Abstract: Disclosed are an auxiliary fitting jig and a connector using the same in which the number and weight of components can be decreased and manufacturing cost can be reduced. An auxiliary fitting jig 50 which fits a female connector 20 and a male connector 30 to each other, includes: a jig hooking section 55 which includes a jig locking section 51 which is engaged with the male connector 30 and a jig pushing section 52 which is engaged with the female connector 20; and a jig gripping section 60 which is integrally formed with the jig hooking section 55, rotates the jig pushing section 52 by rotating the jig hooking section 55 using the jig locking section 51 as a supporting point, and fits the female connector 20 to the male connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the delivery of component parts and tooling to a robotic welding assembly positioned on a motor vehicle body assembly line. Automatic guided vehicles deliver component parts from a source of parts to a parts staging area on the robotic welding assembly including a substage awaiting area, a substage in-use area and a substage empty area, and further automatic guided vehicles deliver tooling from a tooling management area to the robotic welding assembly whereafter the tooling, upon model changeover, is moved to a tooling use area proximate the assembly line whereafter, upon further model changeover, the tooling is removed from the tooling use area and loaded onto an automatic guided vehicle for return to the tooling management area.

Abstract: A handheld computing device and handheld music player are disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a seamless enclosure formed from an extruded tube. The extruded tube includes open ends and internal rails which serve as a guide for slidably assembling an operational assembly through the open ends of the extruded tube, a reference surface for positioning the operational assembly relative to an access opening in the seamless enclosure, and a support structure for supporting the operational assembly during use. The handheld music player includes an elongated extruded tube extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongated extruded tube has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, and defines an internal lumen which is sized and dimensioned for slidable receipt of operational components of the handheld music player. The lumen includes rails for guiding the operational components to their desired position within the lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying soft solder to a mounting surface of a component, wherein a connecting means comprising a carrier layer and a soft solder layer formed by physical vapor deposition on the carrier layer is brought into mechanical contact between the soft solder layer and the mounting surface, such that a first bond strength between the soft solder layer and the mounting surface is greater than a second bond strength between the soft solder layer and the carrier layer. The connecting means is subsequently removed from the component so that the carrier layer releases from the soft solder layer in the area of the mounting surface and thus soft solder remains only at the mounting surface.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor includes multiple vertical charge-coupled device (VCCD) shift registers and independently-controllable gate electrodes disposed over the VCCD shift registers and arranged into physically separate and distinct sections that are non-continuous across the plurality of VCCD shift registers. The CCD image sensor can be configured to operate in two or more operating modes, including a full resolution charge multiplication mode.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect substrate includes providing at least two unit cells, arranging the unit cells to form a desired circuit pattern, and joining the unit cells to form the interconnect substrate having the desired circuit pattern.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow casting is provided, by which the joinability of a cast base material and a hollow-forming member to each other can be enhanced while suppressing the generation of oxides of or blow holes on a casting base material. The method of producing the hollow casting comprises enveloping a hollow-forming member in a molten base-metal cast material. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: producing a hollow-forming member with a material having a melting point higher than that of a base-metal cast material such that air-gap layers are formed within the surface layers of contact surfaces with which the molten metal comes into contact; coating the contact surfaces with a layer of the same metal as that of the base-metal cast material; and enveloping the hollow-forming member in the base-metal cast material by disposing the coated hollow-forming member within a mold and then pouring the molten base-metal cast material into the mold.

Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe includes a tube having a channel disposed in the pipe through which fluid in the pipe flows. The flowmeter includes an upstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the upstream transducer propagates through the channel. The flowmeter includes a downstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the downstream transducer propagate through the channel and are received by the upstream transducer which produces an upstream transducer signal. The downstream transducer receives the plane waves from the upstream transducer and provides a downstream transducer signal. The flowmeter includes a controller in communication with the upstream and downstream transducers which calculate fluid flow rate from the upstream transducer signal and the downstream transducer signal. A method for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jacket for a storage-type water heater includes applying a coating to a sheet of metal, printing content on the coating to form a printed sheet, and forming the printed sheet into a finished jacket. The coating may be a thin film or may be a layer of paint. The content may be printed with an inkjet printer.

