Abstract: A portable ramp for providing a bridge between surfaces of different elevations. The ramp includes a unitary construction which includes a traction plate, foot section and tongue section. The foot section has one or more serrations along a curved surface. The tongue section includes a binder for increased friction at the elevated surface. A safety line and hand hold are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a head of a surface maintenance machine, said assembly comprising: scrubbing means for directly contacting, scrubbing/maintaining surfaces such as floors, walls and the like; support means for the scrubbing means, whereunder the scrubbing means are arranged; buffer means arranged on the opposite side of the support means to the scrubbing means, for absorbing forces exerted during operation of the surface maintenance machine; coupling means in association with the buffer means for coupling the scrubbing means to a motor of the surface maintenance machine, wherein the buffer means are centrally positioned with regard to the coupling and scrubbing

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning are provided. The systems encompass a loading area for objects to be cleaned, a sub-system for cleaning each object, a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution formulation consisting of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and trisodium phosphate in aqueous solution, a sub-system for drying each object and an area for off-loading the objects after cleaning and drying. In some embodiments of the present invention the cleaning sub-system has scrubbing devices for scrubbing objects having surface texture or grooves. In some embodiments of the present invention no scrubbing devices are employed. Methods of the present invention also provide for cleaning surfaces that contact the objects being cleaned during the object's normal use.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a computer mouse having a cavity for housing a sphere and a plurality of internal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end, the body having a handle portion disposed proximate the first end and a cleaning portion disposed proximate the second end, the cleaning portion having a width dimension which is slightly larger than the diameter of the computer mouse sphere and having a surface which includes a number of resilient, deformable hooks. The cleaning portion is inserted into the cavity of the computer mouse and rotated, thereby causing the number of hooks to remove debris from the internal components of the computer mouse. The apparatus further includes a retaining ring removal device which facilitates the removal of a retaining ring of the computer mouse, the retaining ring removal device being disposed at the first end of the body, and an interior cavity which facilitates the storage of accessories within the body.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a head (2) which is made flexible by virtue of being made in the form of a number of segments (2A-E), each linked by thin integral links (7) of defined thickness and length, and the link may also incorporate an elastomeric material (9) to modify flexibility. The invention provides improved flexibility characteristics of the head.

Abstract: A novel end cap assembly for attachment to a commercially available paint roller assembly allows the application of a coating material, such as paint, uniformly to two intersecting surfaces such as in a corner. The inventive end cap comprises a unitary disc like base having a prong projecting laterally therefrom, the base and prong being formed unitarily from a suitable polymer. A textured material such as fabric, open celled foam, or sheepskin bearing natural wool is adhered to the base. A single prong engages a space existing between the inner surface of the roller cover and the outer surface of the roller frame barrel so that the possibility of damage to the possibly damp paper tube of the roller cover is avoided when the end cap is installed. The prong is straight where joined to the cap at its proximal end, and is curved at its distal or free end. The prong is formed from a material imparting spring qualities.

Abstract: A compact, hand held carpet and upholstery extractor nozzle is provided having an air turbine and a compact gear reduction operatively connected to and driven by said turbine. At least a pair of scrub modules are interchangeably attachable to said gear reduction. A first scrub modules includes at least a pair of vertical axis scrub brushes for cleaning upholstery, carpeting and the like. When said first scrub module is attached to said gear reduction, the scrub brushes are operatively connected to and driven by said gear reduction. A second scrub module includes a single vertical axis scrub pad that is driven by said gear reduction for scouring hard surfaces, such as tiles, tubs, counter tops, etc.

Abstract: A rain-gutter cleaning system has an agitator head that is mounted to the top end of a long suction tube and pole and supported aloft by them. A vacuum pump on the ground is connected to bring rain-gutter debris down the suction tube and into a collection bag. The agitator head includes rotating paddles that tear and break up tangles and clogs encountered in a rain gutter and has a rotating auger screw inside that helps direct the loosened debris down the throat of the suction tube. A camera mounted atop the agitator head allows an operator on the ground below to see the inside of the rain gutter on a small monitor screen.

Abstract: A garage door roller assembly includes a one-piece, unitary shaft and a one-piece, unitary roller, each composed of a polymeric material and a washer and a pin, each composed of case-hardened steel. The roller includes a sleeve portion having an axial bore, a wheel portion, and a web extending radially from the wheel portion to the sleeve portion. The shaft includes an axial bore, a mounting portion, and a race portion. The race portion is rotatably mounted within the bore of the sleeve portion of the roller. The pin includes a head and a stem which extends axially from the head through the opening of the washer into the bore of the shaft. A knurled segment of the stem frictionally engages the bore of the shaft.

