Abstract: An energy absorber system (10) provided with a shock absorber (11) extending from a first end (12) suitable for being connected to a rocker arm (5) of an undercarriage (3) housed in a wheel bay (4), towards a second end (13). In addition, the system includes a fitting (20) connected to said second end (13), and guide means (30) for guiding said fitting (20) in translation that is suitable for being fastened to a flank (4?) of said wheel well (4), said system (10) including deformable energy absorber means (40) fastened to said fitting (20) and suitable for being fastened to a structure (4?) of said bay (4) and also to fusible retention means (50) suitable for fastening said fitting (20) to said flank (4?), said fusible retention means (50) rupturing from a predetermined threshold in order to allow said fitting (20) to move under guidance from said guide means (30) so as to deform said energy absorber means (40).

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft gas turbine propulsion engine includes an engine nacelle and a thrust reverser. The engine nacelle is configured to have at least a portion of an aircraft gas turbine propulsion engine mounted therein, and includes an intake end, an exhaust end, and an outer surface that extends between the intake end and the exhaust end. At least the engine nacelle outer surface proximate the exhaust end has a semicircular section and a noncircular section. The thrust reverser includes a forward end, an aft end, and an outer surface that extends between the forward and aft ends. The thrust reverser forward end is coupled to the engine nacelle exhaust end. At least the thrust reverser outer surface proximate the forward end has an arc section and a noncircular section. The arc section subtends an angle greater than ? radians.

Abstract: A thermal management system comprises a first heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a second heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid loop, a first heat pump, and a second heat pump. The fluid loop circulates a fluid, and forms a continuous path between the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The second heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuselage structure for an aircraft or spacecraft with an outer skin. The fuselage structure comprises a rib element for stiffening the outer skin and ad cross member element. Here the rib element is bent in the shape of an arc to correspond to an inner contour of the outer skin. The cross member element connects two arc sections of the rib element transversely to each other. The cross member element has a higher strength than the rib element. From another point of view the invention provides an aircraft with such a fuselage structure.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for an engine compartment having a wall and an opening in the wall is provided. The pressure relief apparatus includes a door panel arranged in blocking relationship to the opening in the wall of the engine compartment, a plurality of hinges coupling the door panel to an inner surface of the wall of the engine compartment, a spring assembly coupled between each hinge and the inner surface of the wall, wherein the spring assembly includes a canister having an open end and a spring element housed within the canister, and a support fitting mounted to the engine compartment wall and having a portion extending toward the open end of the canister for applying a compressive force on the spring element.

Abstract: A de-icer including a bracket arranged on a structural member and a de-icer module mounted on the bracket. The de-icer module is adjustable arranged on the bracket such that a position of the de-icer module is adjustable in relation to the bracket. Also a fixture and a method of adjusting a position of a de-icer.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises: a fuselage; a front pair of wings; a rear pair of wings; and a pair of bodies, each body interconnecting, at a distance from the fuselage, the front and rear wings that are situated on the same side of the fuselage.

Abstract: An aerial refueling boom may include a refueling boom assembly and a pivot assembly for attaching the aerial refueling boom to a tanker aircraft. The refueling boom assembly may include a main boom section and a hollow telescoping boom section. The hollow telescoping boom section is adapted to be moved between a retracted position within the main boom section and an extended position extending from the main boom section for in-flight refueling of an aircraft. The pivot assembly may include an aircraft attachment plate to attach the pivot assembly to the tanker aircraft and a refueling boom attachment plate to attach the refueling boom assembly to the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly may also include a plurality of actuators pivotably coupling the aircraft attachment plate to the refueling boom attachment plate.

Abstract: The present system and methods enable simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control of a spacecraft, such as a geostationary satellite. Control equations according to the present system and methods generate accurate station-keeping commands quickly and efficiently, reducing the number of maneuvers needed to maintain station and allowing station-keeping maneuvers to be performed with a single burn. Additional benefits include increased efficiency in propellant usage, and extension of the satellite's lifespan. The present system and methods also enable tighter orbit control, reduction in transients and number of station-keeping thrusters aboard the satellite. The present methods also eliminate the need for the thrusters to point through the center of mass of the satellite, which in turn reduces the need for dedicated station-keeping thrusters. The present methods also facilitate completely autonomous orbit control and angular momentum control using.