Abstract: This invention is about a method and apparatus for fabricating large scale stationery parabolic solar collector. The method involves use of a robot like apparatus for determining locations and height of support piles to be staked to the ground such that the tips of the piles define contour and shape of a parabolic collector. The reflective panels installed on the support piles form a parabolic shaped mirror which reflects the sun's rays to a well defined focal point. The method of construction is scalable and can be used for fabricating small size parabolic collectors as well as large scale ones. The construction apparatus and method of operation are also used for periodic cleaning of solar collector in a practical and fast manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling tool (2) for producing crowned teeth on a gear (5) using a transverse rolling process, in particular for compressing the teeth of the gear (5) at least in some areas, comprising a tool body (6) which has tool teeth (7) projecting radially outward for meshing with the teeth of the gear (5) to be rolled, wherein at least some areas of the tool teeth (7) are concave in the axial direction in the area of the tooth flanks.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing large diameter tapered roller bearing cages (10B). A straight metal strip, coil or plate of cage blank material (10), precisely dimensioned in width, length and thickness, with or without windows or pockets pre-cut, is fed into a rolling mill (100). The rolling mill incorporates a pair of unparallel forming rolls (102A, 102B) disposed such that the gap (G) there between forms a wedge shape. As the cage blank material (10) is fed through the wedge-shaped forming roll gap (G), one lateral side of the cage blank material is plastically deformed to reduce its thickness (T) and to elongate its length, while no deformation or only a very slight deformation is introduced to the other lateral side of the cage blank, thus forming the cage blank into an arc shape. A third roll (104) disposed in exit side of the forming rolls (102), in a pre-calculated position, bends the rolled cage blank into a circular conical ring (10A).

Abstract: The shaving instrument has a handle; a pair of elongated arms extending from the handle and having upper portions defining an adjustable cartridge-receiving space there between; a pair of mounts disposed on the upper portions of the arms to engage opposing outer walls of a blade cartridge; a construction for providing a releasable holding force between the mounts and the opposing outer walls; and a construction for controlling pivotal movement of the blade cartridge.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a body and a cutting blade assembly. The cutting blade assembly includes a cutting blade having a cutting edge and is reciprocally secured to the body. Movement of the cutting blade assembly from a retracted position to an engaged position causes the cutting edge to engage a line, such as a monofilament trimmer line, to cut the line to a desired length. Tension may be created in the line prior to cutting by positioning the line in a non-linear trough in the body.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe cutting device comprising of a shaft body with a tapered spring loaded internal drive shaft, with interchangeable heads of varying sizes. The sole purpose of the tool is to cut pipes of different sizes from within. Each head has multiple spring loaded blades that are forced outwards by downward pressure. The shaft body has an adjustable depth guide so that the downward pressure of the operator forces the spring loaded tapered drive shaft against the pistons holding the spring loaded cutters. This is all driven by some form of rotational motive power. As downward pressure is applied the cutters are forced into the surrounding pipe. On cutting through the downward pressure is released, the blades retract. The tool is ready to be extracted from the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: A utensil with an integrated stand includes an elongated angular handle having an endpoint for making contact with food products and the mouth of a user. A downward protrusion located on the handle adjacent to the endpoint includes a lower section for making contact with a foreign surface to prevent the endpoint from making contact with the foreign surface while not in use.

Abstract: A training spoon for training an individual not to bite down on a spoon includes a longitudinally extending handle and a spoon shaped head portion integral with or attached to the handle. The head portion defines a relatively shallow concave bowl with a plurality of generally parallel alternating transverse ridges and adjacent grooves extending across a majority of the width of the head portion of the spoon.

Abstract: A cutting-assembly mount for hair clippers includes an accommodating base, which can be fastened on the hair clippers, and an accommodating limb, which is mounted on the accommodating base and on which an interchangeable cutting assembly can be arranged. A blocking element is provided which can be moved between a pivoting position and a blocking position and is designed to be suitable for blocking a pivoting movement of the accommodating limb in the direction of the accommodating base without any cutting assembly arranged on the accommodating limb.

Abstract: A working apparatus has an internal combustion engine which drives at least one tool via a clutch. The clutch starts the coupling process at an initial engagement speed when the internal combustion engine is accelerated. The internal combustion engine has a piston, an ignition device and an ignition timing control device. The control device provides a first ignition timing for idling and a second ignition timing for full load operation, which is earlier than the first ignition timing. A method for operating the working apparatus provides that the ignition timing is adjusted toward “late,” with respect to the first ignition timing, when the engine speed drops in a first speed range above the idling speed and below the initial engagement speed.

