Abstract: This invention relates to a closable loop keeper strap for securing, storing, and transporting household, garden, and industrial items. By forming a strap from an elongated length of material having a flexible, openable, and closable keeper at one end and a hanger element at the opposite end, one can produce an improved, low-cost, re-useable load-securing strap. By folding the end of the elongated length of material, having the flexible keeper attached thereto, around a load to be secured, a user can form an adjustable and releasable noose around the load. The adjustable and releasable noose is formed when the user wraps the flexible keeper around the unfolded portion of the length of material and fastens the keeper to form a closed keeper loop. The user can then slidably position the keeper loop along the length of the elongated length of material to tighten and loosen the noose. The closable loop keeper strap can accommodate loads of varying size, shape, and weight.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a base, a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The base is received in a central slot of a heat sink for providing a spring force and attaching the heat sink to a CPU package. The first and second locking portions each form an opening for engaging corresponding projections formed on lateral edges of a socket connector. A pair of extending plates is formed on lateral edges of the second locking portion. The extending plates are folded in an “L” shape and face each other thereby forming a receiving space for receiving an external tool. A locking plate or a locking hole is formed in the second locking portion for engaging with a locking element.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener includes an insert element and a retention element. The retention element has a plurality of discrete, spaced projections extending generally orthogonally from at least one side edge of one of the opposing surfaces. At least one of the projections has a free end that includes a hook portion extending generally orthogonally from the projection toward the central longitudinal axis. The fastener operates in first and second conditions. In the first condition the fastener is open and the insert element is disengaged from the retention element, and in the second condition the fastener is closed and the insert element engages the retention element. In moving from the first condition to the second condition the insert element engages the retention element by overlaying onto the retention element and being pressed into place. In moving from the second condition to the first condition the insert element disengages from the retention element by peeling from the retention element.

Abstract: A rewind spring in a cassette for a seat belt retractor is assembled by first placing a mechanism cover on a winding jig. An arbor is fitted to a winding shaft of the jig. One end of a coiled metal bank spring is then fixed to the spring arbor. The band is then wound onto the arbor in the mechanism cover and a spring cover is fitted to the mechanism cover. Finally, a locking clip is attached to the spring cover to lock the arbor against rotation. A spring arbor for use in the cassette has a generally cylindrical shape and an axially extending slot for receiving an end of the spring. A step is provided in the profile of the cylindrical outer surface of the arbor in the region of the slot to compensate for the thickness of the band wound thereon.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microactuator for an inkjet head, which achieves easy formation of oxide piezoelectric elements and upper electrodes having desired patterns, using a patterning process mainly used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. The method includes the steps of sequentially laminating a vibrating plate, a lower electrode, an oxide piezoelectric sheet, and an electrode layer, patterning the electrode layer, thereby forming upper electrodes of a desired pattern, and patterning the oxide piezoelectric sheet in accordance with an etching process while using the upper electrodes as a mask, thereby forming oxide piezoelectric elements of a desired pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a capacitor to be embedded in an electronic circuit package comprising the steps of selecting a first conductor foil, selecting a dielectric material, coating the dielectric material on at least one side of the first conductor foil, and layering the coated foil with a second conductor foil on top of the coating of dielectric material. Also claimed is an electronic circuit package incorporating at least one embedded capacitor manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a helical tube (18), including a first stamping station for producing a flange on a metal strip (11), a forming tool (17) in which the flanged metal strip is formed to a helical configuration and adjacent side edges are crimped together to produce a tube, a cutting arrangement (19) which cuts the tube into predetermined lengths, and a mechanical-optoelectronic measuring arrangement (20) for determining the length of the helical tube (18) to be cut.

Abstract: A tool (10) for installing an anti-flashover ring (140) onto a cylindrical device includes a housing (12) with an inner wall (24) with an extending edge (26). A plunger assembly (50) is slidably coupled to the housing (12) and carries the ring (140). The cylindrical device or bushing insert is received in the housing and the plunger assembly positions the ring onto the cylindrical device and the extending edge presses the ring onto the cylindrical device. A rod axially disposed in the housing and fixed to the plunger assembly is received in a bore (119) of the bushing insert (110) and assists in the positioning of the ring. The plunger assembly (50) includes a plunger (52) having a closed end (54) opposite an open end, the plunger has an interior plunger wall (60) with a spring lip (66). A holding collar (90) is slidably received in the plunger and a collar spring (100) is disposed between the plunger and the holding collar for biasing the holding collar.