Abstract: A running mechanism assembly for a sliding door (9) includes a roller carrier (13) which is vertically (height) adjustable by an eccentric disk (15) relative to the sliding door (9). The adjustment takes place with a tool, for example a socket head cap screw wrench, by rotating the eccentric disk (15). After adjustment, the adjusted position can be fixed with a locking screw (19) mounted in a thread (20) on the eccentric disk (15).

Abstract: A bubbling door handle system for a cooler. The door handle system includes a door handle fixedly attached to the cooler. The door handle has a substantially transparent exterior surrounding an internal chamber. A fluid is positioned within the chamber. An air pump is positioned about the cooler. The air pump is in communication with the chamber so as to introduce air into the fluid.

Abstract: A cushioning device adapted to circumscribe the handle of a vice or the like to inhibit injury to the user's hand during tightening and losing thereof, wherein a pair of cups are provided in which an insert is provided which conforms to the shape of the handle and is formed of a sturdy yet pliable material that holds its shape, and a shell of soft deformable material, and further wherein the insert is nested in the shell, and two such cups are secured together to circumscribe the handle to provide cushioning in use.

Abstract: In a plant for processing textile fibers, the fine cleaning is effected at a point at which the stream of fiber material already has been subdivided (e.g. for the subsequent carding process), e.g. in the card filling chute. The cleaning device comprises at least one separating element arranged above the transporting roll. The trash eliminating system includes a system for eliminating material separated from the zone of the roll.

Abstract: Method and device for discharge and cleaning of the web produced by a carder, by the effect of suction applied to the web, in its passage from the detachment cylinder to the web-presser cylinders, preferably combined with drawing of the web in this section, by the effect of actuation of the web-presser cylinders, at a linear speed which is higher than that of the detachment cylinder.

Abstract: Metallic clothing having metallic wire teeth bent at a double angle. The lower portion of each tooth is angled by an first angle with respect to vertical, and the upper portion is angled at a second angle with respect to vertical. The upper portion terminates at the tip, or point, of the tooth. This double-angle tooth profile is angled in the direction opposite to the general direction of travel of fibers being carded. The upper side portion of each tooth is tapered inwardly to the tip, and the rear edge of the upper end of each tooth may be provided with a forward curvature towards the point of the tooth. Alternate embodiments include single angled teeth and a double-angled teeth, each having a base portion substantially the same height as the teeth and teeth having serrated side portions.

Abstract: A condensing zone for condensing a drafted twist-free fiber strand is arranged downstream of a drafting arrangement of a ring spinning machine. The condensing zone includes a stationary sliding surface having a suction slit extending essentially in a fiber strand transport direction. A perforated transport belt transports the fiber strand over the suction slit of the sliding surface. The transport belt wraps around a bottom roller of a front roller pair of the drafting arrangement and is driven by the bottom roller. The transport belt drives in turn a nipping roller, which limits the condensing zone on its exit side with a nipping point serving as a twist block. The nipping roller presses the fiber strand and the transport belt against the sliding surface of the condensing zone.

Abstract: A releasable cable tie including a head, a tail, and an elongate strap body therebetween having plurality of teeth thereon. The head includes a passageway for receiving the tail and strap body and a slot formed in one sidewall which is in communication with the passageway, the strap body being insertable into the passageway in a locking direction for forming a loop to receive the objects to be bound. First and second shoulders are integrally attached to the first sidewall on opposite sides of the slot in opposing relation. The shoulders include first and second upwardly extending reinforcing extensions, respectively, which are each spaced a predetermined distance from the first sidewall so as to create an interstice between the extensions and first sidewall. A bridging member extends between the first and second shoulders.

Abstract: A one-piece bi-directional cable tie for bundling articles having a tail at one end, a locking head at the other end and an elongate strap body therebetween may feature one or more fixed locking teeth opposite a deflectable locking pawl so as to provide ratcheting locking engagement with the two major surfaces of its strap body. The fixed teeth may provide symmetrical performance characteristics or may provide selectable performance characteristics depending on the direction of strap body insertion through the locking head. The locking head may facilitate wedging the strap body against the deflectable pawl. The deflectable pawl may include a chevron-shaped upper surface so as to provide an undercut surface for improved engagement with the locking teeth of the strap body.

