Abstract: A magnetic jewelry clasp is described that includes a first body member having a magnet that defines a first magnetically attractive surface. The clasp includes a second body member that has a magnet that defines a second magnetically attractive surface that magnetically connects to the first magnetically attractive surface to define a first locking arrangement of the clasp. The clasp includes a safety catch that has a first protuberance that is adapted to open and close the safety catch. The safety catch includes a second protuberance that fits over the end of the second body member which defines a second locking arrangement of the clasp. The Safety catch is designed so that it will function whether the two bodies are brought together with both right side up or with one up side down. It includes a pair of side panels that prevent misalignment of the first and second body members. There is also disclosed a safety catch with a magnet.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a wearer-friendly hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. In order to provide comfort, the eye closure component of the hook and eye closure includes, as part of its structure, a laminated foam or rubber-type padding. This foam or rubber could also be used without lamination. The foam or rubber-type base provides a cushion shielding the wearer from the feeling of the metal hardware. The foam edges also provide soft edges on the eye tape for extra comfort to the wearer. In addition, the backing material of this laminated foam eye tape is printable, so that label instructions can be printed on to it, and the brassiere can be designed tag-free for additional comfort. This hook and eye tape is also dyeable, so it can be offered in any desired color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for creating a seal which includes an upper seal member, a lower seal member, and a slider, wherein mating surfaces of the upper and lower seal members interlock. A lifting rib on the slider cooperates with a lifting wing on the upper seal member and a closure bar cooperates with a closure bar groove of the lower seal member. By moving the slider in one direction, the lifting rib lifts the upper seal member from its interlocking relationship with the lower seal member. Moving the slider in the opposite direction causes the upper and lower seal members to interlock. Also disclosed is a seal device which includes upper and lower seal members and a cooperating slider and plug. Each of the slider and plug cooperate with first and second mating surfaces of the upper and lower seal members. In addition, the slider and plug have an exterior tongue and groove portion which cooperate to interlock the slider and the plug.

Abstract: A clamp for an elongated tube style white such as a versa tube. The clamp has one fixed side that holds the versa tube's mounting structure therein. The other side of the clamp is movable, and pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the lamp is held into place, and in the open position the lamp can be removed. A single screw that holds the clamp into the open or closed position is knurled and hence the device can be removed without any tools. The two sides of the clamp occupy different longitudinal positions so that they can be placed directly next to each other, and one opened without moving or disturbing the other since the two sides are in different longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A long hole of a seat plate member is fittingly inserted to a fitting head portion provided on an upper surface of a flat plate portion of a clip in an upright posture, so as to attach the clip to the cutaway groove portion with the seat plate member in contact with a flat plate portion, and the fitting head portion is fitted to a long hole formed in an attachment receiving member. As the fitting head portion is fitted to the long hole, the boss portion moves within the cutaway groove portion to bring the seat plate member into contact with the attachment receiving member and to elastically lock a pair of elastic locking pieces with the periphery of each longer side portion of the long hole.

Abstract: A clip includes a head having a thumbscrew protrusion and a body with spaced apart threads. The clip is of various widths and lengths to accommodate, most preferably, different widths and depths of holes in peg board. Most preferably, the clip is sized to accommodate ¼ inch peg board, and is used to releasably secure items such as advertisements and promotional material to the peg board.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for fixing two radial arms of a drive mechanism of a wiper device to a body shell element configured to be disposed vertically on a motor vehicle has a plug-type cylindrical body configured to be partially inserted into a first opening on the body shell element. The plug-type cylindrical body has a locking mechanism configured to prevent the plug-type cylindrical body from disengaging from the first opening on the body shell element. The locking mechanism has a secondary element connected to the plug-type cylindrical body by a material bridge. The secondary element is configured to be partially inserted into a second opening on the body shell element. The secondary element is configured to be unlocked from a locking position by applying transversal and then longitudinal forces on the secondary element in a longitudinal axis defined by the at least one plug-type cylindrical body.

Abstract: A clip 20 is provided on a clip support member 30, and one end of a main link member 53 and one end of a sub-link member 54 are pivotally connected to a first shaft member 51 at the clip 20 side of the clip support member 30 to constitute a reference linkage at the clip 20 side.