Abstract: A forming die includes a base and at least two die segments. At least a first one of the die segments is moveably mounted to the base for shifting between closed and opened positions. The die segments together define a cavity having an opening when the first die segment is in the closed position. A punch is moveably mounted to the base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the punch crimps a part positioned within the cavity. A powered actuator is connected to at least the first one of the die segments, and shifts the first die segment between the closed and opened positions such that a part positioned within the cavity can be removed after crimping by shifting of the first die segment to the open position. The forming die is particularly well-suited for crimping electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided including a pulling head and a jaw case connected to the pulling head such that the jaw case is driven by the pulling head to engage a rivet mandrel. Air is supplied to the pulling head to return the pulling head to its original position after a rivet has been set. A remote intensifier is provided including an air piston disposed in a piston chamber and a rod connected to the air piston and extending into a ram housing which is connected to a hydraulic passage which is connected to the pulling head. A first supply of pressurized gas communicates with a first end of the piston chamber and a second supply of pressurized gas communicates with a second end of the piston chamber for rapidly returning the air piston to the retracted position in combination with the air pressure applied to the pulling head. The second end of the piston chamber is vented to prevent to much pressure build up pushing the piston to the retracted position.

Abstract: A hinge pin remover comprised of a pair of plier members, each having a jaw portion and a handle portion, wherein the plier members are pivotally connected. A circular indentation is formed in each of the jaw portions of the plier members that is configured to fit around the shaft of a hinge pin. An edge is formed in the circular indentations which can be interposed between the bottom of the head of the hinge pin and the top surface of a flange forming a channel for the hinge pin. Pivoting the jaw members together results in the edges being interposed between the hinge pin head and the flange. Subsequently, an upward force can be exerted against the hinge pin remover to remove the hinge pin. Further, a bevelled surface is formed adjacent the edges of the indentation so that the bevelled surface can be interposed between the head of the hinge pin and the flange which results in the bevelled surface exerting an outward force against the hinge pin to remove the hinge pin from the channel.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a fusion nib on a part uses a progressive die system. The method utilizes a thin feed strip of rigid, formable material and forms the nib on a side edge of the strip using multiple progressive dies. A first die shears a side edge portion of the strip to define a finger element in the side edge of the strip. A second die is then propelled horizontally into the terminal end of the finger element to form the finger element into a mounting shoulder and a small nib on the center of the mounting shoulder. A third die then blanks out the body portion of the desired piece from the strip in another vertical stamping operation. The desired piece is thus separated from the feed strip with the nib completely formed thereon.

Abstract: A tool retention apparatus for retaining a cutting tool in a tool holder which has a wedged shaped securing arrangement to hold the cutting tool against a pair of precision ground supports. The securing member provides both a vertical securing force and a radial location of the cutting tool to facilitate installation and removal of the cutting tool from a machine.

Abstract: A silencer shim structure is mounted on a friction pad of a disc brake assembly by retaining pins which extend through the shim structure and into the backing plate for preventing dislodging of the shim structure in service. The force of the rotating action of the brake disc is at a 90° angle to the retaining pin. This 90° angle provides effective resistance to any shifting or rotation of the shim structure with respect to the backing plate during actuation of a disc brake apparatus. The retaining pin has an outer surface which is disposed substantially flush with the outer surface of the shim structure. The outer surface of the retaining pin therefore does not interfere with the positioning or functioning of an actuator piston structure, caliper structure or other disc brake structure. The flush mounting allows the system of the present invention to be used for any caliper design.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical apparatus for fragmenting and aspirating tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a handpiece which encloses a transducer, an aspirating tool, and a connector body connecting the aspirating tool and the transducer. The aspirating tool includes a elongated boy having a centrally located throughbore, a hexagon engagement portion, a threaded proximal end and a distal tip. Methods of manufacturing aspirating tools having small and large diameter throughbores adapted for use with a common handpiece are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic hard disk substrate having an excellent surface flatness. According to the present invention, there is provided the magnetic hard disk substrate and a process of fabricating the substrate in which an aluminum alloy blank, before an Ni-P plating treatment, is subjected to precision turning, with a stock removal on each surface in the range of 20 to 150 &mgr;m in depth, followed by grinding, with a stock removal on each surface of 10 &mgr;m or less in depth.

