Abstract: Several pressure cartridges and activation mechanism arrangements are disclosed which are configured to use less manual force to rupture the cartridge than current pressure cartridges and activation mechanisms. According to some embodiments, the activation mechanism requires lower manual activation force by using the pressure in the cartridge to do part of the rupturing work. The cartridge can be filled with compressed gas such as nitrogen and argon, or supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide, and can be used to propel or operate several types of devices and mechanisms including medical drug auto-injectors, paintball guns, tire emergency inflation kits, and inflatable life vests.

Abstract: There is provided a resealable container for consumer articles comprising a package of consumer articles, the package having an access opening through which consumer articles can be removed; and a resealable panel covering the access opening of the package and extending beyond the periphery of the access opening of the package. The package is formed by folding a blank of flexible sheet material having a thickness around a group of consumer articles such that a first end portion of the blank overlaps a second end portion of the blank. An area of a surface of the first end portion of the blank is sealed to an area of a surface of the second end portion of the blank. One of the first and second end portions comprises non-printed indicia at a predetermined location relative to an edge of the end portion.

Abstract: A pack (10) for consumer goods comprises an outer shell (12) and an inner box (14). The outer shell comprises a front wall (18), a rear wall (28) shorter than the front wall, a top wall (24), a bottom wall (26) connecting the front wall to the rear wall and side walls (20, 22) connecting a portion of the front wall to the rear wall. The inner box is for containing consumer goods (38), and comprises a front wall (30), a rear wall, side walls (32) connecting the front wall to the rear wall, a top wall (34) and a bottom wall. The front and top walls of the inner box have an opening (36). A hinge (16) connects the inner box to the outer shell.

Abstract: A cigarette pack having a foil block as an inner pack and a hinge-lid box as an outer pack is configured with an opening aid for the foil block, in which a closure tab for exposing a retrieval opening of the foil block is connected with a lid inner flap as part of the lid front wall. The lid inner flap is movable or pivotable, respectively. A relative movement of the lid inner flap takes place so as to be tuned to the opening procedure of the closure tab when the lid is opened.

Abstract: Transport packaging for fruit and vegetable products wherein the packaging is supplemented, by spreading on its surface, with an antimicrobial solution which lasts on the packaging as long as packing, supplying and purchasing by consumers occur, so to reduce the microbial load thereof and the role in the cross-contamination of the packaged products as well as delay spoilage and alteration phenomena of the fruit and vegetable products contained in the packaging, wherein said antimicrobial solution consists of the following three active substances: Citral, Hexanal and 2-(E)-Hexenal.

Abstract: A protective sleeve, adapted to receive at least a first light bulb, includes parallel first and second panels, wherein at least the second panel includes a plurality of apertures. The package also includes a pair of sidewalls generally perpendicular to and connecting the panels, wherein the first panel, second panel and sidewalls together define an interior space. A second sleeve is adapted to receive at least a second light bulb. When the sleeve and the second sleeve are received together into the outer shell in an inverted orientation relative to each other sleeve, the respective second panels of the sleeve are adjacent each other, and the bulb portion of each of first and second light bulbs positioned with the sleeve intrudes into an interior space of the adjacent sleeve through at least one of the plurality of apertures of each of the sleeves.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices, assemblies, and related methods for transporting glass panels, such as doors, are disclosed. One embodiment of a rack assembly includes a support rack and a first support wedge positioned at the support rack. The first support wedge includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first support wedge further includes a first surface extending between the first end and the second end as well as a second surface extending between the first end and the second end opposite the first surface. The second surface defines a plurality of support platform pairs. Each support platform pair includes a first platform at a first elevation relative to the first surface and a second platform at a second elevation relative to the first surface. The second elevation is different than the first elevation.

Abstract: A beverage capsule (100) comprises a substantially cup-shaped body (102) enclosed by an injection wall (108) and defining a cavity (104), a partition (112) dividing said cavity (104) into a first chamber (114) and a second chamber (116), and a channel (122) extending from the partition (112) which opens at a first end (124) into the first chamber (114) at the partition (112), and at a second end (126) into the second chamber (116) at a predetermined distance from said partition (112).

