Abstract: Magnetic tape systems, magnetic tape and reel systems, magnetic tape drives and methods of manufacturing the systems and drives comprise, for the magnetic tape system, two lengths of magnetic tape of substantially equal width dimension; and a cleaning tape positioned between and joining the two lengths of magnetic tape, forming a combined multi-part tape having the cleaning tape contained between the two lengths of magnetic tape. In the tape drive, the tape, two reels, each reel supporting at least a distal end of the combined multi-part tape, and a magnetic tape head assembly are contained in a common enclosure, such that the magnetic tape drive is self-contained. Manufacturability is enhanced by having a very long combined multi-part tape made from two lengths of magnetic tape joined together by a cleaning tape.

Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes applying a current to a lead of a tunneling magnetoresistance sensor for inducing joule heating of the lead or a heating layer, the level of joule heating being sufficient to anneal a magnetic layer of the sensor; and maintaining the current at the level for an amount of time sufficient to anneal the tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a very narrow track width, straight well defined sides and a well defined trailing edge width (e.g. track-width). The method includes uses two separate chemical mechanical polishing processes that stop at separate CMP stop layers. The first CMP stop layer is deposited directly over a RIEable fill layer. A RIE mask, is formed over the fill layer and first CMP stop layer, the RIE mask having an opening. A trench then is formed in the RIEable fill layer. A second CMP stop layer is then deposited into the trench and over the RIE mask, followed by plating of a magnetic material. First and second chemical mechanical polishing processes are then performed, the first stopping at the first CMP stop and the second stopping at the second CMP stop.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode and a cathode. An electrolyte material is disposed between the anode and the cathode. A separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The separator comprises an anodized metal oxide layer having substantially straight and parallel through-pores, wherein the anodized metal oxide of the porous anodized metal oxide layer is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, and hafnium oxide.

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: A method of manufacturing 3D circuit includes the steps of providing a main body of a 3D structure; degreasing and roughening surfaces of the main body; performing a metallization process on the main body to deposit a thin metal film thereon; performing a photoresist coating process to form a photoresist protective layer on the thin metal film; performing an exposure and development process on the photoresist protective layer to form a patterned photoresist protective layer; performing an etching process to form a patterned circuit layer at areas covered by the patterned photoresist protective layer; stripping the patterned photoresist protective layer off the patterned circuit layer; and performing a chemical plating process on the patterned circuit layer to form a thickness-increased circuit layer. With the method, a 3D circuit can be formed on a 3D structure without providing additional circuit carrier to meet the requirement for miniaturized and compact electronic devices.

Abstract: In order to avoid cost for accommodating a shield wire in a housing while bending, and smoothly and readily accommodate within the housing while the shield electric wire is insulated, a conductive housing 1 including a rear wall 4 continuing to an annular wall 3, and a tube wall 5 continuing to down the rear wall 4, a method comprising the steps of: passing through a shield electric wire 2 from a lower opening 5a of the tube wall of the conductive housing to a front opening 3a of the annular wall while bending the shield electric wire; putting a shield terminal 9 movably around the shield electric wire from top of the shield electric wire; exposing a core wire 2b and a braid 2a of the shield electric wire by stripping a tip thereof; connecting an L-shaped terminal 11 to the core wire; mounting an L-shaped insulation inner housing 12 outside the L-shaped terminal; connecting the shield terminal to the braid; and accommodating a vertical part 14 of the inner housing within the conductive housing by pulling in t

