Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, tension is applied to a motion transmission element with periodic features by causing that element to mesh with a device that has a pitch slightly greater than the pitch of the motion transmission element. The motion transmission element with periodic features may comprise, for example: (a) a belt with teeth, or (b) a chain. Further, the motion transmission element may comprise either an open or a closed loop. In exemplary implementations, the width of the teeth of the motion transmission element (along that element's long axis) is greater than the width of the teeth in the rack (along the rack's long axis). This allows room for the teeth of the rack to both fit and move within the gap between the teeth in the motion transmission element. This extra width of the element's teeth is not necessary if the element is sufficiently elastic.

Abstract: A shoelace fastener is fixed on a vamp of a shoe for wearing shoelace and comprises two longitudinal seats each having a slider slidably mounted thereon for wearing shoelace. The slider has a spring-like structure. The slider has a front end fixed on a front end of the seat and a rear end. The shoelace is tightened when the slider is positioned after stretching.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fastening article for fastening shoes having eyelets. The article comprises an elastomeric strap member with a thin cross-sectional area having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end define an aperture therein. The elastomeric strap member is proportionally sized to extend across a tongue area of said shoe and respectively align the first end aperture with a first eyelet of the shoe and the second end aperture with a second eyelet of said shoe. A first end fastening element attaches the first end of the strap member to the first eyelet. A second end fastening element attaches the second end of the strap member to the second eyelet. In operation, the article for fastening properly comfortably secures the shoe to a person.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element including a step of preparing a green sheet A including a portion which becomes a fired piezoelectric body later, by use of a piezoelectric material; a step of joining, to at least one surface of the green sheet A, a green sheet B having an opening in a portion facing the portion which becomes the fired piezoelectric body later, followed by firing to obtain the fired piezoelectric body provided with a reinforcing plate to which the reinforcing plate formed owing to the firing of the green sheet B is attached; and a step of forming a film-like electrode in a portion obtained by the firing of the green sheet A in the fired piezoelectric body provided with the reinforcing plate.

Abstract: A rivet gun for driving a rivet consisting of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end is disclosed to include a gun body having a beam barrel matching portion, a displacement control device matching portion, a linking device limiter and a rivet holder, a riveting mechanism having a beam barrel with a driven portion mounted in and axially movable along the beam barrel matching portion and a rivet seizing unit adapted for catching the cylindrical shaft of the rivet, a driving mechanism having a displacement control device mounted in and axially movable along the displacement control device matching portion of the gun body, and a linking device having a coupling portion located on the middle part thereof and coupled to the linking device limiter of the gun body, a driving portion located on one end thereof and connected to the driven portion of the beam barrel and a pivot located on the opposite end thereof and coupled to and movable by the displacement control device of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.

Abstract: A method of changing the distance between a rotary cutter disposed on a carriage assembly and a work surface. The method includes the steps of providing a first mechanism on the carriage assembly for making small distance changes between the rotary cutter and the work surface and providing a second mechanism on the carriage assembly for making larger distance changes between the rotary cutter and the work surface. The user selects one of the first and the second mechanisms to adjust the distance between the rotary cutter and the work surface and then activates the selected one of the first and the second mechanisms. Activation of the second mechanism automatically disengages the first mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions useful in a wide variety of applications, including heat transfer fluids which possess a highly desirable and unexpectedly superior combination of properties, and heat transfer systems and methods based on these fluids. The preferred heat transfer fluid comprises from about 1 to about 40 percent, on a weight basis, of carbon dioxide (CO2) and from about 99 to about 60 percent, on a weight basis, of a compound having the Formula I XCFzR3-z (I), where X is a C2 or a C3 unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, alkyl radical, each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I or H, and z is 1 to 3. A preferred compound of Formula I is tetrafluoropropene, particularly 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene.