Abstract: The boot band is made of a belt-like metal band body having first and second ends, and includes first and second caulking portions which are plastically deformed during assembly. An engage nail is provided at the top end of a leg portion of the first caulking portion. The second caulking portion includes of first and second projection walls, and a receive hole in which the engage nail is inserted is formed in the second projection wall. When the winding diameter of the band body is decreased to some extent, the second caulking portion is inserted inside the first caulking portion, and the engage nail and the receive hole are engaged with each other. In this state, the first and second caulking portions are integrally deformed plastically by a tool.

Abstract: The buckle (F) consists of a base part (F1), attached to one side of the footpocket of the fin (P) and comprising a movable strap-locking tooth (22), counteracting elastic means (24), associated to said tooth (22) and manual strap-releasing means (17) connected to said tooth, and of a strap-fastening part (F2), which only comprises strap-guiding means (13) for returning the strap (C), and is joined to the base part (F1), in such a way as to be able to slide in the longitudinal direction of the strap (C) between a retracted strap-tightening position, wherein it is automatically hooked to the base part (F1), so as to be manually releasable, and the strap-locking tooth (22) is engaged with the teeth (C1) of the strap (C), and a forward quick strap-loosening position, wherein the strap-locking tooth (22) is disengaged from the teeth (C1) of the strap and allows the latter to slide freely in both senses.

Abstract: An improved clip mechanism in which a revolve arm spring is fastened at the center of two relative handles providing the two revolve arms are expanded to the inner side of each handle, so as to enable the front edge of the two handles having a force in clamping. In addition, inside the front edge of each handle is formed relatively a proper plain area contacting with each other. The plain area is formed an inner concave, which is protruded with a pillar. The head of the pillar is expanded to be a big edge, so as to enable the protrusion surface of clip plate to embed into the pillar of inner concave.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper having a first profile interlockable with a second profile is provided. The profiles include interlocking members which engage to form a vacuum seal when the profiles are interlocked. To provide resistance to product side separation forces, one of the profiles is additionally provided with an asymmetrical arrow-shaped member which interlocks with a groove element on the other profile so as to make it more difficult to open the zipper from the product side than the consumer side. To provide further resistance to product side separation forces, a hinge member may optionally be provided on one of the profiles.

Abstract: A lift-control buckle, which includes a female buckle member and a male buckle member respectively fastened to two distal ends of a belt, and a locking plate pivoted to two upright blocks inside the female buckle for locking the male buckle member after insertion of the male buckle member into a receiving space defined within the male buckle member between the upright blocks, wherein the locking plate has two springy side arms respectively supported on a respective step inside the female buckle member and stopped against the upright blocks for automatically returning the locking plate to the locking position after each unlocking operation.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening two string portions together includes a hollow housing and a movable locking member disposed within the housing. The housing extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a midportion disposed between first and second longitudinal end portions. The openings for feeding the string portions into the housing are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the housing entirely within the midportion of the housing. In this way, when the device is used to fasten string portions in a movable environment (e.g. shoelaces), the tension force of the string portions in conjunction with the first and second longitudinal end portions of the device inhibit the device from “flip-flopping” or otherwise moving relative to its environment.

Abstract: The folding fastener for closing a strap contains a lockable, two-part folding clasp. A first strap half (7) is fixed to a first clasp part (1) and a second strap half (9) to a closure cover (5). A second clasp part (2) connects in rotary manner the first clasp part (1) to the closure cover (5). The clasp parts (1, 2) are substantially rigid with respect to longitudinal extension and/or bending. The locking mechanism comprises two claws (4.1, 4.2), which are fixed to the second clasp part (2) and two corresponding shapes (1.1, 1.2) on the first clasp part (1). In the locked state the claws (4.1, 4.2) engage over the shapes (1.1, 1.2) and consequently form the positive, reversible connection between the first clasp part (1) and the second clasp part (2). The folding fastener combines security with esthetics and requires no soldered joints.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a fabric having upper and lower sides, transversely spaced edges and longitudinally extending tire reenforcing cords spaced laterally across said fabric between said edges preparatory to rubberizing said fabric in a calender, where the fabric moves in a given path to the calender, the spreader comprising a cantilever mounted mandrel having an outer generally cylindrical surface concentric with a rotational axis, with the cylindrical surface having a helical groove having convolutions with a pitch equal to a desired cord distribution laterally of the fabric; a mandrel support structure adjacent one edge of the fabric and having means for rotatably mounting the mandrel in a position transverse of the fabric with said cylindrical surface aligned with the fabric path to be generally tangential to a side of the fabric as the fabric moves in the given path; a first motor on the support structure for rotating the mandrel about the axis at a given rotational speed; a second motor for moving t

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave device having a piezoelectric substrate and an interdigital transducer provided thereon, includes the steps of forming a coating layer made of inorganic material or organic material on the piezoelectric substrate so as to cover the interdigital transducer and etching the coating layer via a laser light to adjust an operation frequency of the surface acoustic wave device.

