Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonding device for bonding a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier. The bonding device includes a support structure assembly and a first heater assembly arranged on the support structure assembly to be movable along a first path and configured to bond the flexible PCB to the printhead. A bending mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is configured to bend the bonded PCB. A second heater assembly is arranged on the support structure assembly to be movable along a second path and is configured to bond the bent PCB to the printhead carrier. A control system controls operation of the heater assemblies and the bending mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides for a transfer apparatus for transferring a component of integrated circuitry from a receiving location to a delivery location within an integrated circuitry assembly machine. The transfer apparatus includes a support structure that defines a transfer path between said locations, and a component carrier that defines a receiving zone configured to receive the component of integrated circuitry. The transfer apparatus also includes a retaining mechanism arranged on the component carrier to retain the component of integrated circuitry in position in the receiving zone, the retaining mechanism being operable to release the component at the delivery location, as well as a displacement mechanism engaged with the component carrier to displace the component carrier along said transfer path.

Abstract: The invention provides for a dice pick and lift head for an assembler for assembling printhead integrated circuitry on a carrier. The assembler includes an enclosure with a support assembly for operatively supporting a wafer with dies thereon, a die picking assembly for picking dice from said wafer, a die placement assembly for placing the dies onto the carrier, a die conveyance mechanism operatively conveying the dies from the die picking and placement assemblies, and a control system controlling the assembler. The dice pick and lift head includes a first translation stage mounted to the die picking assembly, said first translation stage operatively displaceable along a vertical axis relative to the support assembly. The dice pick and lift head also includes a second translation stage mounted to the first translation stage, said second translation stage operatively displaceable along a horizontal axis relative to the support assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides for a clamp assembly for an assembler for assembling printhead integrated circuits on a carrier. The assembler has an enclosure with a support assembly for operatively supporting a wafer with dies thereon, a die picking assembly for picking dice from said wafer, a die placement assembly for placing the dies onto the carrier, a die conveyance mechanism operatively conveying the dies from the die picking and placement assemblies, and a control system controlling the assembler. The clamp assembly includes an elongate clamp body, the body shaped and configured to be received by the die placement assembly, and a pair of elongate retaining plates mounted on top of the body. The clamp also includes an insert shaped and dimensioned to be received in the body below the plates, the insert operatively receiving said carrier, as well as a diaphragm positioned in the body, the diaphragm pneumatically displaceable to operatively urge the insert against the retaining plates.

Abstract: A unique self-compensating structure mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a compensating block element having a back portion with at least a first guide surface and a front portion with at least a third guide surface. A mechanical support member having at least a second guide surface with at least a guide element disposed thereon for sliding engagement with the at least a first guide surface. At least a complaint member cooperatively positioned between a surface on the compensating block element and the at least a third guide surface on the mechanical support member. The at least a third guide surface being cooperatively and movably associated along a back portion of an electrical socket connector via the at least a complaint member for compensating and absorbing external stress and strain of a plug-in connector during alternating plugging and unplugging of the plug-in connector from the socket connector, while simultaneously mitigating damage to the PCB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening apparatus for fastening a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier. The fastening apparatus includes a support assembly. An authentication system is arranged on the support assembly and is confinctionfigured to authenticate the printhead assembly. At least one bonding assembly is configured to bond the PCB to the printhead assembly. A controller is configured to control the bonding assembly to bond the PCB to the printhead assembly subsequent to the authentication of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an assembler for assembling a carrier for supporting printhead integrated circuits. The carrier has upper and lower parts that are operatively fastened together. The assembler includes a support structure configured to support the lower part in a pre-fastened position, and a holding mechanism arranged on the support structure for holding the upper part in a pre-fastened position. The assembler also includes a displacement mechanism arranged on the support structure for displacing the holding mechanisms to bring the parts into operative registration with each other, and a fastening apparatus for fastening the parts together.

