Abstract: A wireless communication device, such as an RFID tag, is provided material that is dielectric, unless a voltage is applied that exceeds the materials characteristic voltage level. In the presence of such voltage, the material becomes conductive. The integration of such material into the device may be mechanical and/or electrical.

Abstract: A laminate cell comprises a power generating element formed by sequentially stacking positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates while interposing separators therebetween; a positive tab connected to the positive electrode plates through a plurality of positive leads; a negative tab connected to the negative electrode plates through a plurality of negative leads; and a cell package formed of a metal composite film, the cell package hermetically sealing the power generating element and an electrolyte. According to the laminate cell, the heat capacity of a portion of the positive tab, onto which a plurality of the positive leads are joined, and the heat capacity of a portion of the negative tab, onto which a plurality of the negative leads are joined, are made larger than that of other portions of the positive tab and the negative tab.

Abstract: In a state where the expanded protruding portion of the heat-exchanging tube, which has been expanded inside a grip portion of a chucking sleeve whose diameter has been reduced by a clamp bushing, is gripped by the grip portion, a tube expanding billet is inserted into a yet-unexpanded part of the heat-exchanging tube to cause tube expansion. When doing so, a guide portion, which is formed on a flare punch and has the same diameter as the maximum outer diameter of the tube expanding billet, is inserted inside the expanded protruding portion of the heat-exchanging tube gripped by the grip portion.

Abstract: A head assembly for a chip mounter is provided. The head assembly includes a nozzle module disposed above a printed circuit board (PCB) and configured to pick up and move an electronic component to mount the electronic component on the PCB, and a component recognition module electrically connected to the nozzle module and configured to recognize presence of the electronic component, a distance between the PCB and the nozzle module, and alignment of the electronic component at least one given moving position of the electronic component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite tape used for producing printed circuit board is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a mold-releasing layer on a first surface of a paper substrate layer; providing a composite adhesive layer on a second surface of the paper substrate layer, the composite adhesive layer being formed by polyurethane adhesive, polyester adhesive, or a mixture thereof; providing a plastic layer on a second surface of the composite adhesive layer; and providing an adhering layer on a second surface of the plastic layer. The composite tape according to the invention can not only bear high temperature up to 280° C. for a predetermined time, but also the tape does not detach or warp.

Abstract: A microcoil is manufactured by rolling a trace unit in such a way as to form at least one winding. The trace unit is comprised of a conductive trace attached to a flexible insulating film. A preferred embodiment of the microcoil contains both a first winding and a second winding electrically connected and spaced apart by a joining portion. The microcoil may be used for internal magnetic resonance imaging of patient by attaching the microcoil to a catheter.

Abstract: A producing method of a wired circuit board includes the steps of preparing the wired circuit board, placing the wired circuit board on a support table, and applying light from above the wired circuit board toward the wired circuit board, and sensing pattern reflected light, table reflected light and foreign-matter reflected light to inspect the conductive pattern and the foreign matter based on a contrast therebetween. In the step of inspecting the conductive pattern and the foreign matter, a reflectance of the table reflected light is in a range of 25 to 55%, and a reflectance of the foreign-matter reflected light is in a range of not more than 10%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting at least two printed circuit board modules to form a printed circuit board panel by means of a virtual panel. The method for connecting printed circuit board modules uses positioning tags and counterparts thereof, which align the printed circuit board modules to a target location on the printed circuit board panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit connecting method that can satisfactorily reduce connection resistance between circuit electrodes electrically connected via an anisotropic conductive film for circuit connection. The circuit connecting method comprises a step of preparing a circuit member 12 having circuit electrodes 12b formed on a glass substrate 12a, a step of preparing a flexible wiring board 14 having circuit electrodes 14b formed on a base 14a and provided with a solder resist 18 at the sections of the circuit electrodes 14b other than the sections that are connected to the circuit electrodes 12b, and a step of bonding the circuit member 12 to the flexible wiring board 14 via an anisotropic conductive film for circuit connection 16 so that part of the anisotropic conductive film for circuit connection 16 overlaps with part of the solder resist 18.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus 1 includes a substrate conveyance mechanism 14 for conveying substrates 13 and 13a; a first drawing head 4 for supplying the substrate 13 with paste at a mounting position; a second drawing head 5 for supplying the paste to the substrate 13a at a pre-paste supply position closer to a conveyance starting side rather than to the mounting position; and a bonding head 3 that mounts, at the mounting position, electronic components on the substrate 13a supplied with the paste at the pre-paste supply position.

