Abstract: A flexible stator bar generally includes a stranded conductor having a rectangular shaped cross sectional profile, wherein the stranded conductor comprises a plurality of wires having a gauge dimension effective to impart flexibility; and a thermoplastic elastomeric insulating material disposed about the stranded conductor. Also disclosed herein are processes for fabricating the flexible stator bar, which generally comprises depositing a thermoplastic elastomeric insulating material onto the flexible stranded conductor, which can be flexibly oriented into a desired position, thereby improving dimensional control relative to Roebel-type stator bars. The insulated flexible stranded conductor may then be coated with a B-stage epoxy or the like and cured to form the final shape after assembly within the desired electrical machine application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention correct the static attitude of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) with high accuracy. In one embodiment, a vector group that constitutes the shortest path from the initial attitude of the HGA to the final anticipatory attitude is formed. The vector group is formed of the plural displacement vectors that give a variety of variations in static attitude when unit shots of laser light are performed on the HGA. Displacement vectors are synthesized while the displacement vectors each giving the anticipatory attitude closest to a target attitude are being selected in order from the initial attitude, toward the target attitude. Unit shots equivalent to the number of displacement vectors are performed on irradiating positions related to the displacement vectors included in the vector group. The static attitude existing after the unit shots is measured, then the displacement vectors are corrected, and a vector group constituting the new shortest path is formed.

Abstract: A component fixing device includes a holding portion for holding a component with a hollow portion while restricting a movement of the component; and a fixed portion elastically connected to the holding portion and to be fixed to an object. The holding portion is inserted into the hollow portion of the component for holding the component. The holding portion may have a center holding portion abutting against an outer surface of the component and a pair of arm portions disposed at both sides of the center holding portion and capable of bending relative to the center holding portion, so that the center holding portion and the arm portions sandwich the component.

Abstract: An assembly structure for coupling articles to be assembled such as keyboards and adapters, including a first and a second plastic shell. The first plastic shell has a hollow strut extended from the inner side. The second plastic shell has an opening corresponding to the hollow strut and extends inwards to form an annular flange abutting the hollow strut. The hollow strut has a portion extended through the annular flange to be melted by the ultrasonic welding technique, the thermal welding technique, or the combination thereof until reaching the annular flange, to couple the first and second plastic shells for facilitating assembly. Grinding off the melted portion may disassemble the first and second plastic shells. The disassembled the first and second plastic shells may be coupled again by fastening a fastening element in the hollow strut with the head of the fastening element held by the annular flange.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mounting components having a feature of detecting with high accuracy component pick up failure by the nozzle at component pick up stage, and/or component carrying back by the nozzle at component mounting stage. Achieved vacuum pressure is initialized to zero after completion of component pick up by the nozzle 25, and vacuum pressure decrease of the nozzle 25 is detected from the initialized zero point. If the detected value is bigger than the predetermined threshold, it may be judged that at least one of the nozzles failed to pick up a component. The failed nozzle may be identified by using a component recognition device 37. Blowing air blow volume flowing through the nozzle 25 is measured upon completion of component mounting. If the blowing air flow is smaller that the predetermined threshold, it is judged that the nozzle 25 carries back a component 30.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the formation of microprobe tips elements having a variety of configurations. In some embodiments tips are formed from the same building material as the probes themselves, while in other embodiments the tips may be formed from a different material and/or may include a coating material. In some embodiments, the tips are formed before the main portions of the probes and the tips are formed in proximity to or in contact with a temporary substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high pressure fuel accumulator (1) for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a tubular base body (2), at least one connection for the fuel supply (3) and at least one connection for the fuel discharge, and at least one fixing element, said tubular base body (2) being embodied as a single component with the connections (3, 4) and the fixing element. The hollow profile of the tubular base body is extruded with the connector strips (5, 6) and the fixing strips (7).

