Abstract: A convertible broom having a broom head able to be selectively latched in either of two pivoted angular positions with respect to a broom handle. A latch mechanism includes a sleeve grip slidable on the handle to move a locking feature into and out of engagement with either of two locator features or pairs of locator features on a head bracket pivotally mounted to one end of the handle. On locator feature (or pair of features) is aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a straight configuration, the other locator feature aligned with the locking feature with the broom head in a push broom configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bristle, e.g., for toothbrushes, and a corresponding manufacturing method whereby the bristle has at least two coextruded filaments of different materials in the longitudinal direction, and the cross-sectional area of at least one of the filaments decreases toward the free end of the bristle.

Abstract: A cleaning device for removing foreign particles off of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and lenses exposed optic surfaces including a hand held application wand, a cohesive rubber and a cleaning base pivoting joint. The user may hold the application wand by the finger grip and align the pivoting base angle to reflect the angle of the optic surface that's about to be cleaned. The next step would be to insert the wand base and cohesive onto the desired optic surface to be cleaned. The rubber would be pressed down onto the sensor filter and adhere any foreign particles to it. The wand and rubber would then be removed by manually lifting up on the wand. The cleaning rubber layer is specially designed and manufactured to leave substantially no residue or contamination on the optic surfaces.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a microfiber scrubbing sponge. The microfiber scrubbing sponge includes a base block, and first and second scrubbing pattern portions. The base block has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The first scrubbing pattern portions are provided on the top surface of the base block, and each includes microfibers which are configured to scrub with higher friction in a direction. The second scrubbing pattern portions are provided on the top surface of the base block. The first scrubbing pattern portions and the second scrubbing pattern portions are disposed alternatingly. The first scrubbing pattern portions may include strips disposed in parallel with gaps, and the second scrubbing pattern portions may include strips disposed substantially in parallel. Each of the second scrubbing pattern portions may be disposed in the gaps provided between the first scrubbing pattern portions.

Abstract: A wiper support shaft supports a wiper, which wipes a windshield glass. The wiper support shaft projects outward through an opening of a cowl louver that is placed on a vehicle front side of the windshield glass. A four-bar linkage drives the wiper support shaft to move the wiper support shaft in the opening of the cowl louver in such a manner that a wiping range of the wiper, which is installed to the wiper support shaft, changes on the windshield glass. A covering member is supported by the wiper support shaft at a location inside the cowl louver to limit direct viewing of the four-bar linkage through the opening of the cowl louver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper drive arrangement (1) having a drive shaft (4), extending out of a gear mechanism housing (3), for a windscreen wiper, in which the drive shaft (4) is guided axially through a protective sleeve (15) which is sealed with respect to the drive shaft (4) by means of at least one inner sealing element (18) and with respect to a vehicle component (11) by means of at least one outer sealing element. The invention provides for the protective sleeve (15) to be secured to the gear mechanism housing in order to protect said protective sleeve against axial movement in the direction of the vehicle component (11) and/or against rotational movement relative to the gear mechanism housing (3) by frictional engagement and/or by means of at least one separate securing element (25).

Abstract: A vacuum electronic switch detection system allows multiple user selectable vacuum modes to be chosen with only one micro-controller input available for performing the multiple selectable modes. The switch detection system provides multiple voltage ratio control signals indicative of multiple switch position possibilities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the operation and design of a vacuum cleaning system installed within an aesthetically appealing housing. The invention advantageously incorporates a vacuum motor and debris canister design that is positioned within a slide out drawer assembly for quick removal of the motor and debris cannister from the housing. The vacuum motor's suction is directed to a pan that is substantially flush mounted with the floor. Debris from the floor is then moved into proximity of the pan where it is then suctioned into a pan that is substantially flush with the floor. The debris ultimately being deposited within the debris cannister of the vacuum cleaning system.

Abstract: A vacuum electronics isolation system utilizes an isolation circuit for providing a low voltage for operating a controller and to provide low voltage control signals for operating the vacuum motor to isolate the high voltage power source from the user.

Abstract: A vacuum electronics system is provided including an electronic water sense circuit for sensing the water level and preventing the vacuum source from operating when the water level approaches the vacuum filter.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.

