Abstract: A method for the efficient solubilization of carbon dioxide in water through the use of high energy impacts is disclosed. The method can optionally includes mixing the carbon dioxide and water to form an annular dispersed flow, accelerating the carbon dioxide and water prior to the collision; providing a retention network to collect the carbonated water flow. Also disclosed are systems and apparatuses for practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An aerator may be inserted into the neck of a wine bottle to aerate the wine as it is poured from the bottle. A cavity created in the distal end of the bottle as the wine is dispensed is vented to aid in high flow rate. The aerator seals against the inside surface of a typical wine bottle, and regulates pressures to create high flow and a high degree of aeration throughout the full dispense cycle of wine from the bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for a mass transfer column, having gas passage openings distributed over the tray (1), and having at least one baffle (11) for flow diversion of liquid flowing on the tray, it being possible for the tray (1) to be fed with a liquid via at least one entry (3). The tray has at least one entry (3), at least one separating weir (5), which separates the inflowing liquid into two streams, and at least two exits (12), or has at least two entries (3) and at least one exit (12) for the liquid, each stream flowing along a flow path (7; 9) to an exit (12). The invention further relates to a mass transfer column comprising the tray, and to a use of tray and mass transfer column.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: A device includes a feed unit containing hot melted UV curable glue, a first pressing roller defining a first central axis, a second pressing roller defining a second central axis, and two UV lamp assemblies received in the two pressing rollers respectively. The first pressing roller rotates about the first central axis in a first direction. The second pressing roller rotates about the second central axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first central axis and the second central axis are arranged on a common horizontal plane and parallel to each other. A molding channel is formed between the two pressing rollers. The two pressing rollers cooperatively press the hot melted UV curable glue transmitted into the molding channel from the feed unit. The UV lamp assemblies emit UV light beams to solidify the pressed UV curable glue to form an optical film.

Abstract: A method of producing fibres includes continuously drawing a fibre out of a solution, and pulling it to a rotary set of n electrodes by means of an electrostatic field. The individual electrodes of the set are arranged at regular spacing to each other and at the same distance from the set's rotation axis, and parallel with it. The fibre is wound on the set of electrodes by rotating the set of electrodes. The electrostatic field is disconnected and rotation of the set of electrodes is stopped. A layer of the fibres formed in the field between two adjacent electrodes is removed. The rotating set of electrodes turns through an angle of 360/n, the layer of the fibres formed between two adjacent electrodes in the field adjacent to the field from which the layer was removed, is removed, and this step is repeated in total n-times.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a dry crystalline metal organic framework which comprises: a) spray drying at least one metal ion and at least one organic ligand which is at least bidentate into a spray dryer in the presence of a solvent, wherein the reaction of the at least one metal ion with the at least one organic ligand to yield the metal organic framework and the drying of the obtained metal organic framework take place simultaneously inside the spray dryer, and b) collecting the formed dry crystalline metal organic framework.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for producing a concrete component (1), wherein a plurality of layers of a dry mixture consisting of at least one silicate former and one hydraulic binder are deposited one atop another on a base (7), wherein after applying each layer the respective layer is mixed with water, wherein the contour of the area that is mixed with water correlates with the desired shape of the concrete component (1) at the level of the respective layer to be applied.

Abstract: A device for accurately dosing cosmetic pastes in multicolour form on a base for the production of a cosmetic product for make-up, comprising a base element adapted to house a base, a mould which moves at least between an opening position and a closing position, said mould having at least one partition which divides a surface thereof facing the base element into at least two compartments, a peripheral element provided with walls which define an opening with shape similar to the perimeter shape of the mould and in which the mould is at least partially housed when it is in said closed position, said peripheral element being provided with at least two channels which run into said opening and protrude into it at least partially, the device providing means adapted to prevent the gluing of said cosmetic paste at least to the wall of the mould facing the base element.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured by forming a series of three-dimensional formed curves of extruded material that together comprise the geometry of the surface of the object. The material is extruded from a nozzle that is positioned by a robotic arm under the control of a robotic controller. A computer that has a definition of the geometric surface generates commands to the robotic controller to cause it to sequentially form the series of formed curves that the computer calculates comprise the surface geometry.

Abstract: A cutter hub position control device for consistent blade adjustment in an underfluid pelletizer is provided in connection with a motion rod attached to the pelletizer cutter hub and extending through a hollow shaft of the pelletizer motor. The cutter hub position control device can be collinear, transaxial or in a plane parallel to the axis of the motion rod to which it is attached. Adjustment of the cutter hub position control device is automated through use of feedback control mechanisms.

