Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an aerial delivery system configured to be deployed from an aircraft comprises a base, a sleeve generally configured to be positioned on the base, a bag configured to receive at least one liquid and a lid assembly attached to the bag using at least one strap. In some embodiments, the strap is attached to the bag in a manner that causes the bag to be selectively compromised once the aerial delivery system is deployed from an aircraft. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cellulose-based material. In other arrangements, the bag comprises polypropylene.

Abstract: A system and method for highly efficient constellations of satellites which give single, double, . . . k-fold redundant full earth imaging coverage, or k-fold coverage for latitudes greater than any selected latitude is given for remote sensing instruments in short periods of time, i.e., continuous coverage, as a function of the parameters of the satellite and the remote sensing instrument for many different types of orbits. A high data rate satellite communication system and method for use with small, mobile cell phone receiving and transmitting stations is also provided. Satellite instrument performance models, full and partial satellite constellation models, and satellite cost models are disclosed and used to optimize the design of satellite systems with vastly improved performance and lower cost over current major satellite systems.

Abstract: A device for determining a position of a throttle lever includes position sensors each connected to a primary flight control computer, position sensors each connected to an engine management computer, the position sensors being split into at least three groups of sensors with no common simple failure mode, and at least one interface computer, that includes at least one input to receive measurement information emitted by the computers connected to the position sensors and outputs leading to the engine management computer.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for fixing an electronic device therein. The bracket includes a main frame and a fixing member. The main frame has a connecting portion and two sideboards. The two sideboards are disposed to two ends of the connecting portion respectively and the two sideboards are disposed in parallel. A distance is kept between the two sideboards to accommodate the electronic device therein, and one of the two sideboards has a plurality of assembling holes. The fixing member is detachably mounted to the sideboard having the assembling holes. A plurality of connecting members are disposed to one side of the fixing member, for passing through the assembling holes respectively and being fixed on the electronic device, so as to fix the electronic device between the two sideboards.

Abstract: The invention refers to a mounting arrangement for the energizing cables of an electric motor of a refrigeration compressor, the electric motor being mounted in the interior of a casing of the compressor and the energizing cables presenting an end connected to the electric motor and an opposite end operatively connected to an electric current power source, external to the casing, through the latter. The arrangement includes at least one immobilizing means mounted internally to the casing, so as to retain the energizing cables, maintaining at least part of the extension thereof in a predetermined positioning in the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A beam clamp providing for a positive attachment to I-beams, H-beams, T-bars, pairs of conventional angles, bulb angles, channels, plates and other similar structural shapes wherein the beam clamp includes a pair of clamping hooks incorporated into opposing clamp bodies that capture an attached elongated rectangular, round or other shape. The shapes are secured against the structure using one or more bolt with nut assemblies to pull the halves together towards each other and the attached member and towards the structure.

Abstract: An infant item holder for holding one or more infant items. The infant item holder may include a base with a passage. The infant item holder may also include an elongated member that is longer than the passage and includes first and second ends. The elongated member may be positioned in the passage with the first end extending from a first side of the passage and the second end extending from a second side of the passage. The elongated member may be movably positioned within the passage and adjustable between a first orientation with the first end in closer proximity to the base than the second end, and a second orientation with the second end in closer proximity to the base than the first end. Infant items may be positioned at the ends of the elongated member. A first infant item may be positioned in proximity to an infant in the first orientation, and a second infant item may be positioned in proximity to the infant in the second orientation.

Abstract: A ground anchoring system for trash cans designed to secure trash cans from scavenging animals and during windy conditions. The apparatus comprises a steel pole assembly that is anchored in the ground with concrete and extends up from the ground. An upper end of the pole is provided with a decorative cap and at least one (1) hook provided at a position to engage the handles on at least one (1) trash can. The upper end further comprises a spring-loaded mechanism to allow the hooks to ride up and down the pole, thus allowing them to engage trash containers of different sizes, especially those of large wheeled totes.

