Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. The handle includes a tank tray having an inlet and a drain. A channel communicates with the drain and extends away from the tank tray. A distributor communicates with the inlet and is operable to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface. A supply tank is removably coupled to the handle and has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet when the supply tank is coupled to the handle. The supply tank is at least partially supported by the tank tray and the tank tray is configured to collect fluid spilt from the supply tank and to divert the fluid away from the tank tray by way of the channel.

Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot moveable along a surface to be cleaned, and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between an upright storage position and an inclined operating position. The cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank insertable into a space between the foot and the handle. The handle is positioned directly over at least a portion of the recovery tank when the handle is in the upright storage position, and the recovery tank is removable from the space while the handle is in the upright storage position.

Abstract: A blast gate to control the application of vacuum pressure to a particulate generating machine so that particulate may be drawn away from the machine and isolated in a vacuum container. The blast gate may be opened when either a vacuum or particulate generating machine is switched on. The blast gate is designed to be inserted in a duct leading from the vacuum to the particulate generating machine. The electromechanical design allows two switches to be activated by a mechanical rotating arm. The switches respectively allow the gate to be held in the open position or in the closed position as well as activating the mechanical arm whereby the gate is moved to the open or closed position.

Abstract: An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.

Abstract: To protect floors against marks or damage from casters , a shrinkable tire, for example, a piece of heat-shrink tubing, in its unshrunk condition, is fitted around the caster circumference and then is shrunken. The dimensions and shrinkage ratio of the shrinkable tire are selected such that, when shrunken onto the caster, the tire grips the caster securely. If desired, the frictional grip between the tire and the caster circumferential surface may be enhanced by applying to the interior of the unshrunk tire a hot-melt adhesive which will be activated by the heat applied to shrink the tire. Additionally or alternatively, the width of the tire may be greater than the width of the caster so that, when the tire has been shrunken onto the caster, marginal portions of the tire form flanges gripping the caster on opposite sides.

Abstract: A quick release door hinge system has a locking pin and two flaps: A jamb flap that is fixedly attached to a door jamb and a door flap which is fixedly attached to a door. The door flap has built-in downwardly pointing pins that are configured and sized to fit into channels found on the jamb flap. Once the two flaps are connected, the locking pin is inserted so as to block any upward motion of the door flap which could result in an inadvertent release of the door from its hinges.

Abstract: A hinge plate for connecting a leaf of a door to a frame includes a frame hinge plate part comprising a frame fastening part and a frame hinge part. A leaf or sash hinge plate part comprises a leaf or sash fastening part and a leaf or sash hinge part. A primary coil is disposed in the frame hinge part and a secondary coil is disposed in the leaf or sash hinge part, each being configured to surround a hinge plate pin defining a hinge axis. The hinge plate pin is provided as a core for both the primary coil and the secondary coil and is configured to conduct magnetic flux lines. The hinge plate pin comprises a support element configured to transmit a mechanical force between the leaf and the frame. A flux element is configured to conduct the magnetic flux lines between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A production method for a carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle and a production apparatus of the carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle. A carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle that has a degree of intermingle of 1 m-1 or less between small tows, consists of substantially straight fibers without imparted crimp, a tow of which straight fibers has a moisture content of less than 10% by mass when housed in a container, and has a widthwise dividing capability to maintain a form of a single aggregate of tows when housed in a container, taken out from the container and guided into a firing step, and to divide into a plurality of small tows in the firing step by the tension generated in the firing step.

Abstract: A seed cotton dryer comprises an array of electromagnetic wave energy generators in a cotton gin, a cotton picker/stripper. An appropriate amount of energy is used to evaporate a considerable amount of moisture in the seed cotton without producing enough energy to pop the cotton seeds. Seed cotton dried by wave energy is much easier to separate the cotton seeds and lint from leaves, stems and other plant parts. The seed cotton is preferably transported through the dryer in a conduit having flat sides which reflects the wave energy more efficiently than through a round conduit. Provisions are made to prevent arcing in the transport conduit when extraneous metal pieces are inadvertently mixed with the seed cotton. In some embodiments, heated air from a diesel engine is used to dry crops as they are being harvested.