Abstract: An aircraft may include a pair of wings. A forward swept winglet may be attached proximate to a wing tip of each wing. The forward swept winglet may include a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge of each winglet may extend from the wing at a predetermined forward sweep angle relative to a line perpendicular to a chord of the wing tip in a direction corresponding to a forward portion of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, a first wing, and a second wing. The first wing and the second wing each have at least two wing panels, where the at least two wing panels of each wing are telescopically related to one another for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The first wing and the second wing are both connected to the fuselage and are positioned with respect to the fuselage such that the first wing is offset with respect to the second wing.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting failing rail car wheels, brakes, bearings, and/or other components of a rail car may include at least one thermal sensor and at least one image capture device. The thermal sensor(s) and image capture devices(s) are usable to help determine whether there is a failure or potential failure of a component of a wheel set by detecting, measuring and/or comparing a temperature of various portions of the wheel set. If the temperature is higher than expected, it may indicate, for example, a stuck brake, a failing bearing, and/or some other failure of the wheel set. If the temperature is lower than expected, it could indicate that a brake of the wheel set is unexpectedly diengaged and/or some other failure of the wheel set.

Abstract: A support collar (1) for long articles (10), in particular cables, pipes and/or the like, comprises a sheet-like structure (2) provided with: a flat top end portion (4), having an opening (5); two side portions (6) perpendicular to the top end portion (4) and each having a respective engaging element (7) for engaging the support collar (1) on a support plate (8) or on a top end portion (4) of another support collar (1). The side portions (6) and the top end portion (4) delimit an area (9) for partially housing an article (10) to be supported. The collar (1) also comprises retaining means (11) for keeping the long article (10) stably joined to the sheet-like structure (2). The retaining means (11) comprise at least one retaining clip (12) provided with two gripping arms (13) which extend inside the housing area (9). The gripping arms (13) can be elastically splayed so as to engage with the long article (10) and retain the latter inside the housing area (9).

Abstract: A grommeted clamp assembly is provided for securing an elongated member to an underlying surface. The grommeted clamp assembly includes a grommet having a generally tubular body with an ovate cross section. An opening extends lengthwise along the body and is sized for receiving an elongated member. The grommet includes at least one transverse projection. The assembly includes a pair of clamp portions each having an anchoring end, an interlocking end, and a curved portion. A second anchoring end is configured for alignment with the first anchoring end. A second interlocking end is configured for being received by a slot of the first interlocking end. A second curved portion cooperates with a first curved portion to collectively support the grommet. At least one of the curved portions includes an elongated slot for receiving the at least one transverse projection for retaining the grommet.

Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.

Abstract: The invention is a self-supporting, mobile or fixed, adjustable stand for items such a computer keyboard, mouse or laptop computer for use while sitting on a recliner, sofa or chair, standing, sitting or kneeling on the floor. The assembly consists of an articulated arm mechanism with supporting gas spring piston that allows the tray to be raised or lowered effortlessly. The arm assembly swivels sideways to allow the user to sit or stand more freely. The tray assemblies also swivel for added practicality. The stand may be movable or fastened to a floor or another firm location. Movable base assembly options are included and four adjustable foot pegs or casters may be used to level the stand perfectly to the floor and to improve the mobility. The stand can be used with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse when viewing a large monitor or television from a distance.

Abstract: The extracting apparatus includes a bracket, a holder extractably mounted to the bracket, a locking member, an elastic member connecting the bracket with the locking member, and a handle pivotably connecting to the bracket. The locking member is pivotably engaged with the bracket. The handle includes a cam, and the locking member includes a latch portion. When the extracting apparatus is at a locked position, the latch portion of the locking member extends through the bracket to securely engage with the holder. When the handle is pivoted to move toward the bracket, the cam of the handle drives the locking member to rotate relative to the bracket for releasing the holder.

Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope is suggested that is provided with vertical and horizontal supports, articulation units and a displacer for displacing the optics carrier in an X direction extending horizontally and transversely to an oblique pivot axis. A balancing apparatus is provided for balancing an optics carrier held by a pivot support of the displacer. The optics carrier is rotatable around a first rotational axis in relation to the pivot support. The balancing compensates for the use with and without a microscope holder and with and without add-on units. The balancing apparatus is provided with Y and Z displacement units comprising respective slides. The weight of a second slide of the Z displacement unit compensates the weight of the optics carrier with and without the microscope holder and with and without the add-on units via the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A mounting post for supporting a plurality of electronic cabinets, each having different bolt patterns, comprising a hollow post configured to receive a hollow mount at the upper end, a stabilizer plate attached to the lower end of the post, and a hollow mount selected from a plurality of hollow mounts, each having a lower end configured to mate to the post, and having a substantially planar upper surface with openings formed therein corresponding to a unique bolt pattern for an electronics cabinet.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include an apparatus for hanging a display device. In one implementation, the apparatus for hanging a display device, includes an upper mount plate suitable for attaching to a flat surface having a left cable extending downward and approximately normal to a longitudinal axis of the upper mount plate and a right cable extending downward and approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the upper mount plate. In addition, the apparatus further includes a lower mount plate attachable to a back portion of a display device. The left cable is coupled to at least two approximately vertically aligned receiving points on a left portion of the lower mount plate. The right cable is coupled to at least two approximately vertically aligned receiving points on a right portion of the lower mount plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device, in particular for the seat of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first rail (lower rail (1)) and one second rail (upper rail 2)) which is embodied in a displaceable manner in relation to the first rail, in addition to a spindle (4) which is connected to the first rail and a drive housing (14) which can be penetrated by the spindle and which is arranged on the second rail, said drive housing being provided in order to receive at least one gear element which co-operates with the spindle. According to the invention, the drive housing is secured in a directly positive manner to the associated rail but also in a manner whereby the height can be adjusted.

Abstract: A clamp structure includes a clamping component for clamping a tube, and at least one bridging component disposed on a lateral surface of the clamping component. A pivoting portion is disposed on the bridging component, and the bridging component pivots with an antenna module via the pivoting portion, so that the antenna module can pivot relative to the clamping component along a radial plane of the clamping component.

Abstract: A safety tether is provided for securing a heavy work tool. The safety tether includes one or more springs that serve to carry some of the weight of the work tool. A safety chain is provided in parallel connection with the springs. The length of the chain is less than the extended length of a spring at its maximum rated load, thus precluding extension of the springs to that link, greatly reducing any likelihood that the springs will break. In the event of spring breakage, the chain serves as a safety chain, stopping the tool from falling.

Abstract: A blowout preventer having a first elongated cavity extending along a first axis and a second elongated cavity extending perpendicular to and intersecting the first elongated cavity, a shear block provided in the first elongated cavity and configured to slide along the first axis, where the shear block has a frontal face facing the second elongated cavity and configured to slide towards the second elongated cavity; and a shear blade configured to be attached to the shear block and also configured to shear a tool provided in the second cavity when the shear block slides towards the tool. The frontal face of the shear block has at least a pin region configured to enter a tail region of the shear blade such that the pin region and the tail region form a dovetail joint or the shear block has the tail region and the shear block has the pin region.

