Abstract: A compression tool assembly that is useful in connection with the removal of boiler tube flared-end segments from retention within power boiler header walls is provided with oppositely paired compression jaw elements that are rotated to cause the wall of a longitudinally gapped boiler tube flared-end segment to be compressed into a cross-section configuration that permits comparatively easy tube segment withdrawal.

Abstract: A convertible aircraft brake assembly (10, 60, 77, 78, 83, 85, 96, 120, 130) designed as original equipment to have heat sinks comprising a steel heat sink (20, 70, 80, 90, 91, 100, 110, 122) aircraft brake assembly and a carbon—carbon composite heat sink (40) aircraft brake assembly. When the aircraft brake assembly is converted from one type of heat sink to the other, the conversion is accomplished with minimal changes in component parts. The conversion can be accomplished without any changes in the piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30) because the heat sinks include therein respective components which enable each heat sink to be utilized with the commonly used piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30).

Abstract: An improved floor for a recovery boiler furnace having a flat floor has a number of tubes in the floor immediately adjacent each of the sidewalls of the furnace oriented at an oblique angle to horizontal. A method of replacing the floor is provided as well.

Abstract: A method for adjusting brake cable detangler systems used on “trick” bicycles in order to eliminate associated bearing flop includes the following steps: position the upper and lower plates of the cable detangler system at an optimum distance from each other for the given system with the aid of a multipurpose gauge, select an upper cable assembly of the proper length for the given handlebar with the aid of the same multipurpose gauge, connect the lower brake cable to the lower unit of the cable detangler system, connect an adjuster cable to the upper unit of the cable detangler system, adjust the adjusting barrels of the lower brake cable until bearing flop in the bearing mechanism of cable detangler system is eliminated, remove the adjuster cable, connect the upper brake cable in place of the adjuster cable, and adjust the adjusting barrels of the upper brake cable until bearing flop in the cable detangler system is eliminated.

Abstract: A die bonder equipped with an image recognition unit having a zoom optical system for placing a chip to a correct location in accordance with recognition results delivered from the image recognition unit. Data related with the recognition offset data that specify a relationship in the relative location between optical coordinates system and mechanical coordinates system, and the pixel rate, etc. are stored in advance in a correction magnification index memory section, maintaining linkage to respective zoom magnification indices. Results of recognition are converted from a location information in terms of an optical coordinates system into a location information in actual dimensions in terms of a mechanical coordinates system of the die bonder, using a datum selected among the data in accordance with a magnification index at which the chip was pictured by a camera of an image recognition section.

Abstract: A method for constructing trusses includes providing a plurality of truss tables that includes channel that do not unduly deform or bend during truss construction. Each table includes a support frame and a plurality of substantially horizontally-disposed elongate steel panels. Each panel has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions. The panels are positioned so that their respective upper surfaces are substantially coplanar and so that one of the lateral edge portions of each panel is in adjacent, non-contacting relationship with one of the lateral edge portions of an adjacent panel, such that a gap is defined between the adjacent lateral edge portions of adjacent panels. The panels are supported from underneath by the frame, and each of the gaps is substantially parallel with each of the other gaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end module assembly for installation on a motor vehicle and a method for assembling the same. The assembly comprises an exterior fascia configured to comprise a portion of a vehicle body when the assembly is installed on the vehicle. An external visible component is configured to be positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the fascia with surfaces thereof facing exteriorly of the fascia. The external component is positioned relative to the fascia such that the position controlling portion guides the external component into the predetermined orientation and supports the component thereat, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on the vehicle without requiring reorientation of the component. The present invention also relates to a loading fixture for installing a front end module assembly onto a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a building board 2, exhibiting a board body S which is formed with a gripping stud 24, and a metal strip 10 which extends from the body S and from which are formed gripping elements 26, 28 which are bent round the gripping stud 24 for mechanical fastening of the strip 10 TO the body S, as well as locking element 12 for enabling mechanical joining of the board 2 to similar boards. The method is characterized by preforming the gripping elements 26, 28 of the strip 10 prior to bending them round the gripping stud 24, and subsequently bending the preformed gripping elements 26, 28 round the gripping stud 24, the preforming being such that, as a result of the bending, the preformed gripping elements 26, 28 strike against the gripping stud 24 and thereby undergo a deformation in the opposite direction to the preforming during a final stage of the bending.

Abstract: Two or several overlaying sheet formed members are joined together using an essentially coaxial arrangement of a punch, a die with a die cavity, and an anvil.

