Abstract: A screen wiper for a motor vehicle comprises a casing articulated on a head, which is secured by means of a prefitted nut on to the threaded terminal shank of the wiper drive spindle. The head has an aperture through which the threaded shank passes, and a circular base or washer portion is fixed to the nut. Around the aperture there is arranged a set of upstanding retaining lugs which extend parallel to the axis of the aperture, and which grip the base of the nut in such a way as to retain the nut centered on the aperture, but without preventing it from being able to rotate while being tightened on to the threaded shank.

Abstract: A motor vehicle screen wiper comprises a screen wiper blade which is articulated on one end of a screen wiper arm having an end portion. The end portion has, in a transverse cross section through a plane substantially at right angles to the direction of the length of the screen wiper arm, an inverted U shape. It is arranged to straddle, at least partially, a part of the screen wiper blade. The end portion of the screen wiper arm includes means for transversely guiding the wiper blade with respect to the wiper arm.

Abstract: An air director for balancing air flow during a perpendicular change in air flow direction, comprising a frame defining an outer perimeter and having an inner annular opening therein, a plurality of air-directing vanes positioned on the frame between the perimeter and the annular opening thereof in spaced-apart relation around the perimeter thereof for directing air therethrough from the perimeter and perpendicularly through the annular opening, the vanes positioned on the frame with opposed, major, air-directing surfaces defining a extended line having a predetermined angular offset relative to the radii of the annular opening for swirling the air.

Abstract: A spray mist collector for use with a spray gun, such collector connected to a vacuum source to draw the spray mist surrounding the spray of paint or other sprayable material emitted from the nozzle of the spray gun to the intake apertures of the collector where the particles suspended in the spray mist are trapped by a filter. The spray mist collector has a connection mechanism for connection to the spray gun whereby its expanded intake apertures are automatically pointed at the spray mist surrounding the spray of paint as the painter directs it on to the work object. The filters are replaceable when they become filled, and an adjustable signal mechanism may also be included to indicate when the filters should be changed. The rearward duct portion of the spray mist collector is connected to an elongated flexible air hose or air conduit which leads to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A hand gripping device for attachment to an implement, which comprises a hollow sleeve having at least one open end, the hollow sleeve having an inner surface which is adapted to conform to the implement and an outer surface, the outer surface having two peaks which extend from the sleeve which define a valley and a slope whereby when the sleeve is grasped by a hand. The little finger is held in the valley and the ring finger is held against the slope.

Abstract: A telescoping extension pole assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube slidably received in the outer tube, and a locking mechanism having a slide button which is slidable parallel to the longitudinal axes of the inner and outer tubes. The locking mechanism further includes a resilient device which biases the slide button to a released position and a locking pin to a locked position for retaining the tubes in their adjusted position.

Abstract: A retractable handle assembly for a suitcase includes a handle with an actuating member. Each end of the actuating member is connected to an end of a rod which is received in an inner tube slidably received in an outer tube. The outer tube has an inner side with a plurality of protrusions extending radially therefrom so as to define a plurality of recesses. A first member disposed on the other end of the inner tube has a top from which a flexible plate depends. The plate has a block disposed at a distal end. The second end of the rod is connected to a second member. The second member pushes the block against the inner side of the outer tube. When the actuating member is lifted, it lifts the rod and frees the block. The inner tubes can then be lifted.

Abstract: A flexible web-hinge is extruded from plastic having two U-shaped parts connected together at the center of their backs by a flexible web, each with a slightly arced back and each having flat leaves extending from relatively rigid corners that are nearly right angles. The leaves extend from the edges of their backs toward each other such that a small gap is left between the free ends of the leaves through which a flat panel is to be inserted, one panel in each flexible hinge part. The flexible web from one hinge back to the other hinge back has a dimension that is greater than the outside width of the hinge back such that the leaves of each part is adapted to receive and grip a separate display panel, and one panel may be positioned relative to the other panel at any angle from 0.degree. to 360.degree..

