Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with an automatic shutdown switch assembly has a motor and a collector, a switch assembly, a float bracket and afloat assembly. The switch is mounted inside the vacuum cleaner and has a switch lever and a moveable magnet. The switch lever is connected to the electrical switch. The moveable magnet is mounted on the switch lever. The float bracket is mounted inside the collector. The float assembly is slidely mounted inside the float bracket and has a stationary magnet. The stationary magnet is mounted inside the float assembly. As liquid fills the collector, the float assembly floats, and the stationary magnet moves away from the moveable magnet. The moveable magnet and the stationary magnet do not repel each other so the switch lever moves away from and turns off the electrical switch and shuts down the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suction device and a nozzle device, whose structures are simple, which can cause a fluid to be automatically expelled out of a nozzle toward an object by placing the nozzle close to or in contact with the object when conducting suction operation, and which can automatically stop the fluid being ejected out of the nozzle when the nozzle is moved away from the object. The fluid nozzle 12 for expelling the fluid toward the opening of the nozzle is provided inside of the nozzle 11. When the opening 13 of the nozzle 11 is unobstructed, the outside air 300 being sucked through the opening 13 into the nozzle 11 overcomes the fluid being expelled out of the fluid nozzle 12, and the fluid together with the outside air 300 can be sucked into the nozzle 11 through its opening 13 without the fluid being ejected out of the nozzle 11.

Abstract: This rolling assembly comprises a support having a double wheel fitted to it and is characterised in that the support (1) has a circular opening (3) into which a circular spindle (5, 6) being provided at one side of each wheel (7, 8) is inserted from each side, said spindles being thereupon fixedly attached to each other. A bearing being preferentially made up by a self-lubricating bushing is arranged on the periphery of the circular opening (3) of the support (1).

Abstract: A caster for providing rolling support including a spring-loaded mount. The caster may be substantially concealed in the bottom edge of a hinged, swinging door, and generally located proximate to the free vertical edge of the door. An elongated spring plate is provided as a mount for a roller, causing the roller to accommodate variations in the floor surface, maintain contact with the floor, and support the door. The spring plate has a first portion adapted to be mounted to the bottom edge of a door, and a second portion depending from the first portion. An axle is mounted to the second portion, inside a hub that is mounted to the roller. The axle may be substantially parallel to the first portion of the spring plate. Single roller and double roller caster assemblies are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wipe-dispensing device that can fit around commonly used doorknobs or door handles, and a method for issuing wipes from the device so that they may be used as a protective barrier between the hand and the doorknobs. The device may include a molded circular ring made of plastic or any suitable hardened polymer. The ring fits around a doorknob or door handle so that the inner edge of the ring is proximal to the outer edge of the doorknob base which is fixed to the door. Commonly used adhesive can be applied to the bottom half of the device to allow the apparatus to be attached to a door and to be positioned proximate to a doorknob as mentioned above. The device may also be attached to a door with screws inserted through the device. In an alternative embodiment, a gap can be included in the apparatus so that the ring is not continuous.

Abstract: A modular hinge for mechanically connecting first and second parts of a handheld electronic device, said modular hinge comprising at least two hinge elements, each hinge element comprising an arm and a boss with a through hole for receiving wiring for electrically connecting the first and second parts, said arm being rotatably mounted on said boss, and wherein the hinge elements are mounted on a bracket with said through holes in alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly aid for positioning a hinge (1) on a door arrangement part (12) in a reproducible manner, said assembly aid comprising a clamping screw (22) having a screw shank (23) and a screw head (21), and an adjusting element (20) which is applied to a part (17) of the hinge (1) in a positively locking manner. The adjusting element (20) radially engages with said screw shank (23) and can be axially fixed to the door arrangement part (12) by means of the clamping screw (22). The invention also relates to a method for the reproducible positioning of a hinge (1) on a door arrangement part (12) whereon a positioning axis (30) is provided. The aim of the invention is to provide an assembly aid and a method that enable a hinge to be precisely positioned in a simple and reproducible manner.

