Abstract: A torque assembly includes a spindle, a cap mounted on the spindle for rotation about the spindle, and a work-hardened, plastic sleeve inserted between the cap and the spindle for constant rotation of the sleeve and cap with respect to the spindle. The torque assembly may be installed onto a hinged object and fixed object with movement along a single axis. The torque assembly may be formed by: (a) providing a spindle having a base and a rod extending from the base; (b) providing a cap member with an annular section defining an inner diameter; (c) providing an annular plastic sleeve having an inner diameter and an outer diameter; (d) work-hardening the sleeve for a predetermined time period; (e) changing the inner diameter of the sleeve; and (f) inserting the spindle rod through the inner diameter of the sleeve.

Abstract: Elastic load suspension systems and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include handles with springs to reduce peak forces and reduce the overall energy required to carry a load. Some embodiments include handles that connect to loads, where the effective spring length statically deflects at least 2.5 and at most 18 inches, and in some embodiments approximately 5 inches, when carrying the load. Alternate embodiments include elastic suspension handles that are lightly damped, such as those with a damping ratio of at most 0.5. Still further embodiments include elastic suspension handles that elastically suspend loads and have a natural frequency that is less than the locomotive frequency of the object carrying the handle, such a less than the typical human walking frequency of 2 Hertz.

Abstract: A guide device for sliding doors for shelves has at least one guide rail, each guide rail have a guide region for guiding sliding doors and at least one fastening region connected to the guide region for fastening the guide device to shelves. The guide regions in their cooperation form a guide arrangement (1) and all the fastening regions in their cooperation form a fastening arrangement (2). In order to provide a guide device which can be used universally and which can be fastened subsequently to shelves, the fastening arrangement (2) is disposed relative to the guide arrangement (1) in the installed position in such a manner that the guide arrangement (1) is accessible from below and above for sliding doors and at least partially covers vertical surfaces of the shelves.

Abstract: A system and method for providing cord, cable and hose fastening (CCHF) so Industrial, Commercial and Home users (ICAHUs) can assure that cords, cables and hoses, including but not limited to electrical cords, cannot be accidentally disconnected or unplugged from their supply sources. The system and method allows ICAHUs to work safely and efficiently and to avoid cords, cables and hoses that may accidentally disconnect or unplug themselves from power, fluid or material supplies (PFMS) or fixed connecting boxes or outlets, in the course of everyday use. ICAHUs can easily use PFMS frames or PFMS outlet covers to either capture collar ties, tie connectors or a combination of both that may be used by existing cord, cable and hose fastening systems in order to allow said systems to ensure their respective cords, cables or hoses do not become accidentally disconnected from their appropriate PFMS.

Abstract: In a closure for the non-detachable connection of two ends of a preferably textile band by which means the size of the loop formed by the band can be reduced but not enlarged by sliding the closure along the parallel-running band ends, wherein the closure includes an insertion part having at least one insert carrying a tip and an outer sleeve, which has a first opening and a second opening for passage of the band, wherein the first opening is surrounded by a stop for the insertion part with insert and the dimensioning of the second opening allows the insertion of the insertion part with the insert, it is provided that the insertion part has a recess for receiving the insert at its end facing the first opening and the stop of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A cable tie is disclosed. The cable tie has a band and a fastening slot. The band is provided with a plurality of ribs, and the fastening slot is formed with an engaging portion for engaging the ribs when the band passes through the fastening slot so as to bind articles. The engaging portion is provided with at least one engaging tooth. A distance between a tip of the engaging tooth and the fixed end of the engaging portion and along a lengthwise direction of the band is smaller than a distance between the free end and the fixed end of the engaging portion and along the lengthwise direction of the band, and which prevents the engaging portion from being broken due to shearing effect applied by the ribs when the cable tie is operated in a low-temperature environment such as minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Profiled clamp that includes a clamping element, a sealing element having elastically deformable spacers on a radial outside, and a profile band on which the sealing element is held secured against loss. The elastically deformable spacers bear against an inside of the profile band in a non-positive manner.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a strap. The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

Abstract: A buckle for use with a belt or with strapping in which the bucket uses magnetic attraction forces to apply a clamping force on the belt or strap, when the buckle assembly components are in a first predetermined orientation. Typically, a plurality of magnets is used, and when the buckle assembly is rotated to a second predetermined position, the magnets are moved from a state where they attract one another, to a position where they repel one another. In this second predetermined orientation, the buckle components are forced apart by the repulsive forces so as to create a larger gap between the buckle components, and thus allow the belt or strap material to move freely within the gap. The buckle is preferably held in the second predetermined orientation by a restraint device such as a pin located within a recess on the corresponding rotating assembly.

