Abstract: Volumetric dispensers and methods dispense one or more units of a material having units with a volume utilizing independently controllable and linearly movable gates.

Abstract: A card cassette device ensures elimination of measures for illegally opening a card outlet from the outside in a non-mounted state and makes it possible to open the card outlet according to the necessity in a mounted state, raising security level. A movable shutter for opening and closing a card outlet has a stopper member engaging hole and a lock member engaging hole. A stopper member is engaged with the stopper member engaging hole by a stopper member moving device, thereby fixing the shutter in its closed state in the non-mounted state. A lock member is engaged with the lock member engaging hole by a lock member moving device, thereby canceling the closed state of the shutter and locking the shutter in its open state in the mounted state.

Abstract: A collating system for rivets is provided that includes a rivet holder for supporting rivets in a predetermined pattern. In one form, the rivet holder includes a body having cavities for supporting the rivets therein. The rivet holder body includes a top plate member and a bottom plate member. The rivet holder has drive heads connected to the top plate member via frangible portions and the bottom plate member has retaining webs disposed below the drive heads. The top and bottom plates are secured together to capture heads of the rivets between the drive heads and retaining webs. The drive heads may be driven downward to drive the rivet heads from the rivet holder and into bores of a guide block with the retaining webs flexing to release the rivet head from the lower bottom plate member. A method of using the rivet collating system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorative shaped hardware tray in the form of a vehicle is provided and is designed to easily organize various hardware parts removed from a vehicle being worked on. The car-shaped hardware tray includes a base and a cover and the base includes a plurality of compartments for storing hardware. The location of each compartment within the tray matches the location of an actual vehicle from which the hardware is taken. In this way, when a user removes hardware from a vehicle being repaired, the user places the hardware in the compartment that corresponds to the part being repaired on the vehicle.

Abstract: A capsule includes a first container provided with a first closed cavity containing a first product and a second container provided with a second closed cavity containing a second product. The first container and the second container include a first interface element facing the first cavity and a second interface element facing the second cavity, respectively. The first interface element is provided with a first connecting device having a first conduit and the second interface element is provided with a second connecting device having a second conduit. In an assembled configuration of the capsule, in which the first container is associated with the second container, the first connecting device is engaged with the second connecting device so as to couple the first conduit with the second conduit to make a flow connection between the first cavity and the second cavity and enable at least the first product to pass into the second cavity and join the second product to make a final product.

Abstract: A dispenser cartridge for use in a dispenser arrangement for introducing at least one dispensed substance into a liquid, includes an enveloping element with a continuous central space and with at least two openings for the entry and exit of the liquid respectively, wherein the dispensed substance is provided in the central space wherein first and second sealing means are provided which seal the openings completely in an initial configuration, wherein the sealing means can be brought into an operating configuration in which a flow path through the enveloping element is opened for the liquid.

Abstract: A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and other sweetened beverages.

Abstract: A discharge assembly has a flexible bulk container having a base and an outlet channel extending from the base and having an outlet at one end through which product is to be dispensed. The discharge assembly has a seat onto which the base of the bulk container is seated for a discharge operation, and a vibration unit for selectively vibrating the seat. The seat includes an outlet region through which the outlet channel of the bulk container extends when seated thereon, and the seat is configured for the base of the container to overhang a periphery of the seat when seated thereon.

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in an upper portion of the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

Abstract: A roller system has a frame, a plurality of rollers (supported by the frame) forming a roller plane, and an external rotor motor (“motor”) spaced from the roller plane. As an external rotor motor, the motor has a stator and an external rotor radially outward of the stator to substantially circumscribe the stator. To kinetically couple the motor with the rollers, the system also has a transmission coupling coupled with the external rotor and at least one of the rollers. The transmission coupling and external rotor are configured so that rotation of the external rotor causes the at least one roller to rotate in response to a torque received through the transmission coupling.

Abstract: A feeding unit for receiving sealed packs from a forming unit arranged to form the packs and feed the packs to a folding unit arranged to fold the packs so as to obtain folded packages comprises a feeding conveyor having at least one carrying element arranged for delivering the packs to the folding unit at an outlet region of the feeding unit, the feeding unit further comprising a braking conveyor arranged for slowing down the packs so that the packs are kept in contact with the at least one carrying element at the outlet region.

