Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of a shorts garment from four single layer webs of fabric, each web having two side edges. Two of the four webs are aligned in a side by side orientation. The side edges of the two webs are bonded together, defining a first composite web. The remaining two webs are aligned in a side by side orientation. The side edges of the two remaining webs are bonded together, defining a second composite web. The first and second composite webs are aligned together in a face to face orientation, defining an arrangement having two layers of fabric and two top side edges and two bottom side edges. The composite webs are intermittently bonded in an alternating orientation near the center of the webs. The interior portion of fabric is removed, defining a cavity. One pair of side edges are folded and bonded together. The other pair of side edges are folded and bonded together.

Abstract: A pair of pants having a crotch covering flap assembly for permitting a female to expose the crotch area to permit unobstructed urination without removing the pants includes pants having an overlapping pair of material portions for covering the crotch of a user and a fastening assembly for selectively coupling the material portions to each other for covering the crotch of the user.

Abstract: A structural improvement of a diving mask which consists of a main frame, a sub-frame, a lens and a skirt. Tenons are provided on the sub-frame, engaging mortises on the lens. A soft connecting edge is provided on the skirt, which is closely connected with a periphery of the lens. A rigid structure is established by the tenon jointing the sub-frame with the lens, and the connecting frame of the skirt is closely connected with periphery of the lens, when the main frame is connected with sub-frame. This construction allows the diving mask lens removal and keeps a stable connecting state after its assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid cleaning and sanitizing composition and a solid surface erodable toilet bowl cleaning product containing the composition. The invention also relates to a device for holding the solid toilet bowl cleaning product in the overflow tube of a toilet and a method for keeping toilet bowls clean and sanitary.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved household drain plunger for use with household drains of various shapes and sizes. The head section of the plunger is a pleated bellows consisting of a conical upper section of increasing diameter from top to bottom, and a smaller lower section, also conical, of decreasing diameter from top to bottom. A handle extends from the top of the head section. The bottom end of the plunger consists of three levels of seals depending from the bottom of the head section. The first and bottommost seal is a dual-function seal designed both to fit snugly into a typical kitchen sink drain opening, thereby providing a mechanical seal. This first seal also has a flat bottom comprising an annular ring that can be placed around a small drain hole opening, such as that in a bathroom sink or tub, to provide a pressure/suction seal with the drain opening. The annular ring has a center void which opens to the interior of the bellows.

Abstract: A top mounted flush valve is provided for installation in a blind drain hole in the bottom wall of a toilet tank of a conventional one-piece gravity operated toilet. The flush valve includes a generally cylindrical valve body sized for insertion through the drain hole from the upperside of the bottom wall of the tank. A seal member on an underside of the valve body provides a watertight seal between the valve body and an upperside of the bottom wall of the tank. A generally cylindrical drive collar is rotatable within a central aperture of the valve body. A generally cylindrical spring nut has a threaded portion engaged with a threaded portion of the drive collar so that the drive collar can be screwed to generate relative movement between the drive collar and the spring nut along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall of the tank.

Abstract: A water jet personal hygiene fixture for installation on a toilet bowl, comprising hot and cold water control valves to produce warm water from existing pipes in a bathroom, a pivotally-mounted nozzle to produce a water jet, control handles to actuate the nozzle in a vertical arc and to control water pressure and flow, and water shut-off valves. A base plate allows installation of the fixture on the toilet bowl in a space between the toilet bowl rim and the toilet seat, the seat having a cut-out to accommodate vertical travel of the nozzle. A novel handtowel glove is formed from a planar sheet of absorbent material into a tubular shape with a closed end as an aid for dab drying the user and the toilet seat area after the use of the fixture.

Abstract: A drain for a swimming pool. The pool has an opening adjacent a lower surface of the pool and a plug on an inner surface of the pool to close or open the drain. A hose is connected at one end to the opening adjacent a lower surface of the pool and the other end of the hose has a discharge tray connected thereto.