Abstract: A daughter card extractor tool is disclosed and may include a handle that defines a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the daughter card extractor tool may include a daughter card engagement assembly that may extend from the distal end of the handle. The daughter card extractor tool is movable between a first position in which the daughter card engagement assembly is partially engaged with a daughter card and the daughter card is engaged with a motherboard, a second position in which the daughter card extractor tool is fully engaged with the daughter card and the daughter card remains engaged with the motherboard, and a third position in which the daughter card engagement assembly remains fully engaged with the daughter card and the daughter card is at least partially disengaged from the motherboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier. The method includes the step of connecting the flexible PCB to the printhead using a first heater assembly movable along a first path. In turn, the connected PCB is then bent. The method further includes the step of connecting the bent PCB to the printhead carrier using a second heater assembly movable along a second path.

Abstract: A method of forming an external electrode of an electronic component involving: a paste preparation step, a removal step, an element preparation step, a contact step, and a formation step. A jig with a groove into which an element forming the electronic component can be inserted is prepared. A conductive paste is filled in the groove, and then removed, so as to leave the conductive paste along a first wall surface of the groove and remove the rest. Then, element immediately above the groove is located, and inserted into the groove and moved toward the first wall surface. Finally, the element is moved along the first wall surface and toward the aperture in a state in which the ridgeline of the element is kept in contact with the first wall surface, and moved away from the first wall surface so as to separate the ridgeline from the first wall surface.

Abstract: An electronic circuit component is provided with shielding for electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) by covering at least part of the component with a layer of electrical insulation that conforms to the shape of the surface to which the insulation is applied. At least part of the surface of the insulation is then covered by a layer of EMI shielding that conforms to the shape of the surface of the insulation to which the shielding is applied.

Abstract: The invention removes copper from the concave side of a flex circuit around a bendable region and replaces it with a conductive epoxy to allow it to be formed to tighter bend radii than would otherwise be possible. After the flex circuit is shaped in a tight radius and attached to a mechanical structure, the conductive epoxy is cured to act as functional replacement of the removed copper.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of attaching printhead integrated circuitry to a carrier. The method includes scanning a wafer having a number of circuitry dies formed thereon to demarcate respective dies, aligning a die picker with a dice on the wafer according to a wafer substrate mapping scheme, and removing the dice from the wafer with the die picker. The method further includes the steps of transporting the dice to a placement station operatively positioning the carrier, aligning the dice with the carrier; and heat bonding the dice to the carrier.

Abstract: In a first production process, firstly, a flat corrugate tube 23 having a necessary length for wiring is prepared. Next, a grommet 25 and a protector 24 are assembled with the flat corrugate tube 23 at predetermined positions. In a second production process, high-voltage power lines 22 and low-voltage electric wires 27 are inserted into the flat corrugate tube 23 from the one opening 40 toward the other opening 41. In a third production process, ends of the high-voltage power lines 22 and the low-voltage electric wires 27 exposed from the one opening 40 and the other opening 41 of the flat corrugate tube 23 are treated. When the third production process is finished, the production of the wiring harness 21 is finished.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a large area, multi-element contactor. A segmented contactor is provided for testing semiconductor devices on a wafer that comprises a plurality of contactor units mounted to a substrate. The contactor units are formed, tested, and assembled to a backing substrate. The contactor units may include leads extending laterally for connection to an external instrument such as a burn-in board. The contactor units include conductive areas such as pads that are placed into contact with conductive terminals on devices under test.

Abstract: A method for attaching a rotor of a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator are provided, with which the rotor blades can be prevented from breaking and with which the construction costs can be reduced. The present invention includes: an assembly step (S1) in which a plurality of wind-turbine rotor blades are attached to a rotor head to assemble the rotor on the ground; a wire attaching step (S2) in which a first wire is attached to a first hoisting portion provided on a rotation axis of the rotor and in which a second wire is attached to a second hoisting portion provided at a position away from the rotation axis; a hoisting step (S3) in which the rotor is hoisted with the first wire; a rotor raising step (S4) in which the first wire is extended so that the rotor is hoisted with the second wire; and a rotor attaching step (S6) in which the rotor hoisted with the second wire is attached to the nacelle.

