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 sheet take-out apparatus includes a first separation unit, a second separation unit, a drawing roller for drawing sheets from a nip of the second separation unit, and a pinch roller rotating in contact with it. Overlapping sheets which pass the first and second separation units and are not separated are detected to be overlapped in a state that they are clamped by the nip of the drawing roller and pinch roller. When overlapping is detected, in a state that the rear ends of the overlapping sheets in the conveying direction are restricted by the nip, the drawing roller and pinch roller are stopped and the overlapping sheets are re-separated.

Abstract: A sheet discharging device includes a shift tray 202 on which a sheet P1 is stacked, a discharging roller 6 that discharges a sheet P2 onto the shift tray 202, a blowing device 230 that sends air to a lower surface of the sheet P2 discharged by the discharging roller 6, a blocking member 231 that blocks air sent to the lower surface of the sheet P2 from a blowing port 230-2 of the blowing device 230, and a control unit that controls the blocking amount of the blocking member 231. The blocking amount is determined based upon sheet information including sheet-type information, sheet-size information, and sheet-thickness information, for example.

Abstract: An articulating sheet guide is used in connection with a printing system. A primary media transport nip is disposed adjacent a media sheet source supplying a media sheet. A secondary media transport nip is downstream. A link has a front surface facing upstream, and a proximal end pivotally mounted. From adjacent the primary media transport, the link will pivot past the secondary media transport. A link pocket is disposed transversely to the process direction on the link front surface. The V-shaped link pocket is adapted to receive the media leading edge. The primary media transport nip will move the media sheet toward the link. The link pocket will receive the media leading edge. The media sheet movement will cause the link to move in an arcuate path guided by the pivotal movement of the link into engagement by the secondary media transport nip. The link pocket will release the media leading edge. The operation is nearly silent.

Abstract: A re-time sheet buffering system is used in connection with a finisher for a digital printing system and a plurality of media sheets arranged in sets. A path loop between a sheet path entrance and exit provides space for buffering. A registration nip decelerates, registers and accelerates sheets 1 through N. A first retime nip holds sheets 1 and 2 of the set at registration speed for a longer time than remaining sheets, to gain time for finishing, and then accelerates sheets 1 and 2. A second retime nip accelerates sheets 1 and 2 of the set to compiling speed. Sheets are transported, compiled, stapled, and ejected.

Abstract: A media diverter system for directing a media sheet traveling along an input media path into either a first media path or a second media path. One or more roller assemblies are provided including a media-guiding roller having one or more grooves formed around the exterior surface, and an air source for selectively providing an air flow into one or more of the grooves, the air flow being directed between the media sheet and the exterior surface of the media-guiding roller thereby producing a Bernoulli force to draw the media sheet toward the media-guiding roller. A controller selectively activates the air source in at least one of the roller assemblies while the corresponding media-guiding roller rotates around its roller axis to draw the media sheet toward the exterior surface of the media-guiding roller, thereby directing the media sheet into either the first media path or a second media path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for stacking items of media in a container region. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable element, each having an outer surface and an opposed claw element for releasably clamping an item of media to the outer surface of the rotatable element for rotation therewith. The apparatus also includes a driven roller element for locating an item of media released by the claw element into a stack position. The apparatus also includes a support platform element biased towards the roller element to compress items of media located in the stack position between the platform element and the roller element.

Abstract: An interactive educational toy, having six faces in a manner permitting multi-planar movement; each of the six jointed faces is comprised of plurality of bars pivotally connected in a pantographic configuration; the six faces each include sides, and the sides of adjacent faces are hinged together to form a cube that can shift into variously proportioned parallelepipeds.

Abstract: Simultaneous poker hands played on an elliptical, table incorporating two dealer stations with each dealer station including one or more of the following: automatic shuffler; chip rack and chips; poker cards; and drop box. Using the table facilitates the play of a game comprising broadly: positioning two dealers about a table at two independent dealer stations, each dealer station including one or more of the following: (i) automatic card shuffler; (ii) chip rack and chips; (iii) poker cards; and (iv) drop box; utilizing said two dealers to deal independent poker hands substantially simultaneously; and providing players with two distinctive chip sets to play said independent poker hands substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a stationary component and a rotating component including a seal tooth mating surface for mating with a seal tooth, the seal tooth mating surface including a plateau portion for sealingly receiving the seal tooth during a steady-state operation of the seal assembly and a first concave portion adjacent to the plateau portion for receiving the seal tooth with a clearance during a first non-steady-state operation of the seal assembly, wherein the seal tooth is coupled to one of the stationary component and the rotating component and the seal tooth mating surface is coupled to the other of the stationary component and the rotating component.