Abstract: A system for connecting adjacent waste or recycling containers to each other is disclosed. The system includes a bracket and at least one locking member associated with the containers. The bracket is slidable in a first direction to slidably engage the at least one locking member until the bracket reaches a locking position. In the locking position, contact between co-operating surfaces of the at least one locking member and the bracket prevents movement of the bracket in at least a second direction opposite the first direction. A bracket and a locking member for use in a system for connecting two adjacent waste or recycling containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated rubbish bin collection system for a garbage truck having a detection means to detect the presence of a rubbish bin, a control means to receive input from the detection means and process the input to control the collection of a rubbish bin, and an actuation means to actuate the movement of the lifting arm to grab, lift and empty the rubbish from the rubbish bin into a hopper of the rubbish collection vehicle, wherein from the detection of the presence of the rubbish bin a coordinated sequence of steps automatically occurs to collect the rubbish bin, move the rubbish bin, empty the rubbish into the hopper and return the rubbish bin to the initial position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing hanging goods (2) in an automated storage system (1), comprising a stationary storage rack (5) with storing regions for the hanging goods (2) in storage levels (13) lying one above the other, and at least one goods transport device (7) having a base frame (30), which is displaceable in a first direction in front of the storage rack (5), and at least one storage and removal device (33) having a goods displacement means (42) which is displaceable relative to the base frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The hanging goods are moved by the goods displacement means between a goods receiving carrier (12) associated with one storage region and a goods receiving carrier (34) associated with the goods transport device, the goods receiving carrier (12) remaining in the storage regions in the storage rack (5). The invention further relates to an automated storage system for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A robotic picking device for picking items from a containerised storage system is described. The items are stored in storage bins in stacks within a framework having a grid system disposed above the stacks of bins. Robotic picking devices are disposed on the grid, the devices acting to pick containers from the stacks of bins. The storage system is provided with at least one picking device for picking items from bins and depositing them directly in delivery containers DT.

Abstract: A method for warehouse storage space planning comprises: obtaining warehouse goods change information of a predetermined time period and current storage space utilization information of a warehouse, wherein the predetermined time period is a future time period; extracting goods identifier and a quantity of goods to be stored within the predetermined time period from the warehouse goods change information of the predetermined time period; determining a storage attribute parameter of the goods to be stored within the predetermined time period based on the goods identifier of the goods to be stored within the predetermined time period; and determining a preset storage space in the warehouse for the goods to be stored within the predetermined time period based on the storage attribute parameter of the goods to be stored within the predetermined time period, the quantity of the to-be-stored goods, and the current storage space utilization information of the warehouse.

Abstract: A method for operating a warehouse, in which a modular shelving rack warehouse having a plurality of levels and spaces is manually supplied and emptied of goods by order pickers, wherein a placing and removing of goods is possible at at least one central transfer point between the shelves of a level, and wherein the transfer points arranged at different levels are each connected to each other and to a common warehouse entrance and exit in respect of materials handling technology, and a corresponding warehouse.

Abstract: An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding and positioning device (5) for straws (2) for packing animal semen on a support (4), with a feeding hopper (20) having an inner space (21) which receives the straws and is partially delimited by an inclined and electrically conductive bottom wall (38), an evacuation chute (22) with an inlet orifice, which opens into said inner space, and with an outlet orifice opposite said support, a disentangling system (25) having an electrically conductive and movable part configured to come into contact with said straws and to set them in motion in said inner space, an electrically conductive support, and a mechanical connection interface of said movable part on said support, and electrical connection elements which are directly connected, respectively, to said bottom wall and said support and to said movable part and said support.

Abstract: A conveyor belt including a pulley cover layer, a carry cover layer, and at least one reinforcement layer disposed within the belt between the pulley cover layer and the carry cover layer. The belt has a first edge section, a second edge section, and a load carrying section. The first edge section and the second edge section are located on each side of the conveyor belt, and the load carrying section is located between the first second edge sections. The reinforcement layer is comprised of a woven fabric which has weft threads extending across the width of the belt and passing into both the first edge section and the second edge section of the conveyor belt. The woven fabric also has warp threads located in the load carrying section of the conveyor belt extending longitudinally throughout the belt without passing into either the first or the second edge section.