Abstract: An omni-direction rotatable dual-cup suction device includes two suction cups, which are respectively combined with and in communication with two evacuation structures, so that the two evacuation structures can evacuate air from the suction cups to induce vacuum suction forces. The two suction cups are respectively provided with a mounting seat and an attaching seat for securely coupling the two evacuation structures. The mounting seat includes a pillar fixed thereto. A collar receives a ball end of a bar therein and is attached to the pillar. The ball-ended bar is coupled to a threaded rod, which extends through an internally-threaded locking knob and received into the attaching seat to be secured by a nut. With such an arrangement, one of the suction cups can be attached to a planar fixture surface, while the other suction cup can be used to hold an article and is orientation adjustable in any direction.

Abstract: A suction cup has a generally cylindrical neck integral with and extending outwardly from the cup portion outer surface. The neck is formed of a pair of legs separated by a slot opening to an exposed end of the neck. The neck also has a transverse bore passing through the legs along an axis that intersects the slot. Preferably the axis is normal to the slot. The suction cup may have a support or hook having a curved portion. The hook or support has a straight portion and a cross member attached to the straight portion. At least part of the straight portion is within the slot of the suction cup and at least part of the cross member is within the bore.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting an expansion card to different slots of enclosures is disclosed. The bracket includes a base for attaching the expansion card thereon, a pair of rails attached on the base, a sliding element being slidably connected between the rails, a connecting element fixed to the sliding element and a locking element slidably connected to the sliding element. The sliding element is movable on the base between at a first position where the connecting element is received in the base and a second position where the connecting element is spaced from the base. The locking element is movable relative to the sliding element to fix the sliding element to the base or release the sliding element from the base.

Abstract: A flexible and adjustable storage system for inside a Sea-Land shipping container provides at least two hangers, each hanger having a releasable anchor for attachment to a lashing ring, a flexible member of a vertical support depending from the releasable anchor, at least one rigid horizontal support member having a first end portion and a spaced apart second end portion, each end portion carrying an adjustable fastener for adjustable attachments to the flexible member for vertical support.

Abstract: A fascia mounting system for a window covering includes a bracket having a front flange with a removable spring clip at the bottom of the front flange. A fascia member of the system includes structure engaging the upper end of the flange and the spring clip at the bottom of the flange.

Abstract: A wall mounting apparatus is provided. The wall mounting apparatus includes a stationary unit fixed on a wall, a device supporting unit that is movable relative to the stationary unit and supporting a display device, an arc portion that is formed in an arc shape and formed on the device supporting unit, at least one pressing plate that contacts and presses at least one of front and rear surfaces of the arc portion, and a coupling member that presses the arc portion and the pressing plate toward each other.

Abstract: A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) is provided with a base (3), which is connected to a vehicle structure (7). The vehicle seat (1) is adjustable at least between a use position and an easy-entry position. The vehicle seat (1) is guided displaceably in at least one track (5) with at least one first, straight area (15a) and at least one additional, curved area (15c). At least three rollers (17, 23, 23?) or link blocks are provided each per track (5). The three rollers (17, 23, 23?) support the vehicle seat (1) in the use position in the same at the track (5) and only two of the rollers (17, 23) or link blocks are arranged within the same track (5) in the easy-entry position.

Abstract: A vibration isolating device for isolating an object from at least one of vibration and shock from an external source. The vibration isolation device comprises such features as a mounting structure where the object is mounted to, at least a plurality of first springs coupled to the mounting structure to minimize coupling of the at least one vibration and shock to the object, and a shock stop. In addition, the device may include a plurality of stop pins that are separate from the mounting structure and arranged externally to the mounting structure. The stop pins can limit a displacement of the object when the at least one of vibration and shock exceeds a given level.

Abstract: Mechanical actuation of valves in flexible fluidic structures allows for the regulation of fluid flow. In accordance with the disclosure herein, a fluidic structure is provided wherein mechanical actuation is conferred using a pin to actuate a flexible layer to occlude fluid flow in a fluid channel.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement coupling and thermally isolating a continuously variable electrical actuator rotationally coupled to and from a butterfly valve is provided. The valve may be used to modulate high temperature exhaust gas flow through an engine turbocharger. The actuator provides a continuously variable control of the valve. The coupling arrangement provides a thermal block to reduce heat transfer and vibration insulation between the actuator and the valve. The coupling arrangement generally includes a coupling shaft rotationally coupled at opposite ends to the input and output shafts by torsion spring mechanisms. The torsion spring mechanisms include yokes rotationally locking the coupling shaft to the input and output shafts. The torsion spring mechanisms allow a limited range of axial and pivotal translation between the coupling shaft and the input and output shafts and are preloaded to prevent rotational hysteresis in the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid wherein a magnetic discontinuity is formed in the pole tube reducing the effective material thickness, such as by reducing the thickness, particularly the wall thickness of the magnetically active material, the front face of the armature facing the pole core and a bottom face in the interior of the pole tube at the pole core each have a contour allowing mutual axial overlapping. This enables advantageous influencing of the force-stroke characteristic curve of the solenoid with low production effort.

