Abstract: A transfer system according to an aspect of the invention includes a stator including a plurality of coils, a carriage capable of moving along the stator, a carriage drive magnet provided on the carriage and configured to drive the carriage by magnetic force generated by the plurality of coils, and a power receiver provided on the carriage and including a power receiving magnet configured to drive an actuator by magnetic force generated by the plurality of coils.

Abstract: A rack for a heavy equipment bucket having a rectangular base and two vertical posts. Each vertical post has one or more upwardly angled extending protrusions. A series of double ended reverse hooks are provided with the rack for stacking heavy equipment buckets.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint apparatus includes a barrier movable between a fully extended position to restrain a vehicle at a loading dock, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle restraint apparatus, where the sensor is to monitor at least one of a barrier or a vehicle. The sensor includes a camera to capture an image of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle. A controller is to receive the captured image from the camera, the controller to determine at least one of a characteristic of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle.

Abstract: Let a point at which a lock member and a leading end positioning member abut against each other when a roller holding member is located at a feeding retracted position be represented by a contact point. A tangential direction of a surface of the leading end positioning member at the contact point is substantially parallel to a direction in which the roller holding member moves to a feeding position from a feeding retracted position.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance roller, a first rotary member forming a first nip portion conveying a sheet in a first conveyance direction, a rotation axis of the first rotary member being inclined with respect to a rotation axis of the conveyance roller such that a center of one end of the first rotary member is positioned at a different position in the first conveyance direction with respect to a center of the other end, and a second rotary member forming a second nip portion conveying a sheet in a second conveyance direction, a rotation axis of the second rotary member being inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the conveyance roller such that a center of one end of the second rotary member is positioned at a different position in the second conveyance direction with respect to a center of the other end.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus and methods for bindery systems are disclosed. An example method includes engaging a signature assembly with an end of a separator to cause 1) a first page of the signature assembly to be disposed on a platform and 2) a second page of the signature assembly to be disposed on the side of the platform; drawing the first page toward the platform; and imaging the first page when the first page is on the platform.

Abstract: Provided is a transport device including a first transport section that is driven at a first transport speed and transports a recording medium interposed therein, a second transport section that is driven at a speed different from the first transport speed, is located at a downstream of the first transport section in a transport direction, and transports the recording medium interposed therein, a detection section that detects variations in a driving load of the second transport section before and after the recording medium is discharged from the first transport section, and a derivation section that derives a thickness of the recording medium based on the variations.

Abstract: A method for feeding sheets of paper comprises the following steps: providing a stack of papers on a storage surface of a paper feeding device, providing a flow of air for separating an uppermost sheet of paper from the rest of the stack of papers; determining the vertical position of the uppermost sheet of paper; adjusting the flow of air in dependence on the determined vertical position of the uppermost sheet of paper; and repeating the steps of determining the vertical position of the uppermost sheet of paper and adjusting the flow of air in dependence on the determined vertical position of the uppermost sheet of paper. During continuous operation, the flow of air is controlled in cycles with one part of the cycle, preferably the first part of the cycle, with a higher flow of air, and one part of the cycle, preferably the second part of the cycle, with a lower flow of air.

