Abstract: A low profile, flexible windshield wiper assembly has a frame constructed from flat sheet spring steel. The frame attaches to a semi-rigid spline at distinct pressure points, while the spline supports a rubber wiping blade. At least some of the pressure points are located at the end of cantilevered fingers formed in the frame so that the spline may flex independently from the frame. The cantilevered fingers allow semi-pivotable portions of the frame to flex independently from the rest of the frame to enhance curve conformance on a windshield. The frame attaches along the center of the spline while the blade attaches along the edges of the spline. The present invention allows the pressure points to be efficiently formed out of the frame material.

Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a fastener into an object by an impact blow in which the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. The main spring is a single piece flat torsion spring which decreases in cross-section away from its fulcrum point to enable the entire spring to provide energy storage. The operating handle is linked to the spring through a low friction rolling element which provides varying leverage to allow a constant operating force through the operating handle motion. The staple guide track includes position and latch feature within a one piece assembly.

Abstract: A self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable pins bundled in parallel within a housing. The bundled pins may displace longitudinally and are biased by spring force away from a frame onto which the pins are slidably held. A spacer pin may be positioned at the center of the socket and is similarly biased away from the frame under spring force. When the socket is forced over a fastener, nut, or bolt head, groups of pins are pushed inward toward the frame and into the housing thereby conforming the pins to the contours of the fastener. Applying a torque to the socket transfers the torque through the bundled pins to the fastener. Each pin has a circular cross-section and an enlarged head and the interior walls of the housing containing the bundled pins has a hexagonal shape and may not contain any right angles. Grooves can be formed in the sides of the hexagonal shape to receive therein circular sides of adjacent ones of the enlarged heads. The pins are packed in a hexagonal arrangement.