Abstract: Improved L-shaped bracket member of a pair of oppositely disposed back-to-back mirror image bracket members configuring when mounted, an improved replacement link chain for repair of a disconnected chain link drive mechanism, including a base flange mountable by bolt fastener to a substrate member carrying the chain link mechanism, and a perpendicularly depending side flange being of generally flat thickness dimension to define improved uniform gap opening between a pair of oppositely mounted side flanges of the pair of bracket members, and having an aperture extending through the thickness dimension of the side flange positioned with the aperture opening thereof disposed in at least tangential interference with the rotational radius of the bolt fastener to enable the rotating bolt to extend into the aperture opening to remove striking of the bolt with the adjacently disposed side flange when mounting or dismounting the base flange of the improved bracket member.

Abstract: A guide for a chain (105) for an articles conveyor (100) is proposed. Said guide comprises a return guide (110R;210R;310R) being adapted to guide the chain (105) along at least a portion of a return section of a conveyor path of the articles conveyor (100). The chain (105) comprises a plurality of links (115) each one having a first link element (1151) for supporting the articles to be conveyed and a second link element (1152) for supporting the first link element (1151). The return guide (110R;210R;310R) comprises a return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) along the return guide (110R;210R;310R), said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) extending within the return guide (110R;210R;310R) from a surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) that, in use, defines a lower outer surface of the guide.

Abstract: A motor comprising: (a) one or more motor stators including a plurality of motor windings; (b) a roller shaft connected to the one or more motor stators, the roller shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the motor and being adapted to span between two frame members; and (c) a motor rotor including: (i) a roller tube including a key, a key recess, or both, and (ii) one or more ring magnets having: (1) a mating surface shaped to substantially mate to a mating surface of the roller tube and (2) a key recess that receives the key of the roller tube, that receives a separate key that extends into the key recess of one of the one or more ring magnets and the key recess, or both; wherein the one or more ring magnets are produced from a rare earth metal; and wherein the motor rotor carries a load of an article so that the article is moved by the motor rotor.

Abstract: A game, and a method for playing a game, that includes providing an initial shape of a plurality of elements, and an end shape that includes the elements by displacing, using a motion module for at least one element, which motion function provides the at least one element with its own movement ability relative to the other elements, in which the end shape is different than the initial shape; providing a set of parameters which together with the end shape determine losing or winning the game. The game is completed on a basis of the parameters and a position of the elements in relation to the end shape.

Abstract: An infeed rollcase for transporting an infeed object. The rollcase uses a split drive system to move infeed objects at varying speeds in different infeed decks of the infeed rollcase. By detecting the position of each infeed object along a front portion of each infeed deck, the drive speed of the split drive system is varied such that the infeed objects maintain a predetermined position (e.g., overlapping) with respect to a preceding infeed object.

Abstract: Method for the transportation and weighting of each of a continuous succession of agricultural products comprising a singling device with a plurality of pockets linearly arranged and on a rectilinear motion in translation along a parallel direction to the alignment line of the pockets, wherein the products are grasped in a drawing station by means of a first transferring means provided with gripping devices (grippers) opening downside and transferred to a release station wherein they are placed onto a second transferring means, wherein said gripping devices grasp in succession the products arranged on said singling device and wherein during the transportation onto the first transferring said products are singly weighed; said gripping means and the respective products are subjected to, in said first transferring means, a translation and to sequential and ordered distribution along two or more distinct and parallel alignment axes; said second transferring means comprises a plurality of movable conveyors paralle

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus has a rotary turret and a plurality of pick arms arranged on the rotary turret for picking up and placing electronic devices during pick and place operations. A transmission stator and a transmission rotor are mounted on the rotary turret with an air gap between the transmission stator and the transmission rotor such that the transmission rotor is rotatable relative to the transmission stator. At least one motor for actuating at least one pick arm during the pick and place operations is operatively coupled to the transmission rotor. The transmission stator and the transmission rotor are configured to transmit data signals wirelessly across the air gap for driving the at least one motor to actuate the at least one pick arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to material delivery systems and particularly to pulse controlled material delivery systems.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing at least one transportation tube having a plurality of transportation tube sections for a high-speed transportation system. The method includes manufacturing the tube sections in-situ adjacent to an approximate path of the transportation system where the tube sections are to be positioned.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertically stored dock leveler with a telescoping lip that selectively extends and retracts through a range positions relative to the deck. The lip is held and guided by a deck frame carriage. When the deck is raised and lowered, the lip is extended and retracted by an electro-hydraulic control system. When the deck reaches a preselected incline position, the lip is fully extended. Sensors on the underside of the deck determine the incline position of the deck and when the lip is retracted. The leveler is then lowered until the lip engages and rests on the bed of the trailer. Similarly, when the deck is raised for storage and reaches the preselected incline position, the lip is fully retracted prior to returning to its stored position. The telescoping lip is selectively moveable to a range of partially extended position to facilitate end loading a trailer.