Abstract: A card conveyance system may include a first device; a second device; a conveying passage; and a host apparatus controlling the first and second device. The first device may send a card to and receive the card from the second device via the conveying passage. The second device may receive the card from and send the card to the first device via the conveying passage. The host apparatus may include an application executing section to execute an application including a user interface; a middleware executing section to execute middleware controlling the second device and the first device corresponding to a command of a standard specification; and a synchronous control section configured to acquire a command of the standard specification and control a conveying roller of the first device and a conveying roller of the second device synchronously with conveyance of the card.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding cargo straps. The apparatus comprises a base, connectors adapted to secure the base to a portion of a vehicle and a motor supported from the base. The apparatus further comprises a shaft extending from and rotated by the motor, the shaft having a plurality of mounting locations therealong, a guide flange secured around the shaft at one of the plurality of mounting locations and a guide cap secured to a distal end of the shaft. The method comprises securing the base to a vehicle, locating a guide flange at one of the plurality of mounting locations, securing a distal end of the strap to the shaft, locating the guide cap to the distal end of the shaft and actuating the motor to rotate the shaft thereby winding the strap thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus is described that has a flexion component configured to apply a force to a first portion of media within a media path of a media processing device. The apparatus has a support portion configured to couple the apparatus to the media processing device. The media path provides a path along which the media is transported and has a feed area. The flexion moves a second portion of the media away from the feed area of the media path. A method of applying a force to media is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a stack with advertising material compilations respectively consisting of an envelope with inserts therein, and having a common, leading folded edge. The apparatus includes a feed conveyor, a transfer conveyor and a stacking device. The transfer conveyor comprises a central wheel that rotates around a first rotational axis, a carrier wheel that rotates around a second rotational axis oriented parallel to the first rotational axis, and a number of pivoting arms with respectively one gripper. The second rotational axis is arranged below a horizontal plane extending through the first rotational axis. The grippers are respectively positioned on the pivoting arm to rotate around an axis. The grippers take over the advertising material compilations in a takeover region from the feed conveyor, transfer the adverting compilations in a transfer region to the stacking device which extends into the transfer region and deposit these on the stacking device.

Abstract: A chopping cut mechanism comprising a first driving device and a chopping cut device, the chopping cut device comprises an upper blade and the first driving device drives the upper blade to carry out reciprocating motion. The upper blade having a compaction component and the compaction component comprises a compaction part which is not lower than the upper blade edge line. A first conveying mechanism, wherein the first conveying mechanism comprises: a second driving device and a first conveying device, the second driving device drives the first conveying device for directional transport, the first conveying device is located below the upper blade.

Abstract: A wrap foil dispenser, comprising a base plate, provided with a channel, through which a blade glides. As part of a cutter assembly which glides along a guide, the blade slides and cuts the foil without touching the plate. The cutter assembly includes an arm which ensures that the blade engages the foil. In case the plate is laterally tilted or the cutter is slid by hand, the cutter assembly moves along a channel to which cutting edges of the blade are placed inside. When the blade is moved, the foil, placed on the upper side of the channel, is cut. The blade's vertical position is uniform as a result of the cutting assembly pressing through the arm's own weight which is limited by a buffer element. The dispenser may include a rotating support, provided with two conical elements that ensure mounting of foil rolls having various dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sheet processing device including: a receiving tray capable of accommodating therein a sheet having, at a part thereof, a protruding portion and a sheet not having the protruding portion in a mixed state; a first binding member that binds the accommodated sheet bundle at a substantially center thereof in a sheet conveying direction; a folding section that folds the sheet bundle bound by the first binding member in two; and a second binding member that binds protruding portions of the sheet bundle folded by the folding section on a fore edge side of the sheet bundle. With this configuration, the fore edge side of the folded and saddle-stitched sheet bundle can be bound by temporary binding. Thus, a sheet processing device capable of ensuring the security of a saddle-stitched sheet bundle can be provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an operating unit configured to display an operation screen, and accept a user operation; a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet along a path to one of a plurality of discharge destinations; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet moving in the path; and a control unit configured to identify a conveyance destination, and cause the conveying unit to convey the sheet to the conveyance destination, wherein, when a jam in the path is detected, the control unit causes the conveying unit to suspend sheet conveyance, and causes the operating unit to display a select screen for selecting a purge destination and accept a purge destination selected by a user, and the control unit identifies a sheet to be moved to the purge destination, and causes the conveying unit to convey the sheet to the purge destination.

