Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly. The sacrificial anode assembly includes a sacrificial anode, an insulator positioned around an end of the anode, an electric coupler positioned around the insulator and extending beyond the end of the anode, the electric coupler electrically isolated from the anode, a resistor having a first lead and a second lead, the first lead electrically connected to the anode and the second lead electrically connected to the electric coupler, and a cap positioned around the electric coupler, the cap electrically connected to the electric coupler and electrically isolated from the anode. The cap complete encapsulates the resistor, the first lead, and the second lead.

Abstract: A structure for rapid assembly of a self-contained apparatus, such as a spacecraft or satellite, has horizontal and vertical manifolds joined at corners to form a rigid self-contained frame, side panels attached by fasteners inserted into the vertical and horizontal manifolds, and top and bottom panels attached by fasteners inserted into the horizontal manifolds. Cutout sections are provided on opposite ends of each manifold to enable electrical and/or fluid lines to extend across the corners formed by the manifolds. The vertical manifolds can have a 90-degree angle for a square or rectangular shaped spacecraft, while a 120-degree angle creates a hexagonal shaped spacecraft. A hinged vertical manifold may be used for two different angular configurations. An alternate embodiment employs quick-insertion-nut (QIN) assemblies embedded into the edges of the side panels to which the top and bottom panels are directly fastened to eliminate the use of manifolds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for attaching two components together, such as an aircraft engine and the mounting pylon thereof. According to the invention, at least two of the front (10) or rear (11) trunnions of the attaching system are vibration damping and each includes a suspension assembly (12) with an elastic element (14) and resonant mass (15).

Abstract: A rework soldering jig is used for heating a surface mounted slot. The rework soldering jig includes a body and an assembly frame. The assembly frame is detachably disposed on the body. The body and the assembly frame together wrap the surface mounted slot. Since the rework soldering jig has the detachable assembly frame, a size thereof can be adjusted according to different forms of slots.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for connecting a coaxial (or a micro coaxial) cable to the bottom side of a printed circuit board (PCB) in order to improve signal integrity of a test circuit. A coaxial or a micro coaxial cable is directly connected to a coaxial cable to the bottom sides of pads located on an exterior later of the PCB.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wiring board including forming a first wiring board, the forming of the first board including forming a substrate, forming a first insulation layer on a surface of the substrate and a second insulating layer on the opposite surface of the substrate, forming a via in one of the layers, and cutting the first layer in a first area and cutting the second layer in a second area offset from the first area to form a first substrate laminated to a second substrate with the substrate interposed therebetween, the second substrate having a smaller mounting area than that of the first substrate such that the first substrate extends beyond edge of the second substrate, connecting a pliable member to the substrate, and connecting the member to a second wiring board to connect the first and second boards. One or more insulation layers are a non-pliable layer.

Abstract: A vented BGA package is reconfigured by first applying a continuous bead of adhesive around the perimeter of the package to seal the gap between the lid and substrate. The continuous bead defines a channel through the pressure relief vents to a polarity through-hole in the lid. The BGA package is reflow soldered to a PWB at an elevated temperature using solder flux, clean or no-clean. The IC die achieves elevated temperature pressure relief through the pressure relief vents along the channel and out the polarity through-hole. After reflow a seal is applied to plug the polarity through-hole. The PWB is washed in an aqueous cleaner solution to remove flux residue. The continuous bead of adhesive and the seal form a cleaner solution barrier that prevents the solution from contacting conductors inside the package. The seal may be removed or left intact depending on the operating environment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board, including providing a support board having a metal foil secured to the support board, forming a resin insulation layer on the metal foil, forming openings in the resin insulation layer, forming a conductive circuit on the resin insulation layer, forming in the openings via conductors to electrically connect the conductive circuit and the metal foil, separating the support board and the metal foil, and forming from the metal foil external terminals to electrically connect to another substrate or electronic component.

Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board includes a first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a first conductor circuit formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a second interlaminar resin insulating layer formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer and the first conductor circuit, a second conductor circuit formed on the second interlaminar resin insulating layer. A via conductor can be formed in the opening portion. The opening portion of the second interlaminar resin insulating layer can expose a face of the first conductor circuit. The via conductor connects the first conductor circuit and the second conductor circuit. The via conductor includes an electroless plating film formed on inner wall face of the opening portion and includes an electrolytic plating film formed on the electroless plating film and on the exposed face of the first conductor circuit exposed by the opening portion.