Abstract: A clamp which is capable of being temporarily fastened relative to a cable is provided. The clamp is for fixing a cable to a vehicle body panel wherein a locking hole is formed. The clamp includes a base member including a groove portion having a bottom portion which can abut against at least one portion of an outer circumferential portion of the cable, and a leg portion which can engage with the locking hole; and a clamping member supported in the base member to be capable of being displaced between a temporarily fastened position and a completely fastened position, and demarcating a housing space, which can house the cable, between the bottom portion. An outer shape of the clamping member is structured such that the clamping member is displaced from the temporarily fastened position to the completely fastened position so as to reduce the housing space.

Abstract: A fastening member contains a synthetic resin, in which flat metal foil containing aluminum is mixed with the synthetic resin and an average particle diameter of the metal foil is set to be equal to or more than 3 ?m and equal to or less than 8 ?m. Accordingly, the fastening member has both an advantage of a synthetic resin of being inexpensive and light and an advantage of a metal of having strength and gloss having a high-grade sense, and an outer appearance or a texture thereof can be viewed like the metallic member. In the fastening member, a weld mark can be restrained from being generated, and even if the weld mark is generated, the weld mark can be made difficult to be visually recognized relatively and the weld mark can be mixed with the gloss.

Abstract: A roller-loaded zipper slide includes first and second roller brackets respectively mounted in top and bottom slide body blocks of the slide body thereof to carry a respective front roller in flush with the front edges of the top and bottom slide body blocks and in proximity to the zipper's interlocking teeth and in direct contact with the zipper tapes for guiding the interlocking teeth into the internal chamber of the roller-loaded zipper slide smoothly and accurately, avoiding scratching or damaging the stitches of the zipper tapes, improving zipper slide sliding mobility, reducing zipper teeth wear and prolonging zipper slide lifespan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick attach/detach system that provides for minimal alteration to the aesthetics of the auxiliary equipment and the wearable personal device, which can be an armor carrier, backpack system or other outerwear, for example. The system can comprise, in one embodiment, a tongued attachment strap and a retention strip arrangement. One embodiment of the tongued attachment strap of the present invention comprises four individual components: a first strap portion, a second strap portion, a first stiffener and a second stiffener.

Abstract: The present invention is a lockable snap-clip fastener with two spring-biased jaw members and a slidable locking bar. The locking bar is held in position by the same spring that biases the jaws. As the bar is held in either the locked or unlocked position, it must be positively actuated in order to transition from one configuration to the other.

Abstract: A fascia mounting system for a window covering includes a bracket having a front flange with a removable spring clip at the bottom of the front flange. A fascia member of the system includes structure engaging the upper end of the flange and the spring clip at the bottom of the flange.

Abstract: A clasp is configured to permanently interlock around a flexible strip of material and includes first and second interlocking members. Each interlocking member includes two hooks and two recesses. Each of the hooks of the first side are arranged to engage and interlock with one of the recesses of the second side and each of the hooks of the second side are arranged to interlock with one of the recesses of the first side, so as to prevent movement between the interlocking members when interlocked.

Abstract: A portable safety belt for use on a motor coach passenger seat is provided. The portable safety belt is formed of a single strap routed to form a closed loop for encircling a seatback and an open loop terminating at either end of the strap with a male and female buckle. The open loop is adapted as a lap belt for holding a passenger. A locking member disposed at a side of the closed loop provides interrelated adjustment of the open and closed loops to tighten the closed loop around the seatback.

Abstract: A buckle assembly comprising a buckle body having an engaging element, a base body having an interior surface defining a cavity comprising a first directional retainer portion and a receiving portion, the first directional retainer portion configured to engage a portion of the engaging element of the buckle body and retain the buckle body when the buckle body is forced in a first direction, the receiving portion configured to receive the engaging element of the buckle body and the receiving portion located in a second direction from the first directional retainer portion. In some embodiments, the interior surface further comprises a channel configured to constrain movement of the buckle body in two dimensions and allow the buckle body to move in a third dimension.

