Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board in which a plurality of conductive layers forming a wiring pattern are laminated in the state where they are put between insulating layers, and a printed circuit board formed thereby. The printed circuit board manufacturing method for the present invention includes a step of forming a via fill (17) to allow electroless plating liquid to be in contact with the surface of the wiring pattern exposed to a bottom part of a via hole (14) formed at a insulating layer to laminate plating metallic film from the bottom part to a opening part of the via hole (14), to form the via fill (17), and a step of forming a wiring pattern to form electroless plating metallic film (20) serving as the wiring pattern onto a substrate where the via fill (17) is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for making an electrical connection in a system requiring four electrical connections, including an electrical connection pad having an array of four types of electrically conductive contacts, all conductive contacts of a given type being electrically connected to all other conductive contacts of the same type; and an arrangement for providing electrical connections to conductive contacts on the pads, the arrangement having electrically conductive pins for making contact with the conductive contacts, wherein the types of electrically conductive contacts include two contacts for power and two separate contacts for signals. The pins may be arranged at corners of a first square and a second square, with the first square being rotated by forty-five degrees with respect to the second square, and a pin located at a common center of both squares. A method of operation of the apparatus, and various applications and configurations for its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a connection material with a specified shape on at least one surface of at least one workpiece, wherein the connection material and the surface have complementary wetting or wettable properties, and wherein the connection material (3) is deposited on at least one of the surfaces (2) and a shaping device (10, 10?) is arranged at least for the period of a flowable state of the connection material adjacent to the connection material as well as at least partially surrounding this material on the surface (2), wherein this device has a surface (11, 12) that is non-wettable with respect to the wetting properties of the connection material and that is designed for the forced guidance of the flow of the still flowable connection material in the region of the non-wettable surface that thus assumes a specified shape; and the shaped connection material is hardened.

Abstract: There are provided a method for removing a blade ring by pulling out the blade ring smoothly and surely while preventing damage to other components, and a member for removing a blade ring. By using a dummy blade ring, connection plates, and connecting bolts, work for removing and mounting a lower half section of the blade ring is performed. Thereby, work of rotation and the like can be performed while the lower half section of the blade ring and the dummy blade ring are connected to each other in both end portions. Therefore, during the work, the lower half section of the blade ring and the dummy blade ring are prevented from shifting from each other and therefore from interfering with the opposed rotor blade tip, a lower half section of a casing, and the like, thus preventing damage to the tip, distortion of the lower half section of the blade ring and the dummy blade ring, and the like. Consequently, a stator blade ring can be pulled out smoothly and surely.

Abstract: A method of assembling an outboard engine is disclosed. The outboard engine has first and second driveshafts, each having a helical gear on a first end and a driving gear on a second end. A driven shaft has a driven gear. The method comprises: rotating the driven shaft; measuring an axial displacement of one of the first and second helical gears with respect to the engine casing; selecting a shim based at least in part on the measurement of the relative axial displacement; and placing the shim on the one of the first and second driveshafts at a position axially below the helical gear. A method of assembling a marine outboard engine comprising moving a height adjustment member from a first position to a second position based on the relative axial displacement is also disclosed. An outboard engine with first and second helical gears at different heights is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of assembling an epicyclic gear train comprising providing a carrier that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced mounts interconnecting the walls in a one-piece unitary structure. Spaced apart apertures are provided between the mounts at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and mounts extending to the apertures, and a central opening is provided in at least one of the walls. An intermediate gear is inserted through the central opening. The intermediate gear moves radially into the gear pocket to extend through the aperture. A baffle is inserted into the carrier in a space between the walls. A sun gear is inserted through the central opening to intermesh with the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: The device is for holding an edible food product such as a vegetable or piece of fruit in readiness for the preparation thereof. The device may be used for peeling or cutting vegetables or fruit in a safe manner. The device includes a body that is meant to be grasped by a user of the device and a set of prongs that are supported by the body and extend from a distal end of the body. The set of prongs preferably includes at least three prongs that are disposed in a parallel array and that are for piercing engagement with the edible product. An actuator rod assembly is supported by the body and includes a proximal end cap and a distal pusher piece that is meant to engage the edible product for dis-engagement thereof from the set of prongs. A biasing spring is disposed in the body for urging the actuator rod assembly in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors capable of adjusting the amount of hair cut comprises a first blade, a second blade and an adjustment member. The adjustment member is pivotally mounted on the first blade. The second blade is eccentrically pivoted on the adjustment member. The adjustment member can be rotated to change the relative position and the contact area between the two blades, thus changing the amount of hair cut.