Abstract: In the automatic transport of rectangular spinning cans between a can filling station and the work stations of textile machines which process sliver, it is known to arrange a can storage device in association with the can filling station, with a section of the can storage device for receiving empty cans from a traveling can transport vehicle and a section for storing and transferring full cans to the can transport vehicle, and with the can filling station between these two sections. The present invention contemplates the ordered and positionally exact transfer of the cans to and from the can transport vehicle by transferring of empty cans from the can transport vehicle to the empty can storage section such that the transferred empty cans immediately follow the empty cans already stored thereat. In the transfer of full cans to the can transport vehicle, a leading one of the full cans to be transferred is transferred into a corresponding leading one of the occupyable parking spaces on the can transport vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment system for coupling an object such as a small pouch or case or a tool or flashlight to a belt, backpack, knapsack, vest or the like. The attachment system includes a tab which is sewn to the belt, backpack or etc . . . and which has an elevated region defining a key-like opening. The system also includes a coupling member having a key-like structure which may be inserted into the opening in the tab member, and which may be rotated between a position wherein the coupling member is secured to the tab member and a second position wherein the coupling member may be detached from the tab member. The coupling member may be attached to a pouch or small case. In another embodiment, the coupling member can releasably attach the shaft of a tool or flashlight.

Abstract: A detachable fixing is formed from a single length of elongate material bent into first and second loop regions. One or both of the loop regions is formed as an elongate loop having a point of entry which is resiliently biased closed by the nature and formation of the material, and has one end of the elongate material disposed to form an exit from the loop.

Abstract: A device for securing wraparound packaging material includes a locking strap element formed with an elastic arm extending into an insertion channel of the locking element and a tightening element which is formed with a pivotal handle swingable between an open position of the arm of the strap element and a closed position of the arm defining securing of the wraparound material.

Abstract: A method of storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables (12) is provided by using a handcuff-like element (10) having jaws (14,16) that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item (12) is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item (12) to store same.

Abstract: A new Two Gear Hose Clamp for permitting access to, and operation of, the hose clamp from a variety of angles. The inventive device includes a circular clamping band, a driven worm screw, and a drive shaft perpendicular to the worm screw for driving the worm screw.

Abstract: A slider for slide fasteners comprises a slider body having a pair of upper and lower wings connected at one end by a neck portion to define a guide channel, a pull tab having a pintle provided at its one end and an attaching lug or lugs provided on the upper surface of the upper wing for pivotally connecting the pintle of the pull tab to the slider body. The upper wing has a land provided on the upper surface of the upper wing and disposed around the attaching lug or lugs. Correspondingly, the pull tab has a recessed surface on each side and adjacent to the pintle for receiving the land when the pull tab rests flat on the upper surface of the upper wing.

Abstract: A garment closing apparatus is provided comprising a base having a first clasping surface extending upwardly from a first end and a second clasping surface extending upwardly from a second end. A generally U-shaped spring clasp is rotatably coupled to the base such that it is movable to vary the dosing apparatus between an open mode and a closed mode. A wafer is adapted to support a decorative button thereon and is coupled to a U-shaped clip having a slot formed therein. The slot is adapted to receive a cylindrical post upstandingly secured to the base. The base is attached to an intersection point of a left bodice and right bodice of a blouse, dress, or blazer by configuring the closing apparatus to an open position, inserting the overlapping bodice material between the spring clasp and the first and second clasping surfaces and rotating the spring clasp to a closed position. The wafer is secured to the base by inserting the upstanding cylindrical post into the slot of the U-shaped clip.