Abstract: Nitrided bipolar plates and a scheme for their fabrication are provided. The present invention also contemplates device incorporating bipolar plates according to the present invention. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided. The electrochemical conversion cells of the assembly are separated by respective bipolar plates comprising an alloy of Fe and Cr. A surface portion of the bipolar plates comprises a single phase nitrided structure. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plasma nitriding process is utilized to create a single phase nitrided structure along a surface portion of respective ones of said bipolar plates.

Abstract: In hair-cutting apparatus (1) having a cutting arrangement (9) for cutting hair, there is provided an arrangement that prevents cut hair from flying off the haircutting apparatus and that comprises a boundary wall (22), which boundary wall (22) extends close to the cutting arrangement (9) and comprising a stationary portion (34) and a movable portion (35), the movable portion (35) being intended and arranged to cooperate with hair to be cut.

Abstract: A self-contained vacuum circular saw is presented. The vacuum saw has a casing around the saw blade that includes an accordion type lower section attached to the lower platform of the saw. A number of vacuum tubes, preferably four, are attached to the side of the circular saw opposite the blade. The armature of the circular saw that turns the blade also turns the vacuum impeller on the side opposite the blade. An impeller vacuum chamber pulls in the dust and debris created by the saw blade and discharges the dust and debris into a disposable and removable vacuum bag. An important aspect of this device is that the motor that turns the saw blade also turns the impeller, thus making the self-contained vacuum Saw moveable from site to site.

Abstract: A saw blade support that can be located on the blade of a saw to reduce flexing of the blade in use, at least part of the support being removable from the blade to facilitate the penetration of the blade into an article being sawn. The support may be pivotally attached or attachable to the saw, and the removal of at least part of the support from the blade to facilitate the penetration of the blade into an article being sawn may comprise pivoting of the support with respect to the blade such that the support rests on the article.

Abstract: A powered utility knife has a housing defining a handle surface and an internal cavity. A shuttle plate assembly disposed for movement relative to the internal cavity, with a first surface in sliding engagement with an interior wall of the cavity includes a motor mounted to the shuttle plate and a blade carrier with a surface in sliding engagement with the shuttle plate. A drive assembly associated with the motor imparts effective cutting motion to a blade on the blade carrier. An activator protruding through a slot in the housing is configured for slidable translation along the slot to cause lateral movement of the shuttle plate assembly within the cavity. The blade, with the shuttle plate assembly in extended position, has a first portion protruding through a blade slot at the end of the housing, and with the shuttle plate assembly in retracted position, the blade is retracted within the cavity.

Abstract: The clipper has a cylindrical housing including a handle containing a battery and motor and a head pivotally mounted on the handle. The head carries a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade. Motion is transmitted from the motor to the reciprocating blade through a flexible rod. One end of the rod is connected to a protrusion offset from the axis of a gear connected to the output shaft on the motor. The other end of the arm carries the reciprocating blade. A control button is provided on the head. The control button can be manipulated to disengage the handle, to permit the head to be pivoted relative to the handle.

Abstract: A motorised scissors cutterhead comprises a support adapted to couple to a motor or power supply. An active jaw is mounted adjacent a fixed jaw and attached to a pivoting element arranged to rotate with respect to the shaft and connected to the driving shaft of the motor or power supply. The shaft has head at one end and a screw thread at the opposite end. At least one radial bearing is located between a central area of shaft and pivoting element and at least one axial bearing is arranged around shaft. A first axial bearing is located next to a first end of the radial bearing, further away from the support, and in contact with pivoting element. A second axial bearing is located next to an opposite end of the radial bearing and in contact with pivoting element or with the active jaw attached thereto.

Abstract: A pair of scissors includes a pair of spaced apart cutting blades manipulatable by the operator's fingers receiving within a pair of finger receiving openings. One of the finger receiving openings is formed from an arcuate shaped member from which there extends a projection forming a finger stop. The projection restricts the user's middle finger from sliding over the arcuate shaped member during use of the scissors.

