Abstract: A device for deblocking optical workpieces, having a first moving device for rotating a workpiece, which is blocked on a blocking piece, about a workpiece rotational axis and a nozzle for dispensing a pressurized stream in a direction that is essentially transverse to the workpiece rotational axis onto a point of incidence in an edge region between the blocking piece and the workpiece. The device also has a second moving device for generating a relative movement between the nozzle and the workpiece. The second moving device has a nozzle guiding portion on which the nozzle is mounted and by which the nozzle can be positioned with respect to the blocking piece in a cam-controlled manner in order to aim the pressurized stream towards the point of incidence in a defined manner.

Abstract: A loading device for self-expanding stents that utilizes a rod with a stop on one end, a compressible sleeve that is slidably mounted on the rod and a compressible member slidably mounted on the rod and configured to increase the diameter of the compressible sleeve when forced against it.

Abstract: A door hanging tool includes a horizontal member having at least one bubble vial for the determination of the angle of a surface with respect to the horizontal member and, a vertical member having at least one bubble vial for indicating the inclination of the surface with respect to the vertical member. The horizontal member further defines anchor slots for receiving an anchor means for releasably attaching the tool to the existing pre-drilled hole for lockset from the door manufacturer, such that the user can view the bubble vial of the vertical member for indicating the vertical inclination of the door with respect to the vertical member, and can view the bubble vial of the horizontal member to determine the angle of the door with respect to the horizontal member, and can adjust the door accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include a support for the tubular covering sleeve; a pair of expanders; driving means configured to introduce the expanders into respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve and to cause radial expansion of the tubular covering sleeve; and devices for disposing the tubular covering sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. The expanders may be configured to be placed in substantially coaxial positions relative to the tubular covering sleeve at the respective ends of the tubular covering sleeve.

Abstract: A damper assembly system that can provide for multiple frequency responses to control Aeolian vibration in EHV (Extra High Voltage) applications is disclosed. The damper assembly comprises an asymmetric design that enables two disparate frequency responses at either side of the clamp that attaches the damper to a suspended member or cable. Two additional frequency responses are enabled at an inlet point of each of the damper weights. The damper weights can have a rounded or egg-shape together with an inner cavity so as to control corona discharge in EHV applications. Additionally, the tuned weights can be of disparate mass as well as asymmetric distances from the clamp.

Abstract: A lead employing a connection between a conductor and an electric element is provided. The connection includes a conductive pad electrically connected to at least one conductor and the electric element electrically connected to the conductive pad. The conductive pad can further include an elongated element to connect the pad to the electric element. The method for connecting a conductor to an electric element is also provided. The method includes forming a groove in the insulator of a lead body to expose the conductor. Placing a conductive pad within the groove and electrically connecting a conductive pad to the conductor. An electric element is then placed over the conductive pad and the electric element is electrically connected to the conductive pad.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a package carrier is provided. A substrate having an upper and lower surface is provided. A first opening communicating the upper and lower surface of the substrate is formed. A heat conducting element is disposed inside the first opening, wherein the heat conducting element is fixed in the first opening via an insulating material. At least a through hole passing through the substrate is formed. A metal layer is formed on the upper and lower surface of the substrate and inside the through hole. The metal layer covers the upper and lower surface of the substrate, the heat conducting element and the insulating material. A portion of the metal layer is removed. A solder mask is formed on the metal layer. A surface passivation layer is formed and covers the metal layer exposed by the solder mask and the metal layer located inside the through hole.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure such as a print head or a printer including the print head having a flex circuit with a plurality of deformed (i.e., contoured, shaped, or embossed) conductive flexible printed circuit (flex circuit) pads. A plurality of flex circuit pads can be aligned with a plurality of piezoelectric elements of an ink jet print head. Within a press such as a stack press, pressure can be applied to deform the plurality of flex circuit pads and to establish electrical contact between the plurality of flex circuit pads and the plurality of piezoelectric elements. Deforming the plurality of flex circuit pads in situ during the press operation can reduce costs by eliminating a separate embossing stage performed during the manufacture or formation of the flex circuit.

Abstract: A tool for crimping a cable connector (6) comprises a first, U-shaped arm (3) which defines a seat in which the connector (6) may be accommodated in the working position; a second, compression arm (1) suitable for exerting a compression force on the connector (6), comprising a compression profile (5) at one end thereof, which, in turn, comprises a number of rotation pins which project laterally outwards from the compression profile (5) and are suitable for penetrating into corresponding holes in a branch of the first arm (3), to keep the second, compression arm (1) joined to the first arm (3).

