Abstract: The structure of a T-shirt is modified without removal of any of the fabric of the T-shirt. Fabric of the T-shirt neck opening at a portion adjacent a first shoulder portion of the T-shirt is pulled into a V-shape with the apex of the V-shape pointed toward said first shoulder of the T-shirt. Fabric of the sleeve opening for said first shoulder is pulled upward toward said first shoulder so as to cause the sleeve opening to form a V-shape with the apex of the V-shape pointed toward the V-shape of the neck opening. The fabric between the V-shape of the neck opening and the V-shape of the sleeve opening is secured in a gathered condition along a line on the shoulder of the T-shirt. The line of gathered T-shirt fabric between the V-shaped neck and sleeve openings is between approximately 1 and 4 inches in length.

Abstract: A puncture resistant surgical glove which is sterilizable, supple, and contains a leak detection mechanism for the purpose of protecting the wearer from the biohazard of microorganism inoculation via hand skin puncture is disclosed. A condom having a leak detection mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for detachably securing emblems, or the like, to articles of clothing, such as caps, hats, shirts, jackets, belts, and shoes. The system employs the combination of two magnetically attractive elements, for example, a magnet and a plate or a piece of ferromagnetic material. One or more magnets or pieces of the ferromagnetic material may be embedded in or adhesively attached to the clothing. Similarly, one or more magnets or pieces of the ferromagnetic material may be embedded in or attached to one or more emblems. The emblems are placed over selected ones of the magnetically attractive elements in the clothing, and thereby magnetically secured thereto. The method contemplates that a user may retrofit new or existing clothing, to enjoy the advantages of the present invention, without having to buy either new or specially manufactured clothing.

Abstract: A garment comprising first and second sections of substantially equal size arranged on opposite sides of a vertex. The distal portions of the first and second sections have greater fabric surface than the medial portion of the garment. When the medial portion is draped on or about the body, the medial portion imparts a more sparse appearance than the distal portions of the first and second sections. When the garment is draped around an area of the body, the first and second sections form a generally collapsed cone-shaped configuration, displaying a neat and attractive appearance when the garment is worn.

Abstract: A leg protector for trousers comprises a strip of rubber material forming a loop that projects downwardly below the bottom edge of the leg opening in the trouser leg. Stitching attaches the rubber protector in such a manner that a finished hem is formed. Also disclosed is a method of forming a leg protector for trousers while simultaneously forming the finished hem.

Abstract: A garment having an interior closeable pocket designed to conceal the backing of post-production embroidery on the garment. Standard embroidering equipment may be inserted into said pocket to produce a garment having a closeable pocket designed to conceal the backing of post-production embroidery on the garment. The pocket includes a closeable opening which conceals post-production embroidery and which is large enough to accommodate standard embroidering equipment.

Abstract: An improved impact absorbing composite comprising protective gear including a shell and a protective layer and a fitting pad comprising a substantially air-tight foam-filled enclosure attached to the protective gear and providing means for adjusting the internal pressure of the enclosure.

Abstract: A transportable and foldable toilet seat attachment device for use with a conventional toilet, the toilet including a bowl with an upwardly facing rim onto which is pivotably engaged a conventional toilet seat cover. The attachment device includes a first generally arcuate shaped portion having an established length, width and thickness and a second likewise arcuate shaped portion being a substantially a mirror image of the first portion and being pivotally attached to the first portion at first and second respective and opposing ends established along a common axis. The first and second arcuate shaped portions each have an outer extending edge, a spaced and inner extending edge defining the width of the arcuate portion, an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly facing surface, the first and second arcuate portions further defining therebetween a central opening of a selected dimension.

Abstract: A boat-supported water misting and cooling apparatus, the boat including tubular framework closely associated with the useful open areas of the boat. The apparatus includes a plurality of water misting nozzles each of which discharge pressurized water as a very fine mist. A flexible water (micro) tubing is operably connectable to each misting nozzle for dispensing pressurized water therefrom, the water tubing also being connectable at the other end thereof to a pressurized water source. Retaining clips are each connectable to a section of tubular framework to support the misting nozzles and water tubing adjacent each open area of the boat whereby mist discharging from the misting nozzles is distributed to cool occupants within each misting zone by evaporation substantially before skin or boat surface contact thus avoiding any substantial water buildup.