Abstract: A novel universal main feeder is described for cutting the large items into smaller items before they are fed into the feeder, hopper of the extruder. The sensor based control and the cutting device based resizing and quantity control enables a non-clog and smoother operation for recycling or waste management. The unique design of interchangeable cutting device enables the user to fit the pertinent cutting device blade, knives, shredders or hummer mills.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a bonded article by press-moulding and carbonating a granular, carbonatable material. The granular material is applied in a mould, is press-moulded therein under a compaction pressure of at least 25 MPa, and is carbonated during said press-moulding step by means of a gas which contains at least 1 vol. % of carbon dioxide. By carbonating the material when press-moulding it, high compressive strengths can be achieved in a short period of time.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at corner radii. A tensioning material placed over an uncured composite laminate charge maintains a compressive force on the laminate charge as the charge is formed over a tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnet-conductive device includes performing a punch process to a plate by a glue-injectable punch structure, wherein the glue-injectable punch structure includes a punch head and a control member. The punch head comprises an accommodating cavity, an injection hole and an inlet, and a supply channel is formed by the accommodating cavity, the injection hole and the inlet. The control member selectively obstructs the supply channel or permits the supply channel into conduction. By using the method for manufacturing the magnet-conductive device, the stack between plural plates is simplified, and the coupling strength between adjacent plates is enhanced. In addition, this invention considers the gel between adjacent plates to be insulating medium to lower the iron loss of the magnet-conductive plates.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus is provided for extruding a medical instrument which can be inserted into a human or animal body. The apparatus comprises a device for supplying rod-shaped bodies, an extrusion device comprising a housing, said housing having a surrounding side wall which, at the frontward end as seen in the manufacturing direction, is provided with a nozzle wall comprising a discharge nozzle and, at the rearward end as seen in the manufacturing direction, is provided with a spindle sleeve. The space in the housing between the spindle sleeve, the side wall and the discharge nozzle delimits an extrusion space and the housing is provided with a polymer supply device in the area of the extrusion space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a three-dimensional object (50) from solidifable material in a liquid phase. Said device comprises at least one preparation unit for preparing the solidifiable material in the liquid phase, at least one pressure generating unit (60) for generating a pressure in the liquid phase and at least one discharge unit (12) for discharging the solidifiable material through an outlet opening. Said pressure generation unit comprises a rotation motor and an axial movement motor (10) for moving conveyor means, said rotation motor being arranged behind the axial movement motor (10) when viewed from the discharge unit (12). The invention also relates to a device for providing high forces at low speeds.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a lid for attachment to a vessel having an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge portion, includes injection molding from a molten plastic material a first shot structure defining a web portion, a peripheral portion surrounding the web portion; in a second shot procedure, over-molding an elastomeric material different from said plastic material onto the first short structure to form a seal structure portion integrated with the lid portion to form a unitary lid-seal structure, wherein the seal structure portion is permanently adhered to the peripheral portion of the first shot structure, and wherein the seal structure portion is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the lid and a sealing surface portion of the peripheral edge of the vessel when the lid is attached to the vessel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.

Abstract: A surface composition for reducing degradation and fading of surfaces subjected to extended periods of submersion in an aqueous liquid includes at least one clear barrier layer and at least one under layer, wherein the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the under layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the under layer. The clear barrier layer provides structural protection against degradation from chemical attack and from fading due to UV exposure.

Abstract: Plastics articles with continuous reinforcement strands are normally produced by pultrusion. Pultrusion methods are known for producing straight or curved plastics profiles. It has not hitherto been possible for reinforced plastics articles of more complex form to be produced by pultrusion methods. The invention provides a pultrusion method in which a part of a curved plastics article serves, together with a mold (15), for the pultrusion of a reinforced plastics article. In this way, it is possible for complex plastics articles, for example a plastics pipe (10), to be produced by pultrusion.

Abstract: A precast pervious concrete panel is formed in a containment vessel under controlled conditions and allowed to reach an acceptable strength before removal from the containment vessel, thereby producing standard sizes or shapes for installation in the field. Each piece of pervious concrete may include slots cut into the piece at predetermined locations allowing installation of a joint connector; either dry or with a bonding material thereby allowing connection of multiple pieces into a solid slab. A strip material may be used under the slab joints to dissipate load bearing and allow the panels to slide together when picked up by the embedded lifting device. Multiple pervious concrete pieces can be combined with a collection system allowing collection/reuse of water passing through the panels. Precast pervious concrete panels can be used as inserts in ready mix or cast in place concrete frames allowing for easy replacement of the pieces.