Abstract: A payout device is provided, wherein the payout device can include a carton, a rotatable member, and a support assembly. The carton can include an opening providing an egress for elongated flexible material stored within an interior compartment, and the interior compartment can be cylindrical in a substantially horizontal direction around a rotatable member therein. The support assembly can have a slot for rotatably supporting the rotatable member, wherein the slot can have a generally teardrop shape with a larger diameter end, sized to allow the rotatable member to rotate therein, and a smaller diameter end, sized smaller than a circumference of the rotatable member. The rotatable member can be slidable between the larger and smaller diameter ends, and the slot can be positioned on the carton with the larger diameter end being in a position that is elevated and closer to the opening than the smaller diameter end.

Abstract: A payout device that includes a carton, a rotatable member, and a slot is provided. The carton can include an opening that provides an egress for elongated flexible material stored within the carton. The rotatable member can be disposed within the carton, the rotatable member can have a circumference, and the elongated flexible material can be wound around the rotatable member. The slot can rotatably support the rotatable member, the slot can have a round shape that is larger than the circumference of the rotatable member, at least a portion of the rotatable member can be slidable within the slot between a payoff position and a braking position, the rotatable member can be rotatable within the slot when in the payoff position for dispensing the elongated flexible material from the opening in the carton, and the payoff position can be elevated relative to the braking position.

Abstract: In a method for recycling residual rolls having a material-carrying core of tubular shape with a hollow centre portion, the core is adapted to carry web material, such as tissue, that is rolled or wound onto the material-carrying core for facilitating handling and transportation of the web material. A device for carrying out this method has means for removing residual material from the core, means for collecting the residual material, and means for inserting residual material into the hollow centre portion of the core. Thereby, the core can be handled and transported with the residual material kept inside the core.

Abstract: In order to provide an automated roll transport vehicle with which the work required to install the vehicle in a production facility is simplified, a transport carriage includes a transport vehicle side support element that supports a roll upwardly of the transport carriage such that the roll can be transferred to a receiving device, moving operation means for moving a core a of the roll supported by the transport vehicle side support element with respect to the transport carriage, control means for controlling operation of the moving operation means to locate the core a in a proper position at which both ends of the core a can be supported by a pair of device side support elements with the transport carriage stopped at a transfer location. One or more imaging device or devices for capturing an image of the device side support element is provided.

Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car to travel vertically in a first lane and a second lane; a propulsion system to impart force to the elevator car; a transfer station to move the elevator car horizontally from the first lane to the second lane; and a control system to supervise travel of the elevator car, the control system to supervise a first intersection between the first lane and the transfer station such that no more than one of vertical elevator car travel and horizontal elevator car travel is permitted at the first intersection at a given time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus the invention is a method for automatic configuration of an elevator drive in a traction elevator comprising an elevator car, a counterweight, a traction sheave, an electrical motor and a plurality of elevator ropes arranged to hoist the elevator car in response to the electrical motor rotating the traction sheave. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of electrical motor parameters from a memory associated with the electrical motor. A drive computer unit determines a roping ratio of the elevator by driving the elevator a distance based on elevator position sensor information and determines a plurality of torque values required to hoist the elevator with a predefined starting acceleration when the elevator car is loaded with a respective plurality of different loads. The torque values per each load are stored to a memory of the drive computer unit.

Abstract: A brake system for an elevator car includes a multiple of brake segments for deceleration of the elevator car and a brake control circuit operable to control operation of each of the multiple of brake segments to passively sequence activation of each of the multiple of brake segments.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a safety device that makes a car perform emergency stopping is mounted to the car. A rope is installed in a loop inside a hoistway. The rope is connected to the car. A tensioning sheave around which the rope is wound is disposed in a lower portion of the hoistway. A tensioning sheave displacement detecting portion detects downward displacement of the tensioning sheave that accompanies dropping of the car due to breakage of the suspending body and activates the safety device.