Abstract: An upright deep cleaner including a base housing pivotally connected to an upright handle, the upright handle carrying a liquid supply tank and the base housing including a recovery tank. The liquid supply tank includes an internal siphon tube for ensuring liquid flow to a feed valve when the upright handle is in the inclined position. The base housing includes a suction nozzle adjacent a spray bar, and removable floating brush for contacting a surface being cleaned, the brush being interchangeable with a bare floor tool including a sponge, brush, and squeegee. The recovery tank includes an internal baffle for preventing foaming of solution and a tank vent housing including a sponge-type filter to prevent spray from exiting the recovery tank. A vacuum motor cooling outlet is positioned on underside of the base housing to distribute air heated by the motor onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.

Abstract: A floorcare apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a suction inlet and a canister assembly connected to the nozzle assembly. A dirt collection vessel is carried on the canister assembly. A suction generator is carried on one of the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly. Additionally, an electrical component is carried on the apparatus. Further, the apparatus is characterized by a housing for the electrical component wherein the housing includes a cavity and a wall constructed from a first structural layer covered by a layer of fiberglass cloth tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body having a debris receiving outlet and connecting means for operatively connecting the main body to a vehicle. A broom shroud has an open bottom defined by a bottom edge. The broom shroud has a front end and a back end, and defines a longitudinal horizontal axis extending between the front end and the back end. An airflow obstructing skirt is disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud for substantially obstructing the egress of air from between the bottom edge of the broom shroud and the surface being cleaned. There is a forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from a surface being cleaned generally along the longitudinal horizontal axis, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet.

Abstract: An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum including a tank, a suction device in fluid communication with the tank, and at least one assist handle disposed on the tank. A lid may be removably mounted to the tank, and the at least one assist handle is adapted to facilitate lifting the tank to empty waste matter deposited in the tank via the suction device.

Abstract: A surface cleaning implement has a suction nozzle, a fan in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a suction-driven turbine motor for driving the fan and a magnetic coupling between the fan and the motor. The surface cleaning implement can be in the form of an accessory tool that has a housing with a suction opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and mounting the suction nozzle, the fan and the motor and the housing mounts a recovery tank that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump.

Abstract: Universal impact-hinder device, comprising a body (1); a guiding pin (4) arranged at the closed first end of an inside cylindrical cavity of the body (1), a spring (7) on the guiding pin (4); a ring (5) at the opposite end of the cavity; and a piston having T-shaped head and an inside cavity in which the spring (7) is supported, which piston can move until the ring (5), while the guiding pin (4) is within the inside cavity of the piston. The T-shaped head is provided with a groove and a movable O-ring (6) within that, having two end positions in the groove. In first end position a surface of the groove having artificial damages (31) and the contacting O-ring (6) determine a first flow-through capacity, in second end position an orifice (21) between the cavity of the body and the groove determines a greater second flow-through capacity.

Abstract: A door hinge pin (20) for a portable electronic device (900) is provided. The door hinge pin includes a lead pin portion (201), a first pin body portion (202), a second pin body portion (204), a third pin body portion (203), and a tail pin portion (205), which connect with each other in such described order. The lead pin portion and the tail pin portion are respectively positioned substantially vertical to the first pin body portion and the third pin body portion. The first pin body portion is located in parallel with the third pin body portion. The first connecting pin portion is unsymmetrical with the second connecting pin portion about a first reference line X1. The first reference line X1 is defined parallel to the first pin body portion and the third pin body portion and located therebetween. Distance spaced between the first reference line X1 and the first pin body portion is substantially the same as that spaced between the first reference line X1 and the third pin body portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards a kit for a combination cleaning implement handle and extension handle kit that may be detachably connected to an implement holder. Various embodiments of the invention feature a pin lock that is configured in a sloped, oval shape such that the extension handle may be easily attached to implement handles of various types.

Abstract: A sliding screen door mechanism (100) includes a bottom channel (122), top channel (124) and side channel (126). The bottom channel (122) has a web (132) and a bottom mount (134) which is screw fastened to a surface surrounding an entry door (112). The top channel (124) includes a top web (152), top door track (156) and top mount (154).

Abstract: A drafting assembly for drafting a fibre web having upper and lower rear apron loops which have first and second support surfaces respectively being arranged to grip the card web fibres between them and transport the card web fibres from a rear entrance to a rear nip point on displacement of the rear aprons. Upper and lower front apron loops have third and fourth support surfaces, respectively, being arranged to grip the card web fibres between them and transport the card web fibres from a front nip point to an exit on displacement of the front aprons. The front and rear nip points are adjacent and arranged such that the front nip point receives card web fibres which exit the rear nip point. Proximate to the nip point, each loop is wedge shaped with the arms of the loop on each side of the nip point converging towards nip point and having an acute angle therebetween.

