Abstract: A stator coil of a rotary electric machine such as an alternator for use in an automobile is composed of a plurality of U-shaped conductor segments inserted into slots formed in a stator core. Each segment has a head portion and two legs extending from the head portion. The plurality of segments include regular segments each having a regular distance between two legs (a regular slot-pitch) and special segments each having a special slot-pitch different from the regular slot-pitch. The head portions of both the regular and the special segments are simultaneously twisted to form the respectively required slot-pitches after a preliminary twist is given to the special segments. In this manner, a process of manufacturing the stator coil is simplified.

Abstract: A semi-rigid heated element assembly and method of manufacturing semi-rigid heated element assemblies is provided. A heated element assembly includes a first thermoplastic sheet, a second thermoplastic sheet, and a resistance heating element laminated between the first and second thermoplastic sheets. The resistance heating element includes a supporting substrate having a first surface thereon and an electrical resistance heating material forming a predetermined circuit path having a pair of terminal end portions. The circuit path continues onto at least one flap portion that is capable of rotating about a first axis of rotation. The reformable continuous element structure may be formed into a final element assembly configuration whereby at least the flap portion is rotated along its axis of rotation to provide resistance heating in at least two planes. Semi-rigid heating elements may be formed into heated containers, heated bags, and other objects with complex heat planes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of an over-current protection device, characterized in that the PTC plaque is conducted by punching under frozen state to form the over-current protection devices so as to reduce the heating and temperature rising in the PTC plaque due to punching and temperature difference between the metal foil and the conductive composite material. Relatively, the deformation and stress of the over-current protection device caused by punching will also be reduced. Therefore, there is no need for additional process to increase the temperature sensitivity and electrical property stability of the over-current protection device.

Abstract: A metal plate and an electrode in a polymer lithium ion secondary battery or the like are welded certainly, and it is accomplished to further improve the reliability and the durability thereof. Each of an upper metal plate (7a) and a lower metal plate (9a) on the positive pole/terminal is welded to a pole/terminal of positive electrode (3) so that the pole/terminal of positive electrode (3) may be sandwiched from each of the upper and lower sides. Moreover, each of an upper metal plate (7b) and a lower metal plate (9b) on the negative pole/terminal is welded to a pole/terminal of negative electrode (5) so that the pole/terminal of negative electrode (5) may be sandwiched from each of the upper and lower sides. This eliminates occurrence of poor welding in the electric resistance welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclosed for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a positioning device (4) for a fitting head (14). The positioning device is anchored on a support (3), which is detachably fastened to a supporting body (2) of the inventive device. A control device (17) for the positioning device (4) is additionally fastened to the support. These functional parts form a completely operative functional unit, which can be separately tested, calibrated and supplied by the supporting body (2). Different supports (3, 23) for different positioning devices (4, 20) can be fastened to the supporting body (2), whereby inventive device can be optimally adapted to perform different fitting tasks.

Abstract: A microelectronic device fabricating method includes providing a substrate having a mean global outer surface extending along a plane. A first portion is formed over the substrate comprising a straight linear segment which is angled from the plane and forming a second portion over the substrate comprising a straight linear segment which is angled from the plane at a different angle than the first portion. A layer of structural material is formed over the first and second portions. The structural material layer is anisotropically etched and a first device feature is ultimately left over the first portion having a first base width and a second device feature is ultimately left over the second portion having a second base width which is different from the first base width. Integrated circuitry includes a substrate having a mean global outer surface extending along a plane.

Abstract: According to the invention, a microperforation (PMP) process step is combined with the lamination process. To this end, a dielectric layer are and a prefabricated product are placed between a support and a perforation die. The prefabricated product is partially covered by a conducting layer forming structures to be contacted by microvias. Pressure is applied on the perforation die, perforation tips of the perforation die forming microvias for contacting the structures. A surface of the dielectric layer or the prefabricated product is configured or coated to in a manner that the prefabricated product and the dielectric layer stick to each other after the pressure has been applied.

