Abstract: A robot cleaner that is capable of preventing dust collected in a dust tank from flowing backward outside when a situation in which the dust may be discharged outside occurs includes a cleaner body, a dust tank mounted in the cleaner body to collect dust, and a backward-flow preventing device to prevent dust from flowing backward outside through a suction port of the dust tank. The backward-flow preventing device includes a shutter unit to open and close the suction port and a stopper unit to drive the shutter unit.

Abstract: A floor cleaning attachment is configured to attach to a pressure washer lance to receive a flow of fluid. The floor cleaning attachment includes a housing that defines a suction space and includes an attachment point configured to attach to the pressure washer lance to receive the flow of fluid. A rotatable brush is coupled to the housing, a vacuum producing member is coupled to the housing, and a valve is coupled to the housing and movable between a first position in which the flow of fluid is directed onto a floor, a second position in which the flow of fluid is directed to the vacuum producing member to produce a partial vacuum, and a third position in which the flow of fluid is directed to the rotatable brush to rotate the brush.

Abstract: A grommet is provided which can reduce an insertion load without decreasing a disengagement load of an inserting member. The inserting member, having a leg portion and a head portion formed by increasing the diameter of a tip end of the leg portion, is inserted from one end side of a body portion of the grommet into an insertion hole and attached to an inserted member with the grommet interposed. On the one end side from a groove portion formed in an outer circumferential surface of the body portion, a diameter of the insertion hole is equal to or larger than a diameter of the head portion. On the other end side from the groove portion, the grommet has a small diameter portion in which a diameter of the insertion hole is smaller than the diameter of the head portion and is equal to or larger than a diameter of the leg portion.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a sleeve, a first member, a second member, a conductive member and a resilient member. The sleeve includes an open end. The first member is received in the sleeve. The conductive member is positioned on the first member. The second member is located next to the first member. One of the first member and the second member have a cam, the other of the first member and second member have a cam follower interacting with the cam so that the first member rotates about an axis and the second member moves linearly along the axis when the cam follower follows the cam. The resilient member is fitted in the sleeve and provides an elastic force to bias the first member and the second member into contact with each other. A plurality of tabs formed adjacent to the open end contact the conductive member for electronically connecting the sleeve to the first member.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A mounting device 12 for producing all-steel card clothings 2 with improved mounting quality. The mounting device 12 comprises a guide arrangement 28 for guiding the profile wire 3. The guide arrangement 28 may comprise, for example, an angle adjustment arrangement 32 comprising two brake jaws 30, 31. The mounting device 12 has at least one longitudinal axis 34, 45, about which the guide arrangement 28 can be pivoted. The guide arrangement 28 can be pivoted manually, with the use of a motor or by spring force. In addition, the guide arrangement 28 and the angle adjustment arrangement 32, respectively, can be adjusted in linear direction, and horizontally and vertically in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profile wire 38. Optionally, the guide arrangement 28 may replace a separate brake arrangement as well as a separate alignment arrangement.

Abstract: A clip has an opposed jaw end, a bridged back end and defines a slot extending across the bridged back end. It is connected to an article, for example, another clip or a float, which has an enlarged spherical head extending longitudinally therefrom. The head of the post has a diameter which is slightly greater than the width of the slot so that the connected item has rotational freedom of movement by receipt of the spherical head through the slot.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement comprises a first side with a first plurality of zipper elements and a second side with a second plurality of zipper elements. A slider is moveably positioned on the first side and an insertion pin assembly is positioned on the second side. The insertion pin assembly includes a mouth defined between an inner jaw and an outer jaw and an insertion pin positioned within the mouth. The mouth is configured to receive the slider and the insertion pin is configured for insertion into the slider.

Abstract: A fastening or mounting apparatus for releasably joining two objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a first component and a second component. The first component may include a plate, two side walls and two flanges extending from the side walls. The second component may include a plate, a first lip and a second lip. The first lip has a cavity holding a resilient element. The second lip may have a convex portion and at least partially define a detent. One of the flanges engages with the resilient element in the cavity while the two components are non-parallel. The first flange compresses the resilient element while the second flange contacts the convex portion. The resilient element biases the second flange against the detent once the two components are parallel.