Abstract: There is provided a method of connecting electric wires in which connecting strength is improved, and at the same time, dispersion of the connecting strength can be depressed. The method of connecting electric wires includes a step for removing coatings of a plurality of electric wires 51 thereby to expose conductors 52, a step for holding at least two places of a plurality of the electric wires 51, a step for twisting the conductors together while keeping a distance between the two holding places constant, and a step for welding the conductors by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of adjusting capacities of combustion chambers of a multi-cylinder engine having a cylinder head with recessed parts that partially form the combustion chambers and a mating surface for mating with a cylinder block, which includes casting a cylinder head material having flat reference surfaces on top of the recessed parts of the cylinder head, machining the cylinder head material to form the mating surface, measuring distances in a height direction from the mating surface to the reference surfaces, respectively, and adjusting machining margins of machining portions of the reference surfaces of the recessed parts based on the measured height direction distances.

Abstract: In a gas turbine blade where a part of the ?? phase precipitation strengthened type Ni-based alloy base material is composed of a weld metal, the weld metal is a Ni-based alloy containing Ta from 4.8 to 5.3 wt. %, Cr from 18 to 23 wt. %, Co from 12 to 17 wt. %, W from 14 to 18 wt. %, C from 0.03 to 0.1 wt. %, Mo from 1 to 2 wt. %, and Al of 1 wt. % or less, in which the oxygen content is 0 to 30 ppm, the Ti content from 0 to 0.1 wt. %, and the Re content from 0 to 0.5 wt. %. A blade base metal is manufactured by the step of stripping, the step of solution heat treatment where the ?? phase is dissolved again, the step of welding in an inert gas chamber by a TIG method using a welding wire where the weld metal can be obtained, the step of HIP treatment at 1100° C. to 1150° C., and the step of an aging treatment at 835° C. to 855° C.

Abstract: A method is provided of rotationally balancing a rotating part. A rotor hub or ring and a plurality of rotor blades for assembly onto the hub or ring are provided, each blade having an unfilled internal cavity. The respective masses and moment weights of the blades with filled internal cavities are then predicted. Next, the rotor blades are assembled onto the hub or ring to form the rotating part. The relative positions of the assembled blades are determined on the basis of their predicted masses and moment weights with filled internal cavities. The internal cavities of the assembled rotor blades are then filled.

Abstract: A method for machining at least one aircraft gas turbine engine rotor (1) blade (2) wear indicator (41, 42, 43), comprising a step of machining the wear indicator (41, 42, 43) using a laser (L) so as to melt part of the blade (2), and a step of collecting the molten material of the blade (2). For preference, the method comprises a step of fitting a plug (8) into said bathtub squealer (23), said plug (8) comprising at least one cavity (81, 82, 83) for receiving the molten blade (2) material.

Abstract: A method for hydrophilizing surfaces of a printhead assembly includes decontaminating the printhead assembly; plasma activating the surfaces of the printhead assembly; treating the surfaces of the printhead assembly with a treatment solution; drying the printhead assembly; baking the printhead assembly; and performing a print quality and electrical test on the printhead assembly. The step of decontaminating the printhead assembly is performed before the step of plasma activating the surfaces of the printhead assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigerator including providing a main body having a storage chamber, providing a door having a door liner on one side of the door, providing a seating member, providing an ice maker for making ice, attaching the ice maker to the seating member, attaching the seating member to the door liner, providing an ice bank for storing ice, attaching the ice bank to the seating member below the ice maker, and rotatably attaching the door to the main body.

Abstract: A method of mounting a first drum and a second drum of a double-drum sequential gear control device for a motor-vehicle gearbox in a predefined relative angular position is provided. In a mounted condition, the first drum is rotatably arranged about a first rotation axis and the second drum is rotatably arranged about a second rotation axis parallel to but not coincident with the first rotation axis. The method includes forming a first positioning hole in a first position of the first drum and forming a second positioning hole in a second position of the second drum. The method also includes arranging the first drum and the second drum in the predefined relative angular position and locking the first drum and the second drum in the predefined relative angular position. The locking includes engaging the first and second positioning holes with a locking device.

