Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes an alignment unit configured to align a sheet stacked on a stacking tray in a width direction which is orthogonal to a direction in which the sheet is discharged. The alignment unit includes first and second alignment members configured to move in the width direction. The first and second alignment members come into contact with side ends in the width direction of the sheet stacked on the stacking tray to align the sheet. When a second sheet of a different length in the width direction from that of a first sheet is stacked while shifted in the width direction on the first sheet which is already stacked on the stacking tray, the sheet stacking apparatus prohibits an alignment operation of the alignment unit on the second sheet.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes an alignment member to align a sheet stacked on a stacking tray in a width direction perpendicular to a direction in which the sheet is discharged. When stacking a plurality of sheets on the stacking tray, the sheet stacking apparatus lowers the stacking tray, so that a predetermined distance is maintained between the top surface sheet and a sheet discharge port. If the stacking tray is lowered to a predetermined position while the alignment unit is executing an alignment operation at a first position, the sheet stacking apparatus lowers the alignment member to a second position lower than the first position and causes the alignment member to execute the alignment operation at the second position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus acquires sheet information indicating paper weight or the like of a transported sheet of paper. The apparatus also has a control portion and shifts a reference position which has been previously set to a direction orthogonal to a transporting direction of the sheet of paper based on the paper weight or the like of the transported sheet of paper. A deviation sensor detects a deviation of the sheet of paper with regard to the shifted reference position along the direction orthogonal to the transporting direction of the sheet of paper. A sheet shift portion shifts the sheet of paper to the shifted reference position based on the deviation detected by the deviation sensor.

Abstract: In an image-forming device the first sensor detects a recording sheet manually inserted from a manual sheet insertion opening. The sheet-skew correction roller is provided downstream side of the first sensor in the conveying direction. The controller is configured to control the sheet-skew correction roller to begin rotating if a stopping time has elapsed from a moment when the first sensor detects the recording sheet. The stopping time is initially set to a first stopping time. The controller is configured to function as a determining unit and a changing unit. The determining unit is configured to determine whether the recording sheet is properly conveyed. The changing unit is configured to change the stopping time to a second stopping time from the first stopping time if the determining unit determines that the recording sheet is not properly conveyed, the second stopping time being longer than the first stopping time.

Abstract: A medium alignment apparatus may include an alignment body to form a transfer path is formed for passage of a medium and include an alignment reference surface for alignment of the medium is formed, an alignment roller portion mounted to the alignment body to align the medium while driving the medium simultaneously, and at least one alignment sensor portion to detect whether the medium is aligned by detecting a position of the medium passing along the transfer path. The alignment body may include a first body forming a transfer path for the medium, to which the alignment roller portion is mounted, and a second body disposed at one side of the first body to be movable relative to the first body at a speed corresponding to a transfer speed of the medium, providing a side directed to the first body as the alignment reference surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that can surely position a unit in an apparatus body with a simple configuration where the number of components is small. A drawing apparatus, which draws a sheet feeding cassette as a unit to a predetermined position of the apparatus body to position it, includes : a leaf spring that is an elastic member to jump-buckle; an engaging unit disposed in the leaf spring; and an engaged unit engaged with the engaging unit. When the unit is loaded on the apparatus body, the engaging unit engages the engaged unit, the elastic member jump-buckles, and accordingly the unit is drawn to the predetermined position of the apparatus body.

Abstract: A football game and football game apparatus that consists of sliding football shaped playing pieces down a rectangular planar playing surface towards scoring targets. The scoring targets represent certain yardages that can be gained or lost, or other events that may occur in an American football game, and by which a player can advance or move back their game piece on a simulated football field. The football field is secured perpendicularly across and above the planar playing surface and includes yardage markers, down markers, score trackers, and a line of scrimmage indicator in order to track the game play.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing hands of playing cards includes a playing card moving system for moving a number of playing cards defining a hand of playing cards from a container to a delivery tray, and a processor with software to direct the playing card moving system to randomly select how many playing cards will form the hand in the delivery tray. The apparatus is capable of randomly selecting numbers of cards to be delivered in a hand of cards to players and a dealer during a round of a casino table card game.

Abstract: A strategy board game of territorial conquest for two to four players. Each player commands an army of twenty-four pieces on a playing board divided into five regions called territories. The pieces rest on the intersections of lines on the board called Points. In each territory there exists a special board Point referred to as a Base. The pieces in the game at all times have a specific direction that they face on the game board. The facing of the piece determines its vulnerability to capture by another piece. In addition to facing, different types of playing pieces are assigned different attributes such as Movement number, Attack number and Blocking faces which affect the utility of each piece in game situations. A notation system allows text play of the game. Electronic embodiments allow game play on electronic devices.