Abstract: Described is an anti-vibratory handle for installation on a reciprocating tool supplied with a pressurized fluid and producing vibrations in the direction of an axis of reciprocation of the tool. The anti-vibratory handle comprises a stationary portion mounted to a body of the tool, a mobile portion comprising a hand-grip member and an articulation between the stationary and mobile portions. This articulation comprises a pivot assembly interconnecting the stationary and mobile portions, the pivot assembly defines a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the tool reciprocation axis, and the hand-grip member of the mobile portion is spaced apart from both the pivot axis and the tool reciprocation axis. The articulation also comprises a resilient vibration-damping assembly interposed between the stationary and mobile portions to avoid transmission of vibrations through the articulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radially slotted ring having an elastically variable diameter, in particular a retaining ring, is to be transportable as a bulk material without complications and it should be suitable for final grinding to an axial thickness dimension with a high manufacturing precision. This ring (1) comprises a radial slot (2) that is filled at least partially with a filler material (3) which is easily removed prior to use of this ring (1) for its proper function, the filler material serving as a shipping and/or machining aid. The filler material (3) consists in particular of the material of the ring and is already manufactured in the primary shaping of the ring (1) together with this ring so that it can be separated easily from the ring.

Abstract: A buckle achieves improved strap tensile strength by providing a bridge portion, about which a free end of a buckle strap is wrapped in tension, with an inwardly projecting concave surface to create a greater deformation of the strap under tension. The buckle also includes at least one strengthening cross rib on the bridge portion and a strap receiving inset with a concave shaped pocket to improve the strap tensile strength. Furthermore, the buckle includes a bendable retainer element with an inwardly directed clamping tab near its free moving end to retain a portion of the strap within the buckle.

Abstract: An improved hose clamp having an annular band with an inner face, tensioning means, and an annular spring liner. The spring liner includes an outwardly projecting circumferential ridge; an inwardly projecting circumferential ridge on each side of the outwardly projecting ridge; and a circumferential shoulder near each circumferential edge of the spring liner; and the shoulders are adapted to abut the inner face of the annular band in the absence of clamp tensioning forces. The outwardly projecting ridge may or may not abut the inner face in the presence of clamp tensioning forces.

Abstract: A buckle includes a male buckle member having a locating bolt, and a slide cover type female buckle member, which has a buckle body, which has an insertion hole for the insertion of the locating bolt of the male buckle member and a notch for the positioning of the locating bolt, a slide cover slidably coupled to the buckle body and movable between a close position where a front notch of the slide cover is forced into engagement with a shank of the locating bolt of the male buckle member to secure the locating bolt firmly to the notch of the buckle body and an open position where the locating bolt is removable from the insertion hole, and two magnetic elements respectively affixed to the buckle body and the slide cover and attractable to each other by magnetic attraction when the slide cover is moved to the close position.

Abstract: A shaft clamp assembly (10) includes a bracket having a tubular member adapted to receive a shaft, for example the shaft of an umbrella, a device for mounting the tubular member (11) to a structure, for example a table, and a clamping element (15), the clamping element being operable to secure the shaft to the tubular member, and wherein the internal wall of the tubular member is provided with at least two shaft contact surfaces, their arrangement being such that a triangle of forces is generated between the clamping element and the shaft contact surfaces to secure the shaft to the tubular member when the clamping element is operated.

