Abstract: A folding elliptical exercise machine that allows for easy, safe, and quick storage and being capable, upon a single motion by a user, of changing its shape into a substantially compact form for storage, and vice versa, is provided. The elliptical exercise machine comprises a frame having a base support structure having a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is rotatably attached to the front portion such that the elliptical exercise machine is movable between an operating position and a storage position, and first and second reciprocating foot supports interconnected to the frame, each foot support having a first end and a second end with a collapsible joint therebetween, wherein each reciprocating foot support is collapsible such that the exercise machine can be moved between the operating position and the storage position in a single step by rotating the rear portion of the base support structure upward and toward the front portion of the base support structure.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to access a weld extending circumferentially around a core shroud of a nuclear reactor, wherein the core shroud is contained in a pressure vessel reactor, the assembly including: a baffle plate rail having a lower surface adapted to abut a baffle plate in a gap between the core shroud and the pressure vessel reactor; a telescoping rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the baffle plate rail, and a reciprocating rail slidably coupled to an upper region of the telescoping rail, wherein the reciprocating rail includes at least one of a weld conditioning tool, a weld inspection sensor and a weld repair device.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a front portion of a bottled water dispenser are provided. The methods include forming a top panel and a bottom panel from sheet metal, such that the top and bottom panels exhibit an exterior surface that is convex. The top and bottom panels are formed by bending a left and right side portion thereof inwards, in order to create the convex exterior surface of the top and bottom panels. The methods further include forming a middle panel from sheet metal, such that an exterior surface of the middle panel is concave. The middle panel is formed by applying a draw force to the center portion of the middle panel to create the concave exterior surface—and bending the left and right side portions of the middle panel inward. The bottom, middle, and top panels may then be connected to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

Abstract: A method of making blocks with internally disposed magnets. Pockets for the magnets are machined into a non-extrudable material such as wood. Strong permanent magnets are disposed in the pockets to cause the faces of the block to exhibit a desired polarity magnetic field. The pockets are then sealed to permanently retain the magnets. The exterior shape of the block may be formed either prior to or subsequent to machining and sealing of the pockets.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include fiber optic module housings used for fiber optic modules and methods for manufacture and assembly of same. The fiber optic module housings comprise at least one hinge to allow a component of the housing to be opened and closed to allow easy access to the fiber optic module housing and/or its internal chamber. The hinge may be a living hinge disposed within a single part to allow each side of the living hinge to be bent or folded. The hinge may be disposed on a panel configured to support one or more fiber optic components to allow the panel to be opened and closed about the module housing for access. The fiber optic module housing may also be entirely comprised of a single part employing the use of living hinges between foldable parts. In this manner, no sides or parts of the fiber optic module housing need be provided as separate parts.

Abstract: A method for fastening a band-shaped seal on a component for sealing a cable lead-through, having several holding elements, each having a fastening bracket and a holding bracket with a free end. First of all, the seal is laid around the cable, then the free end of each holding element is bent around and arranged on the edge of the seal that faces away from the surface of the structural element. Then each holding element is fixed on the structural element.

Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent to a support element is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric stent around a support element; heating the stent, wherein the heated stent is above ambient temperature; and allowing the heated stent to radially contract onto the support element, wherein the heated stent radially contracts at least partially due to heating the stent.

Abstract: There is provided a fixing method for fixing components together in which two components in the form of a first component and a second component are positioned such that they are mutually superimposed in predetermined relative positions, and are then fixed together, wherein the first component has at least two portions for engagement that are recessed in a contact surface thereof which is placed against the second component towards a surface thereof which is located on an opposite side from the contact surface, and the second component is formed from thermoplastic resin and has at least two protruding portions that protrude from positions that correspond to the portions for engagement of the first component on a surface of the second component which is located on the opposite side from a contact surface thereof which is placed against the first component, and wherein the fixing method for fixing components together includes: a first step in which the contact surfaces of both the first component and the second

Abstract: A method for tolerance compensation in an overlap joint between a first and a second body section of adjacent fuselage rings includes introducing a plurality of holes into a first body section corresponding to a pattern of rivets; arranging the first and second body section in an overlapping configuration so as to form an overlap; injecting a filler mass through the plurality of holes into a gap formed in the overlap; and hardening the filler mass.