Abstract: A casino game is played based on a roll of a pair of six-sided dice. In the game, a player may bet on whether the sum of the dice rolled will be greater than seven, less than seven, or exactly seven. The player will win or lose based on the sum of the dice rolled. The game may be played on a semi-circular game table, similar to blackjack, with the players positioned about the arc of the semi-circle and the dealer disposed at the diameter of the semi-circle. The game table may permit from about 4 to about 10 players, typically from about 6 to about 7 players, to bet on each dice roll.

Abstract: A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, which method may include the steps of providing a first area to provide a winning combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter, determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice, and providing a 1-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers. A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, which method may include the steps of providing a second area and a third area to provide a winning combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter, determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice, and providing a 2-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chess set piece construction that utilizes a spark plug body, a weighted hardware attachment as a base and a decorative hardware attachment for an upper adornment that signifies the piece type. A repurposed or recycled spark plug is utilized as the chess piece body structure, wherein the lower threading above an electrode, a socket driver hex midsection, and the elongated insulator section is retained in the finished piece, while the terminal may be removed in certain embodiments. A weighted mechanical nut or similar piece of hardware is mated to the lower threading of the plug, while an upper, decorative portion is positioned in place of the terminal or therearound. The lower nut provides a stable base for the piece, the plug body provides the midsection structure, while the upper portion signifying the type of chess piece. The elements may be painted to signify opposing chess piece sides.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a new method of poker card games which allow a player to form a winning hand based on the five best cards chosen from at least two whole cards, at least three community cards, and one or more partial community cards. The format of the game in accordance with the instant invention provides card games using community style card distribution with a plurality of additional cards to be used by players during game play.

Abstract: A game apparatus and a method using trays as the game board with vertical support columns, two sets of playing pieces and two launching devices. The one or more vertical support columns attach to the one or more trays to support the trays horizontally above a support surface. On the surface of each of the trays is a matrix and each element of the matrix has a recessed compartment orthogonal to the surface of the tray. Each recessed compartment is sized to hold a multiplicity of both types of playing pieces in a stacked manner. The recessed compartments may also be created so that the order and the number of the playing pieces in each recessed compartment are observable for additional variety in game play.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a nozzle in a gas turbine engine includes a connector having a first hinge portion for attaching to the nozzle, a flat portion for sealing against a wall of the engine; and a first hinge for attaching the connector to the flat portion wherein the connector is adapted to rotate relative to the nozzle and the flat portion is adapted to rotate relative to the connector.

Abstract: An endcap includes a first plate member having a radial inner portion, a radial outer portion, and defining a longitudinal axis. The endcap also includes a flange disposed between the radial inner and outer portions, and projecting axially along the longitudinal axis in a first direction. The endcap also includes a first seal member disposed adjacent the flange. The first seal member includes a first portion engaged with an axial facing surface of the first plate member and a second portion engaged with a radially facing surface of the flange. The endcap further includes a second plate member disposed radially outward of the radial outer portion and a second seal member disposed adjacent the second plate member including at least a portion axially spaced from the axially facing surface of the first plate member in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-temperature seal (1) with a sealing ring (5) and a counter-ring (6), characterized by the sealing ring (5) and counter-ring (6) being made of metal. As a result, good contact is achieved with good sealing effect, also at high temperatures. It is an advantage if the sealing ring (5) is made of a high-grade steel and/or the counter-ring (6) is made of a CuNi alloy.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly for use between two stationary turbine components includes a plurality of arcuate carrier segments, each having a front plate and a back plate having substantially equal radial length dimensions, and a bristle pack sandwiched therebetween. The front plate and the back plate define a hook portion adapted to be received in an annular slot in a first radially inner turbine component, the bristle pack extending substantially radially outwardly beyond the front and back plates and supported by the back plate along the entire radial length dimension and by the front plate along a minor portion of the radial length dimension, thereby leaving an axial gap between the bristle pack and the front plate along a major portion of the radial length dimension.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes an adapter, a shell mill, a threaded member, and a chucking membrane. The adapter includes a tapered pilot disposed on and extending from an end face. The shell mill includes a central counter bore for enabling the pilot of the adapter to be inserted therein. The threaded member includes at least one sealing member and is capable of being threaded into a threaded bore of the shell mill. The chucking membrane includes an intermediate portion disposed between two flanges and forms a fluid-tight channel for hydraulic fluid. The chucking member has a tapered inside surface. When the threaded member is threaded into the shell mill, the tapered surfaces of the pilot and the chucking membrane cause an axial force to seat the end face of the shell mill firmly against the end face of the adapter.