Abstract: A wedge connector assembly including an installation tool having a tool body and a frame connected to the tool body. A sleeve is received by the frame and a wedge is received by the sleeve. A firing mechanism is movably connected to the tool body. A movable ram extends from the tool body into the frame such that movement of the ram drives the wedge into the sleeve when the installation tool is fired. A piston is movably disposed in the tool body between the ram and the firing mechanism. The piston is moved when the firing mechanism is activated, thereby driving the wedge into the sleeve. An indicator disposed on the ram indicates when the installation tool is in a proper firing position to substantially prevent over-torquing the installation tool.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting multiple photovoltaic bus bars. A casing includes first and second opposing walls. An elastic strip is bent into a bent elastic strip with a first leg and a second leg. The bent elastic strip is disposed between the first and second walls of the casing with the first leg pressing against the first wall and the second leg pressing against the second wall. The bent elastic strip is configured to hold at least one of the photovoltaic bus bars between the first leg and the first wall and another of the photovoltaic bus bars between the second leg and the second wall. The bent elastic strip may be formed of resilient spring metal with a thickness and an elastic modulus. The thickness and/or the elastic modulus of the elastic strip is/are configured so that the bus bars are inserted without requiring a tool to open a space and so that the bus bars are removed from the connector without requiring a tool to break the electrical connection.

Abstract: A method for centering an engine structure such as a bearing housing is provided which may be used, for example, during assembly of a mid turbine frame or other engine case structure. In one aspect, the method includes using spacers with respective radial spokes which connect inner and outer portions of the case. In another aspect, centring may be provided by machining selected contacting surfaces of selected components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger includes joining a first conductive sheet to a second conductive sheet to define a plurality of separate volumes in a blank envelope, creating an aperture in each separate volume in the blank envelope, and heating the blank envelope. The method further includes pressurizing each separate volume through the apertures, hot plastic forming the blank envelope into a formed envelope, and assembling a plurality of formed envelopes into a heat exchanger core, wherein the heat exchanger core includes a fluid passage outside of the formed envelopes, wherein the fluid passage is defined by adjacent formed envelopes, and wherein the fluid passage extends across a dimension of the heat exchanger core.

Abstract: A cutter (or other hand tool) includes a housing with a handle that is sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a hand, the housing being configured to provide multiple hand-housing interfaces favorable to natural accommodation of the hand while using the cutter (or other hand tool). The hand-housing interfaces can include one or more interfaces that accommodate the hand at a neutral wrist position.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing with an opening, a blade carrier coupled to the housing and repositionable in relation to the housing, and an actuator repositionable in relation to the housing and coupled to the blade carrier such that movement of the actuator to an actuator blade deployment position repositions the blade carrier toward the opening and provides mechanical advantage in deploying the blade or maintaining the blade in a deployed position.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing with an opening, a blade carrier coupled to and repositionable in relation to the housing, an actuator for repositioning the blade carrier to a deployed position, the blade carrier repositioning toward the deployed position in response to movement of the actuator toward an actuator blade deployment position, a push rod that is repositionable within the housing and coupled to the blade carrier such that a location of one or more portions of the push rod in relation to the housing determines the blade depth extending from the opening of the housing when the blade carrier is deployed, and a blade depth selector coupled to the push rod such that a user of the cutter apparatus can set the location to provide a desired blade depth by selectively repositioning the blade depth selector in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing with an opening, and a blade carrier coupled to the housing to permit rotational movement of the blade carrier between a refracted position and a deployed position and to permit movement of the blade carrier toward a distal end of the cutter in response to a cutting edge of the blade coming into contact with a workpiece, the blade carrier being coupled to the housing and configured for holding and deploying a blade at a plurality of selectable blade depths and for preventing the blade carrier from rotating back into the housing when the blade carrier is deployed at any of the selectable blade depths and advanced to a cutting position.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing, a blade holder coupled to the housing, and a blade storage assembly including blade storage compartments, one of the blade storage compartments being configured to serve as a cover for another of the blade storage compartments. The housing includes a hood and the blade storage assembly is coupled to the hood (e.g., secured to the underside of the hood) such that the blade storage assembly is made accessible to a user of the cutter apparatus by repositioning the hood in relation to another portion of the housing.

Abstract: A jigsaw may include a housing, a control member, a shoe member and a keel. The housing contains a motor and include a handle. The control member is moveable relative to the housing between at least a first position that implements a curve-cutting mode and a second position that implements a straight-cutting mode. The shoe member is connected to the housing and includes a bottom surface facing away from the housing. The keel is operable in a deployed configuration in which the keel protrudes through the bottom surface of the shoe member and a stowed configuration in which the keel does not protrude through the bottom surface of the shoe member. Relative motion between the shoe and the keel allows the keel to be in the deployed configuration when the control member is in the second position and the stowed configuration when the control member is in the first position.