Abstract: A method includes a) providing a detachable seal retainer including: a housing for a seal member; an attachment face having a plurality of attachment members; an outer face opposite the attachment face; a handle including a free end and a hinged end opposite the free end; and a hinge member disposed between the housing and the hinged end of the handle; b) providing a seal member within the housing; c) providing an ink tank including an outlet face having a corresponding plurality of attachment features proximate the at least one outlet port; d) aligning the seal retainer to the ink tank such that the alignment members of the seal retainer are aligned with the corresponding plurality of attachment features of the ink tank; e) pressing the seal retainer against the ink tank such that the seal member is contact with the at least one outlet port.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assembling a terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array. The methods may include securing a torque tube to an alignment fixture by positioning a flange at an end of the torque tube over a shelf on the alignment fixture and positioning a section of the torque tube inward from the flange into a receptacle on the shelf of the alignment fixture. The method may include aligning and mounting a mount to the torque tube at a point along the torque tube inward from the end of the torque tube. The method may include aligning and mounting a solar cell module to the mount with the solar cell module including an array of lenses positioned over a set of corresponding receivers that include one or more III-V compound semiconductor solar cells. The method may include removing the torque tube from the alignment fixture after the solar cell module is mounted to the mount.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to an abatement system. Some methods and apparatus relate to one or more aspects of a field erectable abatement system. The field erectable abatement system may include a plurality of prefabricated skeleton segments that may be transported to a location and field erected at the location. One or more skin segments may also optionally be provided and optionally be coupled to the skeleton segments prior to being transported to the location.

Abstract: A screw with a polygonal cross section comprises a threaded section and a non-threaded section that extends from the threaded section to a front, rounded screw tip. The sideline of the non-threaded section runs smoothly and without interruption from the threaded section to the tip at a constant curvature. The screw is used to attach an element to a panel component, wherein the screw itself produces the hole in the panel component and forms the threads.

Abstract: The current application discloses a locking device for a packing assembly. The device comprises a holding end and a locking end, wherein the holding end is configured to mechanically and/or frictionally engage a fixed component of a packing assembly and the locking end is configured to mechanically and/or frictionally engage at least a portion of the packing nut so as to prevent the packing nut from rotating or otherwise changing its position.

Abstract: A floor liner includes a layer of coated Kraft paper and a layer of nonwoven fabric, the layers being adhesively bonded together. Cut-outs are formed in the liner. The liner occupies the space beneath a piece of kitchen equipment, and absorbs spills and grease from such equipment. The liner can be removed and replaced, without disturbing the kitchen equipment. A plurality of metal tracks may be laid on top of the liner, to facilitate movement of the kitchen equipment onto, or away from, the liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engagement member that is adapted to be fixed in a groove of a component and to a method for interconnecting two components via an engagement member. In order to provide an engagement member and a method, which provide for an easy assembly of the engagement member in the groove, whilst still providing sufficient forces for interconnecting the two components, the invention provides that the engagement member comprises a fastening pin that can be pushed into a cavity of one of the two components.

Abstract: A method is set forth for assembly of the washing group (1) of a laundry washing machine including a washing tub (2) and a rotatable drum (3). The tub (2) is formed of a rear half-shell (4) and a front half-shell (5) made of plastic and coupled to one another in a watertight manner.

Abstract: A conveying device (100) according to the invention includes several conveying bodies (102), which roll on a guidance (101) via several rolls (3), wherein the rolls (3) are connected and mutually distanced by means of a flexible connecting body (9). The conveying bodies (102) include means (103; 104, 105) for mutual support, which prevent a movement of the conveying bodies (102) out of the guidance (101). A connecting body (9) and allocated rolls (3) form a roll body (2), wherein the roll body (2), on average, includes two or less than two rolls (3) per conveying body (102). A roll body (2) for a conveying device (100) includes a plurality of rolls (3) mutually connected in a linear manner, wherein the rolls (3) are mutually connected and distanced by means of a flexible and in particular also elastic connecting body (9). In a preferred embodiment, the connecting body (9) may be bent in at least two directions.

Abstract: The present invention includes both the structures and process for producing an economical slat which has the appearance of a single length of high-quality wood. A support structure may be a single length of material or may be pieced together using multiple short lengths. The support structure is veneered on two sides using any commonly acceptable adhesive. The partially veneered support structure is then sliced to form one or more individual slats having veneered longitudinal edges. The veneered edges may be sanded to a radius before or after fully enclosing the support structure by applying additional veneer to the sides of the slats. A clear and appropriate finish varnish, preferably of ultraviolet-resistant material, may be applied as a finishing measure.