Abstract: A vibrator motor in a hair clipper has a stationary piece and a moving piece. The stationary piece has a primary leg and at least one secondary leg. The primary leg fits through an opening in a coil. A flange is then press fit onto the leg so that the coil is captured on the primary leg. The flange provides a magnetic pole face that is larger than the opening in the coil, which increases the efficiency of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve operation convenience by increasing the operating speed and eliminating hand fatigue during pruning of fruit trees. For this purpose, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve safety during handling by implementing a new type of switching means having a separate safety switch capable of being separated from a main body and put on a user's finger and reduce the volume and weight by reducing the number of parts associated with the safety switch. Moreover, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which control a motor to be reversely rotated when there is an abnormality in blades of the electric pruning shears during a pruning operation, thus escaping from the overall abnormality including motor damage.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a housing, an electrical motor mounted in the housing, a base plate disposed below the housing, a saw blade attached to the housing and driven by the electrical motor, and an alignment indication assembly coupled to the housing. The saw blade has a portion below the base plate and can be tilted with respect to the base plate in a transverse direction. The alignment indication assembly has an indication member with an indicating end. The indication member is movable relative to a rotation center of the saw blade when the saw blade is being tilted with respect to the base plate so that the indicating end is maintained in front of and in line with the saw blade all the time.

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: A reticle which does not emit a retro-reflective signature detectable using standard field detection means at the standard distance of 10 miles, which reticle is formed of a precise series of about 10 micron wide lines etched within a physically light weight, single optical blank or glass lens, using a femtosecond near IR wavelength pulsed laser.

Abstract: A tilt-sensing apparatus for sensing whether the tilt of an object exceeds a predetermined level, and to an automatic posture control apparatus using same. An amplifying lever moves along with a tilt lever which rotates in accordance with the level of fluid. in a balanced state, the end of the amplifying lever is spaced apart by a predetermined gap from a contact of a case. when the tilt of the object significantly exceeds a predetermined level, the case fixed at the object is tilted together with the object. the tilt lever in the case keeps the balanced state by the level of fluid, the tilt lever rotates in one direction relative to the case, and the rotational displacement of the tilt lever is amplified by the amplifying lever to enable contact sensors and contacts to be interconnected and turned to the ON state.

Abstract: Notepad accessory for use with a hand tool such as a carpenter's rafter angle square having a generally planar body with an opening between major surfaces on opposite sides of the body. The notepad comprises a pair of generally planar members of greater lateral extent than the opening, a writing surface on one side of each of the generally planar members, and means engagable through the opening for securing the two members together on opposite sides of the body with the writing surfaces facing away from the tool.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine is provided having a base. A cover is rotatably coupled to the base to move between a closed position and an open position. A display is arranged within the cover. The display includes a screen surface, such as a touch sensitive screen surface, disposed on one side of the housing. The screen surface being adjacent the base in the closed position and disposed on an angle to the base in the open position.

Abstract: An L-shaped diagnostic tool is preferably made from paper with a backing having a contact adhesive. Each arm has a ruler, with origins co-aligned at the internal corner of the intersection of the arms. One arm has representative color images of afflictions for each of the various ranks within a classification system. The other arm contains textual descriptions of the salient features of afflictions in each rank. A photograph of the L-shaped tool placed around the affliction may be taken for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.

Abstract: A pillow measurement device and a method of using it are provided. Certain embodiments of the device include a first leg, a second leg, a first movable portion slidably affixed to the second leg, a means for affixing the first movable portion to the second leg, and a second movable portion. One or more of these components may have measurement indicia imprinted on them. The device can be used to measure various anatomical parts of a person, such as head width, neck width, shoulder width, cervical length and cervical depth. Measurements taken using the device may be used to custom build a pillow for a person.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.

Abstract: A washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum, an irradiating light source and control means. The rotary drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The irradiating light source is for emitting a light beam including ultra-violet ray to the inside of the rotary drum. The control means controls the irradiating light source such that the light beam including the ultra-violet ray is emitted to the inside of the rotary drum after the end of the drying process.

Abstract: A method of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes supporting a substrate; rotating the substrate about a rotational center point; applying a liquid to the substrate via a liquid dispenser; applying a drying fluid to the substrate via a drying fluid dispenser; moving the drying fluid dispenser and the liquid dispenser in a direction toward an edge region of the substrate, the drying fluid being applied closer to the rotational center point than the fluid; upon the liquid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, discontinuing application of the liquid while continuing the manipulation of the drying fluid dispenser; and upon the drying fluid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, continuing to apply the drying fluid for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The use of at least one central heat exchanger to extract and dry the heat energy released by laundry machines, in particular their gland steam. The energy thus recovered can be fed back to the laundry machines as hot air or hot water. This represents a significant reduction in the energy requirements of laundry machines as laundry machines discharge a great amount of unused energy into the environment, which, particularly in light of rising energy prices, represents an unnecessary operational cost for a laundry.

Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a rotatable drum and an air delivery system. The air delivery system can include a reversible blower that provides air at a first flow rate when operated in a first direction and provides air at a second lower flow rate when operated in an opposite second direction. The drum can be a reversibly rotatable drum that is rotatable in a first and an opposite second direction, and the dryer can include a drive motor that both rotates the drum and operates the blower. Drum and blower reversal may be controlled to optimize drying efficiency and also reduce stress on the drive system. A moisture delivery system can provide moisture (e.g., water mist or steam) into the drum while air is being provided at the lower second flow rate, and during drum rotation (tumbling).

Abstract: A vapor-permeable element to be used in a composition of soles for shoes, including: a supporting frame, which delimits substantially at least one through hole; a membrane impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and arranged above the supporting frame so as to cover at least the through hole; at least one vapor-permeable or perforated protective layer for the membrane, arranged between the supporting frame and the membrane, so as to cover at least the through hole. The membrane and the protective layer are joined, at least at their perimetric edges, to each other and to the supporting frame. The protective layer, in cooperation with a tread of the sole with which it is associated, is available for contact with the ground during use of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a midsole with a main body and a peripheral component having foam material filled inside, precise ornamental details and wear-resistant outer shell. According to the present invention, a preferred method of manufacturing a midsole with less weight than traditional and high resolution pattern is provided with the steps of: forming a TPU thin sheet into a shell with three-dimensional ornamental details and a receiving space, filling a foam material into the receiving space thereby to enhance the strength of the shell, trimming the shell together with the filled foam material from the thin sheet to be a peripheral component of the present invention, forming a main body of the midsole by foam material, and bonding the peripheral component to the main body of the midsole.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear and/or apparel that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties, which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces.

Abstract: A hand-held clothes steam ironing apparatus includes first and second elongated substantially rectangular arm members having an inner portion and an outer portion, a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the two arm members at one narrow end of each such that said inner portions are substantially opposing. Imbedded in inner portions of each arm members is at least one heat plate, this heat plates containing a plurality of steam orifices distributed longitudinally along the heat plate with fluid communication between the orifices. An electrical power supply is wired in adjacent the hinge mechanism and electrically connects to the heat plates with power control capability between the two for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heat plates. Water tanks with removable caps are attached to outer portions of each of the body members, and water conduits run between each water tank and the heat plates in the corresponding arm members.

Abstract: A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The band includes a first band element and a second band element with a planar body extending from a first to a second end. The second band element body is greater in length than the first band element body and includes a hole for receiving the first band element body. The band includes a coupling mechanism that detachably connects an outer sidewall of the first band element body to the inner sidewall of the second band element body, e.g., to allow the two band elements to be selectively disconnected and reassembled without tools. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling component extending along the outer sidewall of the first band element and a second coupling element extending along the inner sidewall of the second band element such that the two band elements are connected along the periphery of the hole.

Abstract: A labeling plate, which is to be fastened to the outside surface of the outer cage of a shipping and storage tank for liquids, has an upper and lower frame section and two lateral frame sections, which project outwardly beyond the labeling area of the labeling plate and frame the labeling surface. The labeling areas of the labeling plates of two storage tanks standing side by side on a loading surface are kept spaced apart by the frame sections, so that damage to the labels pasted on the labeling areas of the labeling plates is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a display device, which comprises a display body having two opposite sides adjacent to a periphery thereof and each formed with at least one first positioning element respectively, and at least one detachable decorative member made of an elastic material and formed with a second positioning element in two opposite sides adjacent to two end edges thereof respectively. When the second positioning element is inserted into and engaged with the first positioning element corresponding thereto, the elastic deformation force of the decorative member can generate a clamping force for enabling the second positioning element to firmly clamp the first positioning element, protecting the periphery of the display body from being broken due to external impact or abrasion, using the decorative member as an elastic cushioning for packing the display body into a packing box, and reducing the use of packing materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a percussion lock installed on a firearm, and more particularly, to a percussion lock wherein the hammer is operated through a link member so that operation of the firearm is possible in a small area, making it possible to design a firearm flexibly and reducing the volume and weight of the firearm. According to the present invention, the percussion lock installed on a firearm to fire a bullet by hitting a firing pin comprises a housing mounted in fixed state to a firearm, a hammer installed on the upper part of the housing for hitting a firing pin, a link member linking the hammer and the housing so that the hammer moves on a curve maintaining horizontal state, and an elastic member supporting the link member with elastic force.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, a trigger, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer, and a manual slide and hammer lock safety mechanism (“manual safety”) including a detent spring biased rotatable tab mounted to the frame that blocks the slide from reciprocating and the hammer from rotating relative to the frame if the tab is actuated in an “on” position. The manual safety completely disables the firearm even if the trigger is actuated, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: A hand guard rail system is fastened to a firearm having a barrel and a barrel nut, with the hand guard rail aligned to the top rail of the firearm. The hand guard rail system includes a hand guard and a sleeve fitted into the hand guard. The sleeve and the hand guard are fastened to the barrel nut, thereby aligning the hand guard to the firearm.