Abstract: In a clamping device for machine tools, the device is provided with a power-operated chuck and clamping jaws actuated by a draw rod, the clamping device having an electrical servomotor with a changeover function, a movement converter, and a force accumulator for maintaining clamping force, the movement converter and the force accumulator being integrated in a tube-shaped jacket piece inserted in a housing of the clamping device and divided into two parts connected together. A spindle nut of the movement converter is rotatably supported between the two parts by a projection, and spring packs of the force accumulator are clamped between stop rings and a cover on the jacket piece. The jacket piece is mounted within the housing as to be moved axially by the draw rod via the movement converter. It is possible to determine the clamping force prevailing in the power-operated chuck using only one measuring point.

Abstract: A suspension system is provided that includes an axle configured to support a first wheel on a first lateral end of the axle, and a second wheel on a second lateral end of the axle. The suspension system also includes a steering assembly configured to rotate each wheel relative to the axle about a substantially vertical axis. In addition, the suspension system includes an actuating cylinder extending between the axle and a frame of a work vehicle. The actuating cylinder is configured to transition the frame between a lowered position that enables the steering assembly to rotate each wheel through a first range of motion without contact between the wheels and a component of the work vehicle, and a raised position that enables the steering assembly to rotate the wheels through a second range of motion, greater than the first range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. The present invention is particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.

Abstract: A bearing for a vehicle suspension system is provided and includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member defines a first inner surface and a first outer surface wherein the first outer surface is configured to engage an equalizer bar of the vehicle suspension system. The inner member defines a second outer surface and a bore therethrough defining a second inner surface. The inner member is configured to engage a frame of the vehicle suspension system. A first lubricious fabric liner is provided in communication with at least a portion of the first inner surface and the second outer surface. The first lubricious fabric liner slidingly engages at least a portion of one of the first inner surface and the second outer surface in response to relative movement between the equalizer bar and the frame of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: A tool cart includes at least one box, multiple posts, a hanging rod, a wire wrapping member and multiple wheel sets which are connected to the lower ends of the posts. The at least one box has least one set of assembling holes defined in one of outsides thereof. The multiple posts are connected to the at least one box and each has a connection portion located at an inside thereof. The hanging rod is connected between the connection portions of two adjacent posts. The wire wrapping member is connected to the at least one set of the assembling holes and wires are wrapped around the wire wrapping member. A paper towel is connected to the hanging rod.

Abstract: A level pulling type pet carrying cart includes a main body, a rotatable pushing arrangement and a retaining assembly. The main body has a base frame, a side frame and a plurality of wheels provided below the base frame. The rotatable pushing arrangement includes a connecting arm and a stretchable pushing arm which is capable of rotating with respect to the connecting arm. The retaining assembly includes a retaining base and a connecting band, wherein the connecting band has a first end connected to a top surface of the retaining base and a second end connected to a center on top of the side frame so as to pull the retaining base to move upwardly and also controlling a rotation angle of the stretchable pushing arm. Thus, the whole body is maintained to move smoothly along a horizontal level.

Abstract: A ball stud has a flange that outwardly projects in a radial direction of a stud portion. The flange has a concave portion that has a curved shape from a root to an outer circumferential portion in cross section. The concave portion is concave with respect to a straight line connecting an end on the root side and an end on the outer circumferential portion side of the curved shape. A dust cover has a lip to be abutted on a sealing portion and the flange of the ball stud. The lip is formed with a side lip portion. The side lip portion has a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the concave portion of the flange so as to be abutted on the concave portion.

Abstract: A front-axle bracket for motor vehicles has two accommodations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal vehicle direction in each instance for the bearing locations for pivoting mounting of one or two wheel guide elements, in each instance, such as transverse control arms or A-arms, accommodations for attachment of the front-axle bracket as a pre-finished unit, together with pre-assembled assemblies, on the vehicle body, and at least individual ones of accommodations for attachment of the steering gear mechanism, for attachment of the stabilizer, and for mounting of a pendulum support. The front-axle bracket is produced as a component that is in one piece with these accommodations and connects them with one another. At least individual ones of the accommodations are integrated into the front-axle bracket by way of rod-shaped connecting elements, in framework-like manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for improving the roll characteristics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an axle, a sprung mass, a first control arm, a second control arm, a third control arm, a first pivotable joint, a second pivotable joint, a third pivotable joint, and a fourth pivotable joint. The torsional stiffness of the first control arm, the second control arm, the first pivotable joint, the second pivotable joint, the third pivotable joint, and the fourth pivotable joint are substantially equal to or greater than the torsional stiffness of the axle, whereby the axle bends and twists during a sprung mass roll event in order to limit an amount of roll.

