A lifting support device that includes a linear actuator including a first end configured to support an object, and a load sensor positioned to determine application of a first load on the load sensor by at least the object. The linear actuator is maintained in equilibrium when supporting the first load. The lifting support device further includes a controller coupled in communication with the load sensor, and the controller is configured to selectively actuate the linear actuator in response to application of a second load on the load sensor.

A lifting support device that includes a linear actuator including a first end configured to support an object, and a load sensor positioned to determine application of a first load on the load sensor by at least the object. The linear actuator is maintained in equilibrium when supporting the first load. The lifting support device further includes a controller coupled in communication with the load sensor, and the controller is configured to selectively actuate the linear actuator in response to application of a second load on the load sensor.

A method of controlling operation of a linear actuator, including maintaining the linear actuator in equilibrium when supporting a first load, determining application of a second load on the linear actuator, and selectively actuating the linear actuator in response to application of the second load on the linear actuator.

A sheet housing device includes a sheet cassette, a frame, and a support member. The frame is configured to support the sheet cassette such that the sheet cassette is movable relative to the frame between a closed position and a drawn-out position along a first direction different from a gravity direction. The support member is configured to support the frame such that the frame is rotatable around a pivot axis extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the gravity direction.

A lining drum which has a tubular body having open ends, an inlet for compressed air and an outlet for liner is disclosed. The lining drum has end pieces removably attached to the tubular body for closing the open ends of the tubular body, a rotatable shaft inside the tubular body and a crank for rotating the shaft. An elastic fastener has a first end in operative engagement with the tubular body and a second end in operative engagement with the end piece. The second end is opposite the first end. The end piece is movable between a closed position and an open position by extending the elastic fastener against an elastic biasing force of the elastic fastener. The end piece and the tubular body has a gap defined therebetween when the end piece is in the open position.

A regulator has a regulation unit (422, 622) with an adjustment unit (624), having a drive unit (414, 620) configured for adjusting the adjustment unit (624), and having a lockable and unlockable force store (412, 610-616). The regulation unit (422, 622) and the adjustment unit (624) are in contact with one another via the force store (412, 610-616), and the regulation unit (422, 622) can, in the case of a locked and charged force store (412, 610-616), be displaced by the adjustment unit (624) within an adjustment range (630) so as to drive the force store (412, 610-616). In the event of unlocking the charged force store (412, 610), a discharge of the force store (412, 610-616) causes the regulation unit (422, 622) to be moved automatically into a safety position independently of the adjustment unit (624).

A regulator has a regulation unit (422, 622) with an adjustment unit (624), having a drive unit (414, 620) configured for adjusting the adjustment unit (624), and having a lockable and unlockable force store (412, 610-616). The regulation unit (422, 622) and the adjustment unit (624) are in contact with one another via the force store (412, 610-616), and the regulation unit (422, 622) can, in the case of a locked and charged force store (412, 610-616), be displaced by the adjustment unit (624) within an adjustment range (630) so as to drive the force store (412, 610-616). In the event of unlocking the charged force store (412, 610), a discharge of the force store (412, 610-616) causes the regulation unit (422, 622) to be moved automatically into a safety position independently of the adjustment unit (624).

A method of controlling operation of a linear actuator, including maintaining the linear actuator in equilibrium when supporting a first load, determining application of a second load on the linear actuator, and selectively actuating the linear actuator in response to application of the second load on the linear actuator.

A lining drum which has a tubular body having open ends, an inlet for compressed air and an outlet for liner is disclosed. The lining drum has end pieces removably attached to the tubular body for closing the open ends of the tubular body, a rotatable shaft inside the tubular body and a crank for rotating the shaft. The end piece has a spring-loaded flange mounting, wherein bias of springs pushes the flange mounting towards the tubular body and a closed position of the flange mounting, and air pressure inside the lining drum pushes the flange mounting away from the tubular body and towards an open position of the flange mounting.

A method for thermal compensation during an additive manufacturing process. In some aspects, the method may include receiving, at a CNC machine, information relating to a material used in the additive manufacturing process, wherein the received information includes at least a Coefficient for Thermal Expansion (CTE) for the material. The method may further include modifying a distance of travel for a first pre-programmed tool path based on at least the Coefficient for Thermal Expansion (CTE).