Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes photosensitive drums; drum charging members, an AC voltage source for outputting an AC voltage commonly to at least two of the charging members; an AC voltage control devices for the charging members; variable resisters connected between the AC voltage source and the at least two charging members, respectively; use situation detecting means for detecting use situations of the drums, respectively; and adjusting means for adjusting electric resistances of the variable resisters, respectively. The adjusting means adjusts the electric resistances of the resisters in accordance with the detection results of the use situation detecting means such that the discharge currents applied to the at least two charging members are within predetermined ranges, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes photosensitive members, charging members supplied with charging voltages each comprising a component of a DC voltage and a component of an AC voltage, AC current measuring devices for measuring AC currents flowing into charging members, and control means for controlling peak-to-peak voltages of the AC voltages, wherein the control means calculates peak-to-peak voltages of the AC voltages required to provide a predetermined discharge current, from results of the measurements of the AC current measuring devices, and determines a maximum value of the required peak-to-peak voltages as a target value of a constant-voltage-control of the AC voltage in an image forming operation.

Abstract: In a registration mark, when toners of plural colors are divided into two groups of a low-reflectance group having a relatively low spectral reflectance and a high-reflectance group having a relatively high spectral reflectance in accordance with high and low levels of spectral reflectances with respect to light emitted by an optical sensor, a toner pattern that gives information of a toner-image formation position of a toner-image forming unit using the toner that belongs to the low-reflectance group includes a first pattern in which the toner that belongs to the high-reflectance group is distributed without a gap in a moving direction of the transferred member, and second patterns formed with the toner used by the toner-image forming unit, the second patterns being arranged on both sides of the first pattern in the moving direction of the transferred member without a gap with respect to the first pattern.

Abstract: The high voltage power supply includes a first high voltage output unit that outputs a high voltage having a predetermined polarity, and second and third high voltage output units that output a high voltage having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity, wherein rectification units connected to the first high voltage output unit separate a current path to the second high voltage output unit from a current path to the third high voltage output unit.

Abstract: The power supply apparatus includes a transformer, a switching section, a feedback section; a control section; and a resistor adapted to separate a first ground and a second ground from each other on the secondary side of the transformer, the first ground being located on a load side supplied with the output voltage while the second ground being located closer to the transformer than is the first ground, wherein a second resistor is connected to the second ground and a reference voltage of the feedback section is connected to the first ground.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an imaging unit, a ventilator unit, and an electrical conductor. The imaging unit incorporates electrically powered equipment to which power is supplied from an external voltage source. The ventilator unit is connectable with the imaging unit to ventilate the imaging unit. The ventilator unit includes a fan and an air duct. The fan generates an airflow. The air duct extends from the fan to direct the airflow between the fan and the imaging unit. The electrical conductor is disposed within the air duct to electrically connect the imaging unit and the voltage source upon connection of the ventilator unit with the imaging unit.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus having a main assembly electric contact includes: a contact member for receiving pressure by the main assembly electric contact, wherein the contact member has a first surface as a contact portion for receiving the pressure by the main assembly electric contact and has a second surface bent from the first surface toward a side opposite from a side where the main assembly electric contact is provided; a holding member for holding the contact member; a portion to be limited provided at an end of the second surface; and a limiting portion, provided on the holding member, for limiting movement of the portion to be limited.

Abstract: A process cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum having a photosensitive layer, and a process means actable on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The process cartridge also includes a coupling member for receiving a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A process cartridge installed in a body of an image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a development device that includes a developer bearer, a rotary developer conveyance member, and a shaft projecting from a development casing in an axial direction, a gear train including an idler gear provided to the shaft projecting from the development casing, a first side plate, and a hollow shaft projecting in the axial direction from the first side plate. The first side plate includes an image bearer positioning portion and a developer bearer positioning portion to support axial end portions of the developer bearer and the image bearer, the shaft projecting from the development casing is inserted into a recess inside the hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft is inserted into a hollow shaft positioning hole formed in the body.