Abstract: An inlet shut valve or an outlet shut valve has a main diaphragm and a sub-diaphragm, wherein a valve closing pressure chamber and a valve opening pressure chamber are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the main diaphragm. Furthermore, an atmospheric pressure chamber and a pressure chamber constituting a channel are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the sub-diaphragm. A drive shaft constituting a valve element is driven in the direction for bringing about a valve open state by both forces, i.e. a first force acting by pressure difference between the valve closing pressure chamber and the valve opening pressure chamber and a second force acting by pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure chamber and the pressure chamber constituting a channel and acting in the same direction as the first force.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and device for operating an electropneumatic valve for driving a pneumatic actuator drive to activate fittings in automation systems. The valve has at least one electropneumatic transducer and a pneumatic booster. The pneumatic booster has at least one 3/3 way valve with a blocking center position for optionally connecting an air inflow duct or an air outflow duct to a connecting duct, which connects to the actuator drive. The ducts are activated as a function of an electrical actuation signal by the electropneumatic transducer. At least one position of the 3/3 way valve with a blocking center position is measured and a correction value of a variable of the actuation signal is determined based on the measured value and the electrical actuation signal.

Abstract: A stem shoulder seal with double rings is composed of a sealing ring, a clamping ring and a spherical or conical stem shoulder, and the sealing ring is of a self-energized seal designed to its ultimate allowable strength and automatically free of any load beyond its ultimate strength. An assembly of independent dual stem seals, consisting of a stem shoulder seal with double rings, a stem cylinder seal with triangular sections and an isolating mating, can ensure that a stem has three seals which get well seated automatically at the same time to bear an identical ultimate medium pressure independently or without any mutual interference in service when assembled to the extent that the stem operating torque is just definitely increased, thereby ensuring that a stem sealing has a triple safety.

Abstract: A manhole cover extractor that pulls and lifts weighty horizontal items such as manhole covers and handhold enclosure covers that are lifted perpendicular from one side and pulled from the original position, removed and on same plane able to lift and move cover back to the original setting or simply move cover as to not create a tripping hazard; the tool consists of a T-bar which gives the necessary fulcrum for effortless removal and management of cumbersome manhole covers, the T-bar is comprised with handles to control the load. A polypropylene strap which is doubled back with reinforced cross stitching and J-hook which engages the object(s) listed and the aforementioned polypropylene strap is docked to the T-bar handle. Pneumatic all-terrain tires that are attached to an axle that is secured to the T-bar handle through the A-frame of the dolly.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stringing aerial cables through tower structures using aircraft without requirement that a person be present on the tower while the aircraft is performing the stringing operation are described. An elongated needle-like threading member to which a sock line is attached and having spaced-apart projections emanating therefrom at different directions around the threading member, is directed by the aircraft pilot through a block having a pulley suspended by an insulator or other tower structure, the projections in cooperation with the block preventing the threading member from being pulled rearwardly under tension from the sock line. A device adapted for grabbing and releasing the threading member and attached to an aircraft haul line, permits the threading member to be hauled forward through the block once the aircraft flies to the other side of the tower and reattaches the grabbing device to the threading member.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of an abatement system that removes heat and/or one or more byproducts of combustion from a gas flow. In various aspects a misting array assembly is provided that includes at least one nozzle tubing having at least one nozzle coupled thereto.

Abstract: Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part.

Abstract: An air-damped engine mount has a filter module installed in a damping chamber formed by coupling between a main rubber and a main pipe. The air-damped engine mount may include a bolt, a main rubber into which the bolt is fitted and coupled, a hollow main pipe coupled with the main rubber and supporting the main rubber, a cover plate coupled with the main pipe to form a damping chamber between the cover plate and the main rubber, and a filter module coupled with the cover plate and configured to permit air to communicate through the filter module against flow resistance with the damping chamber and the outside, wherein the flow resistance against the air passing through the filter module regulates air pressure inside the damping chamber to reduce vibration in the main rubber.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dual path hydraulic strut mount are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular suspension system including a dual path hydraulic strut mount. In one embodiment, the dual path hydraulic strut mount includes an outer elastomeric module and an inner hydraulic module, which is mounted in the outer elastomeric module. The inner hydraulic module is configured to operate in an active damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount less than a threshold value and in a substantially inactive damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for mounting a wing of an aircraft to a fuselage of the aircraft. The positioning system includes, but is not limited to a programmable mounting unit that can perform a final adjustment and alignment of the wing with respect to the fuselage without user interaction.

