Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a discharge unit, and a discharge tray. The image reading unit is configured to read a document placed on a document placement table by moving and scanning of a scanning body in a sub-scanning direction. The image forming unit is configured to form an image read by the image reading unit on a paper sheet. The discharge unit is configured to discharge the paper sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit to a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. The discharge tray is on which the paper sheet from the discharge unit is to be placed with a space portion at a lower side of the image reading unit. A bottom surface of a housing of the image reading unit facing the discharge tray is constituted of a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a surface at a front side of the discharge unit in a discharging direction and high with respect to the discharge tray.

Abstract: Aqueous hard surface cleaner compositions useful for removing permanent ink are disclosed. The compositions comprise 75 to 99 wt. % of water; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a monoterpene; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a C10-C17 fatty acid derivative; and 0.1 to 5 wt. % of one or more surfactants. The fatty acid derivative is selected from N,N-dialkyl amides, N,N-dialkyl esteramines, and N,N-dialkyl amidoamines. Preferably, a base such as sodium carbonate or monoethanolamine is also included. The invention includes concentrates comprising the non-aqueous components recited above, as well as other applications for the cleaners and concentrates such as graffiti removers and permanent ink erasers. The combination of a monoterpene and certain fatty acid derivatives, especially fatty N,N-dialkyl amides, unexpectedly enables even dilute aqueous compositions to rapidly decolorize black permanent marker from hard, non-porous surfaces.

Abstract: A retractable cosmetic pencil including a barrel, godet, lower threaded portion and an end cap is disclosed. The godet can be configured to move longitudinally within the barrel. The lower threaded portion can be configured to be coupled to the godet. The end cap can be configured to be coupled to the lower threaded portion. An injection receiving opening can formed in the closed end of the end cap, wherein the injection receiving opening is configured to receive an injection nozzle such that the retractable cosmetic pencil can be backfilled when the godet is in a retracted position relative to the lower threaded portion.

Abstract: A makeup applicator assembly includes an elongated tube having an interior space, a bottom end and a top end. A bottom opening extends through the bottom end of the tube. A chamber is positioned in the interior space and the chamber is positioned proximate the bottom end of the tube. A makeup material is positioned in the chamber. An elongated applicator is also positioned in the chamber. A button is coupled to and extends from the top end of the tube. A plunger extends between the button and the applicator, and the plunger also extends into the chamber. A dispensing aperture is positioned in the chamber. The applicator is extendable through the dispensing aperture. The dispensing aperture is positioned proximate the bottom end of the tube wherein the applicator is extendable from the bottom end of the tube when the button is manipulated.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The alignment system includes a first component including at least one corner region having an alignment member, and a second component including at least one corner region having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the corner regions of the first and second components in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A ball joint for a vehicle, with a ball pin that has a joint ball, a joint housing that encloses the joint ball and is provided with a pin opening, in which the joint ball of the ball pin is fitted and able to move. The ball pin extends out of the joint housing through the pin opening. An actuator can press a pressure element, in an axial direction, against the joint housing in such a manner that pressure can be exerted by the joint housing and the pressure element onto the joint ball. The actuator acts upon a spring which acts upon the pressure element. The length of the spring can be measured by a displacement sensor.

Abstract: A heat isolating actuator linkage (805, 905) that includes a rod end housing (810, 910) including a bearing opening (814, 914) with a rod end ball (812, 912) disposed therein. A race insert (816, 916) is disposed between the rod end housing (810, 910) and the rod end ball (812, 912). A threaded portion (818, 918) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910) and may comprise male or female threads. A shield (830, 930) extends from the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) is integrally formed with the rod end housing (810, 910). The shield (830, 930) extends around a majority of the rod end housing (810, 910) and may extend to one side of the bearing opening (814, 914). Alternatively, a first portion (932) of the shield may extend towards one side of the bearing opening (914) and a second portion (932) of the shield may extend towards the other side.