Abstract: A cutting tool may include an outer housing that receives a motion conversion unit and a drive device therein. A cutting blade may be driven by the drive device via the motion conversion unit. A dust preventing device may prevent dust from reaching to the drive motor from between the outer housing and the motion conversion unit.

Abstract: A hand held, electrically powered, wood planer is able to shave small amounts of wood stock from a work piece, and has a housing in which is located an electric motor and a cylindrical planing tool rotatably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The planing tool is supplied with power from the motor to cause its rotation, and has a minor portion which projects from an opening of the housing. In use, the minor portion of the planing tool impinges on a work piece located in a confined space and, with numerous passes against the work piece, shaves a required thickness of the wood stock. The planer also has a height adjustable base which, when operated, will adjust the distance to which the minor portion of the planing tool projects from the opening for varying the required thickness of shaved wood stock.

Abstract: A relative angle sensing device includes: a sensor contained in a housing provided with a communication hole and outputting an electric signal corresponding to a relative rotation angle between two rotary shafts coaxially arranged; an electric cable transmitting the electric signal to a device arranged outside of the housing; an electric cable holding member fitted with the communication hole and holding the electric cable; and an external member arranged at a location outer than the electric cable holding member, wherein the external member includes a pair of dividable members dividable in a direction intersecting a hole direction of the communication hole, and the external member passes the electric cable within the pair of dividable members and presses the electric cable with the pair of dividable members to change a direction of the electric cable at the outside of the housing into the direction intersecting the hole direction.

Abstract: A pipe alignment tool includes a main body, a laser source, and a laser calibrator. The main body has a threaded external surface on a proximal end and a cylindrical bore at a distal end. The cylindrical bore has a central axis. The laser source has a proximal end that is removably received in the cylindrical bore. The laser source is configured to discharge a laser beam through a distal end of the laser source along a laser axis. The laser calibrator is configured to adjust the orientation of the laser source relative to the central axis to coaxially align the laser axis with the central axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include levels, level assemblies and/or apparatus for leveling. Certain embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for the adjustment and leveling of cutting instruments, such as the blades of a mower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dewatering machine for umbrella, comprising a frame, a motor disposed inside the frame, a water receiving box disposed inside the frame, an elongated water throwing box disposed inside the water receiving box to accommodate the umbrella and a transmission assembly for connecting the motor and the water throwing box. The water receiving box is fixedly attached to the motor. A plurality of water-draining holes is disposed at the side of the water throwing box. The transmission assembly includes a transmission shaft fixedly attached to the bottom center of the water throwing box. The transmission shaft is perpendicular to the water throwing box. The water throwing box is disposed inside the dewatering device and connected with the motor via the transmission assembly.

Abstract: The removal of moisture from an object to be sterilized is provided through at least the steps of placing the load in the chamber, reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load, monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load, admitting gas into the chamber and repeating the steps following placing the load into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for drying vegetable and lettuce leaves comprising a first transport belt that is permeable for air with a belt drive, an air circulation system with a dry air nozzle for blowing air through the first transport belt and a hood for sucking the air from the first transport belt, in the air circulation system a ventilator, a cooler and a heater, and a control system for setting the speed of the first transport belt and the speed, temperature and/or humidity of the circulating air. In accordance with the invention, the dry air nozzle is located under the major length of the first transport belt and the hood is located opposite the dry air nozzle above the first transport belt.

Abstract: Shoe sole cushioning device for providing foot comfort to persons who are obliged to stand or walk on hard surfaces or wear uncomfortable shoes such as high heels or hard soled, rigid, inflexible, shoes for long periods, the device consisting of a moderately thick foam/gel/cellulose/plastic/rubber or like-material sole placed beneath the shoe and secured there to by means of adhesive that is readily and easily removed for purpose of conveniently replacing a worn shoe sole cushion.

Abstract: A midsole element to be mounted to the lower surface of an insole of a shoe as a heel, wherein the midsole element has a upper surface adapted to be mounted on the lower surface of the insole and a lower surface, wherein the midsole element comprises a core and a resilient compression element being softer than the core. The midsole element allows a pivoting movement of the upper surface of the midsole element against the lower surface of the midsole element in, at least, an essentially transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the midsole element in a mounted state, wherein the core has a form of a rounded cone or sphere within the resilient compression element. The midsole element can also be mounted to the lower surface of a shoe under the forefoot portion, wherein the core has the form of a round ridge.