Abstract: A snap ring for fishing implements is provided. The snap ring includes a hook-like body having an opening on a portion thereof, a rotary shaft coupled on one side to a portion of the body such that the rotary shaft is rotatable around the opening, a hollow guide into which the rotary shaft is fitted and slides along, and a guide spring provided between the rotary shaft and the guide to elastically support the guide against the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A cremated remains memorial container including a box defining an upper box opening, a picture frame panel attached to the box such that a picture slot is defined between the picture frame panel, and a cover panel that is disposed in the picture slot and has an indented portion extending into the upper box opening. The cover panel is formed from an opaque material, and is slid into the picture slot after the cremated remains are inserted into the box, thereby obscuring the remains. A picture is then inserted in the remaining (residual) space between the cover panel and the picture frame through the picture slot opening. The indented portion of the cover panel engages with the inner edge of the upper box opening, whereby subsequent removal of the cover panel from the picture slot is resisted during removal/replacement of the picture.

Abstract: A locator device for locating the centerline of a plurality of piano hinge segments without the use of hard tooling includes a target support element, a pair of targets supported on opposite ends of the target support element, and a locator element for locating the target support element relative to hinge pin holes so that the targets are equally spaced from the hinge pin holes. The targets may be reflective-type targets used in laser targeting systems, photogrammetry targets used in digital photogrammetry locating systems, or other known targets.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing piezoelectric devices. In an exemplary method, a base wafer is prepared that defines an array of multiple bases. Between each base on the wafer is a through-hole defined in respective parts by the respective edge surfaces of adjacent bases. A piezoelectric wafer is prepared that defines an array of multiple piezoelectric frames each having a piezoelectric vibrating piece and a surrounding frame portion. The vibrating piece includes an excitation electrode and extraction electrode. The extraction electrode extends to the through-hole. An adhesive is applied to a surface of the frame portion including a surface of the extraction electrode. The adhesive bonds the piezoelectric wafer to the base wafer. Excess adhesive is removed from the through-hole to expose a portion of the extraction electrode in the through-hole.

Abstract: A laminate is prepared in which adjacent internal electrodes are electrically insulated from each other at an end surface at which the internal electrodes are exposed, a space between the adjacent internal electrodes, which is measured in the thickness direction of insulating layers, is about 10 ?m or less when a withdrawn distance of the adjacent internal electrodes from the end surface is about 1 ?m or less, and is about 20 ?m or less when a protruding length of the adjacent internal electrodes from the end surface is at least about 0.1 ?m. In an electroplating step, electroplating deposits deposited on the ends of the adjacent internal electrodes are grown so as to be connected to each other.

Abstract: A tool for use in disconnecting a quick-connect air-hose coupler has a pair of arms, each arm having a tool end and a handle, the arms being hinged to each other for relative rotation in generally parallel planes, such that selected relative movement of the handles causes opposite relative movement of the tool ends. An incomplete ring is formed on each tool end, the rings being generally coaxial when the rings are adjacent to each other. An insert is configured for insertion into one of the rings, the insert comprising an opening of a selected width.

Abstract: An disassembling tool having at least two cams has a bolt having a connecting knob at one end and a threaded section formed at another end, the connecting knob having a first through aperture, a nut screwed onto the threaded section; a tightening cap covering the connecting knob and comprising two second through apertures corresponding to the first through aperture; an axel having a head portion and another end disposed through the first through aperture and the second through apertures, a round shaft formed at a middle section of the axel axel and coaxially pivoted with the first through aperture, a first control section and a second control section having an eccentric shape formed on two ends of the round shaft, and the first and second control sections respectively and synchronously driving the second through apertures; and a control handle used to control rotational movement of the axel.

