Abstract: A batting pad comprising a body made from a cushioning material and having a ring portion adapted to fit over a batter's thumb and an appendage to cushion the palm area between a batter's thumb and index finger. The appendage has a thickness T at its thickest point located between the first end and the distant end, and the thickness T of the appendage is selected to optimize an angle of a bat in the batter's hand relative to a line parallel to the batter's forearm, the angle being determined by the thickness T of the appendage displacing the bat toward the tip of the batter's index finger and causing the bat to contact the palm of the batter's hand near the batter's little finger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional towel comprising a towel having an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side and a right side the upper portion having a first attachment means and a waist belt having a second attachment means on at least one portion of the belt for affixing the towel to the belt and a water resistant skirt attached to and depending from the belt wherein the water resistant skirt has a front portion adjacent to the towel portion and a back portion distal to the towel portion.

Abstract: A disposable gown is composed of a basic trunk portion having front and rear trunk regions and both sleeves, wherein the rear trunk region includes first and second rear trunk halves. Collar elements, by which the first and second rear trunk halves may be kept closed is formed from a front collar member attached to the front trunk region and surrounding front half of a neck opening, a first rear collar member attached to the first rear trunk half and surrounding rear half of the neck opening, and a second rear collar member attached to the second rear trunk half and surrounding rear half of the neck opening. Two pairs of engaging means are formed on respective ends of the front collar member and the first and second rear collar members. The engaging means detachably fasten the collar members to each other.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed for assisting a user in putting on hosiery on their body. The apparatus of the present invention are gloves and would be made from nylon, spandex, or a combination of the two. Alternatively, the present invention could be fabricated from other materials which would allow a user to easily grasp hosiery when a user would want to put hosiery on. By using the present invention, a user would be able to prevent the creation of snags, runs, and ripped holes in hosiery that a user would be putting on.

Abstract: A new and improved glove design for a medical glove is disclosed that will allow medical tape to be applied while lessening the possibility of the medical tape sticking to the new and improved glove design. The new and improved glove design would use a tape resistant material on the glove, allowing the medical tape to be applied easier and lowering the chance that the medical tape would stick to the new and improved glove design. The tape resistant material would preferably be applied to the just the fingertip area of each of the fingers of a typical hospital/medical glove, but alternatively, could be applied to the entire external surface of the glove.

Abstract: A new and improved baseball hat is disclosed that has front-mounted removable patches which would allow a user to interchange different insignias, designs, or logos at the will of a user. The baseball hat itself would have a front-mounted Velcro patch which would be disc-shaped. In conjunction with the baseball hat, a user could use one of wide variety of patches, each of which would have a rear-mounted Velcro patch which could be removably attached to the front-mounted Velcro patch on the baseball hat. The patches would contain front-mounted designs, which would be different insignias, designs, or logos, either for the same sports team or for different sports teams. In addition to this, any type of theme or character could be used as well.

Abstract: An inside pad for a helmet includes a cushion member and a bag-like member covering the cushion member like a bag. The bag-like member has a bag main body with an opening, through which the cushion member can be taken out of and accommodated in the bag main body, in its one surface, and at least one holding member made of a thin platelike elastic material and covering the opening. The holding member is attached to the bag main body. The inside pad for the helmet has a simple structure and a relatively large strength. In addition, the cushion member can be taken out of the bag-like member of the inside pad for the helmet easily, and can be accommodated in the bag-like member easily.

Abstract: A type of swimming goggles, comprises: two lens frame units, each lens frame unit accommodates a lens, and, at its two opposite ends are a first joining unit and a second joining unit, wherein the first joining which is located closely to the inner of each lens frame has a through hole, and the second joining units which located on the outside of each lens frame has a engaging hole with a clasp opening thereon; which the diameter was less than the through holes and the a engaging hole, to pull and position in sequential order along the through holes and the clasp opening of the first and second joining units of said two lens frame units, maintaining an appropriate span between the two lens frame units; and a headband device that is joined to the two joining units on the outside of the two lens frame units, so as to enabling step-less adjustment to suit the nose bridge configuration of different users who can feel comfortable, and can be more convenient and do not effect the span after adjusting the span.