Abstract: A clip is adapted to be secured to an item fitted using a closure device. The item is typically a shoe that is laced wherein the closure device is a shoelace. The clip includes a base extending between a back end and a forward end. The base defines a bottom surface. A loop extends over the base to receive a portion of the shoelace therethrough. The clip also includes a fastener fixedly secured to the forward end for selectively securing an ornament thereto to display the ornament on top of the shoe over the tongue thereof.

Abstract: An article for holding currency and credit cards is disclosed which comprises (a) a first length of substantially non-stretchable material having a first end and a second end configured to form a closed flat loop when the first end is retained on or near the second end, a lumen in the first length, a flat length of bendable metal within the lumen in the first length which allows the closed flat loop to retain a desired shape, the closed flat loop having a length which is slightly longer than half the length of U.S. currency; (b) a second length of substantially non-stretchable material having a middle, a first end, a second end, and a lumen, the first end and the second end secured to the first length of substantially non-stretchable material, thereby forming a second flat loop slightly wider than the width of U.S.

Abstract: A fastener including a pair of base members formed in the shape of a band and a claw unit formed between the pair of the base members, and the claw unit engages the base members with each other and seals a gap between the base members. The claw unit includes a sealing unit and an engaging unit. The sealing unit includes a male claw and a female claw that receives the male claw so as to make an area between the claws liquid-tight or air-tight. The engaging unit includes a pair of hooks. A side wall of the female claw of the sealing unit is formed as a restricting part that prevents a displacement of one hook of the engaging unit in a separation direction.

Abstract: A method of clipping papers together, to be performed by a user, that utilizes a paper clip made of resilient material and defining a paper clip plane when the resilient material is in its relaxed state, the paper clip includes a torsion bridge linking an inner jaw and an outer jaw. The inner jaw further includes a gap catch extending from a closed end of the inner jaw whereby the gap catch is disposed in a generally offset position in relation to the outer jaw and wherein one end of the gap catch is closely adjacent to a portion of the torsion bridge. The user holds the clip, pressing against the gap catch with a digit, to move the inner jaw out of the paper-clip plane and slides the papers into the gap created and releases the gap catch, so the clip transversely presses against and thereby retain the papers.

Abstract: A low profile cord lock includes a female cord lock member, which has two insertion holes at two sides of an accommodation chamber thereof and two locating grooves in the insertion holes at the bottom side, a male cord lock member, which is received in the accommodation chamber and has a through hole and two protruding blocks that are respectively inserted into the insertion holes of the female cord lock member to allow vertical movement of the male cord lock member relative to the female cord lock member between a first position where the through hole is in axial alignment with the insertion holes for the insertion of a cord member and a second position where the through hole is deviated from the insertion holes and the inserted cord member is clocked, and a spring member mounted supported between the female cord lock member and the male cord lock member to hold male cord lock member in the second position.

Abstract: A device for at least one of supporting, anchoring holding or retaining elongated bodies includes at list one clip formed from a predetermined resilient material having memory. Such clip has a base having a pair of legs, each with an inwardly facing concave that form in combination an elongated body receiving opening. An access slot is formed in substantial alignment with the elongated body receiving opening by a terminal ends of each leg being spaced from one another a predetermined distance in a normal operating position, whereby each terminal end is adapted for outward movement during insertion of such elongated bodies into the elongated body receiving opening and removal of such elongated bodies therefrom, whereby size of the elongated body receiving opening is greater than size of the access slot. The clip can be mounted to at least one of a surface and an object in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A clip having a body portion and a fastener portion is provided. The clip has an opening extending therethrough that is securable to a trim panel post. The fastener portion is retained at least partially within the opening. One or more prongs of the fastener portion secure the trim panel post to the clip. One or more spring-arms on the body portion are biased in an outward direction and snap or other fit into the body panel to secure the body panel to the clip.

Abstract: Magnetic work clothes for holding work items comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The one or more magnets providing a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects and securing them to the surface such that they are readily available for use. The body comprising a pair of suspenders, a vest, an apron or any other suitable clothing item.