Abstract: Uppers for article of footwear may include one or more skin layers attached to a base layer, wherein the skin layers overlap with one another in varying ways (e.g., with a first skin layer overlaying a second skin layer at some locations and the second skin layer overlaying the first skin layer at other locations). If desired, at least one of the skin layers may be at least partially transparent or translucent. The skin layer(s) may be applied over other elements of the upper (e.g., other skin layers, base layers, reinforcing layers, etc.). Additional aspects of this invention relate to production of curved tongue composite structures and/or footwear having a bonded (hot melt) side seam for forming the upper (and optionally do not include a rear heel seam).

Abstract: Uppers for article of footwear may include one or more skin layers attached to a base layer, wherein at least one of the skin layers is at least partially transparent or translucent. The transparent or translucent skin layer may be applied over other elements of the upper (e.g., other skin layers, base layers, reinforcing layers, etc.) to provide interesting color change options and color palettes for the upper. Additional aspects of this invention relate to production of curved tongue composite structures and/or footwear having a bonded (hot melt) side seam for forming the upper (and optionally do not include a rear heel seam).

Abstract: A shoe with waterproof and vapor-permeable upper and sole, including: an upper assembly including, in a stratified manner, a vapor-permeable or perforated outer upper, a vapor-permeable inner lining, and, between them, a functional element; an insole including at least one waterproof vapor permeation region; and a bottom with a breathable sole. The functional element of the upper is firmly joined to the upper which ends toward the insole with a sealing band covered by an edge associated with a perimetric rim of the insole. The insole selectively includes or is joined to at least one lower functional element including at least one band which is free from the protective element. A mutual waterproof seal is provided between the functional element of the upper, at the sealing band, and the at least one lower functional element at the band.

Abstract: A golf shoe is provided having an upper, an outsole secured to the upper, and five receptacles formed in the outsole into which spikes are inserted. Two receptacles are opposite each other under a pad area of the golfer's foot behind the metatarsals, the first adjacent to an inside of the outsole and the other adjacent to the outside of the outsole. A third receptacle is in an arch area adjacent to the outside of the outsole. And two more receptacles are diagonally opposite each other in a heel area of the outsole, one adjacent to the inside of the outsole and the other adjacent to the outside of the outsole.

Abstract: A multi-adaptable power automated apparatus used for gaining traction on various surfaces comprising: snow, and/or ice to name some. Further assisting with accelerating, decelerating, turning, and/or stopping of a person(s) and/or vehicle(s); yet further compatible in/or on water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a customized shoe and foot aesthetic apparatus which can be detached and attached to various shoes of the user so that a custom aesthetically pleasing apparatus which may interface with standard manufactured shoes, and create an enhanced aesthetically pleasing appearance to the individual user is created.

Abstract: A device for trimming the high points off of the ice of a curling rink includes an elongated blade mounted to an elongated mounting block, and a plurality of setscrews threaded into threaded openings in the mounting block for adjusting the flatness of the blade, enabling a long blade to be used that is both accurate and relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A tooth tip for a ground engaging tool has an elongate body disposed along a longitudinal axis extending from a relatively wide back surface to a relatively narrow front surface. The tooth tip may also have a cavity extending from the back surface towards the front surface and a bottom surface extending between the back surface and the front surface. The bottom surface may include a front face proximate the front surface and a back face proximate the back surface. The front face and the back face may be separated by a ridge. The tooth tip may also include a scallop positioned on the bottom surface extending from a first end proximate the ridge to a second end located towards the front surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to greetings cards. The present invention relates in particular to methods of addressing the apparent short-term nature of cards. Many card are simply placed in a trash basket after use. This represents a tremendous waste; further whilst it is sometimes desired to retain a card, the card is generally manufactured to a cost which means that one is less likely to want to retain such a card. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a greetings card (14) which is both simple and convenient to retain. The card comprises an adhesive member (35,36,37) allowing it to be re-used and thereby provides an economical product in terms of cost and for the environment.

Abstract: A display arrangement comprises a banner, one edge of which is secured to a hollow, flexible rod. A spring arrangement is located within the rod. The spring arrangement comprises a spring that extends along a predetermined length of the rod and an elastic band that is looped through the length of the rod down the interior of the spring and around the exterior of the rod. The banner may be curved and posed by flexing the rod at the location of the spring. This curve is then retained in the banner by a balancing tension in the exterior portion of the elastic band between the ends of the rod. In some embodiments, the display arrangement is connected to one or more similar arrangements so that their banners form a continuous display.