Abstract: Methods for producing naturally purified salt products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of producing a naturally purified salt product such as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate from a salt mixture is disclosed. In another embodiment, a high purity salt product is produced. In another embodiment, other products that are produced include naturally purified sodium chloride and magnesium chloride.

Abstract: A window curtain pull cord concentrator safety device of the present invention provides a concentrator device which enables the gathering together of the free ends of a plurality of pull cords of a window curtain set, and enables complete transmission of a pulling force in an emergency. And basically comprises a drag cup, an inner bottom of a concave cavity of which is provided with a through hole enabling a wire hoop body coupled to a pulling member to penetrate therethrough. The wire hoop body is located in the interior of the drag cup, and displacement of an inner loop side of the wire hoop body relative to the drag cup is used to determine whether the free ends of the pull cords are radially restrained, thereby enabling complete relay transmission of the pulling force. In an emergency, the pull cords are rapidly released, thereby achieving instantaneous prompt safety effectiveness.

Abstract: A quick-fit anchoring device for anchoring a sheath of a control cable to a mounting bracket is disclosed, which has a slot shaped generally as a U opening to a side of the mounting bracket, wherein the slot comprises a receiving portion of circular shape which is closed along an arc of circumference extending more than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees so as to define an opening the width of which is smaller than the diameter of the receiving portion. The device comprises a hollow body adapted to be fixed to the sheath, a collar mounted on the body coaxially therewith and rotatably relative thereto about an axis of rotation coinciding with its own axis, and a spring interposed between the body and the collar.

Abstract: A band clamp having a buckle for receiving a free end for binding various objects is provided wherein the band includes a mechanism for indicating an excess portion of the band needed for engagement with a tensioning tool. The mechanism may also facilitate temporary interconnection between the band and the buckle before tensioning.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology include a connector comprising two magnets with like poles facing towards each other. A first magnet of the two magnets is fixedly attached to a support base and female receptacle situated above the same pole of the first magnet. The second magnet is fixedly attached to a male flange adapted for passage through the female receptacle. The male flange and second magnet are further fixedly attached to a length of material which is longer than the female receptacle, such that the male flange remains within the female receptacle in an assembled condition due to a magnetic force pushing each magnet away from the other. Another embodiment includes a method of use, including lining up the male flange into the female receptacle for locking and pushing down and slightly transversely on the male flange to unlock.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: Fasteners comprising male and female assemblies. At least one of the male or female assembly may comprise a flexible base that flexes to conform to a non-planar mounting surface. The flexible base is bonded to the stud and/or the socket using techniques that provide a high degree of strength to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement of the fastener. Moreover, in certain embodiments the bonding techniques eliminate the need for mechanical means (for example, threads) to secure the stud to the flexible base. Mechanical tests show that the male assembly according to certain embodiments has 62% more strength than known male assemblies.

Abstract: A method for grading a bedding fabric comprises selecting at least two grading parameters and assigning a grade to the fabric based upon the selected grading parameters in order to grade the fabric between a minimum grade and a maximum grade. The grade is designed to assist a consumer in making consistent purchases. The grading parameters may include cost, type of fabric, thread count, comfort performance characteristics, ply, weight, fiber density and/or thickness of the fabric, aesthetic appearance of the fabric, durability, weave, bacterial, allergen, and/or fungal resistant properties, and the eco-friendly nature of the fabric. A grading system for a packaged bedding fabric includes a packaged bedding product and a grade coupled to the packaged bedding product such that a consumer can determine the quality of the bedding product based upon the grade.

Abstract: A method for forming a transducer, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate; providing a dielectric on the substrate; providing a first piezoelectric layer of the dielectric; providing a metal layer on the first piezoelectric layer; etching the metal layer to form a predetermined pattern having at least two electrodes; providing a second piezoelectric layer on the first piezoelectric layer and the etched metal layer; and etching a portion of the substrate surrounding the transducer to permit the transducer to move in a bender configuration.

Abstract: An extractor tool, in particular for bearing rings. This extractor tool is intended to be suitable, in particular, for extracting, or demounting, bearing rings, and it is also intended to be used in mounting situations in which radial access and bilateral axial access to the machine part to be demounted are not possible and, in addition, the extractor tool is to be simple and cost-effective to produce and easy to operate. The extractor tool has at least one magnet for non-positively connecting the extractor tool to a machine part to be extracted, in particular a bearing ring.