Abstract: An improved reclosable fastener assembly is disclosed having a substantially C-shaped closure element which defines a channel, and a first arm and second arm extending from the ends thereof. Clasps are disposed on the ends of the arm portions which extend inwardly. A U-shaped closure element is further provided which has a curved centrally disposed portion and a pair of legs extending angularly outward from the center of the interior surface from the center line. The legs each have a hook on their end which extend laterally outward. A pair of bumpers are disposed on the base of the U-shaped member with a curved exterior portion between the end of the hook and the bumper on each side. The closure elements are constructed and arranged for reclosably fastening to each other over a predetermined length. One or more ribs are centrally disposed on the C-shape closure element which abut against the first and second legs and the curved portion during interlocking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pinch resistant buckle assembly to reduce the potential for pinching the skin of a person when connecting a female receptacle and a male latch of the assembly. The male latch has an outwardly extending engagement portion which is received by a female receptacle. The female receptacle has a body having a chamber adapted to releasably engage the engagement portion of the male latch. The chamber has an opening at the engagement end of the female receptacle body through which the engagement portion of the latch passes to engage the chamber.A guide shield is located adjacent the opening and extends substantially away from the opening in a direction from which the male latch is inserted. Extending the shield outwardly away from the opening effectively enlarges the area of the opening by providing a larger effective area to guide the engagement portion of the male latch into the opening. The guide shield provides an extended surface leading into the chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A web spreading apparatus for transversely spreading a web, such as a split web formed of a longitudinally uniaxially stretched film, includes a spreading means arranged in a travelling path of the web for transversely spreading the web. The spreading means comprises a curved rod-like member and projections arranged generally circumferentially about an axis of the curved rod-like member. The curved rod-like member is arranged so that the concave side is directed forward and the convex side is directed rearward, in the web travelling direction, and the projections are rotatable about the axis of the curved rod-like member at a speed higher than the travelling speed of the web. In one aspect, the curved rod-like member comprises a curved shaft and an outer tube arranged about the curved shaft and rotatable relative to the curved shaft, the projections being formed between the grooves cut on the outer tube. In another aspect, the projections are formed of a spring arranged about the curved rod-like member.

Abstract: A disposable case for deposing surgical blades includes a surgical blade removal device for removing a blade from a surgical knife handle. The case has an upper half and a bottom half connected by hinge means for allowing the upper half and the bottom half to be opened or closed, and also includes latches for securing the upper half and the bottom half together. Magnetic means are provided on the bottom half for retaining the blades thereon, with counting indicia provided thereon for designating and counting the blades that are to be disposed. A pad is provided on the outer surface of the upper half for receiving an adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive tape may be peeled from the pad and secured onto portions of the upper half and the bottom half to secure the case in a closed position.

Abstract: A rivet nut tool includes a lower handle defining a body and an upper handle pivotably connected thereto. A nosepiece is attached to the body. A collet case is mounted in the body and fixedly connected with the upper handle. An adjusting collar threadedly engages with the collet case and defines an adjusting knob. A lock nut threadedly engages with the adjusting collar and locates between the adjusting knob and the body. A mandrel is connected with the adjusting collar and extends through the adjusting collar, the collet case and the nosepiece. The mandrel defines a threaded portion protruding from the nosepiece and a mandrel knob distal to the threaded portion and in contact with the adjusting knob. The mandrel is so connected with the adjusting collar that it is rotatable relative to the adjusting collar and when a large pulling force is exerted on the mandrel knob, the connection between the mandrel and the adjusting collar will be released.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool for disassembling blowers on certain diesel engines such as those known as Detroit Diesel Engines includes a pair of hydraulically operated pistons that are pressurized by a manually operated hydraulic pump which translates the pistons at the same time to force the shafts of the gears in the blower to slide off of their respective shafts at the same time and onto the respective pistons. This captures the gears and prevents damage to the blower and its component parts. The hydraulic tool includes a platen that is bolted to the casing of the blower by utilizing the tapped holes that are used to bolt the end cover plate of the blower.