Abstract: A motor water-cooling structure and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The motor water-cooling structure includes a motor case having a wall portion and a tube. The tube is embedded in the wall portion to serve as a flow passage. To manufacture the motor water-cooling structure, the tube is positioned in a mold cavity of a mold, and the motor case is formed in the mold by pour molding to embed the tube therein, so that the motor case and the tube form an integral body. With the manufacturing method, the motor water-cooling structure can be formed with reduced material, labor and time to save the manufacturing costs, and the risk of water leakage can be avoided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mold includes a base, a first concave pattern, a second concave pattern, and a third concave pattern. The base includes a first surface and a pedestal projecting from the first surface. The pedestal includes a first region and a second region disposed outside the first region. The first concave pattern is formed in the first region. The second concave pattern is formed in the second region. The third concave pattern extends from the first region to the second region.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing features into the tread of a tire are provided. The device and method provide for manufacturing tread features of various shapes and sizes. The tread features may be recessed, protruding, or flush with respect to the surrounding tread surface. The device and method may be used for both new tire constructions as well as retreading operations.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for producing ceramic item from a photocurable ceramic filled material by stereolithography. The method compensates for the anisotropic shrinkage of the item during firing to produce a dimensionally accurate item.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional integrated circuit. The method includes: 1) adding a non-metallic light-induced catalyst including an alcohol and/or an aldehyde to a thermoplastic carrier material, and molding the resulting mixture by an injection molding machine to form a structural component; 2) irradiating a surface of the structural component with a laser ray to form a line pattern thereon; 3) immersing the structural component in a metal ion solution at room temperature for between 5 and 7 minutes; 4) washing the structural component with distilled water, and immersing the structural component in an aqueous solution including a reducing agent for between 5 and 7 minutes to allow the surface of the structural component to form a metal core; and 5) performing electroless copper plating and medium-phosphorus electroless nickel plating on an area comprising the metal core to yield a conductor track.

Abstract: The invention includes a cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linking compound and a cross-linking reaction additive selected from an organic acid and/or an acetate compound, wherein the cross-linking compound has the structure according to formula (IV): wherein the cross-linking reaction additive is capable of reacting with the cross-linking compound to form a reactive oligomer intermediate, which is capable of cross-linking an organic polymer. Also included is an organic polymer composition for use in forming a cross-linked organic polymer, comprising a cross-linking compound of Formula (IV), a cross-linking reaction additive and at least one organic polymer. In one embodiment, the at least one organic polymer has at least one halogen-containing reactive group and is dehalogenated by reacting with an alkali metal compound.

Abstract: A cell for quenching a charge under an atmosphere of gas comprises a centrifugal or helicon-centrifugal impeller comprising a gas intake opening and gas discharge openings. The impeller is rotated by a motor to cause a flow of the gas between the charge and a heat exchanger. The quenching cell comprises first and second mobile half-scrolls. In a first position, the first half-scroll guides the gas discharged by a first part of the discharge openings and the second half-scroll closes off a first portion of the intake opening. In a second position, the second half-scroll guides the gas discharged by a second part, different from the first part, of the discharge openings and the first half-scroll shuts off a second portion of the intake opening.

Abstract: A lance (10), for conducting a pyrometallurgical operation by top submerged lancing (TSL) injection, wherein the lance (10) has at least an inner pipe (12) and outer pipe (14) which are substantially concentric. The lower outlet of the inner pipe (12) is set at a level relative to the lower, outlet end of the outer pipe (14) required for pyrometallurgical operation. The lance (10) further includes a shroud (22) through which the outer pipe (14) extends and which is mounted on and extends along an upper portion of the outer pipe (14) to define with the outer pipe (14) a passageway (28) along which gas is able to be supplied for flow towards the outlet end of the outer pipe (14) for discharge exteriorly of the lance (10). The shroud (22) is longitudinally adjustable relative to the outer pipe (14) to enable substantial maintenance of or variation in, a longitudinal spacing between the outlet ends of the shroud (22) and the outer pipe (14).

Abstract: A method for the production of closed edge filters suitable for filtering molten metal and filters made by such a method. The method comprises: providing a reticulated foam substrate having at least one first surface for forming a side face of the filter and two opposed second surfaces for forming the through-flow faces of the filter; applying a liquid comprising an organic coating component to the first surface; solidifying the organic coating component to form a filter precursor having a volatilisable coating on the first surface; impregnating the filter precursor with a slurry comprising particles of a refractory material, a binder and a liquid carrier; and drying and firing the impregnated filter precursor to form the filter having a closed edge.