Abstract: A vascular guidewire introducer device (10) having a needle (52), a bulb (16), and a valve subassembly (100) through which a guidewire (14) is insertable for vascular guidewire insertion into a blood vessel (12) of a patient. The valve subassembly (100) includes a proximal fitting (102), a proximal cap (106), and a valve arrangement (104) disposed within a valve seat (118) defined by one of the fitting and the cap. The valve arrangement includes distal and proximal disc-shaped valve members (122,126) having centered slits (124,128) therethrough, and a spacer (130) disposed between the valve members. A method is disclosed for precisely centering the slits of the valve members during assembly and for retaining the valve members in their precisely centered positions in the valve seat. The valve arrangement permits use with a wide range of guidewire diameters.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable. As described herein, lengthwise slits are made into the jacket and the buffer tube of a fiber optic cable, thereby exposing interior segments of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. A loop is then made in the fiber optic cable at the slits. The ends of the optical fibers can then telescopically slide out the end of the fiber optic cable. When this happens, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide out of the buffer tube and the jacket through the slits, forming a smaller loop within the loop. A connector may then be attached to the exposed ends of the optical fibers. When the fiber optic cable is unlooped, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide back into the buffer tube and jacket. The jacket may then be resealed.

Abstract: A force-transmitting element for non-detachable workpiece connections includes a flange portion and a transmitting portion, wherein the transmitting portion has a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface and wherein the wall thickness of the transmitting portion tapers at least in sections from the end close to the flange portion to the end remote from the flange portion. An operationally reliable non-detachable workpiece connection can be obtained despite relatively small dimensions of the force-transmitting element. The end of the transmitting portion which is close to the flange portion has at least one latching depression on the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a blind rivet nut setting device. The device includes a housing, and a tension bolt rotatably and axially movably arranged in the housing, such that a least a portion of the tension bolt projects out of the housing. The at least a portion has a threaded region. The device also includes a pneumatic/hydraulic pressure booster having a pneumatic cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder, a pressure-controlled switch valve structured so that, in a first position, connects the pneumatic cylinder to an outlet channel and, in a second position, connects the pneumatic cylinder to a pressure supply, and an actuating element structured to switch the valve switch into the second position, so that a control line, which has a passage connected to the environment until closed by reaching at least one of a setting stroke and a setting force, is connected to a pressure supply via a passage throttle and the switch valve.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: A method (20) of assembling a hearing aid that uses a shell locator (35) to guide the relative placement of the shell (34) and the faceplate (32).

Abstract: A method and device for producing a compact and/or massive multi-layer coil by means of dynamic cold spraying, electrically conductive connections are created between the individual conductor layers, which are embedded in the support material, in particular between the individual conductor tracks.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a winder for an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery capable of improving productivity by shortening a winding cycle. A winder for an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a nip roll catching and feeding a positive plate and a negative plate, and a separator; a rotor disposed below the nip roll to rotate; and a plurality of winding cores arranged in the rotor at a regular interval in a rotation direction of the rotor to rotate and move forward or backward from the rotor, wherein the center of the nip roll, the center of any one winding core among the plurality of winding cores, and one surface of an electrode assembly of another winding core which is winding-completed form a straight line.

Abstract: An energy storage device whose discharge capacity can be improved and a method for manufacturing the energy storage device are provided. A method for manufacturing an energy storage device, in which a metal element is dispersed over a current collector, and a crystalline silicon layer including a whisker is formed as an active material layer over the surface of the current collector on which the metal element is dispersed by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) in which heating is performed using a deposition gas containing silicon. Having whiskers in the active material layer as described above, the surface area of the active material layer is increased; thus, the discharge capacity of the energy storage device can be increased.

Abstract: A quick circuit board press-mount device comprises: a positioning device, having a positioning board and a back board, and the positioning board having an adjusting knob with a screw rod portion, and the back board having an adjusting notch; an adjusting device, having a combining board, an insert board extended forward from the front end of the combining board, and the insert board having a screw hole for securing the screw rod portion, and the insert board being inserted into the adjusting notch, and the insert board having a lateral connecting board extended from a side from the combining board, and the lateral connecting board having an elliptic adjusting slot for securing a position screw hole of the back board by a screw rod; and a press-mount element, coupled to the combining board, so that the circuit board module and the interface card can be mounted conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: A magazine for a rivet supply appliance, for accommodating a plurality of rivets disposed in series in a tubular housing, is distinguished by a substantially rectangular inner cross-section, having two opposing longitudinal walls of equal length and two opposing transverse walls, of which one is longer than the other, and an offset is realized within the cross-section by the transitions from the longer transverse wall to the longitudinal walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a temporary substrate includes a jig having a table, a holding guide for positioning constituent members of the temporary substrate, a holding unit for holding the laminated constituent members, and a heater unit for performing a temporary bonding on the laminated constituent members, and further includes a drive mechanism for moving each member constituting the jig between a standby position and an in-use position. The holding guide has a plurality of step portions formed in such a manner that peripheries of the step portions define areas corresponding to outer sizes of the respective constituent members when the holding guide is moved to the in-use position. The temporary substrate has as the constituent members, a prepreg, inner metal foils respectively stacked on both surfaces of the prepreg and each having a smaller outer size than the prepreg, and outer metal foils respectively stacked on the inner metal foils and each having a larger outer size than the prepreg.

