Abstract: A method for making a plural-component, composite-material, highway dowel-bar including (1) preparing an elongate core train possessing endo-abutting, longitudinally alternating, (a) elongate, high-shear-strength, cylindrical cores having a common cross section, and (b) elongate, but shorter, cylindrical, fibre-reinforced plastic-resin end-plug blanks having opposite ends, and each having a cross section matching the cross section of the cores, (2) using the core train as a longitudinally moving mandrel, pultrusion-forming a fibre-reinforced plastic-resin sleeve continuously and bondedly around the core train so as to produce a pultrusion-result, intermediate, dowel-bar product, and (3) following pultrusion-forming, cross-cutting the intermediate, dowel-bar product at each longitudinal location therein which is intermediate the opposite ends of the end-plug blanks, thereby to form completed dowel bars.

Abstract: Provided is an imprint product, which is for transcribing a fine pattern of a mold surface and which contains a fluorine-containing cyclic olefin polymer containing repeating unit represented by formula (1) and having a fluorine atom content rate of 40% to 75% by mass.

Abstract: The method is for protecting the end of a cable made of a plurality of parallel tendons (10) anchored using a block (15) having a front side, a rear side and channels (16) extending between the front and rear sides. Each tendon of the cable is held in a respective channel of the anchor block with a blocking member (19). The method comprises performing a first phase of injecting protective material (100) into at least some of the channels of the anchor block. A chamber (30) is formed on at least one side of the anchor block (15) so as to contain portions of the plurality of tendons. A second phase of injecting protective material (200) into the chamber (30) is then performed.

Abstract: A method of making a pump housing that is net-molded and immediately assumes its final shape and design specification without requiring more than de minimis secondary machining processes. The method utilizes molds and cores configured such that none of the fluid ports of the housing produced using the molds and cores have any intersecting geometry. The net-molded pump housing may also include a cross-tube insert providing flow communication between a fluid inlet port and a pressure relief port.

Abstract: A biodegradable component for a package for storing and dispensing a cosmetic product or a beauty care product is molded from compressed fibrous biomass bound by a cosmetically compatible and compostable binder.

Abstract: A method for the production of solid polyester polymer particles comprising: a) polycondensing a molten polyester polymer composition in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst composition comprising antimony species; b) continuing the polycondensation of the molten polyester polymer composition to an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more; and c) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, adding a catalyst stabilizer or deactivator to the polymer melt; and d) after reaching an It.V. of 0.68 dL/g or more, solidifying the melt into solid polyester polymer particles which do not contain organic acetaldehyde scavengers. In a further embodiment, after solidification of the polyester from the melt phase polycondensation process: e) the amount of residual acetaldehyde in the particles in the solid state is reduced to a level of 10 ppm or less without increasing the It.V. of the particles by more than 0.03 dL/g.

Abstract: A mold block includes a tool body with a contoured finished surface adapted to receive a tool insert having a forming surface for forming a bottle neck in a molding operation. The tool body defines an internal channel for heat transfer with the forming surface. At least a portion of the channel is offset generally equidistant from the finished surface to provide a path contoured for conformal cooling of the insert. The tool body has a pair of ports intersecting the channel. Several methods for forming a mold block are disclosed and include machining a contoured finished surface adapted to receive a tool insert on a tool body, forming a heat transfer channel within the tool body, and forming a pair of ports into the tool body. At least a portion of the channel is offset generally equidistant from the finished surface for conformal cooling of the insert.

