Abstract: Multifunctional structures and methods of manufacturing multifunctional structures which function as both electronic devices and load-bearing elements are disclosed. The load-bearing elements are designed to have electronic functionality using electronics designed to be load-bearing. The method of manufacturing the multifunctional structure comprises forming an electronic element directly on at least one ply of arbitrarily shaped load-bearing material using conventional lithographic techniques and/or direct write fabrication techniques, and assembling at least two plies of arbitrarily shaped load-bearing material into a multifunctional structure. The multifunctional structure may be part of an aerospace structure, part of a land vehicle, pan of a watercraft or part of a spacecraft.

Abstract: A task of the invention is to provide a method for producing a thin film actuator which is advantageous not only in that the thin film actuator can be largely changed in shape and easily controlled in the magnitude and direction of the change of shape, but also in that the thin film actuator is suppressed with respect to the deterioration of performance caused due to the use of the actuator, and the task is achieved by a method for producing a thin film actuator, which comprises fixing a stacked thin film having a resin thin film and a shape memory alloy thin film stacked on one another to a shaping die member, and heating and maintaining the stacked thin film in a state in which the resultant shape of the stacked thin film is restrained to cause only the resin thin film to suffer predetermined creep deformation.

Abstract: This invention offers a signal processing circuit of an electrostatic capacity type touch panel which is capable of switching between a differential input mode and a single input mode and has an extended adjustable range of an offset in the single input mode. The signal processing circuit of this invention includes a first sensor circuit of a differential input type, a second sensor circuit of a single input type, a third and fourth electrostatic capacitors that are variable capacitors for calibration to adjust the offset in an output voltage of the first sensor circuit, and a switching control circuit to control so as to put in operation one of the first and second sensor circuits. The switching control circuit also controls so that the third and fourth electrostatic capacitors for calibration, are connected in parallel to each other when the second sensor circuit is put in operation.

Abstract: An improved print head mounting and adjusting mechanism for inkjet printers. The mechanism include multi-bottom bracket, multi-top bracket and a base plate, the bottom bracket is used to provide accurate movement adjustment on the Y-axis direction, the top bracket is used to provide accurate rotation adjustment around the Z-axis direction, wherein also include a head mounting bracket for installing print head, then the head mounting bracket is mounted on the bottom bracket. The print head and the adjustment mechanism are two separate parts, so exchanging or adjusting it will not damage the print heads. Remounting a print head requires a slight adjustment to reach the desired position reducing labor intensity and making for easier maintenance to the print heads.

Abstract: A nozzle holder 34 includes a nozzle base 51 whose both ends are supported, the nozzle base 51 inside which a vacuum path is formed, extending in a horizontal direction, a nozzle locking member 53 for communicating a nozzle 20a to the vacuum path (vacuum path 72 of the inside of the nozzle base) of the inside of the nozzle base 51, and a pair of fixing members 54 for fixing the nozzle locking member 53 to the nozzle base 51.

Abstract: A maintenance tool for an insulator of a direct current transmission line comprises clamping devices and a tensioning device. The clamping devices are mounted at the two sides of the insulator through clamping, and the tensioning device is connected between the clamping devices. The clamping devices comprise a closed clamp (1), a single serial clamping device (2) and a wire end clamping device (30). The clamping device has advantages such as strong overall strength and bearing capacity, small size, light weight, and reliable working, and can be applied to replacement of various insulators on the direct current transmission line, reliably ensuring safe commissioning and regular maintenance of transmission lines.

Abstract: A prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules mechanically assembled to a frame and pre-wired at an assembly location such as a factory and is transported to an installation location. The prefabricated array is wired so that a connection to a load, such as a home or an AC power delivery system can be accomplished by connecting a single connector to the load. The prefabricated array can be conveniently set up at the installation site using a lifting point attached to the array, for example at the frame. The time required to perform the installation and make the necessary electrical connections to make the array operable when illuminated can be as short as one hour.