Abstract: A tool for extracting a pin inserted in a component bore extending into a pin receiving component, the tool comprising: a pin gripping element configurable between a released configuration in which the pin and the pin gripping element are movable relative to each other and a gripping configuration in which the pin gripping element grips the pin; a base element for abutting against the pin receiving component; and a gripping element mount mounting the pin gripping element to the base element, the gripping element mount being configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the pin gripping element is substantially adjacent to the base element, and in the second configuration, the pin gripping element is further away from the base element than in the first configuration. An actuator selectively moves the gripping element mount between the first and second configurations.

Abstract: An assembly facilitation apparatus for assembling and seating bearings on a gearbox pinion. The apparatus includes a bearing cup support for holding a bearing for assembly onto a pinion and an arm operatively connected to the bearing cup support. The arm is configured to engage the pinion and seat a bearing on a first portion of the pinion by moving the pinion axially in a first direction relative to the bearing.

Abstract: An automated system for disassembling a roller rail assembly includes an actuation device configured to move the roller rail assembly in a disassembling direction. A guide bracket is arranged and configured to receive the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved in the disassembling direction. The guide bracket allows movement of the roller rail assembly in the disassembling direction. A separator member is located downstream of the actuation device. The separator member being received by a housing member of the roller rail assembly and having a wide region that separates sidewalls of the housing member and releases roller wheels of the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved past the separator member by the actuation device.

Abstract: A splicing tape for accurately aligning and joining spliced component carrier reels is disclosed. The flexible splice tape allows the components to remain aligned and picked from a component carrier reel without interruption at the union of a first and second reel. The splice tape with an optional stiffening strip provides a flexible, yet strong connection to prevent back and forth, axial and lateral movement between spliced reels. The detection of the disclosed splice tape facilitates elimination of incorrect and mismatched components during splicing. The splice tape comprises a plastic-type material coated on one side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition. A protective paper covers the adhesive composition. The splice tape and protective paper are divided into sections using a staggered slit arrangement. The staggered slit arrangement aids in proper alignment and adhesion of the splice tape to component carrier reels.

Abstract: A composite structure and an associated exhaust washed structure are provided which may be formed of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. A method of fabricating a composite structure which may include the CMC material is also provided. A composite structure may include a corrugated septum extending in a lengthwise direction. The composite structure may also include a flute within which the corrugated septum is disposed to form, for example, a partitioned flute assembly.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus including a bearing support mechanism configured to hold a bearing for assembly into a housing and a housing register mechanism operatively connected to the bearing support mechanism. The housing register mechanism receives and aligns a housing with a bearing on the bearing support mechanism when the housing is placed over the housing register mechanism.

Abstract: A fastening device and method for mounting equipment to a framing member. The invention includes a single breakaway fastener that is pretentioned using a biasing member to fracture on a predetermined force applied to the fastened joint to avoid damage to the secured equipment. In one example the device and method includes the fastener having a reduced diameter portion that is positioned between an annular plate and the framing member.

Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like. The second female end of the coupler of the invention has a pair diametrically opposed cutouts through which portions of the linear threads or ribs are exposed.

Abstract: In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of: (1) inserting an alignment pin extending from a mounting surface of either the optical bench or the imaging device into a hole defined in the other of the optical bench and the imaging device; (2) aligning the imaging device with respect to a target image by translating and/or rotating the imaging device on the mounting surface of the optical bench while the pin is inserted in the hole to meet pre-defined center pixel, scan line and/or resolution requirements of the optical system; and (3) applying epoxy to the pin and the hole to mount the optical bench to the imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining two components (10, 12) of a unit (1), especially a fractured unit, to be screwed together. Said method comprises the following steps: the components are first joined by a joining device (2), especially a joining press (22), the components are separated, and the components are then rejoined by being screwed together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a refrigerator door is provided. The method includes installing a display portion on a rear surface of a front decoration, the front decoration defining a front external appearance of the refrigerator door, coupling door decorations to both side ends of the front decoration, the door decorations defining both side external appearances of the refrigerator door, coupling cap decorations to upper and lower ends of the front decoration to which the door decorations are coupled, the cap decorations defining top and bottom external appearances of the refrigerator door, injecting foam liquid into a space defined by the front decoration, the door decorations and the cap decorations, and coupling a door liner to a rear of the front decoration.