Abstract: A biodegradable component for a package for storing and dispensing a cosmetic product or a beauty care product is made by mechanically working a body of compressed fibrous biomass bound by a cosmetically compatible and compostable binder.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus that performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams includes a blanker array configured to blank the plurality of charged particle beams, respectively; a generating device configured to generate a blanking signal for controlling the blanker array and an error detection signal for the blanking signal; and a plurality of transmission paths for transmitting signals between the generating device and the blanker array. The plurality of transmission paths include a first transmission path for transmitting the blanking signal and a second transmission path for transmitting the error detection signal. The generating device is configured to transmit a blanking signal and an error detection signal corresponding to the blanking signal via the first transmission path and the second transmission path, respectively, to the blanker array in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treated mineral filler products comprising a) at least one mineral filler, b) a treatment layer located on the surface of said mineral filler(s), said treatment layer comprising at least one saturated C8 to C24 aliphatic carboxylic acid; and at least one di and/or trivalent cation salt of one or more saturated C8 to C24 aliphatic carboxylic acid, wherein the weight ratio of all of said aliphatic carboxylic acid salt(s):all of said aliphatic carboxylic acid(s) is from 51:49 to 75:25; and said treatment layer is present in an amount of at least 2.5 mg/m2 of said mineral filler. Furthermore the present invention relates to processes to prepare such treated mineral filler products, and to their uses, notably in plastic applications, and especially in polypropylene (PP)- or polyethylene (PE)-based breathable or extrusion coating film applications.

Abstract: A blow molding machine with a stationary and a rotating part, comprising a tempering device for tempering blow molds of the blow molding machine using a medium, and a respective method, characterized in that the tempering device is arranged within the blow molding machine.

Abstract: A blow-molding method for forming a squeezable or tubular plastic container is provided. The method includes molding a preform having a sidewall, an interior cavity, an open end, a closed end, and a neck adjacent the closed end of the preform. The neck of the preform has an engagement structure. The method includes providing a blow mold system including a blow mold cavity. The method includes placing at least a portion of the preform into the blow mold cavity, and blow molding a one-piece container body from the preform by inflating the preform within the blow mold cavity. The container body has an open end, a closed end and a neck adjacent to the closed end. Wherein the open end of the container body is formed from the open end of the preform, and the closed end of the container body is formed from the closed end of the preform. The method includes creating a dispensing opening through the closed end of the container body.

Abstract: A sintered rod-shaped proppant and anti-flowback agent possesses high strength and high conductivity. The sintered rods comprise between about 0.2% by weight and about 4% by weight aluminum titanate. In some embodiments, the sintered rods are made by mixing bauxitic and non-bauxitic sources of alumina that may also contain several so-called impurities (such as TiO2), extruding the mixture, and sintering it. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final sintered rod. A fracturing fluid may comprise the sintered rods alone or in combination with a proppant, preferably a proppant of a different shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feedstock for power injection molding, PIM, comprising: at least one inorganic powder, advantageously metallic or ceramic or made of cermet; a polymeric binder; organic fibres or yarns, advantageously polymeric, the fibres or yarns being made of a material different from that of the polymeric binder. It then relates to the method for producing such a feedstock, as well as the method for producing parts by means of the powder injection moulding (PIM) technique using said feedstock.

Abstract: A container for heat treatment of a positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion battery to the present invention is characterized by having a base portion containing 60 to 95 mass % of alumina, and a surface portion containing 20 to 80 mass % of spinel and formed integrally with the base portion. Moreover, a production method of the present invention is characterized by comprising a step of placing an alumina-based powder, a step of placing a spinel-based powder above the alumina-based powder, a step of forming a compact by compressing the powders and a step of firing the compact.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a sintered ceramic body mixes barium silicate with aluminum oxide, a glass material, and an additive oxide to prepare a material mixture, molds the material mixture and fires the molded object. The barium silicate is monoclinic and has an average particle diameter in a range of 0.3 ?m to 1 ?m and a specific surface area in a range of 5 m2/g to 20 m2/g. The aluminum oxide has an average particle diameter in a range of 0.4 ?m to 10 ?m, a specific surface area in a range of 0.8 m2/g to 8 m2/g. A volume ratio of the aluminum oxide to the barium silicate is in a range of 10% by volume to 25% by volume.