Abstract: A boot seal for variable compression-rate engine includes a boot-seal element, and a reinforcement member. The boot-seal element includes an inner layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer is disposed on the inner face of the boot-seal element, and is composed of a fluorinated rubber. The outer layer is disposed on a more outer side of the boot-seal element than is the inner layer. Moreover, the boot-seal element is formed in a circumferentially developed state so as to have circumferential ends, and is then completed by joining the circumferential ends with each other. Thus, the boot-seal element makes an elastically deformable cylindrical bellows shape having a root that dents inward diametrically. In addition, the reinforcement member is disposed in the root of the cylindrical bellows-shaped boot-seal element at least.

Abstract: An increased resilience seal utilizing a sealed gas filled inner chamber in a bellows spring that functions as both a mechanical spring and a gas spring to provide a more constant level of separation force between two face plates to provide a seal between two mechanical components such as those found in an aircraft jet engine. The bellows spring is made of a plurality of walls that are joined together in a pressurized chamber that is filled with a gas, such as an inert gas. In alternative embodiments, the bellows spring is made of walls that are shaped and oriented to optimize the operating characteristics of the bellows spring when the pressure is increased in a sealed inner chamber in response to elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the walls forming a portion of the chamber overlap to optimize the geometry of the bellows spring.

Abstract: A telescoping cylinder device including double-walled cylinders is disclosed. By way of a pressure medium, the cylinders are displaceable relative to each other by moving inside the space formed between the two walls. A central through hole extends axially through the cylinders and provide a passage for transmission. A vehicle including a plurality of telescoping cylinder devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A skate device includes a footwear-type boot having a sole, two side wheels positioned on opposite sides of the boot, a cross-jacket, disposed on a front region of the sole, the cross-jacket comprising a side-by-side tube with through holes for receiving screws to fix the cross-jacket to the sole, an active displacement mechanism connected to the two side wheels, the active displacement mechanism comprising a chassis with a clamped shaft that mounts a transfer bar, shaped as a flat plate, to a main joint between two lateral joints, the lateral joints having a center displaced from the main pivot joint, and shock absorbers connected to the lateral joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety binding for skiing, including a toe piece that includes a body mounted to slide vertically relative to a front mounting base connected to the ski and defining an upper stop for a boot; a device for adjusting the vertical position of the body, which can be manipulated by the skier in the area of the upper portion of the body; at least one lever pivotally mounted relative to the body about a substantially vertical axis between a retaining position and a release position of a boot; and a spring mounted transversely in the body and biasing the lever toward its boot-retaining position.

Abstract: A system related to providing a rescue sled vehicle to move an injured or wounded person from a hostile ‘battlefield condition’ environment to a safer environment for medical triage. The rescue sled comprises flexible hinged sections allowing for serpentine movement as well as vertical flexible movement to assist in rescue operations needing extraction from almost any type of structure or environment, particularly narrow areas and/or sloped ground/stairs. Further, the rescue sled is single rescuer carryable while providing the rescuer hands-free operation during entrance and exit operations.

Abstract: An integrated carrier and support system for supporting and moving a child that includes a carrier assembly and a support assembly. The support assembly may collapse and expand and, when collapsed, may fit cooperatively adjacent to the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable shopping basket (10A) comprising a bottom (14A), wheels, side walls, a carrying handle arrangement and a telescopic pull handle (20A) which is arranged in connection with one of the side walls and comprises a first and a second telescopic element (22A, 21A). At least one side wall (11A) is higher than one or more of the other walls, in association therewith (11A2) a hollow metal profile is arranged which comprises said first telescopic element (22A). Its lower end is fixedly fastened to or in the lower end of said higher side wall (11A2) and/or in the bottom (14A). The second telescopic element (21A) comprises a metal profile which is adapted for sliding in said first telescopic element (22A). In the extended position the second telescopic element (21A), at least to a large extent, is drawn out of the first telescopic element (22A), and in a stacked position it is substantially completely inserted in the first telescopic element (22A).

