Abstract: An article of apparel to be worn about the head includes an elongate sleeve of material having an elongate pliable member extending at least partially through the sleeve. The ends of the article are securable about the head so that at least a portion of the head and ears are covered, with the pliable member providing all or a portion of the facilities for securing and maintaining the device about the head.

Abstract: A helmet with a ventilating function is provided, including: a helmet shell having on an outer surface thereof a longitudinally extending outside air path configured to introduce outside air thereinto from a front air inlet thereof and discharge the same rearwardly from a rear air outlet thereof to form an outside air flow that sucks inside air remaining in the helmet shell by its negative pressure to achieve ventilation; a path defining body defining the outside air path; and a rear deflector for facilitating release of an air flow from a rear portion of the outer surface of the helmet shell, the path defining body and the rear deflector being unified in configuration.

Abstract: A safety cap has a bump-resisting rigid casing, a plurality of trigonal pyramid reflection devices disposed on an outer surface of the bump-resisting rigid casing, a transparent layer enclosing the outer surface of the bump-resisting rigid casing and the trigonal pyramid reflection devices, and a foamed layer disposed in the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of air inlets are formed on a top front portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of channels are formed on a top portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of vent holes are formed on the top portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of hollow frames are inserted in the air inlets. A plurality of door plates covers the air inlets. Each door plate engages with the respective hollow frame.

Abstract: A protective headwear for a child for preventing head injuries to babies and toddlers. The protective headwear for a child includes a frame including an adjustable and padded band, a visor extending from a front of the band, and four arcuate cover support members each having a pair of ends which are detachably attachable to the band intermediate portion of each of the arcuate cover support members are coupled together; and also includes a cover having a tail-like portion extending downwardly from a back thereof and being padded to protect the back of a child's neck and being securely fitted over and about the frame; and further includes a plurality of hook and loop fasteners being securely attached to the ends of the arcuate cover support members and to the band. As an option, a chin strap having ends with hook and loop fasteners securely attached thereof is detachably attached to the band.

Abstract: A toilet cover assembly comprising a seat (1) and a cover (2) interconnected by means of two interspaced hinges (5). Each hinge (5) comprises a seat hinge eye member (6) and an adjacent cover hinge eye member (7) and a bushing (9) on which the hinge eye members are arranged as well as a mounting member (11) having a freely projecting hinge pin (10) accommodated in the bushing (9). The bushing (9) is resilient in the portion at an inner radial projection (34), whereby the inner projection (34) may be brought into and out of engagement with a recess (41) on the hinge pin (10) with the eye members (6, 7) arranged on the bushing (9). Furthermore the bushing (9) is resilient in the portion at a radially extending projection (28), whereby the outer projection (28) may be inserted through the eye members (6, 7) prior to insertion of the hinge pin (10) in the bushing (9).

Abstract: A toilet seat and cover lifter includes a seat lifting assembly and a cover lifting assembly. Each lifting assembly includes a lifting plate, a pair of arms, a pair of counterweights, a vertical handle, and a vertical handle retainer. The seat lifting assembly is installed in the following manner. The lifting plate is mounted to a bottom of the toilet seat. Each arm extends from an end of the lifting plate. Each arm has a slot formed in a length thereof. At least one counterweight is slidably attached to each arm. The counterweights are adjusted by sliding thereof in the slot to reduce the amount force required to move the toilet seat to an upright position. The vertical handle is pivotally attached to an end of either arm. The vertical handle is radially retained inside a vertical handle retainer which is mounted to a side of the toilet tank. The cover lifting assembly is installed in a similar manner to the seat lifting assembly. Two foot pedals with cords may be substituted for the seat vertical handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining fluid flow in a drainpipe, including a cylindrical body having a sidewall terminating with an integral closed end providing a means for engaging a drain plate, and, in opposition, an open end providing an integral uniform peripheral flange extending outwardly. The peripheral flange is adapted for a tight fitting relationship with a drain pipe inside surface; and, further, the side wall provided a plurality of apertures and a further plurality of surface protuberances extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the side wall.

Abstract: Pressure from the input water line (26) holds a toilet's flush-valve member (12) in its seat so as to prevent water in the toilet tank (16) from flowing through flush ports (18) and a flush conduit (22) into the toilet bowl or urinal. To release water through the flush conduit (22) a solenoid (42) is actuated to relieve the pressure acting on the flush-valve (12) so that a bias spring (24) lifts the flush-valve (12) off its seat (14). A solenoid (118) for performing this function can be located remotely from the flush-valve assembly and communicate with it by a hydraulic line (108).