Abstract: An elongated and cross-section polygonal work piece carrier (1) has at least two clamping surfaces (2) extending parallel to its longitudinal axis (3). It is retained in bearing (5, 9) at least at one end, to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis over 360°. Each of the clamping surfaces (2) is supplied with at least two rotatable work piece holding tables (11) located in a row adjacent each other. The holding tables (11) are coupled by gears (25, 26, 33) with each other and with a common drive gear (35) in such a manner that all tables, in dependence on the rotation of the work piece carrier (1) about its longitudinal axis (3), will rotate over its respective rotation axis (12) about a predetermined angle, depending on the angle of rotation of the work piece carrier; an interrogation device is provided to interrogate whether all rotated tables are in predetermined, locked angular positions.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric liner comprising a plurality of bonded fibers is attached to the inner surface of one of the upper and lower shells of a disk cartridge. A main body of the fabric liner lies against the inner surface of the shell and is spaced a predetermined distance from a corresponding surface of the storage media within the cartridge. A region of the fabric liner is subjected to a fuzzing process in which the bonded fibers in that region are loosened to form a region of upstanding fibers that extend from the main body of the liner to the surface of the disk. The upstanding fibers wipe the surface of the disk while the main body of the liner remains spaced from the disk, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: A pivoting split nut and spacer assembly used in a method of removing failed glow plugs from diesel engines. Main body halves of the split nut, when assembled together with a pin form the pivoting split nut with opposing front and rear faces, a hexagonal outside periphery and threads on the inside periphery allowing for engagement with the threads of the glow plug. The spacer assembly is fabricated by forming cylindrical spacer bodies, forming lead-in gaps, and tether cables through holes for the tether cables. The tether cables are connected to a cable ring. After removing the sensor wire from the glow plug, a wrenching tool is used to unscrew the glow plug until all threads are exposed. A failure deformation, e.g. swelling on the heating element of the glow plug, is extracted through the narrow combustion chamber passage on a diesel engines' head by installing the pivoting split nut onto the glow plug threads and a spacer between the head and pivoting split nut.

Abstract: A method of forming a windshield wiper which comprises an oscillating arm and a frame connected thereto receiving a wiping element, wherein the wiping element is reinforced by at least one backing strip located in a longitudinally extending recess provided in the wiping element, wherein the frame has at least one claw which partially surrounds the backing strip and the upper portion of the wiping element, wherein laterally extending means are provided for retaining the backing strip, and wherein the backing strip is flattened at a distance from its end over a portion of its length, in which portion said means are formed by a material removing operation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a remote control assembly having a conduit (12) movably supporting a core element (14) with an end fitting (16) disposed on the conduit (12) for mechanical engagement with a ferrule (18) and a slug (20) disposed on the core element (14). The method comprises the steps of selecting a ferrule (18) for supporting the conduit (12) on a support structure (22) from a plurality of ferrule (18) configurations and snapping the ferrule (18) into mechanical connection with the end fitting (16) while inserting the core element (14) through the conduit (12) and ferrule (18). A terminal member (38, 138, 238), having a slug pocket (40) therein and a connector for connection configurations and it is placed on the core element (14) with the slug (20) in the slug pocket (40). A collar (42) is placed over the slug pocket (40) as the collar (42) is mechanically connected to the terminal member (38, 138, 238) to cover the slug pocket (40) and retain the slug (20) in the slug pocket (40).

Abstract: Method for the removable sealing of a component housing, and apparatus to practice the method using an elastic or conformable sealing band. The present invention teaches a sealing band, preferably elastic, to apply a horizontal seal to the horizontal seam defined by vertically assembled component case elements. The seal is maintained in position over the seam by an alignment element disposed on at least one of the seal and the case. The sealing band is rendered electrically conductive by admixing therewith a conductive material, or by plating thereon a conductive coating. A retaining element may be further added to at least one of the sealing band and the case to minimize tampering with the sealing band once installed.