Abstract: A method for configuring an electrical connector having a housing comprises the step of, 1) providing at least a pair of silos adapted to be formed on the housing of the connector; 2) providing at least a silo with a key thereon; 3) arranging the silos into different combinations established by events different from one another; and 4) selecting a first event from the combinations for serving configuration of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraluminal medical device formed of a first base material and having a second material inlaid in the base material wherein at least one of said first material and said second material is more radiopaque than the other. The second material may be inlaid in the first either by swaging, rolling, or by coextruding the two materials. The second radiopaque material forms a substantially smooth surface with the first base material.

Abstract: A food counter useful in displaying ready-to-eat foods is constructed to have a chilled top for providing an aesthetic frost layer and for maintaining the food products at a desired temperature. Removable barriers and fixtures are used during pouring procedure using liquid mastic and removed once the mastic has cured, thus eliminating the need for costly metal forming of the counter. Fabricating one food counter includes providing a planar member having an opening therein sized for receiving a food receptacle, securing a fixture to the member for a masking the opening, placing a refrigeration line proximate a lower surface of the top member sufficient for frosting the upper surface thereof during refrigerant fluid flow through the line, applying a thermally resistant material onto the lower surface for covering the refrigerating line, and removing the fixture prior to assembling the member with a pan assembly.

Abstract: A jewelry article includes an elongated support and a multiplicity of ornaments strung along the support, at least one of which constitutes an adjustable self-stopping bead. Each self-stopping bead has a rigid shell with a pair of holes sized to slidably receive the support. A flexible resilient tube is positioned inside the shell in alignment with the holes that tube having a length that is as great as or slightly greater than the spacing of the holes, an outside diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the holes and in inside diameter that is slightly smaller than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the support so that the tube resiliently engages the support to adjustably fix the position of the self-stopping bead along the support. A method of making the self-stopping bead is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a connector point on a travel way for a track-bound vehicle, in particular, a maglev train, between a support (2) and at least one additional piece (3), fixed to the support (2) for guiding said vehicle, whereby said support is erected in a position essentially corresponding to the installation position thereof, or at a defined tolerance therefrom. The position of the connector points, between support and additional piece (3) is measured and where necessary during production, due to the specified dimensions thereof, material is either added to are taken from the connection point.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes to recreate the as-manufactured or as-installed shape and finish to worn fuel pump bearings, wherein such processes entail either restoring or replacing the bearings, and further entail placing a resurfacing compound and a final top coating onto the top surface of the bearing.

Abstract: A reliable brake rotor and wheel bearing assembly are proposed which make unnecessary adjustment of runout of brake rotor at the customer's factory. For runout of each of the mounting surface and back of the brake rotor itself, and runout of the side of the wheel mounting flange of the inner member to which is mounted the brake rotor, the maximum difference between the peaks of crests and troughs in each period of surface runout is restricted within a standard value, and the brake rotor is mounted to the wheel mounting flange, thereby eliminating the necessity of mounting of the brake rotor and adjustment of runout after mounting at the customer's factory to provide a reliable automotive wheel bearing assembly.

Abstract: A shaving assembly for simultaneously applying a shaving preparation and removing hair in a single step includes a base having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow space between the upper and lower ends, whereby the hollow space defines an opening at the upper end of the base. The shaving assembly includes a receiver for a razor, such as a cartridge receiver for a razor blade cartridge, that is connected with the base and that is disposed at the opening at the upper end of the base. The cartridge receiver has a perimeter and the opening at the upper end of the base completely surrounds the perimeter of the cartridge receiver. The hollow space of the base is adapted for containing a shaving preparation, such as a soap cake, a liquid soap, shaving cream or a body wash and may be combined with skin beneficial ingredients and/or scent.

Abstract: A cutting head for a portable, hand-held, power-operated pipe cutter is constructed with channels to permit lateral insertion of a pipe. The power-transmission arrangement employed includes at least one component that effectively spans the entrance to the channel in the mounting plate assembly so as to ensure that driving engagement is maintained constantly therebetween.