Abstract: A saw chain of a chain saw has its side links and center links interconnected by rivets. Prior to being staked, each rivet is in blank form and includes a cylindrical flange and a pair of barrels extending from opposite sides of the flange along a center axis thereof. Each barrel includes an axially inner cylindrical section and a tapered axially outer section. When the rivet is staked, the center section of each barrel fills a cylindrical portion of a hole formed in a respective side link, and the tapered section fills a chamfered portion of the hole to form a rivet head. The staked rivet bears against a wall of the cylindrical portion of the hole with a greater force than that with which the rivet bears against a wall of the tapered portion of the hole.

Abstract: A method of producing a disc of an automotive road wheel by using an aluminum alloy as a material. The producing method comprising the following steps: (1) casting a disc material including an annular spoke section which has a ridge and is formed with a depression, the depression defined by a bottom wall; and (2) forging the disc material to obtain the forged disc by applying a processing degree of not less than 15% to the bottom wall of the spoke section and by applying a stress of not less than 50 MPa to the ridge of the spoke section.

Abstract: A method of assembling a print head for an electrographic printer includes the steps of providing a flexible sheet having a microchannel print structure having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of alignment features relative to the longitudinal axis; providing a magnetic brush having a cylindrical axis and an outside shell; providing a fixture having alignment features for aligning the flexible sheet on the outside shell of the magnetic brush such that the longitudinal axis of the microchannel print structure is aligned parallel to the cylindrical axis of the magnetic brush and for conforming the microchannel print structure to the surface of the outside shell; andplacing the flexible sheet and the magnetic brush in the fixture and attaching the flexible sheet to the outside shell of the magnetic brush.

Abstract: A method of fabricating rotors for induction motors. In a first aspect, arcuately spaced apart rotor bars pass through channels the magnetic core of the motor. The rotors are formed of an elongate portion having a constant cross section parallel to the magnetic core laminations and include two portions protruding beyond the end laminations at opposite ends of the magnetic core. The protruding portions are, at one end, a head much like the head of a "T", and at the other end, a straight continuation of the elongate portion. The rotor bars are formed to fit closely with one another in an interleaving arrangement. The protruding portions form an end ring assembly which is subjected to a consolidation process. In this way, for a rotor having N rotor bars, there will only be N braze joints in each end ring.

Abstract: A method of modifying an alternator so that it may replace a generator on an older model motorcycle. The steps are: (a) removing the dog or dogs from the alternator housing; (b) removing the belt pulley from the rotor shaft; (c) removing the alternator nose housing from the alternator tail housing; (d) shortening the rotor shaft; (e) mounting a shaft adapter on the rotor shaft stub; (f) securing the alternator nose housing to the alternator tail housing; (g) securing an adapter plate to the outer end of the alternator nose housing; and (h) mounting a gear wheel on the adapter shaft.

Abstract: A resist is applied or an inorganic oxide is put from over the upper surface of a coil formed on an insulating layer and including wire members of a rectangular cross-section and channels between the wire members of the coil are filled halfway with the resist or the inorganic oxide. A space left in the channel is then coated with the inorganic oxide. The inorganic oxide, which is used in this manner for the purpose of preventing the deformation of the coil due to a secular change, can be filled without generating voids in the channel between the wire members, the physical strength of the most important upper location of the wire member becomes high and the electric characteristics of the coil are improved.

Abstract: An integrated electrical system includes a first conductor for receiving current from power lines or other equipment. The conductor is coupled to a conventional vacuum switch for controlling flow of current through the system. A current collector coupled to the vacuum switch collects current from the vacuum switch. A second conductor coupled to the current collector delivers current to equipment or lines externally of the device. The components of the system are housed within an inner epoxy encapsulated within Polysil. The epoxy preferably has temperature characteristics which are similar to that of Polysil to prevent cracking due to temperature stress. At least one sensor may also be provided integrally with the components for detecting faults or for sensing general power line conditions. A preferred voltage sensor has resistive shielding for accurate sensing in adverse environments.