Abstract: An anvil for a press for assembling a fastener to a plate having an aperture. The press includes a ram assembly for pressing the fastener into the plate aperture. The anvil includes a housing and a pin disposed in the housing. The pin is slidable between an extended position, partially extending outwardly of the housing and is adapted to extend through the plate aperture. The pin moves to a retracted position disposed within the housing for contact with the bottom surface of the plate. The anvil further includes a collar disposed in the housing and concentrically disposed around the pin. The collar includes a plurality of spaced apart collar sections, each collar section having a bottom flange retained by the housing and a top flange. The collar sections are movable between an expanded position when the pin is in the extended position, and a collapsed position when the pin is in the retracted position within the housing.

Abstract: A method of mounting a wheel flare or other body side molding on a motor vehicle body panel including the steps of forming the wheel flare or other body side molding with a face having a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive tape thereon covered by a protective film, mounting the wheel flare or other body side molding on the body panel for linear translation perpendicular to the body panel, removing the protective film from the pressure sensitive adhesive tape in a gap defined between the body panel and the face in a first position of the wheel flare or other body side molding relative to the body panel, linearly translating the wheel flare or other body side molding perpendicular to the body panel from the first position to a second position in which the face bears against the body panel with the pressure sensitive adhesive tape trapped therebetween and adhesively bonded to each, and rigidly clamping the wheel flare or other body side molding in the second position thereof to the body panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of an electrically conductive metallic strip for the production of plug contact elements. A starting strip of copper or a copper alloy having an initial thickness which is greater than its final thickness is tin-plated. Subsequently, the tin-plated copper strip is deformed by rolling. This rolling process reduces both the thickness of the layer of tin and the thickness of the underlying copper strip.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electric motor by building the motor in one direction without the need to turn the motor end over end during the assembly process. The method includes providing a first housing section having motor control components preinstalled therein, and a shaft opening therein for the motor shaft; inserting the stator in the first housing section; temporarily inserting a jig into the stator to position the stator in the first housing section, and injecting a settable material between the stator and the first housing section to secure the stator within the first housing section. After the stator is secured, the jig is removed, and a rotor positioned in the stator, a fan is installed on the rotor, and a second housing section is interfit with the first housing section and the first and second housing sections are secured together.

Abstract: The combination of one or more high reduction drafts with controlled, low back tensions increases the range of deformation conditions over which dimensional tolerances and Je may be optimized. The method comprises the steps of: first, providing a precursor article comprising a metal matrix surrounding a plurality of filaments extending along the length of the article and comprising precursors to a desired superconducting ceramic; next, roll working the precursor article during a breakdown stage at a back tension less than the elastic to plastic transition threshold of the composite during at least one high reduction roll working draft, and, then, sintering the rolled article to obtain the desired superconducting ceramic. In a preferred embodiment, the rolling step further comprises rolling the article at a front tension less than the elastic to plastic transition threshold of the rolled, unsintered article.

Abstract: An air-wound, coil-type, passive inductor includes a surface which allows the coil to be picked-up using a vacuum probe of a head of a pick-an-place machine and the surface does not interfere with adjusting the spacing between the loops of the coil for tuning the coil after the coil is attached to a circuit board. Terminal ends of the coil are placed on solder paste on interconnection pads on the circuit board, then the board is heated to reflow the solder, and then washed to remove the flux contained in the solder paste. The surface may be adapted to be removed or at least degraded by the heating, or the washing, or afterwards by a mechanical method of removal without damaging the coil.

Abstract: A surface mountable electronic device comprising a body incorporating an electronic device and having a substantially planar mounting surface and another surface extending from the mounting surface, at least one electrical lead extending from the device, and a terminal of conductive material having a first portion fixedly received in the body and extending through the other surface, a second portion extending from the first portion and electrically connected to the lead and a third portion extending along the mounting surface for providing electrical connection to a circuit. A recess preferably is provided in the other surface of the body for receiving the first portion of the terminal.

Abstract: An electric heater unit is manufactured so as to form a base in a supporting dish by compacting powdered microporous insulation into the base. At least one electrical resistance heating element is supported on or adjacent to the base and a peripheral wall is formed in the supporting dish and integral with the base by compacting further microporous insulation material into the dish to a controlled compaction density. The compaction density of the peripheral wall may be different from that of the base, for example higher.

