Abstract: A method and system for improving alignment precision of MEMS parts during manufacturing are disclosed. According to the invention at least one of the MEMS parts comprises a cavity wherein a sphere or bearing is centered and preferably temporary blocked with a temperature dissipative material. When MEMS parts are in contact of the sphere or bearing, the temperature dissipative material is evaporated, offering a very low friction against two facing MEMS parts moving in different directions, enabling a very precise positioning.

Abstract: A transition circuit board for transitioning a cable to a connector is provided. A circuit board has an outer surface with a circuit trace, ground plane and ground link provided thereon. A cable pad and a contact pad are provided at opposite ends of the circuit trace. The ground link is electrically common with the ground plane and is located adjacent to, and separated by a space from, the circuit trace. An insulating coating is provided over at least part of the circuit trace, the ground plane and the outer surface of the circuit board. The insulating coating has a mask aperture there-through exposing an uncoated portion of the circuit trace and the ground link. A conductive jumper material is provided on the uncoated portion of the circuit trace and the ground link to electrically join the circuit trace with the ground plane.

Abstract: A dual interface separable insulated connector comprising a faraday cage molded over a bus bar for use in an electric power system and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The faraday cage can be disposed within a semi-conductive shell. The configuration of the separable insulated connector can provide for easier bonding between the faraday cage and insulating material. Additionally, the configuration can eliminate or reduce the need to coat the bus bar with an adhesive agent and to smooth the metal bus bar to remove burrs, other irregularities, and sharp corners from the bar. Manufacturing the dual interface separable insulated connector can include molding a semi-conductive rubber faraday cage over a conductive bus bar, inserting the faraday cage into a shell, and injecting insulating material between the faraday cage and shell.

Abstract: A method of assembling a crank assembly for a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a valve assembly including an outer fairing and an inner fairing coupled to the outer fairing with a strut. The valve assembly further includes an annular slide valve coupled between the inner and outer fairings. The valve assembly is positioned within a duct having a radially outer duct wall and a radially inner duct wall. The method includes coupling a first arm of a crank assembly to the annular slide valve, and coupling a second arm of the crank assembly to the outer fairing such that the crank assembly controls movement of the annular slide valve and for moving the outer and inner fairings between a first operational position and a second operational position to facilitate regulating an amount of airflow channeled through the turbine engine.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fixture including an opening shaped to receive a portion of a turbine engine component. A non-metallic cover is placed over at least a portion of the fixture. The cover facilitates reducing metal to metal contact of the fixture and the turbine engine component when the turbine engine component is installed in the fixture, and facilitates reducing scratching of the turbine engine component.

Abstract: A method is provided which manufactures a vane used for an oil-sealed rotary vacuum pump and having at least a part formed of a resin material, the method including: an oil impregnating process of immersing the vane into oil used for the oil-sealed rotary vacuum pump under a depressurized condition, the oil impregnating process being carried out before a finishing process of finishing the vane into a final shape.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a liquid ejection element including a liquid flow path which is open at an ejection outlet for ejecting liquid, and an energy generating member for generating energy usable for ejecting the liquid from liquid flow path through the ejection outlet, the manufacturing method, includes a step of forming the energy generating member on a front side of a substrate; a step of forming a top plate member on the side having the energy generating member formed by the energy generating member forming step, wherein the top plate member is a member in which the liquid flow path and the ejection outlet are formed; and a step of thinning the substrate, having the top plate member formed thereon by the top plate member forming step, from a back side thereof.

Abstract: A memory metal or Nitinol plug is inserted into a tube and heated to cause the plug to expand as it transforms from a martensitic state to an austenitic state. The plug is held by a tool connected to an electric conductor. The tube is then grounded and current is run through the holder, the plug, and, in turn, the tube. Electrical resistance causes the plug to heat up and revert to the austenitic state. The holder is preferably a tube with an internal collet, spring urged into a closed position adapted to grasp a post of the Nitinol plug. To separate the holder from the plug, the collet is pulled to an expanded position by pulling the holder from the tube. This allows the collet to open and separate from the plug.