Abstract: To reduce the total stock of external parts in an assembling factory of a wire harness and to provide a wire harness manufacturing device including a wiring board that wires a plurality of electric wires and a molding machine that forms external parts attached to the plurality of electric wires in the assembling factory of the wire harness, a wire harness manufacturing device 1 includes a molding machine 2 that forms external parts 31, 32, 33, 35 and 44 attached to a wire harness 20 and a wiring board 3 having a binding device that wires a plurality of electric wires 40 to a prescribed form.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of fabricating an interconnect comprising aligning and stacking a plurality of printed circuit boards with at least one adhesive component, laminating the printed circuit boards and the adhesive component, preparing bonded pair holes, depositing a copper seed layer, forming a copper plate image, electroplating a copper layer, removing a plate resist and depositing an insulator layer.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle for a pick and place machine that includes a tip having a portion that is configured to interface with a component, wherein at least the portion of the tip is made of wood. The tip may also be made of a material that is at least one of polar and porous. Further, a method of picking up and placing a light emitting diode includes providing a pick and place machine having a vacuum nozzle, wherein the vacuum nozzle includes a tip having a portion that is configured to interface with a component, wherein at least the portion of the tip is made of a material that is at least one of polar and porous. The method includes picking up the light emitting diode and placing the light emitting diode on an electronic assembly.

Abstract: A disclosed wiring substrate includes an insulating layer, a recess formed on a surface of the insulating layer, and an alignment mark formed inside of the recess, wherein a face of the alignment mark is roughened, recessed from the surface of the insulating layer, and exposed from the recess.

Abstract: A method of assembling a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons each installed on a swash plate via a pair of shoes matching with both end surfaces of the swash plate, respectively. The method includes: supporting a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture; incorporating the shoes between a first guide surface of a guide member and each of the pistons and between a second guide surface of the guide member and that piston, respectively; guiding the plurality of pistons to the swash plate in the vertical axis posture using the guide member; and matching the shoes with both the end surfaces of the swash plate respectively while disposing the pistons at circumferentially equidistant positions of the swash plate, respectively.

Abstract: A piston assembling apparatus includes a piston holding means including a guide tube portion which contains the piston and guides the piston into the cylinder bore. A guide tube support portion supports the guide tube portion to be displaceable in a radial direction thereof. A moving means moves at least one of the piston holding means and the cylinder block so as to locate them at an insertion preparation position where the guide tube portion and the cylinder bore are coaxial with each other. A pressing means presses the piston contained in the guide tube portion toward the cylinder block to insert the piston into the cylinder bore in a state in which the piston holding means and the cylinder block are located at the insertion preparation position, and the guide tube portion is supported by the guide tube support portion to be displaceable in the radial direction thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device for holding a hub to be installed at a nacelle. The holding device includes a carrier element with a first connection interface configured to connect the holding device to a lifting system, and a second connection interface configured to connect the device to a blade pitch bearing of the hub. Further disclosed is a pitch operating device for operating a blade pitch angle adjustment device of a hub to be mounted to a nacelle. The pitch operating device includes an actuating unit and a power interface for connecting the pitch operating device to the blade pitch angle adjustment device. Further disclosed is a hub installation system including such a holding device and such a pitch operating device. Further, a method for installing a hub at a nacelle and a method for dismounting a hub from a nacelle are described.

Abstract: In a method and a device for machining an elongate workpiece that is not rotationally symmetrical in the form of turbine blades, the workpiece is supported by a steady rest that has clamping elements for clamping the workpiece on the cross-section thereof that is not rotationally symmetrical. After clamping the workpiece, the steady rest moves with its open clamping elements along the longitudinal axis of the workpiece into a supporting position. During movement of the steady rest into the supporting position and/or while the supporting position of the steady rest is being changed, a collision between the open clamping elements of the steady rest and the workpiece is prevented by a program-controlled rotation of a rotary part of the steady rest.

Abstract: A shaving razor includes a cartridge having a cartridge housing and a handle. The cartridge housing has a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges extending from the front edge to the rear edge. One or more shaving blades are located on the housing and between the front edge and the rear edge. A connecting member is connected to the cartridge housing and includes a deflectable element defining at least a portion of an opening extending through the connecting member. The handle includes a handle interconnect member that includes a protrusion having an enlarged distal end and angled side surfaces extending from the distal end to a base.

Abstract: A system for clipping and removing hair clippings from a clipped site is disclosed. The system includes a suction member having an integrated blade member, a hose member in communication with the suction member, and a vacuum source connected to the hose member. This device is particularly useful for use in clipping and removing the hair clippings from shaved surgical patients in a manner that prevents the hair clippings from falling into the patient's surroundings.

