Abstract: Various embodiments of a mop include a user-manipulatable control operable by a user to generate attachment of a mop pad to a mop head and/or release of the mop pad from the mop head. The user-manipulatable control can be located on a handle of the mop in some embodiments, and on the mop head in other embodiments. Also, an actuator coupled to the user-manipulatable control can be used to move one or more grips, magnet-carrying elements, slides, wings, or clamping members to releasably secure the mop pad to the mop head, or to selectively magnetize one or more magnets for release and/or attachment of the mop pad.

Abstract: An improved structure for a dust-collecting fabric, which is fluffy and tough, is made by overlapping plural layers of continuous filaments longitudinally and obliquely in a staggered manner. The dust-collecting fabric is not subjected to a hot pressing process, and portions of the continuous filaments are connected to each other by resin to make the whole structure fluffier. The continuous filaments are made from polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers to increase their electrostatic attractive forces. With this arrangement, the strength of the entire structure is increased and the dust-collecting capacity is improved. Furthermore, both surfaces of the duct-collecting fabric can be used.

Abstract: A wiper system having an electric motor operatively associated with a primary pivot shaft assembly. Also included is a secondary pivot shaft assembly. A first windshield wiper is coupled to the primary pivot shaft assembly, and a second windshield wiper is coupled to the secondary pivot shaft assembly. The system includes a cable assembly having at least one cable operatively associated with the primary pivot shaft assembly and the secondary pivot shaft assembly, wherein the electric motor is capable of rotating the primary pivot shaft assembly and the first windshield wiper, wherein rotation of the primary pivot shaft assembly generates tension in the at least one cable, and wherein the at least one cable tension generates rotation of the secondary pivot shaft assembly and the second windshield wiper.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising carrier element, as well as wiper blade, including at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, the windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the wiper blade comprises an elongated upper holding part and an elongated lower wiping part of a flexible material, wherein the holding part holds the longitudinal strip, wherein the wiping part comprises a wiping lip, and wherein the holding part and the wiping part are interconnected by means of a tilting web, with the special feature that a noise dampening profile is provided in slits formed between said holding part, the wiping part and the tilting web, wherein a width of the noise dampening profile extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade varies along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A film for cleaning guide rollers of escalator can be detachably stuck over a predetermined length in a direction of transporting of a handrail belt, to the endless handrail belt which is guided and transported by guide rollers installed at a lower side of steps of an escalator (E) and a belt guide which is installed at an upper side of the steps, and includes a removing film layer which scrapes substances adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the guide rollers.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus has an upper section that is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an in use position and a storage position. The upper section is rotationally mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright surface cleaning apparatus has an alignment mechanism comprising a first cooperating alignment member associated with the surface cleaning head and a second cooperating alignment member associated with the upper section, the first and second members guiding the upper section to a particular orientation or range of orientations when the upper section is moved into the storage position.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, such as a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises a fluid flow path including a dirt inlet and a clean air outlet with a suction motor and a treatment member provided in the fluid flow path. A first part of the surface cleaning apparatus has an opening and a second part of the surface cleaning apparatus has a key receiving portion. A key is insertable into the opening and the key receiving portion. The first part and the second part are secured together when the key is inserted.

Abstract: A vacuum including a housing with a suction device disposed within the housing is provided. The vacuum can also include a frame having a plurality of wheels mounted thereto. The frame can include an aperture, which can be adapted to removably receive the housing therein. The frame can have a handle attached thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vacuum tank with a front-mounted collection means thereunder The collection means is a V-shaped scraper with a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof. The collection means has a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. The suction inlet may be equipped with a snorkel to introduce a small quantity of air as an aid in entraining thick-consistency materials. A blower vac is used to both draw air into and blow air through the vacuum tank. A valve means comprising a pair of oppositely oriented check valves is used to alternate flow paths between a lowered rearward exhaust during collection and an elevated intake during tank discharge.

Abstract: A domestic air treatment apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner comprises a fluid flow path including a dirt inlet and a clean air outlet. A suction motor and a treatment member are provided in the flow path. The fluid flow path comprises a portion that has a bend, such as an elbow, wherein all portions of the fluid flow path through the bend have a cross sectional area that is at least about the same as a cross sectional area of the inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly including a suction inlet and a control assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a fine particle separator unit having at least one sling shot separator. Each sling shot separator includes a flow channel having an inlet, a debris discharge port and a clean air discharge port. The flow channel has a radius of curvature of between about 12 mm and about 25 mm and extends in an arc of less than 360° from the inlet to the clean air discharge outlet.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is automatically operably engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and is automatically operably disengaged when the upper section is moved into the floor cleaning position. In another embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and an alignment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for cleaning carpets and other floor surfaces. The invention particularly relates to upright cleaners which have a cleaning head portion and an upstanding handle portion which typically carries a collection device for collecting detritus lifted by a vacuum induced airflow. The present invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner, the cleaning head portion being provided with wheel means which allow the cleaner to be moved over a floor surface, wherein the wheel means comprises first and second laterally spaced apart rear wheels and a castor wheel that is located at a position forward of the rear wheels and preferably aft of the roller brush. The castor wheel is preferably located in a domed recess in an underside of the cleaning head.