Abstract: A shaving cartridge assembly having a blade unit with a housing having a guard at a front of the housing, a cap at the rear of the housing, and at least one blade between the guard and the cap. A connecting member is pivotably connected to the blade unit. The connecting member has a body with a pair of deflectable latches extend generally along an integral wall of the body toward each other and to a respective pair of opposing free distal ends defining a portion of an opening extending through the wall.

Abstract: A method for making a utensil includes a first step of placing and stirring a mixture containing a melamine resin of 30-60%, a bamboo fiber powder of 30-60% and an adjuvant of 5% to form an evenly distributed first blank, a second step of cooling the first blank to form a second blank, a third step of pressing and molding the second blank to form a semi-product, and a fourth step of polishing the semi-product to form a final product of the utensil. Thus, all of the melamine resin, the bamboo fiber powder and the adjuvant are made of organic material so that the utensil can be decomposed naturally and will not pollute the environment when it is disposed of to achieve the environmental protection purpose.

Abstract: A module of cutlery may include a plurality of utensils that include a formable material, wherein at least two of the utensils are separably coupled to one another via at least one of an adhesive and a common portion of the formable material.

Abstract: A clipper of the present invention includes two clipping members and a connecting portion. Each of the clipping members includes a clipping portion, a pivot portion, and a handle portion, wherein the pivot portion is connected between the clipping portion and the handle portion. The connecting portion includes two slots and two shafts. The two slots respectively disposed in one of the pivot portions. The two shafts are respectively and slidably disposed in the two slots, and fixed to the other one of the pivot portions. So that, the connecting portion is connecting between the two clipping members, and an opening is defined between the two clipping portions. Further, the two clipping members can pivot with respect to each other so as to open or close the opening. And the two slots are unparallel to each other. Thereby, user can cut an object with the clipping portions of the clipper.

Abstract: Cutter for a watermelon processing device. Circular blade separates watermelon from shell, when straight blades cut watermelon into slices. Handles provide easy grip to use device.

Abstract: A hand-held band saw has a handle for grasping the band saw, a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor, a driven wheel and a continuous blade disposed about the drive wheel and the driven wheel. A portion of the continuous blade is positioned in a cut zone to perform a cutting operation. A workpiece guard is spaced from the continuous blade and positioned generally between the cut zone and the handle for limiting movement of the workpiece after the cutting operation.

Abstract: A blade mounting device of a cutting tool includes a lock device and a blade guide. The lock device is configured to releasably lock a blade against a rod of a cutting tool. The blade guide is movable relative to the rod in an axial direction of the rod and is coupled to the lock device, so that the lock device locks and releases the blade in response to position of the blade guide in the axial direction. The blade guide has a guide recess having a bottom and capable of guiding and engaging the blade, so that the blade guide can be moved by the blade in the axial direction through engagement of the guide recess with the blade. The blade guide has a configuration other than a thin flat plate configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for an electric motor having a rotary encoder for determining the position of the motor shaft of the electric motor. A kit is proposed by which simple and precise positioning of a sensor of the rotary encoder on the electric motor, good protection of the sensor, and simple assembly are possible. To this end, the invention proposes that the kit includes an electric motor and a rotary encoder having a solid measure and having a sensor having sensor electronics, wherein the solid measure of the rotary encoder can be applied to a motor shaft at a reverse end face of the electric motor and protruding therefrom, the sensor of the rotary encoder is embedded with the sensor electronics in a plastic disc, a motor-side mounting element is disposed at the reverse end face of the electric motor, and the plastic disc comprises a sensor-side mounting element designed to be complementary to the motor-side mounting element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an archery bow sighting device that incorporates a laser range finder, an automatically adjusting sight pin, trigger control and distance indicator. The device incorporates imbedded electronics and a gearing mechanism to adjust a sighting pin based on distance to target and calibrated distance data. The user aims the laser range finder at a designated target for determination of its distance, after which the sight pin is automatically adjusted to account for the distance and is used to aim at the target. To accurately aim the range finder, a peep sight along the length of the bow string is aligned with crosshairs within the range finder while aiming at the intended target. A trigger button along the bow pulses the laser range finder to determine distance, and the sighting pin elevation is updated accordingly by the imbedded electronic circuit and interpolation of preset distances.