Abstract: A break-away joint apparatus is disclosed for a boom arm having a front side and a back side, the boom arm having a main boom portion and a boom tip. The apparatus allows the boom tip to assume a neutral position and to pivot to a forward position and to a rearward position with respect to the main boom portion. The apparatus includes a first hinge connected to the main boom portion proximate one of the front or back side of the boom arm; a second hinge connected to the boom tip proximate an opposite side of the boom arm; and a pivot plate having first and second opposite sides, the first side connected to the first hinge and the second side connected to the second hinge.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between the main boom portion and the boom tip. The apparatus allows the boom tip to assume a neutral position and to pivot forward and rearward. The apparatus includes a first plate disposed at the joint, a second plate disposed at the joint, and a hinge assembly positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin having a longitudinal axis. The first and second plates are in a first position with respect to each other when the boom tip assumes the neutral position. The first and second plates are movable with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis. A torsion spring is configured to return the first and second plates to the first position after the first and second plates move from the first position.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm has a main boom portion and a boom tip. The apparatus is positioned at a joint between the main boom portion and the boom tip. The apparatus allows the boom tip to assume a neutral position and to pivot to a forward position and to a rearward position with respect to the main boom portion. The apparatus includes a first plate disposed at the joint, a second plate disposed at the joint, a hinge assembly positioned between the first plate and the second plate, a cam element attached to the first plate, the cam element having an arcuate surface, and a roller attached to the second plate and positioned to roll against the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A clevis assembly is provided having a clevis, dowel, and at least a first o-ring. The clevis has a base, first clevis prong, and second clevis prong. The first clevis prong and second clevis prong extend from the base along a first axis, wherein a gap is defined therebetween. The first clevis prong has a first through hole extending along a second axis. The second clevis prong has a second through hole extending along the second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are generally perpendicular to one another, and wherein the first through hole further has a first internal o-ring groove defined therein. A dowel has a length to be selectively concurrently positioned within both the first through hole and second through hole. The dowel spans the gap between the first clevis prong and second clevis prong, where respective diameters of the dowel, first through hole, and second through hole produce a slip fit of the dowel within the first through hole and at least a portion of the second through hole.

Abstract: A structural component includes a first component; a second component composed of metal; and at least one connecting piece composed of metal and which penetrates the first component at least over an entire thickness of the first component, and is fixed in the first component for rotation therewith. The at least one connecting piece is connected to the second component via welding at an end facing the second component.

Abstract: A device for mutual retention and disengagement between a shaft and a hub of an articulation fork is provided. The device includes a sleeve that is fitted slidingly on the hub and a spring that is also fitted on the hub. The hub includes at least one radial seat that accommodates a respective locking ball, which can move along the radial seat to exert a force for retaining the shaft in the hub. The sleeve can slide, in contrast to the axial thrust force exerted by the spring on the sleeve, from a configuration for retention of the shaft, in which the annular collar prevents the radial outward movement of the locking ball in order to exert the force for retention of the shaft in the hub, to a disengagement configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for connecting a first mat tile to a second mat tile, including, but not limited to, a first bracket embedded in the first mat tile and a second bracket embedded in the second mat tile. In various embodiments, the first bracket includes a first pin hole while the second bracket comprising a second pin hole. Systems and methods further include a pin coupled to the first bracket through the first pin hole and to the second bracket through the second pin hole.

Abstract: A synthetic turf border system that utilizes multiple turf border elements of the same or different lengths and shapes to provide a flexible synthetic turf border system that cleanly affixes synthetic turf around an entire area regardless of the shape of the area is presented herein. The presented synthetic turf border system conforms to the shape of a given area by either providing pre-shaped angular and non-angular components, or by allowing individual elements, namely turf border bases, to rotate through degrees of arc in relationship to each other as necessary to fit the area. Synthetic turf is attached to the border bases then cut before final securement to the system.

