baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent GB-2271650-A (GB)
Title: Controlling developer bias or other variables in image forming apparatus
Inventor: SAWAYAMA NOBORU
IPC: G03G15/01
Filed: 1993-11-25
Abstract: In a color copier, photosensors (41Y, 41M, 41C, 41BK) detect the amount of toner deposition in a reference pattern formed on photoconductive drums (24Y, 24M, 24C, 24BK). A bias for development on sleeves (37) is changed by section (12) so as to maintain the output of the photosensor constant, so that the effective bias remains constant relative to the charge potential on the photoconductive element. Alternatively, section (12) can also change charge potential to chargers (25), the amount of exposure light from exposure units (22) or more than one of those variables. This maintains the density of a predetermined reference pattern used to sense an image density constant despite the change in, for example, the reflection characteristic of the photoconductive drum. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2276488-A (GB)
Title: A device for deriving an oscillating force
Inventor: LAURIE PETER CHARLES SOMERVILL
IPC: F03G7/00
Filed: 1994-01-25
Abstract: A device which, by forming two adjacent Casimir cavities and repeatedly switching the central partition from a conducting or reflecting state to a non-conducting or non-reflecting state and back again by the application of sound waves or a magnetic field or some other suitable method, will produce an oscillating force normal to the plane of the surfaces. This oscillating force may be used to generate a net energy output. There may also be a net sideways force which can be used as a means of reaction less motion. A number of these devices can be stacked to increase the effect. A stack of devices may be fabricated in a block by the successive deposition of suitable conducting, semiconducting and insulating layers.
Patent GB-2274818-A (GB)
Title: Variable ratio steering system.
Inventor: SHIMIZU YASUO
IPC: B62D9/00
Filed: 1994-01-27
Abstract: The system maintains the relationship between the steering angle at the steering wheel and the behavior of the vehicle substantially constant regardless of the travelling speed of the vehicle. Rotational movement of a steering wheel is converted into a linear movement of a conversion shaft 17 which is provided with a radial pin 20. An annular rocking movement member 25 consisting of an outer ring 24 and an inner ring 23 surrounds the conversion shaft. The outer ring is rotatably supported by a casing so that its inclination angle a relative to the axial line of the conversion shaft may be varied, and the inner ring is coaxially and freely rotatably received in the outer ring. The radial pin 20 of the conversion shaft engages with the inner ring via a spherical joint 26. Therefore, the linear movement of the conversion shaft is converted into a rotational movement of the conversion shaft which is in turn converted into a steering movement. Thus, by varying the inclination angle of the outer ring in dependence on the vehicle speed, eg by a motor-driven worm gear 31, 32, steering ratio can be varied so that both responsive handling in a low to medium speed range and stability in a high speed range can be obtained. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2285099-A (GB)
Title: A pump especially for beverages
Inventor: ZYTYNSKI ZBIGNIEW J
IPC: F04B43/00
Filed: 1994-01-28
Abstract: In a pump comprising at least one diaphragm or piston (26, 28) movable is a reciprocating and sealed manner within a chamber (12) divided into motor and pump portions, venting means (36) incorporating a pressure regulating means (40) are provided for the motor portion(s). Thus the pressure to which the said motor portion of the chamber (12) is vented can be regulated so as to be equal to or greater than the pressure in the pump portions (20, 22). This reduces the pressures difference across the diaphragm or piston thereby reducing deterioration and damage to the diaphragm or piston seals (32a, 32b). <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2282524-A (GB)
Title: Compact disc storage rack
Inventor: LEE KWOK WAY JACKEY
IPC: G11B33/04
Filed: 1994-02-23
Abstract: A compact disc storage rack includes a plurality of clips 120 for connection each to a compact disc. Each clip 120 is arranged to rotate relative to a cylindrical support (100 Fig 2) to allow a compact disc case to be stored within the confines of the apparatus or swung to an openable position. The clip 120 is arranged so as only to grip the base member of a compact disc case and not the openable cover to allow the compact disc case to be held by the clip 120 when in the openable position and still allow the case to be opened. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2277416-A (GB)
Title: Power supply; Utility meter interface
Inventor: BYFORD PETER JOHN
IPC: G01F15/06
Filed: 1994-04-22