Abstract: Microgrooves (<0.2 mm wide) of various shapes used as wick structures in heat pipes can increase the capillary force to overcome the gravitational force on the working fluid so as to enable large working angles for the heat pipes. The microgrooves can be fabricated by two sequential steps use a first plowshare-like blade to turn up the material for large size grooves and then immediately use a second plowshare-like blade to rebury by the previously turned up material. The microgrooves and the fabrication method can be used to manufacture flat heat pipes (vapor chambers) as well as tubular heat pipes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid housing, in particular a valve housing for an electromagnetically operable valve, includes the following operations or steps: a) providing a base element made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, b) carburizing and/or nitride-hardening of at least one subarea of the base element by diffusion of carbon and/or nitrogen under thermal treatment for forming a non-magnetizable structure in the area of the diffusion zone, and c) finishing the base element so created until an intended geometry of the housing is achieved. The housing is suitable in particular for use in fuel injectors in fuel injector systems of mixture-compressing spark-ignition internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A floating collar is metal injected moulded with an excess portion intended to be separated, such as by shearing, from the reminder of the moulded floating collar to leave a chamfer thereon and/or remove injection marks.

Abstract: A disposable nail clipper is disclosed herein. Additionally, a nail clipper with removable, disposable cutting edges is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using the nail clipper to clip nails. The disclosed nail clipper includes two body arms and at least one cutting edge portion, which is attached to one body arm. In one embodiment, the body arms and a lever are made of three similarly sized approximately rectangular pieces. Each body arm has a cutting edge portions attached thereto so that the cutting edges oppose each other. Each cutting edge portion is located at a distal end of each body arm. In one embodiment, the cutting edge portion is fixedly secured to the distal end of a body arm. In an alternate embodiment, the cutting edge portion is removably attached to the distal end of the body arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a razor for reaching hard to reach areas on a body. A razor includes an extended handle, a head connected to the handle for shaving a desired area, and an applicator. The applicator cooperates with the head to provide a lubricant to the desired area and allow the head to efficiently shave the desired area.

Abstract: A razor maintenance system including a containment means and a two-phase liquid comprising a first, water-miscible liquid having an anti-microbial agent and a second, non-corrosive liquid that has a specific gravity less than that of the first liquid and is immiscible with the first liquid, the containment means including a razor container having a reservoir bottom and means for preventing a razor from entering the reservoir bottom and/or a sealed liquid container capable of being readily opened and preferably containing the two-phase liquid in a selected ratio along with an air gap.

Abstract: A hair cutting head 605, for use in a hair cutting apparatus 500 comprising: an elongated heated wire 260 suitable for shaving, cutting or burning hair growing from a skin surface; and a blunt debris removal element 650, situated and configured to remove debris or scorched hair residue from the skin after shaving, cutting or burning by the heated wire.

Abstract: A foldable knife comprises a blade pivotally connected to a pivotal portion at a first end of a handle. A resilient bar extends between a second end of the handle and the pivotal portion. When the blade is received in the handle, the resilient bar biases the blade with a torque to rotate the blade into the handle. When the blade is rotated outward from the handle up to a predetermined angle, the resilient bar biases the blade with a torque to rotate the blade out of the handle. A switch element has a first end extended out of the handle for being switched. When the switch element is switched, a second end thereof biases the blade and rotates it out of the handle. The user can use only one hand to hold the foldable knife and switch the switch element to make the blade spring out of the handle.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a dry shaver, comprising an elongate carrier member (221); and a cutter element (1210) having a plurality of turns forming a helix, each having an arcuate cutting portion (1211) and an arcuate mounting portion following sequentially along the helix; said carrier member being disposed substantially parallel to the axis (D-D) of said cutter element; and said carrier member contacting and supporting the mounting portions of the turns and leaving the cutting portions as free-span arches.

Abstract: A system and method for producing proportionately accurate likenesses in an artwork is presented. The system uses a grid or other distance markers on a transparent surface of a card. By observing a measurement of a feature of a subject with the distance markers and transcribing the measurement of the feature on the artwork an accurate likeness of the subject may be made.

Abstract: A process and a corresponding device for determining the alignment of two rotatable machine parts, the alignment of two hollow cylindrical machine parts or for testing a component for straightness along one lengthwise side, with a first measurement unit with a light source for emitting a light beam which has been expanded in one plane, and a second measurement unit with an optical detector unit which has two linear sensors which are arranged parallel to one another, and with an evaluation unit to evaluate a light pattern which has been produced by the two-dimensionally expanded light beam for determining the misalignment of the axes of the machine parts relative to one another, or optionally, the straightness of the component, by the determination the points of incidence of the two-dimensionally expanded light beam on the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decontaminating cuttings produced from. a wellbore. The cuttings (11) are conveyed on a belt (13), made of a mesh material, to a decontamination region where, under reduced pressure and elevated temperature organic materials are removed, together with a quantity of water. In order to facilitate the process, a depth gate (14) is provided to control the depth of the cuttings (11) on the belt (13). The organic materials can be either collected and reused or alternatively burnt off. Once the cuttings (11) have been decontaminated they can be safely discharged or reused as part of the drilling process. To facilitate the process means (112,113) can be included which clean the belt (13) and remove compacted regions to prevent the mesh from becoming clogged up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer with a housing and a drying chamber for objects to be dried, a process air duct, in which are located a heater for warming the process air and a first fan, a motor for driving the drying chamber, a heat exchanger and a cold air section in the process air duct or in a cooling air duct, with a motor cooling duct which branches off from the cold air section being able to apply cold air to the motor.