Abstract: The invention provides a buckle arrangement for a backpack comprising at least 4 interlocking buckle components, each of the components being respectively attached to a strap attached to the backpack, wherein each of the buckle components is provided with means for at least indirect interlocking independent releasable engagement with at least two other buckle components, the arrangement being such that a first component is provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a second component wherein the first and second components are respectively attached to a pair of spaced apart straps, which straps in turn are attached to a same first side of the backpack, and the first component is further provided with means for at least indirect independent interlocking releasable engagement with a fourth component, wherein the fourth component is attached to a strap which in turn is attached to a second side of the backpack, at a point diagonally removed from the attachment p

Abstract: The end stop is formed on ends of a zipper for a reclosable package or bag by ultrasonically welding the ends of the zipper profiles together so as to form a raised portion. This prevents the slider from being pulled off of the ends of the zipper. Additionally, in the ultrasonic welding step, an indentation is formed into which glue is added thereby forming a lateral protrusion on the side of a zipper profile. This increases the strength of the end stop and increases the slider pull-off force which can be resisted.

Abstract: A slider for a slide fastener with an automatic stopper, includes: a body; a pull; a pawl rod; a leaf spring; and a cover including front, back, side and upper walls. The side walls are provided at respective centers thereof with openings through which a pivotal shaft of the pull can be passed. A pair of mounting parts are provided in the front and in the back on an upper wing plate of the body. Holding mechanisms for holding the leaf spring are provided in the front and in the back on an inner face of the cover at respective positions inwardly separated from the front wall and the back wall. The leaf spring defines spaces between the holding mechanisms and the upper wall. The holding mechanisms hold the leaf spring at positions inwardly separated from opposite ends thereof. The cover is fixed to the front and back mounting parts.

Abstract: The reverse opening type slide fastener has a separable bottom end stop including upper and lower sliders, wherein a stopper for preventing the lower slider from slipping off is provided at the bottom end of a box pin. A first engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to an insert pin of the box pin and a second engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to the box pin of the insert pin to position the insert pin in a downward direction when the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. A projecting portion which makes contact with the inner face of the blade of the upper slider to suppress a free sliding of the upper slider, is formed on at least any one of front and rear side faces opposite to the inner face of the blade of the upper slider of the box pin.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus main body holder of a portable apparatus having a simple constitution and a high reliability of holding an apparatus main body in a state of being mounted to a mounted object and in a state of not being mounted to the mounted object. An apparatus main body holder to and from which an apparatus main body of a pedometer is held insertably and detachably including a holder main body, a clip piece, a stopper member, and a torsional coil spring. The holder main body includes a base wall, and a holding portion provided on a surface side of the wall. The holding portion holds an apparatus main body insertably and detachably inserted thereto to slide along a surface of the base wall. The clip piece is pivotably attached to the holder main body.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle apparatus for attaching a tongue of a seatbelt includes a buckle projection mechanism having a buckle therein, to which the tongue of the seatbelt is to be inserted, a seating detection portion, and a load transmission-driving device. The buckle projection mechanism locates the buckle inside a seat when an occupant is not seated, and to stand up from the seat when the occupant is seated. The seating detection portion is housed in the seat at a seating position of the occupant and detects a load of the occupant. The seating detection portion has a supporting member. The load transmission-driving device transmits a displacement amount of the supporting member, generated in the seating detection portion when the occupant is seated, to the buckle projection mechanism, and drives the buckle projection mechanism so that the tongue can be inserted into the buckle when the occupant is seated.

Abstract: An exemplary latching mechanism (20) includes a base (22), a detachable portion (24), a rotatable wheel (25), and a resilient member (28). The base has two resilient hooks (224). The detachable portion has two clasping portion (244) for engaging with the resilient hooks. The rotatable wheel has a plurality of hook openers (256) and is rotatable between two states forced by the detachable portion. The resilient member is disposed between the base and detachable portion for providing elastic force. The at least one clasping portion of the detachable portion engages with the at least one resilient hook of the base and the rotatable wheel is at a second state. The rotatable wheel is rotated to a first state and the at least one resilient hook are pushed to deform by at least one of the hook openers of the rotatable wheel.