Abstract: A method for preparing a gas turbine engine for a ferry flight, where the engine has a core gas turbine engine, a spinner, and a plurality of external fan blades powered by the core gas turbine engine. The core gas turbine engine has an annular splitter for directing a portion of incoming airflow into the core gas turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of: a) removing the spinner; b) removing the fan blades; and c) securing a fairing in sealing engagement with the core gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A gap sub assembly can be used to form an electrical isolation in a drill string, across which a voltage is applied to generate a carrier signal for an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system. The assembly comprises two conductive generally cylindrical components fashioned with a matching set of male and female rounded coarse threads, held such that a relatively uniform interstitial space is formed in the overlap space between them. The third component is a substantially dielectric electrical isolator component placed into the gap between the threads that effectively electrically isolates the two conductive components. Injecting the dielectric material under high pressure forms a tight bond resistant to the ingress of conductive drilling fluids (liquids, gases or foam), thus forming a high pressure insulating seal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal-plastic hybrid heat exchanger including the steps of providing a plurality of metallic fins, providing a plastic tank with a melting point above a predetermined temperature and having a header plate that includes a plurality slots, and providing a plurality of plastic tubes with a melting point above the predetermined temperature. The plastic tubes are inserted into the corresponding slots of the plastic tank to form an assembly. The metal fins are inserted between the plastic tubes of the assembly. A thermoplastic adhesive is applied onto the mating surfaces of the metal fins and the plastic tubes, and onto mating surfaces of the slots and the plastic tubes of the assembly. The metal plastic heat exchanger assembly is then heated with infrared radiation to the predetermined temperature to cure the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the metal fins and the slotted headers to the tubes.

Abstract: Machined structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a web portion that extends in a first direction that includes a non-planar portion, and a first flange portion coupled to the web portion that extends in the first direction. A second flange portion is coupled to the web portion that also extends in the first direction. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are spaced apart in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The web portion and the first and second flange portions are integrally formed as a unitary, monoblock component.

Abstract: Colored razor blades are provided. Methods for manufacturing such blades are also provided, including methods involving depositing an oxide coating prior to heat treatment of the blade material and heat treating under conditions selected to enhance the color of the coating.

Abstract: The scrubbing razor includes a handle, an elongated head with a blade mounting portion, and one or more forward straight blades and one or more rearward straight blades mounted to and extending from the underside of the blade mounting portion. The one or more rearward straight blades are mounted in opposing relation to the one or more forward straight blades, so that the scrubbing razor is bidirectional. The cutting edges of the one or more forward straight blades and the opposing cutting edges of the one or more rearward straight blades define a single plane.

Abstract: Chain saw featuring an endless cutting chain (5), mounted turning around a drive sprocket and a guide bar (6) equipped with a guide rail, a motor (8) driving this cutting chain, through the intermediary of said sprocket, a storage tank (11) of a lubricating fluid, as well as a pump (13) impelling the lubricating fluid towards the guide bar/cutting chain assembly (5-6), from the storage tank (10), characterized in that said pump (13) is coupled to an electric drive motor (13a) which is independent of the motor (8) driving the cutting chain (5).

Abstract: A utility knife has a handle generally defining a handle axis and a remote end provided with an opening. A carriage is slidably mounted within the handle for selective movements through the opening between a retracted position in which the carriage is substantially fully received within the handle and a fully extended position in which the carriage is fully extended through the opening to increase the effective length of said handle by a distance ?l. A blade mounted on the carriage shares the movements of the carriage and has an operative portion that can fully penetrate a work to be cut when the handle axis is inclined at an angle ? relative to a surface of the work. A finger of a user most proximate to the work surface is positionable a distance h above the work surface during normal use of the utility knife, ?l and ? being selected so that the distance ?l is generally greater that 1.0 inch and the angle ? is equal to at least 35°.