Abstract: Heavy duty conveyor belts (1) having excellent resistance to high temperatures. These conveyor belts (1) can be repeatedly exposed to temperatures of greater than 200° C. or even 250° C. without compromising the strength or reliability of the belt while providing a greatly extended service life. The conveyor belts (1) may also be manufactured in a commercially viable and cost effective manner. The conveyor belts (1) generally include a reinforcement layer (3), a carry cover layer (2) disposed above the reinforcement layer (3), a pulley cover layer (4) disposed beneath the reinforcement layer (3), and the carry cover layer (2) is comprised of a fluoroelastomer. In some aspects, the conveyor belts (1) have a carry cover layer (2) which includes an outer surface layer (6) containing a fluoroelastomer and an inner layer (7) based upon an EPM elastomer or an EPDM elastomer.

Abstract: A wire mesh belt for use as a conveyor. The wire mesh belt has a plurality of links which are interlocked to form the wire mesh belt. First straight portions, second straight portions and bent portions of the links form passages which extend across the length of each link. A longitudinal axis of each link extends generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the wire mesh belt. Support inserts are provided in the passages of respective links. The cooperation of the support inserts with the links provides support to the wire mesh belt to minimize the deformation of the wire mesh belt.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for replacing individual idler rollers for conveyors, with which a web belt can be lifted and worn-out or damaged idler rollers in upper and lower runs can be individually replaced. The device includes, separately for replacing the idler rollers in the upper run and in the lower run, a subframe (1) for lifting the web belt (7) and for holding the web belt (7), such that a sufficient clearance is formed for replacing worn-out idler rollers (53) by means of a changing frame (2). A service vehicle is equipped with a lifting apparatus for moving dividing devices. The process steps include lifting the web belt (7), removing the old idler roller (53old) inserting the new idler roller (53new) and lowering the web belt (7). The drawing shows the use of two dividing devices in the replacing of idler rollers in the upper run.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor belt system with a circulating conveyor belt, in which a loadable conveyor belt segment rests on upper rolls and an unloaded conveyor belt segment rests on lower rolls, and in which an enclosure extending along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt system. The invention also relates to a system for monitoring the rolls in this conveyor belt system. A task of the invention is to propose a conveyor belt system in which the detection of defective rolls is facilitated. The task is solved by way of a conveyor belt system in which the enclosure features diagnostic windows on at least one side of the conveyor belt, such that the diagnostic windows are arranged at the level of the rolls of the conveyor belt and are designed for optical and/or acoustic monitoring of the bearings of the rolls, by being either transparent to diagnostic signals, or easily openable.

Abstract: An article transport apparatus includes a plurality of supports, a supporting rotator that rotatably supports the supports at a plurality of positions, a driving portion for rotating the supporting rotator, an attitude maintenance mechanism for keeping the plurality of supports in a constant attitude irrespective of a phase of the supporting rotator, an article carry-in portion for carrying an article into the support located at a first position, and an article carry-out portion for carrying an article out of the support located at a second position.

Abstract: A rail-bound transport robot (20) having an approximately box-like container (1), which is open at the top, for individual release of bulk material (18), which is provided in its inner space with at least one compartment (14a, 14b), which is filled with the bulk material (18), wherein the transport robot (20) has a loading space (33) open at the top, adapted for receiving the container (1), and wherein the container (1) rests on a longitudinal conveyor (25, 66) in the transport robot (20), which engages opening lids (6a-6f) from below, which are positioned on the bottom side of container (1), wherein the bulk material (18) flows outwardly through the opening lids, when the opening lids (6a-6f) are opened.

Abstract: A workpiece supply system includes a robot that supplies a workpiece to each of a plurality of workspaces where a worker performs a predetermined task on the workpiece; a detection unit that detects a degree of fatigue of the worker in each of the workspaces; a fatigue degree evaluation unit that determines whether or not the worker is in a fatigued state, based on the degree of fatigue of the worker detected by the detection unit; and a management device that adjusts, among a plurality of workers, a pace of supply of the workpiece to each of the workers, in a case where the worker is determined by the fatigue degree evaluation unit to be in the fatigued state.