Abstract: A ceramic heater which has an alumina rod, an alumina based ribbon sintered to the rod, and a platinum resistor element bonded to the ribbon. Additionally, a method of making a ceramic heater by preparing a ceramic slurry; combining the ceramic slurry with a binder component to form a slip; depositing the slip onto a carrier film at a controlled thickness such that a deposited slip is formed; heat curing the deposited slip to form a cured slip ribbon; applying a platinum paste onto the ribbon in a specific pattern, the paste forming a platinum resistor element on the ribbon; applying the ribbon with the platinum resistor element onto an alumina rod; and, heating the rod with the ribbon and the platinum resistor element thereon, whereby the ribbon is sintered to the rod and the platinum resistor element is sintered and bonded to the ribbon.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrical switch wherein material is cut out of a sheet or web (1) of electrically conductive material such that a plurality of sets of terminals (5, 6, 7) are formed integral with the sheet (1). A housing (not shown) is moulded onto each set of terminals such that the inner terminals (7) are within the housing. Operative elements are mounted in the housing. The moulding of the housings and the mounting of the elements are performed on a plurality of sets of terminals simultaneously. The individual switches are separated from the sheet (1) either by severing the terminals 5 at 15 and 25 and the terminals 6 at 16, thereby forming a switch with a short distance (fx 4 mm) between the terminal ends of terminals (16), or by severing the terminals 6 at 16 and 26 and the terminals 5 at 15, thereby forming a switch with a longer distance (fx 6 mm) between the terminal ends of terminal (15).

Abstract: A machine for automatically installing a molding strip onto the edge of a door panel. The door panel is covered with a soft, flexible material such as vinyl or cloth. The molding strip has a channel formed therein, which receives the edge of the door panel. A compression mechanism compresses the material in front of the molding strip as the molding strip is pushed by a drive mechanism onto the door panel edge the distance of the molding strip. The compression mechanism and the drive mechanism move in unison so that the compression mechanism is continuously compressing the material just in front of the molding strip as the strip is installed on the door panel edge.

Abstract: A vacuum coupling system according to the present invention is a mechanism that is used accurately to position and connect a vacuum coupling to a valve mechanism of a shell, which is formed by integrally attracting a wafer and a contactor to a wafer chuck by vacuum suction, in conducting a reliability test or other tests on IC chips that is formed on the wafer. This system comprises an air cylinder for advancing the vacuum coupling toward the valve mechanism, a positioning member to be advanced together with the vacuum coupling, a guide member for guiding the vacuum coupling to the valve mechanism in cooperation with the positioning member, a guide rail for guiding the around the wafer chuck while the positioning member is advancing, and a pair of POGO pins for returning the air cylinder to its neutral position.

Abstract: A device useful in the field of digital telecommunications, particularly for on-site mounting of a connector on a coaxial cable which has a portable clip (10) adaptable to the diameter of the coaxial cable in order to immobilize the cable. The clip includes a base with a first edge, an opposed second edge and a reference plane formed therebetween. The reference plane supports the coaxial cable and includes a groove formed therein adapted to receive a ferrule of a connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fabricating densely stacked ball-grid-array packages into a three-dimensional multi-package array. Integrated circuit packages are stacked on one another to form a module. Lead carriers provide an external point of electrical connection to buried package leads. Lead carriers are formed with apertures that partially surround each lead and electrically and thermally couple conductive elements or traces in the lead carrier to each package lead. Optionally thin layers of thermally conductive adhesive located between the lead carrier and adjacent packages facilitates the transfer of heat between packages and to the lead carrier. Lead carriers may be formed of custom flexible circuits having multiple layers of conductive material separated by a substrate to provide accurate impedance control and providing high density signal trace routing and ball-grid array connection to a printed wiring board.

Abstract: In a method of inserting, into a board, axial-type electronic components, wherein each of the electronic components has a pair of lead wires extending from a main body and belongs to an assembly of electronic components connected by a tape as arranged at regular intervals, the components are grasped with a plurality of chucks which are intermittently moved to a component supplying position and a component transferring position, respectively. Each of these chucks comprises grasping pieces having first and second grasping grooves, the first grasping grooves having inner surfaces for grasping end portions of each of a first kind of the components whose taped portions are of a first tape interval, the second grasping grooves having inner surfaces for grasping end portions of each of a second kind of the components whose taped portions are of a second tape interval smaller than the first tape interval, the second grasping grooves being slightly deeper than the first grasping grooves.