Abstract: A power supply has a battery power input 28, alternative power inputs 47, 70, a regulator 52 connected between an output 54 and the battery input for controlling the output voltage level to equal the battery voltage, and respective switches 64, 66, 68 between each input and the output 54, the switches being controlled by the regulator 52 so that if the voltage on any of the alternative power inputs rises above that of the battery, that input is connected to the output instead of the battery, thereby conserving battery power. Any excess voltage on the output 54 is bled off through a feedback diode 62 to the regulator 52. The supply provides power to a pulse processing module (Fig. 2) of a metering system for a utility, such as water. The meter itself may register the passing of utility units by intermittent closure of a switch (10, Fig. 1) connected in a relaxation oscillator circuit so that the oscillator is enabled when the switch is closed and is disabled when the switch is open. A bistable (2A, 2B) and a capacitor (CD) are connected to the oscillator circuit so that an output pulse commences on setting of the bistable shortly after the oscillator is enabled. When the oscillator is disabled, the capacitor (CD) can charge to a level sufficient to reset the bistable, thereby terminating the output pulse. Each closure of the switch (10) thus produces a corresponding output pulse. The circuit reduces the amount of power required to generate the output pulses. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2278552-A (GB)
Title: Amusement machine
Inventor: CROMPTON GORDON
IPC: G07F17/32
Filed: 1993-01-29
Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement machine comprising a play area (3) for containing a plurality of small portable articles (30) which are accessible from above; scoop means (4) remotely operable by a user of the machine for scooping articles from the play area (3) and transferring them directly or indirectly to a collection station (7); sensor means (26) for detecting the amount of articles at the collection station (7); and dispensing means for dispensing a cash or non-cash prize in response to a signal from the sensor means (26). <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2293683-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for generating signals representing textual information relating      to recorded matter
Inventor: BOND PHILIP WILLIAM
IPC: G11B27/34
Filed: 1994-09-01
Abstract: An apparatus for generating signals indicating the titles, performers or titles and performers of material recorded on audio compact discs for transmission to and display by broadcast radio receivers along with the reproduction of the recorded material. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2284577-A (GB)
Title: System for augmenting ship stability using inflatable buoyancy bags
Inventor: COOK JULIAN EDWIN
IPC: B63B43/14
Filed: 1994-12-02
Abstract: A system and method for augmenting the stability of a ship comprises providing inflatable buoyancy bags 8 along both sides of the ship, maintaining the bags in a partially inflated state during normal operation of the ship so that leakage can be detected during normal non-emergency conditions, and inflating the bags fully on sensing an emergency situation likely to give rise to reduction in the ships' stability, e.g. the presence of flood water. If leakage is detected in a bag, inflation thereof is prevented as well as that of a corresponding bag on the other side of the ship. The bags are stowed within fairing's 73 which are pivoted outwardly on inflation of the stowed bag. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2296747-A (GB)
Title: Mechanical seals
Inventor: PARKIN ANDREW JOHN
IPC: F16J15/34
Filed: 1995-01-09
Abstract: A mechanical seal 10 is disclosed consisting of a sleeve 12 which is adapted to be affixed to the shaft 14 of a item of mechanical equipment, together with a rotary component 22 which carries a rotary seal face 24. Two O-ring grooves 26, 28 are provided on the sleeve 12, the first 26 being remote from the rotary seal face 24 and cut somewhat deeper into the sleeve 12 than the second 28. The sleeve 12 itself has a first region 30 remote from the rotary seal face 24, the inner surface of which has a relatively small diameter and a second region 32 between the first region 30 and the rotary seal face 24, the inner surface of which has a larger diameter. A pair of O-rings 34, 36 are located in the O-ring grooves 26, 28 and seal against the inner surface of the rotary component 22. The net thrust, if any, acting on the rotary component 22 and hence on the rotary seal face 24 tends to close the seal face irrespective of whether the barrier fluid pressure is in excess of or less than the product pressure. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2287609-A (GB)
Title: Handling follow-up telephone call messages
Inventor: GRAY THOMAS A
IPC: H04M3/523
Filed: 1995-01-25
Abstract: In response to an initial call from a subscriber to a help agent, an appropriate agent to answer the call is determined by a voice synthesizer asking questions in a menu tree form and a voice recognition driver recognising answers. If all the appropriate agents are busy, the subscriber is asked for a callback telephone number and for a message. A queue entry, or ticket, having a ticket number is then made, including the callback number and a pointer to the location of the subscnbers message in a voicemail box. The subscriber is also informed of the ticket number. If the subscriber makes a follow-up call, he is asked for the ticket number from which the system knows immediately which is the appropriate agent. The caller may then leave another message, eg. if the agent is still busy. That message is stored in the voicemail system, a new ticket is formed, and the caller is given the new ticket number. When the agent becomes free, the tickets are automatically retrieved and the agent is given the callback number as well as any relevant voicemail that has been left.