Abstract: A device for transporting containers comprises at least two transport devices for the containers, at least two servo motors, at least two position sensors, and at least one control unit. The at least one control unit is to control the at least two servo motors, by closed-loop control, based on a comparison of positions determined by respective position sensors of the at least two position sensors and respective target positions. The at least one control unit is further to bring the at least two servo motors to a standstill in the event of a fault of a position sensor, wherein: a) a servo motor is brought to a standstill in a closed-loop manner using the position if it is determinable by the position sensor, or b) the servo motor is brought to a standstill in an open-loop manner based on the target position if the position is not determinable.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming a bulk flow of produce into a flow of produce aligned in one or more lines, to allow inspection for grading purposes at high speed, in particular by camera technology. The apparatus has a hopper which has differently configured opposing end portions arranged to allow the flow of produce from one end portion to the other, and wherein the exit end portion has at least one channel for guiding the produce therealong, wherein the at least one channel has a v-shaped cross-section defined by a pair of walls inclined upwardly away from each other so as to form a valley in which the produce is transportable by mechanical agitation into and along the valley such that the produce exits the hopper in one or more lines, one line from each of the at least one channel.

Abstract: A rollover system for rolling over a part includes a rollover cylinder including at least one notch, a detent to resist the rotation of the rollover cylinder when coupled to the at least one notch, a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the detent and configured to drive the detent in a direction away from the rollover cylinder, thereby decoupling the detent from the rollover cylinder, and a foot pedal to actuate the pneumatic cylinder. Methods of rolling over parts using the rollover system and manufacturing lines including the rollover system are also described.

Abstract: A buffer table of a packaging system includes, at least two infeeds, at least two outfeeds, and a plurality of buffer lines supplied separately from each other, arranged between the infeed and the outfeed. Optimised use of the buffer table is achieved by the infeed supplying the respective package to one of the buffer lines depending on the level of completion of a package and by the outfeed removing the respective package from the respective buffer lines depending on the level of completion of the package.

Abstract: Powder feed rate control system that includes a hopper adapted to contain a powder and to maintain a hopper pressure. A carrier conduit delivers a carrier gas flow and having an orifice. The carrier gas flow conveys powder entering through the orifice at a powder feed rate. A differential pressure transducer includes a first pressure input associated with the hopper pressure and a second pressure input associated with the carrier gas flow downstream of the hopper. The differential pressure transducer (PT) outputs a signal related to a differential pressure between the first pressure input and the second pressure input. An electro pneumatic regulator (EP) is adapted to communicate with a control and receiving the signal related to the differential pressure.

Abstract: Method for pneumatically conveying granular plastic resin material out of a resin supply to a process machine uses a vacuum pump, a conduit connecting the resin supply to a suction intake of the vacuum pump, a sensor for sensing vacuum level drawn by the pump at the suction inlet and a valve for supplying air to the conduit.

Abstract: A lumber stacking machine has a stacking mechanism forming a stack of lumber from the bottom upwardly. The stacking mechanism includes a lift mechanism formed with a plurality of stacking fingers that lift a layer of lumber vertically above a conveyor. With the formation of a new layer of lumber, the stacking mechanism moves below the new layer with the stacking fingers retracting to pass by the new layer and resting the growing stack of lumber on top of the new layer, and then extending below the new layer to raise the entire stack to allow another new layer to be formed. Stops are provided to control the movement of the individual boards from the infeed station into the stacking station and also to control movement of the new layer beyond the stacking station. Two conveyors cooperate to move the lumber with an overlap in the stacking station.

Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for unloading cartons in a carton pile has a mobile body and a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body that has an end effector at a movable end thereof to unload cartons from the carton pile. A conveyor system is attached to the mobile body and extends from front to rear of the carton unloader to convey cartons received thereon by the moveable robotic arm. The conveyor system comprises a central portion carried on the mobile body and a front portion extending therefrom towards the carton pile. The front portion is configured to change width from narrow to wider to act as a shield to catch and then move falling cartons received thereon.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device comprises a bottom plate, an auxiliary tray and a tilt table. The bottom plate is configured to move along a vertical axis. The auxiliary tray is disposed on the bottom plate. The tilt table includes a lower table disposed on the bottom plate, an upper table rotatably connected to the lower table at one end of the upper table by a pivot, and a resilient member disposed between the upper table and the lower table, the resilient member configured to press the upper table upward. The auxiliary tray and the upper table are configured to receive and hold sheets in a stack.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes: a sheet stacking unit having a stacking surface on which a sheet is stacked; a sheet regulating unit including: a main body having a regulating surface which regulates a position of the sheet and being movable with respect to the sheet stacking unit; and an operating portion movably supported on a top of the main body and having a pressure surface, the operating portion being moved from a first position to a second position by performing a pressing operation on the pressure surface, the main body being regulated from moving when the operating portion is in the first position, and the main body being allowed to move when the operating portion is in the second position; and an opposed member removably supported on the main body and opposed to at least a part of the pressure surface and an upper surface of the operating portion.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a return member switchable between a first orientation in which a portion of the return member overlaps a feed roller in a side view of a medium feeding path and a second orientation in which the return member is turned toward a downstream side in a medium feeding direction and does not overlap the feed roller. The return member changes an orientation thereof from the second orientation to the first orientation, thereby returning a medium to an upstream side in the medium feeding direction. When a transport roller disposed downstream of the feed roller is driven in reverse to return the medium to the upstream side and position the medium at a recording start position, the return member takes a third orientation in which the return member is raised toward the upstream side further than in the first orientation.

Abstract: An actuator system for maintaining high nip forces at a roller nip is disclosed. The actuator system includes a primary actuator for urging a roller into an engaged position at which the roller contributes to providing the high nip forces at the roller nip, the primary actuator being provided attached to a movable mounting structure, and a secondary actuator for maintaining the mounting structure in a locked position, and for releasing the mounting structure, and therefore the primary actuator, from the locked position in the event of a power loss to the secondary actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lapper assembly for use to overlap successive sheets of wood veneer or other materials along a conveyor. The lapper assembly may include a stop member configured to be rotatably mounted to a roller such that the stop member is pivotable around the rotational axis of the roller independently of the rotational angle of the roller. The lapper assembly may further include a lever arm coupled to one end of the stop member. An actuator may be pivotably coupled to the lever arm and the conveyor frame, and operated to pivot the stop member between a workpiece engaging position, in which the stop member extends into the path of workpiece flow, and a workpiece disengaging position below the path. Optionally, the lapper assembly roller and other rollers upstream/downstream may be operatively connected to a drive. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a first feeding device which does not notify abnormal sheet feeding or a second feeding device which notifies the abnormal sheet feeding is connectable includes a sheet receiving portion, a sheet detector, an image forming unit, and a controller. In a case that the first feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs in the first feeding device when the detector does not detect the sheet at first timing. In a case that the second feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller discriminates that the abnormal sheet feeding occurs at the sheet receiving portion when the detector does not detect the sheet at second timing and notification of the abnormal sheet feeding is not provided from the second feeding device.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a pair of rollers configured to convey a sheet in a sheet conveyance passage, a detector configured to optically detect an attitude of the sheet, one of a rotation device to rotate the pair of rollers in a direction parallel to a plane of the sheet and a moving device to move the pair of rollers in a width direction, and a controller configured to correct the attitude of the pair of rollers at a time interval, based on a detection result obtained by the detector. The controller performs the correcting operation by setting, according to reflectance of the sheet, at least one of a light emission time of the detector, the time interval of the correcting operation, light emission intensity of the detector and a conveying speed of the sheet.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an accommodation unit and at least one driving roller. The accommodation unit accommodates a paper sheet therein. The at least one driving roller is disposed contactably with the paper sheet. A rotation direction of the at least one driving roller with respect to the paper sheet at a contact part between the paper sheet and the roller intersects a carrying direction of the paper sheet.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for minimizing folding defects when rolling a paper product. The method comprises rotating a roll in a manner that draws a paper product toward the roll. The location of a pick-up point between the roll and the paper product is altered by influencing the air pressure experienced by the paper product. This may be accomplished by flowing air in one of several manners described in the specification.

