Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle body, comprising: forming a rigid tub; mating the rigid tub to a first mould for a superstructure of the vehicle body; and subsequently rigidifying material in the first mould whilst part of that material is in contact with the tub to thereby form the superstructure of the vehicle body integral with the tub.

Abstract: The manner of production of container candle cartridges which consists in the placement of a mould (1) surrounding the wick (2) in the container (3) together with the wick (2) and pouring the flammable mixture into the mould (1) and then its removal; it is also possible to leave the mould (1) if it is made from the flammable raw material and to fill the container (3) with the mixture. When using the mixture with the density range between 0.3 g/cm3 and 2.0 g/cm3, it is placed in the container (3) without a mould and it is applied by means of a forming element (5), and the mixture with the indicated density range out of which the cartridge (4) surrounding the wick (2) is formed solidifies at the moment of its application into the container (3) and it retains the shape sufficiently well in order to uphold the wick in the upright and centric position; then the container (3) with the formed cartridge (4) is poured over with the mixture.

Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.

Abstract: In the invention, a nano carbon layer that is constituted by a nano carbon group is formed on a molten metal contact surface of a casting member, and a lubricant that has a pulverulent body, which is constituted by BN, graphite, talc or silica, as a main component is applied onto the nano carbon layer. It is preferable that a nitrided layer be formed between the nano carbon layer and the molten metal contact surface of the casting member when the nano carbon layer is formed, and that the lubricant applied to the nano carbon layer have a BN pulverulent body as a main component. According to the invention, the mold releasability and fluidity of the casting member can be maintained even if the number of times of casting is increased, and the cost of the process of subjecting the molten metal contact surface of the casting member to the surface treatment can be reduced.

Abstract: The surfaces of a decorated sheet are tilted with respect to a parting face before a movement of a clamping member. When the clamping member moves to press the decorated sheet under tension to the parting face, a part of the clamping member first comes into contact with the decorated sheet at a position determined by inclination of the surfaces of the decorated sheet and then another portion of the clamping member comes into contact with the decorated sheet.

Abstract: A method for forming a disposable dental valve device is disclosed which comprises the steps of injecting a resin into a mold with the melt temperature of the resin being about 201° C. and the mold temperature being about 35° C., filling the resin in the mold for a fill time of about 0.70 seconds, providing a peak first stage fill pressure of about 61.9 Mpa, providing a pack pressure of about 49.5 Mpa, and providing a pack time of about 5 seconds.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for forming edge chamfers and through holes and slots on a material that is machined using a laser, such as an ultrafast laser. The shaped material has predetermined and highly controllable geometric shape and/or surface morphology. Further, a method of and a device for preventing re-deposition of the particles on a material that is machined using a laser, such as an ultrafast laser. A fluid is used to wash off the particles generated during the laser machining process. The fluid can be in a non-neutral condition, with one or more chemical salts added, or a condition allowing the coagulation of the particles in the fluid, such that the particles can be precipitated to avoid the reattachment to the machined substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for generatively producing components, said device comprising a radiation device for selectively radiating a powder bed, and an induction device for inductively heating the component produced by radiating the powder bed, Said induction device comprising at least one voltage source which can simultaneously produce alternating voltages with at least two different frequencies.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one three-dimensional object by solidifying a solidifyable material, comprising the steps of: providing an object carrier capable of carrying the object to be produced; providing a material capable of solidifying when subjected to energy supply; bringing a solidifyable material carrier/provider in a position to carry/provide solidifyable material at least in a building region where solidifyable material is to be solidified; supplying, to the building region, energy capable of solidifying the solidifyable material; and sensing, measuring and/or controlling a condition selected from the group consisting of pressure and/or strain. Alternatively or in combination, contact pressure, fluid pressure and/or material flowability can be sensed and/or adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system can be used to fuse different layers of material together for forming an article of footwear. The system includes a base portion, an intermediate member and an upper member. The intermediate member includes a flexible membrane. The intermediate member can be sealed with the base portion and a vacuum can be provided to pull the flexible membrane over layers of material placed on the base portion. The upper member can be sealed against the intermediate member so that external pressure can be applied to the flexible membrane. The intermediate member and the upper member can be moved independently.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, a blow molding process provides that portions of the parison are engaged by one or more clamping devices disposed on or adjacent to the blow mold parts, and that the blow mold is opened whereby the parison is torn apart between the clamping devices, into two or more pieces of the parison. In other implementations, the clamping devices may be moved relative to the blow mold to tear the parison, or the parison may be torn by a combined movement of the blow mold parts and clamping devices.