Abstract: A modular fore-end rail assembly for mounting onto a firearm includes an upper hand guard, a lower hand guard and a clamping member that combines with the rear portion of the upper hand guard to encircle and clamp onto the barrel nut thereby supporting the entire assembly from the front of the upper receiver and preventing any transfer of load into the barrel. The lower portion of the hand guard is slidably received into channels formed in the upper hand guard and is retained in its installed position by a spring biased detent located in the clamping member. The lower hand guard is removable by simply depressing the detent and sliding the lower hand guard forward. By providing for the easy removal of the lower hand guard, other auxiliary devices may be mounted to the upper hand guard.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems, methods and devices for controlling the dispersion of shot or other projectiles fired from a weapon such as a shotgun. Embodiments according to the invention employ an inner cylindrical chamber that is divided at a median transverse plane into forward and rear sections. The rear section of the chamber tapers toward the median transverse plane and includes a number of radial vents that open into an outer chamber that provides one or more gas bypass channels into the forward section of the tubular chamber. Alternatively, channels function as unitary vents and outer chamber to provide for a gas bypass. The forward section tapers toward a forward muzzle opening. When a multiple projectile load/wad is fired from the weapon, expanding gas is sealed behind the load until it has advanced past the radial vents at which point, gas is allowed to expand into the outer chamber resulting in a momentary pressure drop and reduced propulsion force behind the wad/load.

Abstract: The present invention is a support rod that extends from the rear grip of a firearm with portable convenience features of quick, course adjustment, and slow, fine adjustment of the firearm without the shooter removing his hands from their normal firing position during aiming. The support rod is extended, retracted and adjusted by a button, spring, and a knob in the rear grip of the firearm.

Abstract: A mount adapter device utilizing a spring-loaded push system for quickly and securely attaching accessories to weapon accessory rails is disclosed. The mount adapter device generally includes a first base member, a second base member, a push rod member, and a resilient member. The push rod member connects the first base member and the second base member. The first base member is linearly slidable into engagement with the second base member in a first direction, and the second base member is linearly slidable into engagement with the first base member in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. The first base member includes a first clamping member for engaging a first edge of the weapon accessory rail. The second base member includes a second clamping member for engaging a second edge of the rail.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy comprising a waterfowl decoy body, a propulsion system, an accelerometer, and a microcontroller. In a preferred embodiment, the waterfowl decoy body has an inner cavity with an equipment mounting surface therein with the propulsion system coupled to the equipment mounting surface and configured to propel the waterfowl decoy across a surface of water. The accelerometer is coupled to the equipment mounting surface and configured to sense accelerations of the waterfowl decoy body when propelled across the surface of water, and the microcontroller is coupled to the accelerometer and configured to calculate a distance traveled by the waterfowl decoy body when propelled across the surface of water. A waterfowl decoy system and a method of manufacturing a waterfowl decoy system are also provided.

