Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing.

Abstract: A mobile leaf blower includes a main blower assembly driven by an engine or motor. The blower has a deflector box at the blower outlet with deflector plates which enable the air flow to be either directed laterally and forwardly of the blower unit or to a flexible blower tube attached to the unit. The operator may either cause the air flow to flow through the flexible blower tube or forwardly and laterally of the blower unit along the ground. When not in use, the flexible blower tube can be wound around a hose reel attached to the main handles of the ground blower unit.

Abstract: An eraser to cap a pencil includes a top and a base, with a projection extending between them. The projection helps to secure the top and base together by fitting into and filling a mating cavity within either or both of the top and base. The base has a cavity open at the bottom of the base, sized and shaped to receive the used or unused portion of an original pencil eraser, if any, and the ferrule on the pencil.

Abstract: A locator device for locating the centerline of a plurality of piano hinge segments without the use of hard tooling includes a target support element, a pair of targets supported on opposite ends of the target support element, and a locator element for locating the target support element relative to hinge pin holes so that the targets are equally spaced from the hinge pin holes. The targets may be reflective-type targets used in laser targeting systems, photogrammetry targets used in digital photogrammetry locating systems, or other known targets.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connecting member, a shaft fixed to the first connecting member, a second connecting member rotatably mounted to the shaft, a positioning member, an elastic ring, and a fastener. The shaft includes a fixing end. The second connecting member includes a positioning post having a slant resisting surface. The positioning member is unrotatably mounted to the fixing end, and includes a positioning protrusion resisting against the positioning post. The positioning protrusion includes a withstanding surface corresponding to the resisting surface. The elastic ring is rotatably mounted to the shaft and abutted against the positioning member. The fastener is adjustably fixed to a distal end of the fixing end. During rotation of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member to a predetermined degree, the resisting surface resists against the corresponding withstanding surface for driving the positioning member to deform the at elastic ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to multiple configurations of devices to restrain a door or similar hinged, swinging appliance from autonomously swinging away from an initial fully or partially opened position to which it has been adjusted. No external, unattached parts are employed. The invention is applicable to any hinged, swinging object. It includes the use of either linear friction, such as through the use of compression nuts and springs applied to the hinged pin, so as to force the hinged knuckles into contact and frictional engagement. Another concept is the use of radial friction, through the application of either a slotted spring pin, or a spiral spring pin, that locates within the knuckles of the hinge components, to add friction to their pivotal movement when opening or closing of a door, or other structure.

Abstract: A moveable boom hinge apparatus is provided. The moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a mechanism offsetting the tip portion of a boom hinge from the base portion of a boom hinge when the tip and base portions are folded parallel to each other and securely position the tip portion of the boom when extended. Additionally, this moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a uniquely u-shaped link element and complementary u-shaped catch element that couple together in a way that sufficiently locks the tip portion into place with respect to the base portion and keeps structural loads of a boom hinge aligned with structural members of a boom hinge during its boom hinge's transition from the operational position to the non-operational position. This alignment significantly reduces bending moments that weaken structural materials over time.

Abstract: One end portion of a connecting member 31 is connected to a first housing 1 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L1 fixed in position with respect to the first housing 1. The other end portion of the connecting member 31 is connected to a second housing 2 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a second rotation axis L2 fixed in position with respect to the second housing 2 and extending parallel to the first rotation axis L1. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are located in different locations in a direction of the first and the second rotation axes L1, L2 such that a top surface 1a of the first housing 1 and an undersurface 2b of the second housing 2 are located generally on a same plane.

Abstract: A handle for opening and closing a cabinet door, a cabinet drawer or an entry/exit door of a commercial or residential building. The handle includes a first wall member joined to a second wall member that is attached to a third wall member to form a removable handle for opening and closing a door or drawer. The first wall member is flexible and resilient such that when the handle is attached to a door or drawer, the first wall member flexibly and resiliently moves to form a self-tensioning, self-grip in conjunction with the second and third wall members on the door or drawer allowing the handle to be used to open and/or close a door or drawer.