Abstract: A method of improving hot water supply performance of a water heater is provided. The method includes coupling an outlet port of a water tempering device to the cold water inlet port of a water heater for delivering cold water from the cold water supply line into the water storage tank. The inlet port of the tempering device is coupled to the hot water outlet port of the water heater for receiving hot water from the water storage tank to the hot water supply line. A conduit of the tempering device is positioned between the inlet and outlet ports of the tempering device for diverting a portion of the cold water delivered from the cold water supply line into the conduit. The tempering device mixes the diverted cold water with the hot water received from the water storage tank, and delivers the mixed water into the hot water supply line.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a rotatable flapper valve to an interior of a conduit features the ability to couple the valve plate to its axle outside of the conduit in an independent operation. The conduit is split into first and second sections each having a flared end and a pair of indentations for receipt of the valve axle. While separated, the valve axle is placed in a pair of indentations in one of the conduit sections and then the second conduit section is moved into abutting engagement such that its indentations also partially surround the axle. The first and second conduit sections are then joined by welding.

Abstract: There is provided a culinary utensil comprising a blade provided with a cutting edge on at least one side thereof, said cutting edge is formed of at least one set of taller teeth and one set of shorter teeth, wherein at least two adjacent taller teeth are separated by three to eight shorter teeth on the cutting edge.

Abstract: A metallic food serving device with a magnetically detachable stabilizing leg comprising of a metallic food serving body having a blade member, a raised angular member and a handle member, and a magnetically detachable stabilizing leg removably attached to the handle member, whereby the magnetically detachable stabilizing leg is coplanar to the blade member. By magnetically attaching the magnetically detachable stabilizing leg to the metallic food serving body, the device is stabilized and can stand upright with or without the presence of a food product on the device. Moreover, if a user chooses to clean the device or use the device as food serving device only, the magnetically detachable stabilizing leg may be removed from the food serving body and then replaced as desired.

Abstract: A folding utility knife with a blade lock and release mechanism is provided, and the knife comprises: a handle pivotally connected to a blade holding compartment, the handle comprising at least two side walls forming a space, the space of the handle is designed to encase at least a portion of the blade holding compartment during a folded position, the blade holding compartment comprising at least one side wall having at least two internal cavities, the first cavity for holding a blade with at least two indentations, at least a portion of the blade holding compartment designed to be situated within the space of the handle during a folded position, the blade holding compartment comprises a front end, a rear end and a faceplate for covering the internal cavities, the front end of the blade compartment holder and at least a portion of the faceplate forming an opening at the front end of the blade holding compartment which allows a portion of the blade to protrude from the blade holding compartment; and a blade lo

Abstract: Each of handles of a pair of scissors includes a hard core member and a soft member softer than the core member and including a contact face portion with which a finger of a user comes in contact, a bottomed recessed hole portion adjacent to the contact face portion and thinner than portions around it, and a through hole portion continuous with the bottomed recessed hole portion. When the user inserts and removes his/her fingers into and from finger rings, the contact face portions escape while compressing the through hole portions and the contact face portions tilt by using the bottomed recessed hole portions as fulcrums. Moreover, the bottomed recessed hole portions and the through hole portions continuous with each other are molded, which allows an elastic deformation property and a shape retaining property of the contact face portions to go together and also contributes to durability of the soft members including the contact face portions.

Abstract: In a pair of scissors including a movable blade and a static blade as a pair of plate-shaped blades respectively formed by press working, the movable blade and the static blade include edge line portions for sliding against the other blades and recessed portions which are formed at portions adjacent to the edge line portions with differences in level from the edge line portions, which are away from blade back faces of the other blades in a thickness direction, and which have bottom faces substantially parallel to blade back faces of the edge line portions.