Abstract: A device and a method for attaching an ID marker to a cylindrical object further characterized by that said marker is placed into a fitting, said fitting has a cylindrical shape, said fitting fits around said cylindrical object.

Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.

Abstract: A firearm sensor system includes one or more sensor groups and a data storage device. Each of the sensor groups is configured for attachment to a firearm. One of the sensor groups includes a sensor for measuring a position of a firearm bolt relative to a start position of the bolt, and a wireless transmission component for wirelessly transmitting the sensor data. The data storage device includes a computer-readable medium having an executable application stored on the computer-readable medium. The application, when executed on a computing device, receives data from the sensor group via a wireless communication system and presents the data in a user interface displayed on a monitor. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a spring force sensor coupled to a bolt return spring on the firearm.

Abstract: A self-illuminated chamber status indictor, or simply illuminated chamber status indicator (icsi). The illuminated chamber status indicator makes use of self-illuminating substances. The substances and/or materials could be in the form of radioactive gaseous isotopes, or self-illuminating paint. The illuminated chamber status indicator will leverage in any form of current self-illumination technologies that require no external power source in order to give off light emissions. The illuminated chamber status indicator will use the properties of radioluminescence as a primary, but not exclusive source to create such attributes.

Abstract: A firearm having a lower receiver is provided. The receiver is adapted to couple with a plurality of upper receivers having different calibers. The lower receiver comprises a receiver extension having an opening therein. A spring is disposed within the opening. A buffer member is provided having a first portion having an end. The buffer member is coupled to the spring within the opening, wherein the buffer member is movable between a first position where the end is within the opening and a second position wherein the end external to the opening.

Abstract: A breech plug for removable engagement with a muzzle-loading firearm barrel having a seating surface that forms an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The breech plug includes a circumferential tightening mechanism. The circumferential tightening mechanism is configured to move the breech plug along the longitudinal axis within the firearm barrel. The breech plug also includes a continuous flange with a circumferential distal edge. The distal edge is configured to form a seal with the firearm barrel oblique angle seating surface upon movement of the breech plug by the circumferential tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A method includes defining a designation point on a target within a view area of a scope coupled to a firearm and determining an angular motion deviation of a muzzle of the firearm from the designation point. The method further includes initiating firing of the firearm when the angular motion deviation is below an acceptable level.

Abstract: The pendulum crosshair for a weapon sight incorporates a thin, rigid wire pivotally suspended at its upper end to a point at or immediately above the peripheral end point of the fixed vertical crosshair in the reticle of a weapon sight. If the weapon, and thus the sight, is tilted or canted from the vertical when aiming, the pendulum crosshair will misalign with the fixed vertical crosshair in the sight to indicate to the shooter that the weapon is canted. This allows the shooter to correct the cant or tilt of the weapon to avoid the lateral displacement of the shot that would otherwise occur due to lateral displacement of the elevation correction for the sight line.

Abstract: A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft. The handle has curved upper and lower surfaces and a curved termination end. The two side surfaces are parallel to each other. The upper surface of the handle slants upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the equipment shaft. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with the centerline of the user's forearm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for improved operation and functionality of a spring-loaded mousetrap. The improved mousetrap comprises two hooks in place of the standard trigger for engaging a Cheerio. Alternative embodiments comprise alligator clips. The mousetrap is baited with a Cheerio, and primed by using the Cheerio and hooks or alligator clips to hold down the locking lever of the mousetrap. When the Cheerio is nibbled by a mouse, the Cheerio breaks with tensile force applied by the primed locking lever, and the jaw snaps forward, killing the mouse.

Abstract: A stink bug trap constructed in accordance with an embodiment includes a first housing, and a support member that extends from the first housing along a first direction. The support member includes a body, a channel extending at least partially through the body along the first direction, and at least one aperture that extends through the body along a direction that is transverse to the first direction. The stink bug trap further includes a fluorescent light source and a removable cartridge. The fluorescent light source is coupled to the first housing such that the light source extends into the channel of the support member. The removable cartridge is configured to be mounted on the support member. The removable cartridge has a sticky surface that is configured to immobilize a stink bug.