Patent GB-2286344-A (GB)
Title: Liquid treatment apparatus
Inventor: ROE SIMON DENNIS
IPC: B01D61/18
Filed: 1993-10-18
Abstract: An apparatus (70) is provided with which a liquid such as an effluent, or output liquid from a bioreactor, can be treated for exmple to remove and concentrate heavy metals or to separate an enzyme. The apparatus incorporates a filtration module (50) and a bed of adsorbent material (80), in an integral unit, the liquid being subjected to cross-flow filtration, and the filtrate being collected in a chamber (52) before being distributed to the adsorbent bed. Fouling of the filter membrane (56) and of the adsorbent material (80) are suppressed, and channelling through the adsorbent bed is prevented. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2289481-A (GB)
Title: Belt meandering preventing system in single facer
Inventor: YASUI TOSHIHIKO
IPC: B31F1/28
Filed: 1995-05-02
Abstract: Disclosed is a belt meandering preventing system in a single facer consisting of an upper fluted roll (16), a lower fluted roll (18), a gluing mechanism (26), and an application mechanism (54) having an endless belt (74) extended over a plurality of rolls (68, 70, 72) so as to be able to run freely thereby; in which a liner (66) is pressed against the glued crests of corrugation of a corrugating medium (20) to be pasted therewith to form a single-faced corrugated board, characterized in that a support shaft (89) on which one of the plurality of rolls (68, 70, 72) is rotatably fitted is designed to be swung on one end portion thereof as a fulcrum by operating a drive means (99, 105), thus preventing securely meandering of the endless belt (74) using the system having such simple structure and also reducing the production cost and the size of the single facer. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2291949-A (GB)
Title: Differential drive linear actuator.
Inventor: WIGGINS CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
IPC: F16H25/20
Filed: 1995-07-14
Abstract: A linear actuator comprising an output shaft (4) having a pair of driven wheels (6, 8), one (8) being rotatable thereon in a fixed plane and having a drive nut (9) for an associated thread (11) on said output shaft and the other (6) being rotatably fixed (6A) to said output shaft, an input shaft (2) alongside the output shaft which is rotated by a suitable power source (3) and a drive wheel (5, 7) for each driven wheel rotatably fixed on said input shaft, the ratio between each drive and driven wheel set being chosen to rotate the driven wheels at different speeds in the same rotational direction to produce axial movement of said output shaft in a direction depending upon relative rotation of the driven wheels, characterised in that the fixed driven wheel (6) and drive wheel (5) are meshing helical gear wheels, and a fail-safe arrangement is provided comprising a clutch (27, 29) between the drive wheels (5, 7) of the input shaft, a back-drive (9, 11) for said output shaft, and biasing means (22) for effecting a back-drive. In operation the meshing helical gears impart an axial force to engage the clutch only while power is supplied, the biasing means being operative to back-drive the output shaft to a fail-safe position when the power is terminated. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2295660-A (GB)
Title: A tap or valve for a urostomy pouch
Inventor: FALCONER MALCOLM IAN
IPC: A61F5/44
Filed: 1995-11-14
Abstract: A tap for a liquid container is made from a rubber or resilient plastics material. It has a base portion 10 having an orifice 12, which serves as a liquid inlet, and a liquid exit 14. It also has a resilient deformable closure portion 20, which is constructed to make a resilient snap-on connection with the periphery of the base portion and have a centrally located plug 22 which extends towards the base portion and in normal use obturates the orifice 12 thereby closing the liquid inlet. The closure portion also has a projecting portion which is constructed so that pressure, e.g. by a thumb, retracts the plug from the orifice permitting liquid to pass to the exit. A night drainage adaptor can be positioned in outlet 14 which thus disables the plug. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2292412-A (GB)