Abstract: Devices and methods based upon the concept of a split ring having certain multiple interior angles to engage a stem or post having annular ring(s) with angular geometries that are complimentary to those of the split ring. The disclosure provides designs for a wide range of insertion and desertion forces between latch engagement stems and latch engagement bodies. Changes to insertion contact angles and contact area on engagement stems and corresponding changes to insertion contact angles and engagement areas on engagement bodies can significantly modify insertion forces required to engage various devices. Similarly, changes in degrees of angle between desertion angles and contact areas on engagement stems with corresponding changes in desertion angles and contact areas on engagement bodies will significantly modify the total desertion forces required to disengage various devices.

Abstract: A modular columbarium system comprised of modular niche units each having a plurality of urn niches defined therein, wherein adjacent modular niche units are secured to one utilizing an interlocking system that provides alignment and stabilization of the units. The columbarium system is a modular design which facilitates the easy relocation of the modular niche units and the redesign of the columbarium system. The interlocking system connects the modules of the columbarium system to one another to enable easy expansion of the system without diminishing its stability. The modular niche units can also be used with existing columbarium systems. Memorial plates of various sizes are provided to cover the niche openings such that couples or family members can be grouped together under one memorial plate.

Abstract: A rotor hub maintenance system and method is disclosed. The system includes at least a rotor hub, a plurality of appendages that are operatively connectable to the hub, and a plurality of support members. The preferred embodiment provides that the support members simultaneously secure the hub and appendages a predetermined height above a reference surface and provide the only support for the hub and appendages.

Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor includes the steps of: forming an anode with an anode wire extending there from; forming a dielectric on the anode; forming a cathode layer on the dielectric; providing a substrate comprising at least one via and at least two connectors; inserting the anode wire into a first via; forming an electrical connection between the anode wire and a first connector of the connectors; and forming an electrical connection between the cathode layer and a second connector.

Abstract: An arrangement is proposed for forming a piezoelectric actuator, which has at least one piezoelectric element that in each case consists of a multi-layer structure of piezoelectric-layers, wherein internal electrodes arranged between the piezoelectric-layers in the direction of the build-up of the layers of the piezoelectric element, have an electrical voltage of different polarity alternately applied to them. Around the piezoelectric element, or in the case of multiple piezoelectric elements positioned in series in the activation direction, around the piezoelectric elements, and at least partially around the actuator head and the actuator foot there is arranged a covering system made from at least one layer of an insulating material. The at least one layer encloses the joints between the piezoelectric element or elements and the actuator head and the actuator foot, forming a seal.

Abstract: A fixture with a shaped molding may hold a first micro-actuator part and a second micro-actuator part in place for coupling while maintaining the structure of the first micro-actuator part. The first micro-actuator part and the second micro-actuator part may be a frame or a strip of piezoelectric material. A vacuum nozzle system embedded in the fixture may hold the first micro-actuator part in place. A mobile vacuum nozzle system may hold the second micro-actuator in place and positions the second micro-actuator part relative to the first micro-actuator part. A camera system may monitor the process. A dispense may apply epoxy between the first and second micro-actuator part. An ultraviolet source may provide ultraviolet radiation for curing.

Abstract: A stacked piezoelectric element comprising that can suppress periodic damping on miniaturization of a vibration wave motor and improve its performance. A stacked piezoelectric element comprises piezoelectric layers and electrode layers alternately stacked to have a shape of a cylinder. The electrode layers are divided into a plurality of electrode layer regions along a circumferential surface of the shape of a cylinder.

Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips.

Abstract: Apparatus for inverting a vehicle assembly including a first frame element configured to engage at least a portion of a first side of the vehicle assembly extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle assembly. The apparatus also includes a second frame element configured to engage at least a portion of a second side of the vehicle assembly extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle assembly and being substantially opposite the first side. The apparatus also includes first and second turning apparatus configured to selectively engage the first and second frame elements at respective opposing first and second ends thereof. The first and second turning apparatus are configured to rotate the vehicle apparatus and the first and second frame elements about an axis. An inverted vehicle assembly enters a turning station on the first frame element, leaves the turning station on the second frame element, and the first frame element remains at the turning station.