Abstract: Controlling a volume of water contained in the toilet's water tank by manipulating short or long a drawing line connected to an operating lever, includes an operating part having an operating member connected with the line and either operated short by pressing an auxiliary button along with the operating lever's handle, or operated long by pressing the overall handle without pushing the auxiliary button; a flush valve opening a drain pipe's intake with a buoyancy maintained if a working distance of the line is short; and a buoyancy control part letting the flush valve's upper part communicate with the water tank and closing the valve to remove the buoyancy if the working distance of the line is long. This system is easily installed in a drain pipe of the water tank already provided to the toilet body, and is capable of controlling a volume of water after installation just by turning the operating lever's handle in one direction only, thus attaining an advantageous economical aspect.

Abstract: A portable and foldable chamber excretion pot having a seat folder mechanism can be developed for use and foldable after being finished using it, especially suitable for carrying in a car. An elaborately designed seat folder mechanism can make a plurality of sustainers stand up or lie down and form a sloped surface when they are standing up so as to settle the pot horizontally on the car seat thereby enabling the user to comfortably and stably sit thereon.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet system has a segmented outlet that extends from the jet body in response to a water flow through the jet and retracts when the flow stops. Water flows into the jet body, where it is directed into a nozzle that tapers to accelerate the water into a venturi jet that can then be aerated if desired. The water then enters the segmented outlet, which is urged to a retracted position within the jet body by a spring. The pressure from the water causes the outlet to extend from the jet housing against the spring pressure, compressing the spring. When extended, the outlet provides a stream of warm or aerated water to a reservoir such as a spa, pool or bathtub and the outlet can be manipulated to direct the stream. When the flow of water is stopped the spring expands and causes the outlet to retract into the jet body.

Abstract: A shower enclosure system includes an elongate arcuate rod having first and second spaced end portions, a pair of swivels, with one swivel at each of the end portions, and a pair of swivel-receiving wall mounts for mounting on opposing walls of a shower enclosure, with each of the swivels to receive one of the swivels. The system includes a shower curtain rod which is shaped so that the bathroom is protected by draping the shower curtain in such a way that splashed water does not escape from the bath tub. The shape of the curtain rod provides added space outside the perimeter of the tub footprint, for the comfort of the user within the shower enclosure. However, the added space within the shower enclosure does not compromise the integrity of the water capturing function of the shower curtain.

Abstract: The invention is a novelty shower head having a cavity in the wall of the shower head containing objects which move according to the swirl of water through the shower head providing an entertaining display of moving objects while in the shower.

Abstract: This invention concerns a foldable frame of a playpen. The frame consists of a certain simply and quickly. The folded volume is very small in order to bring convenience in storing and transportation, and in addition, has a space defined therein to contain accessories such as boards and bed clothes.

Abstract: A baby head pattern forming cot includes a support base having two opposite side walls each defining a pivot hole, a rotary base rotatably mounted in the support base and having two ends each provided with a pivot axle pivotally mounted in the pivot hole of the support base, a pattern forming base mounted in a receiving chamber of the rotary base and defining a body-shaped recess and a head-shaped recess, and a rotation device mounted in the support base. The rotation device includes a motor secured in the support base, a drive gear mounted on and rotated by the motor, a rotation controller secured on the motor for controlling rotation of the drive gear, a reduction gear meshing with and rotated by the drive gear, and a driven gear secured on the pivot axle of one of the two ends of the rotary base and meshing with and rotated by the reduction gear.

Abstract: An improved sleeper bed for over-the-road trucks comprises a first upper frame and a second lower frame with an air spring mounted between the first and second frames for dampening the movement of the frames toward one another. A pair of scissors-like struts extend between the upper and lower frames and allow the upper frame to move up and down according to the amount of force thereon. A pair of pillow block bearings are mounted to braces on the lower frame. A pair of guide rods extend downwardly from the upper frame and are telescopically received in respective pillow block bearings. The pillow block bearings allow the guide rods to shift or pivot slightly when horizontal forces are experienced by the sleeper bed so as to reduce the shock felt by a user thereon.