Abstract: An improved process for fabricating photovoltaic charging circuits including the steps of: 1. fabricating a circuit board by conventional techniques with photovoltaic piece mounting pads, islands, and traces suitable for interconnecting photovoltaic pieces in series with a LED and the cells of the rechargeable battery; 2. fabricating a suitable solder screen; 3. using the screen to apply solder dots to the piece mounting pads and the LED mounting pads; 4. using a pick and place machine to automatically place the pieces, conductive side up, onto the piece mounting pads and the LED onto the LED mounting pads; 5. heating the assembly to cause soldering of the rears of the pieces to the piece mounting pads and the LED to the LED mounting pads; and 6. electrically connecting the conductive sides to the islands.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes insulating layers formed by impregnating a base material with a resin and a metal foil pattern formed on a desired layer of the insulating layers. Ions for forming a hardly soluble metal salt by combining with metal ions free from a portion of the board or a sulfur-containing compound for reacting with the metal ion are present in the insulating layer or on a surface of the metal foil pattern. Furthermore, a method for producing the printed circuit board includes any one of the steps of adding the ions or the sulfur-containing compound to the resin varnish, impregnating a base material with the solution of the ions or the sulfur-containing compound, or applying the solution onto the surface of the metal foil pattern, in order to allow the ions or the sulfur-containing compound to exist in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A metal wiring forming process in which an insulating film is formed on the principal surface of a substrate. Grooves or via holes are formed in the insulating layer and then a barrier film and a metal film in this order are formed on the substrate. Thereafter, the principal surface of the resulting substrate is smoothed until the insulating film is exposed completely and the grooves or via holes are filled with the metal film. The surface smoothing process includes a first polishing stage of conducting chemical mechanical polishing until the surface of the barrier film is exposed, and a second polishing stage of conducting mechanical polishing to polish the whole resulting surface at a constant rate.

Abstract: A band-like raw material which becomes a contact plate is supplied to a position between an upper mold and a lower mold as these molds are closed, a convex part for the contact with the lower mold is engaged with a concave part for contact with the upper mold, by which, simultaneously punching out the contact part onto a part of the band-like raw material, the band-like raw material is cut to a predetermined length between edge parts to form the contact plate. At this time, a tip of a press pin on which the concave part is formed is brought into direct contact with a central part of the band-like raw material. A resin is injected into the mold cavities to form a push rod integrally with the contact plate, and the central part of the contact plate is deformed in the concave part to provide a stopgap.

Abstract: Microelectronic contacts, such as flexible, tab-like, cantilever contacts, are provided with asperities disposed in a regular pattern. Each asperity has a sharp feature at its tip remote from the surface of the contact. As mating microelectronic elements are engaged with the contacts, a wiping action causes the sharp features of the asperities to scrape the mating element, so as to provide effective electrical interconnection and, optionally, effective metallurgical bonding between the contact and the mating element upon activation of a bonding material.

Abstract: A fabricating method for a one-piece refractory metal rocket engine chamber is described. Hollow liner sections of a platinum group metal or alloy are inserted into a chamber barrel portion to form the combustion chamber, connecting into a conical portion, a venturi throat and into a second conical portion, forming an expansion nozzle exit of the chamber. The hollow liner sections correspond to the interior shapes of the chamber portions. A refractory metal split hollow mandrel completes an assembly which is subjected to a hot isostatic pressing cycle. This HIP cycle expands the hollow mandrel, supporting the liner, outward against the chamber wall, pressure bonding the liner sections to the chamber portions. Scarfed edges of the liner sections are also bonded. The split mandrel is then chemically removed from the chamber resulting in a lined rocket engine chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing a built-up heat exchanger including the steps of cutting a thermal conductive material to provide a seat in sheet form, forming at least two spaced notches on a top surface of the seat, cutting a thermal conductive material to provide radiators in sheet form, punching the radiators so that a plurality of upward extended fins and at least two downward projected and spaced ridges are formed, applying glue over bottom surfaces of the ridges of the radiators, and superposing the radiators on the top surface of the seat with the bottom-glued ridges fitted in the notches on the seat. The number of fins formed on each radiator and the number of radiators superposed on the seat may be decided depending on the actual need in different applications of the built-up heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simplified integrated steering wheel assembly and a simplified method for forming the integrated steering wheel assembly. The integrated steering wheel assembly has a one-piece steering wheel armature and an airbag scrim. A cover is molded over a portion of the steering wheel armature and a portion of the airbag scrim. The airbag scrim forms a cavity for placement of an airbag and an airbag inflator between the airbag scrim and a hub portion of the steering wheel armature. The method of the invention includes use of a plurality of positioning pins and a vacuum force to position the airbag scrim relative to the steering wheel armature and mold during the possess of molding the cover over a portion of the steering wheel armature and a portion of the airbag scrim.