Abstract: A lance for feeding an additive wire into a quantity of molten metal below the surface of the molten metal. The lance has an inlet end which receives additive wire and an outlet end which dispenses the additive wire. The lance has an exterior sleeve of cardboard which has an inner surface. A portion of the inner surface of the exterior sleeve contacts an interior sleeve made of a refractory material. At the inlet end of the lance is a cardboard inlet outer sleeve and a cardboard inlet inner sleeve inside of the outer sleeve. The lance can have a coupling for fitting to a wire feeding apparatus.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hardening method and a hardening device capable of successfully hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole of a work in which the hole is formed close to the shaft on a flat plate. A hardening device for hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole, the shaft extending vertically from a flat plate and the hole being formed adjacent to the shaft, includes a first heating coil that is a conductive body facing the shaft and a second heating coil that is a helical conductive body having at least a portion inserted into the hole, so that the first heating coil and the second heating coil heat the shaft and the inner wall of the hole respectively and simultaneously.

Abstract: A vibration and shock isolator may include a resilient member and a compressing member. The resilient member may be connected between a vibrating source and an object. The compressing member may provide the resilient member with a compression displacement in accordance with the vibration characteristics applied to the resilient member from the vibrating source to change stiffness of the resilient member. Thus, a designed natural frequency of the isolator may be simply changed using the shape memory wire to suppress vibration amplification. As a result, the isolator may effectively relieve the shock and the vibration so that a structural stability of a structure may be ensured. Further, the isolator may have a simple structure so that the isolator may have improved reliability and durability.

Abstract: A composite coil spring includes a coil body that extends along a coiled axis. The coil body includes a core and a plurality of fiber layers impregnated with a polymer material. The plurality of fiber layers are arranged around the core at different radial distances from the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers extends around the coiled axis at an oblique fiber angle to the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers includes a number of fibers that is a product of a common base number of fibers multiplied by a positive non-zero integer from a set of positive non-zero integers. The positive non-zero integer of at least one of the plurality of fiber layers is different from the positive non-zero integer of at least one other of the plurality of fiber layers.

Abstract: The vise includes a seat body having two movable jaws separately with two inner threads, a fixed jaw and a rail. A screwing rod has a rear portion and a front portion whose diameter is less than the rear portion. A first outer thread is formed on the rear portion. A step is formed between the front portion and the rear portion. A screwing tube telescopically and unrotatably sheathes the front portion of the screwing rod and has a second outer thread. The two movable jaws are separately engaged with the screwing tube and screwing rod by screwing the outer threads and the inner threads. A spiral direction of the first outer thread is contrary to the second outer thread. A main spring is nipped between the screwing rod and screwing tube. A crank is axially connected to the front portion of the screwing rod for rotating the screwing rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine (10) for machining and/or measuring a workpiece (49). Machine (10) has a machine frame (18), a first transverse member (24) which is rotatably mounted by means of a first round guide (25) about a first rotational axis (D1) on the machine frame (18) and on which a tool unit (11) with a tool (13, 14) is arranged, where the tool (13, 14) is arranged at a distance from the first rotational axis (D1). Machine 10 also has a second transverse member (40) which is rotatably mounted by means of a second round guide (41) about a second rotational axis (D2) on the machine frame (18), and on which a workpiece clamping device (12) is arranged at a distance from the second rotational axis (D2). The two rotational axis (D1, D2) are aligned parallel to one another.

Abstract: A test platform includes an annular rail, a supporting member rotatably mounted upon the rail, a number of wheel members mounted on a bottom of the supporting member, and a number of cleaning members mounted on the bottom of the supporting member. Each wheel member includes a wheel capable of rolling along the rail. Each cleaning member includes a cleaning portion rested on the rail. The wheels roll along the rail to rotate the supporting member and the cleaning member. The cleaning portions slide relative to and clean the rail.

Abstract: A self-adjusting and self-locking sawhorse made up of a frame for holding an item in a cantilevered position and self-adjusting jaw means on the frame for receiving the item, the self-adjusting jaw means being automatically responsive to the size of the item to hold the log in the sawhorse.