Abstract: A rotary cutting head is provided for portable cutting devices, such as lawn trimmers, edge trimmers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and the like which use cutting blades. The drive shaft, the blade supporting housing, and the blade of said cutting head have complementary means which, manually and without using tools, allow the blade to be placed, changed, centered, and axially positioned relative to the drive shaft and to be rotationally coupled to the blade supporting housing by performing an axial movement combined with an angular or linear movement of the blade relative to the drive shaft until the blade and the supporting housing start automatically interlocking.

Abstract: A portable target comprising: (a) a complaint, energy-absorbing backer; (b) a target on a surface of said backer; and (c) a support mechanism for holding said surface of said backer in a vertical position.

Abstract: An alignment head system (1, 31) for taking alignment data with respect to a pair of shafts (4, 5) coupled to each other by means of a coupling (6) comprises a data acquisition device (11) configured to wirelessly receive data, and alignment heads (2, 3). Each alignment head (2, 3) is configured to take alignment data with respect to the shafts (4, 5), to wirelessly send the alignment data to the data acquisition device (11), and to forward alignment data received from the other alignment head (2, 3).

Abstract: An electronic level for receiving a reflection light from a pattern marked on a leveling rod and for determining a height of sighting position and a distance to the leveling rod is disclosed. The electronic level comprises an electronic level main unit, a sighting optical system accommodated in the electronic level main unit and for sighting the leveling rod, a line sensor for receiving a part of reflection light, and a control arithmetic unit for calculating a height of sighting position and a distance to the leveling rod based on signals from the line sensor. The electronic level has a crude measurement mode and a precise measurement mode, wherein the crude measurement mode is initiated by the control arithmetic unit, and the measurement mode is changed over to the precise measurement mode by detecting the pattern based on a photodetection signal from said line sensor by measurement.

Abstract: A level includes a first planar surface having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a second planar surface having a third longitudinal edge and a fourth longitudinal edge. The first longitudinal edge and the third longitudinal edge define a first side plane and the second longitudinal edge and the fourth longitudinal edge define a second side plane. A vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. A web is coupled to the first and second planar surfaces such that the first and second planar surfaces are spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The web includes a first side surface on the first plane and a second side surface. A first recess pattern is arranged to engage a first electrical component and a second recess pattern is arranged to engage a second electrical component.

Abstract: A batter board device is disclosed that allows for easier, and more efficient construction work. The batter board device comprises a pair of tubing sections each comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the pair of tubing sections comprises an angled section. The angled sections allow the tubing sections to be secured together to create an approximately 90 degree angle. Further, the angled sections are secured together via a hinge, which allows the tubing sections to be collapsed for storage. Additionally, the batter board device comprises at least one receiving component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a stake. The batter board device further comprises at least one square tubing component secured to the tubing sections for retaining a string line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoder readhead. The readhead includes a housing having an opening for capturing an encoder scale including an elongate rod having a substantially circular cross-section, the opening defining an axial direction along which a captured encoder scale can slide back and forth. A scale reader, which may include an array of Hall sensors, is provided for reading a portion of an encoder scale located in the opening. The housing includes an access portion that allows the encoder scale to be inserted into, and/or removed from, the opening by a relative movement between the housing and the encoder scale in a direction other than the axial direction.

Abstract: Portable instrument for measuring dimensions, comprising a scale, a position sensor capable of being displaced relative to the scale and a watertight housing defining an internal volume comprising the display, the electronic reading circuit and a power source. Additional functional layers, for example an over-molded elastomer thermoplastic layer and a metallic plate, protect the instrument and add to it specific tactile and visual qualities.

Abstract: A hand held appliance, such as a hairdryer, includes at least one fluid inlet for admitting fluid into the appliance, at least one fluid outlet for emitting fluid from the appliance, at least one fluid flow path extending through the appliance, a heater, and a fluid chamber at least partially defined by an external wall of the appliance, the chamber being configured to provide a thermally insulating barrier between the heater and the external wall. The fluid flow path comprises two parallel sections.