Abstract: A method for drying sensitive articles, essentially textiles made of wool, which are to be dried in the washing drum of a clothes dryer using a computer program. According to known methods for protecting sensitive articles to be dried during a drying program, the articles to be dried are introduced into a protective device which, filled with the articles to be dried, is then inserted into the washing drum before the start of the drying program. In order to prevent damage to the sensitive articles to be dried whenever the protective device is not used, a warning signal is generated prior to the start of the drying program when the protective device containing the sensitive articles to be dried is not properly fixed to the clothes dryer.

Abstract: A dryer according to the present invention includes a dry drum for loading the laundry; a driving motor driving the dry drum; and a steam generator installed at a side of the exterior of the dry drum and generating steam.

Abstract: Provided are a continuous drying apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a combustion chamber, a heat exchange chamber, a filter, a mixing chamber, and a drying chamber. Biomass to be dried is loaded into an upper end of the drying chamber and falls on a rotating plate at a bottom of the drying chamber. Heated gas from the combustion chamber is mixed with recycled gas output from the drying chamber, and with recycled gas output from the heat exchange chamber, is filtered and is directed to the mixing chamber. Gas circulates within the mixing chamber and is directed into a lower end of the drying chamber at a drying temperature. The biomass loaded into the drying chamber is dried by the gas, and is extracted off the rotating plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer. The dryer in which a drying object is dried with air from a rotating drum, the air having moisture removed therefrom, heated at a heating unit, and supplied to the rotating drum again, wherein a gas burner is used as the heating unit, and the air is heated by heat exchange with exhaust gas heated by the gas burner.

Abstract: An insole for shoes comprising, associated one another, a resting layer for a sole of a user's foot, made of soft and breathable material, a padding layer, made of soft and breathable material that can adapt to the shape of the sole of the user's foot, a layer for absorbing impacts and vibrations, made of soft and elastically yielding material suitable to adapt to the shape of the sole of the user's foot while walking.

Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear including an outsole and insole, and an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein the footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe, with a damping element (3). To improve the spring constant of the damping element, the damping element (3) has an, upper group (4) of damping bodies (5) and a lower group (9) of damping bodies (10), each having a substantial U-shaped cross section. The upper damping bodies (5) have two legs (6, 7) which are connected with a connection section (8). The lower damping bodies (10) have two legs (11, 12) which are connected with a connection section (13). An intermediate carrier (14) is arranged between damping bodies (5; 10) and legs (6, 7; 11, 12). Adjacent legs (6, 7; 11, 12) of the respective damping bodies (5; 10) are connected at a location of conjunction (15, 16) and the locations of conjunction (15, 16) of the upper and of the lower damping bodies (5; 10) are offset in longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: A spike assembly is engaged with a recess in the outsole of a sport shoe and includes a base with a tubular portion and a plurality of protrusions extend from the base portion in axial direction of the base portion. Each protrusion includes an inclined side and a vertical side with a rounded portion connecting between the inclined side and the vertical side. A spike member includes screw portion which is securely connected to the tubular portion and an annular portion extends from the spike member, a plurality of blocks extend from the top of the annular potion which has a tapered outer periphery so as to seal the recess of the outsole of the sport shoe. The blocks slide along the inclined sides of the protrusions and then stopped by the vertical sides of the protrusions.