Abstract: A self-closing device is configured to retract a unit capable of being pulled out with respect to an apparatus main body, to the apparatus main body. The self-closing device includes a plurality of retracting modules configured to retract the unit from a retracting start position towards a retracting end position. The plurality of retracting modules are provided such that retracting strokes from the retracting start position to the retracting end position partially overlap each other and the retracting start positions are different from each other in the retracting direction.

Abstract: A stacking device which stacks a sheet includes a stacking unit on which the sheet is configured to be stacked, a regulating member, a moving member, and a restricting member. The regulating member is provided to be movable in a first direction and a second direction, which is a direction opposite to the first direction, and to regulate a position of the sheet stacked on the stacking unit. The moving member moves in a direction that is the same as a moving direction of the regulating member in accordance with the regulating member. The restricting member restricts movement of the moving member. So that the regulating member moves independently of the moving member, the restricting member restricts the movement of the moving member in a partial range of a range in which the regulating member moves.

Abstract: A pickup roller is moved to a retracted position by rotating a feeding motor in reverse by a first predetermined amount and is moved to a contact position by rotating the feeding motor forward by a second predetermined amount.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a cassette for paper feed configured to contain a tray capable of stacking papers stored in a packaging member of which one end portion is opened, together with the packaging member; a paper feed section configured to contain a pickup roller which picks up the papers stored in the packaging member from the opened end portion of the packaging member; a regulating member configured to regulate that the packaging member is conveyed from the tray of the cassette; and a protrusion configured to be formed and protrude from the regulating member to cover the opened end portion of the packaging member.

Abstract: A conveying unit conveys a sheet to a tray. A first surface of a wall member and the tray define a first space. A structural member has a facing surface which faces a second surface of the wall member. A wall surface of a frame, the second surface of the wall member, and the facing surface of the structural member define a second space. The wall member has a plurality of through holes including a first through hole and a second through hole. A first imaginary plane containing an edge of the first through hole in the second surface is away from the facing surface of the structural member by a first distance, and a second imaginary plane containing an edge of the second through hole in the second surface is away from the facing surface by a second distance which is different from the first distance.

Abstract: A deflection correcting device includes a banknote running passage defined by a first passage plate and a second passage plate. Deflection correcting wheels are arranged in the banknote running passage and a deflection correcting direction of the deflection correcting wheels is deflected from a reference side of the banknote running passage. A lateral guiding mechanism is provided at the reference side, and configured to drive a banknote that reaches the reference side to move in the transmission direction of the banknote running passage; and a deflection correcting adjusting wheel is provided at a tail end in a deflection direction of the plurality of the deflection correcting wheels, and a deflection correcting direction of the deflection correcting adjusting wheel is deflected from the reference side. The banknote is prevented from jamming at the reference side and the passage.

Abstract: A winding device includes a winding shaft that rotates and winds a print medium conveyed from a printing device having a conveyance roller that conveys the print medium, a gear, and a motor driving the conveyance roller and the gear. The winding device also includes a power transfer mechanism to connect to the gear and transfer power to the motor, and a lever disposed between the winding shaft and the conveyance roller in a conveyance path in a configuration in which the winding device is connected to the printing device. The lever may be moved between a first position in which the print medium bends and a second position in which the print medium bends at a shallower angle than at the first position.

Abstract: A label cutter comprises a movable cutting blade, a pre-tensioning device, and a trigger. The pre-tensioning device pre-tensions the cutting blade into an arrested position. Upon its release, the cutting blade moves from the arrested position to a cutting position for cutting a label strip. In the arrested position, the cutting blade is retracted behind a component of the cutter.