Abstract: A cryostatic vessel is radially interconnected inside a tubular thermal shield. A shield first endplate includes a plurality of spacers which are disposed in axial abutment with a corresponding first endplate of the vessel during assembly. A shield second endplate is disposed in axial abutment against an opposite end of the shield, and includes alignment holes receiving corresponding alignment pins extending from an opposite endplate of the vessel. The spacers maintain a predetermined clearance between the endplates of the vessel and shield which clearance is precisely maintained upon fixedly joining both shield endplates to the shield.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a diaphragm for an electroacoustic transducer which operates in accordance with the electrodynamic principle and has portions with different thicknesses made from a thermoplastically deformable material having a constant thickness, wherein, in a first work step, that portion of the diaphragm material which is to have the greater thickness in the finished diaphragm, is held by an inner positioning device, while the remaining area of the diaphragm is additionally held by an outer positioning device, and the remaining area of the diaphragm is pulled or stretched with the influence of tension and heat to reduce the thickness thereof. In a second workstep, the entire diaphragm is thermoplastically stamped in a mold.

Abstract: A high temperature superconducting composite rod, wire or tape is formed by filling the open cells of a reticulated foam structure made of silver, silver alloy, gold or gold alloy with a superconducting ceramic oxide or precursor, compacting the filled structure and forming it into a rod, wire or tape and heating it to melt and/or texture the superconducting ceramic oxide. The resulting composite has continuous ligaments of metal throughout a continuous region of superconducting ceramic oxide.

Abstract: A transformer includes a core assembly having a coil, a core with at least a portion extending through the coil, and terminals for providing electrical connection with the transformer. The core assembly is impregnated with a thermally conductive material to form a unitary core mass. An outer coating which is also highly thermally conductive encapsulates the core mass. The outer coating includes a plurality of finned or ribbed surfaces that provide an increased heat transfer area to a surrounding cooling medium such as air.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically heated window from at least two plies of transparent glazing material, at least one ply of interlayer material and an electrically resistant heating area device extending over one of the plies includes laying at least one length of busbar strip on one of the plies to form part of a busbar, positioning a separate corner piece of busbar strip adjacent the length of busbar strip to form a corner of the busbar, and electrically connecting the corner piece and the length of busbar strip to one another. An electrical connection device is arranged to extend from the electrically resistant area heating device past the peripheral edge of the window to terminate outside the window. The plies of glazing material are then laminated together with the ply of interlayer material and the electrically resistant area heating device extending between them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lightning arrester, the method being of the type comprising steps consisting in making a stack of varistors (100), and in forming a cover (300) made of a composite material over the stack of varistors (100), said method being characterized by the fact that the step of forming a cover (300) made of a composite material consists in placing a woven fiber fabric (310) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100) and in contact therewith, in placing a flexible outer cover (400) on the outside of the stack of varistors (100), and in injecting a material (350) suitable for impregnating the fiber fabric (310) into the annular space formed between the stack of varistors (100) and the flexible outer cover (400).

Abstract: A sensor comprises a semiconductor pellet (10) including a working portion (11) adapted to undergo action of a force, a fixed portion (13) fixed on the sensor body, and a flexible portion (13) having flexibility formed therebetween, a working body (20) for transmitting an exterted force to the working portion, and detector means (60-63) for transforming a mechanical deformation produced in the semiconductor pellet to an electric signal to thereby detect a force exerted on the working body as an electric signal. A signal processing circuit is applied to the sensor. This circuit uses analog multipliers (101-109) and analog adders/subtracters (111-113), and has a function to cancel interference produced in different directions. Within the sensor, two portions (E3, E4-E8) located at positions opposite to each other and producing a displacement therebetween by action of a force are determined. By exerting a coulomb force between both the portions, the test of the sensor is carried out.

Abstract: A “pick-and-place” apparatus has a first pivoted lever driven in alternating directions of pivoting, the drive shaft of which is mounted centrally between a first location and a second location. In the end positions, which delimit the pivoting range, the pivoted lever always faces towards one location or the other location. A second pivoted lever is mounted at the end of the first lever and driven in the opposite direction thereto and with a predetermined gear ratio thereto, for example, resulting from a fixed toothed wheel by means of a toothed belt and a further toothed wheel. The chip gripper is connected to the end of the second lever. The gear ratio and the lengths of the two levers are matched to each other such that in both end positions, the two levers are in an extended position with respect to one another and the chip gripper is over the one location or the other location.