Abstract: A combined guide rail for an elevator system includes a car guide rail portion to guide an elevator car along an elevator car travel path and a counterweight guide rail portion to guide a counterweight of the elevator system along a counterweight travel path. A connecting portion extends from the car guide rail portion to the counterweight guide rail portion. The car guide rail portion, the counterweight guide rail portion and the connecting portion are formed together as a single unitary structure from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A system for determining stiffness of an elevator system tension member includes a landing floor indicator to transmit a landing floor signal of an elevator car to a stiffness estimator, and a car position encoder to transmit a car position signal of the elevator car in a hoistway to the stiffness estimator. A machine position encoder transmits a machine position signal to the stiffness estimator. The tension member is operably connected to the machine to move the elevator car along the hoistway. A load weight sensor is located at the elevator car to transmit a load weight signal of the elevator car to the stiffness estimator. The stiffness estimator utilizes at least the landing floor signal, the car position signal, the machine position signal and the load weight signal to calculate an estimated stiffness of the tension member.

Abstract: An electrical inspection system for an elevator load bearing member includes an electrically conductive, low resistance wrap located at the load bearing member, contacting the load bearing member around a circumference of the load bearing member. An inspection unit is configured to apply an electrical current through the load bearing member and determine an electrical resistance of the load bearing member, and is electrically connected to the load bearing member at the wrap to distribute electrical current uniformly therethrough. A method of determining an electrical resistance of a load bearing member of an elevator system includes applying an electrically conductive low electrical resistance wrap entirely around a circumference of the load bearing member. An inspection unit is connected to the load bearing member at the wrap. An electrical current is applied through the wrap into the load bearing member to determine an electrical resistance of the load bearing member.

Abstract: An elevator system may include a stationary support structure defining a hoistway; a car disposed in the hoistway; a linear propulsion assembly for applying a force to the car, the assembly including a first rail engaged to one of the support structure and the car, a plurality of magnets mounted to the first rail, a second rail co-extending with and spaced laterally from the first rail and engaged to the other of the support structure and the car, and a plurality of electric coils mounted to the second rail; and, an active damper system engaged to at least one of the first and second rails for damping vibration.

Abstract: An elevator system may include a stationary support structure defining a hoistway; a car disposed in the hoistway; a linear propulsion assembly for applying a force to the car, the assembly including a first rail engaged to one of the support structure and the car, a plurality of magnets mounted to the first rail, a second rail co-extending with and spaced laterally from the first rail and engaged to the other of the support structure and the car, and a plurality of electric coils mounted to the second rail; and, a damper engaged to at least one of the first and second rails for dissipating vibration.

Abstract: A modular lifting system, including an enclosable lifting device support structure. The enclosable lifting device support structure includes a deployable top, a plurality of lateral sides, a base coupled to the plurality of lateral sides, and a plurality of extension arms. The deployable top is configured to support a lifting device on a first side of the deployable top. The plurality of extension arms are configured to extend and support the deployable top when the deployable top is deployed.

Abstract: A system includes a spreader bar comprising a structural support, a first load coupling, and a second load coupling, and a lift coupling and a drive system coupled to the lift coupling. The system also includes at least one load sensor configured to sense a load coupled to the first load coupling, the second load coupling, or a combination thereof. A controller may be coupled to the drive system and the at least one load sensor, such that the controller is configured to obtain an indication of a center of gravity of the load based on the at least one load sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the drive system to move the lift coupling based on the center of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a climbing device for a revolving tower crane having a climbing frame movable along, the crane tower for climbing in and/or climbing down tower sections, wherein a guide is provided for the longitudinally movable support of the climbing frame with respect to the crane tower. In accordance with the invention, the guide has resiliently flexibly supported and/or resiliently flexible transverse support elements transversely to the travel direction of the climbing frame.

Abstract: A multi-cable subsea lifting system including two or more load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b); a load cable (4a, 4b) extending from each load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b) to a subsea attachment point; a torque measuring device (22) associated with each load cable (4a, 4b); one or more subsea anti-cabling devices (20), each anti-cabling device (20) including a motor (24) connected to a respective load cable (4a, 4b); and a controller (30) in communication with each motor (24) and torque measuring device (22); wherein the controller (30) is configured to actuate each motor (24) to impart a rotational force to its respective load cable (4a, 4b) in response to measurements obtained from the torque measuring device (22) with the aim to limit cabling, remove cabling or control heading either automatically or from external control.