Abstract: A spoke nipple comprises a body of substantially undeformable material with a head and a shank which have an at least partially threaded axial hole for housing the thread of a spoke, and with a perforated insert of substantially deformable material fixed to the body with the holes in the body and in the insert arranged coaxially, the insert having an inside diameter such as to house the thread of the spoke with interference when it is screwed into the axial hole in the nipple body.

Abstract: A main frame assembly is assembled by manufacturing a lower frame assembly with a pair of spaced side rails. A front wall extends continuously between the side rails and a pair of spaced and separated transmission housings are connected to the front wall and extend rearwardly therefrom a predetermined distance along a respective side rail. An upper frame assembly is manufactured with a pair of spaced tower assemblies and a pair of side members connected to a respective tower assembly. The upper frame assembly is mounted to the lower frame assembly by a horizontal connection exclusively between the side members of the upper frame assembly and the respective side rails of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry shaving apparatus having a housing (1) and a housing portion (21) in which at least one exchangeable frame (20) incorporating at least one cutting element (18) is held by at least one detent means (28, 29), with cooperating stop elements (40, 50, 60, 70) being provided on the exchangeable frame (20) and on the housing portion (21), wherein the stop elements (40, 50, 60, 70) are maintained in engagement by means of at least one pressure element (30, 31) acted upon by a spring element (32, 33) and bearing against a wall (39), and by means of a sloping wall surface (34, 35, 36, 37) acted upon by the pressure element (30, 31), and wherein the pressure element (30, 31) and the sloping wall surface (34, 35, 36, 37) are provided to take effect only on one side of the cooperating stop elements (40, 50, 60, 70).

Abstract: A handheld knife having a non-rotating retractable blade which reversibly travels between a position of storage within the knife handle and an extended position of use in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the knife handle.

Abstract: A protective cover for a carpenter's plane includes a base plate having an upper surface and a width which is substantially similar to a width of the carpenter's plane and opposing side walls having a lower portion attached to opposing edges of the base plate and which extend away from the opposing edges of the base plate to an upper portion of the side walls, the side walls tapering inwardly, toward each other, as they extend away from the base plate. The cover is constructed such that when the cover is in an installed position on the plane, the upper portions of the side walls are flexed outwardly by the plane, resulting in an inward force being applied to the plane by the upper portions of the side walls, the inward force thereby holding the cover in place on the plane. When the cover is in the installed position on the plane, the base plate is operative for covering a cutting iron of the plane.

Abstract: A wall hanging level for assisting a user in determining whether a wall hanging is horizontally aligned properly on a vertical wall surface. The wall hanging level includes a case with an elongate slot extending along a lower edge of the case. A panel is slidably inserted into the elongate slot of the case. A front face of the panel has a bubble vial.

Abstract: A bore centering apparatus includes an elongated level having a laser beam generator at one end insertably received into the center of a centering cone placed within a hole in a wall. Adjustment of the level is made by turnbuckles which adjustably connect the level to the front face of the wall into which the centering cone is placed. The laser beam generator transmits a beam through the centering cone along its central longitudinal axis and therefore is coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the hole so that the beam terminates at a remote or spaced-apart intended target. Offset lines in degrees are carried on the external surface of the centering cone so that layout directions can be derived quickly. A protractor plate may be incorporated into the assembly at the base of the centering cone to set the desired degree of offset. By combining a 45 degree or 30 degree offset mark on the bore cone, the bore assembly is tilted accordingly to show compound angle layouts or directions of mechanical runs.

Abstract: A tool for selectively marking a surface in specific desired increments for use in a variety of mechanical arts. The tool has a ruled face and indicates selected increments by illuminating light emitting devices corresponding to the locations to be marked.

Abstract: Tires can be accurately and quickly measured by using a tire caliper that outputs data in digital form. A measuring instrument determines the diameter of automotive tires, preferably automotive race tires, and displays the circumference or the diameter at the users option, The tool of this invention has a digital display including a relatively elongate caliper body formed with a measuring part adapted to make measuring engagement with the tire to be measured. A member freely slidable in a longitudinal direction of the caliper body and formed with a measuring part disposed opposite to the measuring part of the caliper. In one preferred embodiment, the measuring instrument is marked with a transparent linear scale fixedly disposed on the caliper body with its axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the caliper body and a transparent index scale is mounted on the slider with its calibrated face disposed opposite to the calibrated face of the linear scale and slightly spaced apart relationship.

