Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a mounting tray configured for securing an expansion card, a first securing member, a second securing member, a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first securing member is attached to a first edge of the mounting tray, and a first stopper portion is disposed on the first securing member. The second securing member is attached to a second opposite edge of the mounting tray, and a second stopper portion is disposed on the second securing member. The first and second rotating members are rotatably secured to the mounting tray. A first and second hooks respectively extend from the first and second rotating members. The first hook is engaged with the first stopper portion, and the second hook engaged with the second stopper portion.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a battery box having a first connection base and a second connection base on two ends thereof. The first connection base has two first positioning members on two sides thereof. A first fixing base includes a first reception space for receiving the first connection base and the first fixing base is pivotable relative to the first fixing base. A second fixing base is connected to the second positioning portion. The positioning recess guides the positioning members on the first connection base to slide and pivot. The second connection base is connected to the second fixing base. The battery box is easily taken out and installed.

Abstract: A dynamic kinematic mount includes three balls, a first plate, and an opposing second plate. The first plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the first plate, and the second plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the second plate. Also provided is a spacer having opposing first and second faces and three bores extending therethrough from the first face to the second face. The three balls are each disposed in one of the three bores for rotation relative to the spacer, in which the three ball project outboard of the first and second faces. The first plate is in juxtaposition to the first face, and the second plate in juxtaposition to the second face.

Abstract: A climbing shoe (10) comprises a sliding shoe section (16) and wall shoe section (18). The sliding shoe section (16) is designed so that it can guide and hold a climbing rail. The wall shoe section (18) is connected to the sliding shoe section (16) in an articulated manner.

Abstract: An actuating solenoid and a non-stick disk by means of which adhesion of an armature of an actuating solenoid to a pole core can be prevented. The non-stick disk is provided with at least one oil channel through which oil can be fed into the contact area between the non-stick disk and the armature or the pole core.

Abstract: A valve device includes a temperature sensor disposed to project from a housing to a tank inner space to detect the temperature in the tank inner space, and can detect the temperature without being influenced by the heat capacity of the housing. A coil generates a magnetic force to drive a valve with three terminals arranged at different positions in an axial direction, and a drive voltage is selectively applied between two of the terminals. A current value of the driving current which energizes the coil can be changed by selecting the terminals between which the drive voltage is applied. Without controlling the drive voltage, it is possible to suppress wasting power such that the driving current of the large current value is generated in the start-up time, and the current value of the driving current is decreased in the holding time.

Abstract: A method and a computer program product controls the water supply in a sanitary installation having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, a valve battery, which is connected to a power supply, and a sensor unit connected to the power supply. At least one trigger means outputs an action signal to an electronic controller when activated by a user by tapping on the trigger means that is embodied as a switch or by at least partially penetrating into the detection area of a trigger means that is embodied as a proximity sensor.

Abstract: A polymer actuator is capable of being utilized for any of various drive sources, and the amount of deformation of the polymer actuator can particularly be used also for a valve or shaft-sealing device. The polymer actuator includes a power driver deformed upon receiving electro stimuli and electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surface sides of the power driver in an opposite manner for applying positive and negative electro stimuli to the power driver in a planar fashion. The electrodes have different stimuli application regions to have different electrical field distributions for causing distribution of stress generated in the power driver to be eccentrically located on one of positive and negative sides, thereby bending and deforming the power driver onto a side on which the opposite stimuli application regions do not exist.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control valve suitable for particulate flow and/or for a liquid stream, comprising a spherical surface with cut-off top and bottom areas, a cylindrical extension depending from the cut-off top area of said spherical surface, a collar further extending from the cylindrical extension, a common internal diameter passage through said spherical surface, cylindrical extension and collar, and said valve further comprising opposing arcuate lids, having an interior spherical concave surface, hinged to the spherical surface to provide a close tolerance relationship with the spherical surface, and an overlapping band on one of the lids to create an arcuate, spherical, concave, recessed area for reception of the leading surface of the other lid, which lids open and close at fast rates by outside means to provide an intermittent seal to the flow of the particulate or of the liquid during the operation of the control valve.