Abstract: An installation and removal system for a toilet unit is provided. The system includes a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto. At least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor. An actuator is disposed on the base. A pair of spaced apart support elements are coupled to the actuator and adapted to engage an underside of the toilet unit. An angle of the support elements relative the base is adjustable. The system includes a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements and adapted to couple with the toilet unit. The retaining system militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. A kit and method for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: Mounting operation is efficiently performed by automatically conveying parts and assisting only an operation to mount the parts to a mounted body. A parts conveying/mounting device 1 comprises a power assist mechanism on a self-traveling carrier. When receiving a tank T at a parts reception position SP, the parts conveying/mounting device 1 travels at high speed to a main line ML along a travel guiding route K, and self-travels in the conveyance direction of a vehicle body W synchronously with the flow of the vehicle body W, in a state that the tank T is conveyed to the vicinity of a mounting portion of the vehicle body W. A worker MS performs positioning of the tank T via the power assist mechanism, and mounts the tank to the vehicle body W.

Abstract: A method and tool for mass manufacturing convertible roofs having an outer shell, a frame and lateral linkage parts for supporting the outer shell, the outer shell including at least two outer shell parts is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an upper tool fixture and a lower tool fixture, aligning and assembling the frame and outer shell in the lower tool fixture such that the frame and outer shell are upside down, aligning and assembling connection members onto the frame part so the roof can fittingly engage the windshield frame when the roof is in a closed position, and lowering the lateral linkage parts onto the assembled frame and outer shell using the upper tool fixture.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for smoothly and conveniently providing small hardware items to an assembly line operator is described. The items are fastened onto a flexible band, lined up in the order in which they are to be installed on an article being assembled. The band is divided into equal segments defined by index marks, each segment containing the hardware items required for the assembly of one article. The items are fastened to the band off-line using securing features fashioned from the band itself in a manner and orientation by which each item can be plucked from the band with a tool that can grasp the item, pull it off the band, transport it to the article being assembled, and install it on the article without intermediate disengagement from the tool. The utilization of the band improves the productivity and reliability of manually assembled articles such as disk drives.

Abstract: To enable a user to readily determine the gauge of the needle of a needle assembly that has a base and a needle protective housing pivotably attached thereto, the needle assembly is injection molded from a color coded molding material which color was preassigned to correspond to the gauge of the needle. As a result, both the base and the protective housing of the needle assembly have the same specific color, and reflect or provide an indication of the given gauge of the needle. The needle sheath that covers the needle prior to use may be made of a plastics material that may be clear, or have the same or a different color than that of the needle assembly. The gauge of the needle of a fixed needle syringe could also be ascertained by its color coded needle protective housing. Color coded markings that correspond to the gauge of the needle may also be printed onto the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe.

Abstract: An optical assembly with mounting provided to effectively transfer heat away from an optic, such as a slab or waveguide amplifier or laser disk, while limiting internal stresses. The assembly includes an optic with a planar surface. A heat sink is positioned in the assembly with an upper surface next to the planar surface of the optic. The upper surface of the heat sink comprises a recessed surface defining a reservoir for containing a compliant heat transfer material. The assembly may further include a volume of the heat transfer material, such as a liquid metal or thermally conductive gel, in the reservoir of the heat sink. In one embodiment, the optic is a slab amplifier with a reflective coating or layer that directly contacts the heat transfer material in the heat sink reservoir or a foil or membrane is provided between the heat transfer material and the slab.