Abstract: A standing platform for an industrial truck includes a spring arrangement abutting the platform when subject to a weight. A first spring section with a soft characteristic is initially deformed under load, and after a predetermined spring path of the first spring section, a second spring section with a harder spring characteristic is deformable. A sensor detects deformation of the first spring section for generating a release signal. The platform can be folded on a horizontal shaft including a lever arm arranged on a side of the shaft opposite the platform, and abuts the spring arrangement from below which is supported on the truck frame. The first spring section is arranged between a seat for the first spring section and a spacer supported on the second spring section. The spacer acts on the second spring section when the first spring section is initially deformed under a load upon the platform.

Abstract: A lifting/skidding device includes an electric motor, a gear coupled to the motor and a lifting/skidding mechanism coupled to the gear, wherein the motor is embodied as a permanent magnet synchronous machine. The lifting/skidding device is adapted for lifting/skidding an offshore construction.

Abstract: A wrap-around bottle cap opener for removing twisted-on bottle caps and which includes a generally “U” shaped handle and a flexible arm. The handle includes a tab opener/finger recess. The flexible arm extends from the handle and when unbiased forms a wrap that lies adjacent the “U” shaped top of the handle. A low durometer grip is located at the end of the flexible arm. The flexible arm wraps around a bottle cap with the grip contacting the bottle cap. Twisting the handle causes the flexible arm to come into contact with the “U” shape of the handle causing the grip to be forced toward the bottle cap. Additional turning provides a positive engagement with the bottle cap which self-tightens on the bottle cap causing it to twist off.

Abstract: A sealing and pressure dosing apparatus, and container filling method, including a capping machine (102) which receives containers (1). Closures (80) are applied to the containers (1) immediately following the raising of pressure within the containers (1) by a pressure dosing system in a pressure sealing chamber (84). Preferably a cooling system is integrated with the capping machine.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a beverage. The system includes a beverage cartridge that stores any liquid and has a spout for dispensing the stored liquid. The beverage cartridge may be inserted into a beverage press that includes a housing for receiving the beverage cartridge. The beverage press also includes a tap that engages the spout of the beverage cartridge, and a lifting assembly that exerts force on the beverage cartridge. Pressing the tap activates the spout of the beverage cartridge to dispense the stored liquid through the spout and out of the tap of the beverage press, a system for dispensing a beverage.

Abstract: A non-chemical leaching fluoropolymer container for dispensing, storing and aerating degradable wines.

Abstract: Provided herein is a dispenser head for a beverage cask which has a valve head with a spring-loaded valve disc. The dispenser head includes a housing, a connection element for fastening the housing to the valve head of the beverage cask, a propellant gas inlet, configured on the housing, for connecting a propellant gas line, a ram which is mounted movably in the housing and contains a riser duct and which, by pressing into the valve head, opens the spring-loaded valve disc, a liquid outlet for connecting a beverage line and an actuating mechanism for actuating the ram. The actuating mechanism is configured as a rotational mechanism which has a spiral gearing and a hand wheel connected to the ram and to the spiral gearing.

Abstract: Provided is a water supply apparatus (100) including: a cooling tank (1), a refrigerating systems and a heat exchange device (4). The cooling tank is provided with a cold water outlet (11) and suitable to connected to water source; the refrigeration system comprises a compressor (31), a condenser (32), a throttling device (33) and the evaporator (34). The heat exchange device (4) is arranged outside the cooling tank (1) and provided with a water inlet (41) and a water outlet (42) communicating with the inside of the cooling tank (1), wherein the heat exchange device (4) is constructed such that water in the cooling tank (1) flows into the heat exchange device (4) from the water inlet (41) and performs a heat exchange with the evaporator (34), the water after the heat exchange flows out from the water outlet (42) and flows back to the cooling tank (1).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a control system electrically connected with a beverage dispenser, a proximity sensor, and a touch-sensitive display. The control system causes the touch-sensitive display to display an advertising state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is not present at the beverage dispensing system and a beverage selection state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is present. The control system further causes the touch-sensitive display to display a pour state after a beverage choice selection is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the beverage selection state. The control system still further causes the beverage dispenser to deliver the beverage choice after a pour request is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pour state.