Abstract: A metal melting furnace includes: a furnace body including a storage space storing molten metal; a vortex chamber body including a vortex chamber communicating with the storage space, the vortex chamber body including a partition plate serving as a drop weir uprightly formed inside the vortex chamber, the partition plate disposed at a communication side with respect to the storage space in the vortex chamber so that the longitudinal direction of the partition plate follows the communication direction and divides the communication side to form first and second vortex chamber openings positioned at both sides of the partition plate and communicating with both the storage space and the vortex chamber; and a molten metal whirling gap formed between a front end portion of the partition plate positioned inside of the vortex chamber in the longitudinal direction and an inner wall of the vortex chamber body facing the front end portion.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoset matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: An electronic active mount capable of a bidirectional control includes a core positioned inside a housing and connected to an engine. A main rubber is configured to connect the core and the housing. An upper orifice is coupled to an end of the main rubber to form an upper fluid chamber. A membrane is coupled to be moved up and down is connected to a lower orifice. A lower housing is formed at a central portion of the lower orifice, and a diaphragm is spaced apart from the lower orifice at a predetermined distance, which may attenuate vibration by using two electromagnets provided in an electronic mount.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide an antivibration device that can realize low dynamic spring characteristics in a high vibration region while securing a damping force in a low vibration region. [Solution] In the case where a load input in the axial direction of a coupling member is a predetermined value or smaller, the dynamic spring constant of a first bush 10 is set larger than that of a second bush 20, and the loss factor of the second bush 20 is set larger than that of the first bush 10. On the other hand, in the case where the load input in the axial direction of the coupling member 30 exceeds the predetermined value, the dynamic spring constant of the first bush 10 is set smaller than that of the second bush 20.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bump stopper and a manufacturing method therefor which can maintain the shock-absorbing characteristics and durability performance constantly for a prolonged period of time regardless of the temperature or humidity of the usage environment, which can maintain a constant dimensional precision for a finished product, which is excellent in material yield rate and manufacturing efficiency, and which is low-cost, lightweight, recyclable, and ecological. A bump stopper (1) is provided in the vicinity of a rod of a shock absorber to elastically limit the stroke of the shock absorber at the time of the contraction thereof and to absorb the shock generated at that time. The bump stopper includes a hollow cylindrical bellows part (11) which extends along a stroke direction S of the shock absorber.

Abstract: Clamping device for clamping a workpiece defining at least three protection holes, includes a supporting seat, a pressing plate, a clamping assembly, and an operation assembly. The supporting seat can define a sliding groove, a first receiving groove, a second receiving groove, and a receiving hole, and includes a protrusion portion. The pressing plate can be securely stacked upon the supporting seat. The clamping assembly can include a first and a second clamping subassembly, and is sandwiched between the supporting seat and the pressing plate. The operation assembly can include a locking member and a transmission pin eccentrically assembled to an end of the locking member. When the locking member is rotated, the transmission pin can be driven to resist the second clamping subassembly to be partially exposed from the supporting seat, simultaneously. The locking member can resist the first subassembly to be partially exposed from the supporting seat.

Abstract: A clamp with a fixed jaw; a groove with the fixed jaw mounted thereon; a moveable jaw slidably mounted on the groove; a connecting member having one end secured to the moveable jaw and including a hollow cylinder at an other end disposed in the fixed jaw, and a strap interconnecting the cylindrical element and the hollow cylinder; a gear including a plurality of teeth disposed on the fixed jaw; a biasing member disposed on the fixed jaw opposite to the gear; a bifurcated handle put on the fixed jaw to cover both the gear and the biasing member; a first pawl in the handle; a lever secured to the first pawl; a rotatable pin with the hollow cylinder fastened thereon, the pin being for fastening the handle, the biasing member, the fixed jaw, the hollow cylinder, and the gear together; and the second pawl in the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A jaws apparatus and method for using the jaws apparatus within a vise is described herein. A jaws apparatus may include a fixed jaw secured to the vise through an adapter. The adapter may have an adapter contact face and the fixed jaw may have a jaw contact face in slidable engagement with the adapter contact face. The adapter contact face may be comprised of a first physical material and the jaw contact face comprised of a second physical material. The first physical material and the second physical material may have substantially similar mechanical properties. The jaws apparatus may further include a movable jaw secured to a movable portion of the vise.