Abstract: A device for lying on or sitting on comprising a mattress (3) with a mattress sheath (4), a lath grid (1, 2) and at least two springy beams (5) extending in longitudinal direction of the device, wherein the lath grid (1, 2) comprises a lath grid cloth (1) with means for fixing laths (2) to one side of the lath grid cloth (1) in a transverse direction of the device and parallel to each other, and wherein the mattress (3) and the lath grid (1, 2) are connected by two detachable connection means extending in a longitudinal direction of the device, to form a mattress/grid-unit being substantially wholly covered with cloth, wherein the two connection means comprises each a pair of cooperating parts (14, 44) of which parts (14, 44) a first part (44) is fixed to the mattress sheath (4) and a second part (14) is fixed to the lath grid cloth (1).

Abstract: A cubicle bed, including a horizontal non-steel bed frame having a rectangular perimeter including a head end, a foot end parallel to the head end, and two parallel sides between the head end and the foot end; the frame adapted to support a bed mattress; a footboard extending vertically from the foot end, and including a non-steel footboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a headboard extending vertically from the head end, and including a non-steel headboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel; a pair of opposed sideboards extending vertically from the parallel sides, each of the sideboards including a non-steel sideboard frame supporting a substantially transparent mesh panel, with at least one of the substantially transparent mesh panels being releasably attached to the sideboard frame; the footboard, headboard and sideboards being joined together in cooperating relationship to define a barrier about the perimeter of the horizontal bed frame.

Abstract: A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

Abstract: A surgical boot assembly for an operating room table includes a surgical boot, an adjustable support arm securable to the table, and an adjustable clamping assembly attaching the surgical boot to the adjustable support arm. The adjustable support arm includes an attachment, a support rod having an end pivotally attached to the attachment such that the support rod is pivotable about the end relative to the attachment, and a locking cylinder having a first end pivotally attached to the attachment and a second end pivotally attached to the support rod. The locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide an assisting lift force. The locking cylinder preferably includes a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder and having an integral valve, and a separating piston within the cylinder. The piston and the separating piston divide the cylinder into first, second, and third portions.

Abstract: A cover for a tight top mattress includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a border panel. A zipper connects the border panel to either the upper or lower panel. At least one of the upper of lower panels is a quilted foam and fabric assembly which is dimensioned and configured as a pillow top. The upper, lower and border panels define an enclosure for closely fitting and receiving the mattress.

Abstract: Extruded foam reinforcement pieces are described for assembly in connection with innerspring assemblies and mattresses. The pieces have optimized cross-sectional configurations which can be consistently extruded in continuous strands which are then cut to length according to the type and size of innerspring assembly. The pieces are configured to engage various components of the innerspring, including spring coils, spaces between spring coils, and framing borderwires. The foam reinforcement pieces facilitate attachment and alignment of overlying material such as padding and upholstery and function to improve the support characteristics of an innerspring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slug for distributing a fluid on an inner surface of a bore of a pipeline. The slug comprises a reservoir for containing the fluid to be distributed, an outlet for distributing the fluid from the reservoir and onto the inner surface of the bore of the pipeline, and an arrangement for discharging fluid from the reservoir through the outlet. In use, the slug's reservoir is charged with fluid, placed in the pipeline bore, and urged along the length of the pipeline under pressure of a conveying medium, such as pressurized air, while fluid from the reservoir is dispensed onto the inner surface of the pipeline bore. The outer cross-sectional area of the slug or at least one portion thereof forms at least a partial blockage with, and slidably engages the inner surface of, the bore of the pipeline to facilitate movement of the slug through the pipeline under the action of a conveying medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scrubbing device retractably movable into a pipe to effectively separate caking from the pipe. The scrubber comprises a plurality of metal brush wheels or is provided with bristles. The scrubber is moved into the pipe by a flexible rod, and the rod can be retractably and automatically received in a chamber by a winding machine therein. Each of the brush wheels can be formed with a plurality of helical teeth located on the circumference thereof. The caking adhered on the inner wall of the pipe can be cleanly scrubbed away by the teeth, and then the removed caking and its ashes can be effectively expelled out of the pipe by the suction of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning squeegees of the type having a handle with one edge joined to an edge of an elastomeric flat plate having a scraping edge. The apparatus includes a pair of brushes such as flat brushes used to scrub floors and supported facing one another so that bristles of one brush touch bristles of the other brush. A tube with a row of apertures is positioned along an upper edge of each brush An appropriate solvent is pumped through the tubes and flushes the surfaces of the plate of the squeegee as the plate is swiped between the brushes.