Abstract: A two layer garment system having an outer layer and a trilaminate inner layer sewn together is used to manufacture fire retardant, or firefighting, textile products, e.g., jackets, pants, gloves, bags and totes. The layers of the trilaminate inner liner insulate, water proof, and provide a face cloth for the firefighting textile product. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer comprises a Basofil blend having a density of about 7.5 ounces per square yard. The inner liner comprises three layers laminated together. A first layer of the inner liner for insulating the firefighting textile product comprises about 6 ounces per square yard of Basofil blend knit. A second layer of the inner liner for water proofing the firefighting textile product comprises a commercially available, vapor-permeable moisture membrane material, e.g., Stedair 2000®. The third layer of the inner liner for providing a face cloth for the firefighting textile product comprises about 2 ounces per square yard of Nomex knit.

Abstract: A filtration housing unit for use with a ventilated toilet seat. The filtration housing unit is designed for filtering air evacuated from a toilet using the ventilated toilet seat. The housing is configured to be mounted on a wall behind a toilet and under the toilet tank such that it is substantially concealed from view. At least one evacuation hose is attached to the underneath of the housing and extends to the ventilated toilet seat to establish fluid communication from the interior of the toilet bowl to the interior of the housing. The housing is provided for enclosing the components of a fan assembly for drawing the noxious odors from within the toilet bowl. At least one hose receptacle is provided for receiving the proximal end of at least one hose. Each hose is provided with an enlarged radius at the proximal end thereof, and is fabricated from a flexible material such as plastic. An air filter is carried within the housing to condition air.

Abstract: A capacitance charge transfer sensing and control system for a venting system. Preferably the sensing and control system is used with a toilet having an integrated venting system which includes ducting communicating with an exhaust air passageway located in the toilet bowl and an exhaust fan to draw air from the bowl and exhaust it outside. A sensing electrode, such as a wire antenna, is located in a covered location adjacent the toilet bowl, preferably in the exhaust air passageway located in the bowl of an integrated toilet venting system. The wire antenna is connected to a detection and motor control circuit which can detect a change in capacitance of the wire antenna upon a person entering into close proximity thereto. A micro-controller in the detection and motor control circuit is programmed to generate a circuit closing signal to an electric switch located in the circuit between a power source and the exhaust fan in response to a minimum pre-selected increase in the capacitance of the wire antenna.

Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus for keeping a toilet seat hygienic and sanitary by causing the toilet seat of a toilet to automatically be raised to an upright position when the toilet would not be in use. The present invention works by having a return spring incorporated in the hinges of the toilet seat. The present invention would serve to always keep the toilet seat in an upright position when the toilet would not be in use. When a user would need to use the present invention, a small amount of constant downward pressure would be enough to keep the toilet seat in a down position. The present invention would create a more healthy and hygienic toilet by not having urine smears or spills being left on a toilet seat which would have been left in a downward position when being used by a previous male user.

Abstract: Users of the Personal Interlocking Toilet Seat Handle with Related Improved Sanitary Toilet Seat enjoy a personal, private solution to health concerns arising from exposure to common restroom contaminants such as urine, fecal matter, germs, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Businesses can replace existing toilet seats with the device, affording the restroom user a convenient means of avoiding contaminated seat surfaces. Consumer's who use the handle are afforded a convenient, economical manner to manipulate any toilet which is equipped with the Seat. The handle is unobtrusive, lightweight, affordable, and personal to the user. The user can easily clean, disinfect, or sterilize the handle between uses to reduce disease borne from contaminants.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum-chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

Abstract: A pressurized water closet operating system comprises an accumulator vessel for storing water and air under pressure. A flush valve controls the discharge of water from the vessel and comprises a cylinder having a lower end in fluid communication with the outlet of said vessel, a piston defining upper and lower chambers therein, an orifice in the piston, an aperture in the cylinder providing fluid communication between the interior of the accumulator vessel and the lower chamber in the cylinder, a valve on the piston normally closing the lower end of the cylinder so as to close the water outlet and openable upon upward movement of the piston to permit the discharge of water, and a normally closed flush valve actuator openable to effect fluid communication between ambient air pressure and the upper chamber in the cylinder whereby a fluid pressure differential across said piston effects upward movement thereof and opening of the valve.