Abstract: Techniques for designing and creating energy efficient cookware are provided. In accordance with the techniques cookware can include a cookware base having a cooking surface and heating surface. The heating surface can have a pattern of fins forming heat exchange channels. The channel fins can improve energy transfer while providing even distribution throughout the cooking surface. Methods of making the energy efficient cookware are provided. Methods of direct forming channel fins by impact bonding and forging are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of lubricating MEMS devices using fluorosurfactants 42. Micro-machined devices, such as a digital micro-mirror device (DMD™) 940, which make repeated contact between moving parts, require lubrication in order to prevent the onset of stiction (static friction) forces significant enough to cause the parts to stick irreversibly together, causing defects. These robust and non-corrosive fluorosurfactants 42, which consists of a hydrophilic chain 40 attached to a hydrophobic fluorocarbon tail 41, are applied by nebulization and replace the more complex lubricating systems, including highly reactive PFDA lubricants stored in polymer getters, to keep the parts from sticking. This lubrication process, which does not require the use of getters, is easily applied and has been shown to provide long-life, lower-cost, operable MEMS devices.

Abstract: An electronic module capable of easily determining connection reliability of an ACF connection portion is provided. Electrode wirings of a board serving as an electronic parts of a display panel are connected with ACF bonding wirings of an FPC through an ACF to make electrical connection between the FPC and the board. Two branch portions branched from each of the ACF bonding wirings extend to an edge of the FPC. Low resistance measurement of the connection portion can be performed using the electrode wiring of the board and the branch portions, so whether or not the ACF connection portion is faulty can be determined.

Abstract: A method for handling a stator bar at a braze station including lifting the stator bar from a platform, wherein the stator bar is in a substantially horizontal orientation on the platform; turning the stator bar from the horizontal orientation to an orientation at least 45 degrees off horizontal; aligning an upper end of the bar with a brazing station and positioning a lower end of the bar in a pit; turning the bar to reverse positions of the ends of the bar, and returning the stator bar to a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A method of installing multiple over-the-air antennas is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mounting a satellite antenna to a installation surface, such that the mounting allows the satellite antenna to be aimed at a satellite, attaching a broadband access antenna to one of the installation surface and a portion of the satellite antenna, such that the attaching allows the broadband access antenna to be aimed at a broadband access source, connecting first wiring from the broadband access antenna to a first downconverter and second wiring from the satellite antenna to a second downconverter, providing outputs of the first and second downconverters to a cable in communication with at least a satellite receiver and positioning, on at least a coarse scale, the satellite antenna and the broadband access antenna such that they are approximately pointed at the satellite and the broadband access source, respectively.

Abstract: A system is provided that increases the spindle stiffness of a disk drive while optimizing power consumption. A multipurpose bearing provides axial stiffness and enhanced stiffness against radial and pitch loads applied to the spindle. When used in combination with a journal bearing, conventional thrust bearings may be eliminated without sacrificing overall stiffness. As a result, the height of the disk drive may be reduced, thereby making the system desirable to be used in smaller electronic devices.

Abstract: A load beam blank and a flexure blank are applied to a manufacturing method for a magnetic head supporting suspension. The load beam blank includes a load beam to become a product and a frame portion to be separated from the load beam outside the product. A dimple is formed on the load beam of the load beam blank, and a positioning part on the frame portion. The flexure blank includes a flexure to become a product and a frame portion to be separated from the flexure outside the product. The frame portion of the flexure blank is formed with a fitting portion configured to be fitted to the positioning part. A tongue portion which contacts the dimple is formed in the flexure blank.