Abstract: A nail removal tool in the form of an adapter for attachment to the drive socket of a rotary driver such as a rotary pneumatic impact driver. The adapter includes a drive shaft engagable with the chuck of the pneumatic driver, a cylindrical foot with a slot for receiving the body of a nail and a ramp for engaging under the head and lifting it to dislodge the nail from its embedded location. A coil spring serves as a flexible connection to provide proper presentation of cylindrical bit allowing wedging of the adapter beneath the head of a nail which is reluctant to be removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal processing system and methods for uniformly heating and/or cooling a semiconductor wafer. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to provide a more uniform temperature profile when processing 300 mm and larger wafers having different curvature profiles that occur at the same and/or different points in a manufacturing cycle. Wafer curvature can be dependent on the number and thickness of the metal layers.

Abstract: A sleeved composite pipe or piling structure formed of an elongated polyethylene pipe or tube of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polyethylene material installed over a substantially rigid and incompressible hollow metal pipe or solid wood core having an outer diameter that is the same or slightly larger than a normal inside diameter of the polyethylene pipe or tube when measured in a relaxed state at ambient temperature. The polyethylene pipe or tube is, for example, a HDPE 3408 material formed of virgin PE 3408 resin as specified in ASTM D3350 with UV protection, and the pipe is produced to ASTM A-3408. The metal pipe core can be ferrous or nonferrous pipe.

Abstract: A handrail or a swing gate for fall restraint equipment comprising an outer rail constructed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, a midrail constructed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, and a toeboard constructed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, where the outer rail is constructed to receive portions of the midrail and toeboard for an integral construction.

Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator coil to be wound in and around a stator by bending an insulating-coating conducting wire so as to alternately have slot-held conductor sections to be held in slots of the stator and a coil-end conductor sections each mutually connecting two of the slot-held conductor sections outside the slots. The method includes arranging three or more pairs of molds at predetermined intervals along the insulating-coating conducting wire, each pair of molds having paired molds facing each other with the wire located therebetween. First, the coil-end conductor sections are formed by moving the mold pairs such that the paired molds come closer to each other. Then the slot-held conductor sections are formed by moving the molds, in parallel, in both the longitudinal direction along which the insulating-coating conducting wire extends and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted magnetic head includes a slider including an air bearing surface (ABS) and a waveguide with a core that extends from a light entering surface to the ABS, and a laser diode (LD) unit attached to the light entering surface. The LD unit faces the light entering surface, and a photo detector faces the ABS. A polarizer that only transmits light having a polarization component orthogonal to a polarization direction of linearly polarized laser light is disposed between the ABS and the photo detector. An LD of the LD unit is activated, and the linearly polarized laser light enters the core from the light entering surface. Light radiated from the ABS enters the polarizer, and an alignment of the slider and the LD unit is performed while the photo detector detects the light transmitted through the polarizer.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating magnetic transducer are described. The method and system include providing a main pole having a bottom, a top wider than the bottom, and a top bevel. A nonmagnetic gap covering the main pole is provided. A portion of the nonmagnetic gap resides on the top of the main pole. A first seed layer is provided. At least a portion of the first seed layer covers the portion of the nonmagnetic gap on top of the main pole. A portion of the nonmagnetic gap on the magnetic recording transducer is removed after the first seed layer is provided. A second seed layer is provided after the portion of the nonmagnetic gap is removed. The second seed layer covers at least the portion of the first seed layer. A wrap-around shield layer is provided on the second seed layer.

Abstract: A device suitable for placing a component on a substrate is provided with a component feeding device, a component pick-and-place device comprising a nozzle, a substrate carrier, means for moving the component pick-and-place device from the component feeding device to the substrate carrier and vice versa. A global measuring system is provided for determining the position of the component pick-and-place device during movement of the component pick-and-place device from the component feeding device to the substrate carrier and vice versa. The device is further provided with a local measuring system, remote from the global measuring system, for almost continually determining, in the proximity of a desired position of the component on the substrate, the position of the component pick-and-place device with respect to the substrate. The local measuring system is located closer to the substrate carrier than the global measuring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for using a thin foil to form electrical interconnects in an integrated circuit package. One such arrangement involves a foil carrier structure, which includes a foil adhered to a carrier having cavities. Some methods of the present invention involve attaching dice to the foil and encapsulating the foil carrier structure in a molding material. In one embodiment, the molding material presses against the foil, which causes portions of the foil to distend into the cavities of the carrier. As a result, recessed and raised areas are formed in the foil. Afterwards, the carrier is removed and portions of the raised areas in the foil are removed through one of a variety of techniques, such as grinding. This process helps define and electrical isolate contact pads in the foil. The resulting molded foil structure may then be singulated into multiple semiconductor packages.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing a fiber optic cable comprises a clamp for clamping a first portion of a first fiber optic cable, a bail for connecting the clamp to a support structure, a splice closure for splicing a second portion of the first fiber optic cable to a second fiber optic cable, and means for connecting the splice closure to the bail. A method of splicing a fiber optic cable, using the apparatus is also included.