Abstract: A first exposure treatment for irradiating a first photosensitive layer formed on one main surface of a transparent support with a first light thereby to expose the first photosensitive layer and a second exposure treatment for irradiating a second photosensitive layer formed on the other main surface of the transparent support with a second light to expose the second photosensitive layer are performed such that the first light incident on the first photosensitive layer does not substantially reach the second photosensitive layer and the second light incident on the second photosensitive layer does not substantially reach the first photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus for mounting components on a plurality of mounting regions placed on an edge part of a substrate along a first direction that is a direction along the edge part of the substrate, comprises component placing units for holding components placed in component delivery positions that are spaced from the edge part of the substrate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, moving the held components in the second direction, and placing the components onto the mounting regions, component feeding units for sequentially feeding the components to component feeding positions spaced from the component delivery positions, and component carrying units for holding the components fed to the component feeding positions, moving the held components, and placing the components in the component delivery positions. Therefore, the components can be placed even onto a large substrate with satisfactory working efficiency.

Abstract: A printed wiring board is manufactured by a method in which a base substrate having a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and a conductive film is provided. An electronic component is placed on the first insulation layer at a position determined based on an alignment mark. After the electronic component is enclosed inside an opening of the second insulation layer, a via hole exposing a terminal of the electronic component is formed at a position determined based on the alignment mark, which is used to determine the position of the electronic component. A via conductor is formed in the via hole, and a conductive layer is formed on the conductive film and patterned to form a conductive circuit connected to the via conductor.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing printed circuit boards using parallel processes to interconnect with subassemblies are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board including providing a core subassembly including at least one metal layer, providing a plurality of one-metal layer carriers after parallel processing each of the plurality of one-metal layer carriers, and attaching at least two of the plurality of one-metal layer carriers with each other and with the core subassembly.

Abstract: An improved corner bending apparatus and method for a bent head exchanger includes a first step of providing a tube edge clearance to at least the inner core face edges of those few tubes encompassed by the area of the core to be bent. A series of elongated braces, able to flex relative to one another, is placed into the tube edge clearance prior to bending. The braces actively maintain the tube edges (and tubes) in a parallel, undeformed orientation during the bend, which may be done by otherwise conventional apparatus.

Abstract: A hair removal device comprising: a handle; a head positioned on one end of the handle, said hair removal device having a pivot axis about which said head is mounted; one or more orifice(s) in the skin-facing surface of the head are positioned at or close to the pivot axis; a collapsible reservoir suitable for containing a fluid to be dispensed during use of the hair removal device through said one or more orifice(s); an enclosure system selected from a deformable rigid container or a non-deformable rigid container.

Abstract: A blade head assembly for a hand-held hair cutting appliance includes a blade clamping device urging a cutting edge margin of a second blade in sliding engagement with a cutting edge margin of a first blade. The blade clamping device includes a clamping head operable for pivoting generally toward and generally away from the second blade about a pivot axis. The clamping head is resiliently biased generally toward the second cutting blade about the pivot axis into sliding engagement with the second blade. The second blade is slidable relative to the clamping head during reciprocating movement of the second blade relative to the first blade.

Abstract: Razor handles are provided for razors having a battery-powered functionality. Methods of manufacturing such handles are also provided. In one implementation, the handle includes a unitary grip portion constructed to receive a razor head at one end thereof, and a battery cover, mounted on the grip portion. The grip portion and the battery cover, when joined, may together define a water-tight unit prior to mounting of the razor head on the grip portion.

Abstract: A blade unit for a safety razor comprises a plurality of elongated blades (4) with a continuously curved cutting edge (8). The shape of the cutting edge (8) is defined according to the formula Ru3z=k·L; where: Rusr is the bending radius of the blade; k is a coefficient of proportionality equal to 1÷5; and L is the chord length of a curve with a radius of Rusr. The blades (4) have a third support point. This provides for easy and effective shaving.

Abstract: An illuminated utility device comprising: a handheld utility device, or said utility device includes a handle and a blade; a light source that directs light towards the blade from the handle; and a power source within the handle said power source providing energy for the light source. The light source may include a LED light that directs light along the edge of the blade and the power source may include batteries.