Abstract: An automatic hard diskdrive read/write arm fabrication system, which includes a plurality of rotary tables arranged in a line, conveyer means arranged at one side of the rotary tables for carrying shaped material blocks to the rotary tables for processing into finished hard diskdrive read/write arm, a set of processing implement respectively disposed adjacent to the rotary tables and controlled to process shaped material blocks into finished hard diskdrive read/write arm, and a plurality of transferring tool means, for example, mechanical arms controlled to transfer shaped material blocks from the conveyer means to the rotary tables for processing by the processing implement respectively, and to transfer processed shaped material blocks from the rotary tables to the conveyer means.

Abstract: A coil advance drive apparatus for connector plate coils is described. The coil advance drive apparatus includes a support structure, a motor coupled to the support structure, at least one elongate coil support member coupled to the support structure, and at least one drive wheel operatively coupled to the motor Each drive wheel is configured to engage the connector plate coil stock. The coil support member includes a plurality of grooves extending longitudinally in one surface of the support member The grooves are configured to receive the pre-punched teeth extending from the connector plate coil stock. The drive wheel includes a plurality of teeth extending from a circumferential surface of the drive wheel. The teeth are configured to engage the open slots in the connector plate coil stock so as to move the coil stock along the support member as the drive wheel rotates. An elongate coil guide cover is coupled to the surface of each coil support member above the grooves.

Abstract: A magnetic yoke having a magnetic gap provided in the side of the surface facing the medium is disposed on the surface of a substrate. An MR film is disposed on the surface of the magnetic yoke substantially parallel to the substrate with a predetermined separation from the surface S facing the medium. At least both end portions of the MR film are magnetically coupled to the magnetic yoke. A pair of leads for supplying sensing current to the MR film have magnetic lead portions formed from the same magnetic layers as the magnetic yoke. The magnetic lead portions curb deterioration of MR head properties and yield reduction during formation of the leads. Furthermore, a bias magnetic field is applied to the magnetic yoke and the MR film at least during operation of the head. This bias magnetic field is for instance provided by a magnetic field induced by the electric current. Alternatively, a magnetic field induced by the electric current is applied while heat-processing the magnetic yoke.

Abstract: Process for the production of an assembly having several magnetic heads and multiple head assembly obtained by said process. Production takes place of a first substrate (60) with first pole pieces (621, 622) and a second substrate (70) with second pole pieces (721, 733) and magnetic connectors (741, 742). One of the substrates is reversed and engaged on the other. The second substrate is thinned out so that the two pole pieces (721, 722) and the magnetic connectors (741, 742) are level or almost level. The assembly is completed by forming on the second thinned out substrate, magnetic circuit closing means and conductor coils. Application to the production of multiple magnetic head assemblies.

Abstract: A magnetic material is continuously wound in and through openings formed in a pair of bobbins to form a wound core of an electrical transformer by inserting the pair of bobbins into a cavity formed in a winding fixture, feeding the magnetic material into the winding fixture so that the magnetic material is fed into a circular winding action such that a leading edge of the magnetic material is continuously threaded into the openings formed in the pair of bobbins to form a wound transformer core, cutting the magnetic material to form a trailing edge, securing the trailing edge to underlying wound transformer core material, and shaping the wound transformer core to a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board with a polymer thick-film (PTF) resistor whose dimensions can be defined with improved precision by providing a circuit board construction having a planar surface where the resistor is to be deposited. To achieve the desired board construction, the interconnect for the resistor is pattern plated using a permanent photodielectric layer as a plating mask instead of a sacrificial plating resist. The interconnect can be patterned before or after the PTF resistor ink is printed. The x and z dimensions (width and thickness, respectively) of the resistor are determined by the deposition process, while the y dimension (electrical length) is accurately determined by copper terminations.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member engages one end of the webbing. A bracket sensor senses the presence of a bracket at a correct position in the bracket support. Means responsive to a signal from a sensor may be provided for indicating the correct positioning of the sill-end bracket for feeding the pull-through member through the sill-end bracket. Means for driving the webbing into the tapered channel are provided so that said one end is located at a predetermined position relative to the form-feeding member. A method of manual or automatic assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly process apparatus includes an assembly robot for assembling parts to a workpiece which is a main body, a part supply apparatus for supplying parts to the workpiece, a work pallet for supplying workpieces to an assembly station of the assembly robot, and a tool pallet for supplying assembly process modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. The part supply apparatus is made up of a plurality of part supply modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. With the assembly process apparatus as one unit, it is constructed to assemble parts one unit only or with a plurality of units combined. Accordingly, an assembly process apparatus achieves excellent productivity with which it is possible to expand or cut line equipments easily according to production volume, and it is possible to achieve utilization of surplus assembly robots.