Abstract: A cutter head (100) for use with a hand-held rotary food processor, including a hub portion (101) in which a plurality of axially extending cutting blades (103) are mounted in recesses (102) in the hub each cutting blade having a longitudinal slot formed therein and being so positioned in the respective recess in the hub that one edge (302) of the slot is superimposed above the centre line of the recess so as to form the cutting edge of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a metal plate including a blade that forms a cutting jaw with an anvil, the metal plate being connected in an articulated manner to an anvil part at a first pivot point and connected operationally to a first elongated element for opening and closing the cutting jaw in response to the relative turning movement of the first elongated element and the second elongated element about the second and the third pivot points respectively.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a first lever having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a second elongated element in an articulated manner at a third pivot point and the second end being arranged to engage with a tongue in a metal plate to transmit force from the second elongated element to a first blade in the metal plate so as to perform a cutting movement with a cutting jaw when the first and the second elongated elements are shifted towards one another. The cutting tool also comprises an engagement device provided in the tongue and arranged to receive the second end of the lever optionally at two or more engagement points with respect to the first pivot point so as to perform stepwise cutting movements. The engagement points are placed in the tongue successively away from the third pivot point.

Abstract: A food product cutting device that is used to cut baked products in foodservice or bakery sheet pans. This apparatus is assembled by using a series of intersecting blades that attach to a holding frame. These intersecting blades create square, rectangle or triangle compartments. Inside each of these compartments are spring assisted stripper pads that attached to a top plate that is attached to the top side of the frame. These pads slide up and down inside the compartments to release the cut product pieces as the cutting cycle is completed. This cutting head is design to be installed on a table top frame or mounted on a conveyor for automated use by the end user. This invention decreases cutting time and increases production output as well as reducing fatigue and injuries associated with repetitive motion action.

Abstract: A tool to cut edible portions of a melon in which a pair of blades attach to a handle in spaced-apart relation, a cutting plate connects between opposing second ends of the blades, and a guide member rotatably attaches to the cutting plate, the guide member traveling on a rind surface when the tool is moved through the melon from one side to the other so that the blades and the cutting plate cut edible portions from the rind. A method of cutting edible portions of a fruit is disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage can opener having a body that includes a tab engaging pawl, and an opposing punch opening assist pawl that is offset from the tab engaging pawl. The tab engaging pawl is inserted into the beverage can opening tab from the drinking hole side of the can, and functions to increase the leverage and thereby the opening action of the can opening tab.

Abstract: A safety razor having a blade unit has at least one blade and a handle casing. A pivotal connection structure is disposed between the blade unit and the handle casing. A first member is connected to the blade unit and a second member is connected to the handle casing. A joint member connects the first member and the second member and facilitates movement of the first member relative to the second member about a hinge axis that is substantially perpendicular to the at least one blade.

Abstract: Provided is a digital angle measuring device, comprising an upper ruler having a first center hole, a lower ruler having a second center hole, a capacitive gate angle sensor, a display portion, a connecting base having a through hole, a rotary axis, a locking knob, and a stop screw, wherein the upper ruler and the lower ruler are connected to the rotary axis via the center holes, the display portion is connected to the rotary axis via the through hole, the locking knob is disposed on the connecting base and connected to the rotary axis, and the stop screw is disposed on one end of the rotary axis. The digital angle measuring device is easily installed and cost-effective.

Abstract: An edge detect system, using a torch height control system based on the use of a free floating probe in contact with the workpiece, uses a drop in pressurized air supplied to the probe tip in contact with the workpiece when the probe moves off the plate edge to generate a signal that prevents the torch from following the free floating probe downwardly and thereby prevents the cutting tool from crashing into the workpiece.

Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) having a drying tub (3) housing the laundry to be dried, and a closed-circuit, heat-pump-type, hot-air generator (4) for circulating a stream of hot air inside the drying tub (3); the hot air generator (4) also having a tank (15) containing a predetermined amount of water, heating means for converting the water in the tank (15) to steam, and an exhaust manifold (17) for feeding the steam produced in the tank (15) to the drying tub (3); the heating means being defined by at least one portion (16) of the pipe (10) feeding refrigerant from the compressor (7) to the condenser (9).

Abstract: A biomass drying system includes a rotary biomass dryer that includes a helically threaded auger shaft rotatably driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. No external source of heat is required to dry a wet biomass material that is supplied to an input of the biomass dryer. Instead, the helical threads on the shaft have a variable width, designed to gradually increase the compression applied as the biomass material is advanced through a generally cylindrical bore in the biomass dryer. A variable compression nozzle is disposed at a distal end of the bore and can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of a parameter such as the moisture content of the dried biomass material produced by the system. The variable compression nozzle, which can be automatically controlled, includes longitudinally extending segments that are forced radially inwardly to increase the compression force applied to the biomass material.

Abstract: A fabric treatment apparatus is provided. The fabric treatment apparatus includes a treatment room adapted to receive laundry to be treated; a rack disposed in the treatment room, and adapted to support a plurality of hangers to hang the laundry; one or more electromagnets to apply attraction and repulsion to the clothes rack; and a heating unit adapted to supply at least one of hot air and steam into the treatment room.

Abstract: Methods for drying ceramic greenware in a manner that substantially compensates for otherwise non-uniform drying are disclosed. The methods generally include partially drying a piece (22) of greenware such that its end portions (22E) are drier than its middle portion (22C). The method also includes further drying the piece with radio-frequency (RF) radiation (88) generated by an electrode system (130) by conveying the piece through the electrode system. The electrode system has a main planar electrode (131E) with a longitudinal axis (AE), and an electrode concentrator (131C) formed thereon or attached thereto. The electrode concentrator has a central section (140) that runs in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the electrode and is configured so that when the piece is conveyed through the electrode system, the electrode system concentrates more RF radiation at the center portion of the piece than at the end portions of the piece.

Abstract: A portable dish drying apparatus. The dish drying apparatus uses a heat lamp to dry dishes, which can be controlled using a control panel located on an outside surface of the apparatus. A video output device can be embedded on a front door, cover, or lid of the apparatus in order to allow a user to watch television.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a drying step in a dishwasher that includes a housing, a washing tub, a door with a hinged lower region operable to close the washing tub, an opening device for automatically opening the door to an ajar position and a condensation drying system including a cooling-air flow generator. The method includes guiding a portion of a cooling-air flow along a portion of an underside of a countertop covering a top of the dishwasher housing both before and after the door is opened to an ajar position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat treatment process for a material in an oven (4), such process using the combustion gases supplied by at least one burner (5) associated with a firebox (6). This process is characterised in that a first condensation phase is provided for the combustion gases between their exiting the firebox (6) and entering the oven (4), such condensation enabling part of the dust contained in the combustion gases to be eliminated, the first condensation phase being conducted using absorption refrigerating means (14) followed by a superheating phase of the combustion gas allowing the required temperature to be obtained for the heat treatment. The invention also relates to a treatment unit implementing such process. The process is more particularly applicable to the heat treatment of wood.

Abstract: A composite footwear insole has a front portion (2) designed to interact with the foot at the metatarsal region and at least partly at the plantar arch, and a rear portion (3) designed to interact with the heel. The rear portion (3) has at least one layer (4) of gel material whose size is at least substantially equal to that of the rear portion (3) to uniformly support the heel and absorb stresses acting thereon.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a strand, and a cover layer. The strand is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The cover layer extends along the strand for the distance of at least five centimeters, and the strand is positioned between the cover layer and the foundation element. In some configurations, the cover layer has a pair of edges on opposite sides of the strand, the strand is substantially centered between the edges of the cover layer for the distance of at least five centimeters, and areas of the exterior surface are exposed beyond the edges of the cover layer.