Abstract: A drive controlling apparatus for a rotary window cleaner comprises an elevating motor for moving up and down two wipers, which are provided on a front window so as to be close to each other, to a storage position and a start position, a first motor for rotating the first wiper at the start position, a second motor for rotating the second motor at the start position in a direction opposed to that of the first wiper, and an electronic control circuit to which each brush board of the elevating motor, the first motor and the second motor is connected so as to perform the upward and downward movement, the intermittent operation, the medium-speed operation and the high-speed operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting element (1) for connecting a windshield wiper blade (21) to wiper arm hooks (23, 23.1, 28) of different wiper arm hook widths (B, b) and wiper arm hook depths (W, w), which includes a number of different at least partial contact faces (11, 16, 17, 19, 13, 21, 29) for wiper arm hooks (23, 23.1, 28) with different dimensions, having two housing side walls (2, 3) and a center piece (4) disposed between them, wherein these partial contact faces (11, 16, 17, 19, 13, 21, 29) are disposed on a housing side wall (2, 3) in order to compensate for different wiper arm hook widths (B, b) and are disposed on the center piece (4) in order to compensate for different wiper arm hook depths (W, w), and the partial contact faces (11, 16, 17, 19, 13, 21, 29) permit a reception of at least two different wiper arm hooks (23, 23.1, 28) along mounting axes (15, 20) that are disposed at angles to each other.

Abstract: The carpet/floor cleaning wand has a vacuum tube with a first section extending roughly parallel to the ground and a second section angled in an upwards direction from the first section. A vacuum hose connects the vacuum tube to a vacuum source. A vacuum head is connected to the first section of the vacuum tube, the vacuum head having bristles therearound and a squeegee attached to the front of the vacuum head. A wheel assembly is releasably mounted onto the vacuum tube. A brush assembly having a motor and a brush is mounted behind the vacuum head. A spray assembly is comprised of a spray manifold mounted behind the vacuum head, a plurality of spray heads emanating from the spray manifold, a fluid feeding tube extending from the spray manifold and to a flow regulator.

Abstract: A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a back end, left and right driven rear wheels and at least one steerable front wheel and a trailer connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable to the utility type tractor via the trailer connecting means. A main surface cleaning apparatus is operatively mountable on the unitary frame utility type tractor between the front end and the back end thereof, and is connected in debris depositing relation via a debris transfer mechanism to the debris hopper.

Abstract: A method of securing a torsion spring used in a counterbalance system in which the spring torsion cannot be released without first supporting any existing spring torque utilizes a torsion spring assembly including: a torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within a torsion spring; an anchor member retaining a first end of the torsion spring with the torsion rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the anchor member; and a winding cone retaining a second end of the torsion spring. The winding cone includes a first winding cone coupling member including a frusto-conical surface retaining the second end of the torsion spring; and a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener. The second coupling member defines an area in which the fastener is received for releasably mounting the second coupling member to the torsion rod. The first coupling member is disposed adjacent and abuts the second coupling member for limited rotational movement between first and second rotational positions.

Abstract: A hinge assembly and methods for mounting a hatch relative to a port defined in a cover of a vacuum chamber to close and open the port. A torsion rod mounted between the port and the hatch is in torsion when the hatch is in a closed position relative to the port, assisting port-opening motion. A sleeve surrounds the rod and is movable with the hatch. Friction hinge structures between the cover and the sleeve, and between the hatch and a second sleeve are in a friction-engaging relationship with the corresponding sleeve. Each friction hinge structure provides high resistance to relative motion between a friction spring and the corresponding sleeve. During the port-opening motion of the hatch the friction springs provide low resistance to such relative motion. The hinge structures provide tolerance resistance and vacuum compliance by allowing relative movement between a hinge mounting plate and the hatch.

