupant.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the moving and transportation of heavy doors or large sheet-type materials comprises a pair of joined “L”-shaped brackets mounted upon a folding hinge. The hinge allows the weight of the carried material to fold the apparatus inwardly thus securely gripping the loaded items within. Each “L”-shaped bracket comprises a front plate which secures the load in a lower corner area while allowing the user to lift and support the other bottom corner. The apparatus is supported via two (2) wheel assemblies each supported by separate axles. To use the apparatus, a door is placed with its forward corner in the apparatus. The rear portion of the door is then lifted and balanced by the user while being pushed where the door is needed. The low profile design of the apparatus allows the load to be transported through narrow hallways or doorways.

Abstract: A Multi-Purpose Mobile Cart including a tool chest adapted to hold tools, a computer system for executing computer executable programs, a plurality of electrical devices, and a plurality of speakers; a computer system for executing computer executable programs including a monitor for viewing images, a computer hard drive for storing data and programs, a keyboard adapted to input information into the computer system, and a mouse adapted to provide a user interface with the computer system; a plurality of electrical devices adapted to provide reception and amplification of radio or television signals and further adapted to provide playback of media; and a plurality of speakers, the plurality of speakers adapted to provide audio output from the computer system and the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: A utility cart assembly comprises a shopping cart, a storage unit, and at least one coupling strap. The shopping cart includes a basket and wheels positioned below the basket. The storage unit is coupled to and extends substantially entirely outside the basket. The storage unit defines a first panel positioned adjacent the basket, a second panel opposite the first panel, and a compartment defined between the first panel and the second panel. The second panel defines an opening and the compartment is accessible through the opening. The at least one coupling strap facilitates coupling of the storage unit to the basket. The storage unit is configured to customize the shopping cart for non-consumer use within a retail store. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of a driven wheel of a wheel suspension, in particular for motor vehicles, with a wheel carrier on which the wheel is pivoted, the wheel carrier being divided into a carrier part which holds the wheel a guide part which is connected to the wheel suspension and into two pivotal parts which are arranged in between, which can be rotated to one another as well as to the carrier part and to the guide part around axes of rotation, and which interact with control surfaces which face one another and which are inclined by a defined angle to the axis of rotation, and a wheel drive shaft which is guided by the carrier part and guide part and by the pivotal parts.

Abstract: An apparatus that combines the functionality of a high chair and a child walker into one integral device is herein disclosed. The frame extends upward using a tubular structure which allows the apparatus to raise from a lower walker height thereto a high chair height. The apparatus provides an interchangeable seat system comprising a textile walker seat and a semi-rigid high chair seat with a footrest. Additionally, the wheels lock into place to prevent the apparatus from rolling about while in the raised high chair position. The overall tray area surrounding the child then serves as a table upon which the child can eat.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a vehicle is formed in a slender shape and comprises a medial region with a hydraulic damper. The damper generates a damping force against deformation in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is defined as a lateral direction of the associated vehicle body. The reinforcement device is removably mounted at both ends to a frame of the vehicle.