Abstract: A spa enclosure for a spa tub is provided with a cabinet having at least one towel bar or towel hook and which at least partially recesses into the wall of the enclosure. The cabinet is provided with vent openings which permit heat cogenerated by a water pump used to pump water in the spa, an air blower, and/or a water heater to enter the cabinet by convection, heat towels provided on the bars or hooks, and exit through an upper portion of the cabinet. No additional dedicated heating element is provided to heat the towels. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the cabinet is hinged at a lower portion to the enclosure and pivots about the hinge to open. The front and sides of the cabinet are preferably insulated to retain heat within the cabinet, and likewise, the enclosure may be insulated. A supply of towels may be kept in the cabinet or towels may be placed in the cabinet just prior to entering the spa tub.

Abstract: A shower drain assembly (10) is provided for use with a shower having a base drain opening. The drain assembly includes a drain fitting (12), an annular pressure plate (26), and an annular collar (28). The drain fitting has an upper lateral flange (14) and an upright cylindrical portion (16) extending downward from the underside of the flange. The cylindrical portion includes a number of shelves (18) extending laterally. Spaces (19) are available between shelves. The annular collar (28) includes an inner diameter with a number of ribs (30) extending laterally inward from the collar inner diameter surface. The collar also includes a number of holes (34), each hole being adapted to engage a corresponding fastener (32).

Abstract: A kit for installing a bath spout onto any one of a number of different pipe ends extending from a wall is described and includes a number of adapters sized to enable different pipe ends to be coupled into a standard screw thread of internal conduit inside the bath spout. One adapter enables the screw thread of a pipe end to be effectively enlarged. Another adapter slips onto the smooth outer surface of a pipe and makes a sealing contact with this surface while having one end provided with an enlarged external screw thread to mesh with a corresponding screw thread of a conduit inside the bath spout. An inner conduit is described which in one embodiment is made of a number of inter-connectable segments with which the length of the inner conduit can be adjusted and in another embodiment the inner conduit is formed of a single unitary structure with a several screw threads at a distal end to be able to adjust the length of the inner conduit with the removal of the distal thread.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person in achieving a standing position. The apparatus include a base, a frame extending upward from the base, a lifting arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a platform upon which a person can stand, and an actuator which is controlled to raise and lower the lifting arm. The apparatus also includes a sling assembly which is removably attachable to the lifting arm. The sling assembly includes matched sets of attachment loops for attaching the sling assembly to the lifting arm. The sling assembly also includes at least one caregiver handle on an outer back portion thereof.

Abstract: A crib dropside assembly is provided by the invention, including hardware for permitting the dropside to be raised or lowered with respect to a crib. The dropside includes a pin track including relatively long and relatively short, generally vertical segments, and a connecting segment connecting the relatively long and short segments. A pin access slot extends into one of the segments, and has an open end for permitting the entrance of a pin. The pin is preferably coupled to one of the crib endboards. A movable gate is provided for blocking the pin access slot when in a first position and opening the pin access slot when in a second position. An end cap may further be provided for providing access to a second slot formed in the dropside. The end cap may include a glide surface which bears against a crib corner post, thereby allowing the dropside to operate smoothly.

Abstract: A fitting arrangement for a folding bed, preferably a wall folding bed, includes a first fitting part on the corpus or body of the bed; a second fitting part on the folding bed, supported pivotally on the first fitting part; and a first holder on the corpus of the bed and a second holder on the folding bed to hold devices, especially spring devices, which exert force on the folding bed to push it into its up position. The first holder is provided on the first fitting part and the second holder is provided on the second fitting part.

Abstract: A sleeping bag having a compact foot space configuration for user warmth in cold ambient temperatures and an expanded foot space configuration for user comfort in mild to warm ambient temperatures. The sleeping bag includes an elongate shell defining a volume sized and shaped to receive a user therein. The shell has an outer surface, a head end portion, a foot end portion and left and right lateral sides. An opening extends generally along at least one of the lateral sides generally in the foot end portion. A pocket made of limp material and associated with the shell is generally in the opening. In the expanded configuration, the pocket and shell define a first foot space volume of the sleeping bag extending through the opening in the shell to a location spaced from the outer surface of the shell.