Abstract: A conical portion is provided at the tip of a main valve body. When brake fluid hits the conical portion of the main valve body, the brake fluid is bounced back at substantially the same angle at which it hits the conical surface of the conical portion. However, the movement direction of the bounced brake fluid is not largely inclined from the direction that the brake fluid is to be caused to flow. Therefore, the flow resistance is reduced. Further, generatrices of the conical portion agree with tangent lines to the spherical surface and the boundary area between the spherical surface and the conical surface is continuous without a step. Therefore, the brake fluid is rectified by these surfaces when it flows. It is possible to reduce the amount of fluctuation in pressure differential relative to fluctuation in the flow rate of brake fluid.

Abstract: In a microvalve, a valve seat includes a cylinder portion that includes a through hole in a central portion thereof, and a flange portion that is provided around an axial end of the cylinder portion and that has a thick seal portion on a periphery of the flange portion. The cylinder portion is disposed in an opening of a valve housing with a gap ? therebetween, and the seal portion is able to move away from the seal surface provided around the opening and away from the displacement member. In an open state, at least one of a flow path through the through hole and a flow path through the gap between the cylinder portion and the opening is open, and in a closed state, the seal portion is sandwiched between the displacement member and the seal surface.

Abstract: Sheet material lifts including an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, a foot extending transverse the longitudinal axis from the second end of the elongate body, a support element disposed on the foot distal the elongate body, a base defining a fulcrum coupled to the foot, and an arm extending transverse the longitudinal axis from the elongate body at a position intermediate the first end and the second end. In some examples, the arm includes a sleeve, and a shaft slidingly mounted within the sleeve, the shaft being configured to slide along a path between a retracted position proximate the elongate body and an extended position distal the elongate body.

Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle prop jack comprised of a hinging device with an over-center locking action for lifting and holding in place a motorcycle's rear wheel by lifting the motorcycle's right side over the pivot line formed between the tip of its side stand and the contact point of the front tire to facilitate maintenance requiring the rear wheel to spin freely. The invention is comprised of a base and lifting arm, and a pin and spacers inserted between the two to form a hinge. The motorcycle is lifted by placing the base of the invention perpendicular to, and on the ground, and the lifting arm under a lifting point on the rear right side of the motorcycle with the invention forming an obtuse angle. Upon engagement, the invention lifts the rear of the motorcycle off the ground and locks in an over-center position.

Abstract: A crane cable roller assembly is disclosed. The assembly may be attached to an anchoring structure above an existing lower floor. When objects are located interiorly on the existing lower floor, a cable of a crane can be lowered and laid against a roller of the assembly and attached to the object. Lifting of the cable vertically also pulls the object toward the outer peripheral area and toward the edge of the floor so that the cable of the crane can be attached to the object and be vertically lifted to reposition the object as desired.

Abstract: A fencing system comprises a T-post, an upper sleeve, a lower sleeve, and a bracket. Both the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve encircle respective portions of the T-post. The sleeves are designed such that passing bolts through the sleeves cooperates with the lugs on the T-post in a manner that restricts the motion of the sleeves along the longitudinal axis of the T-post. The bracket, in turn, defines an upper mounting arm and a lower mounting arm. Capturing the upper mounting arm between the T-post and the upper sleeve and capturing the lower mounting arm between the lower sleeve and the T-post acts as an effective means by which to fixate the bracket to the T-post.