Abstract: A head suspension for attachment to a disk drive rigid arm comprises a load beam in which the flexure has a tongue provided with a shaped feature oriented toward the head on the slider-confronting surface of the tongue along at least one static offset torque axis. The shaped feature, in conjunction with an adhesive bond area between the flexure tongue and the top of the slider, is used to eliminate static roll and/or static pitch offsets between the suspension and the slider.

Abstract: An arcuate scan tape drive for transferring data to and from a data tape, including a base with four side walls and a cover, which base and cover together have a 31/2 inch form factor. In one embodiment, the head carrier assembly is provided at an oblique angle with respect to the data tape and the front surface is conically shaped. Thus, during rotation of the head carrier assembly, the recording heads are proximate to the data tape during read or write operations, but are spaced away from the data tape at other times. The head carrier assembly includes an inside-out spin motor for rotating the head carrier assembly and a pivot motor structure at the rear of the head carrier assembly for pivoting the head carrier assembly in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of advancement of the tape.

Abstract: A lead acid bipolar battery comprises a plurality of bipolar electrodes stacked between two monopolar end collectors in turn closed by end plates. All electrodes have respective plastic stiffening edge frames. The spacer frames are interposed between the electrodes to support the electrode frames. The spacer frames contain electrolyte supporting material and have electrolyte inlet bores and gas outlets. The stack is surrounded by a layer of eventually strengthened polyolefin material which seals the stack and provides a housing for the battery.

Abstract: A first printed board transferred from a prior process on an inlet conveyer is placed on a moving unit at a first switching position. The moving unit moves to a second switching position while mounting the first printed board with electronic components from a component feeding section. During this process, a second printed board stands by at the second switching position via the inlet conveyer, a transit path and an intermediate conveyer. At the second switching position, the second printed board is placed on the moving unit while shunting out the first printed board onto an outlet conveyer for transfer to a subsequent process. The moving unit moves to the first switching position while mounting the second printed board with the electronic components from the component feeding section.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer ceramic circuit substrate having therein internal conductor patterns comprising W and/or Mo as a main component and surface conductor patterns comprising Cu as a main component formed onto a surface layer of the multilayer ceramic circuit substrate, wherein an intermediate metal layer comprising 40 to 90 wt. % of W and/or Mo and 10 to 60 wt. % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ir, Pt, Ti, and Cr is formed in through-holes of the surface layer and on parts of the surface layer in the vicinity of the through holes on the surface layer, whereby the internal conductor patterns and the surface conductor patterns are electrically connected through the intermediate metal layer. The alumina multilayer ceramic circuit substrate enables an excellent bonding strength and electrical conductivity between the internal conductors and the surface conductors and high precision wiring and miniaturization of an electronic circuit part.

Abstract: A ball bump grid array package includes dies on one surface of a printed wiring board (PWB) and an array of ball bumps on the other surface of the PWB. The die is interconnected with the ball bumps by bond wires, traces on the one surface of the PWB, vias through the PWB and traces on the other surface of the PWB. Various die encapsulation schemes are discussed. The PWB is formed of FR4, BT, teflon or polyimide, or ceramic materials. The die may be connected to the traces on the one surface of the PWB with solder balls, rather than with bond wires. Two or more dies may be disposed on the one surface of the PWB, within the plastic molded body. The ball bumps on the other surface of the PWB may be arranged in a multiple grid pitch array--ball bumps within a central area being on a first pitch, and ball bumps without the central area being on a second pitch which is a multiple of the first pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for mounting chips exactly on a PCB without making a camera coordinate system coincide with a table coordinate system of a rotary-type chip mount system. The process comprises the steps of reading positional difference and angular difference between a camera coordinate system and a table coordinate system as values in the camera coordinate system by means of a jig nozzle, transforming the values to those of the table coordinate system, and using the transformed values as compensation data when mounting chips on PCB.

Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for directly attaching a device or package on flexible organic circuit carriers having low cost and high reliability. IC chips with a new solder interconnect structure, comprised of a layer of pure tin, deposited on the top of high melting Pb--Sn solder balls are employed for joining. These methods, techniques and metallurgical structures enables direct attachment of electronic devices of any complexity to any substrate and to any level of packaging hierarchy. Also, devices or packages having other joining technologies, eg. SMT, BGA, TBGA, etc. could be joined onto the flexible circuit carrier.

Abstract: Multilayer printed circuit boards, foil printed circuit boards and metal-clad laminates for foil circuit boards and a process for the manufacture thereof, with interfacial connections structured in insulator layers, with resist openings of surface structured in resist coatings, with current paths structured in conductor layers and with contact points and in which for reducing the number of photochemical structurings or patternings required the interfacial connections and resist openings are mechanically structured, in that interfacial connection openings preworked in insulator layers are etched according to interfacial connection structures of mask foils, that in the interfacial connection openings are deposited electrically conductive deposition substances for the formation of contact layers in said openings.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical socket having an insertion part, a receptacle, and an electrically conductive terminal therebetween. The insertion part and the receptacle are at an angle to each other and the conductive terminal is bent at substantially the same angle. A tubular member is molded and one end of the conductive terminal is inserted through an insertion hole in the closed end so that the other end projects therefrom. This end is bent, preferably to a 90.degree. angle with the remainder of the conductive terminal, thereby forming the core member. The core member is inserted into a mold whereby, when molding resin is introduced into said mold, the outer tube and the receptacle are integrally formed.

Abstract: A lightweight composite tubular camshaft having an array of cams positioned therealong and method of making same wherein an array of blind predrilled holes into an outer surface of a hollow camshaft tube keyway. Each cam has a keyway groove opening to one side of, and to the inner surface of, a cam through-bore preformed for mounting close fitting on the tube at a preselected tube hole cam location to provide a desired angular orientation timing of the cams upon assembly on the tube. One end of a timing pin key is inserted in each blind hole and the opposite pin end protrudes therefrom. Each cam is slid into its axial location with its groove engaging the pin protruding end to locate the cam in its desired angular orientation. The cams are then permanently locked in position by permanent deformation expansion of the tube into interference engagement with the respective cams.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tappet which is used in an internal combustion engine of vehicles is provided. A core material of the tappet has a helical groove on the outer circumferential surface, and a wear resistant coating layer, the ends of which are chamfered. In the vicinity of the end of the core material the helical groove gradually becomes small toward the end, thereby preventing peaks of the helical groove from exposure to the outside.

Abstract: A plurality of hollow blades are produced by assembling a plurality of titanium sheets and a plurality of titanium blocks into a stack. At least one of the sheets is provided with a stop off material on one of its surfaces at a plurality of longitudinally spaced pre-selected areas to prevent diffusion bonding at these areas to define the hollow interiors of the blades. The edges and ends of the sheets are welded together and the blocks are welded to the sheets. The assembly is heated and externally pressurised to diffusion bond the sheets and blocks together. The integral structure so formed is then heated and internally pressurised to superplastically form at least one of the sheets at each of the pre-selected areas to produce a plurality of hollow blades. Thereafter the hollow blades are separated from each other by machining and simultaneously producing the aerofoil shapes.

Abstract: A catalytic converter includes a casing tube having a given internal diameter. At least two individual honeycomb bodies through which a fluid can flow in a given flow direction, are disposed in the casing tube. The honeycomb bodies are formed of structured metal layers forming flow channels. The layers are joined to the casing tube by joining techniques, such as hard brazing. The honeycomb bodies have a given theoretical strain-free diameter and have an internal layout making the honeycomb bodies elastic and permitting the honeycomb bodies to be inserted into the casing tube with an elastic compression of from 2 to 10% of the given theoretical strain-free diameter and with prestress. A method for producing a catalytic converter includes forming at least two honeycomb bodies with a given theoretical strain-free diameter from structured metal layers defining channels through which a fluid can flow in a given direction.