Abstract: A self-latching hinge includes a connector having an outer surface with at least one irregularity. A receiver is provided that includes an inner surface with at least one irregularity. By selectively moving the connector relative to the receiver the irregularity on the outer surface of the connector is engaged with the irregularity on the inner surface of the receiver for retaining the connector and retainer in a predetermined position. The receiver is designed to be hook-shaped and constructed of a pliable material for enabling the connector to be received within a recessed portion. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality of dimples disposed on the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A knob mounted on one end of a stick included in a stick switch and selectively sinkable in the axial direction of the stick or tiltable in any one of preselected directions. The knob further includes a concave surface formed on an end opposite to an end to be mounted to the stick. At least one projection protrudes from the concave surface. The knob is easy to operate and promotes the small size, miniature configuration of a mobile terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a non-woven fiber baft of fibrous material which includes a housing connecting with a plurality of feed chutes which feed fibers from a plurality of sources into a mixing chamber. Feed rolls, adjacent each discharge end of the feed chutes, are driven at selected speeds to withdraw fibers from the feed chutes at selected rates. A combing roll within the mixing chamber acts to assist the fibers from the mixing chamber into a beater chamber where they are further blended and opened. From the beater chamber the fibers move into a batt forming chute where they are formed into a fiber batt. The batt forming chute includes a packing belt and a vibrating assembly each driven at selected speeds to compact the fibers into a fiber batt of desired density.

Abstract: An apparatus having a back region for attachment to a surface, a front region for engagement of the item of personal property, and a substantially vertical aperture region defined within and between the front and back region. The aperture region has a topward opening for initial, vertical slidable engagement of at least a portion of the item and for retention of the item after engagement, and a chamber region below the topward opening for containment of the portion of the item after engagement. The back region substantially lies in a plane and the topward opening has an elongated, semi-circular geometry. The topward opening lies in a plane, such that an angle of incidence is created between said back region plane and said topward opening plane, and the angle of incidence is less than 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°.

Abstract: A clamping joint and a method for producing such a joint for interconnection of a clamping lock with at least one wire, which is insertable therein, and which clamping lock after compression during plastic deformation in a clamping tool seizes and arrests the wire in the sleeve. A least one locking member is embedded in the wire and connected to the lock, under clamping of the wire against the clamping lock.

Abstract: A buckle of the invention is formed of a hollow female member, which is provided with an inserting hole and first engaging portions, and a male member provided with a collar portion and elastic pieces disposed at both end portions of a front surface of the collar portion. Each of the elastic pieces includes a second engaging portion at a distal end thereof, and the elastic pieces are disposed to face each other and inserted into the inserting hole of the female member. The both end portions of the front surface of the collar portion are respectively provided with concave portions, so that the collar portion and the elastic pieces are overlapped in a longitudinal direction thereof. Accordingly, an entire length of the male member is shortened while a length of the elastic piece and bending margin are obtained as required.

Abstract: A buckle having a buckle main body and an insertion body. The buckle main body comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, and side walls. The buckle main body also has an insertion port at one end and a belt-mounting portion at the other end. The insertion body has flexible operation rods on both sides of a base rod in a projecting manner where portions of the operation rods are to be engaged in the insertion port of the buckle main body. The operation rods have narrow leg portions arranged in a side of the base rod, and bulging head portions fitted to opening portions and formed in the front end of the leg portions. Reinforcing ridge portions are formed on the outer surface of the leg portions running from substantially the base rod to substantially the bulging head portions.

Abstract: A method for a parallel manufacturing of a plurality of piezoelectric actuators and a corresponding piezoelectric actuator utilize a plurality of thin foils composed of an unfired piezoelectric ceramic material which are stacked one over another. On surface of foils, an electrode is provided for each actuator. For contacting electrodes, first and second connecting openings are provided. Electrodes have cut-outs which surround either first or second connecting openings. An electrically conductive paste is introduced into connecting openings. The stacked arrangement is fired and split up into the individual actuators. As internal electrodes, the electrodes are insulated from the surroundings.

Abstract: Method for forming an ultrasonic phased array transducer with an ultralow impedance backing. The ultrasonic phased array includes a low density backfill material having an ultralow acoustic impedance. The backfill material is either an aerogel, a carbon aerogel, an xerogel, or a carbon xerogel. A piezoelectric ceramic material and two matching layers are bonded to the backfill material. In one embodiment, a plurality of interconnect vias are formed in the backfill material with conducting material deposited in the vias. A portion of the bonded matching layers, the piezoelectric ceramic material, and the backfill material have isolation cuts therethrough to form an array of electrically and acoustically isolated individual elements. In a second embodiment, the backfill material is bonded to an electronic layer at a face opposite to the piezoelectric ceramic material and the matching layers.