Abstract: A hand held appliance, such as a hairdryer, includes a body having a fluid inlet for admitting fluid into the appliance, a fluid outlet, a duct lined with a material, and a primary fluid flow path extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and through the duct. The material may be a foam or a felt and is a sound absorbing material, a vibration absorbing material, is an insulator, is tuned to resonant frequencies of the appliance. The primary fluid flow path may be non-linear. The duct may have a non-circular cross-section and may comprise a handle portion of the appliance, and the handle portion of the duct is lined with said material. A fan unit may be provided located upstream of the handle portion. The duct may comprise a first handle portion and a second handle portion of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer comprising a bi-directionally rotating drum to accommodate laundry to be dried, a generator of hot air circulating inside said drum, and a blower to supply said hot air into said drum. It is provided for according to the invention that a channel (12) is attached to a helical casing (21) in which a blower (11) is arranged, said blower (11) supplying an air flow (T3) into a drum (2). A swingable flap gate (22) is formed on the outer perimeter of said helical casing (21) and in the area thereof being close to said blower (11), said flap gate (22) being always pressed against said casing (21) by the gravitational force.

Abstract: A kit for a dryer portion of a dryer is provided, by means of which a dryer portion of the dryer can be transported in a particularly space-saving manner to an assembly site of the dryer and can be assembled from particularly few parts, wherein the kit comprises at least two components, at least one left-hand side wall component comprising a left-hand side wall portion of the dryer, at least one right-hand side wall component comprising a right-hand side wall portion of the dryer and at least one component comprising a base wall portion and/or a ceiling wall portion of the dryer and a conveying unit of a conveying device for conveying workpieces to be dried through the dryer in the assembled state of the dryer, the dryer portion of the dryer being configured to be assembled at an assembly site from the at least two components of the kit.

Abstract: Infrared air float bar for use in floating and drying a continuous planar web of a material in a dryer. Direct radiated or reflected infrared electromagnetic energy from an infrared light source in a removable channel assembly accelerates drying, or evaporation of solvents, or curing of web material passing in proximity to the bar, either by infrared electromagnetic energy, or in combination with convention airflow. The infrared source is cooled by pressurized air passing through an interior portion of the removable air bar channel assembly, and the air is further conducted into fluid contact with the web in an air gap between the emitter and web to promote convective heat transfer and to contribute to the air pressure field supporting web flotation. The removable channel assembly is configured for replacement of the infrared emitter and to allow the setting of the pressurized cooling air flow to the optimum level.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for drying and smoothing hair is provided. The apparatus (10) generally comprises a hair-treatment device (16), a vacuum assembly (20) and a blower assembly (22). The hair-treatment device (16) includes a passage (64) for directing a drying-air stream (66) generated by the blower assembly (22) toward the hair of a subject, and a passageway (76) for directing a return-air stream (74) away from the subject's hair under a motive force supplied by the vacuum assembly (20). The device (16) further includes a smoothing element (42) having a surface (52) against which the hair may be contacted to achieve smoothing of the hair.

Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.

Abstract: A condensation dryer, in particular a tumble dryer, having a heat exchanger (2). In the heat exchanger (2) moisture, which has been absorbed in a drying chamber (1), is separated from an air circuit (3). The condensation dryer includes a sorption unit (5). The sorption unit (5) is connectable to a liquid reservoir (7). Between the liquid reservoir (7) and the sorption unit (5) a cooling fluid flow (4) can be generated. The cooling fluid flow (4) passes through the heat exchanger (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall-mountable hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife to wipe the water from a user's hand. In accordance with the invention, the hand dryer is configured to have a maximum depth, front-to-back, of less than 150 mm when it is surface-mounted on—not recessed within—the wall. The air-knife is discharged downwardly through one or more discharge apertures on the dryer. These discharge apertures are configured so that the air-knife is discharged in front of the wall or a rear part of the dryer, and is discharged forwards towards the user at a downward angle. The downward angle of the air-knife is such that the air-knife projects to a distance of at least 75 mm in front of the wall or, as the case may be, in front of the rear part of the dryer.

Abstract: A shoe upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided having a first portion and a second portion that are jointly manufactured as a knitted fabric, wherein only one of the first portion and the second portion the knitted fabric is reinforced by a coating of a polymer material applied to the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe closure that includes a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic. The shoe closure also includes end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic.

