Abstract: A hydraulic solenoid control valve, including a valve housing, a valve chamber, having a first valve seat bore as a connection to a first line, a second valve seat bore as a connection to a second line, and a free aperture to a third line, a solenoid, and a valve spindle movable by the solenoid and partially arranged in the valve chamber. The valve spindle includes, a first sealing surface facing the first valve seat bore and a second sealing surface facing the second valve seat bore. The first and the second valve seat bores can be closed. The valve spindle protrudes from the valve chamber through the second valve seat bore toward the solenoid. When the second valve seat bore is closed, the valve spindle is pulled into the second valve seat bore by a differential-area-ratio through the pressure in the second line.

Abstract: A multi-pivot pin system has a hinge assembly having a plurality of housings formed within the hinge assembly. A channel is formed through each housing wherein an outer diameter center-line of the hinge assembly is off-set from a center-line of an inner diameter of the channel. A rotating device is positioned in each channel.

Abstract: A damped spring hinge is disclosed, which includes a shaft seat, a shaft, a sleeve, a sliding member, an elastic unit, a non-return valve, a throttle valve. The shaft seat has a seat body, wherein a shaft hole and a receiving hole are formed in the seat body. The shaft can be rotatably disposed in the shaft hole. The sleeve is received in the receiving hole. The sliding member can be slidably disposed in the sleeve. An oil reservoir is formed by the sliding member and the sleeve. The elastic unit is disposed in between the sleeve and the sliding member. The non-return valve is disposed in the oil reservoir, and the throttle valve is disposed on the seat body. Thereby, a self-closing action for the door can be generated, along with the damping effect by the hydraulic oil. A control device of the damped spring hinge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-axis hinge unit is provided with a first rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the vertical direction from a folded state with a first casing and a second casing overlapping and a second rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the horizontal direction from a folded state with the first casing and the second casing overlapping, and is provided with a restriction member positioned between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft that, when one of the rotating shafts is in a predetermined rotational position, is pressed by this one rotating shaft and engages with the other rotating shaft, thereby restricting rotation of that other rotating shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of laid staple fibre fabrics with aligned fibre orientation, in which method the laid fabrics are produced by continuous plaiting down of carded fibre web at defined laying angles onto a synchronized transport belt (1), wherein the carding machine (2) and plaiting means (3) arranged downstream of it are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the advancing direction of the transport belt. Said laid staple fibre fabrics are used for producing high-strength fibre-reinforced plastic composites, as are used in wind power plants, aircraft construction and the automotive industry. In particular in the loading direction, said composites have high composite strengths and rigidities, to which end a defined fibre orientation is required. In addition to a defined orientation of the finite fibres, the laid fabrics also have a defined mass per unit area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metal locking tie and a metal locking tie tool. The metal locking tie has a tie body, a tie head secured to the tie body, and a roller means disposed in the tie head. The tie head has a bottom, a ceiling, opposing sides, a strap entrance end and a strap exit end that define a strap receiving passageway therethrough. The tie head also includes an angled tool bearing surface at the strap exit end. The metal locking tie tool includes a cutter cap with a cutter and a ball setter. Once the metal locking tie tool has tensioned the metal locking tie, the cutter moves linearly with respect to the cutter cap to set the roller means in the tie head and to provide a flush cut off of the excess tie body from the metal locking tie.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper clip for releasably securing paper together having folded sheet metal defining a base and two spaced arms connected together by a first spring system and a cam member comprising sheet metal and having a deformable cam surface defining a second spring system operably connected to the two spaced arms for rotational movement between: an open position for insertion of the sheets between the base and deformable cam surface; and a closed position where rotation of the cam member rotates the deformable surface to releasably secure the sheets together between the deformable cam surface and base. The invention also relates to a paper clip having three spring systems and a method of releasably securing paper together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening and clamping straps. In order to create a device for fastening and clamping straps that also permanently withstands high mechanical loads of the type that occur during the tensioning of slacklines, in particular longlines, the invention proposes that at least one pair of pivoting levers be provided, between which two mutually parallel clamping plates with flat clamping surfaces are hinged, the clamping surfaces being at least as wide as the strap and being provided with means for securing the strap in the clamped state. The pivoting levers are fastened to a tensioning device, for example a chain hoist, on actuation of which the pivoting levers absorb the tension and transmit it to the clamping plates so that the clamping surfaces of the clamping plates are pressed together, thereby securely clamping the strap fitted between the clamping surfaces.