Abstract: A spinning-string cutting head for a mower, a trimmer, or the like, the head includes a passage for a cutter string (300) and a moving element (400) for locking the string, suitable for locking the string between itself and a backing wall. According to the invention, the locking element presents a section in a direction extending transversely to the string that presents at least one indentation (403), with contact being made between the locking element and the string at least on either side of the indentation.

Abstract: A fixed line top-loading trimmer head for string trimmer machines, uses line segments of a predetermined length. The head has a central hub designed for attachment to the drive shaft of a string trimmer machine. A circular flange is attached to, and extends outwardly from, the central hub. This circular flange has one or more trimmer line exit openings on the circumference. The hub, located above the upper surface of the circular flange, is provided with either line termination apertures in the form of holes or channels which are angularly offset from the exit openings in the circular flange; or it is provided with an offset guide channel through which a trimmer line is passed between the exit openings. A line guide channel is located in the flange between the line exit openings and the line termination apertures, or the offset channel on the hub, for guiding line between the exit openings and the offset channel or termination apertures.

Abstract: A package opening device having a movable member hingedly connected to a base. At such point of connection, the movable member separates a cutting area from a grip area on the base. A cutting element is provided on a top face of the cutting area of the base and is preferably comprised of a ceramic material for facilitating cutting of e.g., shrink-wrapped packaging. The movable member is pivotable with respect to the base, wherein in an open position the movable member is pivoted to expose the cutting area, and thus the cutting element. In a closed position, the movable member may be folded flat against the base to cover the cutting element, the movable member including a relief to accomodate the cutting element when closed. The grip area is provided to facilitate handling of the package opening device during use.

Abstract: Clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the handle end of the utensil incorporates a clip for securing the utensil to the edge of a plate, bowl, glass or cup. The clip portion of the utensil is opened and subsequently positioned over the tableware edge, wherein the clip is subsequently released; thereby, gripping the edge of the tableware and securing the utensil thereon. Various alternative clipping means are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replacement blade and holder assembly for a reciprocating saw. The assembly includes a blade member having a cutting edge for cutting a treatment site, and a holder to which the blade member is detachably fixed. The blade member has an elongate aperture and a slit, and the holder has a first engagement pin protruding therefrom for detachably engaging in the elongate aperture in the blade member, and a second engagement pin protruding therefrom for detachably engaging in the slit in the blade member. The holder has a fixing end engagement member for detachably engaging with a fixing end of the blade member to restrict lateral displacement of the blade member. The present invention also relates to the blade for the assembly and the holder for the assembly.

Abstract: A windshield glue penetration device includes a handle and a shank is fixed to the handle. A tip end is defined in the remote end of the shank and includes a hole defined radially therethrough. A retractable sleeve assembly has one end fixed to the handle and the shank is enclosed by the retractable sleeve assembly. A protection tube is slidably mounted to the shank and supported by a distal end of the retractable sleeve assembly. The protection tube encloses the tip end when the retractable sleeve assembly is in extended position. The protection tube is slid backward when the tip end penetrates through the glue.

Abstract: An article for shaving pencils having a body member with a bore in the body member for receiving a pencil. The bore has at least one aperture or opening. The body member further includes a cutting, or shaving, device, so that upon a manual insertion of a pencil into the bore, and subsequent withdrawal of the pencil from the bore, a portion of the pencil is shaved off by the cutting, or shaving, device for providing a suitable surface for labelling of the pencil.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a shaving apparatus, includes a container for receiving the shaving apparatus. The container is at least partially filled with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning device of the invention also includes a device to limit the immersion depth of the shaving apparatus in the container dependent on the level of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A precise center and edge finder in which the position of the center or edge of a workpiece is directly located with respect to a work tool, such as a milling machine having a spindle driven chuck. The finder has a housing with a shank at one end for attachment to the chuck and a discharge aperture at the other end for discharging a beam of light toward the center or edge of the workpiece. Disposed within the housing is a source of light, preferably a laser diode module, and batteries to power the light source. The beam of light from the finder projects downward in alignment with the centerline of the spindle to the previously marked center or along the edge of the workpiece. The finder eliminates the need for calculations to find the true edge and the risk of contact damage to the workpiece or precision tool.