Abstract: A fractionation tray for use in a process column. The fractionation tray is of a type where a first fluid flows downwardly from a downcomer onto the fractionation tray and across the fractionation tray in a first direction. A second fluid flows upwardly through the fractionation tray for interaction with the first fluid. The fractionation tray includes an upper tray section, a lower tray section that is operable to removably engage the upper tray section, a joint region which includes an area of overlap between the upper tray section and the lower tray section. The joint region allows passage of the second fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A venturi scrubber which avoids clogging in the throat by dust particles is developed. The scrubber includes a venturi tube, two scrubbing fluid conduits and a storage tank. The venturi tube has a converging section, a diverging section and a throat section which is connected between the converging section and the diverging section. The scrubbing fluid conduit has a top end connected with the bottom end of the converging section of the venturi tube, and a bottom end extending into the storage tank. Thereby, scrubbing fluid can be guided directly into the storage tank without passing through the throat section. As a result, the clogging of dust particles on the converging section of the venturi throat can be minimized and the abnormal increase in the pressure drop of the air flow through the throat can also be avoided.

Abstract: A bicycle can include a suspension system with a shock absorber. The shock absorber can have a sag position which can be adjustable. Sag refers to the amount of movement experienced by the suspension under a static load, such as that of the weight of a rider. Methods and systems to set sag can include at least one valve in fluid communication with a gas chamber of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the at least one valve can be used to automatically set the sag position based on an individual's weight and riding position.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring-damper has a one-piece tubular body having an integral cap. A tension stop flange is formed in the body near the cap portion, and a compression stop flange opposing the tension stop flange is formed on the cap portion. An inner member located within the body is coupled to the body with an annular elastomeric member, such that longitudinal motion of the inner member relative to the body is allowed through elastic deformation of the elastomeric member. An inner member stop flange is positioned between the compression stop flange and the tension stop flange to limit longitudinal motion of the inner member relative to the body.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a system for aligning an unmounted head gimbal assembly (HGA) comprising a platform for a base plate of the HGA. The platform defines an X-Y plane. The system further comprises a compliant alignment pin extending beyond the platform in a Z-dimension perpendicular to the X-Y plane. The compliant alignment pin includes a tapered portion having a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of a boss hole in the base plate of the HGA. The compliant alignment pin is deflectable in the Z-dimension to allow the base plate of the HGA to register with the platform. The system further comprises a second alignment pin extending beyond the platform in the Z-dimension. The second alignment pin is configured to register with an HGA reference feature of the HGA when the boss hole of the HGA registers with the compliant alignment pin to precisely align the HGA relative to the compliant alignment pin and the second alignment pin.

Abstract: An improved adjustable work stop device for use in positioning work pieces which for machining purposes are clamped in a vice or other clamping means. The work stop comprises a laterally adjustable base, a flipper mount with flip arm movable in a vertical direction and lockable into desire position thereto, a flip arm with a positioner which is pivotably secured and rotates away from the work piece without scrubbing the work piece surface whereby clearance for machining, work or the like is accomplished on the butted side of the work piece.

Abstract: Provided is a newspaper production apparatus which can make the processing mechanisms after digital printing small-scaled and which can quite easily obtain a favorably stacked state of sheets. The newspaper production apparatus includes: a paper feeding unit which feeds a continuous paper; ink jet printing units; and a folding unit which cuts and folds the continuous paper after being printed. The folding unit is configured as a rotary folding unit provided with a folding cylinder including: a retaining mechanism which retains a sheet on an outer circumferential surface of the folding cylinder; and a folding blade mechanism which projects the retained sheet radially outward. The rotary folding unit is capable of collect run by which sheets retained by the retaining mechanism are folded at each plural number of turns of the folding cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes: a correcting unit that corrects alignment of a sheet; a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet after the correcting unit corrects the alignment of the sheet; and a creasing unit that forms a crease on the sheet after the correcting unit corrects the alignment of the sheet.

Abstract: A scrap stacking apparatus includes a stacking portion to which scraps, generated in processing portions that carry out processes on sheets, are stacked, an oscillation portion that is placed out of the stacking portion, and generates an electromagnetic wave, and a receiving portion that is placed out of the stacking portion, and receives the electromagnetic wave oscillated by the oscillation portion through the stacking portion, wherein the oscillation portion generates an electromagnetic wave in a band from 30 GHz to 100 THz, and the electromagnetic wave, oscillated by the oscillation portion, is received by the receiving portion through the stacking portion so that a stacked state of the scraps housed in the stacking portion is detected.