Abstract: A method for increased adhesion and prevention of pavement cracking by subsurface application of a composition comprising a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, a binder, and various combinations thereof.

Abstract: In a device for working ground surfaces or roadways comprising a machine frame and a working drum in a drum housing arranged at said machine frame, where no less than one spraying device extending parallel to the working drum and featuring several outlet nozzles for spraying agents arranged next to one another and directed towards the working drum is arranged at the drum housing, where the outlet nozzles comprise one each drivable closing mechanism with a closing element which, in an open position, fully uncovers the nozzle channel of the outlet nozzle and, in a closed position, closes the nozzle channel, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: that a controller drives the closing mechanisms, with the outlet nozzles and the related dosing elements being adapted to one another in such a fashion that the flow cross-section in the outlet nozzle is variable in accordance with the position of the closing element on a specified path between the open position and closed position.

Abstract: A control lever assembly and methods of forming and using a control lever assembly of a compaction roller are disclosed. The control lever assembly includes a lever that is defined by a body having a first end connectable to a control arm of a compaction roller. The body forms a first grip site and a second grip site that are each offset from the first end of the body. The first grip site and the second grip site are laterally offset from a longitudinal center-line axis of the control arm and spaced from one another so that each of the first grip site and the second grip site are beyond the reach of a hand engaged with the other of the first grip site and the second grip site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating moderately quiescent water in which emergent salt marsh wetlands grasses can endure and eventually establish without the need for eliminating the energy of occurring waves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drainage management, including a pipe that is cut along a longitudinal section thereof; and a pipe block having a curved section corresponding to a diameter of the cut pipe and including supporting legs. The curved section of the pipe block is configured to support the cut pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for creating sand bars or gravel bars in fresh water includes the use of a hopper to mix pressurized water and gavel to create slurry. The slurry is discharged by a worker in the water so as to make a gravel bar or other structure to help restore wild life. A new hopper 100 may comprise a top box section 120, the top box section having an upper end attached to a grate system 110, a pair of lateral spill shields 115 and a rear spill shield 117; and the top box section may have a lower end attached to a funnel assembly 130; the funnel assembly may comprise a top section 132 and a constrained lower section 135, the constrained lower section may comprise a plurality of inside angled lower edges 137 all terminating within a section of an angled hopper pipe 140.

Abstract: A pipe expander assembly for replacing an existing pipe with a new pipe. The expander assembly has a slitter disposed about a wire rope and abutting an expander at a spherical joint. The expander comprises a cone to expand a slit pipe and is internally connected to the wire rope by jaws that expand and contract about the wire rope due to threading of a jam nut into the cone. A pipe puller is connected to the back of the expander at a clevis and is adapted for connection to a new pipe, either through a jaw system, an adaptor, or fusion to the pipe.

Abstract: A bracing system to brace a foundation pile that is or is to be located into and extend from ground below or adjacent a building. The bracing system utilises formwork to allow an in-situe concrete block to be cast, the concrete block being supported by the ground adjacent to where the pile is located and at least substantially surrounds the pile. The concrete block is operatively connected to the foundation pile at a location of the pile that is above the ground.

Abstract: A manifold apparatus for an air seeder has output ports spaced around a lower portion of the sidewall A vertically oriented input conduit extends upward through an input port defined in the bottom of the manifold into an upper portion of the manifold interior. A plurality of substantially vertical channels each extend downward from an inner top wall surface to one of the outlet ports and has an entrance opening at a top end thereof. The upper portion of the manifold interior is configured such that an air stream carrying entrained agricultural products passing out an open top end of the input conduit contacts the top wall and is directed outward into the entrance openings, and such that a substantially equal portion of the air stream and agricultural products flows into each entrance opening. Blunt edged pulsating rings can distribute agricultural products evenly across the input conduit.