Abstract: The invention is an electrical wire conductor having a plurality of double looped coils comprising a smaller inner loop, within a larger outer loop. The said small and large loops are connected in series alternately in a circular pattern upon a planar surface and are positioned about a central coordinate axis forming an electrical coil inductive winding. The said planar surface of the said inductive winding may be altered to form the same said inductive winding on a conical surface which displaces the interceding magnetic field of the said small loops to one side of the winding major coordinate axis forming a vectored propelling force as well as providing an aligning orientation of the major axis of free radicals and other charged ions and particles along the Polar Ordinate Chamber common axis. The invention is used for the chemical synthesis and production of acetylene and cyanamide from nitrogen and carbon dioxide streams scrubbed from coal fired furnace smoke stack flue gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for forming one or more thin film layers on a substrate, to form a multilayer product such as a lithium battery cell. The method involves passing a gas stream comprising at least one doping agent and at least one entrained source material through a plasma; impinging the gas stream on a substrate; and reactively depositing the at least one doping agent, and the at least one entrained source material on the substrate. The present invention provides a method of fabricating a power cell having a plurality of layers, and a method of fabricating a battery by electrically connecting a current collecting layer of a first power cell to a current collecting layer of a second power cell.

Abstract: An insertion arrangement (20) is provided to make it easier for an operator to insert several needles (41, 44) clamped in a multiple clamping chuck (40), even in the case of certain positional deviations, simultaneously in the associate bores (11) of a needle board (10). The insertion arrangement (20) comprises a guide section (32) with many parallel grooves (51) that are arranged at the distance of the bores (11), and that, respectively, can accommodate the tip (45) of a needle (41, 44) and can guide said tip to the associate bore (11). In so doing, the grooves (51) help align the individual needles (41, 44) with respect to the bores (11) in that the grooves correct potential positional deviations by slightly bending the needles (41, 44). The insertion arrangement (20) is mounted to an automatic loading machine (1) and can be adjusted and locked relative to a needle board (10) accommodated in the automatic loading machine.

Abstract: When a component (X) is fed to a pickup position (53) but no suction action is carried out due to a variety of reasons, a reverse feeding action is carried out to return the component (X), which has been fed to the pickup position (53), to a position upstream of the pickup position (53) in the tape feeding direction. The same component (X) is thus not wasted but is resupplied to the pickup position (53) in the following pickup action, whereby the amount of waste of components is reduced.

Abstract: A paste supply unit that is located in a side opposed to an electronic parts supply table 6 with a mounting table 8 sandwiched between them to supply a paste to a board 24 includes a transfer head 5 that transfers the paste to the board 24 and an dispense head 4 that draws an image by discharging the paste to the board 24, and either the transfer head 5 or the dispense head 4 is selected to supply the paste depending on the kind of an electronic parts.

Abstract: An electronic camera module incorporates a sensor unit (20) having a semiconductor chip (22) such as a CCD imager and a cover (34) overlying the front surface of the chip. An optical unit (50) includes one or more optical elements such as lenses (58). The optical unit has engagement features (64) which abut alignment features on the sensor unit as, for example, portions (44) of the cover outer surface (38), so as to maintain a precise relationship between the optical unit and sensor unit.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a wiring circuit board includes the steps of: forming a board on a surface of a metal layer directly or indirectly through an etching barrier layer; forming an insulating film on the surface of the metal layer; polishing the insulating film to an extent to which a top face of the bump is exposed; and forming a solder ball on the top face of the bump.