Abstract: Provided is a charging member hardly causing a cleaning failure to suppress occurrence of a vertical streak image in an electrophotographic apparatus. The charging member comprises a support, an elastic layer, and a surface layer. The surface layer comprises a polymer compound having at least one bond of Si—O-M bond and Si—O—Ta bond, at least one bond of M-O—Ge bond and Ta—O—Ge bond, and Si—O—Ge bond. M represents any element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, and Hf. The polymer compound has structural units represented by the formula (1) and (2), and at least one structural unit of structural units represented by the formula (3) and (4). The charging member has a crack extending from its surface to the elastic layer, and the crack has a convexly raised edge by which a surface of the charging member is roughened.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image carrier, a detachable transfer body on which an image is transferred, a contact and separation mechanism that moves the transfer body into contact with and away from the image carrier, and a coupling member to be coupled to the contact and separation mechanism. When the coupling member is turned forward to a first turn position in a coupled state coupled to the contact and separation mechanism, the contact and separation mechanism contacts the transfer body with the image carrier, and when the coupling member is turned in reverse from the first turn position to a second turn position in the coupled state, the contact and separation mechanism separates the transfer body from the image carrier and the coupling member withdraws in a direction opposite a direction to couple the coupling member to the contact and separation mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a universal OPC drum that allows a remanufacturer to stock a minimum number of OPC drum sleeves of the various sizes and then add the appropriate gear for the desired cartridge at the time of cartridge remanufacture. The inventory of gears for the various cartridges is easier to store and permits a remanufacturer to be more flexible. A universal hub may also include an electrical contact on each end to maintain universality without regard to whether the OEM contact is mounted on the drive or non-drive side of the OPC drum.

Abstract: Provided are the following charging member and a method of producing the charging member. The charging member has an improved charging ability and hence alleviates, in particular, a positive ghost. The charging member can maintain resistance to the adhesion of toner, a toner external additive, or the like over a long time period. The charging member for an electrophotographic apparatus comprises an electro-conductive support, an electro-conductive elastic layer, and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a polymer compound having an Si—O—Ti linkage in a molecular structure thereof, and the polymer compound has each of constitutional units represented by a formula (1), a formula (2), and a formula (3) defined in the description. The method is a method of producing the charging member.

Abstract: A charging device which includes a grid that has a curvature surface placed to face an outer circumferential surface of a photoconductive drum; a carrying member that carries the grid in a portion having a curvature to form the curvature surface of the grid; and position adjusting mechanisms that moves a position of the carrying member to adjust a position of the grid in a sub-scanning direction of the photoconductive drum, an imaging cartridge and an image forming apparatus having the same.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of developers and optical scanners, each of the optical scanners having a light source and a light reflecting unit and forming an electrostatic latent image on a photo conductor of each of the developers. The optical scanners have the same focusing distance from the light source to the photo conductor. The light reflecting unit of one of the optical scanners is arranged at a position different from the light reflecting unit of another optical scanner, such that intervals between the developers vary. The plurality of developers include a yellow (Y) developer, a magenta (M) developer, a cyan (C) developer, and a black (K) developer. The optical scanners include a first optical scanner, which forms electrostatic latent images on two of the developers including the black (K) developer, and a second optical scanner, which forms electrostatic latent images on the other two developers.

Abstract: A toner supply system having: a receiving section that is set in a body of an image forming apparatus so as not to rotate; and a substantially cylindrical toner container that is mountable in and dismountable from the receiving section and that can be driven to rotate on an axis while being mounted in the receiving section, wherein: the toner container has a first toner feeder for feeding toner stored therein toward the receiving section while the toner container is rotated; and the receiving section has a supply port that permits toner fed thereto with rotation of the toner container to drop down and a toner stirrer that extends to a position close to the first toner feeder located inside the toner container while the toner container is mounted in the receiving section.