Abstract: The tool is formed of an elongate rigid bar having a pair of straight side edges extending between opposite ends. Indicia are provided adjacent graduations correlating with distances away from center holes located at each end of the bar. A series of marking holes are provided at various distances away from the center holes. Thus, when a pin is provided through one center hole, a marking tool can be placed within a marking hole having a distance corresponding with a radius of a curve to be formed, and the bar can be rotated about the pin in the center hole while the marker is allowed to form a mark in an underlying workpiece. The straight edges of the tool can also be utilized for forming straight edges.

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine (1) comprising a machine bed (2) provided with guides along a first axis, and a mobile unit (4) comprising at least one main carriage (5) mobile along the guides (16a, 16b, 16c); the machine bed (2) comprises a closed perimetral metal frame (15) provided with guides (6a, 16b, 16c) and a worktable (17) housed within the frame (15); the worktable (17) and the frame (15) are constrained to one another by constraint means (35) that uncouple the deformations thereof.

Abstract: An electric motor (10) drives a compressor (40) of a heat pump system in a laundry machine, e.g., a tumble dryer. The electric motor (10) is an asynchronous motor. The electric motor (10) includes a main coil (12) and an auxiliary coil (14). A control unit (22, 24, 26) is dedicated to the electric motor (10). The control unit includes capacitance circuitry including at least one capacitor (22, 24). The main coil (12) is parallel-connected to a series including the auxiliary coil (14) and the at least one capacitor (22, 24). The main coil (12) is connected or connectable to a power source (34). The capacity of the capacitance circuitry is variable depending directly or indirectly on parameters including, e.g., the actual torque of the electric motor (10). Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating the laundry machine with the heat pump system (10).

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a treating chamber to accommodate laundry, a heating part to supply at least one of hot air and steam to the treating chamber, a hanger bar arranged in the treating chamber, a driving part provided on an outside of the treating chamber to generate a rotational force, a power transmitting part transmitting the rotational force of the driving part, and a power converting part converting the rotational force transmitted by the power transmitting part to reciprocate the hanger bar.

Abstract: A rotating bathroom floor mat device is disclosed, comprising a series of carpeted, rotatable assemblies, a heating means and a gear and pulley mechanism. The device provides a wide, rectangular enclosure that allows a user to step directly onto its flat, upper surface, which is comprised of a series of adjoining, rotatable surfaces. Control buttons along one side of the upper service are operable via depression of a user's foot, which in turn activates a heating means and fan convection means to rapidly dry a user's feet and remove moisture from the carpeted assemblies. The assemblies are triangular sections that allow three distinct working surfaces. Once a first user has dried his or her feet, the assemblies are rotated to reveal a fresh, dry surface for a second user. The heating and convection means dries the previously used, moist carpet while in a stowed position.

Abstract: A nozzle for mounting on a blow dryer includes a group of sleeves and a mounting base. Each of the sleeves has a hollow structure defining an air channel and a plurality of openings communicating with the air channel. The group of sleeves is lined up end to end so that the air channels within the sleeves are communicated with each other. The mounting base is constructed in circular shape, wherein the mounting base has a plurality of retention grooves provided on an inner surface at a first end thereof for detachably engaging with an outlet of the blow dryer, wherein a second end of the mounting base is connected to a proximal end of the group of sleeves and a clipper for clipping a bundle of hair, wherein the clipper is mounted to a distal end of the group of sleeves.

Abstract: The method of drying of the present invention includes providing a dryer with a payment receiving means providing a heat source in thermal communication with the dryer. Clothes are then inserted into the dryer and a means of payment to the payment receiving means of the dryer is provided. A drying cycle is then initiated to operate the dryer. Moisture is sensed in the clothes ax the dryer is being operated. The dryer is turned off when the moisture in the clothes exceeds a predetermined amount representing a dry load. Payment is received from the means of payment while the dryer is in operation. Payment is stopped from the means of payment when the dryer has ceased to operation. As a result, the user has paid only for the time for the dryer to provide a dry load of laundry.