Abstract: A food mincer assembly comprises a handle assembly, a retractable blade cover, and a plurality of blades. The handle assembly has a first side and a second side. The first side has a first through hole and the second side has a second through hole. The retractable blade cover has a cover portion, a lock, and a connecting arm. The connecting arm attaches the blade cover to the handle assembly. The lock secures the blade cover in a first position or a second position. The plurality of blades attach to the handle assembly. The first position of the retractable blade cover covers the plurality of blades. The second position of the retractable blade cover exposes the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A knife includes a knife blade defining a knife plane having a cutting edge on one side and a spine an opposed side, wherein the cutting edge and the spine meet at a point of the knife blade at a distal end thereof, the knife blade including a bolster at an end of the knife blade opposed from the point and a tang adjacent the bolster, and a handle attached to the tang of the knife blade, the handle includes a body portion, the handle includes a spine support extending along a portion of the spine of the knife blade and coupled to the knife blade at a position spaced from the point, and wherein the spine support is spaced from the spine for at least a portion of the spine. A resilient buffer member may be provided between the knife blade and the handle.

Abstract: A tool includes an elongated handle with an end recess and a side notch for latching, and a plurality of different replaceable heads. Each replaceable head includes an elongated rectangular section shaped to fit stably into the recess for providing torsional and lateral support, an operative end, and a latch releasably engaging the side notch to retain the head in the recess. The different heads can include different operative ends with structure for providing different operative functions, such as a head with oppositely-positioned partially-shielded blade tips and/or with different blade throat sizes, a head with pizza-cutting wheel, a head with hammer or wrench feature, and the like.

Abstract: A razor including a shaving cartridge having a pivotal frame with a lower surface and an upper skin contacting surface having a guard and a cap. A blade unit is moveably secured to the pivotal frame. The blade unit carries one or more blades and has a camming surface. An interconnect member having a pivotal support structure pivotally supports the pivotal frame for pivoting about a pivot axis. A handle is secured to the interconnect member. A biasing member has a cam follower surface that extends from the interconnect member to act on the camming surface to bias the blade unit. The blade unit moves within the pivotal frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position the blade unit is nearest the lower surface of the pivotal frame and in the second position the blade unit is nearest the upper surface of the pivotal frame.

Abstract: A way to safely fry turkeys by minimizing the hazard of overfilling oil, the Turkey Frying Oil Gauge (TFOG) comprises a device and method to properly pre-measure the frying oil used to fry whole turkeys. The Turkey Frying Oil Gauge is duel scale selectable for pot diameter and turkey weight. The turkey frying pot rim is measured and the size is selected on the gauge bottom. The mast is then slid out to view the weight of the turkey to be fried. The gauge is then placed in the bottom of the pot and frying oil is placed in the pot to the top of the gauge. The oil gauge is removed, the oil heated and the turkey introduced without overflowing the oil onto the heating flames.

Abstract: An installation for dehydrating products, the installation having an enclosure, a member for sucking out the air contained in the enclosure, and a container for products that is received inside the enclosure and that is provided with a top opening having an air- and water-permeable bottom of a cassette extending in register therewith. The cassette contains moisture-adsorption means. A sealing gasket extends between a perimeter of the bottom of the cassette and an edge of the container, defining the opening.

Abstract: A hair dryer has a cylindrical body with an open forward end. A turbine-like fan, a motor and a heater within the housing are powered by a power source in the housing. Several attachments may be replaceably substituted on the housing to achieve different functions, including: a retractable bristle brush through which air can flow from the cylindrical body; a comb having a hollow spine with a plurality of hollow teeth projecting from one side thereof and through which air can flow from the body; and a flexible nozzle that is bendable to direct air from the cylindrical housing in a desired direction. The nozzle has an outer end constructed to form a plurality of axially projecting fingers that can be used to separate hair as it is being dried with the dryer.

Abstract: A plastic liquor container for a washing machine, the plastic liquor container including a laundry drum with a shaft journal and a rear wall that is made of at least two plastic components of different strengths. The rear wall has reinforced regions and a bearing receptacle for the shaft journal of the laundry drum, and the bearing receptacle is made of a high-strength material. The rear wall is manufactured as a single piece by injecting the at least two plastic components into an injection molding mold with a time offset. The reinforced regions of the rear wall are structured as a sandwich component having an inner edge layer and an outer edge layer. The inner edge layer and the outer edge layer of the sandwich component are made of high-strength plastic and enclose a region made of plastic that is less strong than the high-strength plastic.

Abstract: A household appliance including a housing; a drying chamber to dry wet articles in the drying chamber; and a first air conduit to guide process air drawn into the housing to dry the wet articles. The household appliance also has a heat pump that includes a heat sink to transfer heat into the heat pump; a heat source coupled to the first air conduit to transfer the heat from the heat pump into the process air; and a heat transfer device to transfer the heat from the heat sink to the heat source. A second air conduit is coupled to the heat sink to guide secondary air drawn into the housing. The heat sink transfers the heat from the secondary air into the heat pump.