Abstract: A compass system comprises an electronic compass capable of providing a raw compass reading, at least one adjustment factor relating to a position of the electronic compass, and a compensation device selectively providing a compensated compass reading based on the raw compass reading and the adjustment factor. Further, at least one adjustment factor relating to the position of the electronic compass is defined and may be stored in a memory.

Abstract: The portable self-contained horizontal and vertical level, angle and distance measuring device is suitable for indicating whether or when two or more points are level with each other and for measuring distances and angles between two or more points, a point and a line or a point and a plane. Moreover, the measuring device is capable of displaying such measurements to a user in real time. The measuring device includes a measuring point (3) for identifying from where measurements are to be calculated, a user actuated trigger (11) and a display (9) for displaying measurements to the user either in real time or in memory mode. The measuring device is compact and light-weight making it particularly convenient and portable. It is also very versatile and is capable of replacing a multiplicity of measuring devices commonly employed in DIY, engineering, and in trade in general.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an artefact using a non contact measurement mounted on a coordinate measuring apparatus. An artefact is measured first with a contact probe (28) and then with a non contact probe (32). An error map or function is generated (34) which corresponds to the difference between the measurements taken with the contact and non-contact probes. This error map or function may be used to calibrate the probe. Alternatively subsequent artefact may be measured with the non contact probe (36) and the error map or function used to correct the measurements (38).

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. This method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, this deformation causing an error in the measurement made by the CMM, and correcting such error in response to the sensed deformation.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device having a probe for contacting the object (15) to be measured. The probe comprises a sensing member (18) for contacting the object (15), a support unit (13), a supporting element (25) connecting said sensing member (18) to said support unit (13), a detection member (22), detection means (23) for detecting the position of said detection member (22). Said detection member (22) is carried by a connection element (26) and said connection element (26) is attached to said sensing member (18). The detection member may be shaped as pyramid having three reflective surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring device comprising a measuring tape, and a coupling hingedly mounted to the free end of the measuring tape, the coupling comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section and the second section are substantially perpendicular to one another, the coupling being moveable between a first state in which the first section is disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tape, and a second state in which the second section is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing breadcrumbs, including the steps of forming a mixture, extruding the mixture to form loaves, surface drying the loaves in a first drying step, comminuting the loaves to form particles having a smaller size than the loaves, and further drying the particles in a second drying step to obtain the breadcrumbs.

Abstract: An object is to provide a drying machine which can accomplish delicate drying and reduce burdens on a matter to be dried during drying while securing a predetermined evaporation temperature in an evaporator. In summary, a dry cleaner equipped with a heat pump device comprises a water-cooling heat exchanger which removes heat from a refrigerant entering a capillary tube; and a control device which variably controls a discharged heat amount in the water-cooling heat exchanger and capacity of the compressor, wherein the control device has at least two kinds of drying modes including a usual drying mode and a delicate drying mode, and in the delicate drying mode, a temperature of air discharged into a storage chamber is set lower than in the usual drying mode to control the capacity of the compressor and to increase the discharged heat amount in the water-cooling heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, systems, and devices for screening arrays comprising hundreds, thousands, or hundreds of thousands of samples. These methods are useful to optimize, select, and discover compositions, or conditions for cost-effective freeze-drying of preparations and freezing of biologicals while maintaining structural integrity and/or viability. Such freeze-dried compositions are easily reformulated for treating or preventing diseases, the cause of the diseases, or the symptoms of the diseases. Moreover, optimized freezing of biological samples enables viable preservation of a wide variety of biologicals.