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an engine includes providing an inventory of cylinder heads each having a first set of features and a first set of datums. The first set of features is spatially arranged relative to the first set of datums. A fixture that is apart from all of the cylinder heads is provided. The fixture has a second set of features spatially arranged relative to one another substantially identically as the first set of features are spatially arranged relative to one another. A cam carrier is secured to the fixture at the second set of features. A cam bore is machined in the cam carrier at a position determined relative to the second set of features and relative to a surface of the cam carrier that abuts the fixture.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged coated vane from a turbine module without removing the vane from the module is taught. The method includes locally removing the coating in the vicinity of the damage as well as any underlying damage in the superalloy substrate. A diffusible coating precursor is then applied to the damage site. A heat treating fixture is then mounted on the vane and repair site is heated to up to 2000° F. in an inert environment to interdiffuse the coating precursor and the substrate. After the diffusion anneal, the vane is cleaned and the module is returned to service.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an engine valve by subjecting a stem portion having a hollow part to a drawing treatment using a series of dies such that the outer diameter and inner diameter of the stem portion become smaller in steps and the stem portion is thereby molded to the desired size, whereby, after the stem portion has been subjected to the drawing treatment until the inner diameter of the hollow part of the stem portion has reached a specific size, sodium metal in the form of a solid block is introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion, and a protective agent made from solid paraffin or naphthalene is also introduced to the hollow part of the stem portion such as to foam a barrier between the sodium metal and the atmosphere, after which the stem portion is further subjected to a cold drawing treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrally bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine according to one aspect, includes a 3-dimensional scanning process to generate a 3-dimensional profile of individual blades before being welded to the disc of the rotor. A blade distribution pattern on the disc is then determined in a computing process using data of the 3-dimensional profile of the individual blades such that the fabricated integrally bladed rotor is balanced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrally bladed rotor for gas turbine engines according to one aspect includes a step of positioning a blade on a hub in a joining procedure by using a priority surface of the blade as a reference surface.

Abstract: A method of flank and/or point milling an integrally bladed rotor is conducted with an automatic tool path generator which generates a new created tool path including smooth transitions merging between an actual finished surface and a nominal surface of the integrally bladed rotor. The actual finished surface is presented in a mathematical transformation matrix which may be obtained in a 3-D scanning process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchange device, in particular a vehicle radiator, for indirect exchange of heat between a first medium and a second medium, with a first guide section (12a) for routing the first medium and a second guide section (12b) for routing the second medium, the first guide section (12a) being formed by a thermally conductive heat exchange element (10) consisting of graphite foam and being spatially separated from the second guide section (12b), at least part of a second guide section (12b) being formed by the heat exchange element (10). The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a heat exchange element (10) for a heat exchange device, in particular for the radiator of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for forming a valve includes forming a valve body; machining a bore by passing a tool having cutting edges along an axis into the valve body; machining a groove and face in the bore at axially spaced locations by revolving the tool about a circular circumference whose center is aligned with the bore; and supplying lubricant in a pneumatic stream through the tool to the cutting edges.

Abstract: A shaver includes a shaving unit having e.g., three shaving elements. Each shaving element accommodates a cutter member for cutting off hairs. Each shaving element further accommodates a gear wheel which is part of a transmission for coupling a drive shaft for driving the cutter member to an output shaft of a motor of the shaver. A top side of a space where the gear wheel is located is covered by a partition, where only the drive shaft extends through this partition. Each shaving element can be individually opened by removing a top portion of the shaving element, including the cutter member, from a base portion of the shaving element where the gear wheel, the drive shaft and the partition are located. An opening system may be provided to open all the shaving elements in one action by reversal of the direction of rotation of the output shaft, for example.

Abstract: An electric pruner includes a housing, a motor accommodated within the housing, a transmission mechanism, a movable blade, and a fixed blade extending from the front end of the housing. The fixed blade is fixedly mounted on the housing, and the movable blade is rotatably connected to the fixed blade via a shaft and driven by the motor via the transmission mechanism. A groove is formed on the movable blade and comprises a first and a second groove portion, the size of the first portion being greater than that of the second portion. The shaft comprises a first mating portion and a second mating portion, and is movable between a first position and a second releasing the movable blade when the shaft is in the second position. Thus, the replacement of the movable blade is very simple and convenient.

Abstract: An electric pruner includes a housing, a motor accommodated within the housing, a transmission mechanism, a movable blade, and a fixed blade extending from the front end of the housing. The fixed blade is fixedly mounted on the housing, and the movable blade is rotatably connected to the fixed blade via a shaft and driven by the motor via the transmission mechanism. A locking device manually operable by the user is arranged n the shaft for locking the movable blade, the locking device being switchable between a first position where the movable blade is locked to stay connected with the transmission mechanism and a second position where the movable blade is releasable from the transmission mechanism. Thus, the replacement of the movable blade is very simple and convenient.

Abstract: A jigsaw includes a housing having a body portion and a handle portion. The body portion has a forward end and a rearward end. The jigsaw also includes a motor positioned within the body portion of the housing. The motor is located forward of the handle portion. The jigsaw further includes a drive mechanism positioned within the body portion of the housing. The drive mechanism is coupled to the motor for driving a saw blade in a reciprocating motion. The jigsaw also includes a shoe assembly coupled to the body portion of the housing between the forward end and the rearward end.