Abstract: An electronic-component mounting system, including a printed-circuit-board supporting device which positions and supports a printed circuit board, a movable table which is movable, relative to the printed-circuit-board supporting device, in at least one of an X direction and a Y direction which are perpendicular to each other and cooperate with each other to define an X-Y plane parallel to a board-support plane on which the printed circuit board is supported by the supporting device, an electronic-component supplying device which is mounted on the movable table and which includes a component-supply portion from which electronic components are supplied one by one, and an electronic-component mounting device which is mounted on the movable table together with the electronic-component supplying device and which receives the electronic components one by one from the component-supply portion of the supplying device and mounts at least one of the electronic components on the printed circuit board positioned and sup

Abstract: A circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, a movable table which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a line and which is movable in a direction parallel to the line, and a table-driving device which moves and stops the movable table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one connected feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the movable table and which supports a feeding mechanism which feeds the circuit components one by one to the component-supply portion of the connected feeder, a component-holding portion which holds the circuit components and from which the components are fed to the main portion by the feeding mechanism, and a connecting de

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for crimping a crimpable connector onto at least one electrical conductor. The apparatus includes a pair of crimping arms defining a staging area behind a crimping area. The staging area allows a first connector to be fed thereto and moved to the crimping area to be crimped thereat. A second connector is fed to the staging area, and an ejector moves the second connector into engagement with the first connector to eject the first connector from the crimping area while the second connector moves into the crimping area.

Abstract: The improved musical string includes a prior art core wire assembly including a core wire and a terminal end. The cover wire has an end portion that is bent around the terminal end portion of the core wire, and the cover wire is then wound the core wire to form the musical string. The improved cover wire winding machine includes a headstock with a rotatable spindle and a core wire terminal end mounting hook. A cover wire mounting sleeve is slidably and rotatably engaged to the spindle and functions to mechanically engage an end of the cover wire and to bend it into engagement with the core wire terminal end following engagement, the cover wire is wound around the core wire to produce the improved musical string.

Abstract: Smart cards employing ITA-based circuits can be made by associating a splitter edge material with the ITA-based circuit in order to direct an incoming stream of thermosetting polymeric above and below the ITA-based circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting two conductive layers in an electronic circuit package comprising the steps of forming dendrites on selected regions of a first conductive layer, forming dendrites on selected regions of a second conductive layer, applying an epoxy adhesive material over the first conductive layer, and compressively attaching the second conductive layer to the first conductive layer such that the dendrites on the first conductive layer contact the dendrites on the second conductive layer. Also claimed is an electronic circuit package incorporating the dendrites used for electrical interconnection manufactured in accordance with the present invention. An alternative embodiment of the invention utilizes an intermediate surface metal with dendrites in place of a “through via.

Abstract: The minimum spacing between wires disposed on a printed circuit board of a printed circuit board ball grid array package is reduced. Wiring layers are narrower than in the prior art because they are not plated and because only one metal layer is plated on the wiring layers. The narrower wiring layers can be formed easily with small spaces between wires.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus of automatically mounting electronic components at predetermined positions of an electronic circuit board, which comprise a mounting process of taking out an electronic component 10 from an electronic components holding unit 6 and mounting onto an electronic circuit board 5 and a processing process to trim the electronic component 10 during the mounting process to a preferable characteristic value thereby allowing to reduce the number of types of electronic components 10 to be stored in the electronic components holding unit 6 and reduce the equipment cost and the management cost of the electronic components 10.

Abstract: The transformation of An IC substrate with edge contacts into a ball grid array is accomplished using a flexible circuit that has terminals arranged planarly on the underside for receiving meltable solder humps and whose conductors leading outwardly from the terminals have exposed ends. The upper side of the flexible circuit is connected with the lower side of the substrate, whereupon the edge regions of the flexible circuit are bent up and around the substrate and the ends of the conductors are electrically contacted to the edge contacts of the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a housing for containing an IC card. The method includes the steps of stamping a pair of metal covers with at least one of the covers having a continuous uninterrupted edge provided with a plurality of through holes spaced inwardly of and along the edge. The covers are placed into a mold for an injection molding process. Plastic support members are injected into the mold into attachment with the covers. Plastic material of the support member surrounds the edge and flows through the holes of the cover. The covers and attached support members are removed from the mold, and the support members are bonded together so that a housing is formed with the covers and within which the IC card can be contained.