Abstract: A valve seat assembly for a pressure relief valve in which a valve member is biased against a valve seat to a closed position and movable away from the valve seat to an open position when inlet fluid pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value, the valve seat assembly having a seat body with an internal bore and positioned to abut the valve member when moved by the spring to the closed position. An insert member is disposed in the seat body to extend between an upper end of the seat body and a resilient member supported by the seat body for resiliently pressing against the insert member, the upper end of the insert member supporting the valve seat to seal with the valve member.

Abstract: A double-disc gate valve is provided, the shut-off or valve discs of which are displaceable from an open position into a closed position and vice versa by means of an actuator rod, there being associated with the actuator rod a locking device by means of which the valve discs, together with the actuator rod, are fixable in the closed position. The locking device is movable in the longitudinal direction of the actuator rod relative thereto from an unlocking position into a locking position and vice versa, the locking position being variable in dependence upon the closed position of the valve with predetermined maximum pressing force of the valve discs against the associated valve housing sealing seats.

Abstract: Valve controllers and methods of their use are described. Valve controllers of the type described herein can be used to operate valves that are out of manual reach by the operator. One embodiment of a valve controller includes proximal and distal controller heads connected to each other via a hollow elongate shaft. Each of the proximal and distal controller heads includes a rotatable pulley wheel that is connected to a valve control engagement member for engaging a handle of a valve operable to shift the valve from a first position to a second position. The rotation of the proximal and distal pulley wheels, and thereby the proximal and distal engagement members, is coupled via a cord that runs through the hollow elongate shaft and around a circumferential portion of each pulley wheel.

Abstract: A lifter with linkage mechanism includes a frame being movably on floor, a lifting mechanism disposed on the upper portion of said frame and a loading plate jointed with the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting arm with a lifting driving box. Two four-bar linkage mechanisms are jointed with a first end of the lifting arm, while a second end of the lifting arm is rotatablely jointed with the frame. The frame includes a horizontal base seat and two columns with vertical guiding groove respectively symmetrically disposed on left side and right side of the horizontal base seat. A crossbeam is coupled between two columns. The four-bar linkage mechanism is disposed between two columns, and the four-bar linkage mechanism is respectively jointed with the loading plate and the lifting arm. In the present invention, the loading plate will be well guided and move freely. The structure of the cantalever style loading plate is simple; it is suitably applied in the double-deck parking garage.

Abstract: A probe bar remover (10) for loosening and removing probe bars from the ground includes an elongated member (12) with an engagement end and a handling end. The elongated member (12) also includes a foot plate (18) along the elongated member (12) oriented toward the handling end. A bar engagement member (20) is coupled to the elongated member (12) at the engagement end and can include an engagement gap (22) for engaging a probe bar (15). A fulcrum (24) can be oriented along the elongated member (12), which contacts a ground surface, and a handlebar (26) is removably coupled to the handling end of the elongated member. To remove probe bars from a ground surface, the probe bar remover (10) can be engaged with an exposed portion of a probe bar (15) and a downward force is exerted on the foot plate (18) so as to at least loosen the probe bar (15) from the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing a piece of equipment, especially a wind turbine blade when removed from a wind turbine tower, the method and apparatus including a stabilizer bag placed on the ground, having one or more interior inflatable cavities surrounded by a durable exterior membrane having welded seams and at least one valve for purposes of inflation and deflation.

Abstract: A cable pulling cap can include: (a) a lower portion with a top and a bottom, the lower portion comprising one or more lower sidewalls, the one or more lower sidewalls define an lower cavity; (b) an upper portion with a top and a bottom, the upper portion including one or more upper sidewalls, the one or more upper sidewalls define an upper cavity, the top of the upper portion having an access channel, the bottom of the upper portion further configured to mechanically couple to the top of the lower portion; (c) a bearing sized to a diameter less than a width of the access channel of the upper portion and located in the upper cavity; and (d) a pulling stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the pulling stem configured to mechanically coupled to a portion of the bearing. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: In a method and a device for moving a working means in the ground, a coupling means rotatable about an axis of rotation for establishing a drive connection between a push-pull unit and a rod assembly having at least one projection and/or at least one recess is engaged with the projection and/or the recess of the rod assembly such that via a first contact area of the coupling means a first feed force is transmitted from the push-pull unit to the rod assembly. By the counter force opposite to the first feed force a torque acting on the coupling means is generated, which torque presses a second contact area of the coupling means against the rod assembly with a contact force. By the contact force, a non-positive connection is established between the push-pull unit and the rod assembly. Via this non-positive connection, a second feed force is transmitted to the rod assembly. By at least a part of the first and second feed force acting on the rod assembly a linear movement of the rod assembly is caused.

