Abstract: In an embodiment, a fastener includes (a) a main body having a length parallel to a main axis definable through the main body, and a first cross-sectional area transverse to the main axis; and (b) at least a first set of petals carried by the main body, which includes at least one petal. The first set of petals is selectively displaceable (a) about the main axis in a direction transverse to the main axis, separate from or in the absence of axial displacement of the first set of petals in a direction parallel to the main axis, each petal within the first set of petals displaceable between a first position and a second position transverse to the main axis, the first position closer to the main axis than the second position; and (b) axially with respect to the main axis, separate from or in the absence of transverse displacement of the set of petals relative to the main axis.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a one-piece axisymmetric part includes: superposition, around a rotating cylindrical mandrel of at least respectively inner and outer metal-coated composite fibrous structures, wound in first and second crossed directions on the mandrel; arranging, between the crossed inner and outer fibrous structures, at least one layer of metallic wire; then placing a blank of the part, formed by the fibrous structures and the layer of metallic wire, in a tool to apply to the blank a hot isostatic pressing treatment, and to obtain the part.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a frame defining an input station, an output station, and first and second machining stations. Respective first and second workpiece holders in the first and second machining stations can retain a workpiece therein. A first pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the input station and the first machining station and carries at least one machining tool and a first grab, and a second pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the first and second machining stations and the output station and carries at least one machining tool and second and third grabs.

Abstract: A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes forming the Z-directed component in a cavity formed by a constraining material that defines the outer shape of the Z-directed component. The constraining material is dissipated to release the Z-directed component from the constraining material and the Z-directed component is fired.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitate connection between components of an electric submersible pumping system. The technique utilizes at least one connector designed to connect a first component to a second component of an electric submersible pumping system. The connector is designed as a flangeless connector which secures engagement of the two components without relative rotation between the first component and the second component. Additional flangeless connectors may be positioned between other pairs of components to provide the enhanced connection throughout the electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: Provided herein are dielectric fluids comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided herein are uses of dielectric fluids and electrical devices such as transformers that comprise a dielectric fluid comprising at least one estolide compound.

Abstract: There is provided a working machine including a guide beam having a power transmitter; at least one working head comprising a power receiver and configured to move along the guide beam, wherein the power receiver receives power from the power transmitter in a non-contact manner in which the power receiver and the power transmitter are not physically connected, and wherein the working head operates by the received power in the non-contact manner.

Abstract: A device for joining the end (3a) of a shielded coaxial cable (3) and a metal connector (10), the cable including a peripheral metal braid (4) and an axial conductor (2), and including a conductive overmoulding (5) that at least partially surrounds the end of the shielded cable (3) and one end of the connector (10), the overmoulding making contact with the metal braid (4) and the connector (10), so as to ensure the continuity of the electromagnetic shielding of the connection. A method for producing such a connection is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer circuit substrate, the method includes: injecting a conductive paste into through-holes provided in an insulating substrate to one or both sides of which a protection film is attached; cooling and setting the conductive paste injected into the through-holes; and removing the protection film from the insulating substrate after cooling and setting the conductive paste.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises an improved method for making a via structure for use in a printed circuit board (PCB). The via allows for the passage of a signal from one signal plane to another in the PCB, and in so doing transgresses the power and ground planes between the signal plane. To minimize EM disturbance between the power and ground planes, signal loss due to signal return current, and via-to-via coupling, the via is shielded within two concentric cylinders, each coupled to one of the power and ground planes.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided that is suitable for modifying the resonant frequency of ground terminals used in conjunction with high data rate signal terminals. Ground terminals may be interconnected with a conductive bridge so as to provide ground terminals with a predetermined maximum effective electrical length. Reducing the effective electrical length of the ground terminal can move the resonance frequencies of the connector outside the operational range of frequencies at which signals will be transmitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing wind turbine blades, blades for propellers, wings or similar structures, and to a structure in the shape of a blade produced by means of said method, including: use a female mold of the leading edge (5), a female mold of the trailing edge (6), and a third mold (7) for a composite male tool (8) as a lost mold for manufacturing at least an inner crossbeam (4); wherein a demolding agent and an outer protective varnish is applied on the inner sides by robot or a digitally-controlled device; applying prepreg in superimposed layers; coating the prepreg with a vaccum film, and connecting to a pump for extracting air from between the prepreg layers; fitting together the molds and positioning the pieces with the prepreg laminates; and applying pressure and thermal curve for the method of curing or polymerizing the set of pieces in a single stage or all at once.