Abstract: A system for handling semiconductor workpieces, by aligning a movable pick and place device and a movable optical control device, is disclosed. The system and method provide for the formation of an imprint by the pick and place device. The optical control device can then be aligned to that imprint, creating alignment between the pick and place device and the optical control device. Once alignment is complete the imprinted material may be replaced with one or more semiconductor workpieces. The system provides precise, repeatable alignment between the pickup point for the pick and place device and the optical control device.

Abstract: A tool for removing a propeller from a drive shaft having a damaged shear pin. The tool has a plurality of fingers for engaging the blades of the propeller and an advancement member for leveraging against the distal end of the shaft. The advancement member leverages against the drive shaft to cause the tool to pull the propeller assembly from the drive shaft to facilitate the replacement of the damaged shear pin. The tool fingers engage and restrict the rotation of the propeller blades with respect to the tool as the advancement member is leveraged against the drive shaft.

Abstract: In the case where a product having a free-curved surface is obtained, a machining work is performed by separate machine tools. Therefore, works of attaching and removing a half-machined product are necessary. Consequently, a lot of working time and labor are required. Also in an automatic production system, productivity is lowered if the system is stopped by failure in gripping during the attaching and removing works and an enormous equipment cost is required. A machining apparatus M comprises a main chuck head 1 having a control axis for holding and rotating a long bar member W, a head stock assembly 3 having three or more control axes, and a bar member feeder 5 for feeding the long bar member W to the head stock assembly 3. These four axes are simultaneously controlled to manufacture a plurality of products V having free-curved surfaces from the long bar member W.

Abstract: A catalytic converter housing arrangement includes inlet and outlet funnels having large diameter ends mounted by connection bevels at the ends of a wound metal sheet forming a tubular central part of the catalytic converter and welded to the bevels. The funnels are produced from tubular blanks by expanding one end and drawing in the other end. This results in a significant reduction in weight compared with funnels which are deep-drawn from sheet-metal blanks.

Abstract: A catalytic converter mat having a high density in areas which coincide with the ends of a substrate to be wrapped thereby and low density between the ends is disclosed which reduces cost of the mat component of a catalytic converter while retaining the benefits of proper mat pressure at the inlet and outlet ends of the substrate to retain and support the substrate without mat erosion and insulation of the substrate from the canister.

Abstract: A method for forging a one-piece or two piece flange-type ball valve, including forging the left and right primary elements, the process including the direct forging of the water inlet seat and the ball valve seat for a one-piece flange-type ball valve, the forging of the water inlet seat, the ball valve seat, the position limiter seat and the water outlet seat. The fabrication of all the center through-holes and ball valve chamber are carried out in a single process without requiring the machining of the interior sections. Friction welding methods are used to weld the water inlet seat to the ball valve seat and the position limiter seat to the water outlet seat as if they were fabricated entirely by forging. The friction welding beads built-up along the mated welding surfaces inside the center through-hole and exterior are then removed to achieve a smooth finish and enable the valve to have a seamless appearance as though constructed of a single unit of material.

Abstract: A shaving unit includes a composite that has a surface for engaging the user's skin. The composite includes adjacent lengthwise-extending portions, each containing a shaving aid.

Abstract: A razor blade unit for a safety razor has optimised shape and dimensions for body shaving, especially the regions of the axillae. The blade unit has an elongate blade with a rectilinear sharpened edge, and a skin contacting surface at which the length is 1 to 4 times the width and not greater than 60 mm, preferably 40 to 45 mm. The skin contacting surface has a footprint area of at least 450 mm2, preferably 600 to 750 mm2, and a circularity which is not less than the lower of (i) 64%, and (ii) the circularity of a rectangle with the same length and width as the skin contacting surface and with corner radii of 30% of the width. In a plane perpendicular to the blade edge the skin contacting surface is convex and shaped to make at least three point contact with an imaginary circumscribing circle with a radius of 15 to 70 mm, preferably 25 mm. Guard and cap surfaces in front of and behind the blade edge each have a skin contact area of at least 140 mm2, and their combined areas is preferably at least 400 mm2, e.

Abstract: Notches are cut in a “Z”-section closure to be installed across seams on a standing seam metal roof by means of a tool which punches holes in the central web of the closure. The lower flange of the closure is subsequently cut manually to finish the notch. The tool's die surfaces correspond in shape to that of the closure, and the punch and die are aligned so that the elongate hole they make in the central web extends to the bottom of the web.