Abstract: To provide a toner bearing member, which contains: an electric conductive support; an insulating layer provided on the electric conductive support; a plurality of electrodes located on the insulating layer so that each electrode is separated from one another with a certain space; and a surface layer covering the insulating layer and the electrodes, wherein the surface layer contains a crosslink reaction product of a fluororesin, or a crosslink reaction product of a (meth)acrylate compound, or both thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a medium transport member, an image transfer member, a first detection member detecting widthwise deviation of the image bearing member, a first deviation correcting member tiltable relative to the width direction and supporting the image bearing member, a first correction control section tilting the first deviation correcting member to correct deviation of the image bearing member, a second detection member detecting widthwise deviation of the transport member, a second deviation correcting member tiltable relative to the width direction and supporting the transport member, and a second correction control section tilting the second deviation correcting member to correct deviation of the transport member. A width-direction moving amount of the image bearing member per unit time when the first deviation correcting member is tilted is larger than that of the transport member per unit time when the second deviation correcting member is tilted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus reduces superimposing misalignment due to skew difference and registration difference and superimposing misalignment of visible image due to periodic position error generated on a plurality of latent image carriers respectively by correcting image information. A controller of the image forming apparatus has a deviation amount storing unit store data of magnification error in the sub-scanning direction e, executes rotation posture determining process that sets writing rotation posture as rotation angle posture at the time of starting writing latent image on photoconductors for Y, M, C, and K respectively, and has an image data correcting unit correct the image information based on the determined writing rotation posture and various error data (including magnification error in the sub-scanning direction e).

Abstract: A belt driving device includes an endless belt, a tension roller, a shaft member, deviation transfer members, and biasing members. The deviation transfer members are fitted over the shaft member in such a manner as to adjoin respective of opposite ends of the tension roller in an axial direction of the tension roller. Of the deviation transfer members, at least that deviation transfer member which is located on a downstream side in a deviation direction along the axial direction is movable together with the endless belt along the shaft member. Each of the biasing members has an acting end pivotally supported on an associated one of the deviation transfer members and a base end pivotally supported on an associated one of apparatus frames at a predetermined position.

Abstract: Image forming apparatus and methods are disclosed which include an intermediate transfer member to transfer images to media, an impression roller including a gripping device to receive the media, and a determination module to determine the length of the media held by the at least one gripper unit based on respective detections by first and second set of sensors.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which is configured to form an image on a sheet, includes an image forming unit configured to form an unfixed toner image on the sheet, and a fixing unit configured to fix the unfixed toner image to the sheet by heating the sheet bearing the unfixed toner image while conveying the sheet by a fixing nip portion. The image forming apparatus can perform a cleaning mode for cleaning the fixing unit by conveying a sheet with an unfixed toner image for cleaning formed thereon by the fixing nip portion. At a time of the cleaning mode, the image forming unit forms the unfixed toner image for cleaning on a sheet surface opposite from a sheet surface where the unfixed toner image is formed at a time of image formation.

Abstract: A fuser device includes a first motor for rotatably driving one of a heating member and a pressure-applying member, a second motor rotating either in a forward direction or a reverse direction in order to switch a pressure-application-switching mechanism between an applied-pressure state and a released-pressure state, a first detector for detecting whether the first motor is rotating, and a second detector for detecting the forward-direction or reverse-direction rotation of the second motor. The first detector has a first sensor for detecting the rotation of the first detector plate caused to rotate by the first motor. The second detector has a second sensor for detecting changes in the rotational state of the second detector plate caused to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by the second motor. A single sensor constitutes the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating rotating body that heats a developer image formed on a recording medium, a pressurizing rotating body that pressurizes the recording medium by nipping the recording medium between the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body, a pair of support plates that rotatably support both ends of one of the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body, and a release member including an attachment portion attached to the support plates to hold the support plates from both sides in a thickness direction, and an operating portion. When an external force in a predetermined direction acts on the operating portion, the release member releases pressing of the one of the pressurizing rotating body and the heating rotating body against the other by moving the support plates in a direction away from the other.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless belt and an opposed rotary body contacting an outer circumferential surface of the belt. A nip formation pad contacting a first part of an inner circumferential surface of the belt presses against the opposed rotary body via the belt to form a fixing nip between the belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heat conductor disposed opposite a second part of the inner circumferential surface of the belt not contacted by the nip formation pad is interposed between a heater and the belt to conduct heat from the heater to the belt. A reflector disposed inside the loop formed by the belt reflects light from the heater toward the heat conductor. The reflector and the heat conductor surround the heater.