Title: Device for brick laying
Inventor: TWEEDY JAMES DUNN
IPC: E04G21/18
Filed: 1994-05-23
Abstract: A device is provided for spacing bricks during brick laying in which a first spacer member (2) is located between vertically adjacent bricks and a second spacer member (7) is located horizontally adjacent bricks. Slots (11) are also provided for the movement of mortar around the device and the device is hinged such that it can be flattened for packaging purposes. <IMAGE>
Patent GB-2302572-A (GB)
Title: Dynamic pressure energised U-seal
Inventor: RUESSE ROLF
IPC: F16J15/08
Filed: 1996-06-20
Abstract: A metal U-seal (1) for use in valves and wellheads etc. in the oil and gas industry. The seal is channel-shaped in section and has at least one sealing arm (2) carrying raised sealing surfaces (6) adapted to deform into parallel contact with mating surfaces (7) when energised by urging the sealing arms (2) against their natural resilience. The sealing arms are provided with support ribs (3) having support surfaces (4) which just clear the mating surfaces (7) when the seal is installed under zero pressure. The support surfaces (4) prevent further deflection of the seal under increased internal pressure. Good metal-to-metal seals are provided with large contact areas, low contact stresses and a significant reduction in wear.
Patent GB-2318086-A (GB)
Title: Greetings card with scratch-off area
Inventor: DUNCAN DAVID
IPC: B42D15/04
Filed: 1996-07-05
Abstract: The card has an integral scratch-off area under which is hidden a gift for the recipient.
Patent GB-2317723-A (GB)
Title: Caching system for information retrieval
Inventor: JAMES IAN ROGER
IPC: G06F17/30
Filed: 1996-09-30
Abstract: An hotel room information retrieval system, for retrieving World-Wide Web pages from the internet, includes a proxy cache server 102 in each of the hotels in the system, and one or two further levels of proxy cache servers 108 in a hierarchial structure. A client terminal 100 is located in each of the hotel rooms for access by a user. Each of the proxy cache servers stores a dynamic address list, and static address list, of Web page addresses (URLs) for which Web pages are to be pre-fetched and cached in anticipation of retrieval by a user. The dynamic address list is modified in accordance with the actual retrieval frequencies for Web pages appearing on the list, whereas the static address list is always pre-fetched.
Patent GB-2319079-A (GB)
Title: Infusion pump monitoring encoder/decoder
Inventor: HUTCHINS GEOFFREY
IPC: G01D5/36
Filed: 1996-10-29
Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an infusion pump comprises an encoder 101 which is used with the motor 65 of the infusion pump in order to provide rotational directional information. An encoder wheel 103 is attached to the motor shaft 105, the wheel having at least two flags (117, figure 5) and at least two sectors (119, figure 5). Pulses due to the blocking or unblocking effect of the flags are detected by the two detectors 111 and 113, these two detectors arranged so that the signals received are 90{ out of phase, so that when one is aligned with the edge of a flag, the other is aligned with the centre of a flag. A number of states are therefore defined according to the position of the wheel. The method uses a state transition of a first switch (at an edge of a flag) to clock a reading of the state based on the other, non-changing signal of the second switch (corresponding to the centre of a flag or sector). This therefore avoids the need for a separate clock circuit.
Patent GB-2311282-A (GB)
Title: Sheet folder/inserters with sheet/envelope printing
Inventor: BREWSTER JR WILLIAM H
IPC: B07C1/00
Filed: 1997-03-18
Abstract: Data, eg from a processor 12, is printed at 22 onto documents which are accumulated at 26 into batches, the batches being folded at 28 before being inserted at 36 into envelopes, which are subsequently sealed and mail processed. Processor 12 may also generate address data for printing the envelopes, either upstream or downstream of the inserter.