Abstract: A seat belt system includes a belt having an upper end mounted adjacent the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly is carried by the belt for engagement with a buckle and includes a housing having a base wall with a tongue for latching engagement by the buckle and a pair of flanges extending at a lateral spacing greater than the width of the belt. A lock bar is pivotally mounted on the flanges. The lock bar has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the base wall upon pivoting of the lock bar to clamp and unclamp the belt against the base wall to prevent transference of the belt through the latch plate assembly. A detent mechanism between the lock bar and the housing locks the lock bar at a pivotal position clamping the belt against the housing.

Abstract: A flat belt attachment includes a first bar that connects corresponding positions of a pair of base bars facing each other; and a second bar that is parallel to the first bar and connects the base bars. The second bar includes a second inclined portion at an end portion, and the second inclined portion is shaped to approach the first bar toward a proximal end of the second inclined portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining together of laces and laces with detachable applications and, in particular, to lace systems (100) for exchanging laces, joining parts especially suitable for this purpose and the attachment of applications to such an exchangeable lace. Such a lace system allows guided laces to be exchanged and comprises a device (110) with a lace guide (112), wherein the device is at least part of a shoe (182), a garment (184), a rucksack (186) or a bag (188). Furthermore, such a lace system comprises a first lace (120), which is guided in the lace guide and has a joining part (122), and a second lace (140), which has a joining part (142), wherein the first and second laces can be joined by means of the joining parts and the joining parts have a diameter that is not substantially any greater than the diameter of the first lace or the lace guide, such that the laces joined by means of the joining parts can be pulled through the lace guide together with the joined joining parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil seal removing tool including a pivotable hooking element and a location portion. The location portion has a slidable structure and an elastic element pressing against the slidable structure. The slidable structure is able to be engaged to the hooking element, and the elastic element pushes the slidable structure toward the hooking element. Moving the slidable structure can fix or release the engagement between the slidable structure and the hooking element. Thus, adjusting the working angle can be much easier and more efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided. A plurality of blades are initially positioned between first and second end caps, and a first engagement member mates with the first end cap, while a second engagement member mates with the second end cap. First and second end motors are configured to independently rotate the first and second engagement members. A crimping roller coupled to a crimping motor contacts and compresses a circumference of the first and second end caps to a plurality of blades. A controller is configured to rotate the first engagement member a predetermined amount with respect to the second engagement member, a then circumferential speed of the first and second end caps and the crimping roller is synchronized, therein fixing a desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades between the first and second end caps.

Abstract: A method of increasing oil pressure in a heavy duty truck engine lubricating system is provided. The lubricating system comprises an oil pressure regulating assembly mounted in an oil filter base and having a main spring to regulate oil pressure, and a high pressure relief valve assembly mounted in the oil filter base and having a peak clipping spring to relieve oil pressure when the pressure exceeds a specified limit. The method includes the steps of replacing the main spring with a replacement main spring having a higher spring constant and replacing the peak clipping spring with a replacement peak clipping spring having a higher spring constant. A replacement kit for increasing oil pressure is also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods for installing, repairing and/or replacing a decorative covering on a non-decorative substrate. The kit may include an engagement layer, a decorative covering and/or a substrate.

Abstract: Kits and methods for installing, repairing and/or replacing a decorative covering on a non-decorative substrate. The kit may include an engagement layer, a decorative covering and/or a substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for placing a component on a substrate. The method uses a component feeding device and a component pick-and-place device to place a component on a substrate.

Abstract: A system to remove a ram packer from a ram block is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes an extraction tool having opposing jaws configured to engage a ram packer installed in a ram block. The system may also include an actuator configured to move the opposing jaws to facilitate separation of the ram packer from the ram block. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake drum spring release tool includes a straight elongate rod member with a laterally projecting lever arm extending from one side and an extended hook member from the end of the rod member. The lever arm acts as a fulcrum when positioned on a drum brake spring simultaneously engaged by a hook member. Placing a generally lateral force on the grip end of the tool will cause rotational force imparted by the hook member on the spring typically with a mechanical advantage associated with the fulcrum of the lever arm to thereby release the spring from a drum brake shoe.