Abstract: A piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive film-type element comprises a zirconia substrate with a thin-walled diaphragm section provided integrally to cover and close a window to serve as a hollow space, and a film-shaped piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive operating section composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer, and an upper electrode which are successively provided in a layered configuration on an outer surface of the diaphragm section in accordance with a film-forming method, wherein at least a part of a peripheral edge portion of the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer extends laterally beyond a corresponding peripheral edge portion of the lower electrode to construct an overhang section located opposingly over the diaphragm section, and the overhang section is in a state of incomplete connection with respect to a partial region of the diaphragm section located just under by the aid of particles of an alumina-magnesia compound such as spinel particles allowed

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A drive-on system for installing a twist-link tire chain (i.e., snow chain) on a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle wheel. The system includes a U-shaped installation tool whose arms releasably engage fastening elements (hooks or links) at one end of each side chain, and a installation tray or ramp in which the tire chain and the tool are arranged, and may be stored, in a partially laid-out orientation prior to installation. To install the tire chain, the vehicle is driven onto the tray and stopped in response to a signal initiated by a position-indicating switch on the tray. Then the tool, with one end of the tire chain connected to it and trailing it, is drawn upward and circumferentially around the tire. With the tool bridging the tread of the tire so that its arms extend along the opposite sidewalls, the tire chain is draped and tensioned substantially in the correct position on the tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for freeing laser bars stuck in a facet coating fixture. A roller device is provided that rolls into a facet coating fixture channel and applies a downward force to a stuck laser bar. The roller device provides an uncomplicated and reliable system for handling the bars.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making an automatic temperature compensating gas spring strut, the method comprising providing an outer cylinder having opposite ends with one end closed and the other end apertured to permit movement of the strut therethrough; nesting an inner cylinder within the outer cylinder with radial space therebetween, the inner cylinder being apertured at opposite ends; partitioning the space between said cylinders into a first chamber adjacent the closed end of the outer cylinder and a second chamber remote from such closed end; inserting a piston in sliding, sealing relation with the interior of the inner cylinder, the piston having a piston rod extending from said piston and sealingly out through the aperture of the outer cylinder; after injecting a high pressure, non-condensing gas in the first chamber, inserting a measured quantity of solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”) in the second chamber at ambient conditions and closing said second chamber while sealingly allowing movem

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a corner member into channel-shaped flanges of a duct. The corner member has first and second legs. The duct includes longitudinally extending duct panels. The channel-shaped flanges of the duct extend laterally from at least one end of the duct panels. The apparatus a corner member support mechanism adapted for supporting the corner member, a duct moving mechanism, and a pressing mechanism. The duct moving mechanism has a duct pusher moveable between a first position and a second position. The duct pusher imparts a moving force against the duct upon movement of the duct pusher from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for preparing double-armed sutures, i.e., a suture with a surgical needle at either end of the suture, from a bulk supply of surgical needles and an indefinite length of suture material is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding and cutting station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. A suture drawing and cutting station automatically inserts an end of the indefinite length of suture into the first of the pair of needles that form the double-armed suture.

Abstract: The behavior of a nozzle tip is measured with a jig when the suction nozzle moves vertically and rotatively before the start of production. The nozzle tip displacement is formulated from the results with a component thickness and a mounting angle used as parameters, and the parameters are corrected according to the component thickness and the final mounting angle of the electronic component to be mounted in the production stage.

Abstract: A self-pierce rivet includes a shank and a head at one end of the shank. The other end of the shank of the rivet is provided with an axially extending slot. The head is non-circular and is formed with substantially mutually perpendicular major and minor dimensions, the minor dimension of the head extending substantially parallel to the slot. The shank of the rivet may be provided with a central hole extending from the free end of the shank towards the head. The head of the rivet may be substantially rectangular.

Abstract: An installation head, fastener, and method for installing the fastener are disclosed. The installation head has control fingers which control the position of the fastener with respect to the plunger and workpiece to which the fastener is to be attached during the entire travel of the fastener from the entry into the installation head to installation in the workpiece. The fingers are pivotally mounted to the plunger and travel with the plunger throughout the installation path. The fingers are adapted to engage the fastener in a displaced area on the fastener so that the fingers can control the fastener through installation of the fastener into the workpiece. The displaced area is positioned between the top and bottom of the fastener so that the fingers can maintain control throughout installation.