Abstract: A recording device that includes a feed roller for feeding a first and a second sheets sequentially, a first and a second conveying devices that convey the sheets in synchronization, a recording device that records image on the sheets, and a controller, that, after image recording on the first sheet is complete, stops the first and second conveying devices when a trailing end of the first sheet reaches a particular position between the first and the second conveying devices. The controller further controls the feed roller to feed the second sheet, such that a leading end of the second sheet contacts a nip of the first conveying device. After the leading end of the second sheet contacts the nip, the controller rotates the first conveying device in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A flat-article feed device comprising a supply magazine in which flat articles are moved in a stack on edge in a first transfer direction, a separator for separating the leading flat article of the stack from the remainder of the stack and for driving it in a second transfer direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first transfer direction, an unstacker that takes a flat article that is being unstacked and brings it in the second transfer direction to the inlet of a conveyor, and a retainer that exerts a retaining force that opposes movement of the flat article towards the conveyor, the unstacker being offset from the separator by a distance not less than the maximum length of a flat article, and the retainer being provided facing the unstacker. A postal sorting machine including such a feed device.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes: an attracting and separating device disposed above a leading end portion in a sheet-feeding direction of a sheet stack, attracting and holding an uppermost sheet of the sheet stack with electrostatic force and separating the uppermost sheet from the sheet stack, a sheet loading device carrying the sheet stack, and including a first bottom plate carrying a rear-side portion of the sheet stack and a second bottom plate separated from the first bottom plate and carrying the leading end portion of the sheet stack below the attracting and separating device; and a lifting device lifting and lowering the sheet loading device, and including a first lifting device lifting and lowering the first bottom plate and a second lifting device lifting and lowering the second bottom plate to move the leading end portion of the sheet stack toward and away from the attracting and separating device.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet feeding device having a sheet surface detecting mechanism installed to be movable up and down between adjacent adsorption conveyance belts 21, and detects a position of the top surface of the sheet by a sheet surface detecting member 61 that moves upward higher than the adsorbing surface of an adsorption conveyance belt 21. The position of the lower surface of the sheet surface detecting member 61 being pushed up by the blown upward sheet is regulated such that the difference in height between the adsorbing surface of the adsorption conveyance belt 21 and the lower surface of the sheet surface detecting member 61 is smaller than the difference in a height direction between the adsorbing surface of the adsorption conveyance belt 21 and the upper surface of a separation nozzle by a sensor abutting portion 62 that regulates upward movement of the sheet surface detecting member 61.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a pickup roller rotated to pick up a printing medium. The image forming apparatus includes support members operated in connection with the rotation of the pickup roller, and the pickup of the printing medium is carried out under the condition that both sides of the printing medium are supported by the support members. The image forming apparatus thereby prevents jams generated in the process of picking up a deformed printing medium.

Abstract: A media handler comprises a pick unit arranged to receive a media cassette defining a stub; a detent mounted on the pick unit and resiliently biased to protrude into a path traversed by the stub until deflected by the stub; and a latch pivotably mounted to the pick unit. The latch defines: (i) a flag portion and (ii) a recess engagable by the stub as the cassette is fully inserted into the pick unit. The latch is moveable between (i) an open position in which the detent prevents the latch from moving and (ii) a closed position in which the detent has been deflected by the stub and the recess engages with the stub. Complete insertion of the cassette causes the stub to deflect the detent out of the path, thereby allowing the latch to pivot from the open to the closed position and the recess to engage with the stub to lock the cassette in position.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus comprises a document transport path which extends from an upstream end to a downstream end, a low speed drive disposed at the upstream end of the document transport path and for transporting a document along the document transport path from the upstream end towards the downstream end, a high speed drive disposed at the downstream end of the document transport path and for receiving a document being transported along the document transport path from the low speed drive, an actuatable document processing device disposed at the downstream end of the document transport path and for, when actuated, performing a downstream processing operation on a document being transported along the document transport path, a sensor for (i) sensing speed of movement of a document which is being transported along the document transport path from the upstream end to the downstream end, and (ii) providing a first electrical signal which is indicative of speed of movement of the document, and a control

Abstract: A sheet collecting apparatus includes a sheet discharge outlet for sequentially carrying out a sheet, a sheet collecting device to load and store the sheet from the sheet discharge outlet, a stopper device for regulating a front end position of the sheet loaded on the sheet collecting device, a stopper driving device for shifting a position of the stopper device, and a carry-in guide member for guiding the sheet from the sheet discharge outlet onto an uppermost sheet collected on the sheet collecting device. The carry-in guide member includes a pivot point, a slide-contact guide surface that swings on the pivot point corresponding to a load amount of the sheet collecting device to guide a sheet front end fed from the sheet discharge outlet onto the uppermost sheet, and a sheet pressing portion continued to the slide-contact guide surface and pressing the uppermost sheet on the sheet collecting device.