Abstract: A child safe paper trimmer device is utilizable by children and those lacking hand eye coordination or hand strength to conveniently utilize typical scissors arrangements. A child safe cutting blade is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved in any direction across a work surface, such as paper, to make a desired cut. A variety of mounting and tethering approaches are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to scissors and a sharpening device. The scissors include two blades, each blade having a cutting edge and a back edge which respectively form opposite longitudinal edges of the blade. A pivot connects the two blades for relative movement of the blades between an open condition in which the cutting edge of each blade are apart and a closed condition in which each blade are substantially adjacent and the back edge of each blade projects beyond the cutting edge of the other blade. The blades also include a sharpening condition in which the cutting edge of each of the blades can be sharpened. A biasing means is included for biasing the blades away from the sharpening condition towards the closed condition and/or the open condition. The sharpening device is for scissors including two blades having a cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held instrument, which may comprise, in various exemplary embodiments thereof, a folding (manual, assisted opening, automatic, etc,) knife, a fixed blade knife, or any other hand-held tool comprising a handle, and at least one active region (e.g., a cutting, a saw blade, etc.), and which also advantageously comprises at least one novel user-operable protective element, that when placed, by the user, into an active position that is generally perpendicular to the handle of the instrument, is configured for protecting at least a portion of the user's hand while the instrument is held and/or utilized, and that when placed into a retracted position that is generally parallel to the handle of the instrument, streamlines the instruments longitudinal profile.

Abstract: A nipper is disclosed having lightweight handles which are ergonomically shaped narrowly to accommodate smaller hands or one-handed use, and biased outwardly by a torsion type spring which additionally limits the open handle width. The nipper utilizes carbide tool steel blades affixed with fasteners for easy replacement. The nipper has a friction reducing bushing at the pivot for ease of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing a retained member from a rotary head assembly configured for attachment to a rotary power source.

Abstract: A portable handheld power tool (1), such as a chain saw or a power drill, having a receiving device (100) arranged on a body portion (2) of the power tool (1). The receiving device (100) is arranged for connecting/disconnecting to the portable handheld power tool (1) either a flexible elongated member, such as a rope, or a fastening device secured to the elongated member or to an operator of the portable handheld power tool (1). The receiving device (100) has a receiving portion (110) for receiving and leading the flexible elongated member therethrough. The receiving portion (100) extends substantially in a plane (P). Furthermore, the receiving device (100) has an attachment portion (120) which is arranged to connect the receiving device (100) to a body portion (2) of the portable handheld power tool (1) by means of a pivot assembly (4).

Abstract: A node placement apparatus, system and method employ an optical source to define a grid for placement of nodes. The node placement apparatus includes a structure that provides a predetermined height and the optical source positioned at the predetermined height. The optical source is configured to produce an optical beam having a predetermined declination angle. The optical beam is configured to provide illumination of a plurality of discrete points on a surface to define the grid. The system further includes the nodes. The method of node placement includes locating the optical source above a fixed point on and at the predetermined height above the surface, illuminating the plurality of discrete points with the optical beam, and positioning a node at a selected discrete point of the plurality of discrete points illuminated by the optical beam.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) having a upper section (11) comprising a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser levelling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: Device and method for precisely aligning at least one wire in a plane projecting from a surface on which an end of the wire is anchored. The wire in taut position is held by a fastener rigidly connected to an inclinometer capable of measuring an inclination of the wire. The inclinometer is connected to a mobile member of a structure by a joint having elements articulated with respect to each other in order to allow a relative angular displacement of the elements. The mobile member is movable with respect to the surface in order to allow a positioning of the wire in the plane according to the inclination of the wire measured by the inclinometer free to turn freely according to an axis of the wire. The device is adaptable for aligning two wires forming a precise reference plane.

Abstract: An electrode material drying method and apparatus for drying electrode material are provided for achieving quality improvement of batteries. Electrode material portions containing a solvent are spaced apart from each other on the metal foil. An inductive coil that inductively heats the metal foil faces the metal foil. An amount of heat applied to an uncoated portion of the metal foil between the electrode material portions is reduced below that of a coated portion of the metal foil on which the electrode material portions are arranged. The heat evaporates the solvent in the electrode material portions by causing the metal foil to generate heat with inductive heating while moving the metal foil and the inductive coil relative to each other in an arrangement direction, that is, a direction in which the electrode material portions are arranged.