Abstract: The safety razor includes a disc-like handle having a concavity on at least one side to facilitate secure grasping of the razor between only two fingers. A recess may be formed into the opposite side of the handle for receipt of photographs, indicia-bearing elements, and the like, and for engagement of an overlying, retaining insert. The surfaces on the opposite sides of the handle also provide areas for carrying graphic and/or textual matter.

Abstract: A rail cant measurement tool and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tool comprises a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar. The cant angle measurement assembly comprises a web-engaging arm assembly, a spring-biased lock-release mechanism, a rail cant indicator, and a rail cant linear adjustment mechanism. The web-engaging arm assembly comprises pivot arms and web rollers. The pivot arms each comprise upper arm ends and lower arm ends. The upper arm ends are attached to the lock-release mechanism. The reference bar engages opposed rails and the cant angle measurement assembly engages a select rail of the opposed rails. The rail cant indicator indicates rail cant information as determined from the track reference plane and the running surface of the select rail.

Abstract: A tile template is provided which is comprised of a square-shaped flexible member which is preferably constructed of a non-skid rubber material. The flexible member has a plurality of alternating openings and a plurality of alternating squares provided therein. The underside of the tile template is provided with numbered fold lines. In one embodiment, the fold lines include a plurality of horizontally extending fold lines and a plurality of vertically extending fold lines. In another embodiment, the fold lines extend diagonally across the template.

Abstract: Military, police, and other organizations use insignias on shirt collars to display rank or identifying marks. This invention introduces an easy to use way to properly apply collar insignia at a predetermined bisecting angle. My design introduces the horizontal collar tab slot (FIG. 1A) to hold the gauge in place once aligned with the collar alignment marks (FIG. 1B). Installing an insignia centered over alignment mark (FIG. 1C) is simple because the vertical slot (FIG. 1D) to receive the insignia fastening pins is placed at the proper angle in reference to the collar tip to ensure proper alignment. The open ended slot (FIG. 1D) allows the gauge to slide off the collar when the insignia is properly installed on the collar. The open ended design of the vertical slot also allows this gauge to slide under an installed insignia for inspection purposes.

Abstract: A large bore measuring system includes a modular and extendable bore gage with analog and digital readouts, also includes a settable set-master. The modular bore gage is designed to measure two sets of large bore diameters. A first set of large bores is accomplished by using a modular bore gage design described in this disclosure. The second set of larger bores is accomplished by adding attachments therein extending the gage for the larger range of bore diameters. A set-master is used for both sets of large bores.

Abstract: An extensometer assembly for use in association with a material testing system. The extensometer assembly has a pair of extensometers each of which includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are pivotally coupled together through a connector, such as a flexure bearing. The extensometers may be positioned on opposing sides of a specimen to be tested. A pair of clips extending between opposing first arms and opposing second arms, respectively, retains the extensometers engaged to the specimen on opposing sides of the specimen.

Abstract: A carpet centrifuge with external placement for industrial cleaning of carpets and other large textile articles.

Abstract: A washing and/or drying appliance includes a heating circuit (140) for heating a washing liquid and/or a drying air flow, connected to voltage distribution lines (105a,105b) distributing power inside the appliance. The heating circuit includes at least one heating resistor (205) in series to switch means (210a,210b) controlled by an appliance control unit (125) for selectively energizing the heating resistor when required. The switch means of the heating circuit includes a first and a second switch (210a,210b) in series to the heating resistor, the heating resistor being interposed between the first and second switches. A monitoring circuit arrangement is provided, which includes a first resistor (R1) in shunt to the heating resistor and having a resistance substantially higher than that of the heating resistor, and a pull-up network connected between a first terminal (215b;215a) of the heating resistor and one of the voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: A drying furnace (20) for drying an object (11) by hot air is provided with a heater (36, 38, 43, 45) that applies radiant heat to a hard-heating region (35, 42) having a larger heat capacity than the other region (37, 44) in the object (11) so as to heat the hard-heating region (35, 42) to a temperature approximate to a temperature of the other region (37, 44).