Abstract: A spike assembly for sport shoes includes a base with a tubular portion and a plurality of protrusions extend from the base portion in axial direction of the base portion. Each protrusion includes an inclined side and a vertical side with a rounded portion connecting between the inclined side and the vertical side. A spike member includes screw portion which is securely connected to the tubular portion and a plurality of blocks extend from the spike member. Each block includes a curved protrusion facing the screw portion. The screw portion is connected to the tubular portion and the curved protrusions are guided along the inclined sides of the protrusions and then stopped by the vertical sides of the protrusions. The spike member does not loose by the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: A cleat for use with an athletic shoe includes a hub, a stud of substantially non-flexible material and extending downwardly and away from a lower surface of the hub, a cleat connector extending upwardly and from an upper surface of the hub and configured to engage a shoe-mounted mating connector disposed on a sole of the shoe, the upper surface opposing the lower surface of the hub, and at least one dynamic traction element extending downwardly from the lower surface of the hub and adapted to flex upwardly when the cleat is connected to a shoe and the at least one dynamic traction element is forced downwardly to contact a ground surface due to a weight load applied to a shoe.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, including a lower layer, including at least one large through hole. Above the lower layer, a mesh is provided, arranged to overlap at least the large through hole. A membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor is associated in an upward region with respect to the mesh at least at the large hole. The membrane is joined hermetically at least perimetrically to at least one component of the sole so as to avoid liquid rise through the perimeter of the large hole. A perforated upper layer is arranged above the membrane. The lower layer is overmolded on the mesh and partially incorporates the mesh.

Abstract: An excavator stump shearing device which is characterized by a blade assembly carried by various mount devices for attachment to an excavator bucket or to an excavator boom or bucket arm. In a first preferred embodiment the blade assembly is fixed to a blade mount drum which is removably gripped by the bucket and thumb of an excavator bucket to position the blade elements of the blade assembly for shearing a stump. In other embodiments the blade assembly mount devices are characterized by mount blocks, various blade mount boxes, a bucket tooth and tooth mount assembly and a bucket-engaging pad apparatus. The blade elements of the blade assembly include a bevelled shearing blade and a companion transverse wedge or stinger blade for engaging, splitting and shearing a stump responsive to operation of the excavator boom or arm and in some embodiments, the excavator bucket.

Abstract: A quick-release multipurpose implement for pivotal attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides. The implement comprises a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket. The pivot frame includes two opposing pivot arm supports that extend from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket. A receiving base is provided and designed to be mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support. At least one axially adjustable means is employed to extend from the receiving base to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket.

Abstract: A display system for trade shows and method for assembly thereof. The display system comprises lower and upper lateral frame members, and a plurality of vertical members adapted to connect releasably at the top and bottom to the lateral frame members. Each vertical member has a lower portion that extends outside a first reference plane, and an upper portion that extends outside said first reference plane in the direction opposite the direction of extension of the lower portion. The system further comprises a plurality of legs connected to respective vertical members and releasable fasteners for attaching a sheet of flexible material to the lower and upper lateral members and at least two vertical elongate members for displaying information. The invention also includes a method for assembling a display as described above without the use of extrinsic tools.

Abstract: A device generally intended to be used for providing a magnetic surface that can be temporarily attached to a non-magnetic surface. The device includes a board element and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly can be, for example, suction or adhesive based, and can enable the board element to be attached to many substantially flat surfaces. The board element can include a piece of sheet steel or a composite of sheet steel and other suitable structural materials. One or more surfaces of the board element can be coated to provide a smooth non-porous surface. The non-porous surface can enable the use of, among other things, dry-erase markers and other erasable writing implements.

Abstract: A kit and method for displaying a plurality of three dimensional members representative of an event on a tree shaped upright display stand where the members are mementos or other ephemera associated with an event such as a birthday, a funeral, a holiday; a graduation; a confirmation; a wedding; a birth; a baby's first event; an annual occurrence; a quinceanera; a Sweet sixteen party; a Wedding anniversary; Combinations thereof. The kit or method may also include a card; a receipt card; a retail picture frame; a small picture frame; a birthday card; a ribbon; a jewel; a crystal; and Combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a notepad assembly comprising a rigid backing and at least one sheet layer which is configured to be connectable to a badge member which may be formed as an employee identification badge. The sheet layers are preferably formed as a stack of sheet layers attachable to the rigid backing and which may be sandwiched between the rigid backing and the badge member. A connecting device such as a strap may be threaded through openings formed in the badge member and the rigid backing to allow pivoting of the badge member to expose the sheet layer such that a user may record notes thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital video greeting card including video, photos and voice information as well as text, by inserting a main panel for outputting video and voice data into cards such as a greeting card, invitation card, etc. To this end, the present invention proposes a method of making the main panel thin and provides a switch for allowing the main panel to be operated according to the folding and unfolding operation of an outer cover. Further, an external data input section is formed in the video greeting card of the present invention so as to provide a function of connecting to an additional memory card, a memory device, etc. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a digital video greeting card compatible with other devices, etc.

