Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container by placing body and lid portions together, keeping parts of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and vibrating the lid with respect to the body, thereby generating frictional heat to form a friction metallic weld therebetween. Apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of the metallic container includes a body supporting base, an assembly to support a flange of the body, a sonotrode to contact a flange of the lid so that wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonotrode. A motor vibrates the sonotrode relative to the support assembly to thereby move the flanges relative to one another generating sufficient frictional heat to create a friction metallic weld therebetween.

Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.

Abstract: A flange for a vehicle exhaust system includes a central opening, bolt holes spaced from the central opening, an annular groove spaced from the central opening formed in a first surface of the flange, and an annular protrusion spaced from the central opening formed in a second surface of the flange. The annular groove and the annular protrusion generally have the same configuration taken in a radial cross-section of each.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head system and associated method are disclosed. Included is one or more head assemblies each including a base with a row bar coupled thereto with a head situated therein for defining a tape bearing surface defining a tape wrap angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A length of the tape bearing surface is between approximately 0.57 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters and the tape wrap angle is between approximately 0.5 degrees and 1.3 degrees such that a resolution of the magnetic tape head system is substantially independent of a velocity of the tape.

Abstract: A method for building a slider into a product includes removably mounting a slider onto a test head suspension assembly, and conducting a dynamic performance test of the slider before the slider is built into the product.

Abstract: The method of bonding flying leads is capable of efficiently supersonic-bonding the flying leads to pads of a board and improving bonding reliability therebetween. The method comprises the steps of: positioning the flying leads to correspond to the pads arranged parallel; and applying supersonic vibrations to a bonding tool so as to respectively bond the flying leads to the pads. And widths of the flying leads are wider than those of the pads, and supersonic vibrations are applied to the bonding tool, which is pressing the flying leads onto the pads, so that the flying leads are respectively supersonic-bonded to the pads.

Abstract: A method of bonding flying leads produces reliable bonds between the flying leads and substrate pads and can efficiently bond a plurality of flying leads and a plurality of substrate pads using a bonding tool. Flying leads are respectively aligned with a plurality of substrate pads disposed in parallel and a bonding tool applies ultrasonic vibration to the flying leads to bond the respective substrate pads and the flying leads. Bonding is carried out using a bonding tool in which at least one contact member that contacts the flying leads and applies the ultrasonic vibration thereto is rotatably supported. The bonding tool is moved in a direction so as to cross the flying leads disposed in parallel with the at least one contact member rolling while in contact with the flying leads, and the ultrasonic vibration is applied from the at least one contact member to the flying leads to ultrasonically bond the respective flying leads to the substrate pads.

Abstract: A method for forming a head having a trailing shield that includes forming a gap layer above a pole, forming a mask above the gap layer, and forming a trailing shield above the gap layer and adjacent the mask, a throat height of the trailing shield being defined between the mask.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic layer with a magnetic anisotropy. The method includes an endpoint detection process for determining an end point to carefully control the final thickness of the magnetic layer. The method includes depositing a magnetic layer and then depositing a sacrificial layer over the magnetic layer. A low power angled ion milling is then performed until the magnetic layer has been reached. The angled ion milling can be performed at an angle relative to normal and without rotation in order to form an anisotropic surface texture that induces a magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic layer. An indicator layer may be included between the magnetic layer and the sacrificial layer in order to further improve endpoint detection.

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes adjustment circuitry configured to adjust selected physical and electrical characteristics of the component or elements thereof, and an input/output configuration of the component. The component includes a semiconductor die, a substrate attached to the die, and terminal contacts on the substrate. The adjustment circuitry includes conductors and programmable links, such as fuses or anti-fuses, in electrical communication with the die and the terminal contacts. The adjustment circuit can also include capacitors and inductance conductors. The programmable links can be placed in a selected state (e.g., short or open) using a laser or programming signals. A method for fabricating the component includes the steps of forming the adjustment circuitry, and then placing the programmable links in the selected state to achieve the selected adjustment.

Abstract: A tool for pressing lower rim section of a receptacle wall and a receptacle bottom comprises an inner tool part and an outer tool part. The outer tool part essentially surrounds the receptacle at its lower end. The inner tool part comprises tool segments that are moveable relative to the outer tool part between a retracted and a pressing position, wherein in the pressing position the lower rim sections are pressed together by opposed pressing surfaces of outer tool part and inner tool part. To avoid any contamination of the pressing surfaces and also delamination of the lower rim section of the receptacle, at least one groove is formed in the pressing surface of the tool segment and/or of the outer tool part.