Abstract: An extendable comfort razor comprising: an elongated body, where the elongated body extends the length of the extendable comfort razor; a handle at a top end of the elongated body, where the handle curves from the elongated body; a razor portion attached to a bottom end of the elongated body, where the razor portion slides in and out of the elongated body and where the razor portion receives a replacement cartridge; a set of adjustment notches along a middle portion of the elongated body; and a set of buttons along the razor portion wherein at least one of the buttons engage at least one of the adjustment notches to lock the elongated body at a desired length thereby allowing the replacement cartridge to reach a desired portion on a body of a user.

Abstract: A measuring tool is used to measure the shape of a person's body. The tool has a belt and at least one measuring tape attached, which extends perpendicularly to the belt. The tool is held to the person's waist with the belt. While the person is standing, shape measurements are typically made at one or more points based on the measuring tape. This measuring tape extends a length sufficient to include the person's seat and hip, where the shape will be measured, but will generally not be as long as the person's leg or long enough to touch the ground.

Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.

Abstract: A line marking assembly for applying a marking a straight line with a marking powder onto a surface is disclosed. The line marking assembly comprises two chambers configured to mount one on each side of a level. Each chamber contains a cord wound on a spool, marking powder and a tensioning assembly that exerts a constant and continuous pull on the cord. The cords from each of the chambers may be combined with a coupler. Moving the coupler back and forth between the chambers coats the cords with marking powder. Placing the assembly onto a surface and snapping the cord marks a straight line on the surface.

Abstract: A metrology apparatus including a body and a first member rotatable relative to the body about a first axis of rotation, said first axis being defined by first bearing and a first motor for actuating rotation of the first member relative to the body about the first axis of rotation. A surface sensing device is attachable to the first member such that the surface sensing device can move with the first member, relative to the body. The first motor may include a first magnet and at least one metal coil spaced apart along the first axis and mounted such that the first magnet and the at least one metal coil are moveable relative to one another.

Abstract: A length measuring device for measuring a position in a measuring direction of a first object and a second object displaceable relative to one another. The device includes a hollow profile, a scale and a fastening element. The fastening element includes a first portion designed to fix the scale in stationary fashion in a measuring direction and to fix the first portion in stationary fashion in the measuring direction on the first object to be measured. The fastening element also includes a second portion with which the fastening element is fastened on the hollow profile. The length measuring device further includes a length compensation element provided between the first portion and the second portion of the fastening element, wherein the length compensation element is embodied for enabling motion of the first portion relative to the second portion in the measuring direction.

Abstract: A drying installation (1)and method for drying of products (3). More in particular, the invention relates to a drying installation (1) and a method for drying sludge or mud, as e.g. the drying of wastewater and industrial sludge possibly contaminated with toxic or corrosive components. The dryer installation (1) comprises infrared emitters (5) which are protected and/or insulated from the evaporation products (7) exiting the drying product (3).

Abstract: An alignment film drying system and a method for drying alignment films are proposed. The alignment film drying system is used for drying an alignment film coated on a substrate. The alignment film drying system includes a plurality of magnetrons. The alignment liquid is coated on one side of the substrate facing the plurality of magnetrons and is heated through electromagnetic radiation produced by the plurality of magnetrons. The dried alignment liquid forms an alignment film having a uniform thickness, which ensures that the display effect of LCDs is better.

Abstract: Systems and processes may be used for continuously processing a solid material at a non-atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the material is delivered to a process vessel at substantially the same non-atmospheric pressure condition as the process vessel so as to avoid shearing the material. In some examples, the solid material is continuously fed into a process vessel, continuously processed in the process vessel, and continuously discharged from the process vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for drying waste in a continuous cyclic process. The invention is further directed to a method for drying waste in a continuous cyclic process in the device of the invention, wherein the raw waste entering the system is at a vast range of moisture contents between 99% and 75%.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for control of a gas turbine or a gas turbine generator, where the gas turbine is connected to a dryer vessel in which gas turbine exhaust gases are used to heat treat a material in the dryer vessel. The control system comprises one or more sensors for temperature, moisture and/or flow rate in the dryer vessel and/or of the material inside, entering and/or exiting the dryer vessel and a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the fuel and/or air flow into the gas turbine. This control system and method enables providing the appropriate heat output from the gas turbine to meet the process heat required for the desired material treatment. Optionally, the gas turbine can be a liquid fuel turbine engine, or a reciprocating engine can be substituted for the turbine engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a clothes dryer having a drying chamber and an air flow system including a variable speed blower for forcing air through the drying chamber comprises the step of assessing a value related to the water removal rate and the step of adjusting the speed of the blower depending on the assessed value, the value being preferably based on a ratio between the water condensing rate and the power of a heater used to heat up the air flow upstream the drying chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a sandal of the type comprising a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, as well as a front portion and a rear portion, along with to a left side edge and a right side edge, and said sole holds a user's foot by using holding means located at the upper portion of said sandal, which are removable attached to the sole.