Abstract: A dielectric structure including a metal foil, a dielectric layer and a conductor layer provided in this order, wherein the metal foil has a thickness of from 10 to 40 ?m, the dielectric layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 5 ?m, and the conductor layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 10 ?m. The dielectric structure has plural vias which are separated from each other, and which penetrate through both of the dielectric layer and the conductor layer. The vias of the dielectric layer have different diameters which are in a range of from 100 to 300 ?m, a diameter of each of the vias of the conductor layer is larger than a diameter of a corresponding via of the dielectric layer by 5 to 50 ?m, and a minimum via pitch is from 100 to 350 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) having embedded components. The method includes: forming a cavity in one side of a dielectric substrate; inserting a first component in the cavity such that an electrode thereof faces the one side of the dielectric substrate; mounting a second component on one side of the first component such that an electrode thereof faces the same direction as the electrode of the first component; forming a first dielectric layer on one side of the dielectric substrate such that the first dielectric layer covers the second component; and forming a second dielectric layer on the other side of the dielectric substrate such that the second dielectric layer covers the first component.

Abstract: A method of producing an electronic device includes a molding of a first casing to seal a first face of a circuit board and electronic parts mounted on the first face. The producing method further includes a mounting of electronic parts on a second face of the circuit board opposite from the first face, after the molding of the first casing is finished. The producing method further includes a molding of a second casing to seal the second face of the circuit board and the electronic parts mounted on the second face. The molding of the second casing integrates the first casing and the second casing with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to input devices with curved multi-touch surfaces. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a method of making a multi-touch input device having a curved touch-sensitive surface comprises forming on a substrate an array of sensor elements defining a plurality of pixels of the multi-touch sensor, forming the substrate into a shape that conforms to a surface of the curved geometric feature of the body of the input device, and fixing the substrate to the curved geometric feature of the body of the input device.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an inspection apparatus for inspecting an electronic device, a sacrificial substrate is formed into a substrate pattern including a through-hole. A principal substrate including an internal wiring penetrating from a first surface to a second surface thereof is combined with the substrate pattern in such a configuration that the through-hole is positioned over the internal wiring, thereby forming a combined structure. A filling structure is formed in the through-hole of the substrate pattern, and the filling structure is electrically connected to the internal wiring of the principal substrate. The substrate pattern is removed from the combined structure, and thus the filling structure is formed into a probe structure on the principal substrate. The probe structure may be connected to the principal substrate without any adhesives such as a solder, to thereby prevent electrical resistance increase and excessive thermal stress.

Abstract: A crimping system, a control circuit for a crimping machine, and a method to be applied in them, in which: a work piece (15) is subjected to a first force effect by an actuator (5) that is controlled by the pressure of pressurized medium, wherein said force effect is proportional to said pressure and causes a desired deformation in the work piece (15); a follow-up measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional either to the dimension of the work piece (15) or said pressure; the work piece (15) is subjected to a second force effect but by applying a reduced pressure which is lower than the pressure that contributes to said deformation; and a verifying measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional to the dimension of the work piece (15), when said reduced pressure controls said actuator (5) and the work piece (15) is still in the crimping machine (1).

Abstract: An electric wire shaping apparatus is provided for shaping an electric wire for a stator coil of an electric rotating machine. The electric wire includes a plurality of straight portions and a plurality of turn portions. Each of the turn portions includes a specific part and all of the specific parts of the turn portions are identical to each other. The apparatus includes a clamping mechanism, first and second holders, and a shaping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps the specific part of one of the turn portions of the electric wire in a width-wise direction thereof. The first and second holders respectively hold two different sections of the specific part in a thickness-wise direction thereof. The shaping mechanism moves one of the first and second holders relative to the other in the thickness-wise direction of the specific part, thereby shaping the specific part to form a crank-shaped portion therein.