Abstract: There is provided a walker apparatus. The walker apparatus has a pair of spaced-apart, arc-shaped support members. The walker apparatus includes a pair of elongate pivot rods operatively connected to respective ones the support members. The walker apparatus includes a laterally-foldable seat. The seat pivotally connects to the support members via the pivot rods. According to one aspect, each support member has an apex. The elongate pivot rods operatively connect to respective ones of the apexes of the support members.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit comprises a rigid frame coupled with a top seat portion, a pair of wheels and a number of supports. The wheels are coupled to a wheel mechanism that retracts the wheels into a retracted position when a downward force is applied to the rigid frame in an upright position. As a result, at least one supplemental support that is positioned above the ground when the pair of wheels are in the extended position, touches the ground when the pair of wheels is in the retracted position thereby adding support and stability to the mobile storage unit when in the upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting articles between working locations is provided. The apparatus includes wheels mounted towards the bottom of the apparatus for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus and a manually engageable pulling handle. The pulling handle and the ground engaging wheels are arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction. The apparatus also includes a frame and at least one or more mount structures adjustably connected to the frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of containers connected to the mount structures, where at least one of the containers are of a different configuration from another one of the containers.

Abstract: A hand trolley with a load tray movably connected with wheel sets includes a handle frame, two wheel sets and a load tray. The handle frame has two pivotal connecting portions used to connect with the wheel sets and the load tray. The wheel sets are provided with an acting surface mutually co-working with an acting surface of the load tray. The wheel sets can be unfolded as the load tray is pushed down, and it can be folded as the load tray is pulled up. Thus the hand trolley is able to make the load tray and the wheel sets folded or unfolded simultaneously, easy to be stowed away.

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 child carrier apparatus can comprise a base frame having a tube segment that is affixed with an attachment fixture, and a detachable seat including a tubular support, and a coupling element mounted at a side segment of the tubular support. The inclination of the tubular support is adjustable relative to the coupling element, and the coupling element is configured to detachably locked with the attachment fixture via a latch to hold the seat with the base frame.

Abstract: A walker has a frame with two opposing sides joined at a front of the walker, each side having front and rear legs and a handle at a top of each side. Each handle is connected to the frame through a rotatable joint so the handles have a first position a first position in which the handle is generally horizontal for walking, and a second position in which that handle is lowered closer to the seat making it easier to sit and stand. The joint is locked into each position.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided of skateboard decks and skateboard assemblies each having a unitary body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. Each embodiment can have a handle portion formed in the unitary body and configured to receive one or more fingers, the handle portion positioned proximate one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein can also comprise a first truck rail and a second truck rail extruded with the unitary body on the bottom surface, the first truck rail and the second truck rail running along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body and forming a track configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-shell spring suspension arm formed of sheet metal for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, including a first end section for connection to a chassis carrier, a second end section for wheel-side connection, and a width-expanded section for supporting a spring, which is arranged between the two end sections and defines a trough having upwardly projecting flanks. In order to enable optimized wheel suspension by distributing the forces and torques to spatially distanced connections, or articulated-connection points, while achieving a relatively low component weight and favorable manufacturing costs, the invention provides that a spiral is integrally formed in the width-expanded section of the spring suspension arm as a spring seat and that a connection section for connecting a shock absorber is formed between the spiral and the second end section.

Abstract: A rear axle is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with two independent wheel suspensions, each of which include, but is not limited to a wheel carrier and a three-link arrangement connected therewith in an articulated manner with a longitudinal link and two transverse links. The two transverse links are each arranged in vehicle longitudinal direction next to each other, and with a transverse leaf spring arrangement, which is connected to the two independent wheel suspensions.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.

Abstract: A child carrier apparatus comprises first and second leg frames, a seat frame including first and second tube portions, a joint housing connected with the first and second tube portions, an impeding part assembled adjacent to the joint housing, and a release actuator. The first tube portion is pivotally connected with the first leg frame. The second tube portion is pivotally connected with the second leg frame and the joint housing, and is rotatable between unfolded and folded positions. The impeding part can move between a first position obstructing rotation of the second tube portion relative to the joint housing from the unfolded position, and a second position displaced away from a path of rotation of the second tube portion to allow folding of the second tube portion. The release actuator is operable to drive the impeding part to move from the first to second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for traversing loose, granular material includes a frame and a rotatable traction device connected to the frame. The outer surface of the rotatable traction device includes spaced apart curvilinear or angular traction ridges and spaced apart curved or angular valleys, each valley being between a pair of adjacent traction ridges, thereby forming curved or angular shovel-like elements. Each shovel-like element has a leading curved or angular surface and a confining curved or angular surface. Rotation of the rotatable traction device results in rotation of the shovel-like elements through the loose, granular material. Each shovel-like element enfolds a portion of the loose, granular material bordering the leading curved or angular surface of the shovel-like element, and the confining curved or angular surface of the shovel-like element confines at least part of the enfolded portion of the material, thereby confining and restricting displacement of the enfolded portion of the material.