Abstract: A polymer endoprosthesis is fabricated by a combination of injection molding and blow molding which form a tubular substrate of polymer material, followed by laser cutting, crimping and sterilization. After the injection and blow molding processes, a subtractive process is performed on the tubular substrate to transform it into a stent having a network of stent struts. The tubular substrate can be made in an injection mold and blow mold which are attached to each other. The transition from injection molding and blow molding can be performed while the injection molded substrate remains at a temperature at or above Tg of the polymer material.

Abstract: A method for producing monolithic Zirconium Carbide (ZrC) is described. The method includes raising a pressure applied to a ZrC powder until a final pressure of greater than 40 MPa is reached; and raising a temperature of the ZrC powder until a final temperature of less than 2200° C. is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling suspension (8) in a suspension smelting furnace (1), to a suspension smelting furnace, and to a concentrate burner (2). The method comprises feeding additionally to pulverous solid matter (6) and additionally to reaction gas (7) reducing agent (13) into the suspension smelting furnace (1), wherein reducing agent (13) is fed in the form of a concentrated stream of reducing agent (13) through the suspension (8) in the reaction shaft (2) onto the surface (9) of the melt (10) to form a reducing zone (15) containing reducing agent (13) within the collection zone (14) of the melt (10).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a bioleaching bioreactor having an air injection and diffusion system, which allows to control the air bubble fine size, improving the oxygen and carbon dioxide distribution required by the microorganisms promoting the bioleaching process, in order to maintain the cellular concentration during the process.

Abstract: A material supply apparatus and process for co-injecting heated solid metalliferous material and solid carbonaceous material via a solids injection lance into a direct smelting vessel are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of containing molten aluminum using non-wetting materials comprising depositing MgAl2O4, or one selected from an oxide, Al2O3, nitride, AlN, BN, carbide, and SiC, onto a crucible. An apparatus for containment of molten aluminum using non-wetting materials comprising a layer of MgAl2O4, or one selected from an oxide, Al2O3, nitride, AlN, BN, carbide, and SiC, deposited onto a crucible.

Abstract: An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or dosed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two. gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate.

Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.

Abstract: A nail gun includes: a shell, a cylinder, a piston, a gear frame, and a stress relaxation device. The cylinder is disposed in the shell. The piston is disposed in the cylinder and includes a piston rod and a piston disc. The gear frame is coated on a front section of a cylinder exterior. The stress relaxation device is disposed in the cylinder. The stress relaxation device includes a first stress relaxation ring, a second stress relation ring and a stress relaxation unit. The first stress relaxation ring and the second stress relaxation ring are both connected with the stress relaxation unit and not in relative movement to the stress relaxation unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a damper having a jounce shock. The damper includes a top mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular frame and a bottom mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular suspension system. The damper further includes a damper tube assembly disposed between the top mounting portion and the bottom mounting portion. The damper tube assembly includes a jounce shock system and a rod having a first piston and a second piston. The rod is movable within the damper tube assembly from a first position to a second position, and the second piston engages the jounce shock system as the rod approaches the second position.

Abstract: A rotation drive device that rotates a jig plate on which a workpiece is set and a rotating shaft supporting device that supports the jig plate are disposed such as to oppose each other with the jig plate interposed therebetween. The rotation drive device and the rotating shaft supporting device are placed on a base plate. A spacer is inserted between the rotation drive device or the rotating shaft supporting device and the base plate, thereby making equal a center height of a rotating axis of the rotation drive device and a center height of a rotating axis of the rotating shaft supporting device.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus and method for maintaining a workpiece flatness during processing includes a base having a planar surface for receiving a first workpiece. Two sets of opposing clamping mechanisms are mounted to the base and include a clamp head at a distal end of a rod extending from a housing in removable overlapping relation to the first workpiece. Each set of the clamp heads are in opposing spaced relationship to each other defining a second workpiece area, and the clamp heads are configured to mate with a top surface of the first workpiece. A biasing member is coupled to each of the housings and apply a downward vertical force to the housings, rods, and the clamp heads for applying a downward vertical pressure to the first workpiece. The first workpiece is thereby discouraged from thermally expanding in a vertical direction and is thermally expandable horizontally along the planar surface.