Abstract: A movable jaw quick release apparatus of a vice comprises a tooth base, a movable jaw and two restriction elements. The tooth base is formed with two inclined guide grooves, each of which has a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface and a bottom surface. The left and the right side surfaces of the movable jaw are formed with a through hole respectively. Each restriction element penetrates one of the through holes and moves between a first position and a second position along one of the inclined guide groove As the movable jaw generates vibration forces, each restriction element transfers the vibration forces to the tooth base, therefore, the movable jaw do not move upwardly and shake toward a work piece and reduce its clamping force for the work piece.

Abstract: A cutting board is elevated by way of a pair of leg stands, configured as longitudinal arc-shaped rod handles secured into the cutting board. Inverted, the handles receive and support various sizes of serving dishes and cooking pans in an inclined configuration and thereby functions as a device for separating liquids from foods, such as water and liquefied fats.

Abstract: Substrate support assemblies for a semiconductor processing apparatus are described. The assemblies may include a pedestal and a stem coupled with the pedestal. The pedestal may be configured to provide multiple regions having independently controlled temperatures. Each region may include a fluid channel to provide a substantially uniform temperature control within the region, by circulating a temperature controlled fluid that is received from and delivered to internal channels in the stem. The fluid channels may include multiple portions configured in a parallel-reverse flow arrangement. The pedestal may also include fluid purge channels that may be configured to provide thermal isolation between the regions of the pedestal.

Abstract: A print product production device is installed such that a continuous paper guide path having gone through a digital printing unit from a continuous paper supply unit is installed to be branched at a downstream side of the digital printing unit, one continuous paper guide path is induced to a section formation unit, a section block formation unit and a second block folding-in-two unit are disposed. at a downstream side of the section formation unit, and the other continuous paper guide path is installed to be induced to a sheet formation integration unit. An angle bar mechanism is installed at a branch part of the continuous paper guide path, and a continuous paper (W) can be optionally guided to any one of the one continuous paper guide path and the other continuous paper guide path after the branching.

Abstract: A sheet buffer apparatus retains a sheet to be conveyed to a post-processing unit and is configured to perform post-processing for a sheet. The apparatus comprises a buffer unit configured to perform buffer processing to retain a sheet to be conveyed to the post-processing unit and overlay the sheet to be retained and a succeeding sheet, a determination unit configured to determine whether a sheet is inhibited from the buffer processing by the buffer unit, and a control unit configured, when the determination unit determines that the sheet succeeding the sheet to be retained is a sheet for which the buffer processing is inhibited, to control the buffer unit not to perform the retaining of the sheet to be retained.

Abstract: A multifeed processing apparatus includes a control unit and a storage unit and is connected to a multifeed detecting mechanism and an image reading mechanism. The control unit includes (i) a measuring unit that measures a multifeed detection pattern from any one or both of an output of the multifeed detecting mechanism and an image of a medium read by the image reading mechanism, (ii) a determining unit that determines whether the measured multifeed detection pattern is included in a multifeed disable pattern stored in the storage unit, (iii) a reading control unit that regards a multifeed detection performed by the multifeed detecting mechanism as invalid, and causes the image reading mechanism to continue a reading operation, and (iv) a storage control unit that stores the measured multifeed detection pattern as the multifeed disable pattern in the storage unit.