Abstract: An electrical appliance including a housing containing an electric motor and a storage battery pack for energizing the electric motor at an operating voltage of more than 42 volts. The storage battery pack includes a plurality of storage battery cells electrically connected so as to form at least two cell groups having a cell voltage of less than 42 volts. A connector assembly includes a bridge circuit configured to electrically connect the cell groups with each other so as to provide the operating voltage of more than 42 volts while establishing electrical connection between the storage battery pack and the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter bushing (6) for a sensor (1) for fixing and adjusting the sensor (1) in a non-positive manner in a bore of a retaining piece, wherein the adapter bushing (6) is provided with at least one resilient tongue (2) and at least one fixed point (10), wherein the at least one resilient tongue (2) is connected on one side to the adapter bushing (6) and is freely movable on the tip thereof, wherein at least one lift/guide element (15, 15?) is disposed before at least one fixed point (10) and/or at least one resilient tongue (2).

Abstract: A guide element for a corrugated tube is formed as a ring. At least one rotating roller is integrated in the interior of the ring such that the at least one rotating roller contacts the corrugated tube when the corrugated tube is passed through the ring. The at least one rotating roller rotates with a movement of the corrugated tube using the guide element. The guide element enables low-wear control of corrugated tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates a lockable caster wheel. The lockable caster wheel can be widely used in shopping carts, luggage carts, strollers, turnover carts, stretcher cars and many other trolleys. The controlling mechanism of the lockable caster wheel comprises a controller which comprises a signal receiving device and a locking device which is controlled by the controller. The locking mechanism further comprises a revolving damper which comprises a shell having a restricting structure and a damping wheel located inside the shell. The shell, through its restricting structure, separates from or connects with the locking device to form unlocked or locked states. The damping wheel connects with the wheel components. The caster wheel uses a damper. Beyond the allowed area of use, the trolleys can be slowly pushed for a few of meters because of the damper effect, but it will not suddenly stop completely. Therefore it will not present danger to the users.

Abstract: A multi-wheel caster apparatus has a main, surface-contacting wheel, an inline small diameter wheel elevated in front of the main riding wheel, and a third offset mid-sized diameter wheel. The offset wheel is in parallel alignment with and mounted midway between the two inline wheels. The apparatus is mounted to the bottom of a cart, with both stationary and swivel mounting. The offset wheel keeps the wheel housing compact and the elevated wheels maintain a low center of gravity while traveling easily over obstacles.

Abstract: Double-door stop apparatus (10) comprises a rigid elongate bar element (12) which has a length which spans a distance between open oppositely-hinged double doors (48), and attachment means (14) on the bar element (12) for releasably fastening the bar element (12) to each of the doors (48). In use, the double doors (48) are thus securely held stationary in an open condition. Preferably, the apparatus (10) further comprises an awning sheet (30) of flexible material which is extendable from the bar element (12).

Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge apparatus rotatably coupling the first housing and the second housing. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge housing fixed to the first housing, a hinge member fixed to the second housing and coupled to the hinge housing, the hinge member rotating around a hinge axis which extends perpendicular to a surface of the first housing, an interference protrusion provided on one of the hinge housing and the hinge member, and a stopper groove formed in the other of the hinge housing and the hinge member wherein the hinge member rotates around the hinge axis while being spaced apart from the hinge housing.

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 first interfering member fixed to the second connecting member, a first stopping member having a resisting surface, a second interfering member having a stop surface, and a fastener fixed to the shaft. A resisting block extends from the second connecting member. A first depressed portion and a second depressed portion are defined in the first interfering member, and a withstanding protrusion protrudes from the first interfering member. A first protrusion and a second protrusion extend from the second interfering member, capable of engaging in the first and second depressed portions. When the second connecting member is rotated relative to the first connecting member to a predetermined degree, the resisting block and the withstanding protrusion resist against the resisting surface and the stopping surface, respectively.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism has at least one hinge assembly, a rail assembly and a sliding bracket. The hinge assembly has a hinge and a lifting seat. The hinge is adapted to pivotally connect a cover and a base of an electronic device. The lifting seat is attached to the cover and has a recess. The rail assembly has at least one rail seat having a rail slot. The sliding bracket is adapted to be deposited an input unit, is movably mounted between the hinge assembly and the rail assembly and has at least one upper sliding shaft and at least one lower sliding shaft. The upper and lower sliding shafts are respectively mounted in the recess and the rail slot. A side of the sliding bracket would be elevated by the lifting seat to allow the sliding bracket to be inclined to the cover, whereby the input unit is convenient for use.