Abstract: In a chip transferring apparatus a wafer (44) and a lead frame (50) are positioned. A first chip (42) is picked up from the wafer (44) by a transfer head (14; 40a-40d) in a chip pick-up position, while bonding a second chip to the lead frame (50) by another transfer head in a chip bonding position. The first chip (42) is then transferred by said one of the transfer heads from the chip pick-up position to the chip bonding position. Next, the first chip (42) is bonded on the lead frame (50) by said one of the transfer heads (14; 40a-40d) in the chip bonding position, while another one of the transfer heads picks up a third chip from the wafer (44) in the chip pick-up position. Each transfer head (14; 40a-40d) comprises a collet (66a-66d) which, through a mechanical coupling, is coupled to another collet for compensating radial forces exerted on the collet relative to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: Method and system for installing a ground stud on composite material. The method includes securing the ground stud to the composite material creating an electrical contact between the ground stud and composite material; and attaching a connective device to the ground stud for allowing current to flow from the connective device to the ground stud and then into the composite material. The system includes a ground stud with a conductive pin having, a first end for attaching the ground stud to a composite material such that the pin makes electrical contact with carbon fibers within the composite material, and a second threaded end for connection to a self locking nut securing the ground stud to a composite material; and a connective device with a conductive terminal which fits on top of the ground stud allowing current to flow from the connective device to the ground stud and the composite material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to cut costs in manufacturing a rotary member of a torque converter. A method for manufacturing a rotary member of a torque converter 1 is a method for includes manufacturing a rotary member 10 constituted by a turbine shell 11 of the torque converter 1, a plurality of turbine blades 13 fixed to an inner face 11a of the turbine shell 11, and a driven plate 25 of a lock-up device 7 fixed to an outer face 11b of the turbine shell 11. The method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, the driven plate 25 is fixed to the turbine shell 11. In the second step, the turbine blades 13 are brazed to the turbine shell 13 by heating the turbine shell 11 and the turbine blades 13. In the third step, the rotary member 10 is quenched after the heat treatment in the second step.

Abstract: A method for the production of secondary fluid ducts for a turbomachine, especially for fluid supply or fluid removal to/from a flow-wetted surface of the turbomachine, with the secondary fluid ducts being produced by an electrochemical machining process.

Abstract: A method for combining heat conductive tubes and heat dissipating fins includes the steps of positioning heat conductive tubes, extending the heat conductive tubes through holes in a very first heat dissipating fin, placing solder rings around each of the heat conductive tubes and between the heat conductive tubes and the very first heat dissipating fin, repeating the heat conductive tube extending step and the solder ring placing step until the solder rings are placed between the heat conductive tubes and a very last heat dissipating fin and heating a combination of the heat conductive tubes, the heat dissipating fins and the solder rings to melt the solder rings so as to secure engagement between the heat conductive tubes and the heat dissipating fins.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel includes a workbench accommodating a wheel to which a first detector is mounted, an aligner that aligns a position of a coupling member, and a coupling unit that provides torque to the coupling member, the torque gradually being increased by the coupling unit until a second predetermined torque is achieved. The aligner has a first aligning part which includes a hydraulic pressure cylinder that pushes the wheel and a guider that guides the wheel, and a second aligning part which includes a rotating stage, a driving part, a second detector that detects the first detector, and a controller. A method for assembling a vehicle wheel includes loading the wheel on a workbench, aligning a position of the coupling member, gradually increasing torque of the coupling member, and monitoring whether the torque of the coupling member reaches the second predetermined torque.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of modifying the surfaces of work rolls and the rolls produced thereby which are used in the manufacture of sheet metals and other sheet materials. The working surface of each roll is processed in a series of process steps which include the step of controlled surface modification as an intermediate step. Other process steps can include texturing such as by means of EDT, EBT, laser texturing, media blasting and chrome coating, among others. Controlled surface modification is carried out at least once as an intermediate process step and it can be carried out additionally at other stages such as at the final stage of the roll surface preparation process. The work rolls produced by the method exhibit improved performance and extended life.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of texturing the surfaces of work rolls and the rolls produced thereby which are used in the manufacture of sheet metals and other sheet materials. The working surface of each roll is processed in a series of steps which include the steps of chrome coating followed by controlled surface modification. Texturing can optionally precede controlled surface modification or chrome coating and intervening process steps can be used. Either or both process steps of chrome coating or controlled surface modification can be carried out once or more than once as long as each process step is used at least once and as long as a controlled surface modification step follows a chrome coating step. The work rolls produced by the method exhibit improved performance and extended life.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a vane sector and a honeycomb seal. The method further includes coupling the honeycomb seal to the vane sector utilizing a hydraulic tool.