Abstract: An image fusing apparatus includes a heating belt including a resistance heating layer, an insulating layer formed on an inner surface of the resistance heating layer, and a release layer formed on an outer surface of the resistance heating layer; a heating supporting roller disposed (positioned) inside the heating belt and rotating with the heating belt; a pressing roller disposed (positioned) parallel to the heating supporting roller and in contact with the outer surface of the heating belt to form a nip; and an electricity supplying member to supply electricity to the resistance heating layer of the heating belt. A thickness of paper non-contact areas of opposite side end portions of the resistance heating layer of the heating belt is the same as or thicker than the thickness of a paper contact area of a middle portion of the resistance heating layer thereof.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transparent image forming unit configured to form a transparent toner image on a recording material, a fixing unit configured to fix the transparent toner image formed on the recording material, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a region where a mark visually recognizable due to a glossiness difference is to be formed, and a control unit configured to control the transparent image forming unit such that the transparent toner image formed in the region acquired by the acquisition unit is formed in a predetermined pattern in which a first portion having first glossiness after fixing and a second portion having second glossiness after fixing that is different from the first glossiness are at least alternately disposed.

Abstract: The cleaning blade is mounted to a holder that is pivoted. The pivot mechanism is designed such that the instantaneous center of rotation of the blade holder, in its operational position, is positioned above the plane of blade tip contact to the photoreceptor and upstream of the blade tip or below the plane of contact and downstream from the blade tip. These configurations result in a reduction of blade load as friction coefficient increases and a slower increase in photoreceptor torque when compared to conventional interference loaded blades. By a careful choice of the location of the center of rotation, the blade load can be maintained at a sufficiently high value for good cleaning over the expected range of friction coefficients. A four bar linkage provides a compact mechanism to pivot the blade holder and avoids potential problems of the mechanism interfering with the process and other components.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a plurality of developing units, an endless belt, and a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning member and a conveying unit. The cleaning member contacts the endless belt to clean toner remaining on the endless belt. The conveying unit includes a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a first relaying member. The first relaying member relays the remaining toner conveyed by the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit, and has a relay-axis. The cleaning member pivots about the relay axis to move between a contacting position for contacting the endless belt and a separating position for separating from the endless belt.

Abstract: Vortex flow resisters (20, 220) deliver liquid from an upper chamber (16, 216) to a lower chamber (18, 218) prior to the liquid being distributed onto a cylinder (12, 14, 212, 122).

Abstract: A printing engine module includes at least a base, a printing assembly, a carbon ribbon reel, a carbon ribbon collection shaft, a power transmission device, and a plurality of transmission elements. The base couples to corresponding mounting portions of a chassis of a host device of barcode printer. The printing assembly, the carbon ribbon reel, and the carbon ribbon collection shaft are mounted to a base side. The carbon ribbon reel and the carbon ribbon collection shaft supply and collect a carbon ribbon for the printing assembly. The power transmission device and the transmission elements are mounted to an opposite side of the base supply power to the carbon ribbon collection shaft and the printing assembly for rotating a carbon ribbon and a printing label. The printing engine module is receivable and coupleable in the host device of barcode printer.

Abstract: A half-cut device including: a half cutter for cutting a main tape or a released tape of a processed tape which the released tape is affixed to the main tape; a stepping motor for driving the half cutter to cut; and a motor control unit for controlling the stepping motor, wherein the motor control unit controls the stepping motor to maintain the condition which the half cutter cuts the main tape or the released tape for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drawing tool for an artist, draughtsman or hobbyist etc., the drawing tool comprising a handle and a retaining means disposed on the handle. The retaining means being adapted to releasably retain an elongate drawing material, such as a graphite lead, in an orientation substantially transverse to the axis of the handle. In use, manipulation of the handle and selective application of pressure to the elongate drawing material enables the drawing material to be applied to a drawing surface to thereby control the degree of shading on the drawing surface. The hand tool has particular application to reliably rendering gradients when shading with graphite and chalk etc. To be accompanied, when published, by FIG. 1 of the drawings, deposit varying thicknesses of graphite on the paper to modify the gradient of the shading.