Abstract: A footwear sole assembly that includes a midsole, a strike pad disposed on the midsole in at least a heel region of the footwear sole assembly, and an outsole disposed on the strike pad. A heel top surface of the footwear sole assembly is elevated between about 4 mm and about 12 mm above a forefoot top surface of the footwear sole assembly.

Abstract: A shoe with a detachable heel includes: a heel post; a heel cladding including an aperture shaped to receive the heel post; and an attachment mechanism secured to the heel cladding, the attachment mechanism including seated within the heel cladding wherein the attachment mechanism includes a button biased towards first position in which the attachment mechanism secures the heel post within the heel cladding and when a force is applied to overcome the bias towards the first position the button translates approximately perpendicular to the heel post to place the attachment mechanism in a second position wherein the heel post is released from within the heel cladding.

Abstract: A shoe insert includes an upper member formed of a cushioning material and comprising a plurality of cylindrical first posts on a bottom, a plurality of first spaces among the first posts, and a plurality of apertures formed on a portion of either side of the upper member; and a lower member formed of a cushioning material and comprising a plurality of bossed holes on a top, a plurality of cylindrical second posts on the top, and a plurality of second spaces among the bossed holes and the second posts; wherein the first posts are inserted into the second spaces with the second posts and the bossed holes engaging with the bottom of the upper member.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to an article of footwear and method of manufacturing that includes a first layer and a second layer configured to form a plurality of tunnels configured to receive a cord system. The manufacturing includes steps of placing a first layer, placing a cord on the first layer, securing the cord on the first layer, placing a second layer on the first layer and the cord, attaching the second layer to the first layer, and detaching the cord from the first layer. When the cord is secured with a thread, the thread may be removed by dissolving or cutting. The attaching of the second layer to the first layer can be completed by stitching or thermal welding, for example.

Abstract: A lacing element for a fastening system of an article of footwear is formed using a continuous strip of material that is folded across itself in a series of different directions to produce a plurality of folded loops. A first group of exposed folded loops form eyestays for a lace, with each eyestay being formed by a trailing edge of one exposed loop and a leading edge of an adjacent exposed loop. The trailing edge and the leading edge are formed by folded regions in the continuous strip of material that are points of contact for the lace. A second group of secured folded loops are disposed below the exposed loops and are used to attach the lacing element to an upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed in a spring shoe for a balance correction which comprises a shoe rear side bottom plate which is made from a rigid synthetic resin material and is engaged to a rear side of a lower surface of a shoe outer leather and has an engaging groove which is downwardly open at a rear, lower surface; a shoe front side bottom plate which is engaged to a front side of a lower surface of the shoe outer leather in a shape that the rear side covers the front side of the shoe rear side bottom plate; and a coil spring which is formed with its width being gradually reduced from a lower side to an upper side.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for cooling (or heating) feet by use of air movers and/or thermoelectric heat exchangers within footwear. The invention employs heat exchangers with no moving parts and a flat form factor, such as Peltier heat exchangers, directly within the sole and/or heel of the footwear. Alternately or additionally, the inventive footwear may employ air movers with no moving parts and a flat, flexible form factor, such as ionic air movers, disposed directly within the sole and/or heel in fluid communication with the interior of the footwear. The sole and/or heel of the footwear may include air channels in communication with the environment outside of the shoe via air inlet and/or outlet openings in the heel and/or sole. The invention may further include electronics and wireless technology for monitoring the climate within the footwear and issue alerts to the wearer or others.