Abstract: A system for transporting an ill or injured patient includes a stretcher in combination with a plurality of medical care modules that respectively include medical devices such as an infusion pump, an oxygen supply device, a defibrillator, an EKG unit, or the like, and medical and first aid supplies such as bandages, splints, IV supplies, drugs, medical instruments, and the like. The stretcher includes a frame and a patient support surface, as well as module bays provided under the frame or a module carrier removably mounted on the frame. The several medical care modules each have the same dimensions and configuration so that they are modularly interchangeable to be received in any one of the module bays or on the module carrier. When the medical care modules are slidingly pushed into the module bays, electrical contacts are engaged to connect the modules with an electrical power supply and a data transfer bus, through the stretcher.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable covered pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by a user in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes an inflatable airtight chamber sandwiched between first and second fabric sheets in one embodiment, and surrounded by a fabric sleeve in another. The airtight chamber and first and second fabric sheets, or the fabric sleeve, are joined by a seam to the airtight chamber. One of the fabric sheets may include an adhesive securing tab to facilitate wrapping the fabric sheets around the airtight chamber and keeping the fabric sheets in place. The inflatable pillow may also include a sanitary sheet, joined to the inflatable pillow along the seam. The sanitary sheet provides a cover for the pillow in a deflated state, and helps to keep the pillow clean by insulating the pillow from a seat, window, or other items upon which a user may place a pillow.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable orthopedic pillow having both a size and shape effective to maintain elevation of one or both of a patient's lower extremities to a position favorable for the reduction of chronic edematous swelling. The shape and construction of the device provides an area effective for the isolation of a patient's foot so that the heel and surrounding area is floating in midair. At the same time, the entire leg is cradled upon an inflated surface which yields to pressure and thus minimizes the formation of secondary ulcers due to prolonged periods of contact of the surrounding tissues with the device.

Abstract: An ergonomic seat cushion for greatly reducing and absorbing shock and isolating vibration even at high frequency ratios. An operator of heavy equipment such as construction vehicles, forklifts, dump trucks, tractors and like vehicles having poor shock absorbing systems can install the cushion on top of an existing seat. The ergonomic seat cushion serves to prevent and limit injuries through the spine, particularly the lower back and reduce neck pain, headaches and overall fatigue. The seat cushion includes a cushion cover with a visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad sandwiched between a pair of closed cell foam pads. The pads are received inside the cushion cover. The cushion cover is made of a water-resistant fabric for both indoor and outdoor use and includes straps for securing the cushion on top of the vehicle's seat. The visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad is constructed of a polyether based polyurethane material.

Abstract: A child's bed mat provides a comfortable sleeping surface which includes vibration devices for soothing a child to sleep. A vertical portion of the mat is strapped in an upright attitude to the vertical rungs of a crib, for instance, and enables the placement of a control box out of reach of the child. The mat is constructed so as to be easily folded for portability.

Abstract: The Geared Wheelchair Ramp is a wheelchair lift system designed to be a substitute for conventional ramps used to allow accessibility between floor levels. The key of the invention is a gearing system that allows the occupant of a modified wheelchair to go up or down moderate level changes under his own power using the same or less effort required for a conventional ramp. The advantage being that the geared wheelchair ramp requires only a small fraction of the space and is less expensive than a conventional ramp.

Abstract: The substrate washing apparatus of the present invention comprises a film scrub member permeable to liquid, which is moved relatively to a substrate held substantially horizontally while being in contact with the substrate, a supporting portion for supplying the film scrub member, a supply pipe for supplying a cleaning liquid to the substrate through the film scrub member, cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the supply pipe, pressing means for pressing the film scrub member supplied with the cleaning liquid and swollen, to the substrate, and relative moving means for horizontally moving the film scrub member supplied with the cleaning liquid and swollen, relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning sensitive components such as those used in the disk drive and semi-conductor industries. The cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes of an adhesive tip mounted on a handle. The adhesive tip may be fixedly or rotatably mounted on the handle, and is further comprised of an adhesive film which may be wrapped about the handle or formed over a more compliant or more resilient surface. The adhesive film is preferably a low residue, low out gassing material which may easily remove particles from the surface of precision components without further contaminating the component.

Abstract: A paint roller includes a core tube having first and second opposite axial ends. At least one tuftstring is spirally wrapped around the core tube and adhesively or otherwise bound to the core tube.

Abstract: A wiping strip for a motor vehicle screen wiper is in the form of a profiled element of vulcanised material consisting of rubber or an elastomeric material, having a surface layer for reducing the coefficient of friction between the wiping strip and a glass surface to be wiped. The surface layer is formed by immersion of the profiled element in a solution, or by exposing the profiled element to the solution in atomised form. The solution consists of a solvent with a powder, such as graphite, dispersed in it. The step of forming the surface layer is carried out during the step of vulcanising the material of the profiled element.