Abstract: Flywheel-based energy storage devices are provided along with methods for their use and fabrication. The devices have the capacity to store electric energy as kinetic energy and to generate electric energy from the stored kinetic energy. Preferred devices comprise a pair of counter-rotating anisotropic flywheels which are designed to rapidly rotate within an evacuated housing. The flywheels comprise a lightweight hub and a circumferentially-wound fiber rim. The hub and rim are fabricated from materials having high tensile strength and are connected with system of novel tube assemblies positioned around the hub parallel to the axis of rotation. The flywheel are principally supported by magnetic bearings and are further stabilized during rotation by a self-restoring liquid bearing system.

Abstract: A wrenchless collet for attaching a surgical saw blade to an oscillating handpiece. The collet is provided within a housing attached to the handpiece and contains a clamping means for holding the blade and a bi-stable operating mechanism capable of holding the clamping means in either an open position to receive the blade or in a closed position to hold the blade for use with the handpiece. The bi-stable operating mechanism is activated into either position by simply being pushed in one direction or another. In one embodiment, the bi-stable operating mechanism comprises a shaft which may be positioned to one axial extreme or the other and which is held in the chosen position by a spring which frictionally engages the collet housing to maintain the clamping means in either an open or closed position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus for measuring a foot's length and width to correspond to a shoe size and a method to eliminate multiplexers and demultiplexers in circuits. The apparatus is a low profile self-contained apparatus comprising a transducing medium, a microcontroller, a reference impedance element, a signal amplifier, an analog to digital conversion circuit, and a display to generate and display foot sizing data. A microcontroller unit ?is connected directly to the hybrid multiplexing circuit which! contains algorithms which solve a set of linear equations to indirectly determine the electronic image of a foot. The shoe size is then calculated using a sizing algorithm and then displayed on a display which is connected to the output of the microcontroller unit.

Abstract: An automated hole inspection system for measuring, on a plurality of planes, the diameter of a hole in a workpiece includes a hole gauge for measurement of a hole diameter in one plane, and a remote centering compliance device connected to the proximal end of the probe for allowing the probe to move laterally, perpendicularly to the probe axis, to self-center in the hole. A center locking device locks the remote centering compliance device on the axis of the probe after the probe has self-centered in the hole. A rotary actuator rotates the remote centering compliance device to rotate the probe to a new desired plane for making an additional diameter measurement in the hole.

Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer includes an upper body for supporting a heat transmissive plate with a comb extending from one side of the heat transmissive plate and a lower body for attachment to an outlet of the hair dryer. The heat transmissive plate is heated by the hot air exiting the hair dryer's outlet. The upper body of the attachment includes vents positioned about the heat transmissive plate for directing heated air generally in front of and behind the heat transmissive plate, and a pair of side vents for directing heated air to the sides of the heat transmissive plate. The lower body of the attachment may include a plurality of inner ribs positioned at its internal surface or a plurality of flexible inner segments situated within the internal surface, either of which serve to attach the lower body to the hair dryer outlet. The hair dryer attachment thus provides a simple means for using a hair dryer to dry and straighten one's hair.

Abstract: An apparatus for the enhanced drying of shoes and boots is provided, having a main housing cylinder having a first end cap secured to a main housing, with a fan motor and screen directing forced air into a heated grid of the main housing cylinder, with the main housing cylinder including directing conduits, with the directing conduits arranged for receiving L-shaped tubes for insertion within boots, and wherein the organization is arranged for disassembly for securing the L-shaped conduits within the main housing during transport and storage of the organization.

Abstract: A clothes drying apparatus has the general shape of a drying sleeve with sufficient length and width to hold an article of clothing for drying. The article of clothing is placed in the drying sleeve and synch lines on each end of the drying sleeve are closed thereby retaining the article of clothing inside of the drying sleeve. The drying sleeve can then be hung out to dry.