Abstract: A quick circuit board press-mount device comprises: a positioning device, having a positioning board and a back board, and the positioning board having an adjusting knob with a screw rod portion, and the back board having an adjusting notch; an adjusting device, having a combining board, an insert board extended forward from the front end of the combining board, and the insert board having a screw hole for securing the screw rod portion, and the insert board being inserted into the adjusting notch, and the insert board having a lateral connecting board extended from a side from the combining board, and the lateral connecting board having an oblong adjusting slot for securing a position screw hole of the back board by a screw rod; and a press-mount element, coupled to the combining board, so that the circuit board module and the interface card can be mounted conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: A removing tool used for removing a removable element from a shielding cover. The removing tool comprises a handle including a first end and a head protruding from the first end, a driving portion mounted on the head, and a pushing portion mounted on the head between the driving portion and the first end. The driving portion is for latching with the removable element; the pushing portion pushes the removable element away from the shielding cover until the removable element separates from the shielding cover.

Abstract: A top case assembly for a portable computer is disclosed. The assembly may include an integral unified (e.g., homogenous) top case formed from a single part. The integral top case provides an enclosure, frame and cosmetic exterior of the portable computer. The integral top case also serves as the primary structure of the portable computer. The assembly may include a variety of subassemblies such as keyboards, touchpads, circuit boards, and drives that are carried by the underside of the integral top case. The integral top case may be formed from aluminum slab that has been machined to form walls, openings, attachment areas and cosmetic areas of the top case.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board having a substrate composed of an insulation material, a via hole formed in the substrate, and a via land formed around the opening of the via hole on a surface of the substrate includes processes of measuring deformation of the substrate having the via hole formed therein, calculating a position where the via land is to be patterned on the basis of the deformation of the substrate measured in the measurement process, and patterning the via land at a position corrected on the basis of the value calculated in the calculation process.

Abstract: A method of producing a land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. A plurality of slots are formed in the sidewall of said interposer for the venting of gases and pressure therethrough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes mounting and electrically connecting a semiconductor die to a substrate. The semiconductor die and the substrate are encapsulated to form an encapsulation. Via holes are laser-ablated through the encapsulation and conductive material is deposited within the via holes to form vias. A first buildup dielectric layer is formed on the encapsulation. Laser-ablated artifacts are laser-ablated in the first buildup layer. The laser-ablated artifacts in the first buildup layer are filled with a first metal layer to form a first electrically conductive pattern in the first build up layer. The operations of forming a buildup layer, forming laser-ablated artifacts in the buildup layer, and filling the laser-ablated artifacts with an electrically conductive material to form an electrically conductive pattern can be performed any one of a number of times to achieve the desired redistribution.

Abstract: An airtight container manufacturing method includes the steps of (a) exhausting an inside of a container through the through-hole; (b) arranging a spacer along a periphery of the through-hole on an outer surface of the container the inside of which has been exhausted; (c) arranging a plate so that the spacer and the through-hole are covered by the plate and a gap is formed along a side surface of the spacer between the plate and the container outer surface; and (d) arranging the cover to cover the plate and bonding the cover and the container outer surface via sealant positioned between the cover and the container outer surface. The sealing includes hardening the sealant after deforming the sealant by pressing the plate with the cover so that the gap is infilled with the sealant.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatus for designing and installing power distribution systems for: residential, commercial and industrial applications, as well as for power distribution within electro-mechanical devices. The invention transforms existing labor-intense installations into practically plug-and-power type modular systems. For a specific project, pre-designed, fabricated and tested kit, including factory assembled and tested: power and control enclosures, power outlets and junction boxes, interface cables, as specified by the invention, will be delivered directly to the installation site. No labor intense operations: wire crimping, outlet/switch wiring, junction box wiring, load wiring. No exposed hot wires or leads at any point outside enclosure. The invention will: significantly lower labor costs, reduce installation time, improve safety, reliability and quality.