Abstract: A dirtbike maintenance apparatus (DMA) (10) having a dirtbike ramp (12); a dirtbike support assembly (42) with a lower horizontal member (44), a right vertical telescoping member (54), a left vertical telescoping member (78), an frame engagement plate (98); and an assembly attachment member (128); a front tire engagement assembly (134) with a hingedly attached tire plate (138); a right telescoping member (164) and a left telescoping member (194). The DMA (10) is placed on a level surface and a dirtbike (240) is directed onto and along the ramp (12). Once the dirtbike's front tire (242) contacts the tire plate (138), the engagement assembly (134) pivots forward, thereby pulling forward the right and left telescoping members (164,194). At the opposite end the telescoping members (164,194) are attached to the dirtbike support assembly (42).

Abstract: An optical fiber installation device may include a housing having a drop receiving channel extending therethrough. A drive wheel may be rotatably positioned in the housing and configured to rotatably engage a fiber optic drop provided in the drop receiving channel. The housing may include an air pathway for applying a first flow of pressurized air from an air source to the drive wheel. The first flow of pressurized air may cause the drive wheel to rotate and propel the fiber optic drop through the drop receiving channel.

Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection.

Abstract: The water aeration system using a renewable energy source is a self-contained unit having a float and a perforated diffuser plate positioned below the float. An electrically powered air pump is installed atop the structure, and a device for collecting renewable energy also extends above the structure. The renewable energy collection device may be one or more solar panels or a wind generator or wind turbine. The pump draws ambient air in through an inlet and pumps the air down through a supply tube to escape from a nozzle below the diffuser plate. The air then bubbles up through the water, the bubbles being broken up by the small perforations of the diffuser plate to provide efficient aeration of the water. An electrical storage battery and auxiliary power receptacle may be provided to power the pump motor during periods when solar or wind power is not available.

Abstract: An improved wet scrubber tray provides increased resistance to vibration-induced cracking. The tray is self supporting to eliminate wastage of raw material, and additional internal stiffeners added to the tray make multiple intermediate stiffeners. The connection of the intermediate stiffeners to the perforated bottom plate is changed to eliminate the shop weld in the bottom plate. The holes in the perforated bottom plate are repositioned so that they are moved away from the boundaries of the tray to reduce their influence on boundary conditions. The thickness of the tray material may be increased to lower the vibratory stresses. The mechanism for holding the trays themselves within the spray absorber tower is changed so that the trays are now held down by plate material that is attached to the support grid, but not to the trays.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.

Abstract: A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. A mounting plate is connected between a node point along the V-shaped spring member and the housing of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes opposing slots on opposite sides of the node point, the slots extending in an axial direction, creating an integrated torsion bar node spring, while reducing stress in the vicinity of the nodal point.

Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a body, a locating pin, an actuator, a drive rod, a cam, and a finger is provided. The locating pin is coupled to the body and movable between extended and retracted positions. The drive rod is movable relative to the locating pin. The cam is movable relative to the locating pin and the drive rod. The finger is coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and retracted positions. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin. Also, continued retraction of the drive rod after the finger has extended causes the cam to move out from the slot in the body to allow the locating pin to retract.

Abstract: A device for removing particles from a connecting rod includes a clamp for fixing a rod of a connecting rod disposed on a base plate, a vibration cylinder disposed to the clamp and a driving unit connected to the vibration cylinder for reciprocating a cap of the connecting rod according to driving of the vibration cylinder.