Abstract: A sheet reversing apparatus including: a right angle reversing conveyance section which reverses front/back sides of a sheet while changing a conveyance direction of the sheet, being conveyed in a first conveyance direction, to a second conveyance direction perpendicular to the first conveyance direction; a sheet skew sensor which detects a sheet skew of the sheet being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section; and a sheet skew correction mechanism which corrects the sheet skew of the sheet while the sheet is being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section.

Abstract: A sheet processing device includes a conveyance member, an elastic plate member, a first conveyance path, and a second conveyance path. The conveyance member conveys a sheet of recording media with the sheet attached thereon and has a circumferential portion to separate the sheet from the conveyance member by a curvature of the conveyance member. The first conveyance path is formed by the conveyance member. The second conveyance path is disposed downstream from the first conveyance path and includes a reversal conveyance path to reverse the sheet. A face continuous to a front edge of the elastic plate member, except for the front edge, is positioned in an attachment weakened area of the circumferential portion of the conveyance member in which an attachment force of the sheet on the circumferential portion is weakened by separation of the sheet from the conveyance member by the curvature.

Abstract: The skew feeding amount of a sheet front end is calculated according to the difference between timings when activation sensors detect the sheet front end, and the skew feeding amount of the sheet side edge is calculated according to the difference between side edge positions of the sheet detected by the first side registration detection sensor or the second side registration detection sensor. Further, whether a sheet is a rectangular sheet or a non-rectangular sheet is determined before skew feeding of the sheet is corrected, and, when the sheet is determined to be a rectangular sheet, the skew feeding correcting portion is controlled based on one of the sheet side edge skew feeding amount and sheet front end skew feeding amount and the skew feeding correcting portion is controlled based on the sheet side edge skew feeding amount when the sheet is determined to be a non-rectangular sheet.

Abstract: A sheet is fed to a registration roller pair by a separation-feeding unit formed by a sheet feeding roller and a separation portion, and is caused to abut a nip portion of the registration roller pair at rest to form a loop in the sheet. Then, when the registration roller pair rotates at a predetermined timing to convey the sheet, a pressurization plate is raised again to bring the sheet into press contact with the sheet feeding roller to thereby impart a conveyance force to the sheet, making it possible to feed the sheet reliably to the registration roller pair.

Abstract: Degrees of wear of sheet-feed rollers corresponding to sheet-feed cassettes are managed by considering types of sheets set at feeding units. A control method for controlling a managing apparatus for managing a feeding device that feeds sheets, set in the feeding units, by driving the sheet-feed rollers corresponding to the feeding units includes storing sheet information in a storage unit, the sheet information indicating types of the sheets that are set in the respective feeding units; and managing degrees of wear of the sheet-feed rollers for the respective feeding units in accordance with the numbers of fed sheets and the sheet information stored in the storage unit, the degrees of wear resulting from the sheets fed from the feeding units.

Abstract: A conveying device for a gathering section used for processing of printed products includes a plurality of saddle-shaped segments which respectively form a saddle-shaped roof for supporting the printed products during a conveying operation along a conveying path. Pusher segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a rear end stop for the conveying the printed product. Alignment segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a front end stop for a front edge of the printed products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for temporarily storing at least one item of media. The apparatus includes a rotatable item support member arranged to rotate about a support member axis of rotation and comprising an outer support surface. The apparatus also includes a pair of drive tape members, each arranged along a respective tape pathway, each tape pathway comprising a pathway portion in which the tape members extend in a co-operating relationship supported by said outer support surface. The outer support surface includes at least one support region that supports the tape members and an item located therebetween in a flat orientation.