Patent GB-2324288-A (GB)
Title: drum lining and means for securing it to a neck of the drum
Inventor: MCCOY ANTHONY DAVID HANRAHAN
IPC: B65D25/16
Filed: 1997-04-19
Abstract: A liner 6 for an oil drum 2 is formed from a flexible and expandable material that is sized so that upon filling it adopts the shape 7 of the interior volume of the drum. The liner is secured to a neck 4 of the drum e.g. by means of a threaded annulus 5 which cooperates with a thread on the interior of the neck to hold the mouth (9, Fig. 2) of the liner against a flange 8 in the neck of the drum. Alternatively, a threaded annulus cooperating with a thread on the exterior of the neck may be used. A method of using the liner comprises fitting the liner to a drum, filling the liner, emptying the liner, removing the liner from the drum and replacing the used liner with a new one. The integrity of the liner may be verified once it has been removed from the drum by inflating it with compressed air and checking for leaks.
Patent GB-2312830-A (GB)
Title: Sweeping machine
Inventor: HAAGA HERMANN
IPC: A47L11/22
Filed: 1997-05-02
Abstract: Provision is made in a sweeping machine which has two circular brooms at the front region of a housing 10 rotating towards the inside in opposing directions, to arrange, inside the housing 10 and adjoining a sweeper plate 20 across which the circular brooms sweep, a cylinder broom 21 sweeping in the direction towards the front region, which picks up the refuse swept by the circular brooms, sweeps up dusty refuse in particular from the ground and throws both of these together backwards into the housing 10 into a refuse container.
Patent GB-2315439-A (GB)
Title: Contour sanding system
Inventor: UZUMCU ALBERT I
IPC: B24D15/04
Filed: 1997-05-08
Abstract: An apparatus 12 for sanding a plurality of work-pieces having different surface contouring comprises a flexible tubular member 16 with an outer abrasive surface 16a, and a plurality of contour members eg 20, 22, adapted to be received one-at-a-time within the tubular member. Each contour member has a cross-section defined by a first portion A, the shape and size of which is the same for all the contour members, and a second portion B, the shape and size of which varies between contour members. A contour member is chosen whose second portion is of a size and shape to suit the contouring of the particular surface to be sanded, the contour member is inserted into the tubular member 16, and then the combined contour member and tubular member 16 is clamped by the first portion of the contour member into a power sander 10.
Patent GB-2315219-A (GB)
Title: Sterilisation apparatus
Inventor: HANNANT KEITH
IPC: A61L2/07
Filed: 1997-06-25
Abstract: A sterilizer has an autoclave 1 within which is placed a sealed, non-porous bag 2 or box 50 containing an instrument 3 to be sterilized and a quantity of water or other liquid 22. When the temperature and pressure in the autoclave are raised, this raises the temperature and pressure of the container 2 and its contents sufficiently to effect sterilization, without any risk of contaminating the interior of the autoclave. The instrument 3 can be removed from the container and resterilized in the autoclave in the normal way, if desired. The container may be a flexible bag (2 fig 4) or may be a rigid box (50 fig 5) having a top (52 fig 5) and sealed using an O-ring (53 fig 5)
Patent GB-2329133-A (GB)
Title: Keying vehicle bodies and vehicle body parts.
Inventor: JONES STEPHEN ALAN
IPC: C09K3/14
Filed: 1997-07-26
Abstract: A method of preparing a vehicle body part comprising applying a solid, granular abrasive powder to the surface of the body part, rubbing to obtain a key and then removing the powder. A powder composition for use in carrying out this method may comprise equal proportions of calcined alumina, pumice, and calcined china clay, and is used substantially dry.
Patent GB-2318139-A (GB)
Title: O-ring seal with lubricant additives for rock bit bearings
Inventor: FANG ZHIGANG
IPC: F16J15/06
Filed: 1997-10-08
Abstract: O-ring seals 48 for rock bit bearings comprise a body 50 formed from an elastomeric material 52 having one or more lubricant additives 54 uniformly distributed throughout to reduce the coefficient of friction and stick slick amplitude at O-ring seal surfaces. The lubricant additives 54 are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, hexagonal boron nitride, flake graphite, ultra-high molecular weight polyurethane, and mixtures thereof. O-ring seals 48 made from this invention comprise about 1 to 15 percent by volume of the lubricant additives 54 based on the total volume of the composition.