Abstract: A handle for opening and closing any door or drawer of a commercial or residential building is disclosed. The handle includes a first wall member joined to a second wall member that is attached to a third wall member to form a removable handle for opening and closing a door or drawer. At least one wall member is flexible and resilient such that when the handle is attached to a door or drawer, the first wall member flexibly and resiliently moves to form a self-tensioning, self-grip in conjunction with the remaining wall members on the door or drawer allowing the handle to be used to open and/or close a door or drawer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.

Abstract: A corsage mounting apparatus including a tube shaped stem holding structure with a safety pin attached. The stem or stems of flowers being used in a corsage are inserted into the tube and secured to the apparatus. The apparatus, including the corsage, can then be fasted to an article of clothing by using the apparatus's safety pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a button comprising a button body and a fixture for fixing said button body to a support from the opposite side to the button body with the support therebetween, said button body having an insert hole defined by a wall, for the fixture to be inserted therein, and at least one protrusion for fixing on said support. According to the invention, there is provided a gap between said protrusion and said wall defining said insert hole. (FIG.

Abstract: A flexible strap fastener includes a head portion having a passage and a locking pawl disposed within the passage. The flexible strap fastener further includes a strap portion connected to the head portion. The strap portion includes a first surface and a plurality of locking ridges disposed on the first surface. Additionally, cushioning material is disposed adjacent the plurality of locking ridges on the first surface.

Abstract: A cinching and bundling tie consisting of a planar strap having multiple teeth along both edges that engage when the strap is tied around an object or objects. The tie is self engaging, re-usable, simple in design, effective in its performance, easy to use, quick to apply, and adjustable.

Abstract: A fastening device, in particular for hand grips for the interior of a motor vehicle, is equipped with a bearing block, which can be inserted into a recess in a plate-like structure, with a stopper which can be inserted into the bearing block, and with means which, upon insertion of the stopper, make it possible for rear engagement of the fastening device behind a plate-like structure. The invention makes provision for the rear-engagement means to be formed separately and to be produced preferably in the manner of wings from sheet steel.

Abstract: A fastening assembly and a cushion having the same are provided. The fastening assembly includes a first band, a second band, a third band, and a magnetic layer. The first band has a first surface protrudingly provided with plural hooks, and a second surface. The second band has a third surface and a fourth surface, with the third surface bonded to the second surface of the first band. The second band is wider than the first band and forms a pair of wings protruding beyond longitudinal edges of the first band, respectively. The third band, narrower than the second band, has a fifth surface and a sixth surface, with the fifth surface bonded to a central portion of the fourth surface of the second band. The magnetic layer is located on the third surface or the fourth surface of the wings of the second band and comprises a magnetic material.

Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure-sensitive adhesives, acrylic foam tape, or screws.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clip and a method for using the clip. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.

Abstract: A ratchet clip for lockably and releasably closing a cover onto a base of a air filter housing is disclosed. The ratchet clip includes an elongated retention member secured at one portion of the housing and having a plurality of teeth forming a series of pockets and ridges. A rocker member is pivotally secured to a different housing portion and is aligned to lockably engage the retention member. A latching member on the rocker member is sized, configured and positioned to lockably engage into the pockets thereby inhibiting movement of the latching member in an opening direction relative to the retention member. A spring biases the rocker member to lockably and releasably engage the retention member thereby preventing movement in an opening direction of the rocker member relative to the retention member. The teeth have surfaces configured to permit the latching member to slide over the teeth in a closing direction relative to the retention member, even while the spring biases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing assembly for twin latching mechanisms. The housing assembly includes two handles that can be pivoted to separately unlatch two belt connectors. The latching mechanisms are positioned within the housing such that when the handles are pivoted upwardly, their leading edges engage plunger mechanisms associated with the latching mechanisms. By engaging the plunger mechanisms, individual latches are disengaged and the associated belt connectors are ejected. A flange interconnects the two handles such that one or both handles are pivoted depending upon which handle is lifted by the operator. The housing provides a secure enclosure for the latch mechanisms and also shields the working components from the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving friends and loved ones in a casket by providing a burial casket, and providing an electronic audio communication system for placement in said casket to automatically electronically generate post-burial communications in said casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A timing mechanism maintains track of the date, day, and time, to allow for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling.