Abstract: A device for transporting fibre material between a drawing frame and a loop-forming machine is described. The device contains at least two transport units which are disposed in succession and have respectively one inlet- and outlet opening, said transport units being formed from respectively one twisting member (16a, 16b, 16c) and one transport pipe (17a, 17b, 17c) connected thereto, there being provided between an outlet end (28) of a preceding transport unit (16a, 17a) and the inlet end of a subsequent transport unit (16b, 17b) a gap (27a, 27b) which is intended for forming an air removal opening. According to the invention, a suction device (31a, 31b) is disposed in the region of this gap (27a, 27b) (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A connector includes a first housing and a second housing. The second housing is attached with the first housing. An accommodating part is provided in the first housing. A first lock portion is provided in the accommodating part and is capable of being displaced. A detection member is accommodated in the accommodating part and is displaced according to a displacement of the first lock portion. A second lock portion is provided in the second housing and pushes the first lock portion to displace the first lock portion. And the second lock portion is engaged with the first lock portion when the second housing is attached with the first housing. A first restricting portion is provided in the first lock portion. A second restricting portion is provided in the detection member and is engaged with the first restricting portion when the first lock portion is displaced by the second lock portion.

Abstract: Carabiners have a gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a locking member that prevents opening of the gate when the gate is in the closed position and the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased to the locked position. The locking member is also movable to a retainable unlocked position. Methods of manufacturing such carabiners include configuring a locking member of a carabiner to move between a locked position and a retainable unlocked position, and biasing the locking member to the locked position. Methods of using a carabiner include positioning a locking member in a retainable unlocked position, opening a gate of the carabiner, and allowing the locking member to at least substantially automatically move to a locked position as the gate is closed.

Abstract: A tool support for a machine tool has a clamping surface. A positioning device for a tool holder is provided that is positioned at the clamping surface. The positioning device has at least one conical element wherein a longitudinal axis of the conical element extends orthogonally to the clamping surface. The conical element is a conical bore or a conical pin. The tool holder is equipped with complementary conical elements so that a positive-locking, precise positioning of the tool holder relative to the receiving bore in the tool support is ensured.

Abstract: A large-diameter-side end surface (104a) of a cotter (104) can be supported by a cotter holder (32) from below through inserting a shaft member (102) along an inner periphery of the cotter (104) from above the cotter (104). In this state, a protrusion (104b) of the cotter (104) and an annular groove (102a) of the shaft member (102) are fitted to each other, and the cotter (104) and a retainer (103) are taper-fitted to each other. Consequently, the cotter is prevented from being unstable, and hence it is possible to assemble the retainer (103) and the cotter (104) to the shaft member (102) with good accuracy.

Abstract: It is intended to provide jigs enabling a worker to hold a lock ring while resisting the elastic repulsion force urging contraction of the lock ring, inward in the radial direction, without the need for propping up a heavy lock ring. There is provided a lock ring mounting/demounting jig, the jig including two jigs in pairs, the jigs (41, 42) in pairs, constituting the jig, being joined with each other by a screw bolt (8), in which the jigs in pairs are mountable on respective ends (4a, 4b) of a lock ring (4), the jigs (41, 42) each include a main block (41B, 42B) and a clamp (41C, 42C), and the jigs (41, 42, 410, 420, 411, 421) in pairs are structured such that an interval therebetween is stretchable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a movable aqueous- and solvent-based parts washer used to wash grease, oil, dirt, and other debris from mechanical parts using an cleaning solution, and more particularly, to a parts washer with a movable sink and movable lid pivotally connected to a hollow housing for facilitating the access within the housing for the replacement and maintenance of a cleaning solution reservoir. The third-generation washer is made of molded reinforced polymer in a shell configuration around a tilting reservoir. A pump is also pivotally connected below the sink to retract the pump during change operations of the cleaning solution reservoir. The device includes a molded sink with basin and reinforced pan with an interface to control the release of fumes between the sink and the pivoting lid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and improved method and apparatus for monitoring torque and joint conditions during the manufacturing process, particularly in the automobile industry. For a desired assembly of automobile members and fasteners is encountered during manufacturing, the optimal torque data and optimal joint data are retrieved from the data storage device. The tension sensor and the rotation sensor monitor the torque condition and joint condition and direct a controller to send torque instruction until the optimal torque condition and optimal joint condition are achieved.