Abstract: A foldable license plate holder includes a foldable sheet forming three panels bearing indicia, and two fold line locations. There is a top panel, a middle panel, and a bottom panel. Two holes are provided in the top and bottom panels, which when folded overlie matching holes in the middle panel. The holes serve to permit bolts, screws, or other types of license plate fasteners to pass through for mounting on a vehicle. At each fold line location, multiple fold lines are provided to that the foldable license plate holder can serve to hold license plates of different sizes and thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus, the display item for which can be easily refreshed by a non-specialist. It further relates to a device for displaying information to one or more customers in a hair salon. It further relates to a method for presenting information to one or more customers in a hair salon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an information apparatus attached or attachable to a vehicle and comprising an elongated, flexible, information-bearing sheet, canvas, sailcloth or the like, which by each of its two narrow sides can be looped around a respective one of two spaced-apart, roughly mutually parallel, rotatably mounted winding drums and can be wound therearound in plural layers, which2 are arranged such that regions of the information sheet are visible between the winding drums, and which to effect their rotational adjustment are each coupled to a respective drive motor, such that different regions of the information sheet become visible; according to the invention, the information-bearing sheet, canvas, sailcloth or the like and the respective winding drums are disposed collectively in a closed housing of flat shape, comprising on its outward side a viewing window and in the region of its back side and/or one or more of its end faces means for affixing the housing to a rearward and/or lateral outer s

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign includes a case at least partially lined with highly reflective layer and a display surface. The sign also includes light sources that emit light in directions approximately parallel to the display surface.

Abstract: A nautical sign with reflective and photoluminescent qualities that is used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The nautical sign comprises a front rigid sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, a back rigid sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, alternating layers of round reflective disks having an upper surface and a lower surface and a photoluminescent film having an upper surface and a lower surface. The alternating layers of round reflective disks and photoluminescent film are contained in between the front rigid sheet and the back rigid sheet. When a light source is shown on the nautical sign, a portion of the light is reflected by the reflective disks and the photoluminescent film is activated resulting in heightened visibility of the nautical sign.

Abstract: A system for mounting signage onto the door area of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a mounting assembly and a display substrate. The mounting assembly includes a series of brackets operable to capture the display substrate against the panels of a roll-up door system. Specifically, the brackets may include an upper bracket mounted to the uppermost door panel, a lower bracket mounted to the lowermost door panel, and a plurality of side brackets each selectively mounted to one or more of the door panels. The substrate is configured to flex at predetermined points to accommodate the pivoting of adjacent door panels during the opening/closing of the door.

Abstract: Zero Maintenance Solar Powered Street Sign—A lighted corner street sign with: solar panel film, ultracapacitors and LEDs whereas the sign does not require maintenance for ten years. Invention provides all features but does not use batteries, switches, photoelectric sensors, resistors, etc. Eliminating the use of conventional battery technology is exploited in many ways. Ultracapacitors provide new advantages. A case made of durable materials configured to a sign shape and a specific depth for one or many solar panels, in multiple pieces to allow assembly of all electronics inside and permanently sealed in a manner to prohibit access to components inside held safe from weather, animals, vandals etc. With only three pieces, the invention easily provides three corner street sign configurations for when one, two or three names are required. Without human intervention required it can be reasonably distributed in large numbers or in remote areas or both.

Abstract: A frame for displaying an advertisement poster comprising: a body (1) formed as a single piece; at least one upper aluminum profile (2); and at least one spring (3); wherein the spring (3) is connected to the upper aluminum profile (2); and the spring (3) is mounted to the body (1). A method for manufacturing the frame comprising: (a) manufacturing at least one the spring (3); (b) manufacturing at least one the upper aluminum profile (2) by aluminum extrusion; (c) manufacturing the body (1) by plastic injection molding; and (d) mounting the upper aluminum profile (2) and the spring (3) to the body (1).

Abstract: A sign for displaying product information to a consumer. The sign includes first and second components for supporting primary and secondary product information. A first support member is provided for supporting the sign in an orientation to enable the product information to be visible to a consumer. A connecting interface is provided in the form of extenders emanating from the first and second components enabling the first and second components to releaseably attach to one another, the second component used for supporting supplemental product information in an orientation to enable supplemental product information to be made visible to a consumer.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits, systems, and methods for assisting people in locating a desired meeting place are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the present invention is particularly useful in helping children or adults with diminished mental capacity to locate rather easily an area designated as a meeting place in the event the child or adult gets lost. Preferred embodiments include the use of visual display apparatus and band to be worn by person, the visual display apparatus and band having visually matching designs to aid the person wearing the band in locating the desired meeting place. Other embodiments of the present invention include the use of a web-based system for transmitting and viewing the designs of the visual display apparatus to others, including means for downloading and printing the designs.