Abstract: An attachment to a standard measuring rule includes a body with a three point mount for stably and securely supporting the measuring rule. Within the body a vernier is provided. In one embodiment the vernier is entirely co-planar with the rule, while in other embodiments the vernier is co-planar except for a zero-point marker. Additionally, the vernier is disclosed as an integral part of the body, or, alternatively, as a separate insert into the body. The vernier divides twenty-four one-eighth inch divisions into twenty-five equal parts, enabling vernier measurements in units of thousandths of an inch. Additional attachments including further bodies and verniers enable the standard rule to measure a wide variety of dimensions, while also enabling the use of either fractional or decimal representation on an easy to read scale.

Abstract: A hair dryer used for drying and styling hair includes a heating element in a passage connecting an air inlet and an air outlet. The heating element has a ceramic coating layer, which is coated with mixed powder of extreme infrared material and poly-element minerals, both in powder form.

Abstract: A dehydration machine includes a stuff tank, a stuff inlet provided at a lower portion of the stuff tank, a stuff outlet provided at an upper portion of the stuff tank, and a pair of drums each having a circumferential wall with a plurality of water passage apertures, the pair of drums being juxtaposed in the stuff tank. The pair of drums rotate adversely about its respective axis so as to introduce stuffs in the stuff tank therebetween from a lower side thereof. One of the drum is rotatable in an immovable manner, and the other of the drums is rotatable in an inclinable manner while being urged toward the one of the drums by an air spring. Each of the drums is provided with a metal net on an outer surface of the circumferential wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a surface of an article, such as a semiconductor wafer in a clean room. The particles are supplied with an electric charge. Subsequently, an ultrasonic wave or a gas stream is applied onto the surface of the article while an electric field is applied for driving away the electrically charged particles from the surface, thereby removing particles having a dimension smaller than 1 micrometer from the surface. The presence of a collecting member allows the removal of resulting, floating particles.

Abstract: A hair dryer is provided which dries hair by convection and infrared radiation heating. The dryer includes a hand grip extending downward, an intake opening and an exhaust opening, and a halogen heater comprising a U-shaped quartz tube with a tungsten filament. Infrared radiation is emitted by the quartz tube and a fan is rotated by a motor which causes air from the air intake opening to flow past the halogen heater to heats an air stream that is discharged from the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A device for supporting a heated air source at a targeted segment of a wall or ceiling in a room. The device includes a pole having a first end and a second end. The pole is selectively adjustable in length, wherein the pole can be adjusted to the height of a ceiling in a variety of different rooms. A clamping mechanism is provided that selectively attaches to the pole at any point between the first end of the pole and the second end of the pole. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support platform that extends from said mounting bracket. The support platform can be moved into numerous different orientations. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the support platform, wherein the attachment mechanism selectively attaches the heated air source to the support platform. As such, the heated air source is capable of being directed toward any section of a room's ceiling or walls.

Abstract: Self-ventilating footwear using two simple check valves attached to a midsole insert that comprises a compression member and a displacement compartment, wherein the midsole insert is inserted into the lower part of a shoe. The check valves are located on the forefoot and heel of the shoe and operate by compression of the user's foot which forces air out of the heel valve and, in turn, creates a vacuum in the displacement compartment which draws air in through the forefoot valve. By walking or running, the user repeatedly compresses the displacement compartment and drives the airflow through the displacement compartment. The simple nature of the valve and compartment arrangement improves the ease of manufacture and reduces the cost of the footwear.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe includes a midsole formed of soft elastic material and a corrugated sheet disposed in a heel portion of the midsole. A plurality of through holes are formed in the midsole at locations where the midsole contacts the corrugated sheet. In this case, transverse deformation of the heel portion of the midsole can be prevented by the wave configuration of the corrugated sheet and running stability of the shoe can be ensured. Also, the cushioning properties of the shoe can be improved at the portions provided with the holes because vertical deformation thereby becomes easier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cushion having a support pin structure for absorbing shock, a method for manufacturing the air cushion, and footgear comprising the air cushion which does not exhibit any bulging effect, even upon application of an external pressure, to thereby improve the stability thereof. The air cushion includes: an upper plate having a plurality of support pins arranged at the same height or different height in a downward direction on the bottom surface thereof; a lower plate having a plurality of pin receiving bodies on the top surface thereof opposite to the upper plate, each of the pin receiving bodies having a groove into which each of the support pins is inserted; and a cushion body adapted to surround the coupled state of the upper plate with the lower plate where the support pins are received and fixed into the pin receiving bodies, thereby maintaining the air-tightness therein.