Abstract: A container and method for dispensing degradable beverages, such as wine, from a non-chemical leaching polymer container, while insuring that gaseous contaminants such as oxygen cannot enter the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a valve assembly for preventing dead leg spaces in a container or tubing, the embodiments including a three-way valve system for controlling back-pressure in a fluid generating device, such as a single-use high pressure bioreactor. Also disclosed is a pressurized reactor system for bioprocessing, comprising a single-use container including a flexible wall or a semi-rigid wall.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus, connectable to objects of different sizes, comprises: a first connection body comprising a first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and a second plurality of spaced-apart connectors; and a second connection body comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors, and the second connector connectable to and disconnectable from a first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors. When the first connector is connected to the first one of the first plurality of spaced-apart connectors and when the second connector is connected to the first one of the second plurality of spaced-apart connectors, the first connection body and the second connection body define a region having a first size between the first connection body and the second connection body. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (12) for emptying a fluid container (10), wherein the apparatus (12) comprises: a pumping unit (20) configured to pump fluids, a display device (22); a data input unit comprising a read-out device (26) configured to read out fluid type identifying data from at least one marking element (14) of the fluid container (10) and/or input means (24) configured for a manual input of the fluid type identifying data and/or for choosing the fluid type identifying data manually from a list of reference data displayed on the display device (22); and an identification unit configured to perform a data comparison of the fluid type identifying data with the reference data for identifying the fluid (18) inside the fluid container (10); wherein the apparatus (12) is configured to display fluid type information about the identified fluid type of the fluid in the fluid container (10) on the display device (22).

Abstract: Provided is a microvolume liquid dispensing method in which a variable capacity passage section of a liquid passage in a microvolume liquid dispenser is pressurized from the outside and shrunk in a direction that reduces the internal capacity thereof so that a liquid that is within the variable capacity passage section is pushed toward both a downstream passage section and an up stream passage section. A microvolume of the liquid is pushed toward the downstream passage section as a result of the downstream passage section having a much larger liquid passage resistance than the upstream passage section. It is thus possible to precisely drip a microvolume liquid of a picoliter order from the tip opening of a nozzle by simple control.

Abstract: A method of forming a pocketed spring unit for an upholstered article comprises taking successive strings of pocketed springs and welding at least one sheet of material to at least a first end of the pocketed springs. Anvils 46 are moved from a non-operative position to an operative position, in which they are located between adjacent pockets at upper and lower ends of the springs. This embodiment makes use of the surplus material that is formed at the ends of the pockets in the form of flaps or “ears” of material. These flaps protrude upwardly initially, and then become folded flat as the spring unit advances between the rolls 48 of material. The external anvils are then made to apply heat and pressure to the material flaps trapped between them and the internal anvils at the sides of the pockets, between the springs to weld them to the material from the rolls 48.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a CMOS-MEMS device structure. The CMOS-MEMS device structure includes a sensing substrate and a CMOS substrate. The sensing substrate includes a bonding mesa structure. The CMOS substrate includes a top dielectric layer. The sensing substrate and the CMOS substrate are bonded through the bonding mesa structure, and the bonding mesa structure defines a bonding gap between the CMOS substrate and the sensing substrate.

Abstract: A device includes a carrier having a plurality of cavities, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) substrate bonded on the carrier, wherein the MEMS substrate comprises a first side bonded on the carrier, a moving element over a bottom electrode, wherein the bottom electrode is formed of polysilicon and a second side having a plurality of bonding pads and a semiconductor substrate bonded on the MEMS substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a top electrode and the first moving element is between the top electrode and the bottom electrode.