Abstract: A cutting head for a portable, hand-held, power-operated pipe cutter is constructed with at least one channel in a rotating mounting plate assembly, to permit lateral insertion of a pipe. The power-transmission arrangement employed includes at least one component that effectively spans the entrance to the channel in the mounting plate so as to ensure that driving engagement therebetween is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a plastic pipe comprising a concave guide section having a central aperture; and a plunger having a longitudinal axis extending through the central aperture and at least one blade extending in generally radial relation from the central axis inside the concave guide section.

Abstract: A razor blade including a substrate with a cutting edge defined by a sharpened tip and adjacent facets, a layer of hard coating on the cutting edge, an overcoat layer of a chromium containing material on the layer of hard carbon coating, and an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene coating over the overcoat layer. Also disclosed is a method of making a razor blade including providing a substrate with a cutting edge defined by a sharpened tip and adjacent facets, and applying an aqueous solution including polytetrafluoroethylene coating over the sharpened tip to result in an outer layer, the polytetrafluoroethylene having a molecular weight of about 45,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diamond tipped indenting tool for marking the surface of metal parts. The indenting tool comprises a shank having a tip end and a diamond affixed to the tip end by a braze material. The braze material preferably comprises a braze alloy which wets both the diamond and the material forming the shank. The diamond forms the point of the tool and is preferably a high quality single crystal diamond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser alignment device of a circular saw, including a rotary disk base, a protective cover, and a magnetic ring base. The rotary disk base is mounted on a drive shaft of a circular saw. The rotation shaft of the motor may rotate the drive shaft to rotate the rotary disk base, so that the rotary disk base may be rotated at a high speed, and the silicon steel plates and the armature coil of the rotary disk base may be rotated at a high speed. Thus, an induced current may be produced between the silicon steel plates and the armature coil of the rotary disk base and the stator member of the magnetic ring of the magnetic ring base, so as to provide an electrical energy to the laser generator.

Abstract: An improved electrically powered lightweight jigsaw attached to an extension handle that allows a user to perform cutting tasks at a distance far beyond the user's normal reach. It features a double-edged blade that allows a user to cut a workpiece by either pushing the saw into it, or pulling the saw into or across it without having to remove the blade to change the orientation of its teeth. The saw is capable of cutting a workpiece nearly flush with a raised surface, such as a wall or tree trunk, lying in an intersecting perpendicular plane. It can be manufactured by making minimal modifications to a typical conventional hand-held jigsaw, and could be sold through a manufacturer's established distribution channels, using its existing personnel, with minimal training.

Abstract: A manually operable can opener includes elongate first and second operating elements pivotally connected to each other intermediate their ends and having first and second handle members respectively. The can opener has a traction wheel rotatably mounted on the first operating element and a cutter blade rotatably mounted at an inclined angle on the second operating element. At least two abutment surfaces provided on the can opener for engagement with the axially outer edge of the rim of a can. The first abutment surface is operatively forward of the cutter blade and the second abutment surface operatively follows the cutter blade. In use the axially outer edge of the rim can convexly deform proximate the cutter blade. The traction wheel has a radial surface with teeth orientated to engage the radially inner surface of the can rim and an axial surface with teeth orientated to engage the axially outer rim of the can.