Abstract: A casket memorabilia compartment assembly adapted to couple to a casket to provide display and/or storage of pictures memorializing the deceased. The memorabilia compartment assembly comprises a panel mountable to the casket for swinging displacement between an inner hanging position within the casket and an outer hanging without the casket. The panel includes a display side exposed when in the outer hanging position. The display side includes a compartment for the display and/or storage of pictures. The outer surface of the compartment is transparent so as to view the pictures within the compartment. The memorabilia compartment assembly can be incorporated, into a big body and/or throw used during viewing of the deceased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating post-burial audio communications from surviving family members, friends, and loved ones by adapting a burial casket with an electronic audio communication system that automatically generates post-burial communications in the casket. The burial casket is thus adapted with an audio message system containing electronically stored audio and music files that are automatically played in accordance with a programmed schedule thereby allowing surviving members means for communicating to the deceased for a period of time after burial. An electronic device having a data storage system for storing recorded audio, such as messages from family and friends, music, or any other suitable audio file is provided. A date tracking timer allows for the selective broadcast of audio content automatically in accordance with user programmed and selected scheduling. A battery power source provides electrical power for the system.

Abstract: In a method for increasing the strength of a component subjected to torsional and flexural stress, in particular of a crankshaft, in a first step essentially the entire component is provided with a nitriding layer. In a second step, the nitriding layer is at least partially removed in at least one highly stressed region of the component by means of cutting machining, and, in a third step, the at least one highly stressed component region freed of the nitriding layer is mechanically strain-hardened.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, at least one interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode provided on the piezoelectric substrate, and an insulator layer to improve a temperature characteristic arranged so as to cover the IDT electrode. When a surface of the insulator layer is classified into a first surface region under which the IDT electrode is positioned and a second surface region under which no IDT electrode is positioned, the surface of the insulator layer in at least one portion of the second surface region is higher than the surface of the insulator layer from the piezoelectric substrate in at least one portion of the first surface region by at least about 0.001?, where the wavelength of an acoustic wave is ?.

Abstract: A mirror for a piezoelectric resonator consisting of alternately arranged layers of high and low acoustic impedance is manufactured by at first producing a first layer on which a second layer is produced, so that the second layer partially covers the first layer. Then, a planarization layer is applied on the first layer and on the second layer. Subsequently, a portion of the second layer is exposed by structuring the planarization layer, wherein the portion is associated with an active region of the piezoelectric resonator. Finally, the resulting structure is planarized by removing the portions of the planarization layer remaining outside the portion.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator of an inkjet head and a method of forming the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is formed on a vibration plate to provide a driving force to each of a plurality of pressure chambers. The piezoelectric actuator includes a lower electrode formed on the vibration plate, a piezoelectric layer formed on the lower electrode at a position corresponding to each of the pressure chambers, a supporting pad formed on the lower electrode, the supporting pad contacting one end of the piezoelectric layer and extending away from the one end of the piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode extending from a top surface of the piezoelectric layer to a top surface of the supporting pad. The upper electrode is bonded to a driving circuit above the supporting pad to receive a voltage from the driving circuit. The piezoelectric layer may have substantially the same length as the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A metal processing apparatus comprises a scale breaker apparatus having a plurality of rollers positioned in a staggered arrangement and engaging first and second surfaces of sheet metal. The staggered arrangement creates clearances between the rollers of the first and second surface rollers sufficient to enable the sheet metal to conform to a portion of an outer periphery of at least one of the rollers while passing between the first and second surface rollers under a tensile force. The metal processing apparatus further comprises a recoiler adapted to coil the length of sheet metal. The recoiler subjects the sheet metal passing through the scale breaking apparatus to a tensile force sufficient to conform the sheet metal to a portion of the outer periphery of at least one of the rollers with a wrap angle sufficient to break scale from the sheet metal.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an acoustically tuned vehicle seat assembly comprising providing a cushion supported on a frame, and securing a non-cloth trim material over the cushion, the non-cloth trim material having at least one slitted region having a plurality of scored slits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing guide rails (27) of an assembly (10) radially maintaining a core supporting plate (5), which consists in measuring the spacing between the spans of the lateral branches of the guide rail (27) to be repaired, cutting and removing at least one lateral branch of said guide rail (27) to be repaired, measuring the dimensions of said lateral branch and machining with identical dimensions at least one substitution lateral branch, mounting and fixing said substitution lateral branch and measuring the spacing between the spans of the lateral branches of the repaired guide rail.