Abstract: A slider for a concealed type slide fastener for securing a smooth sliding operation even if a strong laterally pulling force is applied when the slide fastener is closed. The slider includes: a lower plate having a pair of flanges each having an inverted L shaped section, the flanges erected along right and left side edges perpendicular to a sliding direction of the slider; a diamond erected toward a gap between upper plate portions of the pair of flanges from a central portion of the lower plate; and element guide portions expanded outwardly toward inside end faces of the upper plate portions from an outer periphery of the diamond, wherein the front ends of the upper plate portion in an engagement direction of the fastener elements are extended forward compared with front end of the element guide portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fluid conduit assembly and testing the fluid conduit for leaks. Clipping devices support fasteners at a position remote from the conduit. According to the invention the fasteners can be loaded into clip nests provided by the clipping devices while leak testing of the conduit is performed. The performance of these steps simultaneously effectively eliminates the conventional requirement of pre-loading installation fasteners into the leak testing apparatus, and thus reduces the overall time required for the testing and assembly of fluid conduits by approximately one third. If the leak test is successful, all of the fasteners are then moved to the conduits and closed to integrate the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A buckle device (1) comprises a lock bar (30) which is pushed by a release button (50) to be moved to a second position P2 for allowing the rotation in a direction to release the engagement of a hook member (20), and a lock member (60) which is rotated by a release button (50) toward an unlock position at the time of releasing operation of a tongue plate (2), and so forth. When the lock bar (30) is butted against a first engagement part (63) in a state where the lock member (60) is positioned at a lock position, the lock member (60) is rotated toward and held at the lock position, and a second engagement part (64) enters a movement area of the lock bar (30), while in the case where an inertial force of the tongue plate (2) in the direction of insertion thereof is exerted at a value exceeding a predetermined value, the release button (50) is butted against a third engagement part (66) to prevent the lock member (60) from being rotated toward the unlock position to hold the lock position.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a panel to a frame includes: a support plate coupled to the panel; an engagement plate extending transversely from the support plate and having an aperture extending therethrough; and a clip having a pivotable arm extending from the support plate at a first end, and at least partially under the aperture to a second end, wherein the plate, aperture and clip are sized and shaped to slideably receive a head and shaft of a mating fastener, coupled to the frame, toward the support plate such that the second end of the pivotable arm engages the head when the shaft is fully received in the aperture.

Abstract: A loop closure is described. The loop closure comprises a deformable loop and a closure with at least one entrance opening for at least one end of the loop which is fixed in the closure. The closure has a locking bolt opening with a locking bolt fixed once in the closure. By way of the locking bolt the end of the deformable loop is positively and/or non-positively fixed in the closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a panel of interconnected tubular vanes and cord ladders for use in a Venetian blind includes a vane-forming system where a strip of vane material is supplied, folded, and pressed into a desired configuration prior to being cut to a predetermined length. The length is determined by the width of the panel to be formed and is effected by a vane-sizing system including a template for positioning a plurality of cord ladder assemblies at predetermined locations for connection to tubular slats formed upstream from the assemblies. The tubular vane material has inert adhesive along a flap on one edge which is heated to activate the adhesive and after having been folded along a generally longitudinal centerline, the flap is folded over the corresponding upper edge of the vane and secured thereto in a sliding compressor.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes: interdigital transducers; first electrode pads that are connected to the interdigital transducers through wire patterns; and a piezoelectric substrate on which the interdigital transducers, the first electrode pads, and the wire patterns, are formed. In this surface acoustic wave device, at least one of the first electrode pads is not connected to a ground pattern, and the piezoelectric substrate has a conductivity in the range of 10?12/?·cm to 10?6/?·cm.

Abstract: A pivoting seat pew or bench furniture, which utilizes the benefits of theater style seating with the functionality and aesthetic of a traditional pew. This seating assembly provides additional seating capacity over traditional pews offering lower seating costs and lower construction costs. This seating assembly also provides modularized seating components so that the seating assembly can be constructed to any desired length without requiring customized construction or components.

Abstract: A device for removing modular forms comprises an elongated shaft having a rearward end and a forward end. A pulling head is fixedly coupled to a forward end of the shaft. The pulling head engages a form to be removed from a wall. A slide hammer is slidably coupled to the shaft for generating an impact force to the form via the pulling head to thereby break a bond between the form and the wall.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for verifying geometries of airfoils includes the steps of providing a part having an airfoil having an intended positional geometry and an intended feature geometry; measuring a first set of points of a primary datum system; determining an actual positional geometry of the airfoil based on the primary datum system measurements; calculating a first deviation between the intended positional geometry and the actual positional geometry of the airfoil; measuring a plurality of sets of points of at least one secondary datum system; determining an actual feature geometry of the airfoil based on the at least one secondary datum system measurement; calculating a second deviation between the intended feature geometry and the actual feature geometry of the airfoil; and performing a verification of the intended positional geometry and the intended feature geometry of the airfoil based upon the first deviation and the second deviation.