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include:a vessel containing a fluid including at least one reactant; a fluid transfer device receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the vessel; at least one drier receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the fluid transfer device; and a reactor communicating with the at least one drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant. In addition, the at least one drier may communicate with the vessel at least by sending the fluid including at least one reactant or the regenerant through a fluid tapering device for at least one of regulating the flow and reducing the pressure of the regenerant to the vessel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant can pass through a fluid tapering device for regulating the flow of the regenerant to the reaction zone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a supercritical drying apparatus comprises a chamber being hermetically sealable and configured to store a semiconductor substrate, a heater configured to heat an inner side of the chamber, a supply unit configured to supply carbon dioxide to the chamber, a discharge unit configured to discharge carbon dioxide from the chamber, and a rotation unit configured to rotate the chamber by an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees and equal to or smaller than 180 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A device is provided for the air-based solar thermal generation of process heat in order to assist in drying processes. The device may add the solar-thermally generated hot air as a function of the relative temperature of the solar-thermally generated hot air as a partial flow of the process air generated by other systems.

Abstract: Footwear sole assemblies including a midsole plate and a heel insert and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a sole assembly includes an outsole coupled to a midsole plate. The midsole plate can include a first plate portion and a second plate portion spaced apart from one another to define a cavity at a heel portion of the midsole plate. The cavity can be configured to receive an insert. The second plate portion can be proximate to the outsole, and the first plate portion can be spaced apart from the outsole. The first plate portion can include an opening extending through the heel portion. The sole assembly can further include a midsole pad coupled to the midsole plate and configured to contact the insert via the opening.

Abstract: A shoe construction utilizing a gas containing chamber as a cushion. The shoe includes a stabilizer positioned in the shoe and having a heel portion in overlying relation to the cushion and a forward portion in overlying relation to at least a midfoot portion of the shoe bottom. The forward portion extends across a substantial portion of the inside width of the shoe where it is located to resist deformation of the shoe bottom under load from a user both in lateral bending and longitudinal torsion.

Abstract: Footwear as inserts to shoes or integral parts to shoes is made of rigid form with a sole portion to be placed in compression and an upper portion to flex in tension in response to foot motion and preferably is provided in a triangulation form for foot stabilization, comfort and injury prevention.

Abstract: An article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear is provided. The article may include a first wall disposed in a first plane and a second wall extending from the first wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane. In addition, the article may include a third wall extending from the first wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane. Further, the article may include at least a first side wall extending between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, the first side wall having a substantially T-shaped slot configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear that provides friction between the playing surface and the player's foot is disclosed. In some embodiments, the article footwear includes a sole may have a plurality of wedge-shaped studs in the forefoot region that extend beyond the perimeter of the sole. The article can also include a plurality of elongated studs on a bottom surface region of the sole. The wedge-shaped studs help provide leverage for removing the elongated studs from the ground during cutting.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a biodegradable mailbox that includes a receptacle. The receptacle has a post attachment integral with the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a post, the post having a first end and a second end, the first end being securely insertable into the post attachment of the receptacle. The mailbox also includes a base into which the second end of the post is securely inserted. The mailbox is comprised of cardboard and contains no glue.

Abstract: A single panel label holder for a product display supports a label for display to shoppers. The single panel traps the label against an adjacent surface of a corresponding shelf. The label holder includes a member for securing the label holder to the shelf. The securing member can include a clip for selectively mounting the label holder to a return flange of a shelf. Alternatively, an adhesive portion is employed to adhere the label holder to the shelf. The securing member could include an end wall joined to a lower wall via a hinge with the end wall extending over a distal end of a return flange of the shelf. Or, the securing member could include at least one flexible fin which engages a return flange of the shelf. A rear surface of the single panel can be textured or provided with protrusions, nubs, etc.

Abstract: A locking block device (100) provided in the region of a cartridge chamber (121) of a handgun barrel (120) has a locking block (110) for releasably locking the barrel (120) to a breech prior to firing, and has a control member (111) having a control guide (112) for swinging out the barrel (120), after firing, for the purpose of separating the barrel (120) from the breech, and further has a feed ramp (140) formed in the region of a stop member (130) of the locking block (110) for feeding a cartridge, stored in a magazine of the handgun, into the cartridge chamber (121) following ejection of a fired cartridge. A modular design capable of being adapted to meet specific requirements is achieved in that the feed ramp (140) is formed on a ramp member (150) capable of being separated from the locking block (110) and releasably locked to the locking block (110).