Abstract: A dancing shoe outsole includes an array of sockets that are specially configured to accept cleats to be inserted in customized positions on the sole. Unlike common spike type cleats that are designed to grip for traction, the preferred embodiment provides the ability to spin, slide and tap on a surface while preserving the floor surface. And advantageously, the attachable cleats for outdoor use are metallic to provide the special effect of generating sparks on concrete. Optionally the cleat may be of a decorative design.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a shoe including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the outer sole assembly extending length-wise from a rear end to a front end, and width-wise between a lateral side and a medial side, the outer sole assembly having a surface for contact with the ground, the outer sole assembly including a wear layer provided to take support on the ground, the wear layer having at least one through-opening, the outer sole assembly including at least one reinforcing layer arranged between the wear layer and the upper, the reinforcing layer extending at least partially in the area of the opening. A damping layer is arranged between the wear layer and the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A shoe ornament structure, comprises: a base layer, a sub-base layer, a ground color layer, a ornamental layer, a blocking wall and a transparent layer. The ground color layer has a predetermined thickness and is formed on the sub-base layer. The ornamental layer is formed with different grains or color or materials and located on the ground color layer. The blocking wall of a height 0.5-0.7 mm is formed on ornamental layer, and the transparent layer is formed in the area defined by the blocking wall.

Abstract: This invention, called “Shoebax”, is designed to slide over the open heel portion of a shoe, creating a smooth detachable back of the shoe. The invention has a sheath that slides over the heel of the shoe. The invention provides a shoe backing which is fastened by way of an anklet (tied or buckled). The purpose of the invention is to prevent clothing from sliding between the in-sole of the shoe and the heel of the foot.

Abstract: A system of semi-flexible plates arranged and positioned within footwear so as to retain the flexibility associated with the footwear. The system utilizes panels comprised of hybrid carbon composite materials that have been specifically formed and cut to fit various components within the shoe. These semi-flexible panels are configured with apertures to receive placement stitching to retain the panels in a particular location within the construction of the shoe. Various layers of padding are provided to insulate the feet from the panels and from the external surfaces of the shoe. Plates and panels are uniquely positioned in the heel region and on the sides of the shoe or boot. The system provides inter-leaved rib plates extending from either side of the shoe up over the split tongue of the shoe providing flexible protection to both the sides and the top of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A street sign mounting assembly has a universal sign post cap and at least one sign holder bracket. The cap is universally adapted to fit common street sign posts including, without limitation, square, round and U-channel posts. The sign holder brackets are designed to hold street signs of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A locking system for a firearm is disclosed. A lock has a set state and an unset state, and substantial movement of any one or more fire control group components is inhibited with in the set state. A biometric sensor attachable to a grip of the firearm is receptive to an input biometric feature data set corresponding to a physiological feature of a user. A biometric input controller stores biometric feature data sets corresponding to enrolled user identities in a memory, and compares it against the input biometric feature data set to generate a biometric input validation status indicator signal. A proximity sensor attachable to the grip detects possession of the firearm by the user and generates a corresponding grip detection indicator signal. A system controller selectively actuates the lock to the set state and the unset state based upon a received combination and sequence of the biometric input validation status indicator signal and the grip detection indicator signal.

Abstract: A firearm includes a barrel having first and second ends, and is adapted to fire a round of ammunition from the second end. A handgrip is operatively coupled to and extending in a downward direction relative to the barrel. An ammunition magazine is removably received within the handgrip. The magazine includes a front, a rear, and a pair of opposed side surfaces extending between the front and rear. A clip member includes at least an arm portion extending along the rear of the magazine. The arm portion of the clip member is adapted to allow the ammunition magazine to be temporarily attached to an object while outside of the magazine.

Abstract: A lock for a firearm with a grip safety, and a sear engageable to a biased hammer in a cocked position and releasable by a trigger is disclosed. The lock has a housing defining a first bore within which a mainspring that biases the hammer is received, as well as a second bore. There is a locking pin retractable into and extendible out of the second bore of the housing. When the locking pin is in an extended position, the grip safety is restricted to an engaged state, blocking movement of the trigger. An actuator disposed in the housing and cooperatively linked to the locking pin provides the motive force for retracting and extending the locking pin.

Abstract: A forward hand guard assembly for a rifle includes an upper metal hand guard which is secured to the receiver rifle by a clamp, and a lower grip which is releasably secured to the upper guard and the clamp by a latching pin. The clamp has a locking mechanism which can be released without tools.

Abstract: A decoy stand includes a tubular base pole, a tubular sleeve coaxially supported on a top end of the base pole, and an extension pole telescopically received within the tubular base pole and the tubular sleeve. At least one decoy mount is coupled to each of the tubular sleeve and the extension pole.