Abstract: The device prevents the loss of articles otherwise susceptible to falling behind furniture, appliances, fixtures or equipment or other large objects placed next to a wall which are not easy to move or reach under such as, but not exclusively, couches, wardrobes, desks, washers, dryers, refrigerators, filing cabinets and dressers. The compressible and flexible device is fitted from above into the crevice between the furniture and the wall. It is held in place by friction created by the pressure caused by the deformation of the device between the furniture and wall. The device, when flexed or compressed, creates a u-shaped channel which catches valuables such as jewelry, makeup, currency, papers, office supplies or other items which are left on top of furniture and which without such invention, may otherwise fall behind the furniture where it would be difficult or impossible to retrieve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous casting of thin metal strip (1) in a continuous casting installation (2), in which method metal leaves a die (3) vertically downwards, wherein the metal strip (1) is bent out from the vertical direction (V) into the horizontal direction (H) and wherein the metal strip (1) is supported and/or conveyed and/or plastically deformed by means of a number of pairs of driving rollers (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). In order to avoid a drop in quality, in particular when changing the casting parameters, it is provided according to the invention that at least one pair of driving rollers (8, 9, 10) plastically deforms the metal strip (1) without significantly changing the average thickness (d) of the metal strip (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a continuous casting installation, in particular for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an ultrasound transducer structure is disclosed. The method includes performing the steps of forming a functional layer, including an ultrasound transducer material and a photopolymer, and exposing a plurality of selected regions of the functional layer to a programmable light pattern to cure the selected regions of the functional layer to form polymerized ultrasound transducer material regions, repeatedly. The method further includes selectively removing unexposed regions of the functional layer to obtain a green component, and sintering the green component to obtain the sensing structure. A system for making at least one piezoelectric element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stator coil to be wound in and around a stator is manufactured. An insulating-coating conducting wire is bent to alternately provide the wire with slot-held conductor sections held in slots of the stator and a coil-end conductor section mutually connecting the slot-held conductor sections outside the slots. The coil-end conductor section is deployed outside the stator in the circumferential direction thereof. In manufacturing the stator coil, three or more pairs of molds are located along a portion of the wire in its longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals. The coil-end conductor section is formed by moving the molds along a direction allowing paired molds of each mold to come closer to each other, and the slot-held conductor sections is formed by moving the molds, in parallel, in both a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of making a cathode for a lithium batter. The methods include: (a) treating a cathode current collector with flame or corona; (b) coating a slurry containing iron disulfide, a first solvent, and a binder onto the cathode current collector obtained from step (a) to form a coated cathode current collector, in which the slurry contains about 73-75% by weight solids and the binder contains a polymer selected from the group consisting of linear di- and tri-block copolymers, linear tri-block copolymers cross-linked with melamine resin, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers, tri-block fluorinated thermoplastics, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, fluoro-ethylene-vinyl ether copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic olefins, and polyvinylidene fluoride homopolymers; and (c) drying the coated cathode current collector obtained from step (b) to provide a cathode, in which the cathode contains no more than 0.

Abstract: In a side-docking type test handler, a descending mechanism lowers a horizontally postured test tray, which has been transferred into a soak chamber, down to a descent finish position and a vertical posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray, which has been lowered to the descent finish position, from the horizontal state to a vertical state, to transfer the test tray into a test chamber. Further, a horizontal posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray in the test chamber from the vertical state to the horizontal state while transferring the test tray to an ascent start position in a desoak chamber.

Abstract: The electrical pin installation apparatus provides a user with a real time video display of the process of pinning an electrical connector body. Such real time video display substantially improves the user's ability to accurately and effectively install electrical pins into electrical connectors without the attendant electrical test equipment and fixturing of prior art devices. The apparatus assists in the pinning process by providing various prompts and guides to guide the user in error-proof pin installation. The apparatus further includes built-in electrical pin insertion and retention load assessment to assure proper insertion and retention loads are applied during the pin installation process. Additionally, the apparatus may include storage of manufacturing data as it is inputted into the apparatus.

Abstract: The system includes, in addition to the sleeve (11), a tubular core (12) for keeping in a stretched condition the sleeve, adapted to receive inside it the elongate member, and a film (13) with a low coefficient of friction placed between the sleeve (11) and the core (12) to enable the core to slide relative to the sleeve. The film (13) extends at least from a first end (15) of the sleeve to a first end (17) of the core (12) opposite the first end (15) of the sleeve, makes a half-turn at the first end (17) of the core (12) and then extends inside the core as far as its second end (18) at which it makes a half-turn and then extends outside the core (12) as far as the sleeve (11) to which it is fixed externally.

Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a board with a built-in electronic element, includes providing a support substrate including a support base and a metal foil, forming a protective film made of a metal material on the metal foil of the support substrate, forming a conductive pattern made of a metal material on the protective film by an additive method, placing an electronic element on the support substrate with the conductive pattern such that a surface of the electronic element where a circuit is formed faces the conductive pattern, covering the electronic element with an insulative resin, etching away the metal foil using a first etching solution such that the protective film is not dissolved by the first etching solution or that the protective film has an etching speed which is slower than an etching speed of the metal foil, and electrically connecting terminals of the electronic element and a part of the conductive pattern.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes metal wiring plates placed together in the same plane to provide a wiring circuit, electronic devices mounted to the wiring plates through a solder, a case having a base portion and columnar portions extending from the base portion. The wiring plates are fixed to the columnar portions such that the wiring circuit is spaced from the base portion. The wiring plates have an enough thickness to resist a large current for operating the electronic devices and to release heat generated by the electronic devices. The wiring circuit is spaced from the base portion of the case so that the heat generated by the electronic devices is released in the space efficiently. The electronic devices are soldered to the wiring plates at once in a thermal reflow process.

Abstract: A method for forming an electronic device provides a casting master having a casting surface, and deposits a substrate material onto the casting surface to form a flexible substrate sheet of predetermined thickness, wherein the flexible substrate sheet has a circuit-side surface that is formed against the casting surface. The flexible substrate sheet is released from the master and secured against a carrier, with the circuit-side surface facing outward. An electronic device is then formed on the circuit-side surface.

Abstract: A pipe expansion method capable of reducing an inspection range (area) of a heat-transfer pipe secured to a pipe plate and capable of shortening the time required for inspection is provided. In a pipe expansion method for securing a heat-transfer pipe inserted in a pipe hole of a pipe plate by expanding the pipe, after tightly fitting an outer circumferential surface of the heat-transfer pipe to an inner circumferential surface of the pipe hole from a primary-side end face to a secondary-side end face of the pipe plate, surface pressure between the heat-transfer pipe and the pipe plate is further increased in a predetermined range from the secondary-side end face, or close to the secondary-side end face, towards the primary-side end face.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.

Abstract: With respect to an outer ring 2b in which a diameter DB1 of a first outer ring raceway 10c is greater than a diameter of a second outer ring raceway 10b (DB1>DB2), a method is realized which facilitates the entry of a grinding tool 12 into an inner side of the outer ring when these both outer ring raceways 10c and 10b are subjected to a grinding process. As shown in (A) to (B), the grinding tool 12 is made to enter the inner side of the outer ring 2b through an opening on a side close to the first outer ring raceway 10c between the openings at both ends of this outer ring 2b. This resolves the above-described problem.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member having three track grooves with roller-guiding surfaces opposing each other circumferentially, a tripod member with three trunnions protruding in a radial direction, a plurality of rollers each inserted into a corresponding track groove and a plurality of rings each fitted on the corresponding trunnion for supporting the roller rotatably. An outer surface of the trunnion is formed to take on a straight shape in a longitudinal section and an ellipse shape in a cross-section. A contact ellipse shape between the trunnion and the ring is modified so as to render the radius of curvature r smaller while keeping an aspect ratio b/a stable in comparison with a contact ellipse shape being defined to minimize contact pressure between a ring inner surface and a trunnion outer surface.

Abstract: A vibrating wet shaver that includes a hollow handle, a shaving head borne by the handle, an electric vibrator fixed to the handle for transmitting vibrations to the shaving head through the handle, and a control circuit adapted to adjust a vibration frequency generated by the electric vibrator.

Abstract: A power driven tube cutter having a power source and an open end for receiving the tube to be cut is provided. A tool housing encloses a circular tube cutter and opposed rollers as well as a pair of gear trains which can rotate at different speeds. One of the trains drives tool rotation and the other of the trains drives the tube cutter. Tool rotation can be reversed for setting the cutter and rollers in starting positions, along with setting and presenting the open end for the next tube to be cut. Two power-take-offs for treating the tube are also provided.

Abstract: A foldable knife includes a handle, a frame pivotally connected to the handle, a cartridge pivotally connected to the frame, a leaf spring attached to the frame, a blade-driving device, a blade-positioning element and a button. The frame includes a slot. The cartridge includes a slot through which the leaf spring reaches at least one blade when the cartridge is disposed in the frame. The blade-driving device includes a plate and a switch. The plate is in firm contact with the blade. The switch includes a portion located outside the frame and another portion inserted through the slot of the frame and connected to the plate. A blade-positioning element is movably connected to the frame. A button includes a portion for pushing the blade-positioning element and another portion inserted through the aperture of the frame for contact with a user's finger.