Abstract: A method for using an aircraft brake assembly in servicing an aircraft, with the container having at least two identical container portions, at least one of the at least two container portions having an at least one sliding channel therein, an at least one cradle member having an at least one sliding portion engaging with said at least one sliding channel holding the cargo in a horizontal orientation, and at least one securement device securing the at least two identical container portions.

Abstract: Embodiments related to processing spent energy storage and conversion devices for recycling are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising obtaining a spent energy storage and conversion device that includes packaging containing one or more cells, opening the packaging of the spent energy storage and conversion device to expose at least a portion of the one or more cells of the spent energy storage and conversion device, discharging the one or more cells of the spent energy storage and conversion device, separating the one or more cells from the packaging to yield one or more individual cells, disassembling each cell in the one or more individual cells, where disassembling each cell comprises cutting the container of the cell, separating the container from the plurality of cell components; and separating the positive and negative electrode materials.

Abstract: An assembling method that is high in assembly accuracy and easily performed at the actual installation site is provided. In this method, the sub base plates on the sub mounting tables are aligned with respect to a main base plate on a main mounting table at a temporary installation site, and the state thereof is maintained. Then, the main mounting table and the sub mounting tables are separated from each other to be transferred to the actual installation site, and the positioning state is restored at the actual installation site. Since a positional alignment can be performed at the temporary installation site, the work required at the actual installation site can be reduced. Furthermore, since a fine adjustment can be performed at the actual installation site, the accuracy in the positional alignment can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing above the table securing/unsecuring of a router motor housing. The mechanism of the present invention employs a mechanical connection included on a pivot member to couple with a wrench device extended through the tabletop. The mechanism permits a user to adjust or release the motor housing without having to reach under the table surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for manufacturing a one-piece LC type optical fiber adapter, more particularly to a method that is simpler and easier to assemble the LC type optical fiber adapter.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: A minimum Z height handheld electronic device and methods of assembly is described. The electronic device includes a single seamless housing having a front opening and a cover disposed within the front opening and attached to the seamless housing without a bezel.

Abstract: Grasping of an elongated plate shaped spacer is performed such that a portion of each face of grasping members is brought into contact with the side of the elongated plate shaped spacer, wherein the region of contact between the grasping members and the side of the elongated plate shaped spacer is gradually spread toward the edge of the elongated plate shaped spacer in the longitudinal direction thereof. Thus, a method of manufacturing an image display apparatus can be provided wherein elongated plate shaped spacers can be positioned on a substrate with high positional precision.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to flexible pipe and composite tape. Flexible pipe body for a flexible pipe comprises an internal pressure sheath and at least one armour layer over the sheath comprising a wound tape of composite material. A method for manufacturing a composite tape is disclosed making use of a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A cooling module 67 includes a motor assembly 42 having a motor case 24 having at least one open end and including mounting brackets 30 integral therewith. Each bracket has only a bottom portion 32 connected with the motor case. An armature assembly is disposed in the motor case and includes a rotatable shaft 46. A brush card assembly 56 is associated with the armature assembly, and an end cap 60 is disposed over the brush card assembly and partially covers the open end of the motor case and thereby defining a non end cap covered motor portion 63. A fan 64 is coupled to an end of the shaft and has a hub substantially covering one end of the motor assembly. A shroud 74 has a motor cover 76. Fastening structure 78 is associated with the shroud and engaged with the brackets thereby mounting the motor assembly to the shroud, with the motor cover substantially covering the end cap and the non end cap covered motor portion.