Abstract: A gasket assembly for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head gasket and an exhaust manifold gasket. The cylinder head gasket and the exhaust manifold gasket have a common layer of gasket material. The gasket assembly is formed by stamping a cylinder head gasket portion for the engine in one region of a common layer of gasket material concurrently with stamping an exhaust gasket portion for the engine in an adjacent region of the common layer of material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing and/or preventatively maintaining a jet pump restrainer assembly used in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR), the repair including attaching a bearing plate or plates to a horizontal surface of a jet pump restrainer assembly bracket, the bearing plate or plates acting to supplement and/or replace an existing contact surface between a mixer wedge and the jet pump restrainer assembly bracket of a jet pump restrainer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a closed impeller that has a simple configuration and enables fusion in a very accurate position. The method includes: forming a frustum-shaped front plate and a disk-shaped base plate formed therebelow, upper surfaces of a plurality of unit impeller blade plates made from a synthetic resin extending in radial directions which are formed as impeller blade tip surfaces, with sharp-pointed ridge-like protrusions having an acute upper end and a width less than a width of the impeller blade tip surface being integrally formed on the impeller blade tip surfaces. In the method, an inner surface of the front plate and the plurality of impeller blade tip surfaces are formed as parts of conical surfaces and formed so that the cone apex angles of the two conical surfaces are equal to each other.

Abstract: A fan attachment is provided to attach a fan assembly to a cap of a heat exchanger. The fan attachment includes a feature to manage wires going to the fan motor, a notch for a thermister to sense temperature, snap hooks to be engaged by receiving tabs of the cap, a keying shear load feature to radially align the fan attachment and cap, and Z-height tolerance springs to bias the fan attachment away from the cap. The cap has features to interact with those of the fan attachment, including receiving tabs. The fan attachment may be manually aligned and forced so that the snap hooks are received and engaged by the receiving tabs. Additionally, the snap hooks and keying feature are, in combination, capable of supporting fan and attach mechanism in an undamaged condition during 25 g-force shock to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Techniques for designing and creating energy efficient cookware are provided. In accordance with the techniques cookware can include a cookware base having a cooking surface and heating surface. The heating surface can have a pattern of fins forming heat exchange channels. The fins can effectively increase surface area and the channels can guide thermal energy to the perimeter of the cookware base while the fins absorb the thermal energy. The channel fins can improve energy transfer while providing even distribution throughout the cooking surface. The use of fins can also improve the mechanical strength to the cookware. Methods of making the energy efficient cookware are provided. A piece of cookware with a thick base can be provided by casting and by bonding a metal plate to the cookware body. Within the base, heat exchange channels are created by manufacturing processes such as casting or cutting to improve heat transfer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a gear having a plurality of gear teeth includes the steps of: determining a desired finished gear characteristic, determining a reference feature on the gear to establish an origin on the gear, determining an unfinished dimension of a surface of at least one of the plurality of gear teeth relative to the origin, estimating a desired stock removal that will achieve the desired finished gear characteristic, finishing the gear using a finishing tool, determining a finished dimension of the surface of the at least one of the plurality of gear teeth relative to the origin, determining actual stock removal by comparing the unfinished dimension with the finished dimension, and comparing the actual stock removal with the desired stock removal.

Abstract: An impact beam assembly includes a beam of high-strength steel, and a pair of end brackets constructed of a dissimilar material than the high-strength steel. The brackets are locally deformed onto the beam to thereby surround a portion of the beam. Once deformed, the brackets define a flat section suitable for welding to a vehicle door panel, as well as a section for retaining the beam. The beam can include a surface feature suitable for retaining the beam to the end brackets. A method of reinforcing a vehicle door assembly includes positioning the beam with respect to the end brackets such that the brackets surround a portion of the beam, and then activating a magnetic pulse coil (MPC) to deform an overlapping portion of the brackets onto the beam. The brackets are then attached to a surface of the door assembly to reinforce the door assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an electric shaver having a body and a shaving head generally includes a cradle configured to receive the shaving head of the shaver, and a reservoir positioned beneath the cradle and configured to retain cleaning fluid therein. The cleaning system also includes a drive assembly operable to move the reservoir between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the reservoir is positioned relative to the cradle such that at least a portion of the shaving head is submerged in cleaning fluid within the reservoir. In the lowered position, the reservoir is positioned relative to the cradle such that no portion of the shaving head is submerged in cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A hair cutting device has a motorized suction assembly and a motorized clipper assembly, with a hair-receiving chamber for containing hair clippings and a filter positioned between the motorized suction assembly and the motorized clipper assembly. Spacers of varying lengths to control the length and style of hair cut may also be provided.