Abstract: A retractable frame structure for tandem trailer includes a bottom frame, which allows adjustment between an extended position for two-seat seating arrangement in a fore-to-aft manner and a retracted position for one-seat seating arrangement, a front frame and a rear frame detachably coupled together and respectively pivotally connected to the front and rear sides of the bottom frame for allowing collapsing of the tandem trailer to reduce space occupation when the tandem trailer is not in use, two wheel brackets respectively bilaterally mounted at the rear side of the bottom frame for supporting a respective wheel, and a trailer bar pivotally connected to one lateral side of the bottom frame for coupling to a bicycle.

Abstract: A disposition structure for a curtain airbag system in which the airbag, when deployed, deforms an end of a roof trim toward the inside of a passenger compartment. An airbag guide support retains an airbag guide in a normal position in which an end of the airbag guide is kept away from an upper end of a pillar trim and a top surface of the airbag guide faces the under surface of the folded airbag. When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the airbag guide receives a downward pressing force from the inflating airbag on the top surface of the airbag guide and moves to a position of action in which the airbag guide covers the upper end of the pillar trim from above.

Abstract: An bag assembly is provided with a flat lateral profile for increased compactness in the lateral direction. A folded airbag is inflated by an inflator to unfold and project in a longitudinal direction. The folded airbag has a central fold extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of distal folds disposed opposite the inflator and defining a distal end of the central fold.

Abstract: A base assembly is provided for a gas generating system. The assembly includes a base having at least one opening formed therein, and an initiator assembly attached to the base so as to form a gas-tight seal surrounding the at least one opening. A retainer is attached to the base and includes an opening into which a portion of the initiator assembly extends. The retainer is attached to the initiator assembly along the retainer opening.

Abstract: An active bolster at an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle has a plastic-molded outer trim panel and a plastic-molded expandable bladder member. The bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange welded to the trim panel, and a baffle section between the attachment section and the welding flange. An inflator couples an inflation gas into a space between the trim panel and bladder member to expand the bladder member in response to a crash event of the vehicle. The welding flange has a generally-rectangular profile with a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The baffle section includes circumferential pleats providing an expansion length of the bladder member that is greater at the long edges than at the short edges to reduce stress on the weld along its weakest point.

Abstract: A locking device for a steering column and method of installing the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a spring body configured for installation on a rotatable bolt and comprising a biasing portion. The spring body is rotatable in one direction through a first range and second range. A lock body includes a body portion configured for mounting on the rotatable bolt and a locking portion configured to move between a first position and a second position. The biasing portion of the spring body contacts the lock body and causes the lock body to rotate with the spring body through the first range. The spring body is rotatable relative to the lock body through the second range such that at least a portion of the biasing portion is elastically deflected when the spring body is rotated through the second range.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle for transporting passengers can include a passenger section, an elevated passenger section, a subfloor discontinuity, and a retractable step. The subfloor discontinuity can be located between the passenger section and the elevated passenger section. The subfloor discontinuity can span the elevation change. The retractable step can be located at the subfloor discontinuity. The retractable step can include a housing, a riser door, and an articulating tread. The housing can at least partially surrounds a volume. The riser door can be in rotatable engagement with the housing such that the riser door rotates into and out of the volume of the housing. The articulating tread can be in rotatable engagement with the housing such that the riser door rotates into and out of the volume of the housing. The retractable step can articulate between a step position and a ramp position.

Abstract: A body structure of a vehicle includes a bulkhead, and a frame rail extending forward from the bulkhead along a longitudinal centerline. A powertrain system is disposed laterally inboard of the frame rail relative to the longitudinal centerline. The frame rail includes a flared section, a splayed section, and a reinforcing member. The flared section curves laterally outboard, away from the longitudinal centerline. The splayed section includes a variable cross sectional area that increases with an increase in distance from the bulkhead. The reinforcing member is operable to increase lateral stiffness in the frame rail, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal centerline. The frame rail is operable to deform into contact with the powertrain system in response to a load applied to a forward end of the body structure and laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline, to generate a lateral force in the body structure.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.