Abstract: A laundry drying device having a washing drum; a moisture determining device to determine a moisture content of process air evacuated from the washing drum, wherein the moisture determining device has at least one temperature sensor; and a cooling body to cool the process air, wherein the cooling body has an inlet side, an outlet side, and an inlet for a medium that flows through the cooling body or that is located in the cooling body. A first temperature sensor is arranged behind the inlet of the cooling body; a second temperature sensor is arranged at the outlet side of the cooling body to measure an outlet temperature of the medium; and a third temperature sensor is arranged at the inlet side of the cooling body to measure an inlet temperature of the medium. The medium is the process air or a coolant.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sole for shoes enabling exchange of a shock-absorbing member, in which a shock-absorbing member can be exchanged with one suited to each situation whenever necessary depending on the state of a wearer's feet, the condition of a road surface, the walking motion, or the like even in a state where a shoe has been manufactured and is worn by the wearer, thereby further improving convenience in use. Since the shoe sole 100 includes the hollow space portion formed laterally at the inside thereof, any one selected from the group consisting of the air bag, the cushion member and the spring can be exchangeably employed as the shock-absorbing member so to be suited to each situation whenever necessary depending on the state of a wearer's feet, the condition of a road surface, the walking motion, or the like, thereby further improving convenience in use.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for a rockered foot bed of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or a rockered foot bed of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the concave portion of the rockered foot bed to form a substantially flat or level surface for the bottom of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the mid-foot), thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: A forefoot wedge insert, and methods for forming same, are described for a piece of footwear, such as but not limited to ice skating boots, or a shoe, such as but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, for correcting a pronation and/or supination condition wherein the insert permits the subtalar joint of the affected foot to be placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. In this manner, the insert can provide the corrected foot with adequate balance relative to the skate blade during typical ice skating maneuvers. Also described is a skating boot, or shoe, having an adjustable toe cap portion that is selectively operable to be raised up to accommodate the uplifted forefoot portion of the wearer when the forefoot wedge insert is being used.

Abstract: A molded insert, and methods for forming same, for an arch cavity of a boot, such as, but not limited to ice skating boots, or an arch cavity of a shoe, such as, but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, is described. The molded insert can be formed of any moldable material that is substantially firm, yet comfortable, when cured or dried. The moldable material can be used to fill in the arch cavity to form a substantially firm, yet comfortable, surface to support the arch of the wearer's foot, especially in the area corresponding from the beginning of the heel portion of the foot to the beginning of the ball of the foot (e.g., the mid-foot) and includes a vertically extending side portion along the side of the foot's arch, thus providing adequate support for the foot's arch during typical ice skating maneuvers.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing a shoe sole profile shape for an individual who has a prescribed ankle angular motion for at least a partial heel-to-toe foot motion of the individual. A shoe sole geometry is determined that provides a substantially invariant roll-over shape for level ground walking that accommodates the prescribed ankle angular motion of the individual. The shoe sole geometry then is imparted to a shoe sole by machining, molding or other shaping operation.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole; the midsole being comprised of at least a shank and a lower layer; the bottom surface of the shank having at least one longitudinal concavity and at least one longitudinal convexity, the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region and the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a portion of the middle region. Collectively, these elements contribute to making the shoe appropriate for both walking and higher impact activities such as running, and simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of use on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: A coated leather, in particular split cowhide leather, has a preferably nubuck-like appearing surface structure. The coating is formed with a surface layer formed with a mechanically and moisture-stable polymer and bonded to the surface of the leather or split leather by a polymer-based bonding layer. The outer layer is notable for inner smoothness and is formed with soft polyurethane. It includes in the non-embossed region microdepressions which are essentially closed in the direction of the leather but are open towards the outside, have an internal width of less than 130 ?m and are arranged close-packed to each other in the manner of soapy foam cells. The microdepressions are each separately bounded by thin mutually crosslinked stays which have on the outside a matt or finely fibrous fine-roughness structure surface, and have an essentially semispherical-shaped concave inner surface which faces outward and is smooth.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: The present device generally relates to a toe nail polish guard and more particularly, the device relates to a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user after receiving a pedicure. The device acts as a removable portion of an article of footwear which attaches to the front of the footwear. A series of toe dividers separates the toes and protects them from contacting each other. The device is secured to the footwear by a securing mechanism.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the footwear industry and more specifically it concerns a semi-finished monoblock for cold weather footwear. The monoblock is made with two or more materials and directly moulded to an internal insulating insole and subsequently glued or moulded to an external sole. The external sole is chosen according to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the user. The present invention produces a cold weather shoe with functional and aesthetic characteristics that are better than those currently available on the market and with the possibility for them to be moulded also with the accessories required by the relevant legislation covering the specific use designated for the particular cold weather shoe.