Abstract: A modular shower arm construction for use in removably attaching a shower fixture to an unthreaded end of a pipe extending outwardly from a shower wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the shower wall includes a tubular shower arm, an adapter and a coupling nut. The adapter is fixed to the pipe, either by a set screw or through the use of a threaded nipple. The tubular shower arm has an outwardly flared end which extends within the coupling nut and the coupling nut is threaded onto the adapter and holds the tubular shower arm to the assembled components. An escutcheon overlies and covers all of the connecting elements and is removed when the tubular shower arm and adapter are removed from the unthreaded end of the pipe.

Abstract: An automatic faucet having a mechanisms for adjusting the direction of the line of view of the sensor relative to the faucet body. Transmitting and receiving elements are attached to a casing which is rotateably supported behind a shield installed in an opening in the faucet body. An automatic faucet in accordance with this invention includes a DC solenoid that may be powered by a battery or alternatively an AC adapter circuit. A diagnostic actuator circuit is provided to drive the solenoid open and closed in rapid succession when power is first supplied to the faucet.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly is provided that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall and provide frictional engagement with a cover member spanning the drain aperture.

Abstract: A shower drain replacement device for replacing existing shower drains in most shower stalls. The device includes a drain sleeve for inserting into a drain hole of a fixture, and having an open upper end and an open lower end and a peripheral side wall. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the upper end for resting on a portion of the fixture adjacent to the drain hole. A plurality of mounting assemblies are provided for securing the drain sleeve in the drain hole of the fixture. Each of the mounting assemblies comprises an aperture in the flange of the drain sleeve, a support sleeve mounted on the drain sleeve, a rod extending through the aperture and through the support sleeve, and a mounting member rotatably mounted on the rod. The mounting member is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A chair for the handicapped or invalids. In the chair the second assembly is disposed at least in part behind the front plane and is linked to the first assembly by at least one reversible actuation and coupling rod, itself set back from the front plane and beneath the plane defined by the seat in its low position. The invention is particularly applicable to verticalizing chairs.

Abstract: A movable device for transporting a non-ambulatory patient, the device having a frame member which has opposed tubular arms, each pivotally linked to torso grasping chest supports, the device may be supported by and carried by a lift device.

Abstract: Accessories for a foldable play yard apparatus, and more particularly to a play yard apparatus supporting a bassinet, include a storage unit and a canopy. The storage unit is adapted to be supported by the play yard apparatus adjacent to the bassinet and to provide a plurality of compartments suitable for organizing and readily presenting childcare items such as diapers, linens, and toys. The canopy is for the bassinet and includes a system of fasteners adapted to engage mating features on the bassinet.

Abstract: A beach towel made of ordinary, machine washable fabric, together with a plurality of pockets, which may be filled with sand or other material to weigh down the towel is provided. The towel may be attached to another wind resistant beach towel to provide for a blanket cover which will not be blown off by wind. In addition, the towel may be attached to another wind resistant beach towel to cover a greater area.

Abstract: A semi-fluid based body support system using a mass of granular material to support a user has reversible transferring means and fluidizing means to locally control the granular material. The reversible transferring means and fluidizing means are independently controlled at plural locations along a system longitudinal dimension so that each region of the user body may be independently accommodated. The reversible transferring means is used to achieve fitness for natural posture by controlling a distribution of the accumulative height of granular material, and transfers the granular material between a transverse middle portion and transverse side portions of the system reversibly. The fluidizing means is used to achieve reduced partial oppression by controlling a local fluidity of the granular material. In a preferred embodiment, rotary blade devices, placed at spaced locations along the system longitudinal dimension, implement the fluidizing and transferring means by switching between operational modes.

Abstract: A mattress system offering combinations of comfort and support comprising at least two modules, positioned side-by-side along their longest dimension to define at least two recumbent user areas, and a comfort cushion receivable atop each of the at least two modules. At least one of the modules includes a depression in its upper surface, adapted to removably retain a support insert comprised of an envelope containing a plurality of liquid filled bladders. The mattress system provides an immense array of combinations of firmness and support, allowing each user to adjust, to a very wide degree, the comfort, firmness and support beneath their upper body, lumbar area, and lower body. The adaptable structure of the mattress system also allows the individual user to customize his/her side of the bed and easily change his/her side of the bed as his/her preferences change. Additionally, the construction increases the longevity of the bed, because components may be replaced one at a time as deemed necessary.