Abstract: An air dryer and process employs a jet engine for producing high quality dried products. A turbofan jet engine in an air-drying system uses both thermal and non-thermal air-drying. The turbofan jet engine is housed within an air distribution chamber for directing exhaust air and bypass air from the jet engine into a product drying tube, where it is dried through a combination of thermal drying from heat content in an engine exhaust, and by the kinetic energy of air flowing past the product traveling through the drying tube, that may include a physical impediment for retarding retard the speed of the product solids flowing in the air stream through the tube.

Abstract: The therapeutic slipper is a footwear article for slidably receiving a foot, the slipper having a sole, a vamp panel joined to the sole, a toe panel disposed over the vamp panel, a front toe pocket, a quarter panel joined to the sole and at least one rear pocket. The vamp portion is disposed over the toes and covers a lower instep of the foot; the quarter panel covers the sides of the foot, the heel, and the ankle region. The slipper may be used alone or in conjunction with a removably attachable instep panel, having an instep pocket. When the slipper is used with the instep panel, the entire foot is covered and the entire ankle encircled. The front toe pocket, the rear pocket and the instep pocket are designed to receive therapeutic devices that will disseminate a particular effect over different regions of the foot and help relieve foot pain.

Abstract: A shoe ventilation system for footwear that includes a shoe and a shoe ventilation device. The shoe includes a fitting for connecting to a pressurized air or gas source, such as refrigerated air from a refrigeration source, and the shoe ventilation device includes a fitting to connect to the shoe and a user-actuated valve for controlling the flow of air or gas.

Abstract: A removable, disposable shoe insert that can increase the cushion and shock absorbing properties of a shoe without sacrificing durability or comfort is provided. By using different materials for the insert, the user has the option of when to replace the insert. The insert can be of varying sizes, shapes, hardness, and materials. The insert allows manufactures to make the outsole of more durable materials extending the life of the footwear.

Abstract: An insole for footwear that is capable of providing a protective layer between a plantar surface of a human foot and an upper surface of a sole of the footwear. The insole can have a first portion positioned in a rearfoot region of the insole and a second portion positioned at a forefoot portion of the insole, wherein the second portion can be more flexible than the first portion. The insole may further include a toe piece positioned in a toe region of the insole and a footbed that overlays the first portion of the insole, the second portion of the insole, and the toe piece of the insole.

Abstract: A unique system comprises a tongue of a predetermined footwear, a lace, a lace-end fastener, and at least one lace-section fastener. The footwear has two opposite sides and a plurality of lace receivers disposed thereon. The footwear is laced with the lace to define opposite lace sections, each of which extends between two of the lace receivers on the same side. The tongue has at least one opening. The tongue comprises a plurality of layers. The lace is threaded through the at least one opening. The lace ends are fastened by the lace-end fastener. The lace ends are hidden inside the tongue. The at least one lace-section fastener is for at least one of the lace sections to be fastened thereon and for at least one of the lace sections to be unfastened therefrom, to fasten the footwear on and to unfasten the footwear from a foot, respectively.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe is provided where a tightening mechanism operates to cause automatic tightening of the shoe laces about a wearer's foot and which releases the laces to allow loosening of the shoe. The shoe laces travel to the interior of the tightening mechanism located at the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening shoe further has a locking mechanism for locking said at least one lace in a tightened condition and a release mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism and releasing the shoe laces. The release mechanism includes a lever arm which projects rearwardly from the rear of said shoe. Depression upon the lever arm causes the locking mechanism to unlock and release the shoe laces from being in a tightened condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sole of a shoe includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion secured to the first portion. The first portion provides improved absorbing of impact energy. The second portion is constructed of a second material. The second material has a greater co-efficient of friction than the first material.

Abstract: A woman's modular utility shoe is disclosed. In one embodiment, a convertible base mule-style shoe may be made of an insole, an outsole, a sash, a vamp or upper, and a heel attached to the outsole or to a heel mount. Various attachment mounts fastened to the base mule may allow structural embellishments to be attached to the base mule. These structural embellishments may include a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace-up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting. The structural embellishments may be attached to the mule-style base through many combinations of fastenings such as but not limited to a hook and eye, a double hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop a decorative snap, or like system.