Abstract: An injection device cap including a cap body configured to remove a pen needle installed on the injection device. A method of removing a pen needle from an injection device using the cap includes installing the pen needle onto a proximal end of an injection device and removing the pen needle using the cap. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of forming a solar energy converter assembly disclosed herein includes providing a solar energy converter configured to convert light incident on a light-receiving surface thereof into another form of energy and providing louver elements adjacent to the light-receiving surface such that light is transmittable between the louver elements to the light-receiving surface along a plurality of directions. Display surfaces of the louver elements are visible along a predetermined direction different from the plurality of directions and non-display surfaces of the louver elements reflect light to the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: The assembly comprises an inner ring, an intermediate member housing the inner ring about a joint axis and, an outer body retaining the intermediate member. The intermediate member defines two first surfaces formed by cylinder portions having the same first axis of revolution which intersects the joint axis. The outer body defines two surfaces formed by cylinder portions having the same second axis of revolution. When the assembly is in an assembled state, the first axis of revolution coincides with the second axis of revolution and the first and second surfaces co-operate to enable the intermediate member to rotate relative to the outer body about the first axis of revolution but to prevent the intermediate member from moving parallel to the joint axis or parallel to an axis orthogonal to the joint axis and to the second axis of revolution.

Abstract: A manifold for holding spliced optical fibers and their protective plastic coatings in a secure and motionless manner. The manifold includes a “clamp” made from a soft durometer material (SDM) such as a high strength silicone mold-making rubber or a dry polymer gel that has been partially sliced to a depth of about 75%. The manifold permits ease of insertion of a spliced optical fiber into, and removal of that spliced optical fiber from, an SDM-slice without disturbing other fibers that are held in other slices in the manifold. In a particular embodiment the gel or rubber SDM fills a four-sided plastic box to overflow.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a set-up arm of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The method includes balancing a linkage structure with a balancing mechanism to support a load; moving the linkage structure varying a moment at a pivot point due to the load at the end of a link of the linkage structure; and changing a path length of one or more cables over a plurality of pulleys in the balancing mechanism to compress or decompress a spring to respectively increase or decrease tension in the one or more cables to balance the variance in the moment.

Abstract: A device for applying a sander disc to an orbital sander includes a member having alignment projections or an alignment wall for releasably holding at least one sander disc having a surface with hook or loop type fasteners such that the surface having the hook or loop type fasteners faces away from said member. The device is cooperatively engagable with the orbital sander to align the sander disc with a corresponding hook or loop type fastener surface of the orbital sander and fasten it thereto.

Abstract: A handheld computing device includes an electronic component assembly including at least one user interface component, and an enclosure formed from an extruded tube. The extruded tube defines an internal lumen between open ends, and has a substantially uniform cross section along a longitudinal axis thereof. The extruded tube includes a front face, a back face, side portions connecting the front face and the back face, at least one access opening provided on the front face, and a pair of guide rails formed in the lumen along the side portions in parallel with the longitudinal axis, the guide rails slidably guiding and receiving the electronic component assembly. The guide rails support the electronic component assembly and provide a reference surface for positioning the electronic component assembly relative to the front face such that the user interface is placed right behind the access opening to provide user access therethrough.

Abstract: Rotor and stator assemblies that utilize magnetic bearings for supporting the rotor shaft during operation can be suitably used in corrosive environments, such as sour gas. The rotor and stator assemblies include NACE compliant magnetic bearing arrangements for sour gas applications. One embodiment includes a stator assembly that comprises a stator sleeve formed of a magnetic material, a sleeve extender coaxial to the stator sleeve formed of a non-magnetic material fixedly attached to each end of the stator sleeve, wherein a point of attachment is heat treated, and a wall formed of the non-magnetic material fixedly attached to the sleeve extender configured to hermetically house a stator and form the encapsulated stator assembly.

Abstract: During mounting to an inlay substrate, at least one end portion (including end) of an antenna wire is positioned directly over a terminal of the chip module for subsequent connecting thereto. A sonotrode is disclosed with a cutter above the capillary for nicking the wire. The antenna may comprise two separate stubs, each having an end portion (including end) positioned over a terminal of the chip module. Additional techniques for mounting the antenna wire are disclosed.