Abstract: A disposable waste bag pack is provided for use with a toilet which has a toilet seat and includes a first disposable bag which includes a zip-lock top first bag portion. A second disposable bag includes an expandable second bag top portion and a second bag bottom portion, and the second bag top portion is sized to fit over the toilet seat. Also, the second bag bottom portion is sized to fit into the first disposable bag which extends below the toilet seat.

Abstract: A walk-on tray for concealing a pool cover operation system. The system includes a plurality of brackets each having a load-bearing upper portion. The brackets are attached to a sidewall of an elongate recess formed at one end of a pool, such that the load-bearing upper portions of the brackets extend in a substantially horizontal orientation. A plurality of platform sections each include a platform piece and an attachment plate moveably disposed below an under side of the platform piece, and a nut-tightening arrangement such that the load-bearing upper portions of the brackets may be securely sandwiched between the under side of the platform piece and the attachment plate, such that said platform sections reside in a side-by-side, sequential series. The platform sections include a mortar veneer insert, and mortar designs may be chosen and customized to modify an appearance of the mortar veneer to match an appearance of perimeter sections of a pool deck.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the movement of a pool cover comprised of interconnected rigid buoyant slats and which uses a driven cable through a remotely powered source as a primary drive mechanism. The swimming pool cover is typically mounted on a drum and often in a submerged condition. In order to overcome the buoyant forces, the drive and control means must provide a braking action to the pool cover which would tend to unwind from a drum as a result of buoyant forces. The drive mechanism employs a cable drive which will wind a cable upon a cable reel or drum mounted in a remote location with respect to the cover drum. Cable could be trained from the cover drum to this cable drum in order to power same for rotation in at least a wind-up direction and could be used for controlling a braking action in the unwinding direction.

Abstract: A padded mat device that is used to protect harmful contact with hard surfaces, such as bathtubs edges. The padded mat device contains a top surface and a bottom surface that are joined together along a common peripheral edge. The interior of the padded mat device is filled either with air or with some padding material. The interior of the padded mat device is partially segmented. The top surface and bottom surface of the padded mat are periodically joined at seams along a plurality of parallel lines that extend between opposite edges of the padded mat device. The points where the top surface and the bottom surface join create depressions on the exterior of the padded mat device. Consequently, the lines of the seams become natural folding points where the padded mat device can be folded into different configurations. A plurality of suction cups extend from the bottom surface of the padded mat device. The suction cups adhere to a hard surface being padded.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress is provided with an upper visco-elastic foam layer to reduce the pressure variation flet by a patient lying on the mattress. The foam layer may extend into gaps between the cells making up the mattress. A foam layer may also be provided beneath the cells so that the mattress has a more conventional appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress and neck support assembly. The mattress has a supporting surface and a head end. The neck support is fittable to the head end, and has a rigid surface, a cavity, which is defined partially by said rigid surface and is located beneath the rigid surface, and supporting means for supporting the rigid surface; the rigid surface supporting the head of a user lying on said mattress. According to the present invention, the mattress has a recess formed at the head end of the mattress. The supporting means, in use, locks the rigid surface in a work position in which the rigid surface allows the cavity to receive, through the recess, at least one upper limb of a user, the user lying on the supporting surface of mattress in a prone position or on one side.

Abstract: A multiple function combination tool combines a plurality of implements in a single compact and reduced configuration for many diverse needs. An overmold is provided over at least a portion of at least one of the scales (gripping sides) of the tool. The overmold imparts to such scale different properties from those provided by the scale, such as enhanced tactile comfort, a softer feel, higher coefficient of friction (anti-slip), and/or greater aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydrophobic monomer is selec

Abstract: Methods for cleaning an article comprise contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In one embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 80 pbw to 99.99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In another embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 50.1 pbw to 99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane and a cyclic siloxane.