Abstract: A foldable knife includes a handle, a frame, a cartridge and a blade-driving device. A leaf spring is attached to the frame. The frame is connected to the handle so that it can be pivoted into and from the handle. The cartridge is connected to the frame so that it can be pivoted from the frame for receiving at least one blade and into the frame for feeding the blade. The leaf spring reaches the blade through a slot in the cartridge. The blade-driving device includes a plate, a switch and a connector. The plate is in firm contact with the blade. A primary portion of the switch is located outside the frame and a secondary portion of the switch is inserted into the frame through a slot. The connector connects the plate to the secondary portion of the switch so that the blade is movable via operating the switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool for modifying or interacting with a surface wherein two simultaneous force vectors are applied to the tool so as to control the resulting effect of the tool. In particular, the tool is comprised of a handle, a shaft having a proximal and a distal end, a working face, and a strike plate. The handle is connected to the proximal end of the shaft wherein the shaft has a finite length. At the distal end of the shaft is a working face which may be either integral to the shaft or is a separate element which is durably attached to the shaft. At a point on the shaft between the proximal or handle end, and the distal or working face end, a strike plate is durably attached to the shaft. The strike plate is configured to receiving repeated impact by a drive source.

Abstract: A scraper is provided with a first member having an upper housing and a lower jaw, a second member having a lower housing and an upper jaw, and a slide latch for clamping the upper housing to the lower housing. The first and second members are pivotally connected to each other such that when the upper and lower housings are clamped together by the latch, the upper and lower jaws are clamped together to hold a blade between them. The slide latch engages an end portion of the upper and lower housings in order to clamp the jaws together. The slide latch has ridges to assist a user to push the slide latch forward to lock a blade into place and backward to release a blade. The lower housing has a cavity for storing spare blades.

Abstract: A manual hair trimmer (1) comprising: a dome-shaped upper shell (2) and a substantially flat lower shell (3) coupled hermetically to the upper shell, a sealed chamber (4) being formed between the mutually coupled upper (2) and lower (3) shells; a motor drive (5) accommodated in the sealed chamber (4); a working head (6) provided with a set of hair cutting blades (7) and associated with the lower shell (3) on the opposite side with respect to the upper shell (2); and means (8) for transmitting motion from the motor drive (5) to the set of blades (7), which protrude from the lower shell (3), the dome being convex toward the outside so as to define a resting surface for a hand of a user.

Abstract: To achieve a new freedom of design as well as a reduced energy consumption, a cutting device (2) and a hair-cutting apparatus with two toothed blades (201, 203) arranged to be moveable with respect to each other are proposed, the cutting device (2) comprising magnetic means (207) arranged to press both blades (201, 203) together.

Abstract: A cactus cleaning tool comprising a handle and a cleaning section at one end of the handle for safely, quickly and easily cleaning a section of cactus. The cleaning section has a body member with a proximal end at the handle and a distal end outwardly disposed from the handle. The handle is angled upward relative to the body member. The tool has a scooping tip with an edge configured to allow the user to scoop out thorns. The tool has a slicing section with a slot defining a pair of longitudinally disposed sharpened cutting edges for removing the cactus skin. The top of the body member is open. The tool has a outwardly disposed tapper near its distal end to allow the user to tap the tool against a hard surface and dislodge cactus debris stuck on the tool. The tool is particularly useful for cleaning mission cactus.

Abstract: A powered apparatus having an elongate pole, a drive at a proximal region of the elongate pole and operable to rotate a first component on the drive, a tool at a distal region of the elongate pole with a second component that is rotatable to operate the tool, and a power transmission assembly for transmitting a drive force generated by rotation of the first component to the second component to thereby operate the tool. The power transmission assembly has a flexible drive link with a flexible length located between the drive and at least one other substantially inflexible drive part that is downstream of the drive link. The flexible length of the flexible drive link is greater than four (4) inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver (1) for a twin cutting device (2), which comprises a first blade (4), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive shaft (11) to be rotated about an axis of rotation (r) in a first direction, and a second blade (3), which is non-rotatably arranged on a drive socket (15), which encloses the drive shaft (11), to be rotated about the same axis of rotation (r) in a second direction opposite to said first direction.