Abstract: A suspension includes first and second arms that connect a rigid axle to a frame structure. The first arm has one end configured for connection to a rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to one lateral side of the frame structure. The second arm has one end configured for connection to the rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to an opposite lateral side of the frame structure. The suspension includes a first air spring associated with the first arm and a second air spring associated with the second arm. The first and second air springs are configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the frame structure.

Abstract: An apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. The present invention is particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.

Abstract: An insert bar assembly for a hitch-rack carrier comprises a self-locating securement pin. The insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. The assembly can include a flexible securement pin or a rigid securement pin resiliently joined to the bar at a fixed distance from the engagement end of the pin. The assembly accommodates repetitive, same location positioning of the engagement end of the pin at a pin-tip facing surface on the bar in the pin-secured configuration of the insert bar assembly.

Abstract: A side airbag with interior partitioned into plural chambers. The side airbag configured in a bag shape by an outer cloth and an inner cloth is partitioned by partitioning members into a lower chamber (one or more high pressure chambers) on the high pressure side during inflation and deployment and a upper chamber (low pressure chamber). The partitioning members are each configured from a single piece of cloth or from plural pieces of cloth that have been integrated together in advance. The partitioning members are each provided with a partitioning wall, a diffuser and a non-return valve.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with an interior covering is provided, which is movable and/or deformable relative to a vehicle body, and with a safety device, which includes, but is not limited to an expansion body with an elastic diaphragm, which delimits a hollow space. The filled expansion body is arranged between the interior covering and the vehicle body.

Abstract: An airbag has a fabric enclosure, a vent in the fabric enclosure, and a flow control device made up of a flexible membrane fastened around part of a periphery thereof to the fabric enclosure adjacent to the vent. The membrane defines a flow passage having a free end through which inflation gas is vented to atmosphere and has a tongue extending away from the free end. The tongue has a pre-deployment position in which it overlies an inner surface of the fabric enclosure and a distal end of the tongue extends past an end of the vent closest to the free end. A first distance from the distal end of the tongue to a closest end of the vent may be shorter than a second distance from the distal end of the tongue to a closest end of fastening between the periphery of the membrane and the fabric enclosure.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle and a method for producing such a safety device are provided. The safety device comprises an expansion body with an elastic diaphragm that delimits a hollow space. A filling fluid source is configured for filling the hollow space subject to elastic expansion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An airbag with a valve device for a gaseous medium includes at least one textile layer and at least one foil that at least partially covers the textile layer such that due to the valve device at least one area of the airbag permeable by the medium can be at least partially opened when the valve device is in an open position and can be at least substantially sealed when the valve device is in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag fabric comprising a polyester fiber, and more particularly to a polyester fabric having a thermal resistance constant (X) of 1.0 to 6.5 in the uncoated fabric state, a preparation method for the same, and an airbag for vehicle comprising the same. The airbag fabric of the present invention uses a polyester fiber having low Young's modulus, high strength and high elongation to impart good mechanical properties, such as high strength and high thermal resistance, and good folding property, high dimensional stability, and good air sealing effect as well, thereby minimizing collision impacts on occupants to protect the occupants with safety.

Abstract: A hitch accessory system is provided. The system includes a crossbar having a perpendicular bar and parallel bar. The system further includes a crossbar insert capable of supporting at least one accessory. The perpendicular bar is capable of receiving and supporting the crossbar insert. The parallel bar is adapted to engage a hitch.

Abstract: A seatbelt relief device for a seatbelt having a shoulder harness utilized by a driver sitting on a seat in a motor vehicle behind a steering wheel. The device comprises a sleeve that fits over a chest portion of the shoulder harness of the seatbelt. A cord assembly extends from the sleeve. A mechanism is for releasably mounting the cord assembly centrally to the steering wheel in a pivotable manner, whereby the sleeve will pull the chest portion of the shoulder harness of the seatbelt slightly away from the chest of the driver to reduce pressure on the chest of the driver.

Abstract: In principle, the device comprises a supporting element for a ski that is placed beside the outer side of a ski boot, the supporting element having a movable part formed by a rotatable body and a fixed part on which the movable part is coupled rotatingly, while the rotatable body includes a receptacle for receiving the rear end section of the ski. It is characterized in that the receptacle of the rotatable body is delimited by an elastic frontal retaining and support rim (7) for the ski and adjustable runners (8) that can be adapted to the width of the ski (6).