Abstract: A body for a skate boot includes a sole portion, a toe portion extending from a front end of the sole portion, two upper portions extending from two sides of the sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a rear end of the sole portion. The sole portion, toe portion, upper portions and heel portion are made of fiber laminations constructed by multiple layers of fiber fabrics and epoxy resin by means of hot-pressing in a die. At least one thermoplastic substratum is provided in the fiber laminations at the upper portions and heel portion, and has two sewn portions respectively formed at two distal ends at the upper portions and extending out from the fiber laminations inside the thermoplastic substratum. Thus, the body is light-weight, has good shock resistance, and can cover the user's foot well.

Abstract: Provided is a pair of shoes (e.g., sandals) each comprising a strap formed on a top of a sole, a plurality of light emitting members spaced along the strap, a battery mounted in a compartment of the sole, a switch provided on one side of the sole, and a circuit including the battery, the light emitting members, and the switch. A person wearing the shoes may turn on the switch to enable the circuit for causing the light emitting members to flash continuously in order to warn drivers behind the person.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for correction of varus, valgus, or supinatus structural abnormalities of a subject's foot is provided. The device of the invention generally includes a compensatory wedge of a polyethylene foam material exhibiting a hardness in the range of 30 to 35 durometer. The wedge may be located between the subject's foot and footwear at the location of the recessed abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the wedge is wedge-shaped laterally of the foot so as to compensate for a varus or valgus recessed structural foot abnormality. The polyethylene foam material preferably has a micro-structure comprised of fine, open cells, so as to allow for sufficient air flow and heat dissipation when in use to thereby reduce discomfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench wall cutter with a cutting frame, a bearing bracket located on the cutting frame, a drive fitted to the cutting frame spaced from the bearing bracket, a transmission or gear located in the bearing bracket, and a drive shaft transmitting a drive torque to the transmission in the bearing bracket. For improved lubrication purposes, the drive shaft at least partly has an external thread constructed as a feed thread for feeding lubricant in the direction of the drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an excavator or to a machine for material transfer comprising an element movable via at least one hydraulic cylinder. In accordance with the invention, one or more hydraulic cylinders are additionally hinged to the element, with the additional hydraulic cylinder(s) being connected to one or more hydraulic accumulators.

Abstract: The vehicle flag holder for mounting to a hitch receiver of a vehicle having a flagpole receiver has a tongue mount portion and a pole-receiving portion. The tongue mount portion is received by the vehicle hitch receiver and pole-receiving portion is attached to the tongue mount portion. The pole receiving portion includes a vertical section having aligned pivot pin receiving bores, upright positioning bores, and a horizontally mounted locking pin receiving flange having a locking pin bore therethrough. A flagpole extends from the pole-receiving portion and includes pivot pin through-bores, pole positioning through-bores, and a beveled angle bottom for abutting the pole-receiving portion when pivoted in a rearward direction. The flagpole also includes a spring-biased locking pin assembly mounted that locks the flagpole in a vertical position when a spring biased locking pin engages the locking pin bore of the locking pin receiving flange.

Abstract: A posterboard display stand system including a display stand configured to frictionally grip a posterboard along an edge thereof and to impart a curvature thereto when the posterboard is frictionally gripped therein. In another embodiment the invention is a posterboard display stand system including a backing portion and a movable portion shaped to be coupled to the backing portion. The movable portion is movable relative to the backing portion such that the backing portion and the movable portion can frictionally grip a posterboard therebetween and impart a curvature thereto.

Abstract: The present invention enables institutions to identify and define specific patient and staff communication needs, and then configure nurse call switches accordingly. The facility administrators are able to customize the switches by placing their own colors, fonts, and text on removable label strips. The strips are removably positioned adjacent to activation switches. The specifically configured activation switches enable a particular healthcare facility to more effectively respond to different situations, some of which may be unique to the particular institution.