Abstract: A cord lock guide for a blind operated by a blind cord, wherein the cord hangs in a loop from a blind head rail, and having a main body portion, formed of front and back panels, and junction portions extending between the front and the back panels, a cord passage defined between the front and back panels, a movable guide body between the front and back panels, a generally semi-arcuate cord guide surface defined by the guide body around which the cord may run, a guide body support extending from the guide body, a hollow sleeve secured between the front and back panels; and receiving the guide body support therein, a resilient member between the guide body and the sleeve, the guide body being movable towards the sleeve against the resilient member and, a cord abutment located between the front and back panels, and oriented so as to obstruct the cord from passing around the guide body, when the guide body is in a first position, and the abutment being out of obstructive engagement when the guide body is moved ag

Abstract: A string stopper temporarily fixing a string with enhanced firmness while having improved handleability is provided. A string stopper includes a body accommodating plural string ends, the body including a substantially cylindrical socket and a plug insertable in the socket, the socket including a string opening, a plug opening, an accommodating portion accommodating a predetermined length of the string ends, and plural securing portions securing the string ends in the accommodating portion, the plug including a base closing the plug opening, a leg integrally extending from the base and insertable in the accommodating portion, and a temporarily fixing portion temporarily fixing the string ends and including first projection and second projection laterally projecting from the leg. The first projection includes two or more first projections arranged along the extending direction of the leg. The second projection faces a space between the first projections.

Abstract: A plastic fastening device that includes a recycled material. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fastening device includes a blend of two or more thermoplastic resins, at least one of which is a recycled material. The blend may include, for example, a fresh thermoplastic resin and a recycled thermoplastic resin. The fresh thermoplastic resin may include, for example, one or more of a polyethylene (PE), a polyamide (PA), or a polycarbonate (PC). The recycled thermoplastic resin may include, for example, a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). In a preferred embodiment, the blend of two or more thermoplastic resins includes a blend of (i) rPET and (ii) one of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a LDPE/LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) blend and LLDPE, (iii) wherein the rPET constitutes about 88% to 98% of the total material content and the LDPE, the LDPE/LLDPE blend, or the LLDPE constitutes the balance.

Abstract: A hook assembly made up of a hook subassembly with a hook having a first axis, a support subassembly, and an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A woven slide fastener which is knitted using a double-bed-type warp knitting machine, in which a stable woven mode of a ground structure is maintained and a fastener element row is strongly attached to a warp knitting fastener tape stably in size. A fixing chain knitting yarn of the fastener element row in the fastener element attaching portion and knitting yarns configuring a ground structure are knitted with independent single structures, respectively. Needle loops which are connected to each other in a longitudinal direction of the fixing chain knitting yarn presses each of element legs of the continuous fastener element row toward the ground structure, sinker loops which are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the fixing chain knitting yarn go under a sinker loop of a second warp knitting yarn which configures the ground structure and cross each other.

Abstract: An ornament lock with a clasp for holding pendants or other jewelry is provided. A finger grasp is positioned on an arm of the clasp for opening the clasp arms. A biasing member positioned inside the ornament lock biases closed the clasp. The clasp may be opened to a wide open position to accommodate a thicker pendant or pendant ring and to make it easier and more convenient for the wearer to insert the jewelry into the clasp.