Abstract: Footwear providing a near-barefoot experience. This footwear consists of socks whose soles are coated with an elastomeric material that uses body heat and weight to provide the “feel” of a second skin.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear and methods for making the same, more particularly to a seamless upper for footwear and methods for making a seamless upper. In one aspect of the invention, the upper is seamless and/or is of unitary construction that defines an interior void for comfortably receiving a foot.

Abstract: A pedicure protection system is provided that is comprised of an insert worn directly on the foot and a shoe that can be worn with the insert or substituted with other shoes. The insert consists of a base (11) and a cover (10) connected by a hinge (12). The cover curves above the toenails to create a cavity. A separator (18) protrudes from the base between the big toe and second toe and helps maintain the cavity when the cover is closed. The base includes toe straps (15) (16), and a band (20) that lies across the instep stabilizing the insert on the foot and keeping the cover closed. The shoe FIG. 10 opens fully, allowing the user to place their foot on the sole from above or the side and the top closes around the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear, particularly to a woman's shoe fitted with interchangeable attachments.

Abstract: A skate boot or other piece of footwear is provided with a flexible midfoot section that is not rigidly connected to either a sole and/or base of the boot, in order to adjustably tighten around the bottom, sides, and/or top of the wearer's midfoot to provide arch support and uniform snugness. The midfoot section is in a “hammock” type arrangement while the bail and heel portions of the wearer's foot rests on the footbed over the respective sole portions.

Abstract: The invention provides bicycling shoes and bicycling shoe components that offer improved comfort, fit, increased efficiency and reduced incidence of injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially a sport shoe, with a sole (2) and a shoe upper (3) which connected with the sole (2). To obtain a specific light shoe the invention proposes that the shoe upper (3) comprises: a texture structure (4) which consists of texture yarns (5), wherein the texture structure (4) is formed as a three-dimensional structure which has a plurality upper locations (6) and a plurality bottom locations (7), and a cover layer (8), wherein the cover layer (8) is connected (9) at least with a part of the upper locations (6) of the texture structure (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of a shoe.

Abstract: An anti-slip patch can fit into a shoe heel to prevent socks from slipping into the shoe. The anti-slip patch can cover an area of the vertical inner heel cap of the shoe with a hook surface or similar material that can prevent slippage of a sock. The hook exposed surface of the anti-slip patch can become an integral part of the vertical inner heel cap lining of the shoe and can securely fasten on to the vertical heel part of any type of sock when worn in the shoe. The snug fit of the foot inside the shoe ensures continuous pressure being applied to the sock for it to remain adhered to the exposed hook material of the anti-slip patch, keeping the sock securely locked in its desired comfortable position on the foot while being worn in the shoe in both dry and wet conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A drilling bucket adapted to combine with a prime mover vehicle such as an excavator. The drilling bucket includes a floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket during operation. A release assembly is adapted to securely hold the floor in its closed position until it is actuated to release it to its open position. Some embodiments of the drilling bucket comprise two separate internal cavities. The first cavity is adapted to receive the spoils as the bucket is rotated beneath the ground by the prime mover vehicle. The second cavity is adapted to house portions of the release assembly. The second cavity may serve as a vent which allows air to pass the bucket as the bucket is being raised or lowered in a hole.

Abstract: A tooth assembly for excavating equipment may include an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly may also include a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn may be adapted to receive a removable insert. A retaining pin may be configured to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn. The retaining pin may include a flexible reinforcement collar.

Abstract: A tooth retention device for attachment to an excavator bucket, which has a tooth mounting portion, a fork shaped body fitting over the edge of the bucket, a clamp passing through the body and the bucket, and a wedge holding the clamp in position, in which the wedge has a threaded rod and a threaded block on the rod. The rod is rotatable to move the block between locked and released positions.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a tooth adapter to the bucket or other piece of earth moving equipment which provides for mechanical advantage whereby tightening of one portion, procures a multiplication of force, for providing secure engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating steam comprising a water heating chamber in which water is heated to generate steam. The apparatus also includes a cavity having an inlet communicating with the water heating chamber so that water in the water heating chamber is received in the cavity and a sealable outlet. The cavity is configured to limit the flow of convection currents in the water received in the cavity so that scales and/or solid particles suspended in the water accumulate in the cavity. Alternatively, a guide member is disposed at the inlet to the cavity which is configured to guide scales and/or solid particles suspended in the water into the cavity.