Abstract: A barbed surgical suture is configured to grip the tissue through which it is inserted. The suture has a generally flat and elongated suture body with a multiplicity of barbs located along one or both of the lateral edges. The barbs are of sufficient size and appropriate geometry for fastening the tissue and achieving closure of an incision or wound without the need for tying knots in the suture. The barbed surgical suture may be configured as a single-ended suture with all of the barbs aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in one direction only. Alternately, it may be configured as a double-ended suture with the barbs on a first end portion aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in a one direction and the barbs on a second end portion aligned to allow the suture to move through tissue in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Method for producing a vacuum measuring cell having a pressure transducer diaphragm with housing plates sealed on opposite sides to form reference and measuring vacuum chambers. An opening in one plate communicates with the measuring vacuum chamber and has a sealed connection for joining to medium to be measured. The diaphragm and plates are aluminum oxide ceramic and at least one of the seals is aluminum with a thickness of 0.5 ?m to 30 ?m. The ceramic parts are pressed together at increased temperature of 600° C. to 680° C. in a process gas atmosphere including a reducing gas, during a time of 30 to 90 minutes, and subsequently a tempering step is carried out in a second process gas atmosphere including oxygen, tempering taking place at a temperature of 450° C. to 575° C. such that the metallic aluminum is oxidized into aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A motor adopting an improved mechanism is composed of a stator having a shaft and a rotor provided with a sleeve and a hub, wherein the shaft is inserted into the hub and the hub is fixed on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve. The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a first outer circumferential surface, a second outer circumferential surface and a receiving surface that links between the first and second outer circumferential surfaces. The hub is provided with a base section, a through hole and a first protruded section protruding downward from the base section. A tip end portion of the first protruded section is provided with a hitting surface that contacts with the receiving surface of the sleeve and a second protruded section that links to the contacting surface and protrudes downward from the contacting surface.

Abstract: A main pole layer is deposited within an opening in a patterned photoresist layer on a substrate. The photoresist is thinned to expose an upper portion of a pole tip region that is then trimmed to a rectangular shape while a lower portion retains an inverted trapezoidal shape. Thereafter, a second trimming process forms a pole tip with a first width in the upper rectangular portion and a second thickness and second width which is less than the first width in the lower portion. A CMP step subsequently thins the upper portion to a first thickness of 0.04 to 0.08 microns while the second thickness remains at 0.16 to 0.32 microns. The bottom surface of the lower portion along the ABS becomes the trailing edge in a recording operation. The pole tip has a consistent first width (track width) that is not influenced by CMP process variations.

Abstract: A method of lapping a magnetic head slider includes a step of lapping a lapping surface of a row bar provided with a plurality of MR read head elements arranged along at least one line, a step of obtaining at least one output signal from at least one of the plurality of MR read head elements of the row bar during lapping, the at least one output signal corresponding to element resistance, a step of detecting at least one peak value of the obtained at least one output signal, and a step of controlling an amount of lapping of the row bar depending upon the detected at least one peak value.

Abstract: Provided is a U-shaped iron core transfer/assembling method, by which a first leg iron core, a second-leg iron core and a lower-yoke iron core are housed in a first leg iron core tank, a second leg iron core tank and a lower-yoke iron core tank, respectively, and those iron cores are individually transported in sideways attitude. Next, the lower-yoke iron core is transferred into a lower-yoke iron core assembling tank. While the first leg iron core, the second leg iron core and the lower-yoke iron core being kept in the tilted postures, the first leg iron core tank, the second leg iron core tank and the lower-yoke iron core assembling tank are individually opened at their openings and are jointed to each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a secondary cell having a flat wound electrode body that inhibits the bending of the electrode board caused by charging and discharging and inhibits resulting swelling of the cell and deterioration of cycle characteristics is provided. The method has the steps of: winding, with a winding core, a positive electrode board, a negative electrode board, and a separator provided between the positive and negative electrode boards, and fixing the winding end, thereby preparing an approximately cylindrical electrode body; after the step of preparing the electrode body, deforming the electrode body into a shape with an approximately oval cross section by pressing the approximately cylindrical electrode body from a direction perpendicular to the winding axis, and rotating the deformed electrode body in the winding direction, thereby relaxing the winding state; and after the relaxation steps, pressing the electrode body into the flat wound electrode body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of surface treatment, a method for forming circuit lines, a printed circuit board formed thereby, and an apparatus for forming circuit lines on a substrate, wherein fine circuit lines are formed simply, rapidly, and economically. The method for forming circuit lines of the present invention comprises: (a) selectively applying a surface treatment solution which includes an alkali metal compound on a base film in accordance with circuit patterns by a discharging method; (b) applying a conductive ink which includes metal nanoparticles in accordance with the surface-treated circuit pattern; and (c) curing the base film on which the conductive ink is applied under a reduction atmosphere lines.