Abstract: A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle comprises a seat belt tongue and a seat belt buckle with a blocking mechanism and a manual release button. The blocking mechanism is configured to latch the tongue in the buckle. The buckle assembly further comprises a remote buckle release mechanism, including a buckle release cable and a module operably connected to the cable. The module is configured to pull the cable to release the blocking mechanism to thereby release the seat belt tongue from the buckle. The buckle assembly is also configured to be actuated by an occupant via the manual release button on the buckle. The remote buckle release mechanism does not interfere with operation of the manual release button. The remote buckle release mechanism may also be configured to automatically release the buckles a predetermined time after an airbag deployment.

Abstract: Method for preparing stretched polypropylene films from a polypropylene resin that includes a low molecular weight hindered amine light stabilizer, and a high molecular weight hindered amine light stabilizer, and optionally a first antioxidant, and a second antioxidant. Also provided are methods for the preparation of woven jumbo polypropylene bags from the stretched polypropylene film.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing high temperature alloy furnace pipes and piperows characterized in that it comprises of a casting department production line, a machining department production line and a welding department production line. In the casting production line, a pipeline section is casted via the process of centrifugal casting. In the machining process, the tectorium of internal bore of the pipeline section is removed via the process of boring hole and a groove is machined via a digitally controlled pipe machine. In the welding process, the pipeline sections are welded into a long pipe via the process of argon-arc welding, and flanges and pipe fittings are welded to make a furnace pipes, and further, long furnace pipes are welded into piperows. Finally, quality products of furnace pipes and piperows are ensured through a series of testing equipments and testing procedures.

Abstract: An impact tool for removal and attachment of a mower blade cutting edge insert of the type demountably attached with a press fit wedging connection in a recessed end surface of the mower blade, the tool body having a U-shaped slot permitting the slot to receive and straddle adjacent edges of the mower blade and the insert when the latter is in the recessed end surface portion, sliding movement of the tool along the edges causes a contacting abutment in the bottom of the U-shaped slot to engage one or the other ends of the edge insert to drive the insert into or detach it from an operative press fit attachment.

Abstract: A method for modernizing an ammonia synthesis loop (1) with a first converter (10) and a second converter (11) in series, the first converter (10) comprises a cartridge with one or more catalyst beds, the second converter (11) comprises a catalyst bed in direct contact with said vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing the second converter, and boosting the first converter by replacing the cartridge with a high-efficiency cartridge comprising a plurality of adiabatic catalyst beds and inter-bed heat exchangers, or an isothermal catalyst bed, and by reducing the concentration of inerts in said first converter.

Abstract: A method of maintenance of a chromatography column is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. The provision of guide elements which can be reversibly attached to the column facilitates removal or insertion of column components.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plate configured for connection to a first engine crankcase portion, such as the lower crankcase. A cam mechanism is secured to the plate and has a portion spaced from the plate to define a gap between the portion of the cam mechanism and the plate. Studs are configured for connection to the second engine crankcase portion and configured to span the gap when connected to the second engine crankcase portion so that the cam mechanism rests on the studs when the plate is connected to the first engine crankcase portion. The cam mechanism is configured to lift the plate when force is applied to the cam mechanism. A method of separating crankcase portions is carried out using the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for providing a recloseable storage bag to a consumer. The process the process includes steps of: (a) providing a plurality of recloseable storage bags; and (b) directing consumers to load the plurality of recloseable storage bags into an in-home dispenser.

Abstract: A method for assembling a synchronizer by using a jig, the synchronizer including a synchronizer hub, at least one of recesses formed radially at an external circumference of the synchronizer hub, a synchronizer key disposed in the recess, a synchronizer sleeve enclosing the exterior circumference of the synchronizer hub and axially movably engaged to the synchronizer hub, and a spring disposed between the synchronizer hub and the synchronizer key, may include locating the synchronizer key and the spring in the recess of the synchronizer hub, engaging the jig to the synchronizer hub by inserting a rear portion of the jig in the recess axially, engaging the synchronizer sleeve to the synchronizer hub, and removing the jig from the synchronizer hub.