Abstract: A clamping element, a fastening arrangement with clamping element, and a method for use of the clamping element are provided. In one example, the clamping element has a first leg and a second leg. The first and the second leg are arranged lying opposite one another. The first and the second leg are connected mechanically via a base region. The base region braces in the first leg in a spring-elastic manner with respect to the second leg on the parts arranged and clamped between the legs.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an exhaust gas aftertreatment or acoustic device (20) having a maximum operating temperature TMAX. The method includes the steps of providing a blanket (40) of silica fiber or alumina insulation material having a weight percentage of SiO2 or Al2O3 of greater than 65%; calcining the insulating material by heating the blanket (40) so that all of silica fiber insulation material is raised to a temperature T greater than TMAX; and securing the blanket (40) on the device (20) after the calcining step. The blanket is encapsulated in a covering prior to the securing step, and before or after the calcining step, with the covering between the blanket and the device being a selected one of foil, wire mesh, or siliconized fiber glass.

Abstract: A lower electrode assembly useful for supporting a semiconductor substrate in a plasma processing chamber includes a temperature controlled lower base plate, an upper plate, a mounting groove surrounding a bond layer and an edge seal comprising an elastomeric band having an outer concave surface in an uncompressed state, the band mounted in the groove such that upper and lower ends of the band are axially compressed and a maximum outward bulging of the band is no greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system and method to prevent a mechanical connection between certain components of an entertainment system for a vehicle can include an entertainment system housing containing a plurality of entertainment components and a remote control module. The remote control module can include a user interface on a surface of the remote control module. In addition, the remote control module can be configured to prevent secure mounting of the remote control module to the entertainment system housing when the remote control module is not the appropriate remote control module for the particular vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A method for assembling a bathing enclosure includes providing a base on a support, the base having an upper rim. The method includes providing a first wall on the upper rim of the base, providing a second wall in pivotable engagement with the first wall at upper portions thereof, and pivoting the second wall relative to the first wall to mount the second wall on the upper rim of the base.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser system includes heating a ferrule until an interior diameter of an interior volume of the ferrule has expanded to greater than a predetermined diameter. End portions of a number of optical fibers are disposed within the interior volume. The ferrule is cooled to allow a cross-section of the fibers to conform to a fiber pattern having the predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the ferrule is disposed within a connector body to yield at least a portion of an optical fiber connector. In certain embodiments, the ferrule is rotated with respect to the connector body to align the fiber pattern with a laser spot pattern.

Abstract: A fluid coupling including a cylindrical stem having a fluid conduit therethrough and a hollow shell provided over a first end of the stem. A tool engaging hexagonal shape on an outer surface of the shell is disposed radially outward from a swage joined portion of the shell to the stem. The tool engaging hexagonal shape includes six non-contiguous flats having rounded portions therebetween. The swage joined portion and the tool engaging hexagonal shape are located at the same axial location along a centerline of the hollow shell, and the swage joined portion has an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline of the tool engaging hexagonal shape.

Abstract: When it comes to an expansion plug (1) including an anchor bolt (2) with an expansion element (3) on a first end section (6) of the anchor bolt (2) having a longitudinal axis (10), preferably also including at least one force-applier (20) on the anchor bolt (2) in order to hold loads, and also including an expansion sleeve (4) surrounding the anchor bolt (2), the objective is to avoid an axial movement of the expansion sleeve (14), especially in the case of a drilled hole diameter in the lower tolerance range or in the case of a hollow space. The expansion plug (1) has at least one eccentric geometry, so that an expansion of the expansion sleeve (4) can be achieved by a rotational movement of the anchor bolt (2), especially around the longitudinal axis (10) as the axis of rotation (9).

Abstract: A method of mechanically connecting two or more components together. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of: i. mounting at least one elongate keyway connector (10) comprising regularly spaced keyways (13) to a first component wherein the keyways (13) provide a longitudinal keyway passage (16); ii. mounting at least one elongate key connector (11) comprising regularly spaced keys (14) to a second component; and iii. extending the keys (14) longitudinally within the keyway passage (16) and engaging the keyways (13) with the keys (14) to connect the first and second components together. The connecting method can be used in the construction of flat-pack and ready-to-assemble designed furniture, in the construction of buildings or other structures, in the construction of storage, packaging, transportation and materials handling products, as well as for the ready replacement of components that tend to wear out during operation or use.

Abstract: A method to join a first structure to a second structure comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a system for isolating magnesium components from fastener devices is provided to prevent corrosion. The system comprises an isolation member of a metal other than magnesium and configured within a hole for receiving the fastener formed in a magnesium component. A compressible sealing washer having a first diameter is positioned over the hole and an isolation washer having a second diameter being less than the first diameter, and consisting of a similar metal as the isolation member, is placed over the compressible sealing washer. The fastener passes through the isolation washer, the compressible sealing washer and the isolation member within the hole, where is it tightened to compress the compressible sealing washer between the isolation member and isolation washer forming a water-tight seal around the hole to resist corrosion of the magnesium component.