Abstract: A method for locating a work piece for multiple treatment operations includes identifying six-point datum positions upon a work piece, defining six-point datum contacts on a work piece holder and securing said six-point datum positions upon said work piece into contact with said six-point datum contacts on said work piece holder. A work piece datum transfer apparatus includes a work piece shuttle having a six-point datum nest defining its position in three dimensions corresponding to a work piece six-point datum nest and means for locking said work piece shuttle into contact with said work piece shuttle to transfer said datum nest from said work piece to said shuttle.

Abstract: A system for use in preparing an articulating surface of a component of an orthopaedic implant is provided. The system includes a magnetorheological polishing fluid including a carrier fluid and a plurality of particles suspendable in said carrier fluid. The system also includes a vessel for containing the Magnetorheological polishing fluid. The system also includes a mechanism for delivering the fluid to form a polishing zone and a holder for securing the component and for moveably positioning the articulating surface of the component relative to the polishing zone. The system further includes a controller for determining the rate of material removal from the object, for determining the direction and velocity of movement of the polishing zone relative to the object and for determining the number of cycles of polishing required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of a vehicle wheel includes locating apparatus that determines the location of an aperture on the wheel rim for receiving the valve stem, the locating apparatus preferably including a machine vision system at a gauging station. A programmable, robotic manipulator capable of compound, multi-axial movement and capable of engaging the valve stem is controlled by a controller to engage a valve stem, move the valve stem to the aperture in the wheel rim, coaxially align the central axis of the aperture with the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture along the aligned central and longitudinal axes. Optionally, the robotic manipulator may include a nut runner to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station may include a rotating table to rotate the vehicle wheel and an optical sensor for detecting the location of the aperture for the valve stem.

Abstract: Method for assembling a rack portion (1) of a self-raising oil rig, which rack portion (1) is constituted by at least one rectangular plate (3) which comprises teeth (51) at the longitudinal lateral faces (5) thereof, and at least one reinforcement (8) which is in the form of a half-shell and which is welded to a main face (6) of the at least one rectangular plate, along the longitudinal edges (11) of the at least one reinforcement, according to which an internal chamfer and an external chamfer which are separated by a projection of thickness T are produced at each of the longitudinal edges (11) of the at least one reinforcement (8), the at least one reinforcement (8) is provided at a main face (6) of the rectangular plate (3), at least one welding pass is carried out at the internal portion of each of the longitudinal edges (11) of the at least one reinforcement in order to produce an internal weld bead having a connection radius R greater than or equal to 4 mm, and the chamfers are filled at the external po

Abstract: A target and backing plate assembly and method of making the same. The backing plate is made of a material having an electrical conductivity less than or equal to 45% IACS and is selected from the group consisting of Al alloys, Cu alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, molybdenum, molybdenum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, nickel and nickel alloys.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for transferring dies to respective substrates is described. Conventional techniques include vision-based systems that pick and place dies one at a time onto substrates. The present invention can transfer multiple dies simultaneously or consecutively. Dies are loaded in a channel of a die application device. The dies are moved through the channel using any of a variety of means, such as gravity, air, vibration, a brush, a spring, etc. The die application device dispenses the dies onto respective substrates. In an aspect, the die application device independently dispenses each of the dies. In another aspect, the die application device dispenses multiple dies at a time.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.

Abstract: A new shrink fitting method including deformation is disclosed, in which a high bonding force can be obtained without accurate mechanical process such as forming an insertion body having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of an object for receiving the insertion body. The shrink fitting method comprises preparing a pipe and a rod material whose inner and outer diameters are different from each other; bonding the pipe and the rod material to each other in a state that the pipe or the rod material is deformed by heating; deforming the pipe to allow the inner diameter of the pipe to be equal to the outer diameter of the rod material; and cooling the bonded pipe and rod material. The shrink fitting method can be widely used for various mechanical parts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. A tool assembly for use in manufacturing composite laminates in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tool plate carried by a movable support system. The tool plate includes a tool surface configured to support fiber-reinforced resin material and define an outer mold line (OML) of the fiber-reinforced resin material. The movable support system is configured to respond to signals from a controller to automatically change the shape of the tool surface and alter the OML of the finished part to suit the particular application. In one embodiment, the movable support system can include a plurality of telescoping actuators operably coupled to the tool plate.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of the invention concern a method comprising: a) providing sheet or format metal; b) swaging said metal by means of a swaging lubricant, so as to form a swaged blank (1); c) degreasing said swaged blank (1), so as to typically remove the remains of the swaging lubricant, to form a degreased blank (2) capable of being lacquer coated; d) lacquer coating said degreased blank (2), said resulting lacquer coated blank (3) being then optionally decorated; e) an optional finishing step. The method is characterized in that during the degreasing at step c), said swaged blank (1) is subjected to an energetic radiation emission treatment of selected intensity and duration to eliminate or decompose said remains of lubricant, said treatment being wholly carried out at a metal temperature less than 150° C., and for a duration typically less than 1 second, so as to obtain, following said treatment, a surface tension not less than 34 dynes/cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making microstructured laminae for replication and apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to machining V-shaped grooves on individual lamina forming cube-corner microstructures.