Abstract: In order to provide a writing instrument in which a writing direction can be visually recognized in a broad range at a visual part of a pen tip and which can surely write to end of writing, the writing instrument is endowed with a constitution in which a pen tip is equipped with a porous member as a writing part and a holding member holding the above porous member and having at least one ink guiding part through which an ink contained in a barrel is provided to a writing part held by the holding member which is a visible part enabling to visually recognize a writing direction, wherein an area ratio of the visible part is 40% or more of the pen tip protruding from a tip part of the writing instrument.

Abstract: Applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are disclosed herein. The applicator devices overcome the deficiencies in the prior art by allowing topical oils, especially essential oils, to be applied using a roller-ball applicator. Exemplary applicators may include a topical oil container, and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include, a roller-ball housing, wherein the roller-ball housing includes a well configured to hold topical oil for application to an individual regardless of the orientation of the roller-ball applicator, and a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing. The applicator device may also include a cap configured to be removably attached to the container and to seal topical oil within the topical oil container by exerting pressure on the roller-ball when the cap is securely attached to the container.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a shell, an ink reservoir disposed in the shell and a writing tip section that is provided on the shell from which ink from the ink reservoir is applied to a substrate. The writing tip section includes a writing tip and an ink feed assembly for delivering ink from the ink reservoir to the writing tip through capillary action. The writing tip is flexible and a flexible cover with the shape of a fountain pen nib is provided for supporting the flexible writing tip.

Abstract: A sealant contour forming tool comprises an elongate substantially cylindrical body having an open front end and an open rear end. The front end has an edge lying on a plane which extends obliquely to a central axis of the body. The body is formed from a resilient material and further comprises a longitudinal opening extending longitudinally between the front open end and the rear open end. The longitudinal opening being operable to resiliently widen and narrow in response to an appropriate force applied to the body adjacent the elongate opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.

Abstract: A corner key includes a first arm portion, a first engaging portion, a second arm portion, and a second engaging portion. The first arm portion has a first outer side-surface. The first engaging portion is disposed on the first outer side-surface. The second arm portion is connected to the first arm portion and has a second outer side-surface. The second outer side-surface is unparallel to the first outer side-surface. The second engaging portion is disposed on the second outer side-surface.

Abstract: An annular groove is formed at an open end of a motor case, and a sliding contact projection, which is in an annular plate-shape and corresponding to the annular groove, is formed on a cover. A bottom of the annular groove and the sliding contact projection rotate relative to each other while being in sliding contact with each other to form an annular friction bonded portion therebetween. Wall portions of the annular groove are arranged at such positions as to be concentric with the friction bonded portion. Thus, a storage portion that stores burrs produced at the friction bonded portion is formed. A plurality of protrusions that protrude radially outward is formed on the sliding contact projection over all around. The storage portion is partitioned in the circumferential direction by using the protrusions as partitioning elements.

Abstract: A method for joining, assembling, at least two parts comprising silicon carbide-based materials is provided. The parts are contacted with a non-reactive brazing composition, the assembly having the parts and the brazing composition is heated to a brazing temperature sufficient to melt the brazing composition, and the parts and the brazing composition are cooled so that, after solidification of the brazing composition, a moderately refractory joint is formed. The brazing composition is a binary alloy consisting, in atomic percentages, of 60% to 66% silicon and 34% to 40% nickel. Prior to contacting the parts with the brazing composition, a reinforcement is added. A composition comprising the brazing composition and a reinforcement is provided. A brazing paste, suspension comprising a powder of the brazing composition, a reinforcement, and an organic liquid cement, binder, or an organic viscous gel is provided. A joint and assembly obtained by the foregoing method is provided.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft connection assembly for a steering column is provided. The intermediate steering shaft connection assembly comprises at least one shaft, a clamping yoke configured to be coupled to the shaft, and a connection assurance device interposed between the shaft and the clamping yoke. The connection assurance device is configured to ensure proper positioning of the clamping yoke on the shaft to allow for final assembly.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide is provided, the method comprising injecting carbon dioxide into a saline formation below an oil reservoir. The carbon dioxide may be sequestered at a pressure above about 10 MPa. The carbon dioxide may be sequestered at a pressure below about 30 MPa. The carbon dioxide may be sequestered at a temperature above about 25° C. The carbon dioxide may be sequestered at a temperature below about 60° C. The saline formation and the oil reservoir may contact each other, thereby forming an oil-water contact (OWC) layer. The carbon dioxide to be sequestered may be injected greater than about 10 m below the OWC layer. The carbon dioxide may be a gas, a liquid, a supercritical fluid, or a mixture thereof, when the carbon dioxide is injected into the saline formation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or submerged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, extending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is attached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.

Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation between a plurality of undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom and a floating support on the surface and anchored to the sea bottom, the floating support including a turret; and a plurality of flexible hoses extending from the turret to respective ones of a plurality of rigid pipes, the rigid pipes providing connections between the flexible hoses and respective ones of the plurality of undersea pipes resting on the sea bottom, wherein the installation includes a guide structure maintained in the subsurface between the turret and the top of the rigid pipes, the guide structure being suitable for guiding the flexible hoses, the guide structure having a plurality of first guide elements with respective ones of the plurality of flexible hoses passing therethrough in such a manner that the flexible hose has at least a bottom flexible hose portion in a dipping catenary configuration, and a second flexible hose portion extending entirely above the point of contact between

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing underwater devices on sub-sea structures. The apparatus can include a body having at least one pair of support members extending therefrom. At least one actuator, adapted to move in a linear direction, can be disposed on each support member. At least one connector can be disposed on each actuator. The connector can include at least one aperture disposed therethrough for receiving an attachment member.

Abstract: A foundation structure for locating an object mounted on the foundation structure on a sea bed or a river bed comprises an integral buoyancy device having variable buoyancy and a rigid control surface. The integral buoyancy device is movable relative to the foundation structure to vary the position of the rigid control surface and to control the position of the centre of buoyancy relative to the position of the centre of gravity. This stabilizes the foundation structure during submergence and surfacing. A method for controlling the deployment and retrieval of the foundation structure is also described.

Abstract: A system including a chemical rock anchor and a device for injecting a fixative, the rock anchor including an anchor tube enclosing a cavity. The device includes at least one holding chamber containing the fixative, a tube into which the at least one holding chamber is integrated, permits injection of a fixative into a space between an anchor tube and a hole that has been drilled into the rock, while requiring little technical effort and permitting a controlled process. The tube can be inserted into the cavity, and/or the tube and the anchor tube are separate parts, and/or the tube is not attached to the anchor tube, and/or the system does not include any fastening means for the bonding and/or non-positive fastening of the tube to the anchor tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for proving the quality of a jet grouting body. Such a jet grouting body is produced by means of a drilling and grouting linkage assembly. An extraction device according to the invention for extracting a suspension from such a jet grouting body comprises: a first segment with a cavity comprising a fluid, in particular a liquid, in which a first chamber is provided, the volume of which can be modified and which is connected with an opening for extracting a specimen, and a further segment which is intended to receive the fluid from the cavity. By receiving the fluid in the further segment, the volume of the first chamber can be enlarged; furthermore the extraction device can be integrated in a drilling and grouting linkage assembly.

Abstract: A decelerator device for apples or the like is disclosed. The apples are delivered to the decelerator device by a tube which can be provided with either a positive pressure upstream of the transported objects or a downstream of the transporter device. In one embodiment of the invention, the decelerator is provided with an area of reduced pressure in communication with the distal end of the transport tube. A receiving device such as a plurality of inter-engaged wheels receives the apples of other objects in the area of reduced pressure. The wheels or conveyors receive objects between opposed sealing surfaces, reduce the traveling speed of the object, and transport the object to an area of ambient pressure. The sealing surfaces are disengaged from the transported objects in the area of ambient pressure, and the objects are delivered to a transport path, dry bin, or other desired structure. In another embodiment of the invention, a counter flow of air reduces the speed of the object traveling along the tube.