Abstract: A battery module has a plurality of prismatic batteries (2) stacked in a thickness direction. Two plates (3, 4) are provided between each of the batteries (2), and each of the batteries (2) is compressed by shifting the two plates (3, 4) in directions away from each other. A pair of frame members (10, 20) having opposing surfaces (11, 21) extending along the stacking direction of the batteries (2) are disposed face to face so as to sandwich the batteries (2) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the batteries. Wedge-shaped spacers (12, 22) inserted between the two plates (3, 4) are provided respectively on the opposing surfaces. By narrowing the gap between the pair of frame members (10, 20), the spacers (12, 22) are allowed to advance inwardly between the two plates (3, 4) so that the two plates are shifted in directions away from each other, whereby the batteries are compressed.

Abstract: An integrated method of prototyping and manufacturing electronic circuit boards where a new circuit design can move between virtual, prototype, partially merged and fully merged forms in a relatively automated fashion. A scaleable high density matrix of solderless electrical connections between the pin-outs of a plurality of electronic modules forms a virtual breadboard prototype circuit that can be merged into printed circuit board electrical layers to thus directly synthesize manufacturable forms of prototyped electronic circuits.

Abstract: There is provided a method of mounting conductive balls on pads on a substrate. The method includes: (a) placing the substrate having the pads coated with an adhesive over a container for containing the conductive balls therein and whose top surface is open such that the pads faces the top surface of the container; and (b) throwing up the conductive balls in the container by moving the container up and down at a given stroke, thereby allowing the conductive balls to adhere to the adhesive coated on the pads. Step (b) is repeatedly performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for using a thin foil to form electrical interconnects in an integrated circuit package. One such arrangement involves a foil carrier structure, which includes a foil adhered to a carrier having cavities. Some methods of the present invention involve attaching dice to the foil and encapsulating the foil carrier structure in a molding material. In one embodiment, the molding material presses against the foil, which causes portions of the foil to distend into the cavities of the carrier. As a result, recessed and raised areas are formed in the foil. Afterwards, the carrier is removed and portions of the raised areas in the foil are removed through one of a variety of techniques, such as grinding. This process helps define and electrical isolate contact pads in the foil. The resulting molded foil structure may then be singulated into multiple semiconductor packages.

Abstract: An object is to provide an electronic component installation apparatus capable of efficiently doing component installation work for which plural substrates including a double-sided mounting substrate are targeted.

Abstract: A connector installation apparatus including a frame, a ram and a gas spring. The frame includes an anvil section. The anvil section is adapted to have a first connector part located at the anvil section. The ram is movably connected to the frame. The ram includes a front section adapted to have a second connector part located at the front section. The gas spring includes a piston head on a rear end of the ram, and a portion of the frame forming two variable chambers with the piston head.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: a conveyor device for sucking and holding a substrate in a substantially vertical posture and conveying the substrate in a direction extending along its flat plate surface; a plurality of working devices for performing working process for mounting areas in edge portions of the substantially vertical-postured substrate received from the conveyor device. In the component mounting apparatus, each of the working devices includes: a substrate holder for sucking and holding the substrate in a substantially vertical posture; a holder up/down device for moving the sucked and held substrate to a downward working position; a receiving member for supporting an edge portion of the substrate positioned in the working position from its back face side; and a working unit for performing working process on the mounting areas of the edge portions of the substrate positioned in the working position from its front face side.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a double-sided or multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) by ink jet printing that includes providing a substrate, forming a first self-assembly membrane (SAM) on at least one side of the substrate, forming a non-adhesive membrane on the first SAM, forming at least one microhole in the substrate, forming a second SAM on a surface of the microhole, providing catalyst particles on the at least one side of the substrate and on the surface of the microhole, and forming a catalyst circuit pattern on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electroconductive material-filled throughhole substrate that is free from any void part in the electroconductive material filled into the throughholes. The method comprises forming an electroconductive base layer on one side of a core substrate having throughholes, and precipitating and growing an electroconductive material from one direction within the throughholes by electroplating using the electroconductive base layer as a seed layer to fill the electroconductive material into the throughholes without forming any void part and thus to manufacture an electroconductive material-filled throughhole substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a terminal module includes providing a first terminal and a second terminal positioned in the first terminal, forming an insulator between the first terminal and the second terminal, and forming a latching flange on an outer surface of the first terminal. The latching flange forms at least one resisting surface.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a single-piece bladed disk, including: using an abrasive water jet to cut a block of material, so as to create blade preforms extending radially outwards from a disk, while keeping material forming a connecting mechanism between at least two directly consecutive blade preforms, the connecting mechanism being at a radial spacing from the disk; then removing the connecting mechanism; then milling the blade preforms.