Abstract: To provide a recording device that can reduce the frequency of delays in the start of the next recording job for which the feed source is the same first media housing unit, due to the operation of moving the first media housing unit from the feed position toward the removal position after a recording job ends, a computer inside a printer is equipped with a cassette control unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can reliably feed even sheets having a non-uniform thickness to prevent excessive stacking. An auxiliary tray 1 is swingably provided on the upper surface of a tray 2 which is provided in a cassette body 3a to be lifted and lowered and stacks sheets thereon. When the sheets are stacked, a swing regulating portion 12 regulates the swing of the auxiliary tray 1 when the tray 2 is in a sheet stacking position and releases the regulation of the swing of the auxiliary tray 1 when the tray 2 is lifted.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes an intermediate plate (21b) as a sheet receiving member configured to stack a sheet, a feed roller (22) as a feed rotator configured to feed the sheet stacked on the intermediate plate (21b), and a separation roller (23) as a separation member configured to separate the sheet from a sheet bundle stacked on the intermediate plate (21b). The sheet conveying apparatus further includes a restrict member (60) as a restrict portion disposed so as to reach a position overlapped in a width direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction with the feed roller (22) as at least one member among the feed roller (22) and the separation roller (23) and offset in the width direction from the feed roller (22), and restricting a leading end position of the sheet stacked on the intermediate plate (21b).

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus of the present invention includes a feeding apparatus body, a storage case body, a storage case caster which movably supports the storage case body in a pull-out direction, and a drop-out preventing units having a pull-out stopper which regulates a pull-out position of the storage case body from the feeding apparatus body, a storage case stopper which is provided at a rear end in the pull-out direction of the storage case body, an upper-face rail portion which is formed in the feeding apparatus body to guide the storage case stopper into the pull-out direction, and a drop-out stopper which is engaged with the storage case stopper at the rear end in the pull-out direction compared to the pull-out stopper to regulate a movement of the storage case body toward the pull-out direction, if the storage case body is rotated with a predetermined angle or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles of manufacture, and techniques for making and using dice structure with elevating leg members. In an exemplary embodiment, a dice structure apparatus is configured with elevating leg members. The apparatus comprises a rigid receptacle to receive at least one die; and legs are affixed to the rigid receptacle such that the legs serve to elevate the rigid receptacle above a playing surface.

Abstract: A realistic professional team sports board game, including an On-The-Roll mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, opposing teams continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle and a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation that maps various combinations of offensive and defensive strategies and dice rolls into realistic game situations and the progression among them. Both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. A variety of play cards affect the overall game momentum of either team.

Abstract: A word game for being played among one or more participants includes a plurality of two letter word bits, each having a fixed letter combination, wherein the one or more participants attempt to create words of at least four letters by combining the word bits.

Abstract: Four swords and at least one ring. Each sword has integrally formed handle, blade, and intermediate sections, and top and bottom surfaces with interior and exterior edges. Each generally oval handle section has grasping and shielding regions. Each thin, elongated and curved blade section has upper and lower ends with a convex interior edge and a concave exterior edge and slots extending between the top and bottom surfaces along its length. Each intermediate section has at least one projection extending from one of the edges. Each ring has an outer edge in a circular configuration, an inner edge with circumferential arcs which receives the exterior edges of blade sections of two crossed swords. The blade sections when aimed and rapidly uncrossed project the ring toward the upper ends of the blade sections and beyond for receipt by the sword of another player for subsequent projecting.

Abstract: Methods of assembling wall structure include coupling first and second sealing members to a wall structural member along a first side and second side, respectively, of the wall structural member. The first sealing member and the second sealing member each include a compliant seal having a thickness and an adhesive along at least one side. The methods also include coupling a first wall sheathing element to the first side of the wall structural member so that the first sealing member contacts the first wall sheathing element and coupling a second wall sheathing element to the second side of the wall structural member so that the second sealing member contacts the second wall sheathing element. The first sealing member and the second sealing member form a restrictive fluid path between the first wall sheathing element, the wall structural member, and the second wall sheathing element.

Abstract: A multi-piece oil ring is provided in which, even after long-term operation of an engine, adhesion and deposition of oil sludge are prevented, sticking of components does not occur, and a high oil control function can be maintained. The multi-piece oil ring includes a spacer expander and a pair of upper and lower side rails supported by the spacer expander. To achieve the above features, at least side faces of the side rails that face the spacer expander are coated with a fluorine-containing coating, and the spacer expander is coated with a metal coating. The angle of contact (?1) of a paraffin-based lubricating oil with the portions of the side rails at 150° C. that are coated with the fluorine-containing coating is 50° or larger, and the angle of contact (?2) of the paraffin-based lubricating oil with the portion of the spacer expander at 150° C. that is coated with the metal coating is 10 to 50°. The difference between ?1 and ?2 (?1-?2) is 30° or larger.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a mounting portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the mounting portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The mounting portion defines a bumper spaced from the axially extending barrel portion by a gap distance that is designed to prevent the seal lip from inverting under sustained high pressure or pressure spikes.