Abstract: A substrate processing method which can reduce the number of particles to be left on each substrate is provided. In the substrate processing method, substrates W to be processed are dried, by using a fluid heated by a heating apparatus having one or more heating mechanisms. The substrate processing method comprises a first step of supplying a mixed fluid containing a gas and a processing liquid and heated by the heating apparatus, into a processing chamber in which the substrates to be processed are placed, and a second step of supplying the heated gas into the processing chamber. The output of at least one of the heating mechanisms is kept at a preset constant value for a period of time during which a predetermined time passes after the start of the first step. In the second step, the output of the heating mechanism is determined under a feed back control.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for the drying of particulate agricultural matter, especially particulate crops, such grains. The present invention provides a crop particulate (i.e., grain) drying system utilizing solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid or solution within concomitant forced-air and radiant heat systems which pass heated air through a crop particulate material contained within a conventional crop silo or bin. Electricity demand may be met through utilization of solar photovoltaic panels backed up by connection to an external power source (i.e. power utility).

Abstract: Articles of footwear having an enclosed articulated toe portion, including a molded midsole with an integrally-molded toe cap shaped to receive a foot therein and to enclose the toes of the foot. The toe cap terminates at a position adjacent to the base of the toes of the foot. The articles additionally include an outsole affixed to the bottom of the midsole and an upper which in some embodiments is co-molded with the midsole and toe cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole comprising an electronic chip. To impart improved wearing comfort to the wearer of a shoe equipped with the generic insole, it is provided according to the invention that a module encompassing the chip is removably embedded in the insole.

Abstract: This invention provides an overboot consists of an upper portion made of fabric and a lower portion, or sole, which is made of a rugged flexible material such as rubber or thermoelastomer. The upper portion has a front, a back, an inside, an outside, and an interior. The upper portion has an opening to allow a foot of a user wearing a shoe or ski boot to enter the interior. In one embodiment, the opening of the upper portion may have a means of closure. The rear of the overboot opens in order to ease the insertion of the foot of the user. The rear opening may consist of either one or two vertical slits.

Abstract: A shoe (10) comprises an upper (12) with an inlet (14), a tongue (16) extending substantially along the inlet (14), and a tongue retaining unit (24) associated with the tongue (16), which tongue retaining unit (24) at least hinders the tongue (16) from slipping sideways when the shoe (10) is done up. According to the invention, a retaining element (18a1, 18b1) is associated with each of the two edges (14b, 14c) of the inlet (14), which retaining element (18a1, 18b1) may be brought into form-fitting retaining engagement with the tongue retaining unit (24) and exerts a pulling force on the tongue retaining unit (24) at least when the latter shifts from a desired position in a direction away from the associated edge (14b, 14c) when the shoe (10) is done up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for footwear that may be used for balance training or muscle strengthening, particularly, for example, in the game of golf. The footwear includes a sole having a toe portion and a heel portion, each of the toe and heel portions including an upper surface and a lower surface. The toe and heel portions may form an integrated sole and/or a coupling mechanism may be provided that adjustably couples the toe portion to the heel portion. At least one of the toe portion and heel portion includes an angled edge adjacent to the lower surface that allows pivoting of the footwear in a forward pivot direction, a backward pivot direction and/or a side cant direction. The footwear may be a sandal having straps for being worn over a shoe and/or may be incorporated into a sole during the manufacture of a shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, and shoe comprising an electronic chip. In order to provide a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with an electronic chip in a more cost efficient way compared to the prior art, wherein the chip can easily be replaced or removed in case of failure or for recycling, the invention provides an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein the insole comprises an electronic chip. The insole may be fitted into any kinds of shoes and may be readily replaced or removed, as is not an inherent part of the shoe.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to human space flights to Earth orbit and beyond. It is designed for use in micro-gravity environments, to allow the wearer to make use of one or both feet as prehensile appendages. The invention enables the operator to use their feet for gripping, holding and manipulating. It achieves this by means of flexible footwear with molded extensions that protrude from under the toes and ball of the foot, creating additional leverage for the flexion and extension of the toes. The basic embodiment of the invention consists of six (6) main components. 1. A solid extrusion, positioned under the metatarsal bones of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 2. A second solid extrusion, positioned under the first phalange of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 3. A third solid extrusion, positioned under the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges collectively, extending downward from their plantar surfaces. 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for releasably securing footwear and, more specifically, to fasteners secured to lateral portions of a pair of shoes that releasably secures the first and second shoes together upon removal from an individual. Advantageously the invention ensures that the shoes are not separated or lost upon removal in, for example, public areas such as indoor playgrounds.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a shoe having a functional sole for degenerative osteoarthritis of a knee joint, which includes a sole having at least one of an insole, a midsole and an outsole, characterized in that, in longitudinal section of the insole, the outsole or the midsole formed integrally with one of the insole and the outsole, both sides of an inner face and an outer face thereof are not parallel with each other, and that an angle of one of both sides of the inner face or the outer face to the ground outside the sole is smaller than an angle of the opposed side to the ground outside the sole.