Abstract: A hammer tool that has a handle member with grip and head ends. The head end includes a head assembly mounted thereon at an angle to give a user sufficient clearance for his/her hand grip when using the claw assembly built-in in the face. A blade assembly is removably mounted on the head assembly opposite the face and claw assembly. A magnetic member is inserted in the face portion to facilitate the manipulation of ferromagnetic nails. A holder with a frame and a loop is provided to support the hammer. The frame includes a hook member to which a headed engagement pin is removably mounted. When the hammer is mounted to the holder, the handle is kept at a convenient distance from a user's hands.

Abstract: The construction shape of a womans's shoe insert is similar to the inner portion of a shoe. An angled surface is formed at a rear end of the shoe insert which extends to a seat of a bottom end thereof. The angled surface has a locating trough which is broad on the top end. The locating trough and narrow on the bottom end engageable with a front end of a support rod, which uses the rear end of the support rod to support the rear end of the shoe.

Abstract: A dynamic ramp interface system to allow a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship to unload and load onto a pier, floating storage facility, or other ship during high sea states. The dynamic ramp interface system includes a motion compensation damping system attached to a first platform, a first ramp also attached to the first platform leading up to the motion compensation damping system, and second ramp that is hingedly connected to a second platform and also leading to the motion compensation damping system. The motion compensation damping system includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a series of interconnected hollow bladders, and a pivot support structure. Through this arrangement, the top plate is allowed to pivot relative to the bottom plate, with the bladder system providing a damping effect. The first ramp is slideably in communication with the top plate by means of a set of articulated fingers. The second ramp is also slideably in communication with the top plate.

Abstract: A wheel supported sweeping machine includes a hopper which is movable between operating and non-operating positions and a conveyor which is adjacent the hopper and is similarly movable between a lower operating position and a raised non-operating position. There is a cylindrical brush mounted on the frame which directs debris into the conveyor, with the conveyor raising the debris for deposit into an opening in the upper end of the hopper, which is aligned with a similar opening in the conveyor. At times, debris may fall into the space between the conveyor enclosure and hopper. A debris collecting ramp is located beneath the hopper and extends upwardly and rearwardly toward the hopper from the conveyor enclosure. There is a seal between the ramp and conveyor enclosure which prevents debris from falling downwardly until the conveyor enclosure has been raised, at which time, the debris will be deposited by the ramp through a lower opening in the conveyor enclosure to an area in the front of the brush.

Abstract: A cleaning mitt that provides a mild cleaning surface and a more abrasive cleaning surface. Water-absorbent material is preferably provided with these surfaces to hold water and cleanser during use. The mitt is particularly well suited for cleaning automobiles and the more abrasive cleaning surface is preferably designed to remove stubborn debris such as tar and dried bugs without damaging the finish of the automobile.

Abstract: Toothbrush having a peripheral cushioning bumper for preventing impact injury to the teeth and gums of a person using it. The bumper consists of a body of resilient material mounted in a peripheral groove in the side edge of the head of the brush. In some disclosed embodiments, the resilient body is a ring that passes through a tunnel at the base of the head, which prevents the ring from being dislodged and lost or swallowed. In one such embodiment, the head of the brush is formed in two sections, and the bumper is an O-ring which is placed in the groove before the two sections are joined together. In another, the ring is molded in place on the brush.

Abstract: Presented is a scouring apparatus for holding a scouring pad in position for use. The apparatus includes a scouring pad holder formed as a shell symmetrical about a central axis and having a tubular “grasp” portion for engagement by either the fingers or a handle assembly, and further having a skirt portion defining a shallow recess within which is mounted a tine having at least one spiral turn the free end of which lies outside the recess so that the tine may be rotated into an associated scouring pad to draw the scouring pad into the shallow recess and detachably retain the scouring pad therein during use, but enabling removal and laundering or replacement of the scouring pad.