Abstract: An ambient light collecting bow sight having a light collecting filament, wherein the light collecting filament is preferably a scintillating fiber optic filament of sufficient length to enable extensive wrapping or winding of the fiber optic filament around a preferably translucent bow sight. The multiple wrapping or winding of an extensive strand of fiber optic filament provides the filament with more surface area in which to harness ambient light passing through the translucent bow-sight. A portion of the fiber optic filament is attached to a pin or crosshair of the bow sight, thus functioning as a lit targeting pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that will locate the center of a circle in a single operation by positioning two points of registration at the edge of the circle relative to a third point of registration previously set at the edge of the circle where these points are held in accurate spatial relationship to each other and a fourth point of registration that in turn, indicates the center of the circle. By allowing precise registration and novel operation, this invention provides a simpler, more accurate means to locate the center of a circle that precludes the need to make extraneous marks on the circle being measured.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic measuring device includes a housing having an exterior surface configured and arranged to be removably secured within a support member. An electrically conductive probe is coupled to the housing and is movable between a position in contact with a workpiece and a position out of contact with the workpiece. A circuit electrically couples an indicator and a power source to the probe such that when the probe is out of contact with the workpiece, the circuit is open and no power is supplied from the power source to the indicator and such that when the probe contacts the workpiece, the circuit closes to supply power from the power source to the indicator to send a signal to the operator of the measuring device that the probe is in contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A concentric alignment assembly device for assembly of a first component and a second component. The concentric alignment assembly device includes a first base and a second base for receiving the first component and the second component. The first base has a pedestal and an adjusting portion, in which the adjusting portion is movably and rotatably coupled to the pedestal, and has a first platform for receiving the first component. The second base is provided on a side of the first base, and is movable within a fixed range and direction in relation to the first platform. When the second base moves toward the first base, the adjusting portion adjusts radial displacement and axial deviation of the first component in order to assemble the first component and the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a housing such as a flywheel housing with a crankshaft or other rotating member. The apparatus includes a main shaft and a mount by which the main shaft is mounted to the center axis of a member rotating in a housing. A sleeve is received upon and rotates relative to the main shaft and is provided with a mount for a dial indicator. The dial indicator is positioned so that any misalignment between the rotating member and the housing is output by the dial indicator as the sleeve is rotated relative to the housing. Depending upon the output of the dial indicator, the position of the housing is changed relative to the rotating member to align the center axis of the rotating member with the center axis of the housing.

Abstract: An oil level gauge guide device is coupled to an engine to make the operation of inserting an oil level gauge easier. The oil level gauge guide device has a guide body and a fastening portion. The guide body is generally funnel shaped and narrows gradually from a first open end toward a second open end. The fastening portion fastens the guide body to a cylinder head of main engine body in such a manner that the second open end of the guide body faces an oil level gauge insertion opening of the cylinder head into which the oil level gauge to be inserted.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring device 1 for measuring the size of an object comprising a body 2, and a spindle 3 which is screwed into the body 2 and axially advances and retracts by screwing with respect to the body 2, the measurement being based on the axial displacement of the spindle 3 effected by the revolution of the spindle, wherein the spindle is screwed into the body 2 via a multiple-start thread 31. Therefore, it is possible to displace the spindle 3 at a high speed, which improves the operability of the measuring device.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a module is provided that is adapted to process a wafer. The module includes a processing portion having one or more features such as (1) a rotatable wafer support for rotating an input wafer from a first orientation wherein the wafer is in line with a load port to a second orientation wherein the wafer is in line with an unload port; (2) a catcher adapted to contact and travel passively with a wafer as it is unloaded from the processing portion; (3) an enclosed output portion adapted to create a laminar air flow from one side thereof to the other; (4) an output portion having a plurality of wafer receivers; (5) submerged fluid nozzles; and/or (6) drying gas flow deflectors, etc. Other aspects include methods of wafer processing.

Abstract: A method for performing multiple cleaning and vacuum drying operations in enclosed vessels uses cleaning and vacuum drying apparatus, low-dissolved-air cleaning solution, and drain-to-vacuum process to produce vacuum in a cleaning vessel, so that influence of air pressure on the operations is minimized. The method utilizes physical features that boiling points of general liquids lower with reduced pressure, that liquid saturated vapor pressure reduces with lowered temperature, and that two vacuum vessels of different working temperatures would have a pressure differential between their saturated vapor pressures, and uses heat control units and heat egress units to regulate temperature and pressure in the vacuumized cleaning vessel, so that wet clean, dry clean, vacuum heat drying, and vacuum freeze drying can be performed on the same apparatus, and low-pressure gas used in the dry clean and cleaning solution and waste solution can be recovered to achieve environment protection and energy saving.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purging of excess hydrocarbons or monomer from polymer materials using a settled bed non-fluidized conditioning vessel having an internal gas distribution system which insures uniform gas distribution within the vessel and solids bed and provides for mass flow of solids. The gas distributor consists of several pipes or distribution legs configured parallel to the converging hopper walls of the vessel, having gas injection ports along their axial length. The injection ports are located so that the gas is evenly distributed across the cross section of the vessel at the level of the port. The size of the ports may be varied along with the spacing between ports such that specified pressure drops occur across any cross section of the vessel. The invention may be applied externally to a vessel such that the gas distribution legs enter through the vessel walls, or inserted entirely within the vessel, or even attached to the internal walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a semiconductor substrate includes a chamber having a processing bath and a cover, a liquid flow system for supplying a liquid flow into the processing bath so as to clean the substrate and for draining a liquid from the processing bath, a gas distributor for spraying a gas for drying the substrate, and decompression means for exhausting air in the chamber.