Abstract: A coupling body for a coaxial connector is dimensioned to couple with connector body at a connector end. An inner body of the coupling body is provided with a bore dimensioned to receive the coaxial cable. The inner body is formed of transparent material partially covered in an opaque material. An uncovered portion of the inner body functions as a visual installation portal. Methods of installation include inserting the coaxial cable into the cable end of the bore of the inner body until a desired portion of a prepared end of the coaxial cable is visible.

Abstract: The goal is to enhance the productivity by reducing the cost of a die. A method for selectively forming a female terminal (30) and a male terminal (40), each terminal having a square tubular box portion (31, 41) in its front and a wire crimping portion (38, 39, 48, 49) in its rear, from blanks (20) punched into a common shape is provided. In a step of punching the blank, a front projection (22) which becomes a spring piece (32) when the female terminal is produced and becomes a male tab (42) when the male terminal is produced is projected from the front end of a strip-like base plate (21) constituting a bottom plate of the square tubular box portion, and a blank in which right and left projections (28, 29) constituting the wire crimping portions are projected is formed in the rear of the base plate.

Abstract: A method of repairing a bearing of a wind turbine generator is provided which is able to more permanently repair a gap which occurred between a constituent member of the wind turbine generator and a bearing ring of the bearing. For example, in the case of repairing the gap 13 between the main shaft outer cylinder 10 of the wind turbine generator 1 and the outer ring 12A of the main bearing 12, the plate 40 is inserted between the main shaft outer cylinder 10 and the outer ring 12A, and also the plate 40 is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the main shaft outer cylinder 10 by the adhesive agent 41. On the other hand, slip is permitted between the plate 40 and the outer ring 12A of the main bearing 12.

Abstract: A method for machining components of a gas turbine, in particular for machining turbine blades, is described. The method includes the following steps: a) providing at least one component carrier having at least one component receptacle for detachable accommodation and fastening component to be machined, the component receptacle being designed with a contour similar to at least one contour of subarea of component to be accommodated; b) introducing at least one subarea of the component into component receptacle and form-fitting and/or substance-to-substance bonding of the subarea of the component to component receptacle; c) machining the component, which is attached to the component carrier; and d) releasing the machined component from the component carrier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat sink includes, firstly, providing a plurality of fins each having a head and a body extending from the head, providing a base having a plurality of studs protruding from a top surface thereof, and providing a cover defining a plurality of recesses in a bottom thereof for receiving the heads of the fins and a plurality of orfices for receiving the studs. Next, the cover and the base are pressed to sandwich the heads of the fins therebetween. Then the studs of the base are punched to expand the studs and cause the studs to intimately engage with the cover.

Abstract: In a wheel supporting rolling bearing unit in which pitch circle diameters of balls 6a, 6b in an outside row and an inside row are made different, contact angles ?OUT, ?IN of the balls 6a, 6b in the two rows in a completed state are equal to each other. Initial contact angles ?OUT, ?IN of the two rows are smaller than predetermined contact angles ?OUT, ?IN. The extent [?IN??IN] to which the initial contact angle ?IN of the balls 6b, 6b in the inside row is made smaller than the predetermined contact angle ?IN of the balls 6b, 6b is made larger than the extent [?OUT??OUT] to which the initial contact angle ?OUT of the balls 6a, 6a in the outside row is made smaller than the predetermined contact angle ?OUT of the balls 6a, 6a {[?IN??IN]>[?OUT??OUT]}. By this configuration, imparting the predetermined contact angles ?OUT, ?IN to the balls 6a, 6b in the two rows in the completed state, and the preloads and contact angles of the balls 6a, 6b in the two rows are made proper.