Abstract: A wiper blade (10) is proposed that is used to clean windows (26) of motor vehicles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (14), which can be pressed against the window (26) to be wiped and is held substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis on an elongated, spring-elastic support element (12), to whose middle portion, remote from the window (26), a connection device (16) for counterpart connection means of a driven wiper arm, which means can be loaded toward the window (26), are disposed. Problem-free, economical disposition of the connection device (16) on the support element (12) is obtained if the connection device is embodied as a separate component and secured to the support element by means of a welded connection.

Abstract: An air curtain system for forming an air curtain dividing two processing spaces and for spraying air on to a substrate to remove any impurities remaining on the substrate includes an air supplier, a main body having an air inlet passage for receiving air from the air supplier, an air flow space defined within the main body and communicating with the inlet passage, and a slit extending from the air flow space to spray the air on the substrate, and a substantially strip-shaped rectifying lattice provided with a plurality of openings located at an equal distance from each other. The lattice is positioned within the air flow space.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus including a base module for movement along a surface, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a liquid dispensing system including a flexible bladder defining a fluid supply chamber for holding a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid recovery system including a tank on the base module having a fluid recovery chamber for holding recovered fluid and housing the flexible bladder, and a fluid passageway between the fluid supply chamber and the recovery chamber, whereby the recovery chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid supply chamber and the pressure in the flexible bladder is equalized with the pressure in the tank as the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the supply chamber and the dirty liquid is collected in the recovery chamber.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.

Abstract: A dust-collecting device for a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust-collecting case which is fitted into a suction path extending from a suction nozzle to a motor fan and from which accumulated dust can be discharged by opening a bottom lid of the dust-collecting case, and a cylindrical filter fitted into the dust-collecting case. The filter is arranged to be rotatable, a spiral rib is formed at an outer periphery of the filter, and the device is equipped with a rotating means for rotating the filter. Dust which cannot be discharge by its own weight since it is in a compressed state can be pushed out through the spiral rib formed on the outer periphery of the filter by rotating the filter, so that dust accumulated within the dust-collecting case in a compressed state can be easily discharged.

Abstract: A wet cleaning apparatus having at least one outlet is provided. The apparatus has an intake fitting, for a suction air stream, which opens out into a liquid container. An upper housing part is disposed on the liquid container and has disposed therein a motor about which at least part of which flows a coolant air flow. At least one turbulence chamber is provided in which the suction air stream and the coolant air flow meet one another at an angle.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for securing a door in its open position. A cylinder is provided having a first hook and loop type fastener attached to one end. The cylinder is attached to a wall mountable door stop. A second hook and loop type fastener is attached to the door. The second hook and loop type fastener aligns with and is adapted to make contact with the first hook and loop type fastener when the door is fully open, thereby securing the door in its open position. The second hook and loop type fastener includes an adhesive backing. The second hook and loop type fastener becomes attached to the door by first attaching the first hook and loop fastener to the second hook and loop fastener, and then opening the door so that the door makes contact with the adhesive backing of the second hook and loop type fastener. The door is then at least partially closed and the second hook and loop type fastener becomes detached from the first hook and loop type fastener and attached to the door.

Abstract: This innovation regards a new type of hinge for spectacles that is separable from the ordinary arms, which are therefore interchangeable and to which an adequate elasticity during the process of adjustable and forced widening is guaranteed. The peculiar innovation of this invention is that it is endowed with lugs (A) of the front (C) of spectacles with a slot (8) for elastic means (10) which works on a slider (11) whose hollow (12) is blocked by a ring (3) of an arm (4) and pushed by said elastic means (10) against a front plate (9) of said arm (4) in order to impart the desired reaction force on said arm (4).

Abstract: An adjustable, flexible tie strap with low insertion and release forces but which provides significantly greater holding force. A tapered head has rearwardly extending ears which engage the body of the strap to prevent withdrawal after the head is passed through a retaining hole in the strap. The design of the ears is such that the lock, or brace, against each other in response to tension on the strap, reducing distortion of the head and increasing the holding power. The strap may also have a tab for attachment to a cord or rope.