Abstract: An insole includes an insole pad which has a toe section, a heel section and a shank section and which is constituted of top and bottom sheets heat sealed together. The top and bottom sheets confine therebetween a first air chamber in the toe section, a second air chamber in the heel section and an air passage in the shank section. The air passage is relatively narrower than the first and second air chambers. A compressible resilient member is disposed in the second air chamber so that, when the heel section is compressed and released, the second air chamber can act as an air pump to draw air into the first air chamber and force the air out of the first air chamber through vent holes formed in the toe section.

Abstract: This technology initiates a new approach to the effort of reducing the moisture level on the inside of shoes as well as increasing the oxygen level inside shoes, both environmental factors long recognized as effecting the development of foot related bacterial and fungal problems. The AIR-FLOW-SOLE-PUMP is unique in its pro-active mechanism that utilizes a very small amount of the energy expended in walking, realized as pressure on the heel, directed to force fresh air through the innards of the shoe.

Abstract: The pointe show has an upper, a toe box and a split sole. The split sole has a front sole and a rear sole. The front sole may be located below the ball of the dancer's foot and the rear sole may be located below the heel of the dancer's foot. The split sole provides more flexibility to the pointe shoe and eliminates or reduces the “break in” of the shoe. Furthermore, the split sole shoe is lighter and easier for the dancer to rise up on her toes.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes an upper having a bottom open end which has an outer surface and an inner surface, an outer welt extending along the outer surface of the bottom open end, and an inner welt extending along the inner surface. The bottom open end is sewn to the outer and inner welts, thus forming a stitch seam. An outsole has a top side connected integrally to the bottom open end and the outer and inner welts, a bottom side, and a peripheral face connected between the top and bottom sides. The top side penetrates through the stitch seam and clearances present between the bottom open end and the outer and inner welts. The outsole is produced by forming a molding material immediately below the upper and by causing the molding material to flow into the clearances during the forming of the molding material.

Abstract: This invention is a spring shoe called herein a space shoe. Its sole is a structure constrained to compress without tilting; this structure is called herein the p-space. This optimally simple, anti-tilt, compressible structure comprises overlapping diamond and parallelogram linkages which constrain an upper plate from tilting as it moves vertically up and down with respect to a lower plate. The p-diamond has many applications where non-tilt spring systems are required, and it is an inexpensive alternative to telescopically guided spring systems. Applications include, but are not limited to, a space shoe with a push-off means for natural foot action. Here, a minimal number of springs and stops can be changeably incorporated in the sole to optimize walking and running performance. A heel hugger mechanism ensures that the shoe hugs the heel of the wearer during swing phase. A flex-rigger prevents sideways rollover and sprained ankles.

Abstract: A shoe component for a shoe includes a composite part which has a vulcanized rubber matrix and a woven fabric sheet bonded integrally to the surface of the rubber matrix during the vulcanization of the rubber matrix. In an embodiment, the composite part is shaped as an outsole, and the surface of the rubber matrix is formed with a tread surface. The fabric sheet includes warp and weft yarns, and pores having a size smaller than 1 mm2 so as to limit the amount of the material of the rubber matrix which penetrates through the pores and covers the fabric sheet during vulcanization. A large part of the fabric sheet uncovered at the surface of the rubber matrix can provide the surface of the rubber matrix with a woven texture and different tones of colors.