Abstract: An optical lens clamping apparatus for clamping an optical lens is provided. The clamping apparatus includes a base, a clamping portion positioned on the base, and an engaging block. The clamping portion includes two clamping arms rotatably connected to the base. Each clamping portion includes a clamping section and an adjusting section connected to the clamping section. The adjusting section and the clamping section form an obtuse angle therebetween. The clamping sections of the clamping arms are positioned substantially parallel to each other and are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The adjusting sections of the clamping arms form a predetermined angle therebetween. The engaging block moves relative to the clamping portion to adjust an angle between the adjusting sections, so that the clamping sections clamp or release the optical lens.

Abstract: An image forming system which is capable of, when a manual stapling process is to be carried out on sheets, reducing waiting time for a user and decreasing power consumption. The image forming system has an image forming apparatus, which forms images on sheets, and a sheet post-processing apparatus. When the sheet post-processing apparatus is to shift into a power-saving state, a movable stapler is moved to a manual stapling position. When it is detected that sheets have been set into a sheet setting unit in a state in which the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus have shifted into the power-saving state, the image forming apparatus is held in the power-saving state, and the sheet post-processing apparatus is returned from the power-saving state.

Abstract: A paper sheet pickup device including a valve device is disclosed. The valve device includes a first air hole configured to be formed in a main body block to extend through it, have one end communicating with an air chamber and the other end connected to the negative pressure side of an air drawing source, a second air hole configured to be formed in a main body block to extend through it, have one end communicating with the air chamber and the other end connected to the positive pressure side of the air drawing source, and a rod-shaped valve member configured to be arranged in the main body block to cross the first air hole and the second air hole.

Abstract: An auto document feeder includes a movable document table on which documents are stacked, a pickup roller that feeds a topmost document among the documents on the movable document table to a feed position via a feed opening, and a shielding member that is arranged on the upstream side of the pickup roller and above the topmost document, and that shields the feed opening. At least an end portion of the shielding member on the document table side is made of a flexible member.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a supply tray; a supply roller; a manual tray; a recording device; a motor; a supply driving power transmitter which transmits a reverse driving power of the motor to the supply roller; a conveyance driving power transmitter; a switcher switchable between a first state in which a driving power of the motor is transmitted to the supply driving power transmitter and a second state in which the driving power is not transmitted to the supply driving power transmitter; and a controller configured to, when an image is to be recorded on a sheet placed on the manual tray and when the switcher is in the first state, switches the switcher to the second state and rotates the motor reversely to rotate a conveyor roller in a second rotational direction reverse to a first rotational direction for conveying a sheet in a conveying direction.

Abstract: A fixing device includes two rotary bodies and a recording-medium separation unit. The two rotary bodies are pressed against each other to form a nipping portion. The recording-medium separation unit is disposed at a position downstream from the nipping portion in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. The recording-medium separation unit includes a separation plate holder, a separation plate, and a spring. The separation plate holder extends in a longitudinal direction of one of the rotary bodies to hold the separation plate away from the one of the rotary bodies. The separation plate holder has rotation fulcrums and positioning surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The positioning surfaces are urged by the spring toward the one of the rotary bodies. Each of the positioning surfaces has a bent side to form a flange surface having one of the rotation fulcrums.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet ejection device enabled to operate continuously by automatically disabling an intrusion detector while effectively ensuring safety and also provide a sheet ejection method. The sheet ejection device comprises: a paper ejection chain (22b) for conveying paper (W); a first pile (26) or a second pile (26b) having loading plates (27a or 27b) arranged in a multistage manner and used for loading the paper ejected from the paper ejection chain; a first beam sensor (62a or 62b), a second beam sensor (63a or 63b), and a third beam sensor (64a or 64b) for detecting an intrusion into the first pile or the second pile.

Abstract: A paper sheet stacking apparatus includes: a stacking tray on which paper sheets are stacked; a driving section to drive the stacking tray in up and down directions corresponding to a height of the paper sheets stacked; a paper-sheet upper surface detecting section to detect an upper-most surface of the paper sheets to be stacked onto the stacking tray; a position detecting section to detect a position of the stacking tray by using a plurality of sensors respectively disposed at different positions arranged in a vertical direction, along which the stacking tray moves up and down; and a control section that determines whether or not the stacking tray is currently in a full loaded condition, based on the position of the stacking tray.

Abstract: A sheet discharging device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet discharging tray, a sheet discharging roller pair, a full state detection feeler pivotably supported and including a center feeler to measure a height of a center part of the recording medium and an edge feeler to measure a height of an edge part of the recording medium, and a full state detection sensor to detect a position of the full state detection feeler. A distance between a leading edge of the center feeler and an upper surface of the sheet discharging tray is smaller than a distance between a leading edge of the edge feeler and the upper surface thereof. The leading edge of the edge feeler is located closer to the upper surface of the sheet discharging tray than a common tangential line of the sheet discharging roller pair.