Abstract: A position control system includes a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and a pivotable member having a first member end rotatable about a first pivot axis and a second member end coupled to the roller. The second member end is rotatable about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis and the first and second pivot axes are movable relative to one another. A motor is adapted to move the roller along the longitudinal axis wherein movement of the roller along the longitudinal axis causes the pivotable member to pivot the roller relative to the longitudinal axis. A control system is responsive to a sensed parameter for controlling the motor. A position control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a post-printing processing device, and a paper exit part. The main body forms an image on paper. The post-printing processing device is located above the main body and performs post-printing processing on paper. The paper exit part is located on a side surface of the post-printing processing device. Paper is ejected to the paper exit part. The post-printing processing device includes a paper inlet port and a conveyance device. The paper inlet port is located in a rear part of a lower surface of the post-printing processing device. The conveyance device conveys paper conveyed via the paper inlet port into the post-printing processing device in a forward direction thereof to a paper loading tray and conveys the paper therefrom leftward to eject the paper to the paper exit part located on the left side of the post-printing processing device.

Abstract: A tape applicator including a main frame, and a knife arm assembly. The knife arm assembly may include a magnet mounted in a stationary position relative to the main frame, and a knife arm pivotally mounted to the main frame. A blade may be mounted to the knife arm. A guard may be rotationally connected to the knife arm and configured to rotate between a closed position covering the blade and an open position exposing the blade. A spring may bias the guard toward the closed position. A catch may be associated with the guard comprising ferromagnetic material. The catch may be attracted to the magnet to open the guard as the knife arm swings to a cutting position.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a part that has an asymmetrical edge. The apparatus includes a film dispenser, a film retriever, a mandrel; and a part holder. Preferably one or both of the mandrel and the part holder move in an angular relationship to one another, and the film dispenser and the film retriever move co-operatively in at least two dimensions with respect to the part holder. There is further provided a film having a first edge and a second edge, and the film can be a decorative coating, a protective coating or combinations of these. The film dispenser holds the first edge of the film, the film is positioned between the mandrel and the part holder and the film retriever holds the film second edge.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to receive sheets supplied from the standby section and execute a post processing on the sheets; a rotational shaft configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a paddle arranged in the rotational shaft and configured to contact the sheet and move the sheets by rotating with the rotational shaft, the paddle being configured to slide the sheets on the processing section to a stopper for aligning the sheets; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a first speed, and control the rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a second speed slower than the first speed while the paddle contacts the sheets on the processing section for aligning.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises an axis of rotation; a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to execute a post processing on sheets moved from the standby section; a first paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation and be rotated around the axis of rotation to contact with the sheet supplied from the standby section to draw the sheet into a stopper; and a second paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation at a predetermined angle with respect to the first paddle and draw the sheet into the stopper after the first paddle is separated from the sheet after a drawing-in operation of the sheet by the first paddle.

Abstract: Cord winding apparatuses and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the cord winding apparatuses can include a spool support rod configured to extend through an orifice of a spool. The spool support rod can include external threads and can be configured for driving into ground covering. The cord winding apparatus can also include a first flange plate fixed to the spool support rod, and a second flange plate having internal threads that are configured to engage the external threads of the spool support rod. The second flange plate can be used for securing the spool to the spool support rod and for connection to a driver for rotational movement for winding cords.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cable-winding apparatus are described herein. The apparatus may include one or more of a securing surface, a cable-winding channel, a coil spring, and a ratchet mechanism. The cable-winding channel may be rotatably connected to the securing surface. The channel may include a base and two or more walls extending at least partially perpendicularly from the base along opposite sides of the base. The ratchet mechanism may include one or more of a first face gear and a second face gear. The first and second face gears may each include a plurality of ratchet teeth. The spring may force the channel away from the securing surface. The ratchet teeth may prevent rotation of the channel with respect to the securing surface in a first direction while permitting rotation of the channel with respect to the securing surface in a second direction opposite the first direction.