Abstract: A system for affixing a printed image onto a book cover, comprising a sleeve having a front surface, a back surface and four edges. The sleeve includes a front layer having a transparent window region surrounded by an opaque mask region and a back layer joined to the front layer along at least two of the edges, wherein the back layer is not joined to the front layer along at least one of the edges thereby providing at least one open edge adapted to receive the printed image. Adhesive strips having peelable coverings are affixed onto the back surface of the sleeve along at least two of the edges. The opaque mask region is adapted to cover the edges of the printed image, and the adhesive strips are adapted to affix the sleeve onto the book cover.

Abstract: Advertisements in instances of a product are customized prior to distributing the instances to different recipients. Information about the different recipients is received, and information about vendor interest with respect to advertising in the product is received. Customized advertisements are generated for each instance of the product. The customized advertisements in each instance reflect a convergence of the vendor interest and the recipient information. The convergence occurs before the instances are created. As a result, advertising in different instances is customized for the different recipients.

Abstract: Saddle tap assemblies comprising internal collars and external saddle taps are disclosed. A saddle tap assembly may include an external slip tap, internal tap collar, a duct section, and adhesive. The external slip tap and the internal tap collar may each have a flange. The flanges may be curved. The flange of the internal collar may have a sheared portion permitting the flange of the internal collar to pass through an opening in a section of duct. The installation of saddle tap assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention is more cost-effective and less time consuming than conventional methods. Moreover, the seals and bonds formed using embodiments of the present invention provide for several layers of chemical protection and structural stiffening wherever the saddle tap assemblies are located.

Abstract: The press fitting for a tube, particularly for a plastic tube or a plastic/metal compound tube, comprises a fitting body (12) including a support shell (14) for mounting thereon one end of a tube (20) which is to be connected, a press shell (16) which is plastically deformable for pressing against the support shell (14) the end of a tube (20) to be connected that has been mounted on the support shell (14), an abutment element (30) arranged on the press shell (16) and having an abutment face (34) to be abutted by a pressing tool (26) for plastically deforming the press shell (16), and at least one press indication portion (40) projecting from the abutment face (34) of the abutment element (30) and extending externally on the press shell (16) into an acting region (38) within which the pressing tool (26) encloses the press shell (16) during deformation of the press shell (16), the press indication portion (40) being separable from the abutment element (30) by means of the pressing tool (26) during the deformati

Abstract: A stop knot tying device which aids with tying a stop knot directly on a fishing line for use with a slip bobber. The stop knot tying device generally includes a main body having a retainer portion and an elongated portion extending therefrom. The retainer portion includes a ring member and funnel member which act to retain a coil of string. A distal, free end of the coil of string exits the retainer portion through an aperture on its ring member. The elongated portion includes a slot running along its length and at least one notch. By positioning a fishing line within the slot through one of the notches and winding a cut-away portion of string around the line, one can utilize the present invention to efficiently and safely tie a stop knot on a fishing line.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a release lever mounted within an interior cavity of a vehicle body. The release lever is manually rotatable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When disposed in the disengaged position, the release lever is fully disposed within the interior cavity of the body. When disposed in the engaged position, the release lever traverses across a gap between the body and a door into engagement with a latch mechanism to move the latch mechanism into an unlocked position.

Abstract: A bumper structure, that can mitigate impact when a collision body collides with a vehicle transverse direction end portion of an impact absorbing member, is obtained. A bumper structure has a bumper reinforcement that extends along a vehicle transverse direction at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion; an impact absorbing member that is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction outer side of this bumper reinforcement, and at which an outer side surface of a vehicle transverse direction end portion is made to be an inclined surface that is inclined toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side, from a vehicle front-rear direction outer side toward a vehicle front-rear direction inner side; and a plate-shaped member that is provided along the inclined surface, and whose rigidity is higher than the impact absorbing member.

Abstract: Device for handling (102) a green tire (24), comprises a supporting structure and at least one hook (106) mounted to rotate with respect to the supporting structure between a gripping position and a disengaged position, about a horizontal axis (18) running outside of the hook.

Abstract: A tweezer device and method of using that provides an improved gripping tip concept for gripping a work object. The tweezer device comprises two gripping tip bodies arranged in a symmetric vee configuration supported on a first flexible tweezer beam, and a third gripping tip body supported on a second flexible tweezer beam arranged in such a manner that the third gripping tip body engages a work object and directs a force on the work object that is approximately coplanar with the plane of symmetry of the vee configured structure in a manner that pushes the work object into contact with the two vee configured gripping tip bodies thus forming two lines of contact between the work object and the vee configured tip bodies.