Abstract: A paint brush holder is provided which conveniently retains paint brushes, especially during the wire brushing of the paint brushes. The paint brush holder comprises a tray having an upper surface and a lower surface. Disposed upon the upper surface is a plurality of slots, each having a low portion and a raised portion. Such slots can be used to conveniently retain paint brushes disposed upon their edges. The paint brush holder can further comprise a shaped recess having a wide portion and a narrow portion for conveniently retaining a paint brush disposed horizontally.

Abstract: An electric motor driven bypass type vacuum cleaner apparatus, particularly adapted for wet/dry debris collection includes an open top debris collection tank having opposed integrally formed cup-shaped feet for supporting said apparatus in a stable position on a support surface. The tank includes a recess in a sidewall and a bottom wall for receiving a conduit member which may be interchangeably used as a connector for connecting a flexible vacuum hose to the tank and as a blower discharge nozzle. A flexible vacuum pickup hose is connected to the conduit member generally at the bottom side of the debris collection tank and, in a stored position on the apparatus, is trained through a recess in the bottom wall of the tank and over the top of a motor housing and shroud assembly to a connection point in one of the support feet adjacent the conduit member. The vacuum hose, when stored, is retained in a recess in the shroud which also serves as a carrying handle for the apparatus.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy hinge assembly for deploying at least a first object in a controllable, substantially shockless manner is disclosed. Generally, the hinge assembly includes at least a first flexure member capable of moving from a first, folded configuration to a second, straightened configuration, and a controller for controlling the movement of at least the first flexure member as the first flexure member moves or reconfigures from the folded configuration to the straightened configuration.

Abstract: In order to fabricate a hinge device for opening and closing an opening and closing member which is opened and closed one-sidedly or relatively in respect of a main body of the device in a small size, with a structure as simple as possible and inexpensively, the device is constituted by a shaft installed with a flange portion at one end portion thereof, a fixing member having a rotational lock which is engaged with other end portion of the shaft such that the fixing member does not come of f the other end portion and fixed to one connecting portion of the opening and closing member which is constituted to be rotatable along with the shaft, a fixed cam having a rotational lock which is fixed to other connecting portion of the opening and closing member while rotatably inserting the rotating shaft through a central portion thereof on a side of the flange portion of the rotating shaft, a rotary sliding cam which is installed between the fixed cam and the fixing member, engaged with the shaft inserted through a c

Abstract: An articulated door hinge attaching a vehicle door having an outer surface with a leading edge and an inner surface to a vehicle pillar having an outer surface and an inner surface, the door hinge including a pillar half linkage having a base rigidly attached to the pillar inner surface and a bearing surface projecting from the base supporting a pair of horizontally spaced rotary center shafts, a door half linkage having a base rigidly attached to the door inner surface and a bearing surface projecting from the base supporting a pair of horizontally spaced rotary center shafts, a forward link connecting corresponding longitudinally forward most rotary center shafts of the door half linkage to the pillar half linkage, and a rearward link connecting corresponding longitudinally rearward most rotary center shafts of the door half linkage to the pillar half linkage thereby creating an articulated door hinge, the articulated door hinge operable between a door closed position where the door outer surface leading ed

Abstract: A hinge for metal cabinets has a first bearing support mounted to a body of a metal cabinet. A second U-shaped bearing support is attached to the door leaf of the metal cabinet by being inserted into a cutout provided in a corner area of an angled portion of the door leaf. The angled portion extends toward the body of the metal cabinet. A rotation axle of the hinge mounted in the first bearing support is positioned at an external side of the door leaf in the area of the angled portion. The second bearing support has a first bore. A fastener is received in the first bore for attaching the second bearing support to the door leaf. The first bore extends angularly to the door leaf and the angled portion. A U-shaped support bracket has U-legs embracing the second bearing support. The U-legs rests on the door leaf and the angled portion. The support bracket is provided with a second bore for penetration by the fastener.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shirt-locking device comprises a fastening device and a weight slidably mounted on the fastening device. The fastening device includes a central portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the central portion being in the shape of a pin and the second end of the central portion being in the shape of a cooperating hook for holding the first end in a closed position. The weight is approximately 1 ounce and includes a bore into which the central portion of the fastening device is disposed. In another embodiment of the present invention, a shirt-locking device comprises a fastening device, a generally U-shaped bracket mounted on the fastening device and a weight slidably mounted on the bracket. In use, the fastening device of both shirt-locking device embodiments can be used to affix the bottom portion of a shirt, or other similar material, in a tucked position down and against an undergarment, or other similar garment.