Abstract: Novel oxidation bases comprising a benzene nucleus and a guanidine chain, a process for their preparation, their use for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, dye compositions containing them, and oxidation dyeing processes using them are described.

Abstract: Compositions for oxidation dyeing keratinous fibers, for example, human keratinous fibers such as hair, comprising at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler chosen from N-(2-hydroxybenzene)carbamate and N-(2-hydroxybenzene)urea compounds and their acid addition salts of formula (I) and processes comprising such compositions.

Abstract: A dockleveler comprising a support structure, a ramp connected to the support structure and movable between raised and lowered positions, a upward biasing mechanism connected to the ramp, and a holdown mechanism connected between the ramp and the support structure. The holdown mechanism includes a spring assembly having an extension spring that increases in length as the ramp moves toward the raised position. The holdown mechanism further includes an adapter member interconnecting the holdown mechanism with at least one of the ramp and the support structure. The adapter member is separable from the holdown mechanism to allow the attachment of different adapter members to the holdown mechanism without cutting or welding. The extension spring is housed within a first hollow member and a second hollow member positioned at least partially within the first hollow member and movable relative to the first hollow member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustment mechanism and methods for adjusting the alignment of a powered cylindrical brush mounted to a surface maintenance vehicle relative to a surface to be maintained or cleaned by the vehicle. The device is preferably disposed upon the idler-side of a powered rotating cylindrical brush assembly and the adjustment preferably occurs via use of an eccentric cam member providing a range or motion, or pivot location, through or about which the idler-side mounting location of the cylindrical brush may be adjusted to improve contact with the surface. The present invention enables such adjustment without decoupling the rotating brush from its couplings (both supportive and rotational coupling), and any coupling to a drive mechanism for driving the rotating brush into rotation. The rotating brush so adjusted will benefit from improved mechanical cooperation between the bristles of the brush and the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A novelty toothbrush wherein either the entire toothbrush or alternatively just the handle portion, is fashioned to simulate a musical instrument or a related item.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer monofilament oriented from 3.0-6.0 times its original length having a diameter of 125-600 microns and containing 0.2-5.0% by weight, based on the weight of the monofilament, of glitter particles or film particles having a particle size of 50-400 microns in its longest diameter, a thickness of 2-50 microns and having a diameter to thickness ratio of at least 2 to 1 and wherein the longest diameter of the particle is not greater than 80% of the diameter of the monofilament and that provide the monofilament with an attractive appearance. A core sheath monofilament is also part of this invention wherein the core is a thermoplastic polymer monofilament having a sheath of the same or different thermoplastic polymer containing the above described particles. These monofilaments are particularly useful in toothbrushes and cosmetic brushes.

Abstract: Accessory to clean and recondition the rubber profile (12) of windscreen wiper arms (13) comprising a containing body (14) shaped substantially like an upside-down U, open on one side (14a) and housing scraping and/or abrasive means The scraping and/or abrasive means may consist of scraping blades or cylindrical milling wheels made to rotate by rubber rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for applying lotion to hard-to-reach areas of a person's body consisting of a head portion 12 to which a sponge 16 is secured with a handle portion 14 extending outward from the head portion of the apparatus. A handle extension 18 extends from the handle portion. The head, handle, and handle extension are formed of plastic, acrylic or, in the alternative, may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

Abstract: An automobile wiper blade is disclosed. A blade rubber and a frame are provided separately from each other, so that the efficiency of the wiper blade can be improved. Thus its life expectancy can be extended, the time for a replacing work can be shortened, the resources can be saved, and the economic burden to the users can be alleviated. The windshield wiper includes a motor part for generating a dynamic power, and a link part for transmitting the power of the motor. A wiper blade part wipes a windshield glass by receiving the power of the motor, and an arm part connects the wiper blade part to the link part. The wiper blade part includes a blade frame and a blade rubber separately formed from each other, the blade frame being coupled to the arm part. Departure preventing steps are formed on both ends of the arm part, for preventing any departure of the blade frame, and the blade rubber being detachable from the blade frame.