Abstract: Method and machine for discharging at least one roll of tape from a winding spindle, according to which a cradle for partially housing the roll is fed by means of a motorized cart with wheels rolling on the floor below the roll and is then lifted to bring the roll into engagement with the cradle; during lifting of the cradle, the position of the same cradle with respect to the cart is adjusted in a horizontal plane by the action exerted by the same roll mounted on the winding spindle.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a high deviation prevention capability while suppressing adhesion of paste to a side regulating member. A plurality of roller members, for example, an upstream side roller member 91 and a downstream side roller member 92 are disposed along a sheet conveyance direction in which a recording sheet is conveyed. Then, first side regulating members 94A and 94B are provided at both end parts of the upstream side roller member 91 in a fixed state, and also second side regulating members 95A and 95B are provided at both end parts of the downstream side roller member 92 in a rotatable state. The first side regulating members 94A and 94B and the second side regulating members 95A and 95B regulate the deviation of a roll sheet S by the contact with the edge parts of the roll sheet S.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus transports a medium by using a transportation roller that includes plural rollers arranged in a rotation axis direction and a coupling portion for coupling an end portion of one of, among the plural rollers, two arranged adjacent to each other in the rotation axis direction to an end portion of the other. The coupling portion includes: a first bearing that supports the end portion of the first roller rotatably; a second bearing that supports the end portion of the second roller rotatably; a fixing member to which the first bearing and the second bearing are fixed; and a joint portion provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the rotation axis direction for connecting the end portion of the first roller to the end portion of the second roller.

Abstract: A braking device 1 is provided for a tape reel mounted rotatably about its axis. The braking device 1 includes two rotating members 10, 20 rotationally coupled with the reel, and a selection member 30 configured to cooperate by friction selectively with either one of the rotating members 10, 20 by moving the selection member to engage one or the other rotating member for friction braking.

Abstract: A holding device (1) for a succession of sheet-shaped elements circulating in a processing machine (100) along conveying path T. The holding device (1) has two series (10, 20) of a plurality of suction members (11, 21). At least one series of suction members 20 extends along and is movably mounted parallel to the transport path T of the sheets, between a retracted position and a deployed position. Each series is in an array, parallel to the transport path and the suction members are arranged spaced apart alongside one another, so that the array of members extend perpendicular to the conveying path T of the sheets and the suction members (11, 21) of each series (10, 20) are transversely offset relative to the suction members (11, 21) of the other series (10, 20).

Abstract: A card separation apparatus includes a movable tray having a surface onto which a sheet is conveyed after a card has been separated from the sheet, and a card separation unit mounted on the surface for movement with the movable tray, the card separation unit having an opening through which the sheet is conveyed, and a controller configured to send an instruction to the movable tray to be moved at a predetermined timing after a leading edge of the sheet to which the card is attached enters the opening, so as to cause the sheet to be initially separated from the card.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to the present invention has: an apparatus main body whose external appearance is configured from an upper casing, a lower casing, and a link casing that vertically links the upper casing and the lower casing and that has a paper discharge opening for discharging paper on one side face; a paper discharge portion that is formed as a space between the upper casing and the lower casing and that is to store paper discharged from the paper discharge opening; and an operation panel portion that is disposed in a vertically tiltable manner on a front face of the upper casing. When viewing the apparatus main body from the front side, an open space that allows paper discharged to the paper discharge portion to be viewed is provided between the operation panel portion and the link casing.

Abstract: Provided is a paper sheet storage unit and an automatic teller machine with which storage space can be partitioned while maintaining operability with respect to paper currency. The paper sheet storage unit is equipped with: a partition member that partitions a storage space for paper sheets into multiple storage spaces, and has a recessed portion at a position where the paper sheets are removed; and a door that has a protruding portion for filling the recessed portion at a position corresponding to the recessed portion, and that opens/closes an opening that includes the multiple storage spaces.

Abstract: In printing processing, an MFP determines whether the number of printed sheets is less than or equal to an upper limit of bindable sheets of staple-less binding in a case where staple-less binding is set in print data. If the MFP determines that the number of printed sheets is less than or equal to the upper limit, the MFP determines whether binding processing is to be performed by switching to staple-less binding. If the MFP determines to perform binding processing by switching, the binding processing is performed by staple binding.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a binding unit including a first portion and a second portion and configured to nip a sheet bundle between the first portion and the second portion to deform the sheet bundle in a thickness direction to bind the sheet bundle, and a detachment unit configured to push the bound sheet bundle toward the second portion to detach the bound sheet bundle from the first portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding sheets or sheet stacks, including at least two folding/transport rollers, transport device and knife, the transport device defining transport plane E for sheets or sheet stacks fed in transport direction R, knife being movable substantially perpendicularly to and through transport plane E, folding/transport rollers being arranged above transport plane E, oppositely on both sides of knife, axis of rotation A of folding/transport rollers extending substantially perpendicularly to transport plane E, and at least two folding/transport rollers each having, at their end facing toward transport plane E, rounded portion, such that narrowing gap S is formed between the at least two folding/transport rollers, into which gap sheets or sheet stacks can be introduced by means of knife so as to be folded there and at same time conveyed away in transport direction R, and to corresponding method.