Abstract: A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A clamp comprising a slide rail, a fixed arm integrally joined to the slide rail, and a slide arm movable on the slide rail is provided, the slide rail having in the cross section an overall height and an overall width having a ratio to each other, which ranges between 2.55:1 and 2.8:1.

Abstract: A finisher includes an intermediate tray that collects sheets to form a sheet bundle, a sheet gripping member that grips one end of the sheet bundle in a conveying direction and a positioning member that grips the other end of the sheet bundle in a conveying direction, a moving portion that moves the sheet gripping member and the positioning member to come close to each other, a pair of folding rollers that folds the sheet bundle while conveying the sheet bundle, a projecting member that projects a part between the one end and the other end of the gripped sheet bundle toward the pair of folding rollers, and a controller that controls the moving portion, such that the sheet gripping member and the positioning member come close to each other in synchronization with an operation of projecting the projecting member toward the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A sheet bundle treatment apparatus may include a folding device, a conveying unit, a flattening device, and a control unit. The folding device performs a folding process on a sheet bundle to produce a folded sheet bundle. The conveying unit conveys the folded sheet bundle. The flattening device performs a flattening process to press a folded portion of the sheet bundle from the folded portion toward a fore edge to flatten the folded portion after the conveyance of the sheet bundle. The control unit causes the sheet bundle to be conveyed at a first velocity when the flattening process is not to be performed, and causes the sheet bundle to be conveyed at a second velocity which is slower than the first velocity when the flattening process is to be performed, thereby stopping the sheet bundle at a position where the flattening process is to be performed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus nicely performs an aligning operation for a sheet conveyed onto a process tray with a simple configuration. A switching member performs an operation of switching an aligning member from a non-contact state to a contact state before the sheet reaches a contact position on the tray or performs an operation of, while the sheet on the tray is being conveyed toward a sheet edge regulating member by the aligning member, switching the aligning member from the contact state to the non-contact state, and further switching the aligning member from the non-contact state to the contact state. Thus, the sheet processing apparatus reduces an occurrence of a conveyance failure caused by collision of a leading edge of thick paper with a return roller and a return guide member, and maintains good conveyance performance by preventing sheet stick caused by a coating material coated on coat paper.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet including: a housing; a cassette detachably accommodated in the housing and configured to store the sheet; a feeding unit configured to feed the sheet; and an image forming unit configured to form the image on the sheet fed by the feeding unit, wherein the cassette includes: a first wall along the trailing edge, a second wall along the leading edge, a first bottom plate extending from the first wall toward the second wall, a second bottom plate extending from the second wall toward the first wall, and a connecting member configured to set a first state where the first and second bottom plates are connected and a second state where the first and second bottom plates are disconnected, and the first and second bottom plates in the second state are independently withdrawable from the housing.

Abstract: An image recording device includes a housing, a tray unit mounted in the housing and configured to hold thereon sheets, a feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit, a recording unit configured to record an image on the sheet fed by the feeder, and a discharging unit configured to discharge the sheet after the recording unit records the image on the sheet. The tray unit includes a first tray including a first holding surface for holding thereon a first sheet, a second tray includes a second holding surface for holding thereon a second sheet and configured to move above the first holding surface between a first position and a second position, and a third tray supported by the first tray and disposed above the second tray in the second position, and configured to receive the sheet discharged by the discharging unit.

Abstract: An image forming device including a pickup roller and a scraper roller configured to send out a print sheet to a feed route, a before-registration roller configured to send out a print sheet to a registration roller, and a control unit configured to independently control the transfer speed of the print sheet at each point based on operation patterns relating to the pickup roller and the scraper roller, and an intermediate transfer roller configured to transfer the print sheet between the before-registration roller and itself, wherein the operation pattern is set based on a relationship between a distance from the intermediate transfer roller to the before-registration roller or a distance from the intermediate transfer roller to the registration roller and a length of the print sheet.