Abstract: A reflection plate is integrally formed with a medium guide placed on a side opposite a side on which a reflective photosensor is placed with a conveying path of banknotes between. Light emitted from a light emitting portion of the reflective photosensor is reflected from the reflection plate at the time of the absence of the banknotes so as not to directly return to the reflective photosensor. This prevents the reflective photosensor from erroneously detecting the medium guide at the time of the absence of media on the basis of light reflected from the medium guide. The medium guide and the reflection plate are integrally formed. Accordingly, additional parts or additional assembly is not required and a low-cost medium detector can be realized.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus including: a pair of rollers which includes an upper roller and a lower roller and conveys a sheet in a nipping manner; a driving unit which independently drives the upper roller and the lower roller; a conveying unit which is disposed at the upstream of the pair of rollers in the sheet conveying direction and conveys the sheet to the pair of rollers; an overlapping unit which is provided between the pair of rollers and the conveying unit and overlaps a subsequent sheet on a precedent sheet in the conveying direction; and a control unit which controls the driving unit, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit so that: the upper roller and the lower roller are driven before a leading end of the precedent sheet conveyed by the conveying unit reaches the pair of rollers and the driving of the upper roller and the lower roller is stopped before a tail end of the precedent sheet passes the pair of rollers; the pair of rollers is driven again before a leading end of

Abstract: An apparatus includes a differential to receive a primary driving force, and provide a first driving force and a second driving force. A first pick wheel is to transfer the first driving force to a sheet. A second pick wheel is to transfer the second driving force to the sheet. The differential is to balance the first driving force and the second driving force to reduce skew in the sheet and feed the sheet along a feed path of a printer. The first pick wheel and the second pick wheel are aligned perpendicular to the feed path at an offset from the differential.

Abstract: There is provided a recording apparatus including a recording unit and a transporting mechanism to transport a recording medium. The transporting mechanism includes, a guide surface to guide an end portion, of the recording medium, in a direction intersecting with a transporting direction of the recording medium, and a pair of rollers arranged, in a direction orthogonal to the guide surface, at a position between the guide surface and a central portion of the transporting path. The pair of rollers includes, a driving roller to transport the recording medium, and a driven roller having a rotary portion facing a recording surface, of the recording medium, on which the image is recorded, and configured to rotate about a rotation axis thereof following movement of the recording medium, and a first shaft to support the rotary portion rotatably. The rotary portion is supported rockably with respect to the first shaft.

Abstract: A sheet feed apparatus has sheet tray, sheet conveyance path, sheet feed roller, lift plate, and guide wall. Sheet feed roller is disposed, downstream of sheet tray in sheet conveyance direction, above central portion of sheet tray in sheet width direction perpendicular to sheet conveyance direction, so as to face central portion. Lift plate is movable upward and downward to allow sheet to contact with sheet feed roller. Guide wall is disposed downstream of lift plate in sheet conveyance direction and spaced from lift plate with predetermined gap, to guide the conveyed sheet in diagonally upward direction intersecting placing surface of sheet tray. Both end portions in sheet width direction in front edge portion, of lift plate, facing guide wall are provided with end guide surfaces, respectively, which are inclined upward relative to central portion in sheet width direction.

Abstract: There is provided a conveying device including a controller that makes a conveying speed of a printing medium conveyed by a first conveyor unit be higher than a conveying speed of a printing medium conveyed by a second conveyor unit and makes the printing medium be conveyed while forming sagging on the printing medium between the first and second conveyor units. The controller makes a sheet sensor acquire the amount of light, which passes through the printing medium conveyed between a light emitting part and a light receiving part, as the amount of received light and determines whether or not the double-feed of the printing media has occurred only when this amount of received light is smaller than the double-feed criterion amount of received light at substantially the same conveying distance of the printing medium conveyed by the first conveyor unit.

Abstract: A trimmer is provided. The trimmer includes an infeed for transporting a sheet material article at a first speed, a trimming station transporter for decelerating the sheet material article for trimming by a trimmer, and a decelerator between the infeed and the trimming station transporter. The decelerator forms a deceleration nip for transferring the sheet material article from the infeed to the trimming station transporter. A method of operating a trimmer is also provided.