Abstract: A razor handle includes an at least partially hollow elongated structure and an at least partially hollow sleeve. The elongated structure has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a first opening at a proximate end, and a second opening along a length of the elongated structure. The sleeve has an interior surface and an exterior surface with a protrusion. The protrusion is adapted to extend through the second opening to the exterior surface of the elongated structure forming a gripping member.

Abstract: A forming method for a heat dissipating structure is provided. According to the method, an extrudate is formed by extrution molding, wherein the extrudate includes protruding bending portions extending in parallel. Fins are extruded monolithically on the bending portions. One or more cut channels are formed by cutting the fins and the extrudate with a cutting tool. The cutting tool cuts the fins for forming a notch on each fin at first, and then cuts the bending portions for forming a cut-through slot on each bending portion, wherein each cut-through slot is formed for cooling air flowing through two side of the extrudate. By cutting the bending portions and the fins by the cutting tool at the same time, a large number of cut-through slots are formed in despite of the existence of the fins, and the performance of heat dissipation is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a side step bar mounting system comprising at least two mounting assemblies wherein each of the assemblies includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and an isolator assembly comprising a first bushing, a second bushing, a sleeve, at least one isolator washer and a fastener; the first bracket includes a vehicle mounting feature for attaching the first bracket to a vehicle structural member and a fastener feature for attaching to the fastener; the second bracket includes an entry assist member feature for attaching the second bracket to an entry assist member; each of the second bracket, the first bushing and the second bushing includes a sleeve feature for accepting the sleeve; the sleeve includes a channel for allowing the fastener to go through the channel.

Abstract: A pitching screen which provides a first pitching lane and a second pitching lane in a single pitching screen configuration to allow both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers to pitch without repositioning the pitching screen.

Abstract: A replaceable deformable insert is disposed in a clinching die cavity having an annular recess adjacent the insert. A first layer is established on a second layer and secured between a retractable punch and the clinching die. The punch is pressed into the first layer to form a depression in the first and second layers. The first and second layers are compressed together between the punch and the clinching die, creating hydrostatic pressure in the first and second layers and the insert. A portion of the insert is extruded to fill the annular recess with insert extrudate, while a portion of the second layer is simultaneously radially extruded into an annular space previously occupied by the insert. A portion of the first layer is simultaneously radially extruded into an annular volume previously occupied by the second layer, thereby forming an interlocking assembly of the first and second layers and insert.

Abstract: An extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen electronic peripheral device, including a forearm extension having at one end a first coupling for attachment to a tilter, a platform or other means for supporting a flat-screen device and at the other end a second coupling. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps, each having a shaft. The shaft of the first end cap is pivotably rotatable in a support mount, such as a wall, desk or pole mount. The shaft of the second end cap is pivotably rotatable in the second coupling of the forearm extension. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps.

Abstract: A punch down tool, a receiver for a punch down tool, and a work end adapter for a punch down tool, for terminating electrical conductors and turning fasteners, are disclosed. The work end adapter is adapted to receive standard tool bits and standard finned shaft tips. The punch down tool is adapted to receive standard blades and to receive the work end adapter. When installed in the punch down tool, the work end adapter rotates only with the punch down tool, and will not rotate independently of the punch down tool. The punch down tool has an impact mechanism and a lock-out button to prevent the tool's impact mechanism from operating.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing exhaust gas ducting devices provides each device with an outer housing having an insert clamped therein, wherein the insert comprises a substrate traversed by exhaust gas, and an elastic compensating element surrounding the substrate. The method includes spreading each individual compensating element on a base and deforming the compensating element substantially vertical to the base by exerting a pressure such that the entire compensating element is subjected to a full-surface load. Then a setpoint deformation of the compensating element is determined, which is necessary to achieve a specified setpoint pressure., The method further includes determining at least one parameter of the substrate individually, placing the compensating element around the substrate, and mounting the insert thus obtained in an outer housing having inside dimensions that correspond to outside dimensions of the insert with the determined setpoint deformation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid-cooled electronic system is provided which includes an electronic assembly having an electronics card and a socket with a latch at one end. The latch facilitates securing of the card within the socket. The method includes providing a liquid-cooled cold rail at the one end of the socket, and a thermal spreader to couple the electronics card to the cold rail. The thermal spreader includes first and second thermal transfer plates coupled to first and second surfaces on opposite sides of the card, and thermally conductive extensions extending from end edges of the plates, which couple the respective transfer plates to the liquid-cooled cold rail. The extensions are disposed to the sides of the latch, and the card is securable within or removable from the socket using the latch without removing the cold rail or the thermal spreader.