Abstract: A sports shoe that has a shell provided with at least one reinforcing member in the form of a flexible hollow body.

Abstract: Footwear includes an external sole liner having a tread surface and an exposed adhesive layer. A cleat is bonded to the tread surface, and tapers in response to being bonded to the tread surface. The external sole liner can include multiple layers of liners which are separable from each other.

Abstract: An underwater excavation apparatus having means for moving the underwater excavation apparatus that are provided on or adjacent to the apparatus. The means for moving the underwater excavation apparatus provide for orienting, positioning, rotating, counteracting reactive torque and/or steering the apparatus. The apparatus has a pair of horizontally opposed or symmetrically disposed inlets communicating with a single outlet that is disposed vertically downwards.

Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a water tank (110) in direct communication with a steam-producing boiling chamber (60), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element such as a steam brush, characterized in that the boiling chamber (60) is supplied with water from the tank (110) by means of several supply lines (70) with a small flow cross-section of less than 15 mm2, said supply lines extending lengthwise between an end (70A) opening into the tank (110) and an end (70B) opening into the boiling chamber (60) so as to generate head losses that limit the backflow of hot water or steam toward the tank (110).

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam iron, which includes an iron base with a receiving cavity and a soleplate soleplate cover matched and connected to the soleplate. The soleplate cover is provided with a water inlet communicated with a water tank. The soleplate is provided with at least a heating element and a steam chamber. The water inlet is communicated with the steam chamber. The soleplate further defines at least a steam lower outlet communicated with the steam chamber. A unilateral connecting device is arranged at a water influent passage communicated with the water inlet or at the water inlet. This ensures that steam is neither drained away nor backflows into the water tank owing to the effective obstruction of the unilateral connecting device, when the steam is discharged through the steam outlet, thus solving the problem of traditional steam iron.

Abstract: An ironing system (500) comprises an iron (510) with a soleplate (512) comprising an induction heatable material. The ironing system (500) further comprises a unit (520, 530) that includes at least one induction coil (540) and a device (550). The induction coil (540) charges the iron (510) whereas the device (550) detects the temperature of the soleplate (512) by sensing a change in current flowing through the induction coil (540) or by sensing a change in voltage across the induction coil (540). The current or voltage changes as self inductance of the induction coil (540) changes with magnetic permeability of the soleplate (512) as a function of its temperature. The device (550) switches the induction coil (540) on or off depending on the detected temperature.

Abstract: An ironing board (1) comprises a fan (20) for generating an airflow and a controlling unit (40) for controlling a mode in which the fan (20) is driven during operation of the ironing board (1). When there is a need for obtaining an airflow through an item to be ironed, the controlling unit (40) puts the fan (20) to a mode in which it is driven at a normal operating speed. However, when there is no such need, the controlling unit (40) puts the fan (20) to a mode in which it is driven at a speed which is lower than a normal operating speed. In this way, it is achieved that the fan (20) is continuously driven during operation of the ironing board (1), also in case an ironing process performed with the help of the ironing board (1) does not require an operation of the fan (20). As an advantageous result, condensation of steam inside the ironing board (1) is prevented.

Abstract: A self-expanding display unit (1) comprising at least one display sheet (3, 5) of a substantially rigid and foldable material having a display face (7,9), a biasing means for bending the display face of the display sheet into a substantially convex shape, and bracing means (2) acting against the biasing means to limit the amount by which the display sheet (3, 5) bends. The display sheet comprises a plurality of panels, delimited from adjacent panels by crease lines. The bracing means (2) comprises a single, substantially rigid and foldable bracing sheet (2) having a plurality of bracing panels (50), each of which is delimited from an adjacent bracing panel by a fold line (52). The fold lines (52) and the crease lines are coincident with each other. Such a device is stable in operation and is efficient to use and manufacture.