Abstract: The method includes determining whether or not the trailing end of the previous medium has reached a preliminary feed start position, if it is determined that the trailing end of the previous medium has reached the preliminary feed start position, determining whether or not the leading end of the subsequent medium has already reached a target position of the preliminary feeding operation, if the subsequent medium does not reach the target position, causing driving for the preliminary feeding operation so as to be performed, and when the preliminary feeding operation is performed, calculating a gap between the previous medium and the subsequent medium on the basis of a first value, and when the preliminary feeding operation is not performed, calculating the gap on the basis of a second value.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes an attractive separation unit and a contacting and separating device. The attractive separation unit includes an attraction belt arranged to face the upper surface of a sheet stack, two rollers that stretch the attraction belt taut, with the upstream-side roller in the sheet conveying direction supported to be movable in substantially upward and downward directions within a predetermined range with respect to the upper surface of the sheet stack, and a charging device which charges a surface of the attraction belt. The contacting and separating device swings the attractive separation unit to make the attraction belt come into contact with and separate from the sheet stack, with a fulcrum of the swing of the attractive separation unit set to a position upstream in the sheet conveying direction of the upstream-side roller in the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus which includes: a sheet loading tray for stacking sheets; a suction and conveyance section placed above stacked sheets on the sheet loading tray and sucks and conveys a sheet in the sheet conveying direction; an air blowing section which blows air at the stacked sheets on the sheet loading tray and causes the sheet to float up; a skew correction section which is provided with a pair of conveyance rollers, and corrects a skew of the sheet being conveyed by the suction and conveyance section; and a control section which controls a force of sucking the sheet, wherein the control section changes the force of sucking the sheet from a first level to a second level that is lower than the first level, before a leading edge of the sheet butts against a pair of conveyance rollers of the skew correction section.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. Timing when a subsequent sheet is adsorbed by an adsorbing and conveying mechanism of a sheet feeding device which adsorbs and conveys sheets blown up by air blowing is controlled, and the subsequent sheet is conveyed while being overlapped partially at an overlapping amount with a preceding sheet Sa adsorbed by the adsorbing and conveying mechanism earlier regardless of the size, basis weight, and kind of sheets.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, the linear coefficients of expansion of conveyance drive rollers and a linear coefficient of expansion of the holding unit are determined such that the amount of change in the outer diameter of each of the conveyance drive rollers due to a change in temperature environment is substantially the same as the amount of change in the interval between the first reading unit and the second reading unit due to a change in the temperature environment. The conveyance drive rollers are attached to a rotary shaft such that the positions of head portions of screws are alternately located along the axis direction of the rotary shaft on opposite sides of the outer circumference surface in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A method of determining an amount of media in a stack of media that is disposed within a media holding receptacle of an imaging system, the method includes providing a stack-compressing element configured to contact a first piece of media in the stack of media; providing a sensor to detect a position of the first piece of media; applying a first compressive force to the stack of media via the stack-compressing element in contact with the first piece of media; applying a second compressive force to the stack of media via the stack-compressing element in contact with the first piece of media, the second compressive force being greater than the first compressive force; and using the sensor to detect the position of the first piece of media after the second compressive force is applied to the stack of media.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is mounted on an outer periphery of a rotary shaft in a manner to place a clutch needle bearing in contact with the outer periphery of the rotary shaft. A rotary member is disposed on one side of the one-way clutch and engaged with the one-way clutch to be subjected to the rotation of the rotary shaft transmitted thereto. A retaining member is mounted on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft and located on the opposite side of the one-way clutch from the rotary member, while an urging unit is provided for urging the one-way clutch to abut against the retaining member.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device according to this invention includes a bearing support member and a lever member. The bearing support member is supported in the sheet feeding device for movement between a sheet feeding position and a separated position. The lever member is pivotally movable about a bearing portion between a first position which causes the bearing support member to be positioned in the sheet feeding position while causing the bearing portion to be supported by the bearing support member, a second position which causes the bearing support member to be positioned in the separated position while causing the bearing portion to be supported by the bearing support member and a third position which causes the bearing support member to be positioned in the separated position while allowing the bearing portion to be detached from the bearing support member.