Abstract: A collating apparatus (10), in particular for printed products such as brochures, flyers or the like, comprising a collecting section (11) having at least two collecting zones (11a,b) arranged in parallel and working independently of each other, onto which respectively a plurality of products are fed successively and are united lying one on top of the other into a collected product, and at least one further processing section (13, 15) positioned behind the collecting section (11) having at least one further processing apparatus (13a,b; 15a,b). High flexibility during operation is achieved by the arrangement between the collecting section (11) and the at least one further processing section (13, 15) of a distribution apparatus (12), which feeds the collected products arriving from the collecting zones (11a,b) selectively to the at least one further processing apparatus (13a,b, 15a,b).

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: An elevator may include a braking device such as a safety gear system or a service brake, for instance. The braking device may include a hydraulically-acting brake for braking an elevator car of the elevator. The braking device may further include a hydraulic unit with a pump assembly, a brake cylinder assembly, and a valve assembly for ventilating the brake. Further, the hydraulic unit may be fastened to the braking device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rope terminal arrangement of an elevator, comprising compression means comprising two compression members delimiting a rope gap between them, the compression members being arranged to compress a rope end of a belt-shaped rope placed in the rope gap for blocking movement of the rope end in its longitudinal direction relative to the compression members; and an electrical circuit comprising a contact switch, which is switchable between a first and second state, in particular between open and closed state; and the contact switch being mounted on one of the rope end and a compression member, and the arrangement, in particular said other of said rope end and a compression member, is provided with actuating means arranged to move together with the other of said rope end and a compression member relative to said one of said rope end and a compression member and to actuate the contact switch to switch its state when the rope end moves in its longitudinal direction relative to the compression

Abstract: The remote inspection device for a passenger conveyor includes at least one camera mounted directly above the passenger conveyor for monitoring external conditions of the passenger conveyor, a remote controller for performing a remote visual inspection using the camera, a passenger conveyor controller for operating the passenger conveyor at a normal speed during a normal operation and for operating the passenger conveyor at a slower speed or bringing it to a complete stop during a remote visual inspection, and a sensor connected to the passenger conveyor controller and arranged in the vicinity of the entrance of the passenger conveyor for detecting the presence of a passenger approaching the entrance of the passenger conveyor.

Abstract: A spreader frame, comprising a set of outer bars and a corresponding set of inner bars, each outer bar having a series of apertures and each inner bar having a spring-biased pin shaped and oriented to fit into any aperture of the series of apertures, each inner bar slidably engaging each corresponding outer bar to form an expandable beam having a first end and a second end, and each beam being connected at its first end and second end to a further beam to form a frame, wherein for each beam, each aperture of the series of apertures other than a selected aperture is filled with a corresponding outer bar pin, and the inner bar is slidable within the outer bar to bring the spring-biased pin in position to insert into the selected aperture to fix the size of the beam.

Abstract: A lifting device and method is provided for lifting and turning a rotor during the erection process of wind turbine structure. The lifting device comprises a base unit with a mounting adapted to be mounted to an outer surface of the hub. The lifting device is able to turn the rotor using a pivotal lifting arm arranged between two end plates or a moveable trolley assembly arranged on a track of the base unit. A power pack unit or another power unit is used to power the turning unit which turns the rotor around a turning point into an installation position. The lifting point is preferably aligned with the center of gravity of the rotor for providing a balanced lift.

Abstract: A barge lid lifter system having a horizontal frame, a plurality of vertical beams, a plurality of cross bracing beams, and a plurality of load engagement mechanisms is provided. Each load engagement mechanism may include a frame, wherein each load engagement mechanism frame may have a first side plate, a second side plate, a top plate, a dagger plate, a horizontal pivot pin, and a horizontal pivot pin sleeve. The load engagement mechanism includes a linear actuator, a rotation plate, a rotation elbow, an arm, and a dagger point. The linear actuator is connected to the first side plate and the rotation elbow, and the rotation plate is connected to the rotation elbow and the arm. The arm is configured to close over the dagger point and retain a lifting eye of a barge lid lifting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for use for winding and unwinding reels having a level wind carriage adapted to lay a cable back and forth across a drum of a spool by changing travel direction when contacting a first ring and a second ring of a tripping bar respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a motor of a winch. In one example, a system for a winch includes a controller adapted to adjust operation of a motor of the winch based on one or more of and/or each of a winch load limit, a motor temperature, a distance of a hook coupled to an end of a rope of the winch to a winch fairlead, and an amount of rope wound onto a drum of the winch.