Abstract: A trigger lock is provided with a shield member having a U-shaped channel forming a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first flange, with a web connecting the first and second plates. The shield member has a peripheral contour that is complementarily shaped to closely match the transition contour of a firearm, in the region of the firearm frame transitioning between the thick frame and the thin trigger guard. The shield member is fitted over the trigger guard, with the trigger guard situated within the U-shaped channel. A plug is inserted through an aperture in the first plate, through the trigger guard, and through a second aperture in the second plate. The plug is secured within the shield member by a lock attached to the end of the plug protruding from the second aperture, thus preventing access to the trigger and preventing removal or substantial movement.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of an apparatus for cooling a barrel 12 of a firearm 10 and examples of a cooled barrel assembly 32 for installation into an existing firearm 10. When assembled with the barrel 12, a contact surface 16 of a shell 14 is proximate to, and in thermal communication with, the outer surface of the barrel 18. The shell 14 is formed of commercially available or modified graphite foam.

Abstract: A firearm rail adapter comprising a rail adapter assembly configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate first member and the distal second member define a conduit configured to: conduct electricity via a plurality of contact pads; and/or transport data signals via at least one contact pad.

Abstract: A device for use in loading cartridges in a pistol magazine having a locking recess, the device including an ergonomic, pistol grip shaped housing including a through-going magazine receiving bore having a substantially rectangular cross-section for receiving a magazine through the bottom of the housing and enclosing the magazine therein, and an elongate bore parallel to the magazine receiving bore and extending from a top of the housing part way through the housing; a magazine catch in the housing extending into the magazine receiving bore for engaging the locking recess in the magazine; a release element, coupled to the magazine catch, for releasing the magazine catch from the magazine; and a spring loaded plunger mounted for linear movement in the elongate bore for engaging a cartridge in the magazine protruding through the magazine receiving bore.

Abstract: The present invention is an easily detachable “rail clip” to provide an inexpensive, rapid and secure fastening means to affix sight components, flashlights, lasers, electrical wires, tags, tools, carrying straps, or other tactical gear or accessories to a standardized firearm mounting rail as defined by MIL-STD-1913(AR). The herein disclosed rail clip is economically manufactured as a single piece spring without moving parts, can be operated silently, can be repositioned in seconds, and can be attached and detached from the weapon without the need for any tool making this an important alternative attachment means for military and police forces.

Abstract: A ramrod for a muzzleloader is provided. The ramrod includes a shaft having a knob releasably coupled to one end thereof, the knob having a rounded end and a tapered end that oppose one another. The knob may have a central bore therein, and the shaft may be inserted into the central bore. The tapered end of the knob is configured with respect to the shaft to allow any object that contacts the shaft and slides along the shaft to also slide along and eventually off of the tapered end of the knob without snagging or catching the knob. The rounded end of the knob is positioned at a distal end of the shaft and is configured with respect to the shaft to allow a user of the ramrod to place his/her palm against the rounded end while operating the ramrod to load a muzzleloader.

Abstract: A shooting bench includes a frame having at least two legs. The at least two legs are connected at a pivot. A table is connected to the frame at a first bracket. The first bracket is configured to slide along a length of a first one of the at least two legs to transition the shooting bench between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The table may include a cross bar. A gun mount may be adjustably coupled to the crossbar of the table. A first locking device can be mounted to the crossbar and configured to selectively permit movement of the gun mount in a first direction with respect to the table. A second locking device can be mounted to the cross bar and configured to selectively permit movement of the gun mount in a second direction with respect to the table.

Abstract: A method of controlling a target marking system includes emitting a beam with a beam source associated with a target marker. The method also includes sensing movement of the target marker, and modifying operation of the beam source based on the sensed movement. Such modification changes a characteristic of the emitted beam.

Abstract: An optical aiming device of the type having a light source and a reflective minor or lens reflecting or projecting an image of a rectile to the eye of a user. The optical aiming device comprises a light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the light source to enable the adjustment the light intensity of the image of the reticle as a function of the detected light. The light sensor arrangement comprises at least one lens having at least one convex surface and at least one detector wherein the detector is arranged on a distance from the lens so as to detect light from a predetermined area on a predetermined distance from the lens.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanical sighing mechanism for firearms has a sight blade mount defining an internal passage having first and second outwardly flaring passage end surfaces. An adjustment screw having an external tapered surface is in engagement with the first of the outwardly flaring passage end surfaces. A sight blade structure defines a sight adjustment member having an internally threaded screw passage that receives the adjustment screw. A lock nut is threaded onto the adjustment screw and has an external tapered surface in engagement with the second outwardly flaring passage end surface. The sight blade mount defines a slot through which a support for the sight adjustment member is movable, providing for windage adjustment of the sight blade structure by rotation of the adjustment screw. The tapered surfaces of the adjustment screw and lock nut provide for locking of the sight blade at any desired position.