Abstract: A tool for manually moving snow and other loads includes a curved scoop having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a frame with handles attached to the curved scoop. The tool is balanced approximately midway between the leading edge and trailing edge when the scoop is loaded to facilitate adjustment of depth of cut and unloading. The scoop may also be temporarily deformed in response to manual application of torsional force via the handles in order to help accommodate unbalanced loads. A rope or cable can be connected to the handles. Wheels may be attached to the frame to facilitate movement over dry ground. Various removable edge members disposed on the leading edge of the scoop may be used depending on the material being loaded. Further, side panels attached to the frame may be used to enhance load capacity.

Abstract: A method of conveying data unit traffic from a radio terminal in a mobile communication system that comprises an access network (E-UTRAN) and a core network (Evolved Packet Core) is described. It comprises:—receiving (S31) a service request message for data unit communication from said radio terminal, and—performing (S32) a conveying decision procedure, and on the basis of an outcome of said conveying decision procedure, associating a radio channel between an access network entity and a radio terminal with one of a channel to a dedicated data unit processing entity (P-GW) in said core network for conveying data units from said radio terminal to said dedicated data unit processing entity for processing (S33), and—an access network channel for conveying data units from said radio terminal within said access network (S34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag head (1) of a trailing suction hopper dredger, comprising a visor (2) which is dragged over the bottom in a dragging direction and herein loosens soil, and a suction conduit (5) which connects to the visor (2) and which discharges the loosened soil. The drag head is provided with cutting bodies for loosening the soil, with the proviso that the cutting bodies comprise bits (20). Harder soil can also be dredged with the drag head by applying bits (20). The invention also relates to a method for dredging at least partially hard bottoms under water with a trailing suction hopper dredger equipped with the drag head.

Abstract: Equipment for mining and excavating includes a bucket used to remove overburden, a boom for positioning the bucket, and a hoist and drag cable for controlling the bucket. The equipment also includes a drum; a pedestal, a pinion assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The drum is used to wind the hoist cable or the drag cable. The pedestal supports the drum and surrounds a bull gear attached to the drum. A pinion of the pinion assembly extends within a port in the pedestal to engage the bull gear. The cartridge assembly is attached to the pedestal and includes an electric motor having a shaft extending from the motor, and a gear reduction coupled to the motor shaft. The pinion assembly is driven by the motor via the gear reduction. The pedestal allows the pinion assembly and other components to be removed or installed, without entirely separating the cartridge assembly from the pedestal.

Abstract: Piezoelectric pump for a household electric appliance having a moving wall interposed between a first casing element defining a pumping chamber with the moving wall, and a second casing element applying pressure to the periphery of the moving wall in order to hold the latter in position. The moving wall has an exterior face in contact with a piezoelectric actuator designed to cause the moving wall to move so as to bring about a periodic variation in the volume of the pumping chamber under the action of the piezoelectric actuator wherein the first casing element and the second casing element are held together under stress by an elastic clip, the elastic clip applying a pressure that tends to compress the first casing element onto the second casing element.

Abstract: Provided is an ironing appliance, including a pump that has a pumping chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet, the pumping chamber including a movable wall having an outer surface contacting a piezoelectric actuator provided to move the movable wall while changing the volume of the pumping chamber by the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the pump is placed in the ironing appliance such that the outlet of the pumping chamber is located at a higher level than the inlet in a normal position for operating the appliance.