Abstract: A device for adjusting and clamping the toothed strap of a fastening for sports footwear comprises a base, a stopping ratchet mechanism with a first lever for engaging the teeth of the strap in order to stop it, and an advancing ratchet mechanism with a second lever for engaging the teeth of the strap in order to advance it, in which the second lever of the advancing ratchet mechanism is articulated to the first lever of the stopping ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A combination lawn/garden ornament and cremation container comprises a decorative structure adapted to be displayed outdoors on a lawn or in a garden of a loved one of a deceased and an openable and closable compartment adapted to contain cremated remains of the deceased. In one embodiment the combination comprises a hollow pedestal upon which is mounted a sundial, and a tube positioned within the pedestal with a cap removably secured on an end thereof. In another embodiment the combination comprises a stepping stone, a portion of which is adapted to be displayed above a ground surface, and a container, integral with the stepping stone, extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof, and a cover removably secured to the container. In yet another embodiment the combination comprises a planter box and a container forming a part of the planter box and a cover removably secured to the container.

Abstract: A method of forming a papermakers' felt first comprises providing a needle loom having a needle board, a plurality of needles mounted on the needle board, and a needle motion unit. The needle motion unit moves the needle board such that the needles mounted thereon travel on a predetermined path that includes upward and downward segments, wherein each of the upward and downward segments includes both forward and rearward motion. The method then comprises the step of continuously conveying a base fabric and a batt web overlying the base fabric in a first direction past the needle board. The base fabric includes a first set of machine direction yarns and a first set of cross machine direction yarns interwoven with the first set of machine direction yarns in a predetermine repeating pattern, and the batt web comprises batt fibers.

Abstract: A method of assembling strings of pocketed coil springs into an innerspring core which may be used as the core of a mattress, cushion or similar body support foundation uses plastic netting reinforced nonwoven webs supplied between a pair of spaced apart heated rolls. Strings of pocketed coil springs are fed in seriatim into the nip between the rolls to heat the netting and activate an integral adhesive to bond the webs to the top and bottom surfaces of the pockets of each string. The core formed thus has reinforced webs on the top and bottom of the strings. The process overcomes the problems encountered when hot melt spraying is utilized to bond the pocketed coil strings together.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping and joining together adjacent duct sections. The hand tool includes jaws which are adapted to be wedged between the wall and the drive edge of the adjacent duct sections respectively where the hand tool is used in a first orientation where the hand tool is positioned generally perpendicularly to the walls of the duct sections. A notch in each of the jaws defines a time which is adapted to be wedged between the wall and the drive edge of the adjacent duct sections respectively where the tool is used in a second orientation where the tool is positioned generally parallel to the wall of the duct sections. The handle on the tool is closed to bring the jaws together and thus the duct sections gripped thereby together into abutting relationship so as to allow a drive cleat to be applied to the drive edges of the duct sections to secure the duct sections together. A locking assembly associated with the handle allows the tool to be clamped to the duct sections.

Abstract: A universal fixture for a pre-assembly of computer components includes a base and a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to various inclined positions. At least one support arm interconnects the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position. A fixture is rotatably mounted on the support plate and includes various positioning stops and an adjustable slide for properly positioning various computer components for attaching chassis mounting devices to the components. The adjustment of the support plate and rotation of the fixture provide ergonomic advantages to the assembler performing the pre-assembly operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for minimizing undesirable gaps in riveted assemblies. The method includes the steps of selecting a rivet having a head and a tail with identical forming characteristics, positioning the selected rivet in an assembly that is countersunk on one of two sides, and applying a force over time to the head of the rivet and a force over time to the tail of the rivet that are equal and opposite, compensating for force unbalancing characteristics of the countersink.

Abstract: A method for removably mounting to a chassis a computer component having a first surface with a first aperture extending therein and a second surface having a second aperture therein. The method includes inserting a first protrusion of an attachment assembly into the first aperture and inserting a second protrusion of the assembly into the second aperture to restrict motion of the assembly relative to the component. The method further includes engaging a first portion of the assembly with a first surface of the chassis facing the first portion, and engaging a second portion of the assembly with a second surface of the chassis facing the second portion to restrict motion of the component relative to the chassis.