Abstract: A process and an associated assembly for supporting a porous media during a treatment which exposes the media to a fluid that modifies at least one property of the media. The assembly includes a supporting core. The media is wrapped in a plurality of layers about the core to form a first roll of the media. The assembly includes first securement mechanisms exerting diametrical pressure on the ends of the first roll to prevent fluid flow axially out of the ends of the first roll. An additional amount of the media is being wrapped in a plurality of layers about the first roll to form a second roll of the media. The assembly includes second securement mechanisms exerting diametrical pressure on the ends of the second roll to prevent fluid flow axially out of the ends of the second roll. The assembly may be part of equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a metal shell cutting and assembling machine for cutting a material tape with metal shells and assembling the metal shell with a plastic body of a connector. The metal shell cutting and assembling machine includes a frame, a material-feeding mechanism, a pre-press mechanism, a metal shell-cutting mechanism, a plastic body-inserting mechanism, a metal shell-inserting mechanism and a controller. The material-feeding mechanism is used for transferring the material tape. The pre-press mechanism can pre-press the metal shell of the material tape for being cut by the metal shell-cutting mechanism. The metal shell-inserting mechanism can push the metal shell held between the pre-press mechanism and the metal shell-cutting mechanism onto the plastic body-inserting mechanism, and the plastic body-inserting mechanism pushes the plastic body for assembling with the metal shell. Whereby the metal shell cutting and assembling machine can enhance the manufacture efficiency and reduce the labor cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing portable data carriers (10, 11), wherein first there are provided a module carrier band (20), on which are arranged chip modules (26) with contact surfaces (21) arranged on one side of the module carrier band (20), and at least one substrate foil (31, 32, 33), respectively as rolled goods. The module carrier band (20) and the at least one substrate foil (31, 32, 33) are unrolled from the respective roll (51, 52, 53) and continuously brought together. Then, the module carrier band (20) is permanently connected with the at least one substrate foil (31, 32, 33) in such a way that the contact surfaces (21) of the chip modules (26) point outward. From the composite (40) there can be detached in particular portable data carriers in the format ID-000 (10) or mini-UICC (11).

Abstract: A low-cost high-frequency electronic device package and associated fabrication method are described wherein waveguide structures are formed from the high frequency device to the package lead transition. The package lead transition is optimized to take advantage of waveguide interconnect structure.

Abstract: An adjustment method of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a cooling and excitation step in which work of transporting a superconducting magnet to a facility different from a facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed, cooling a superconducting coil of the superconducting magnet with a refrigerant, and supplying a current from an external power supply for excitation is repeated until a predetermined rated current flows; a demagnetization and transportation step of demagnetizing the superconducting coil and transporting the superconducting magnet to the facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed in a state where the superconducting coil is cooled by the refrigerant; and an installation step of installing the superconducting magnet in the facility where the superconducting magnet is to be installed and supplying a predetermined rated current from an external power supply to the superconducting coil in order to excite the superconducting coil.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to achieve thinning while maintaining a function required for an auxiliary recording layer, thereby achieving improvement of SNR. A configuration of a method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic disk 100 according to the invention includes a granular magnetic layer forming step, on a base 110, a granular magnetic layer 160 in which a grain boundary portion is formed by segregation of a non-magnetic substance containing an oxide as a main component around magnetic particles containing a CoCrPt alloy grown in a columnar shape as a main component; an auxiliary recording layer forming step of forming an auxiliary recording layer 180 that contains a CoCrPtRu alloy as a main component and has a film thickness of 1.5 to 4 nm above the granular magnetic layer; and a heating step of heating the base formed with the auxiliary recording layer in a temperature range of 210 to 250° C.