Abstract: A method includes providing a molded elastomeric mat having an input protrusion, an output device receiving surface including an output device contact, and a battery receiving indentation including a power supply contact. The method further includes insert molding an output conductive path into the elastomeric mat, the output conductive path electrically coupling a circuit carrier output contact to an output device contact, and insert molding a power supply conductive path into the elastomeric mat, the power supply conductive path electrically coupling a circuit carrier power contact to the power supply contact. The method includes interfacing the elastomeric mat with a circuit carrier, aligning the input protrusion with a circuit carrier input contact, interfacing a display device with the output device receiving surface, electrically connecting the display device with the output device contact, and positioning the elastomeric mat into a housing.

Abstract: A dual power pin connector assembly for connecting both a MIG welding gun and a spoolgun to a welding machine. The dual power pin connector is comprised of a busbar portion that electrically and mechanically couples the positive output terminal of the welding machine power supply to a wire drive for the MIG welding gun. The connector is further comprised of an integral quick release assembly/clamping portion that electrically and mechanically connects the positive power supply terminal to a power supply cable for the spoolgun. The clamping portion receives and retains a power pin coupled to one end of the spoolgun power cable in a receptacle that is manually tightened and loosened.

Abstract: Quickly making changes to etching conditions suppresses the production yield of printed wiring boards from being deteriorated. Disclosed is a method comprising: an etching step that comprises: preparing a conductor-clad base material continuous in a certain direction, the conductor-clad base material (1) having an insulating layer and one or more conductive layers formed on main surfaces of the insulating layer; and subjecting a predetermined region of a conductor layer of one main surface of the conductor-clad base material (1) to an etching process thereby to form a wiring pattern (1a) to be of a product and an inspection pattern (1b) to be used for inspection; a measuring step that measures a line width of the inspection pattern after the etching step; and a control step that controls an etching condition in the etching step based on the measured line width.

Abstract: A method of forming a TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) write head that uses the energy of optical-laser generated edge plasmons in a plasmon antenna to locally heat a magnetic recording medium and reduce its coercivity and magnetic anisotropy. The method incorporates forming a magnetic core within the plasmon antenna, so the antenna effectively becomes an extension of the magnetic pole and produces a magnetic field whose maximum gradient overlaps the region being heated by the edge plasmons generated in the conducting layer of the antenna surrounding the antenna's magnetic core.

Abstract: A method for making a touch panel is provided. The method includes providing at least one array of carbon nanotubes, a first substrate, and a second substrate. The at least one array of carbon nanotubes is pressed by using a pressing device to form a carbon nanotube structure. A first electrode plate is formed on the first substrate and a second electrode plate on the second substrate. Two first-electrodes are located on opposite sides of the first electrode plate and two second-electrodes on opposite sides of the second electrode plate. The first electrode plate is spaced a distance from the second electrode plate such that the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer face each other.