Abstract: A double-sided, nonagon cutting insert includes a top surface, a bottom surface identical to the top surface, nine side surfaces that are identical to each other, a cutting edge formed at an intersection between each of the nine side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces for a total of eighteen cutting edges, and nine corner radiuses identical to each other, each corner radius extending between the top and bottom surfaces and each of the nine side surfaces. Each cutting edge has a non-symmetric profile with respect to a central, longitudinal axis. The non-symmetrical profile of the cutting edge has the technical advantage of providing a variable cutting force, particularly during fine finishing cutting operations.

Abstract: A reconfigurable cutting tool includes a boring head at one end, an attachment portion at a second end that is opposite the first end, and a boring bar disposed between the boring head and the attachment portion. The boring bar is made of a shape memory material such that a geometry of the reconfigurable boring tool is selectively changed in response to an activation signal from a temperature controlling processor.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: The desktop milling machine with an ovate-shaped bridge is a desktop milling machine of the computer numerical control (CNC) type having a portion of the bridge or frame structure configured to alleviate bridge deflections and deformations that are caused during the high-speed milling processes. Preferably, the bridge has an ovate arch, or has a rear face having an ovate contour.

Abstract: An overhead catalyst loading device eliminates the need for lower flanges of the overhead catalyst structural support frame or dedicated overhead trolley beams to prevent ash build up collecting on a selective catalytic reactor (SCR) reactor box and provides an advantageous electric hydraulic lifting mechanism suitable for integration into a SCR device. The overall width of the SCR device is reduced since the structural support frame in the SCR device fits in the gaps between catalyst blocks. The overhead electric hydraulic catalyst loading device also minimizes the chance of injury during catalyst block installation by using an electric hydraulic actuated lifting mechanism consisting of spacers and structural telescopic members which may comprise holes and pins for height adjustment to allow for loading and unloading catalyst blocks into and out of a SCR device. Methods of lifting and loading and unloading a catalyst block are also presented therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system, or cluster tool, is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a robot assembly is provided. The robot assembly includes a first motion assembly movable in a first direction, and a second motion assembly, the second motion assembly being coupled to the first motion assembly and being movable relative to the first motion assembly in a second direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction. The robot assembly further comprises an enclosure disposed in one of the first motion assembly or the second motion assembly, the enclosure containing at least a portion of a vertical actuator assembly, a support plate coupled to the enclosure, and a first transfer robot disposed on the support plate.

Abstract: A system and method for surface mount assembly of PCBs, using an automated pick-and-place machine into which component tapes on reels are fed, uses component tape reels each of which has been pre-threaded into its appropriate tape guide and been stored as a reel/tape guide packet in an automated SMD storage tower, from which appropriate packets are retrieved for coupling to the pick-and-place machine.

Abstract: An order picking system includes a storage system for storing containers arranged in multiple rows at various horizontal levels with respect to ground, the containers including source containers with goods stored in the storage system and reception containers to be filled with the ordered goods. At least one mobile picking unit may be moved in a horizontal direction along an upper level of the storage system, the picking unit is configured for taking ordered goods from the source containers arranged at the upper level and placing the ordered goods into the reception containers for delivery to the customers. At least one transportation unit may be moved along a lower level of the storage system arranged lower than the upper level. The transportation unit is configured for taking the containers from levels of the storage system lower than the upper level, and delivering the containers to the upper level.

Abstract: A shuttle van system for a container terminal, including: at least one rail and a transfer device. The transfer device includes a plurality of shuttle vans and a plurality of transition platforms. Each shuttle van includes: a base frame, a wheel group, a wheel driving device, a lifting device, and a supporting plate. Each transition platform includes brackets. The shuttle vans run on the rail between the brackets. The lifting device of the shuttle van is configured to lift the container from the supporting plate. The container is transferred from the supporting plate of the shuttle van to the bracket after contraction of the lifting device.

Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which disclose a collection and delivery vehicle with a cab portion, a chassis and a container box. The container box includes a lift mechanism, a material storage area which may include multiple individual storage areas, some dual use, and a conveyor, auger or other desirable material handling mechanism to receive the material from bins and move it to the material storage area and/or storage containers from above.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for use on vehicles of a variety of types, including recreational vehicles, vans, trucks and the like, and includes one or more lifting structures that will support a deck structure. The lifting assembly will be removably mounted to the vehicle frame so that the whole assembly can be removed from the vehicle, and the deck structure is pivotally mounted to the lift assembly so that it can be moved between a stored position when not in use, or a transport position when loads are to be carried. When in the transport position the deck will be movable between lowered and raised positions so that items can be placed on the deck in the lowered position and then transported once the deck is raised to a desired height.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a spare wheel of a vehicle having a flexible cable movable between a raised wheel position and a lowered wheel position, a control device operable to move the flexible cable between said raised wheel and lowered wheel positions, a stationary plate intended to be fixed to the vehicle structure, and a movable plate connected to one end of said flexible cable and intended to be fixed by screws to the hub of the spare wheel, wherein the movable plate abuts against the stationary plate in said raised wheel position.

Abstract: A reach truck 1, comprising a main body 10, at least one load arm 70, which protrudes from the main body 10, a mast trolley 20, which is supported at the at least one load arm 70, wherein the mast trolley 20 is shift-able along a longitudinal axis 100 of the reach truck 1 relative to the main body 10, a mast 30, which is attached to the mast trolley 20, a linear actuator 50, for shifting the mast trolley 20 along the longitudinal axis 100 relative to the main body 10, wherein the linear actuator 50 is attached at a first end 52, A thereof to the main body 10 and at a second end 54, C thereof to the mast trolley 20, and the linear actuator 50 is arranged inclined to the longitudinal axis 100 of the reach truck 1 and defines a first angle ? between the extension direction of the linear actuator 50 and the longitudinal axis 100, wherein the first angle ? changes depending on the position of the mast trolley 20 relative to the main body 10, and the reach truck 1 further comprises a sensor 60, for determining the

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.

Abstract: A method and system (1) for discharging beverage containers (6) continuously moved on a horizontal conveyor (10) and guided in parallel rows by one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) are disclosed. The one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) respectively form at least one pick-up position for the beverage containers (6) to be discharged. The beverage containers (6) are guided on the horizontal conveyor (10) at least approximately together. In the scope of the method, an actual position (IP), adopted in the conveying direction (FR), of one or more of the continuously moved beverage containers (6) is acquired. Moreover, a travelling movement, oriented in parallel to the conveying direction (FR) of the beverage containers (6), of the one or more gripping heads (3a, 3b, 3c) is adapted whilst taking into account the acquired actual position (IP).

Abstract: A work vehicle including a front work device, contains: a variable displacement hydraulic pump that is driven by an engine and supplies pressure oil to an actuator that drives the front work device; an exhaust gas purification device that purifies nitrogen oxide in exhaust gas discharged from the engine using a reducing agent solution stored in a reducing agent tank; a remaining amount detection device that detects a remaining amount of the reducing agent solution in the reducing agent tank; and a control unit that decreases output torque of the engine and also decreases a rotational speed of the engine in a rated point according to decrease of the remaining amount of the reducing agent solution detected by the remaining amount detection device.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by an engine; a rotational speed detection unit that detects an actual rotational speed of the engine; an exhaust gas purification device that purifies nitrogen oxide in exhaust gas discharged from the engine using a reducing agent solution stored in a reducing agent tank; a torque control unit that decreases output torque of the engine according to decrease of a detected remaining amount of the reducing agent solution; and a storage device that stores a threshold value not less than an engine rotational speed at which the hydraulic pump starts discharge, wherein when the actual rotational speed of the engine is not more than the threshold value, the torque control unit does not decrease the output torque of the engine regardless of the remaining amount of the reducing agent solution detected by the remaining amount detection device.