Abstract: The method of installing a handle in a mattress border comprising the step of bending a back strap and a material into a U shape so that inside surface is convex outward and so that first apertures are aligned, inserting a pulling tool through the aligned apertures, coupling a second coupling means to a first coupling means, and using the tool to pull the handle so that one of anchors passes through the first aligned apertures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the molding 1 comprising a forming process of preparing a molded material 100 which is used as a core metal 10 and has a uniform sectional configuration by forming a material of the core metal 10 into a predetermined configuration; a cut-off process of cutting off a part of the molded material 100 to prepare the core metal 10 whose sectional configuration is varied; and an extrusion process of variably extruding the synthetic resin 19 onto a surface of the core metal 10 by moving a movable die 41 according to the sectional configuration of the core metal 10, using an extruding die body 40 and the movable die 41 installed on the die body 40. According to this method, the adherence of the synthetic resin to the core metal can be reliably accomplished, and thus the molding-manufacturing method having a high productivity can be provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a sensor for sensing signals on conductors includes the step of forming a plurality of antenna element openings in a plurality of green tape ceramic sheets. Each antenna element opening includes a central opening and annular opening surrounding the central opening. The method includes the step of stacking successive green tape ceramic sheets so that central and annular openings are aligned with each other while also forming a planar sensor face that is to be placed adjacent the conductors to be sensed. The central openings and annular openings are filled with conductive paste. The stacked green tape ceramic sheets are heated to cure the green tape ceramic sheets and conductive paste. A signal processing integrated circuit is mounted on the side opposite the planar sensor face that is to be placed adjacent the conductors to be sensed. The method also includes the step of connecting the cured conductive paste filling central opening to the signal processing integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention extends the high resistance lead layers of a read head straight back into the head from each of the first and second edges of the read sensor. This lessens the length of each of the high resistance lead layers so that they do not have to be made thicker to satisfy resistance requirements. Accordingly, a lateral width of each high resistance lead portion along the ABS and a thickness thereof are chosen so as to minimize the thickness while yet satisfying the resistance requirements. Further, a method of making the first and second lead layers is provided that minimizes the thickness of the high resistance lead layers. Instead of constructing the high resistance lead layers first, the present method constructs the high resistance lead layers after defining a stripe height of the read sensor so that the lateral expanse of the high resistance lead layers is not altered by ion milling, which ion milling increases the resistance of the high resistance lead layers.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: The cycle time for mounting electronic components supplied from a tray can be shortened. An electronic component feeder (16) for mounting electronic components has a plurality of height levels (L1, L2, and L3) and can move tables (19, 20, 21) horizontally at the respective levels (L1, L2, and L3). A plurality of conveyers (22, 23, 24) are provided for the respective tables to move them to a pickup stage (A) from a standby stage (B). Transfer head (13) includes nozzles (14a, 14b, 14c) for attracting electronic components by suction, and an upward-downward moving mechanism which moves the nozzles in accordance with the height level of each tray on the pickup stage (A). Since the trays are arranged at the different height levels at the pickup stage position, the conveyers can be moved independently and the transfer heads can individually move the nozzles between the position at which each nozzle picks up electronic components and another position at which the nozzle does not interfere with the pickup operation.

Abstract: A jig for mounting fine metal balls to a semiconductor chip substrate or a circuit board is disclosed. A tray storing the metal balls is accommodated in a frame and constantly biased upward by springs. Head stops are provided on the frame such that when a suction head mates with the tray for sucking the metal balls, the tray stops at a position slightly sunken into the frame. A clearance is formed between the tray and the frame in the horizontal direction in order to absorb errors in dimensional accuracy when the tray and head are positioned by positioning pins.

Abstract: A pallet assembly apparatus provides a conveyor having a plurality of carriers attached thereto. The conveyor moves the carriers along an assembly path in a downstream direction. As each carrier moves along the assembly path in the downstream direction, it passes first slat hopper, a set of stringer hoppers, a second slat hopper and then a nailer. Detents of the carriers pull the necessary bottom slats, stringers, and top slats as needed to assemble the pallet. The nailer fastens the slats to the stringers. Once the carrier moves past the nailer, the detents move to a resting position in which they are removed from the assembled pallet and the pallet is removed from the pallet assembly apparatus.

Abstract: Method of producing a printed circuit starting from a dielectric film covered by one or more superficial metallic conducting layer(s), comprising a step of demarcation of different conducting paths by mechanical machining of incisions in the conducting layer. The machining is carried out by means of a sharp-edged cutting tool allowing incisions to be cut separating said conducting paths, without removal of conducting material or depthwise indentation. For example, a stamping die or a cutting table controlling a blade can be used to cut the incisions. The method is suitable for multi-layered circuits, and is particularly adapted to flexible printed circuits, to connectors, etc. and to inductance coils used, for example, in chip cards.