Abstract: A concentrated winding coil includes a plurality of coil layers each of which comprises a plurality of wire turns wound in alignment winding; and a bobbin including an inner flange, an outer flange and a bobbin body on which the wire is wound, wherein: each of the coil layers includes a turn shift portion where the wire is shifted from an n-th turn to an (n+1)-th turn; the turn shift portion is located only on a side of a coil end section of the coil; and the bobbin body has no guide grooves. A method of manufacturing the concentrated winding coil includes steps of: winding the wire on the bobbin; and pressing the wire by a wire guiding/holding member toward the inner flange or toward the outer flange.

Abstract: A pick-and-place tool configured to pick and place at least one die on a workpiece includes a mounting head. The mounting head includes a die position determining unit configured to one of measure and detect an actual position of at least one die during a time between the placement of the at least one die on the workpiece and the picking up of a subsequent die for placement on the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for assembling semiconductor devices comprises encapsulating a leadframe matrix having semiconductor die mounted thereon in a mold compound. The leadframe matrix is partially singulated to electrically isolate each individual leadframe unit. A plurality of leadframe units is tested simultaneously. The leadframe matrix is completely singulated. Non compliant units are discarded.

Abstract: One or more light emitting diode diodes (LEDs) are attached to a printed circuit board. The attached LEDs are connectable with a power source via circuitry of the printed circuit board. An overmolding material is insert molded an over at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs to form a free standing high thermal conductivity material overmolding that covers at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs. The free standing high thermal conductivity material has a melting temperature greater than about 100° C. and has a thermal conductivity greater than or about 1 W/m·K. In some embodiments, the free standing high thermal conductivity material is a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A printed wiring board includes a resin insulation layer having a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface, the resin insulation layer having an opening for a first via conductor, a pad formed on the first surface of the resin insulation layer and provided to mount an electronic component, a first conductive circuit formed on the second surface of the resin insulation layer, and a first via conductor formed in the opening and connecting the pad and the first conductive circuit. The pad has an embedded portion embedded in the resin insulation layer and a protruding portion protruding from the resin insulation layer, and the embedded portion has an external shape which is greater than an external shape the protruding portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, including: preparing a double-sided substrate which comprises an insulating layer, a first copper layer formed on one side of the insulating layer and a second copper layer formed on the other side of the insulating layer; forming a via-hole through the second copper layer and the insulating layer; forming a plating layer on an inner wall of the via-hole; and forming, on the double-sided substrate, a via, a first circuit layer including a circuit pattern that is formed on a surface of the via having a minimum diameter and has a line width smaller than the minimum diameter of the via, and a second circuit layer including a lower land.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a FPCB substrate includes the following steps. First, a FPCB material including an insulation layer and an electrically conductive layer formed on the insulation layer is provided. The electrically conductive layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The insulation layer has a third surface and an opposite fourth surface. The third surface comes into contact with the second surface. Secondly, a through hole extends from the first surface to the fourth surface is formed. The through hole includes a metal hole in the electrically conductive layer and an insulation hole in the insulation layer. Thirdly, the insulation hole is enlarged to expose a portion of the electrically conductive layer around the metal hole. Finally, the exposed portion is bent to form a hook which passes through the enlarged insulation hole and protrudes out from the fourth surface of the insulation layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an device for connecting lines, especially to a quick connector, comprising at least one connector adapted to be joined with a line end by means of friction welding. A controlled release of excess melt is achieved by that the connecting device is provided with means for withdrawing the melt producible by the friction welding from the its area of the origin.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat between a first working fluid and a second working fluid, including a pair of spaced apart headers, a number of tubes extending between the pair of headers and providing a flow path for the first working fluid and being positioned along a flow path for the second working fluid, and an insert supportable in one of the tubes and having a fold extending in a direction substantially parallel to the flow path for the first working fluid through the tubes. The fold can define first and second legs of the insert. A dimple can be formed on the first leg and a protrusion can be formed on the second leg opposite to the dimple on the first leg.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus that includes a frame and a load plate operatively connected to the frame. The load plate is configured to support a workpiece and is selectively extendable from a first position in which at least a portion of the load plate is positioned over the frame, to a second position in which the load plate is extended from the frame such that the workpiece is transferable from the load plate to a sub-assembly.

Abstract: In the method of making an aircraft a mandrel is caused to pass through frames carried by a magazine; and as it passes through, the frames are transferred onto the mandrel.