Abstract: A current collector electrically connected to a first electrode plate or a second electrode plate includes a tubular current collection section. An external terminal electrically connected to the current collector includes a tubular terminal section into which the current collection section is inserted. The current collection section has, before being inserted into the terminal section, a greater outer diameter than the inner diameter of the terminal section. In the insertion process, the diameter of the current collection section is reduced or the diameter of the terminal section is expanded so that the outer diameter of the current collection section is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal section, and then the current collection section is inserted into the terminal section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of configuring energy saving high and low cathodes of an aluminum reduction cell, said method comprising disposing cathode carbon blocks and cathode steel rods at the bottom of the aluminum reduction cell, the cathode carbon blocks being formed by staggering high cathode blocks and low cathode blocks with different thicknesses. Both sides of the portion of each of the high cathode blocks higher than each of the low cathode blocks must be machined into bevels or arc angles, so as to achieve a good choking effect. The present invention can better improve the stability of molten aluminum-electrolyte interface within the aluminum reduction cell, decrease the polar distance effectively during normal production, and achieve a lower operating voltage of the reduction cell, thereby saving energy and reducing energy consumption.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a working electrode 1 having a positive electrode active material, a counter electrode 2, and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing lithium. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium pre-doped transition metal oxide prepared by pre-doping lithium into a sodium-containing transition metal oxide having an initial charge-discharge efficiency of higher than 100% as determined by charging and discharging using a lithium metal negative electrode as a counter electrode, and the sodium-containing transition metal oxide is represented by the compositional formula NaaLibMO2±?, where 0.5?a<1.0, 0<b?0.5, 0?a?0.1, and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, and Mn.

Abstract: Embodiments are described in terms of selective methods of sealing separators and jellyroll electrode assemblies and cells made using such methods. More particularly, methods of selectively heat sealing separators to encapsulate one of two electrodes for nickel-zinc rechargeable cells having jellyroll assemblies are described. Selective heat sealing may be applied to both ends of a jellyroll electrode assembly in order to selectively seal one of two electrodes on each end of the jellyroll.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for terminating connectors onto a coaxial cable has an elongated body and an end stop and plunger on the body, the plunger being controlled by a lever arm which will axially advance the plunger toward and away from the end stop to radially compress a portion of the connector into firm crimping engagement with the end of the coaxial cable. To accommodate different lengths of connectors, a plunger permits mounting of different length adapter tips to vary the axial spacing between the adapter tips and the end stop according to the length of connector being terminated.

Abstract: A particular method includes exposing a plurality of fibers of a composite skin of an aircraft component by providing an opening in a layer of a first resin overlaying the plurality of fibers at an interior surface of the composite skin. The method also includes bonding a conductive patch in electrical contact with the plurality of fibers of the composite skin at the opening using a second resin. The method further includes preparing the aircraft component to receive a connector in electrical contact with the conductive patch.

Abstract: A microelectronic package includes first substrate (120) having first surface area (125) and second substrate (130) having second surface area (135). The first substrate includes first set of interconnects (126) having first pitch (127) at first surface (121) and second set of interconnects (128) having second pitch (129) at second surface (222). The second substrate is coupled to the first substrate using the second set of interconnects and includes third set of interconnects (236) having third pitch (237) and internal electrically conductive layers (233, 234) connected to each other with microvia (240). The first pitch is smaller than the second pitch, the second pitch is smaller than the third pitch, and the first surface area is smaller than the second surface area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assembly of a non-planar device based on curved chips are described. Slots may be created as longitudinal openings in the chips to reduce bending stresses to increase allowable degrees of deformation of the chips. The chips may be deformed to a desired deformation within the allowable degrees of deformation via the slots. Holding constraints may be provided on at least a portion of the chips to allow the chips to remain curved according the desired deformation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a substrate via structure in a substrate/chip assembly includes steps of: disposing a center via stack for electrical interconnects in the substrate/chip assembly; and providing a plurality of stacked vias surrounding the center via stack. The plurality of stacked vias encircle the center via stack, resulting in no isolated via stacks on the structure. The plurality of stacked vias have both functional and non-functional vias.

Abstract: Device for removing an electrode from an electrode holder and/or fitting an electrode into an electrode holder, said electrode holder forming part of a welding device, said device comprising a spent electrode receptacle provided with an orifice and an assembly mounted on said orifice, said assembly comprising a through passage with a longitudinal axis connecting a housing to hold one end of the electrode holder forming a mandrel, and the receptacle, said longitudinal axis being designed to be approximately vertical, means of tightening or loosening an electrode holder mandrel, means of fixing the electrode to said device and means of enabling or disabling dropping of the spent electrode into the receptacle.