Abstract: A front loader includes a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism for maintaining the posture of an implement, regardless of swing displacement of a boom. The boom is formed in a curved shape in which a longitudinal central side thereof is located above. The posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having an inner free-end part and an outer free-end part and disposed at a longitudinal center location of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum. A base-end link member extends between a fixed bracket and the inner free-end part and a free-end link member links the outer free-end part to the implement.

Abstract: A work tool position sensing assembly for an earth moving machine is disclosed. The earth moving machine has a pivotally movable work tool connected to the pivotally movable stick. The work tool and the stick are interconnected by a tilt linkage. Angular position of the work tool is determined by a work tool position sensing assembly. The work tool position sensing assembly includes a pivot pin, a first gear, a second gear and a rotatory position sensor. The pivot pin is configured to attach the stick with the tilt linkage and is permitted to rotate proportionally with the angular rotation of the work tool. The rotation of the pivot pin is transmitted to the rotatory position sensor via the first gear and the second gear. The rotatory position sensor is configured to measure the angular rotation of the pivot pin. The rotatory position sensor is disposed inside the body of the stick.

Abstract: An item with fibers may be picked up and placed using a tool head with hooks that engage the fibers. The tool head may comprise at least one hook portion and at least one contact surface adjacent to the hook portion. The hooks that engage the fibers may extend from the hook portion. The tool head may be actuatable between at least a first configuration that permits the hooks to engage the fibers and a second configuration that does not permit the hooks to engage the fibers. An item may be picked up at a starting location with a tool head in the first configuration and placed at a placement location by moving the tool head and then actuating the tool head to the second configuration.

Abstract: A substrate transfer chamber for unloading the substrates from the containers includes a housing-shaped main body and a plurality of container connecting mechanisms to which the containers are connected. In the main body, some of the container connecting mechanisms are arranged on top of one another in a height direction of the main body.

Abstract: The waste shipping method using railroad flatcars includes producing or receiving a plurality of plastic wrapped bales of waste for transport. The wrapped bales of waste are loaded onto railway flatcars, preferably center beam flatcars, and secured thereto by ties or cables. The bales may be loaded horizontally or stacked vertically on the flatbed. A right angle corner protector, which may be made from high-density polyethylene or heavy-duty cardboard, prevents the securing cables from tearing the plastic wrap along the outside edges of the bales. The cables may be secured to the center beam and extend through holes formed in the corner protectors, and then secured to the bed or the side of the flatcar. Recyclable waste may be packaged and transported to recycling centers in this manner.

Abstract: A substrate transfer method is performed by a transfer unit including a first transfer arm and a second transfer arm which are separately movable and are overlapped with each other. A moving speed of each of the first transfer arm and the second transfer arm that is not transferring a substrate is set to be higher than a moving speed of each of the first transfer arm and the second transfer arm that is transferring a substrate.

Abstract: A method to design a turbine including: estimating rates of thermal radial expansion for each of a stator and a rotor corresponding to a period of operation of the turbine; estimating a clearance between the rotor and the stator based on the rates of thermal radial expansion, and determining a mass or surface area of the stator or rotor based on the clearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of decelerating a turbine rotor of a turbine engine. At least one electric motor is engaged with the turbine rotor. A braking system, preferably the starting system, is engaged with the at least one electric motor, preferably the generator of the turbine engine, so as to use the at least one electric motor to apply a negative (braking) torque on the turbine rotor. The method includes after flame off, the braking system being used for dissipating kinetic energy available in the turbine engine after flame off by means of the at least one electric motor.

Abstract: A turbine-pump system adapted for use with well liquid that is displaceable within a well conduit. The turbine-pump system may include a bowl assembly; and a bowl support device fixedly attachable to the bowl assembly and selectively engageable with the well conduit for holding a portion of the bowl assembly in substantially axially, radially and rotationally fixed relationship with the well conduit.