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for delivering warnings and instructions for a container. A base label may be adhered to the container, and at least a first, a second, and a third visual representation of a warning or instruction is displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label. The top label may have a transparent window allowing at least one of the first, second, or third visual representations to be visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a security thread or stripe for the incorporation into or onto a value-document or currency substrate, as well as a method and means of making such thread or stripe. The thread or stripe comprises a plastic foil which carries a hardened coating comprising oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, the orientation of said pigment particles representing graphic information. Preferred are optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. Said hardened coating may also be comprised between a first and a second plastic foil. Said graphic information is a repetitive seamless pattern of suitable repetition length, which is produced using a magnetic orienting cylinder having a corresponding repetitive seamless magnetic field pattern. A magnetic orienting cylinder and a process for process for producing such magnetic orienting cylinder are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-flange connector capable of fitting around a plastic liner and connecting two sections of pipe without the need for flanges.

Abstract: A fluid connector includes an extending section including a spiked end to pierce the container port. The extending section includes at least one air conduit and at least one fluid conduit therethrough. The extending section further includes a first abutment member and second abutment member. The first abutment member is adapted to abut a first or air side of the container port upon piercing of the container port. The second abutment member is spaced from the first abutment member and is adapted to abut a second or fluid sided of the container port. The fluid connector can further include grasping members extending from the extending section to facilitate rotation of the extending section relative to the container port during piercing thereof. The fluid connector can also include a check valve in fluid connection with the air line. In several embodiments, the check valve is positioned within the extending section.

Abstract: A pipe connector comprises a tubular pin member 1 having a generally frustoconical outer peripheral surface 3 and a tubular box member 2 having a generally frustoconical inner peripheral surface 4 corresponding to the frustoconical outer peripheral surface 3 of the pin member 1 and which overlies the frustoconical surface 4 of the pin member 1 when the members 1, 2 are fully engaged together. A circumferentially extending groove 14, 15 is formed in each of the pin member 1 and the box member 2 at the root end of the frustoconical surface 3, 4 thereof, and a nib 12, 13 is formed on the tip of each of the pin 1 and box 2 members such that, upon full engagement of the pin 1 and box 2 members, the nibs 12, 13 of the pin 1 and box 2 members engaging respectively in the grooves 14, 15 of the box 2 and pin 1 members so as to radially restrain the free ends of the pin 1 and box 2 members.

Abstract: A fastening device includes an annular flange connected to an air intake, an annular flange connected to a powerplant pressed against the annular flange and fastening elements that allow the annular flanges to be linked, and for at least a first fastening element, a blade is fitted between the fastening element and the annular flange, the blade consisting of at least a central part linked to the first fastening element, radially mobile relative to the annular flange, and at least one part offset for which at least radial centripetal displacement is limited relative to the annular flange, the two parts being offset along the direction of the circumference.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a heat engine system containing working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within high and low pressure sides of a working fluid circuit and a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the working fluid. The heat engine system further contains an expander for converting a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a shaft coupled to the expander and configured to drive a device (e.g., generator or pump) with the mechanical energy, a recuperator for transferring thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, and a cooler for removing thermal energy from the working fluid in the low pressure side. The heat engine system also contains a pump for circulating the working fluid, a mass management system (MMS) fluidly connected to the working fluid circuit, and a supply tank fluidly connected to the MMS by a supply line.

Abstract: A starting/generating system includes a rotor portion and a stator portion. The stator portion is connected to a DC power source during starting operations and to a DC load during generating operations, and includes a DC link having a first and second DC link bus, a DC link capacitor connected between the DC link buses, and an inverter/rectifier that converts AC power to DC power and vice versa. A switching device is connected in series on the first DC link bus and is controlled by a controller that turns the switching device On and Off to provide various functionality to the starting/generating system.

Abstract: An electric generator is described capable of producing electricity by leveraging the periodic roll movement of a floating vessel or ship through the actuation of mobile weights induced by said movement. Said movement is leveraged through the action of said weights upon hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical mechanisms in charge of transforming the mechanical energy generated into electrical energy in order to distribute it to shore via an underwater cable.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme event. On detection the system controller takes the necessary evasive action depending on the nature and severity of the extreme condition detected. This may include a significant reduction in power generated, complete shutdown of the generator and yawing of the nacelle and rotor to reduce loading on the rotor blades.