Abstract: The invention is an elastomeric, energy-management cushion formed of at least one or more spaced, expandable, geometrically shaped cushioning elements disposed in a pattern on supporting base. The cushioning elements each have a plurality of angularly spaced projections, the projections of each cushioning element being interspersed between and spaced from the projections of the adjacent cushioning elements. The interspersed projections absorb and distribute compression forces applied to the cushioning elements as triangulated vector forces within the projections forming the respective cushioning elements, to which the compression forces are applied thereby providing an elastomeric, energy-management cushion.

Abstract: A shoe upper has at least one part thereof made of a waterproof laminate which includes an inner foamed layer made of a pliable semi-flexible foam material, an intermediate layer of woven fabric material bonded to the inner foamed layer, an outer film layer made of a material which is waterproof and which has high wear-resistance, and a layer of adhesive applied to the intermediate layer to bond the intermediate layer to the inner foamed layer and the outer film layer. The adhesive is flexible and penetrates through the intermediate layer to render the latter water-impervious. The laminate is light-weight and possesses excellent wear-resistance and tear strength. The margins of the laminate are provided with stitch seams.

Abstract: Method and device for moving subsea rocks and sediments, also at significant depths, e.g. in connection with removal of protective rocks around subsea installations, where maintenance is to be conducted. The device comprises a rigid or at least partly flexible tubing (5) thorough which the masses (14) may be transported with the aid of a pressure gradient produced by an ejector nozzle (11) arranged externally in relation to said tubing. The nozzle (11) is fed with water from a water pump (12). The device further comprises a chassis (F) adapted to be transported along the (sea) bottom. The required power is arranged to be supplied through a cable (3) from the surface, while the tubing (5) preferably is arranged to be remotely controlled by a manipulator (9, 9″).

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle with sprung suspensions is configured to lock the suspensions whenever the operator manipulates a manual control that generates a signal to move the loader arms or the bucket of the vehicle. The operator control, such as a joystick, sends a signal to an electronic controller indicating that the operator has moved the control and is thereby requesting the loader arms or bucket to move. The electronic controller responds to this signal by moving the loader arms or bucket and simultaneously locking the suspensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control circuit for a boom cylinder in a work machine, which, when controlling supply and discharge of pressurized oil with respect to a boom cylinder, improves fuel efficiency, work efficiency in combined operations, and improves work efficiency and operationality in work of difficult boom operations such as debris raking-up work and bumping work, etc.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an excavating tooth particularly suited for a dredge cutterhead includes a base, an adapter, and a lock. The base includes a convex, curved bearing surface that abuts a concave, curved bearing surface on the adapter. The curved bearing surfaces are able to maintain substantially full contact with each other under transverse loading.

Abstract: An ironing board top made of a one-piece body of molded hard foam plastics material such as polypropylene. The hard foam plastics material may have a closed-cell structure. Guide and bearing rails may be integrally formed on the molded body to movably connect an ironing stand to the molded body. In the alternative, the guide and bearing rails may be separate from the molded body and then connected thereto. The molded body may include indentations and/or protuberances formed on a lower surface for receiving components of the ironing stand such as the legs of the ironing stand. One or more layers such as a thermal-radiation-reflecting coating can be provided on the upper surface of the ironing board top. An ironing board includes the ironing board top and a stand.

Abstract: A Rollout Greeting Card comprises a flat body of pliable, coiled material whereon artwork and wording can be inscribed which when uncoiled gradually reveals the artwork and wording thereon.

Abstract: A tamper proof ear tag system for preventing reattachment of an ear tag to a second animal that was removed from a first animal. The tamper proof ear tag system includes an attachment member that is permanently inserted into a receiving member wherein the receiving member is attached to an ear tag. The attachment member is comprised of a main shaft, a flanged portion, and a spiked end that is inserted into the receiving member. The receiving member includes a first opening that extending inwardly within an inner flange for catchably receiving the spiked end of the attachment member.