Abstract: A callous plane 1 having a blade head 2 and a handle 3 is disclosed, where callous plane 1 has an underside facing the body surface of a user when in working position, and an upper side facing away from said underside, and where a holding device 4 with a lower holding part 7 and an upper holding part 9 is provided in the blade head 2, in which a blade 5 can be held in such a manner that its cutting edge 6 intended for use to shave off callous skin is located on the underside of callous plane 1. To provide a callous plane 1 that is safer and easier to handle, and less complex to manufacture, it is proposed that lower holding part 7 be connected to handle 3 and display an upward-pointing seat 8 for blade 5, and that upper holding part 9 hold blade 5 tightly in seat 8 with the help of a fixing device.

Abstract: A clipper for clipping nails of an animal such as a dog, or cat, allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length while preventing injury to the animal. The device includes a clipping means and a sensing means which allows the nail to be localized in a desired position relative to the clipping plane of the clipper and the internal structure of the nail. The sensing means includes a signal generation means, a signal reception means, and a quick indicator. The animal mail is positioned near the clipping means and the sensing means produces a sensible signal confirming the position of the clipping plane upon the nail, particularly the quick of the nail. The user then may adjust the position of the clipping means such that the clipping plane avoids the quick. The user then actuates the clipping means and trims the nail.

Abstract: A shaving kit comprising a personal care article is disclosed. The shaving kit comprises a package containing a personal care composition comprising a surfactant, water and at least about 15% of a hydrophobic moisturizing material and a plurality of razor blade cartridges or a shaving razor. An article of commerce is also disclosed that comprises a personal care article comprising a package containing a visually distinct, multiphase personal care composition and a set of in association with the personal care article. A method of shaving is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: wetting a skin surface; dispensing the multiphase personal care composition from the personal care article that comprises a package containing a visually distinct, multiphase personal care composition; contacting a skin surface with the personal care composition, and applying a shaving razor to the skin surface.

Abstract: An electric shaving apparatus has a hand-holdable housing and a shaving head. The shaving head is coupled to the housing via at least one first elastic element and has at least one first shaving cutter. The shaving apparatus includes an electric motor for generating an oscillatory motion of the shaving head and an oscillatory motion differing therefrom of at least one second shaving cutter. The electric motor has a first drive component with at least one electric coil for generating a magnetic field, and a second drive component. The first drive component of the electric motor is rigidly connected to the shaving head or to the housing.

Abstract: A wet shave razor is provided that includes (a) a handle having a hollow head; (b) a cartridge having a body, the body having a surface for engaging the skin of the user and having at least one blade mounted therein; (c) an interconnect member, joined to the cartridge, constructed to pivotably and removably mount the cartridge to a distal end of the handle; and (d) an ejecting mechanism operatively connected to the handle to allow a user to disengage the interconnect member from the distal end of the handle, the ejecting mechanism including an actuator. The razor provides a vibrating function, and thus further includes a vibrating mechanism. A resilient element is positioned between the actuator and the handle, to damp vibration of the actuator in response to the vibration signal.

Abstract: A safety razor is provided comprising a razor cartridge mounted on pivoting connecting structure of a handle. The razor cartridge has four or more razor blades. The pivot axis of the razor cartridge is rearward of the midpoint of the cartridge width and below a plane tangent to the guard and cap structures of the housing of the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A device for cracking the shell of an object is provided comprising at least three members, each including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the protrusions containing a pointed tip extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and an attachment portion coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions. A user can crack the shell of the shelled object by placing it in the cracking region and exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members. The members can be attached by a ring, secured by pins, welded together, or screwed or snapped into an attachment portion.

Abstract: A folding knife including a knife blade pivotally secured to a knife handle in such manner as to permit the knife blade to be releasably locked in a closed position with respect to the handle and in practically any open position.

Abstract: An ergonomic shear according to the present disclosure provides variations in finger relief to accommodate variations in human physiology and an aligning finger handle that aligns the users fingers into a minimum stress position relative to each other and to the thumb.