Abstract: With respect to an outer ring 2b in which a diameter DB1 of a first outer ring raceway 10c is greater than a diameter DB2 of a second outer ring raceway 10b (DB1>DB2), a method is realized which facilitates the entry of a grinding tool 12 into an inner side of the outer ring when these both outer ring raceways 10c and 10b are subjected to a grinding process. The grinding tool 12 is made to enter the inner side of the outer ring 2b through an opening on a side close to the first outer ring raceway 10c.

Abstract: A hair-clipping device includes a main body, a main hair-clipping unite supported by the main body, and additional hair-clipping unit having an active hair-clipping portion extending over a longitudinal dimension and being supported by a supporting unit. The supporting unit, at least in one predetermined working position of the active hair-clipping portion, extends only over a part of the longitudinal dimension. Thereby at least one free end portion of the active hair-clipping portion exists that can, for example, be easily inserted into the nose to remove nose hair.

Abstract: The hair clippers use a self-contained motor-driven adjustment mechanism to adjust the relative position of the stationary and reciprocating blades of a common type of blade set. Two momentary switches operable by the thumb of the hand holding the clipper afford a barber total automatic adjustment with the clipper itself in an on or off condition. Since the small gear motors used for the adjustment are brush type or brushless permanent magnet motors which are operated by direct current, the adjustment feature is most compatible with cordless clippers already using an on-board DC source in the form of a re-chargeable battery to drive the reciprocating blade. The invention will be described as a modification of a cordless clipper, although AC driven corded type clippers can also be modified with this feature by the addition of an on-board AC to DC power supply for the adjustment motor.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a mower for mowing grass and the like with a cord of a desired length extending in a radial direction of a cutting head from the cutting head driven for rotation through a drive shaft is described. The rotary cutter includes at least one fastening element for fixing one end of the cord to a cutting head main body. An inner end portion of the cord inserted from a sidewall of the head main body is fastened by the fastening element. The cord is removed and replaced with a new cord when the cord is worn out. The cord fastening element is disposed near a drive shaft coupling shaft tube portion in the cutting head main body. A cord outlet for removing the cord is provided to the drive shaft coupling shaft tube portion side. The inner end portion of the cord extends outside from the cord outlet and along a sidewall of the drive shaft coupling shaft tube portion of the cutting head main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.

Abstract: Method for operating a display device driven by at least one stepping motor with display scales, having the following steps: determining suitable step widths at least in ranges affected by stroboscopic flicker effects when driving in each case one stepping motor for moving the display scale in a measuring run when starting the instrument or on request, storing the determined step widths in the form of a matching parameter, and operating the stepping motor(s) with a suitable step-width resolution in the ranges that are identified as affected by the stroboscopic flicker effects to be avoided.

Abstract: A device for measuring anatomic angles with two arms and a fastener for securing them together at one end providing a pivot. One arm has degree markings around the pivot and the other has a marker to indicate the angle between the two. One or both arms have a method for extending and contracting their length. The device is sufficiently small and light to allow ease of portability in a clothing pocket. In a preferred embodiment the arms are made of thin, clear, light plastic to allow ease of portability as well as inexpensive manufacture. In another preferred embodiment the arms are made of metal, or other heat-resistant material, to allow autoclave sterilization for use during surgery. In a further preferred embodiment the method to allow extension and contraction of one or both arms is by affixing thin, tubular, telescoping metal sleeves to one or both arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position of a point detector bar having an outer surface and linked to a moveable point associated with a fixed rail utilizing a probe. The probe is moveable to contact and ride on the outer surface of the point detector bar. A housing is connected to the probe and is moveable toward point detector bar also. A leg is positioned relative to the housing to form a unit. The leg is moveable within and relative to the housing when the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar. A driver is linked to the leg and the housing unit and moves the housing and connected probe toward the point detector bar. A signal generator alerts the relative movement between the housing and leg within the housing and the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar which may take the form of an enlarged diameter area.