Abstract: A pocketknife puzzle or kit is provided having a blade and spring, sandwiched between two handle sections and held in place by three pins. The pins are held in place by friction, resulting from the tension of the spring against the pivoting end of the blade. The pocketknife may be assembled and disassembled without tools.

Abstract: A folding knife having a handle, a blade pivotably coupled to the handle, and a liner includes a liner lock and a first pivot point that is a post, pin, rod, or other structure having a shape adapted to be slidably received in the second arcuate opening of the blade. The liner further includes a first arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle adapted for slidably receiving the second pivot point of the blade. A tang of the blade includes the second pivot point, and the second arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. An extended tang portion, or flipper, extends downward from the tang. The handle also includes an opposing liner arranged alongside the liner in the handle with the blade positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A scissors, useful particularly to hairdressers, comprising a finger grip handle (42) and a thumb grip handle (12) with a flexible and detachable thumb ring connection. A thumb ring (14) is flexibly coupled to thumb grip handle (12) such that universal articulated movement of thumb ring (14) is enabled to facilitate an improved range of natural thumb movement and an improved variable positioning of the scissors in the user's hand. Thumb ring (14) may alternatively be coupled to thumb grip handle (12) with a secure and stable connection to facilitate optimum control and accurate guidance of the scissors. A user may easily detach and reattach thumb ring (14) in either a flexible coupled position (28) or a secure coupled position (38) while actively cutting hair and without resort to use of tools or special manipulations.

Abstract: A tile rebate cutting apparatus has a guide member, which may be formed by a spirit level, forming a linear guide for a rebate cutting tool, the rebate cutting tool incorporating at least one cutting device, the rebate cutting tool being adapted to engage with said guide member to move along a predetermined line determined by the position of the guide member to enable a cut for a rebate to be made in a ceiling tile.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device, a fitting bra for making measurements for a customized bra. In addition, the method may include first selecting an underwire size, measuring an across cup dimension to provide an across cup measurement, measuring a center distance to provide a center distance measurement, and measuring a back dimension to provide a back measurement. The method may also include selecting a fitting bra based on the selected underwire size. Further a system is contemplated for providing a customized bra.

Abstract: A digital protractor for measuring angular displacement from a referenced surface includes a substantially congruent pair of pivotally interconnected upper and lower arms, which arms are superposable upon one another. Each arm has a pair of substantially parallel engagement edges extending longitudinally of the arm. One of the arms is engagable along an engagement edge thereof with the reference surface. A capacitive sensor is secured to the lower arm and a digital readout device is secured to the upper arm for operatively cooperating with the capacitive sensor to measure and display the angular displacement from the arm engaging the reference surface to the other arm.

Abstract: A transient clearance measurement apparatus for determining a minimum clearance between stationary and rotating components includes: at least one rub pin secured to the stationary component and projecting toward a surface of the rotating component. The at least one rub pin has one or more embedded wires completing an electrical circuit, such that, in use, when the at least one rub pin is rubbed by the surface of the rotating component, the electrical circuit is broken.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units, and a retaining unit. The standard units are slidably mounted to the slide rail to abut against a first side of the object to cooperatively define a position reference plane for the object. The retaining unit includes a fixing block fixed to the high standard unit, a slide bar slidably mounted to the fixing block, a holding arm fixed to the slide bar to abut against a second side opposite to the first side of the object, and a spring to bias the slide bar to ensure that the holding arm abuts against the second side of the object.

Abstract: A linear scale that is used for displacement measurement is provided. The linear scale includes a scale board, a graduation unit, and an attachment unit. The scale board is made of low expansion ceramics. The graduation unit is fixed to an upper surface of the scale board. The graduation unit is read at the time of measurement. The attachment unit is a unit for attaching the scale board to a base member.