Abstract: A hose clip of the self-holding type includes a clamping ring made by circularly bending a band-shaped leaf spring. A first knob is formed by cutting off a central portion of the clamping ring at a side of its first end in a predetermined range of its length to obtain a groove-like opening and by raising the end of the clamping ring radially. The first knob includes a generally arch-shaped portion. A second knob includes a narrow portion at a side of the second end of the clamping ring, and os formed by fitting the narrow portion into the opening and passing under the arch-shaped portion of the first knob and by raising the second end of the clamping ring radially with respect to the clamping ring so that the second knob confronts the first knob. An abutment face is formed on a surface of the arch-shaped portion of the first knob opposed to a surface of the arch-shaped portion confronting the second knob.

Abstract: A simple and less expensive nonwoven female component for a mechanical refastenable fastening device (“touch and close fastener”) can be conveniently used in mostly disposable applications such as disposable diapers, disposable operating gowns, disposable underwear and other clothing. The nonwoven fabric female component includes projecting loops formed on one of the superficial sides of the nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric comprises a hydroentangled web, and the loops are projectingly formed by needle punching on or at one of the superficial sides of the hydroentangled web.

Abstract: The locking device of the present invention is provided to constantly and reliably maintain the locked state even under severe environments of use, such as an application of an excessive amount of impact force, for example, and to drastically improve reliability.

Abstract: A device that assists in the tying of knots for tightening lines, especially ropes that hold heavy loads in place on trucks or flat bed trailers. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises two side members, two transverse members, and a clasping member. The clasping member moves between a closed position in which the side members, the lower transverse member and the clasping member form a closed loop, and an open position in which there is an opening between the side members. The clasping member is spring loaded and biased toward the closed position. One side member is turned back to form a hook, the end of which engages the clasping member in its closed position. The upper ends of the side members extend above the upper transverse member to form ears that prevent a rope tied around that member from slipping off.

Abstract: A shoelace locking apparatus. The apparatus comprises a body attachable to a first end of a shoelace and a cup. The body defines a laterally opening locking passage therein for receiving a second end of the shoelace. The cup may be integral with the body or with a separate extension component. By tying a knot in a desired location in the second end of the shoelace and stretching the lace, the second end of the lace may be moved into an engaged position in which tension in the stretched lace tends to maintain the knot in the cup. The apparatus may also comprise a lock attachable to the second end of the shoelace such that the lock is also positioned in the cup and rotatable to a locking position preventing undesired longitudinal movement of the lock and shoelace.

Abstract: The yarn sheet (1) of a finished yarn winding (2) for example on a warping machine is with the help of a transfer means (8) transferred onto a winding beam (3) for example of a beaming machine. The transfer means with this has a suspension rod (9) which preferably can be displaced on a transport chain pair (10) along an advance path from the region of the yarn winding (2) to the region of the winding beam (3).

Abstract: A cartridge case former and method includes a front arbor plate, a rear arbor plate and a plurality of arbors extending between the front arbor plate and the rear arbor plate. The cartridge case former also includes a plurality of rotatable roller dies disposed about the arbors for forming a neck of a cartridge case.

Abstract: A piezoelectric component prevents development of a short circuit between separate electrodes of a piezoelectric element and provides a high level of connection reliability. The piezoelectric component includes a piezoelectric element utilizing a longitudinal oscillation mode and being mounted on a mounting substrate. The piezoelectric element has on one main surface thereof a first electrode and a second electrode formed by dividing electrode material via longitudinally extending linear grooves and, on the other main surface, a third electrode. Conductive support members are secured to node sections of the first and second electrodes so as to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the piezoelectric substrate. The support members are adhered to and secured to pattern electrodes of the mounting substrate by conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A system having improved cycle time for removing PC boards from a connected panel. In accordance with the present invention, a pair of walking clamps are used to receive a panel from a subsequent processing system, and a movable receiving nest is used to provide the PC boards to a subsequent processing station. The processes of receiving a panel, depaneling the PC board, and delivering the PC boards do not use common components and are able to operate independently and concurrently to reduce idle time in the system and improve the cycle time. The present invention also provides a secondary vacuums which removes debris from the PC boards as the PC boards are being transporting to a subsequent processing system to improve the removal of debris.