Abstract: A system for forming composite material parts comprises a charge station, a tool station, a forming station, a cooling station, a pick and place apparatus, and a transfer unit. The charge station may receive a first charge. The tool station may receive a first tool. The forming station may form a second charge against a second tool. The cooling station may cool a third charge and a third tool. The pick and place apparatus may retrieve the first charge from the charge station and the first tool from the tool station and transport both the first charge and the first tool to the forming station. The transfer unit may transport the second charge and the second tool from the forming station to the cooling station while at the same time transporting the third charge and the third tool from the cooling station to the tool station.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for servicing a turbine component is provided where the apparatus includes a bench member configured to receive the turbine component and at least one clamping device extending from the bench member to secure the turbine component. The apparatus further includes a bracket coupled to the bench member, wherein the bracket is configured to be coupled to a stand and to support the bench member and turbine component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power converter mounting system including a flange that cooperates with a power converter and an enclosure. The flange includes a through hole that cooperates with an opening in the enclosure to permit the power converter to extend therethrough. A number of fasteners connect to the flange and overhang a portion of the power converter. The fasteners are configured to be manipulated from a front side of the power converter. An outer perimeter of the flange extends beyond the opening in the enclosure. The flange is secured to the enclosure with a number of fasteners that are also operable from the front side of the power converter. The power converter mounting assembly is configured to secure a power converter to an enclosure so as to satisfy a variety of sealing requirements as well as allowing convenient servicing of the power converter system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator of a rotating electrical machine includes: winding coils of a plurality of phases respectively around corresponding teeth; fixing the coils by supplying direct currents to the coils such that Lorentz forces are generated toward a radially outer side of the stator; and connecting neutral points of the coils to one another.

Abstract: A workpiece-positioning device includes a workpiece holder of holding a workpiece, a workpiece holder up/down mechanism of moving the workpiece holder up and down, and a free pallet movement mechanism of freely moving a pallet parallel to a reference plane to shift the pallet to a position where the workpiece held by the workpiece holder is lowered so that a positioning pin of the pallet is inserted into a positioning hole made in the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for producing a sulfide solid electrolyte material having a small amount of hydrogen sulfide generation and a high Li ion conductivity. To achieve the above, a method for producing a sulfide solid electrolyte material is provided, including steps of: a providing step for providing a crystallized sulfide solid electrolyte material prepared by using a raw material composition containing Li2S and P2S5; and an amorphizing step for applying amorphization treatment to the crystallized sulfide solid electrolyte material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a means of securing a lens member into a snow goggle frame member, wherein the goggle frame member includes first insertion apertures, with first locating blocks at front edge, the lens member has a lens secured thereon, the lens includes first troughs to receive a corresponding first block therein, a pair of first rails are formed at respective sides of the first trough, each first rail has a first notch which includes a pair of second notches thereat, retainers are secured to the goggle frame and lens frame respectively, one end of the first insertion aperture includes a first insertion post at one end and a first insertion section at the other end thereof to receive the first insertion post therein, the first insertion section is then inserted into the first notch. The goggle may be replaced with various lenses and secured firmly.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a wiring board includes forming a surface plating layer on a support member, and forming an external connecting pad on the surface plating layer formed on the support member such that an area of the external connecting pad formed on the surface plating layer is smaller than an area of the surface plating layer. The method also includes forming an insulating layer and a wiring layer on a surface of the support member where the external connecting pad is formed, and removing the support member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit board includes the steps of preparing a fiber piece housing paste, fabricating a filtered recovery paste, fabricating a reuse paste, sticking a protective film, forming a hole, and filling the hole with the reuse paste. Furthermore, the method includes the steps of forming a protruded portion constituted of the reuse paste, disposing a metallic foil on both sides of a second prepreg to carry out pressurization, heating the second prepreg to cure the second prepreg and the reuse paste, and processing the metallic foil into a wiring pattern.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a sensor for a thermal flow measuring device, wherein the sensor has at least one housing with a first open end and a second open end. The first open end is securable in a sensor holder; and at least one resistance thermometer is inserted into the housing through the second open end of the housing and the second open end of the housing is closed. Cables for electrical contacting of the resistance thermometer lead out of the housing through the first open end of the housing.