Abstract: A connector utilized to electrically connect together conductive pads disposed on different substrates includes a flexible substrate having a plurality of conductive through-holes therein. A conductive line formed in the flexible substrate extends between at least two of the conductive through-holes. A plurality of contacts is mounted in the conductive through-holes of the flexible substrate. Each contact includes a post connected to a base of a crown-shaped head having a plurality of projections around the periphery of the base that extend away from the base in the direction opposite the post. The post of each contact is soldered into one of the plurality of conductive through-holes. A compression mat positioned on a side of the flexible substrate opposite the crownshaped heads includes a plurality of resilient cylinders that extend away from a resilient base. Each resilient cylinder has a distal end alignable in registration with a distal end of the post of one of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: A circuit substrate utilizes buried edge connectors. The buried edge connectors are mechanically disposed within the edge of the substrate and have substantial thickness. The configuration and method for making the same provides relatively large edge connectors mechanically constrained in the edge of a circuit substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a new and improved method for connecting electrical components in a mold with a molding press. The method includes the steps of connecting electrical leads to coded electrical connectors secured to the mold; connecting electrical connectors to detachable electrical cables; and extending and detachably connecting electrical cables to coded connectors of a junction panel or box. The electrical connectors at the mold may be color-coded and/or shape-coded as to pins or keys on the connectors; and likewise, the cables and the electrical connectors at the junction box may also be similarly color-coded and/or shape-coded.

Abstract: A substrate, preferably constructed of a ductile material and a tool having the desired shape of the resulting device for contacting contact pads on a test device is brought into contact with the substrate. The tool is preferably constructed of a material that is harder than the substrate so that a depression can be readily made therein. A dielectric (insulative) layer, that is preferably patterned, is supported by the substrate. A conductive material is located within the depressions and then preferably lapped to remove excess from the top surface of the dielectric layer and to provide a flat overall surface. A trace is patterned on the dielectric layer and the conductive material. A polyimide layer is then preferably patterned over the entire surface. The substrate is then removed by any suitable process.

Abstract: A method of producing a nozzle plate for use in an ink jet head includes the steps of (a) stretching a predetermined number of resin lines, each having a cross section corresponding in shape to each nozzle hole to be formed in an ink jet head, in the same arrangement as that of nozzle holes to be formed in the ink jet head, (b) plating the peripheral surface of each of the resin lines with a metal, while maintaining the arrangement of the resin lines, (c) forming a nozzle substrate so as to include the resin lines therein with the metal used in the plating of the resin lines, (d) slicing the nozzle substrate, and (e) removing the resin lines from the sliced nozzle substrate, thereby forming the nozzle plate. In the above method, the resin lines can be removed from the nozzle substrate, and then the nozzle substrate can be sliced so as to form the nozzle plate.

Abstract: A method for producing a nozzle having a projecting tip part, including the steps of disposing a ceramic green sheet between a first die and a stripper containing a first punch, moving the first punch through a first surface of the ceramic green sheet to form a hole therethrough, inverting the ceramic green sheet, disposing the inverted ceramic green sheet between a second die and a stripper containing a second punch, the second die having a cavity in the shape of a negative configuration of the projecting tip part, moving the second punch through the hole formed in the ceramic green sheet to force a portion of the ceramic green sheet into the cavity of the second die and form the projecting tip part, and baking the ceramic green sheet to form the nozzle.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic gas bearing structure which can effectively prevent the half speed whirl phenomenon and prevent wear at the time of activation or stopping of rotation is implemented in a simple manner. The hydrodynamic gas bearing has a shaft body having an outer periphery, and a cylindrical bearing body opposing to the shaft body with a space maintained in the radial direction. The shaft body has a hollow portion extending in the axial direction. In a cross section vertical to the axial line of the shaft body, the hollow portion has a not-complete-round, symmetrical shape with respect to a line passing through the center of the cross section, for example, an approximately regular triangular shape.

Abstract: This method, offering quiet, pollution-free cutting, consists in emitting at least one pressurized jet of water which is directed at and moved over the vegetation to be cut, the pressurized jet or jets of water being themselves the cause, by mechanical reaction, of their movement, in particular their rotary movement. The cutting device that puts this method into effect comprises means for supplying water at pressure, and a rotating head provided at its periphery with at least one nozzle through which a cutting jet of water is ejected, the jet or jets of water generating, by reaction, rotation of the head and therefore of the jet or jets themselves. This device may be in the form of a portable appliance.