Abstract: A sealing performance of a grommet is improved. A grommet has a grommet main body and a pressing member. The grommet main body formed of an elastic material has a wire harness insertion portion through which a wire harness is inserted and a brim portion provided in an outer periphery of the wire harness insertion portion. The pressing member is configured to be attachable to an attachment plate and provided in the rear of the brim portion. The pressing member presses the brim portion against the attachment plate when attached to the attachment plate. A seal portion is provided in a portion of the brim portion opposite to the attachment plate. A recess is provided behind the seal portion of the brim portion.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for gliding on a surface with improved mobility are described. According to various embodiments, boards are provided which are configured to overlap. This innovative overlapping ability helps allow for versatile stance configuration and ensures that collision between the boards occurs between a base and an edge. This type of collision will generally result in a sliding action, allowing one board to ride up onto the top of the edge of the other board. This type of interaction reduces damage to the boards and improves riding experience. Boards with equal height nose and tail shovels are more likely to collide edge-to-edge in a disruptive manner. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A service cart for an aircraft is disclosed with a housing of carbon fiber reinforced composites forming a multi-compartment carrier, the carrier adapted to hold four standard airline meal carriers. The cart includes at least a pair of cap doors at opposite ends of the cart, each cap door pivoting approximately 270 degrees to bear against a side of the cart, and a plurality of guides on inner walls of the multi-compartment for retaining the standard airline meal carriers. To prevent the doors of the cart from inadvertently opening, the cart also may include a redundant paddle latch system for each door.

Abstract: A dolly assembly including a plurality of hollow interior guide members and one or more rail members, cooperatively structured, configured and dimensioned to be selectively disposed in an operative, weight supporting orientation or a self-contained orientation of reduced dimension and configuration, which facilitates storage. The operative orientation comprises the one or more rail member removably interconnecting the two guide members in spaced relation to one another, wherein a plurality of castors are removably connected to and disposed in movable supporting relation with the interconnected guide and rail members, when in the operative orientation. The self-contained orientation comprises the guide members detached from the operative orientation and the guide members removably connected in confronting, predetermined facing relation to one another, such that the rail members and castors are enclosed within one or both of the hollow interiors of the confronting guide members.

Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly includes first and second alignment correction plates. A spacer is sandwiched between the two correction plates. First and second fasteners connect the assembly to a vehicle spring hanger bracket. A third fastener connects the assembly to a vehicle leaf spring.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame and first and second rear wheels that are each independently mounted to the frame via a respective mounting hub. Each rear wheel is detachably mounted to its respective mounting hub at two or more distinct hub mounting points. Either or both of the hub mounting points can be movable with respect to a remainder of the hub. A disk can be positioned at the rear wheel and a stop element located at the mounting hub can be selectively operated to interfere with the disk to prevent rotation of that rear wheel. Each rear wheel may include a push-rim having an elastomeric outer layer to facilitate manual gripping and an externally facing generally flat side face. The frame can include first and second spaced apart and unitary tubes which each extend in an unbroken manner from a wheelchair seat to a wheelchair forward region.

Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes a steering stem coupled to a handle; a head pipe into which the steering stem is inserted; and a ring-shaped seal member provided at an end portion of the head pipe to seal a gap between the head pipe and the steering stem; wherein the seal member has a lip portion provided on an inner peripheral portion thereof and an engagement portion provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof; wherein the engagement portion is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the head pipe; and wherein the lip portion is biased to slidably contact an outer peripheral portion of the steering stem.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.