Abstract: An upholstery tack strip includes a metal ribbon and a thermoplastic sleeve covering at least a portion of the ribbon. The sleeve includes at least one, and possibly a pair of, lengthwise removed strip section(s) so as to expose a corresponding lengthwise surface of the metal ribbon. The metal ribbon integrally includes nail sections which protrude outwardly from said tack strip. At least one, and preferably both, lateral edges of the metal ribbon are knurled or serrated so as to assist in anchoring the ribbon to the sleeve.

Abstract: A positioning device for a workpiece that has a body and a portion that is movably mounted to the body. The positioning device includes an abutment assembly having a first and second abutment member. The positioning device also includes an actuator assembly adapted for moving the abutment assembly between a locating position, in which the first abutment member is disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the portion of the workpiece while the second abutment member is disposed in the exterior space defined by the portion, and an inserted position, in which the second abutment member is disposed in the portion while the first abutment member is disposed in the exterior space defined by the portion. The actuator assembly is further adapted to move the portion relative to the body due to abutment between the portion of the workpiece and at least one of the first and second abutment members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotary drum for a drum washing machine, in which the strength of a bonding part of the rotary drum is improved so that the bonding part is not deformed even when the rotary drum is rotated at a high speed, and a pressing device used therefor. The method includes bending one circumferential end of the processed material in a U shape to form a first overlapping part and a first bending part, and bending the other circumferential end of the processed material in a U shape to form a second overlapping part and a second bending part; overlapping the first and second overlapping parts with each other to form a connection part; and pressing the connection part so that the original shapes of the first and second bending parts are maintained and the first and second overlapping parts are adhered to each other to form a bonding part.

Abstract: A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.

Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).

Abstract: A method for rotationally coupling a first member (12) and a second member (14). In a first step, a first member (12) and a second member (14) are provided with one of the first member (12) and the second member (14) including a portion having cutting edge(s) extending therealong. The second member (14) defines an orifice (14a) for receiving therein at least a portion (12a) of the first member (12).

Abstract: Method of indexing a machine or the like in position on the ground, the machine having a leg with a hollow bushing (104) for adjusting its level, which bushing is screwed to the machine and bears without sliding on a soleplate (102) in contact with the ground, the soleplate including an orifice (106) opening out into the bushing. The method includes the steps of positioning the machine on the ground, of drilling a hole (112) in the ground in line with the orifice (106) in the soleplate (102) using a drilling tool passing along the bushing (104) and through the orifice (106) in the soleplate, and of fitting in the hole a positioning member (107) that co-operates with the orifice (106) in the soleplate in order to index its position on the ground. A machine leg specially adapted to implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fastening system for anchoring wood floors to a base includes a fastener having a pointed distal end and a proximal head end, a sleeve for retaining structural members, the sleeve having a central bore therethrough, a countersink extending from a proximal end of the sleeve coaxially with the central bore, and an annular flange extending outwardly from the sleeve proximal end. The system further includes a driver for driving the fastener through the sleeve bore and into the base, the driver including a nozzle having a bore for receiving the fastener, the nozzle being adapted to enter the sleeve countersink. The driver further includes a hammer disposed in the nozzle and movable to engage the head of the fastener and to drive the fastener into locking engagement with the base, to fix the sleeve to the base, and thereby fix the structural members to the base.