Abstract: An embodiment of a multiple axis positioner comprises a main headstock that has a main hollow bore. A main indexing table is attached to the main headstock. The main indexing table has a through-hole near the its center. The through-hole aligns or is substantially coaxial with the main hollow bore of the main headstock. The embodiment of the multiple axis positioner further includes at least three minor headstocks mounted to the main indexing table. The at least three minor headstocks have minor hollow bores.

Abstract: The clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and fixedly securable thereto releasably a clamping pallet (6). The chuck (1) is provided with four centering pins (3) arranged at the chuck (1) cooperating with centering openings (9) arranged at the clamping pallet (6) such that the clamping pallet (6) when chucked in the chuck (1) is oriented in the X and Y direction. Each centering pin (3) features two conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) whilst each centering opening (9) is defined by two side walls (9a, 9b) oriented parallel to each other. When chucking the clamping pallet (6) at the chuck (1) the conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) of each centering pin (3) come into line contact with the sidewalls of the centering opening (9).

Abstract: A creasing device for creasing sheets on a per-sheet basis, the creasing device includes: a first member extending perpendicularly to a sheet conveying direction and including a male blade, which has a convex cross section; a second member extending perpendicularly to the sheet conveying direction and including a grooved female blade, into which the male blade to be fitted with a sheet between the female blade and the male blade; and a drive unit that brings the first member and the second member relatively into and out of contact with each other to cause a sheet stopped at a predetermined position to be pinched between the first member and the second member and creased. An edge portion of any one of the first member and the second member has an arcuate shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making an album in a full-automatic way, comprising the steps below: feed the album paper into a creasing machine piece by piece; crease the album paper in the middle and then transfer the album paper to a folding mechanism; fold the album paper along the middle seam and transfer the album paper to a pasting mechanism; select automatic pasting process according to the album making command, when an interlayer is not required, apply the adhesive on one external side of the album paper, align with the other external side of the previous piece of the album paper that is without the adhesive coating, and so forth, so that all the album paper is bonded together to form the album core; when an interlayer is required, feed the pasting mechanism between the album paper and the interlayer, apply the adhesive on one side of the interlayer, paste it with the external side of the previous piece of the album paper, apply the adhesive on one external side of the next piece of th

Abstract: An image forming system includes: a folding unit that folds a sheet of paper to form a fold in the sheet; a creasing unit that, before the sheet is folded, produces a crease in the sheet at a fold position where the fold is to be formed; a crease-position adjusting unit that adjusts a crease position where the crease is to be produced; a fold-position adjusting unit that adjusts the fold position; a first input unit that receives an input specifying an amount, by which the crease position is to be adjusted; and a second input unit that receives an input specifying an amount, by which the fold position is to be adjusted, wherein when the fold position is adjusted by the second input unit, the crease position is also adjusted in synchronization with the adjustment of the fold position.

Abstract: A device for delivering a printed product from a saddle-shaped support includes at least two discs that are configured to pass through a gap that extends in a conveying direction and that is disposed, at least in a delivery region, between two support parts of the saddle-shaped support. The at least two discs are rotatable about respective fixed rotation axles that are mutually spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each of the discs is configured to project intermittently, during the rotation about the respective fixed rotation axles, above a ridge line of the ridge in the delivery region of the saddle-shaped support so as to continuously lift the printed product from the saddle-shaped support in the delivery region.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a punch portion punching a hole at an end part of a sheet, and a push-out member discharging the sheet by pushing the end part of the sheet where the punch process is performed by the punch portion. The push-out member discharges the sheet at a sheet discharging speed lower than a predetermined speed from the intermediate process tray in accordance with punch process information (i.e., combination of a size and a type of the sheet and number, a shape and a size of holes) that strength of a sheet end part is decreased by the punch process, and is lower than predetermined sheet strength capable of being discharged at the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A recording medium post-processing apparatus includes a recording medium stacking member; a first binding member that moves to an inside of a stacked area, binds the recording media by deforming the recording media, and moves to an outside of the stacked area after binding the recording media; and a guiding member disposed between the first binding member and the recording media and fixed to the first binding member, the guiding member guiding the recording media so that a gap between the recording media and the first binding member is maintained when the first binding member moves around the inside of the stacked area, wherein the guiding member has an opening that surrounds an area in which the first binding member operates to deform the recording media, and a part of the opening is narrowed in a moving direction of the first binding member.