Abstract: A tool comprising a scissors, the scissors including two handles, each handle including an aperture therethrough is disclosed. The tool includes a comb attached to the scissors. The comb includes a handle portion and a comb portion. The handle portion of the comb includes a plurality of extensions therefrom, the extensions for engaging the aperture of one of the handles of the scissors, wherein the comb can be removed from the scissors by disengaging the extensions.

Abstract: Razor blades for use in wet shave razors are produced from a precipitation hardenable ferrous composition having an austenitic structure and being supersaturated in certain elements, by a cold rolling process which converts most of the austenite to martensite, followed by a heat treatment process which causes the precipitation of strengthening particles to produce a corrosion resistant material having a hardness in excess of 600 HV.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener (1) with a handle (3) and a sharpener insert (4) inserted into the handle (3) with a pencil guide channel (33) and a paring blade (34) is proposed, in conjunction with which the handle (3) is formed so as to correspond at least partially to the inner contours of a curved human hand (26). Improved ease of handling is achieved through the formed handle (3). Also proposed is a method for the manufacture of a pencil sharpener (1) of this kind, in which the handle (3) is formed in subsidiary areas so as to correspond to the inner contours of the human hand (26).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses a visual tag to determine an angle. During operation, the system observes the visual tag from an observation point, wherein the visual tag includes an angle-sensitive image which changes in appearance when observed from different angles. Next, the system uses the appearance of the angle-sensitive image (as observed from the observation point) to determine the angle between the visual tag and the observation point. In a variation on this embodiment, the system uses the determined angle along with supplemental information to determine the physical location of the observation point.

Abstract: An object positioning device and method for positioning an object in a desired position relative to another object. In one aspect, the invention provides a device for aligning hitching components used in coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle. The invention also provides an apparatus for positioning an object upheld by a base over a supporting surface, comprising a plurality of independently adjustable plumb devices associated with the base. This object positioning apparatus is beneficial in adjusting the verticality of a target supported over the coupling on a trailer used in the trailer hitch alignment device of the present invention.

Abstract: A compass including a decorative container and a bearing is disclosed. The decorative container is disposed on top of the bearing while a base for spire is arranged on surface of the container. A symmetrical C-shaped balancing stand has two brackets for accommodation of heavy objects on bottom of two sides thereof. A magnetized bar is transversely arranged on the symmetrical C-shaped balancing stand and a center point of the magnetized bar aligns a central shaft of the balancing stand. A projective spire is arranged on center shaft of the bottom of the balancing stand for being located on the base for spire so as to form a pivot point for rotation. Therefore, the balancing stand rotates freely above the decorative container and the magnetized bar thereof aligns with earth's magnetic field so as to drive the balancing stand to rotate and indicate directions.

Abstract: A compass including a container for liquid, a floating body, a vertical shaft, a pointer and an ornament such as pens is disclosed. The container is disposed horizontally with an axial hole on top surface thereof while the floating body such as a pen holder floats on liquid inside the container. The vertical shaft vertically arranged on a center line of the floating body. Moreover, the vertical shaft inserts through the axial hole and connects with an extension rod. The pointer and the ornament are further loaded on the extension rod. A magnetized bar is transversely disposed on the floating body or the vertical shaft and a central point of the magnetized bar aligns the center line of the floating body so that the S pole of the magnetized bar faces the direction that the pointer indicates.

Abstract: For preferably and accurately measuring characteristics of workpieces, such angle of taper of a conical cavity defined by a workpiece, examples may include a system having a stage movable in predictable and repeatable increments, and a compliancy fixture. The compliancy feature may include a sapphire to metal interface. Such examples may also include a mechanism, such as an elongate body or an arm, for alternately disposing each of a first object of a first size and a second object of a second size in the conical cavity. Examples may use spherical objects, or portions thereof. Systems further include at least one sensor for determining positions of the first and second objects in the conical cavity and logic for determining the characteristics, such the taper angle, based on the position of the first object and the second object in the conical cavity.

Abstract: A stylus 12 for a workpiece contacting probe has a tip 14 which comprises a self-lubricating or low friction material, in order to inhibit debris generation or adhesive wear (pick up) as the tip scans a workpiece surface. Various materials are described, including composites having a solid state lubricant incorporated into a dimensionally stable microstructure. The tip 14 may be made entirely of such a composite, or may have a substrate 30 with a coating 32 of the self-lubricating or low friction material.