Abstract: A postprocessing apparatus includes a support unit that supports a sheet that is transported, an abutment unit against which a leading end of the sheet supported by the support unit abuts, a postprocessing unit that performs a postprocessing operation on the sheet abutting against the abutment unit, a detection unit that detects an image formed at a predetermined position on the sheet and detects a position of the image when the sheet abuts against the abutment unit, and a changing unit that changes a position of the abutment unit relative to the postprocessing unit on the basis of the position of the image detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing method of a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of processing modes includes taking in sheets one by one from a bundle of the sheets in which a batch card having identification information, and the sheets as mediums to be inspected are piled, conveying the sheet which has been taken in, discriminating a kind of the batch card, switching the processing mode of the sheet processing apparatus based on the kind of the batch card which has been discriminated, discriminating and counting the sheets subsequent to the batch card, storing a count result of the sheets in correlation with the identification information, and sorting the sheet into a stacker based on a discrimination result of the sheet.

Abstract: A document conveyance device includes: a reader reading a document-sheet passing on a contact glass; a white plate being placed opposite to the contact glass; a first conveyance roller and a first driven roller placed upstream of the reader in a sheet conveying direction; a second conveyance roller and a second driven roller placed downstream of the reader in the sheet conveying direction; a holding member configured to hold rotatably the first and second driven roller; a spacer configured to support the holding member and include one or more of support planes different in height; wherein a support plane selected from the one or more support planes in accordance with a thickness of the document-sheet is moved manually to support the holding member, and the white plate is configured to lift upward from the contact glass plate by a forehead of the sheet passing through the contact glass plate.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a sheet feed apparatus that feeds a sheet; an image forming apparatus that is provided independently of the sheet feed apparatus and that includes an image-formation transport path used for transporting the sheet fed from the sheet feed apparatus and an image forming section that forms an image onto the sheet transported along the image-formation transport path; and a relay apparatus that is independently provided between the sheet feed apparatus and the image forming apparatus. The relay apparatus relays the sheet fed from the sheet feed apparatus toward the image forming apparatus and ensures a distance along which the sheet is transported from the sheet feed apparatus to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a paper sheet pickup device includes an input portion, pickup mechanism, and pickup assist mechanism. The pickup mechanism picks up, one by one, the paper sheets supplied to a pickup position. The pickup assist mechanism is arranged upstream of the pickup mechanism in the pickup direction of the paper sheet. The pickup assist mechanism includes a suction belt configured to be arranged to be able to travel in the pickup direction, an air drawing portion configured to suck a paper sheet to the suction belt through the suction belt, and a driving motor configured to drive the suction belt.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a sheet storage portion, a sheet conveying path, and a guide member. Housing is mounted to apparatus body that includes bottom portion having opening portion, and main sheet conveying path extending upward from opening portion to convey sheets, and includes top face portion arranged opposing bottom portion. Sheet conveying path extends from sheet storage portion to top face portion, and is configured to be capable of communicating with main sheet conveying path. Sheets are conveyed on sheet conveying path. Guide member is pivotably supported by housing, and is configured to be capable of changing its position between a first position where guide member follows along top face portion and a second position where guide member projects upward from top face portion to guide sheet toward main sheet conveying path from sheet conveying path.

Abstract: A medium feeding apparatus includes an opening unit (a lock shaft, a lock arm, a hopper, a link member, and a rotating member) that performs an opening operation in a direction in which rollers coming into press contact with each other on a conveying path for a medium are separated from each other when a conveyance error of the medium occurs. An error release operation control unit of a controller controls the opening unit by switching whether an opening operation is performed to the degree of opening in which a conveying roller and a driven roller are separated from each other or an opening operation is performed to the degree of opening in which a separating roller and a braking roller are separated from each other, according to an entering distance of the medium on the conveying path.

Abstract: The feeder device comprises a support structure (2) wherein, between a feeder plate (3) and an opposite surface (4), there is defined an input receptacle (5) for the introduction of one or more documents (BC) to be processed, and a motorized aligning and conveying de vice (6), adapted to engage and urge a document (BC) introduced into the input receptacle (5) towards a lateral stationary aligning surface (50).

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a roller drive portion, a first drive portion, a restriction member, a second drive portion, and a drive control portion. Restriction member contacts with rear end of sheet surface, in conveying direction, of uppermost sheet in sheet stack stored in sheet storage portion to restrict feeding of sheet from sheet storage portion. Drive control portion controls roller drive portion, first drive portion, and second drive portion, and causes opposing member to separate from sheet feed roller, and causes restriction member to contact with sheet surface of second sheet to be conveyed immediately after first sheet, after first sheet located on uppermost position of sheet stack is fed by pickup roller and leading end of first sheet in conveying direction passes through sheet feed nip portion.