Abstract: In one example, a printer sheet holding system includes: a support for printable substrate sheets in a support area; and a movable indicator to indicate the presence in the support area of a second sheet stack on top of a first sheet stack. The indicator being movable between a first position in which the indicator extends over the support area where it can rest on top of the first stack when a first stack is supported in the support area and a second position in which the indicator is withdrawn from the support area. In another example, a method includes sensing the presence of a second stack of printable substrate sheets on top of a first stack of printable substrate sheets and, in response to sensing the presence of the second stack on the first stack, configuring the printer to print on sheets of the second substrate.

Abstract: A sheet bundle with storage tags, a method for producing the sheet bundle and a sheet transport mechanism in an image forming apparatus are provide. The sheet bundle includes a plurality of sheets stacked to one another, each sheet being attached with a storage tag at an attachment position and having a thickness larger at the attachment position than other positions thereof. The plurality of sheets includes a plurality of kinds of sheets which have different attachment positions when the sheet bundle is viewed from a direction orthogonal to a surface of the sheets.

Abstract: A conveyer includes a first rotating body; a second rotating body pair; and an intermediate rotating body arranged between the first rotating body and the second rotating body pair. A curl of the recording medium is corrected by winding and bending the recording medium around and with the intermediate rotating body at a bent angle formed by a tangent line shared by the intermediate rotating body and the first rotating body, and a line on which such a tangent line of the intermediate rotating body is connected to a nip point of the second rotating body pair. The intermediate rotating body includes an escape mechanism that is capable of causing the intermediate rotating body to escape in a direction to increase the bent angle depending on the width of the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a conveyor mechanism; a motor driver; and a controller for implementing a sheet-conveyance related control by execution of motor control processing in which a control input for a motor is calculated, wherein the controller implements the motor control processing in each sheet conveyance operation such that the control input is repeatedly calculated for conveying the sheet to a target stop position and for keeping the sheet located at the position, and wherein, in the motor control processing, the controller calculates the control input such that, after the sheet has reached the target stop position, the control input is equal to a hold control input required for keeping the sheet located at the position and such that, at a start point of the processing, the control input is not smaller than the hold control input in the processing in a previous sheet conveyance operation.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a conveying path for conveying a sheet, an optical displacement sensor that detects displacement of the sheet, and a calculating unit that calculates a movement index value indicating moving distances of the sheet in a conveying direction and a direction perpendicular thereto based on an output from the optical displacement sensor. The optical displacement sensor includes a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a matrix array. A row alignment direction and a column alignment direction of the light receiving elements are tilted with respect to the conveying direction.

Abstract: An image forming system controls a handover timing of sheets between an image forming apparatus and a sheet feeding apparatus with high precision. A transmission path transmits information between the image forming apparatus and the sheet feeding apparatus. A signal line transmits a handover signal output from the image forming apparatus to the sheet feeding apparatus. A first control unit transmits the handover signal to the sheet feeding apparatus after transmitting a feeding start request to the sheet feeding apparatus. A second control unit controls the sheet feeding apparatus to convey the sheet to a predetermined position in the sheet feeding apparatus in accordance with a reception of the feeding start request and of conveying the sheet at the predetermined position to the image forming apparatus in accordance with a reception of the handover signal.

Abstract: A medium carrying mechanism includes a carrying roller that carries a medium, two correction rollers for medium correction that face the carrying roller and that are positioned along a medium carrying direction, a bracket that includes a rotation shaft and that supports the correction rollers, a supporting member that supports the rotation shaft, and a bias member that biases the rotation shaft toward the carrying roller.

Abstract: A gaming method includes repetitive plays simulating rolls of virtual dice by a player and at least one of a bonus feature and a progressive feature. A gaming method includes scoring dice.