Abstract: An exemplary distance measuring probe (100) includes a tube track (12), a tip extension (16), a pair of hollow tubes (14), a pair of air discharge systems (115), a linear measuring scale (18), and a displacement sensor (19). The tip extension is configured to touch a surface of an object (50). The linear measuring scale and the displacement sensor are respectively fixed relative to one of the tube track and the tip extension. The hollow tubes contain a flux of air, and are configured to cooperatively push the tip extension to move. Each air discharge system ejects part of air in the corresponding hollow tube out of the hollow tube. The linear measuring scale displays values of displacements of the tip extension. The displacement sensor detects and reads the displacement values displayed by the linear measuring scale.

Abstract: A scale is attached to a carrier by optically contacting. The optically contacting bonds are formed by raised surface regions of the scale set apart from each other. Additional measures, such as the provision of adhesive surfaces, provide a rigid and vibration-resistant joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair dryer air diffuser elastically fitted to the nozzle of a hand held hair dryer. The air diffuser is substantially conical in shape and is made of flexible material. The air diffuser has openings or slits in the flexible material. Preferably, hair treatment products are affixed to or embedded in the flexible material. As the hair is dried, the heat in the air emerging from the dryer, volatilizes the hair treatment products and deposits them on the hair.

Abstract: In a method of assembling a freeze dryer shelf having opposed, parallel first and second plates spaced apart from one another, and a plurality of ribs defining at least one flow channel for conveying a diathermic fluid between the first and second plates, the ribs are first located against the first plate and secured to the first plate. The second plate is then located against the ribs, and the ribs are secured to the second plate by, for each rib, inserting a welding torch between the first and second plates and adjacent the rib, and moving the welding torch along a joint between the rib and the second plate to weld together the rib and the second plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of drying comprising an intentionally controlled increased negative static pressure level and drying systems using the same.

Abstract: The improved carbon beam deposition chamber described herein substantially reduces the accumulation of carbon film on the outer surfaces of the chamber aperture plates, thereby substantially increasing the number of disks which can be processed before system cleaning or hardware replacement is required, thereby to substantially reduce disk failure for coated disks and substantially increase carbon gun productivity.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and process useful for drawing ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene fibers. The heating apparatus includes a first set of rolls and a plurality of aligned ovens. The apparatus includes a second set of rolls at the exit of the ovens which rolls are adapted to provide the desired drawing of the polyolefin fibers. The apparatus and process provide a single draw step in a heated environment, with the use of preferably four or six horizontal ovens.

Abstract: An inflatable insole includes a hand-operated pump removably attached to the aft end of the insole above the heel and a bleed valve located just below the pump. The pump and the valve are used to adjust air pressure in the insole so the comfort of the shoe can be adjusted according to user preference as well as according to terrain and use of the shoe. The insole is removably attached to the shoe so the insole can be used on other shoes, such as a sandal or the like. The valve can be manually adjustable as well as automatically adjustable.

Abstract: An improved construction of patterned shoes comprised of injection or punch molded vamp; the vamp being formed with the pattern of a face and body of an animal or a figure, and 3D organs including eyes, nose, and mouth and a pattern being printed on the outside counter and waist to highlight the style of the animated animal or the figure for the patterned shoes to become even more life-like and vivid.

Abstract: A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment while providing an individualized sole unit. The shoes of the set have matched uppers and differing sole designs. The sole designs may differ based on cushioning type used in the midsole or may differ based on the outsole of the shoe. The matched upper, which may be color matched, provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized sole of each shoe takes into account comfort, performance and/or safety preferences for each player.

Abstract: A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment by way of substantially similar uppers, while providing individualized performance specifications, with respect to support and breathability, for each upper. The substantially similar appearance of the upper may be due to material overlays, stitch patterns, color scheme and/or perforations and may be based on team criteria. The uppers are materially different from each other due to internal or external supports, material types and/or breathability. The substantially similar upper provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized performance specifications of each upper provide the comfort, performance and/or safety preferences desired by each player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hygiene shoe for martial arts. The hygiene shoe is formed of a form-fitting stretchable material such as neoprene, covered by a flexible fabric on the outside and inside. An outer portion of the hygiene shoe can be formed of a first color selected to match a first belt level of martial arts and an inner portion of the hygiene shoe can be formed of a second color to match a second belt level of martial arts. The hygiene shoe is reversible for preference of the color to be worn and for extending the life of the shoe. A traction portion on the sole of the hygiene shoe comprising a first circular portion beneath the ball of the foot and a second circular portion beneath the heel of the foot connected by connecting portion beneath the outside edge of the foot provides forward movement, pivoting on the ball and heel of the foot and lateral stability.