Abstract: In the present invention, in cutting the top and bottom surfaces of a hot-rolled sheet by the rotation of milling cutters holding the sheet therebetween in the thickness direction of the sheet in the running process of the hot-rolled sheet, the cutting resistance determined by the cutting conditions including the type of hot-rolled sheet, the temperature in cutting, and the cut depth is controlled by the adjustment of cut depth, and cutting is performed by making the tension produced on the hot-rolled sheet by the cutting resistance lower than the breaking strength of the joint portion to prevent the breakage of hot-rolled sheet.

Abstract: An automotive seat including a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat back pivots relative to the seat cushion for movement between a seating position and a folded position. A headrest is mounted to the seat back and is moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The seat assembly is characterized by a control mechanism mounted between the seat back and the headrest for automatically moving the headrest between the deployed and retracted positions in response to the pivotal movement of the seat back between the seating and folded positions. The subject invention is also characterized by a cavity formed within the seat back for selectively housing the headrest. The control mechanism moves the headrest between the deployed position with the headrest disposed completely outside the cavity and the retracted position with the headrest disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A piston pushing tool for use in piston disc brake assemblies having a caliper housing with at least one piston receiving bore open at one end and closed at its opposite end in which an hollow cylindrical piston having a closed end adjacent to the open end of the bore is reciprocably disposed, and an outboard shoe support bracket spaced axially from the open end of the bore and having axially outer and inner surfaces and an opening therethrough generally aligned with the bore. The tool includes a threaded shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion. The shaft is proportioned and designed to extend axially through the opening in the support bracket. A handle is connected to the proximal end for rotating the shaft. A first plate is provided for abutting the axially inner surface of the support bracket and a second plate, connected to the distal end of the shaft and having two spaced apart U-shaped extensions, is provided for abutting the closed end of the piston.

Abstract: A process for repairing a defective opening in an automotive transmission housing includes the steps of (a) providing a drilling jig sized to fit closely within the servo bore chamber, the drilling jig having an alignment aperture concentric with the opening when fitted within the chamber, (b) inserting into the opening a bushing which closely fits within the opening, the bushing having a central reamer guide bore with a diameter larger than the original bore diameter, (c) inserting and rotating a reamer in the reamer guide bore thereby enlarging the diameter of the opening, (d) providing and inserting a repair bushing into the enlarged opening, the repair bushing having a central opening with a diameter equal to the original diameter and having an external diameter equal to the diameter of the enlarged reamed opening. An adhesive may be used to fix the repar bushing in the opening.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a combination hub and catheter. A material is molded in a mold into a body having at least a first hub, and at least a first nose extending from the first hub. The first nose is then elongated into a catheter by moving first and second components of the mold away from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacture of a top 1 intended to be attached on a container or a flexible tube 50 and comprising a neck 3 the opening 7 of which is connected by a tearable ring-shaped part 10 to a cover 20 serving as an impervious stopper prior to breaking of the ring-shaped part and then being able to serve for recapping. The cover 20 is extended by a plate 30 the periphery 31 of which has a common axis of symmetry with the tearable ring-shaped part 10 and is provided with at least three lugs 32. The skirt 40 is open at one end; its inner surface 46 is partially cylindrical, its section following the exact shape of the periphery 31, except for the lugs, of the plate 30, and is provided with at least three cavities 41 intended to accommodate said lugs. The skirt is drawn around the plate 30 to the point of immobilization, brought about by the insertion of the lugs 32 on the plate 30 into the cavities 41 of the skirt 40.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for opening a sealed engine control module in which the module includes a substrate bent around and sealed to a central housing. In one aspect of the invention, the housing is machined around its perimeter, without damaging the substrate, to expose the sealing bead. The sealing bead is disrupted by cutting a groove in the bead, in one embodiment. The modified module is placed within an opening fixture that supports the substrate against buckling or folding while the substrate is unbent about the housing. In another aspect of the invention, a handling support can be attached to the unbent substrate to prevent buckling or folding while the circuit board supported by the substrate is evaluated or modified, and while the substrate is being transported. A closing fixture is also contemplated that supports the substrate while applying a force to fold or close the substrate about a new housing.