Abstract: A picture puzzle kit is provided for coloring a picture puzzle marked with indicia corresponding to multiple colors. The picture puzzle kit comprises puzzle pieces, color charts, and coloring tools. The puzzle pieces comprise parts of a picture and are marked with indicia corresponding to different colors. The color charts display colors corresponding to the indicia marked on the puzzle pieces. In an embodiment, multiple removable layers are stacked one above the other on each of the puzzle pieces. In another embodiment, an embedded audio assembly is provided in each of the puzzle pieces and the color charts for audibly indicating characteristics of the puzzle pieces and the color charts respectively. The puzzle pieces are linked to assemble the picture puzzle. The coloring tools enable the user to color the puzzle pieces using the colors displayed on the color charts corresponding to the indicia marked on the puzzle pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. After placing initial wagers, three cards are dealt to each player and two cards dealt to the dealer. The game design allows players to either retain their initial three cards for play as a game hand, or divide their cards into separate game hands. Dividing cards into separate hands requires additional wagers. Players may play their one or more game hands by standing or hitting to reach a hand that is higher than the dealers without exceeding twenty-one. Players may divide their initial three card hand in any fashion that will provide them with the best opportunity to obtain a game hand under the conventional rules of blackjack.

Abstract: A game system comprises a base game-playing structure and at least two target surfaces each defining at least one target zone and depicting different projectile-passing games. The target surfaces are engageable with the base game-playing structure in one or more substantially vertical orientations and configured to receive passed projectiles. The system also includes at least one sensor engaged with the base game-playing structure. The target zone is positioned at a location on the target surface which is aligned with the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a projectile at the target zone. The system may also include an electronic display configured to display the status of the game being played with the game system, and an electronic controller configured to receive signals from the sensor and coupled to the electronic display to reflect the status of the game.

Abstract: Four paddles emanate from a central point that is substantially equidistant from the end of each of the four paddles. Three of the paddles are configured to be positioned on the ground at any one time in a three-point stance, causing the fourth paddle to be upright and perpendicular to the ground. The upright paddle serves as the target. When a shot hits the device above its center of gravity, the device flips, thus moving away from the shooter. Thus, the device automatically resets itself and moves to a new location, ready for the next hit. Preferably, each paddle is planar from near the central point to the paddle's distal end. Preferably each paddle also has a direction indicator. In a preferred embodiment, each paddle is about 5.5? long and the target is made of AR400 steel for practice with a 0.22 caliber bullet.

Abstract: A shaft seal that is constituted by annularly arranging a plurality of seal segments in the circumferential direction of a rotating shaft, in which each seal segment has a plurality of thin plates that are provided in a predetermined arrangement in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, side plates that sandwich the plurality of thin plates from both sides thereof in the axial direction, and retention rings that retain the base ends of the plurality of thin plates and the base ends of the side plates; the distal ends of the thin plates protrude farther toward the rotating shaft than the distal ends of the side plates, and the protrusion length of the distal ends of the thin plates in the vicinity of the end portions in the circumferential direction where adjacent seal segments are connected is set to be less than the protrusion length of the distal ends of the thin plates that are located at the middle of the seal segment in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A sealing ring for turbo engines is provided. The sealing ring includes individual sealing segments, between which springs are mounted. Locking elements are provided on the parting joint of the turbo engine to retain the sealing segments. In order to ensure that the sealing elements can be securely closed on the parting joint, the sealing segments are positively interconnected on the parting joint.

Abstract: In a sealing system (1) between two mutually moving components (2, 3) for sealing a high pressure side (H) with respect to a low pressure side (N), a sealing configuration (9) is provided in a first annular groove (4) at the high pressure side and with one or more pressure relief elements (10a, 10b) being disposed in second annular grooves (14a, 14b) each pressure relief element (10a, 10b) having a second sealing ring (15a, 15b) with a flat pressure gradient. The hydrodynamic leak rate for each pressure relief element (10a, 10b) is chosen in such a fashion that a certain hydraulic pressure obtains in each intermediate region (Za, Zb).