Abstract: A fishing rod with automatic casting mechanism includes an elongated fishing rod, a reel and a length of fishing line stored on the reel with one end of the line fixed to the reel and a plurality of line guides along the rod with a single line guide at the distal end thereof. The fishing line extends from the reel and through the line guides including the final line guide at the end of the rod. A weighted fishing lure is attached to an opposite end of the fishing line and includes the hook. In addition, a tubular member includes a front and rear position and spring biased mechanism including a coil spring contained within the tubular member for automatically casting the fishing lure over a body of water for a distance of 100 meters or more.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes a central shaft with telescoping sections and a pair of support legs secured adjacent the first end thereof. A third support leg attached to the central shaft provides further supports. A rod support arm is pivotally secured within a vertical slot in the second end of the central shaft. A second end of the rod support arm includes a forked end with finger sections. A T-shaped hanger supported by the forked end has a central leg section pivotally secured to a strap that engages the handle of a fishing pole. The fishing pole is free to pivot up and down relative to the T-shaped hanger. Raising the fishing pole disengages the T-shaped hanger from the support arm, thereby pivoting the rod support arm to a vertical orientation. An anchor further secures the central shaft to a support surface.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide devices and methods for adjustably and reversibly engaging a line (e.g., fishing lines, ropes, string, cable, wire, cords) at an engagement position and/or for demarcating positions/spans along a line. The inventive line-stop members are reversibly disengagable, and thereby slidably adjustable and positionable along a line, and can be used to define a user-selectable range or span. Particular embodiments comprise: an elongated line-clamping member having at least one pair of line-clamping arms and having a longitudinal axial bore suitable to allow slidable passage of a line therethrough; and a cylindrical engagement collar having a collar channel therethrough and slidably positionable along the line-clamping member, and suitable and positionable to reversibly hold the line-clamping member in a line-clamping/engagement position, and suitable and positionable to reversibly disengage the line-clamping member from the line-clamping position to reversibly disengage a line.

Abstract: A fishing line comprises an outer surface having at least one array of shaped features therein and having an advancing contact angle with deionized water of at least about 115°. The array comprises a plurality of discrete shaped features spaced equidistantly along a longitudinal axis of the fishing line. The shaped features are from about 0.005 to about 0.02 inches across in their broadest dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus for catching an insect sitting on a contact surface. The apparatus includes a casing, a light source disposed in the casing for dazzling and immobilizing the insect on the contact surface, and a catch tube disposed in the casing and movable relative to the casing. The apparatus further includes a catch container disposed adjacent to the catch tube and a slider to lift the insect off the contact surface. The slider is movable relative to the casing.

Abstract: The arthropod trap has a base with a plurality of sides that angle upwardly and inwardly toward a capture area in the center of the base. Multiple outwardly-projecting fins are disposed on or adjacent to the sides of the base. The fins also angle upwardly toward the capture area so that the fins guide arthropods into the capture area. The capture area includes a pitfall so that the arthropods topple through a pitfall opening and are retained in the pitfall. A trap cover fits over and at least partially conceals the capture area. In one embodiment, the trap cover provides a platform for the placement of light emitting diodes that emit light in a wavelength that appeals to the positive phototaxis instincts of the target arthropods.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers, and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door device including: a slider mounted to the sliding door so as to be movable on the rail; a lever provided in the slider so that a middle part thereof would be rotatable; a first roller provided on one end side of the lever so as to be rotatable on the rail; a recess formed in the rail so that the first roller would fall thereinto before the sliding door reaches a completely closed position, the recess having a rising wall surface of the rail being in a direction intersecting with a rotating surface of the first roller, the rising wall surface capable of coming into contact with the first roller; and a cable mounted to the sliding door for driving the sliding door to a closing direction when the cable is pulled. The cable is connected to the other end side of the lever and causes the lever to rotate in a direction that the first roller pushes the rail when the cable is pulled.

Abstract: A door stay device for automatically locking a door in an open position includes a first component adapted to be attached to a stationary support, the first component including a plate having a curved cam edge with a radius matched to a swinging movement of the door between closed and open positions. The plate has a slot open at the cam edge at a location corresponding to the open position of the door. A second component is adapted to be secured at a lower or upper edge of a door, the second component having a locking member arranged to move into the slot when the locking member is aligned with the slot and the door is in the open position.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device for a vehicle that can remove an object attached to operation surface of a door handle with a simpler structure is provided. The device includes a door handle. The door handle includes a grip and a deflective portion. The grip protrudes outward and defines a space between the outer surface of the door outer panel and the grip to allow gripping by a user. The deflective portion is located at an end of the grip and extends from the outer surface of the grip along the outer surface of the door outer panel in a direction crossing front and rear directions of the vehicle to direct air flow flowing along the outer surface of the door outer panel to flow through at least the space of the grip to the operation surface.

Abstract: An access panel assembly for providing access to a duct through an opening in the duct. The access panel assembly comprises a sealing member, a cover member and fasteners. The sealing member fits around the opening in the duct and the cover member fits over the sealing member and coupled to the duct by the fasteners. The cover member may comprise a fire resistant panel and is formable to the shape of the duct thereby allowing the access panel assembly to be fitted to irregular shaped ducts or openings in the ducts. The access panel assembly allows easy and ready access to the interior of ducts or other air handling equipment to permit the inspection and cleansing of the interior surfaces and other interior components of any contaminants.