Abstract: A knife has a locking arm with a laterally displacing spring bias that retains the locking arm in a notch on the blade of the knife when the knife is in the open position. A lateral displacement of the locking arm is required to close the knife.

Abstract: Knife structure employing a push button and a slide block drivingly connected with the push button. An engaging plate is disposed in the knife grip and controlled by the push button. The knife blade is formed with multiple locating notches for the engaging plate to engage therein and permit unfolding the knife blade in a stage by stage manner to provide convenience and safety in use.

Abstract: A tool for cutting the sealant surrounding a windshield of a vehicle comprises a handle for gripping by a user to which a blade is removably attached. In particular, the blade is received in a blade holder portion forming a channel for receiving the blade and holding a substantial portion of the sides of the blade. In addition, the blade can be quickly removed and replaced by manually actuating a blade release mechanism. The blade release mechanism is also configured to automatically engage a blade and secure the blade relative to the blade holder when the blade is properly inserted into the blade holder. A pull handle is secured relative to an end of the blade holder as with a cable pivotally mounted to the end of the blade holder at a position advantageous for applying a force to the blade when cutting the sealant surround the windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an adjustable component that is to be held against an abutment surface of a housing, especially for the guide bar of a power chain saw, is provided. The mechanism includes at least two bolts that are provided on the housing, are spaced from one another, and project beyond the abutment surface of the housing and into an elongated opening of the component. At least one device is provided that extends into a gap between one of the bolts and at least one of the longitudinal edges of the elongated opening for engaging such at least one longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A light duty electric reciprocating handsaw includes a body assembly having a throat therein, a removably and reciprocally attached saw blade within the body assembly spanning the opening of the throat so that any workpiece that fits inside the throat can be cut across its width. The handsaw is either electrically or battery operated and includes an electric motor mounted within the body assembly, the weight of the motor being generally distributed over the saw blade. Preferably, the throat of the body assembly is generally defined by an upside down U-shaped configuration for receiving the workpiece therein after cutting with the saw blade. A balance of the weight is located generally over the saw blade, with the remainder of the weight of the unit being distributed generally evenly throughout the rest of the handsaw such that the operator will experience an aid in cutting the workpiece through the force of gravity.

Abstract: A carpenter's pencil sharpener for sharpening carpenter's pencils is disclosed. The pencil sharpener comprises a housing having both a vertically oriented oval shaped bore and a horizontally oriented oval shaped bore extending therethrough. The oval shapes of the bores corresponds to the profile of a carpenter's pencil. The bores are parallel and aligned with respect to each other. A cutting edge resiliently extends at an angle into the path of the bores. The angle of the cutting edge being adapted to allow a carpenter's pencil to be slid within said bore when inserted therein but whittling a carpenter's pencil when withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A power steering system intended for a vehicle having at least one steerable wheel (50) and including an electric servo motor (56), a wheel position related steering control unit (58), and a control unit calibrating device (55,61) for identifying the straight-ahead position of the steerable wheel (50) as the latter is turned within a steering interval defined by a first extreme end position (A) and a second extreme end position (B), wherein the calibrating device comprises a disc shaped element (55) which is rotatable about a central axis (X) in a conjoint relationship with the steerable wheel (50) and provided with a pattern of open and closed portions (64-67,70,71) and a single immobile sensor (61) for producing digital signals in response to its alignment with the open and closed portions (64-67,70,71), wherein a reference point (Y) corresponding to the straight-ahead position of the wheel (50) is defined by the transition from one open portion (64) to one closed portion (65) of the disc shaped element (55

Abstract: A method in which the alignment of a wheel can be easily adjusted in accordance with the characteristics of the tire, and in which a running stability appropriate for an actual road surface is obtained and a reduction in one-sided wear is achieved. A plurality of plate-like protrusions of a predetermined height are formed on the outer surface of an endless track at a predetermined distance apart in the direction of the rotation on which is rotated a wheel. When the endless track is rotated, the wheel is rotated on the tire driving surface and travels from the top surface of plate section over a step up climbing up onto the top surface of the protrusion. Next, from the top surface of the protrusion, the wheel travels over a step and descends back down onto the top surface of the plate section. This action is repeatedly executed.