Abstract: A steam-sterilizing vacuum cleaner, having a vacuum cleaner body 30, a suction hose 31 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 30, and a suction unit provided at an end of the suction hose 31, includes a steam-generating unit for generating steam by a chemical reaction between two electrode plates 21 and 21′ and an electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A carrying handle of luggage comprises a carrying handle, which includes a thick arcuate center portion and an elongated thin elastic member having a hole at either end, two fixed members provided at both ends of the carrying handle, each of them including a front opening and an internal groove, and two sliding blocks secured to the elastic member of the carrying handle that are slidable within the fixed members, wherein the sliding blocks are incurred to move toward each other in the grooves when the carrying handle is lifted, thereby raising the carrying handle. By adopting this design, a carrying handle with a minimized projection space is provided to reduce the luggage's storage space.

Abstract: A hose bending clamp (10) is described for holding a hose in a desired bent shape. The clamp (10) includes a coil 14 designed to slop over the outside over a section of hose to be bent. Each of the turns (12) of the coil are designed to constrain the hose so as to inhibit it from spreading or kinking as it is forced into the desired shape. A malleable spine (16) is provided in connection with the coil (14) and is designed to bend with the hose into the desired shape and to hold the shape when released.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes an arrangement for forwarding a sliver through a space in an advancing direction; an arrangement for continuously displacing the sliver in the space transversely to the advancing direction while the sliver is forwarded in the advancing direction; and an apparatus for detecting a presence, absence, motion or standstill of a sliver. The apparatus includes a transmitter emitting a sensor beam passing through the space transversely to advancing direction for being intermittently interrupted by the sliver during displacement thereof transversely to the advancing direction; and a receiver positioned in a path of the sensor beam for receiving a light or a dark signal dependent whether or not the sensor beam is interrupted by the sliver during displacement thereof transversely to the advancing direction.

Abstract: A method for the conditioning of phosphoric acid containing solutions is described, wherein the solution is converted to a solid material by adding an aluminium compound. This solid material can readily be stared in disposal sites because it is not water-soluble. This method is particularly suited for the conditioning of phosphoric acid containing solutions from metal processing. An apparatus (10) for carrying out the method comprises a mixing tube (12) with a longitudinal axis (M) as well as an inlet (14) and an outlet (16). A least two liquid supply nozzles (18 and 20) open into the mixing tube inlet (14) and, with respect to the inlet crosssectional area of same, into a central area. Moreover, at least one gas supply nozzle (22) which is arranged radially outward of the liquid supply nozzles (18 and 22) opens into the mixing tube inlet (14). The longitudinal axis (G) of each gas supply nozzle (22) is inclined relative to the longitudinal center axis (M) in such a manner that said axes do not intersect.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide a snap with supports, the snap being formed of resin across a pair of tapes in a simple manner thereby leading to improvement of productivity and securing a solid structure and practical performance. Supports such as tapes are disposed in parallel with a gap. By using this gap, male bodies or female bodies of the snaps of thermoplastic resin are formed across opposing edges of the tapes opposing each other at a predetermined pitch by injection molding means or extrusion molding means. A string may be used as the support. Different from a conventional processing in which an attaching hole is made in the center of the tape and resin snap is formed therein, a boring step is not necessary. Thus, this snap with tapes is created through such a simple processing.