Abstract: A method for attaching a handle to a tablet to form a lollipop utilizes a specific work holder. The work holder has a tooling pallet with a plurality of openings going from a top surface to a bottom surface. A bullet and a spring are located in each opening and held in place by a plate that slides through a groove in the bottom surface of the tooling pallet to block the openings in the bottom surface. Each spring is positioned between a bullet and the plate. A tablet is placed in a cavity of each bullet and a handle is placed in contact with each tablet. High frequency mechanical vibrations, such as ultrasonic vibrations, are applied to a joint interface between each tablet and bullet until the joint interface reaches a molten state. The joint interfaces are then allowed to cool, thereby attaching a handle to each tablet and forming a lollipop.

Abstract: A method of forming a dual chamber seamless tube (64) includes providing a slug of steel (56) and cold working a first end (70) of the slug (56) to form a first chamber (114) and cold working a second end (72) of the slug (56) to form a second chamber (116). The first and second chambers (114 and 116) are axially aligned and separated by a wall portion (126) of the tube (64).

Abstract: A process for producing sheets of ?-TiAl includes the steps of forming a melt of a ?-TiAl alloy; casting the ?-TiAl alloy to form an as-cast ?-TiAl alloy; encapsulating the as-cast ?-TiAl alloy to form an as-cast ?-TiAl alloy preform; and rolling the as-cast ?-TiAl alloy preform to form a sheet comprising ?-TiAl.

Abstract: A shaped part is made by forming in a flat steel plate a thickness-reducing groove and hot-shaping and hardening the flat steel plate into a three-dimensional shape. Then the plate formed with the groove is cooled, and a piece is sheared off the cooled plate along a cut line in the groove.

Abstract: A piston stopper (2) made substantially of rubber has a piston section (8) enclosed in cap-like manner by an inert film (9?) located adjacent to and facing the contents of a syringe or carpule cylinder (1). A non-vulcanized rubber sheet (7) is inserted into a form tool, together with an inert film (9?). Under the effect of pressure and heat, an entire piston stopper contour is formed from the layered arrangement, extending to a flange (16) which protrudes laterally beyond the piston stopper (2) in the region of the separating plane of the form tool. A receiving cavity (6) for a piston rod is created in the piston section (8). The wall area of the sealing section (10) surrounding the receiving cavity (6) is forced into the receiving cavity (6). The piston stopper (2) is subsequently separated from the flange (16) in a blanking process, whereby a peripheral sealing area (13), directly adjacent to the edge of the inert film (9?) enclosing the piston section (8), is formed in the sealing section (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for joining microchip modules to antennas (18) which are arranged on at least one first support (1) for producing transponders. in particular smart labels. for transferring the microchip modules (12) from at least one second support (5, 5a, 5b) to predefined locations on the first support (1). wherein the two supports can be moved in steps or continuously one above the other, wherein the supports which can be moved one above the other are arranged parallel to one another at a predefined section, and arranged between the supports is a turning head device (9) for transferring individual microchip modules (12) from the second to the first support (1; 5, 5a, 5b) by way of a rotational movement (11), which turning head device can rotate about an axis that runs in the direction of the support width.

Abstract: An inductor formed on a semiconductor substrate, comprising active device regions. The inductor comprises conductive lines formed on a dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. The conductive lines are patterned and etched into the desired shape, in one embodiment a planar spiral. A region of the substrate below the inductor are removed to lower the inductive Q factor.

Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor comprises: a housing including an opening on one side; an inductive core including two legs, each core leg including a foot portion; an inductive coil wound bobbin disposed about each leg of the core, each bobbin including an integral ledge cantilevered from an inside surface of the bobbin for forming a pocket under the integral ledge at a bottom of the bobbin for containing the foot portion of the corresponding core leg; a thruster element including a top surface and two legs, each thruster leg disposed into a respective bobbin resting on the integral ledge thereof, the core, wound bobbins and thruster element disposed in the housing; a spring element disposed on the top surface of the thruster element at the housing opening; and a housing cover disposed over the housing opening for compressing the spring element against the thruster element which renders the core and wound bobbins in a fixed relationship to each other in the housing.