Abstract: A control method based on a single-power caching mechanism. The single-power caching mechanism comprises an active coiling block, a driving motor, passive coiling blocks, and a tape coiling. The active coiling block is disposed on the driving motor. The active roiling block and the passive coiling blocks are connected through the tape coiling. The control method comprises the following steps: 1) when the driving motor needs to be shut down, detecting a rotational inertia of the active coiling block, a semidiameter of the active coiling block, a semidiameter of the passive coiling blocks, and a rotational inertia of the passive coiling blocks; and 2) controlling a breaking torque of the driving motor to be M1?I1×r×M2/(I2×R), M2 being a torsional moment of the passive coiling blocks. Also disclosed is a control system based on a single-power caching mechanism.

Abstract: A horseshoe game caddy for removably retaining horseshoes and stakes for playing a horseshoe game. The caddy includes a plurality of horseshoe racks supported by posts in vertically spaced relation. Each of the horseshoe racks are adapted to removably support at least one of the plurality of horseshoes.

Abstract: A game for a plurality of players is disclosed. The game may have a plurality of polyhedrons arranged in a matrix. Each visible face of the polyhedrons has indicia thereon. The method may include the steps of randomingly aligning the polyhedrons into an equal number of rows and columns and rotating any polyhedron, by turns, so that a different face is showing, until a predetermined number of rows, a predetermined number of columns, a predetermined number of diagonals, or combinations thereof of a predetermined number of matching indicia are showing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement device having a board or other field and game-pieces movable over said board or field by contestants according to pre-set rules.

Abstract: A modified Blackjack game incorporates at least one side bet available to each player. The side bet provides a wagering opportunity based on the card ranking of the player's first card and the player's second card. The player may only make this side bet if the player is dealt an ace on his first card. Thereafter, the player places a side wager to wager that his second card will be a ten, jack (J), queen (Q), or king (K)—i.e., that his second card will result in a Blackjack. If the player bets successfully, the player is awarded a payout based on the side wager. If the player bets unsuccessfully, the player loses the side wager. After either a winning or losing side wager, the modified Blackjack game continues according to traditional Blackjack rules based on an initial wager and the player's first and second card.

Abstract: A system is provided having a launch mechanism with an energy generation capability and a capability to launch toy entities such as surface based entities and flying entities. The launch mechanism may include multiple orientations and configurations to facilitate launch sequences for the toy entities. The energy generation capability may include a handle, a trigger and a rack extending from the trigger capable of charging a gear box. The launch mechanism may also include a capability to transfer energy from the gear box to the toy entity. The system may also be used with game play to launch the flying entities and then utilize an upper portion of the launch mechanism to catch the flying entities.

Abstract: A system of educational word games and number games that combines, for the first time: (i) mental/alphanumeric skills, with (ii) physical/eye-hand coordination skills that are used in target-and-missile games, with (iii) substantially flattened game tiles that are shaped as squares or as the letters and numbers themselves. The tiles can be used as missiles and/or as targets in various, easy-to-grasp games, and these games can be enjoyed by players of a wide range of ages and physical ability. Also provided are simple means to removably attach various accessories to the tiles to expand their use in games and non-game applications. When compared with previous alphanumeric games that combine mental and physical activities, the present invention has advantages in cost, simplicity, compactness, convenience, packaging, ease of play, the strength and likelihood of verbal/mathematical learning, and in versatility.

Abstract: A system for shooting arrows at targets, comprising at least one device for shooting arrows, at least one target and at least one arrow, characterised by the fact that it comprises a reflection wall and that the arrow comprises a head portion, the reflection wall and the head portion being configured so as to return the arrow in the direction of the shooting device when the head portion impacts the reflection wall instead of the target.

Abstract: A slide and toss game is provided. The slide and toss game includes a game board. The game board includes a first scoring end, a second scoring end, and a body portion in between the first scoring end and the second scoring end. The body portion may include a width w larger than the width w of the first scoring end and the second scoring end. The first scoring end may include a first goal opening, and the second scoring end may include a second goal opening. The present invention may further include at least one scoring member sized to fit within each of the first goal opening and the second goal opening.

Abstract: A target apparatus comprises a plurality of cables and a rigid frame wherein each cable is attached to the rigid frame at least one end of the cable. The plurality of cables is attached to the frame in staggered orientation to one another, and each of the plurality of cables is interchangeable with any other cable of congruent dimension. The plurality of cables is attached to the frame in zigzag orientation to one another. The impact of bullets, mortars, and varying other ammunition rounds upon the plurality of cables is dampened in the loose hanging cables, thereby resulting in a less violent blow to the overall target apparatus. The target apparatus is capable of multiple uses before total destruction of the target apparatus.