Abstract: A clasp apparatus to releaseably hold an ornamental object. That ornamental object may have a spherical shape or an irregular shape. A method to releaseably hold an ornamental object.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device which achieves reduction in the gas leakage without losing the smoothness of insertion of a tongue into a buckle, or which achieves reduction in the manufacturing cost and the weight of the latching apparatus. A tongue and a buckle of a latching apparatus for an inflatable belt device have pipes (a tongue pipe, a buckle pipe), through which gas for deploying an inflatable belt flows. The end of the buckle pipe is covered by a buckle cap which is broken when an inflator is actuated. The buckle cap is biased upwardly by a spring fitted around the buckle pipe. A space between the pipes is eliminated by the buckle cap, thereby achieving the reduction in gas leakage. Therefore, the need for excess gas is eliminated, thereby enabling miniaturization of the inflator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for boring and bolting pallets. The apparatus for boring and bolting pallets comprises an assembly jig for holding and maintaining the positioning of two or more main components, two or more cross components, a plurality of space support components, and a panel top component (collectively, components) wherein the assembly jig holds the components in proper position to form an incomplete pallet; a boring machine for simultaneously boring each intersection of the incomplete pallet in the assembly jig by raising a plurality of drills to the incomplete pallet, resulting in the assembly jig containing a bored pallet having a plurality of bores; and one or more conveyor systems for delivering the assembly jig containing the bored pallet to a bolting table wherein the components are bolted together into a pallet.

Abstract: A roller turret including a turret body having a plurality of mounting holes formed therein such that the mounting holes are arranged in a rotating direction of the turret body, a plurality of roller shafts each including a roller support portion and a stud portion eccentric with respect to the roller support portion and fitted in the corresponding mounting hole, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the roller support portions of the respective roller shafts, and a device provided for each mounting hole, for fixing the stud portion to the turret body, at a desired angular position of the corresponding roller shaft.

Abstract: A method and tool for repairing worn seams in sheet materials, such as linoleum or vinyl floor coverings, is disclosed. The tool is a specially constructed, double bladed utility knife. The tool has dual cutting blades that are rigidly secured to the tool for precision cutting. The blades are set at a slightly divergent angle relative to one another, and the distance between the blades is adjustable. The tool may be used to repair a damaged seam in a floor covering as follows. First, the blades are set to span the widest portion of the damaged portion of the seam. Cutting pressure is applied and the tool is drawn along the seam to remove the damaged portion. The blades are then adjusted to a slightly wider-apart position, and the tool is used in a similar manner to cut a repair piece from a matching piece of material. The repair piece is then adhered to the floor and will fit snugly between the adjoining pieces of material to accomplish a perfect repair of the seam.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of forming solid composite cathodes with cathode active layers which comprise an electroactive sulfur-containing material and an electrically conductive material, wherein the electroactive sulfur-containing material is heated to a temperature above its melting point to form a melt layer and then is resolidified to form a cathode active layer having redistributed electroactive sulfur-containing material of high volumetric density and improved adhesion and cohesion. The present invention also pertains to methods of forming electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes and having a high electrochemical utilization and to solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells formed using such methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tube finning machine, and in particular to improvements to such a machine. The invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, and in particular to the fitment of extended surface members (or fins) to the tubes of a heat exchanger so as to enhance the heat exchange. The tube finning machine has a rigid base, a clamping means for clamping a number of tubes, a carrier means movably mounted to the base, and a drive means by which the carrier means may be moved to a predetermined position relative to the base, and therefore relative to the tubes clamped thereupon. The improvements disclosed include those relating to support means for the tubes, clamping means for the tubes, and guide means for the fins as they are delivered to the carrier means.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly system employing at least a robotic or automated assembly apparatus to manipulate the components to be assembled and at least a first vision alignment system to align the components prior to their assembly. An adhesive dispense system is provided to connect, attach or otherwise adhere the components together. In a method in accord with the present invention for assembling components, a source of the components is provided is located relative to a global reference system. The components held by the source are then located relative to the global reference system based upon the determined location of the source. An adhesive is dispensed onto a first of the components and a second component is manipulated into an initial attachment position relative to the first component.

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: A method of fabricating multi-layer vertical comb-drive actuator that includes a first comb structure having a plurality of first comb fingers and a second comb structure having a plurality of second comb fingers, wherein the first and second comb fingers are substantially interdigitated. The present invention includes masking and etching of a structure that contains these multiple layers, wherein the first and second comb fingers are simultaneously fabricated. The first and second comb fingers may include two or more stacked conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by an insulating layer or an air gap. Alternatively, either the first or second comb fingers may include only one conductive layer.