Abstract: A buckle includes a female buckle member, which has a top-open receiving chamber, a front receiving portion, and a rear locating groove for the mounting of a fastening member to fasten the female buckle member to a product, a male buckle member, which has a base fitting a front side of the female buckle member, a rear mounting hole in the rear bottom side of the base for the mounting of a cord member, and a plug extending from the front side of the base and insertable through the front receiving portion into the top-open receiving chamber to lock the male buckle member to the female buckle member, and an operating member, which has a middle part pivoted to the female buckle member, a front press portion, a rear finger strip covered over the locating groove of the female buckle member for lifting by the user to turn the front press portion downwards and to further force the plug of the male buckle member away from the front receiving portion of the female buckle member, and two vertical bottom walls respective

Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The system includes a four-point seat belt restraint system mounted on a vehicle seat that includes a first lap belt portion having a back side, a second lap belt portion having a back side. A portion of at least one of the back side of the first lap belt portion or the back side of the second lap belt portion has a contour which substantially corresponds to the contour of the lap of the seated vehicle occupant. The contour is defined by a convex surface. Each of the buckle portion and the tongue portion may include a button release.

Abstract: A front release buckle includes a female buckle member, which has a hooked portion at the front side of a top-open receiving chamber thereof, a male buckle member, which has a front hook vertically insertable into the top-open receiving open chamber into engagement with the hooked portion of the female buckle member, a control slide coupled to the female buckle member and movable relative to the female buckle member between an open position to open the top-open receiving chamber for the insertion of the front hook of the male buckle member into engagement with the hooked portion and a close position to close the top-open receiving chamber and to hold down the front hook of the male buckle member after engagement of the front hook with the hooked portion, and a spring member that supports the control slide in the close position.

Abstract: A mowing device including a disc, the disc providing a mount for at least one knife, said knife being pivotably mounted to said disc by a pivot pin, said pivot pin defining a mounting axis, such that the knife can rotate about said pivot pin between a first extended position and any retracted position, said disc being constructed of a basic material thickness and comprising a mounting surface; said mowing device including a knife adapter comprising a cylindrical aperture and a projection; said pivot pin comprising a first cylindrical section of a first diameter to fit into said cylindrical aperture in said knife adapter, and a second cylindrical section, of a second diameter, with a groove defined by a groove width and a pin section thickness at the groove of a dimension less than said second diameter; said mowing device including a retainer constructed of a material thickness equal to or less than the width of said groove, with a key-hole shaped aperture defined by a first circular section with a first insid

Abstract: Provided is a method for joining materials which is free from projections accompanying a design restriction as well as loosening and dropout, which enables joining of materials widely ranging from thinner sheets to thicker plates while preventing quality defects such as cracks and deformation from occurring and which can conduct joining with excellent recyclability while maintaining excellent workability and excellent working environment. Materials 1 and 2 are overlapped together so as to align their joint holes. A joint tool 8 is rotated and pushed on a joint auxiliary material 3 fitted into the joint holes, the joint tool 8 being immersed into the auxiliary material 3 softened in solid phase by the frictional heat generated.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: To provide a machine tool of which the operation rate ca be increased by reducing time for suspending an operation for machining an object to be machined during the object-machining operation using the machine tool. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] A jigger comprises at least a first jig (5) disposed in a casing (2) and a second jig (14) by which an object (8) is detachably held. The jigger has attaching/detaching means (17) for detachably mounting the second jig (14) onto the first jig (5). The second jig (14) is provided with grip parts (32) for gripping the second jig (14) during its movement.

Abstract: The structure comprises facing substrates bonded to one another by crushing a closed peripheral sealing strip delineating a closed cavity in which a microsystem is disposed between the substrates. Before crushing, the sealing strip comprises perforated patterns delineating a plurality of voids inside the strip.

Abstract: A directional microphone assembly for a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid has one or more microphone cartridge(s), and first and second sound passages. Inlets to the sound passages, or the sound passages themselves, are spaced apart such that the shortest distance between them is less than or approximately equal to the length of the microphone cartridge(s). A sound duct and at least one surface of a microphone cartridge may form each sound passage, where the sound duct is mounted with the microphone cartridge. Alternatively, each sound duct may be formed as an integral part of a microphone cartridge.

Abstract: A damascene process is utilized to fabricate the segmented magnetic core elements of an integrated circuit inductor structure. The magnetic core is electroplated from a seed layer that is conformal with a permanent dielectric mold that results in sidewall plating defining an easy magnetic axis. The hard axis runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core and the inductor coils are orthogonal to the core's longitudinal axis. The magnetic field generated by the inductor coils is, therefore, parallel and self-aligned to the hard magnetic axis. The easy axis can be enhanced by electroplating in an applied magnetic field parallel to the easy axis.