Abstract: A shoe outsole and method of manufacture wherein the outsole is formed using recycled rubber granules generated during the shoe manufacturing process, the recycled rubber granules being used as a filler material and being mixed with various thermoplastic materials or vulcanized rubber to form the shoe outsole. The recycled rubber granules are mixed with the thermoplastic material or vulcanized rubber to form a filled elastomer which includes at least 50% by weight of a virgin thermoplastic material and no more than about 30% by weight of the recycled rubber granules.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for introducing moisture to a clothes drying environment includes a core and a cover substantially surrounding the core. The core is comprised of a sponge-like material for retaining a moistening substance within the core, and the cover has at least one opening extending through to the core for permitting the release of moisture to the clothes drying environment.

Abstract: A card for presenting visual information while being waved. The card is flexible and has a sensor detecting or quantifying the bending of the card. The card has, preferably at an edge thereof, light emitters for presenting the information. A controller determines the position of the edge and forwards information so that a user watching the edge sees an emulated 2D information provider.

Abstract: A greeting card includes a body portion that defines an interior cavity. A sentiment panel is slidably received in the cavity via an opening in the body portion. The sentiment panel is movable from a concealed position, where a portion thereof is received in the interior cavity and obstructed from view by the body portion, to an extended position, where the portion is outside the body and is visible. Electrical components may be positioned inside the interior cavity and activated upon movement of the panel from the concealed position to the extended position.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is providing autonomous timing labels for indicating the aging and expiration of a time period of products through gradual changing of their color. The color change can be coded to run, for example, from blue for newly produced products to red with product aging thus allowing easy monitoring, quick identification, and visual warning when the elapsed time approaches and reaches the recommended or safe use time. Said labels comprise thin films of photonic bandgap materials such as cholesteric liquid crystals containing photoisomerizable molecules that are transformed into the state of isomers possessing with finite lifetime with the aid of exposure of the material to UV light. The change of the reflection wavelength of the photonic bandgap material takes place according to changing concentration of said isomers as a result of spontaneous relaxation to their equilibrium state. Said labels can be reused by UV light exposure.

Abstract: The present invention is a retractable display hoard having first and second elongated frame elements each having opposite ends for supporting the flexible display surface. The display surface of the board consists of an elongated flexible sheet having a width. Opposite first and second ends. The first and second frame elements each having a length sufficient to span the width of the sheet and the first end of the sheet is attached to the first frame. The board includes an elongated roller at inched to the second frame element and extending along the length of the second frame element. The second end of the flexible sheet being attached to the roller and the roller being dimensioned and configured to permit the second sheet to be furled onto the roller.

Abstract: A transparent signboard and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The transparent signboard includes: a transparent substrate; an electrode layer made of polymer or carbon nanotube and comprising a plurality of conducting parts separated from each other with respect to a predetermined pattern region interposed therebetween, and a non-conducting part formed on the predetermined pattern region and integrally formed with the conducting parts; and a light-emitting device configured to connect the separated conducting parts to each other.

Abstract: A forehead adhesive display has a flexible display sheet with an ink printed display on the top surface and a reusable adhesive on the bottom surface for removably attaching the flexible display sheet to the forehead of the wearer. The display can also be a light display with a plurality of light emitting diodes or a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An outdoor display sign has a display enclosure. The display enclosure has a number shades that reduce the solar loading on the display enclosure. The outdoor display sign has shades covering the top, back, sides and parts of the front of the sign. The shades are offset from the display enclosure to allow natural airflow between the shade and the display enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for use in supporting a road sign or the like. A longitudinal tubular support member has a uniform cross-section that includes a plurality of circular or part-circular port sections for receiving an end anchorage. Enclosing wall sections extend between the port sections and are shaped to include a concave form so as to promote inward collapsing of the support member in the event of an impact to the support structure.