Abstract: A method of making integrated adsorption and heat exchanger devices for solid sorption refrigeration systems (1). An integrated adsorption and heat exchanger device comprises a solid material having formed therein both a porous adsorption structure, which is pervious to an adsorbate of said system, and a heat exchanger structure, which is impervious to said adsorbate, for heat exchange with the porous adsorption structure in operation of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for radially expanding hollow cylindrical objects, through the use of a tube expansion tooling, affixing a mandrel in place, the tooling rendered operative through the generation of hydraulic pressure, to provide the axial force necessary for pulling of the mandrel into the tool, and the mandrel having concentrically applied thereon various spacers, cams, and curved segments, which when the drawbar of the mandrel is pulled, manual forces are generated through the cams and segments into an expansion capacity to force the expansion of any tube in which the mandrel locates, to be expanded into a tight binding fit within a tube sheet or any other bore hole formed in equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding and belling a tube is provided including a receiver for supporting a first end of the tube. A stripper block assembly orients a second end of the tube along an axis. The stripper block assembly includes a first grip and a second grip movable in and out of engagement with a surface of the tube. The apparatus also includes a movable belling tool axially aligned with the tube. The belling tool bells a desired length of the tube and supports the second end of the tube. An expander tool is arranged to pass through the axially aligned tube to expand the tube. The expander tool includes an expander rod and an expander bullet. A portion of the expander bullet has a diameter larger than the diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A bearing replacement method for a rotating machine of the present invention includes the steps of: when at least one bearing of a rotating machine is to be replaced with a new one, mounting at an end portion of the rotating machine a plurality of bendable arms for removing a first bearing covering part, a power supply unit outer frame, and a slipring, respectively; removing with the arms the first bearing covering part, the power supply unit outer frame, and the slipring, respectively; and thereafter replacing the at least one bearing with a new one.

Abstract: A hand tool for cutting tubular workpieces such as copper tubing used for plumbing includes a rotary cutting head which has a slot for receiving a length of tubing to be cut, a gear drive mechanism for rotating the cutting head, and a clamping handle which supports the gear drive mechanism, which is rotatably driven by a battery powered electric motor. to thus rotate the cutting head to sever a length of tubing. The clamping handle includes a pair of longitudinally disposed, generally semi-cylindrically-shaped handle shells which are pivotable apart from one another to receive a length of tubing to be cut, and pivotable to a closed position and compressed in the palm of a workman's hand to press against and clamp the tool to a length of tubing being cut.

Abstract: Retractable scissors include a holder and a scissor piece mounted on the holder. The scissor piece is rotational with respect to the holder among a closed position, at which the scissor piece is retracted in the holder, a first open position, at which the scissor piece is open with respect to the holder at an acute angle, and a second open position, at which the scissor piece is open with respect to the holder wider than at the first open position. The scissor piece includes a first edge, and the holder includes a second edge that intersects and contacts the first edge. When the scissor piece is rotated with respect to the holder from the first open position toward the closed position, the scissor piece and the holder cooperate to function as a pair of scissors that cuts an object between the first and second edges. When the scissor piece is located at the second open position, the scissor piece functions as a blade of a knife, and the holder functions as a handle of the knife.

Abstract: A hanger device is made of a rigid plastic material and includes a hooked portion and a plate formed below the hooked portion. The plate includes a coupling portion and a plurality of annular portions. A car mat is coupled with the coupling portion. At least one fixing device is integrally formed on at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device includes a through-hole. The at least one fixing device is separable from the at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device is to be mounted to the car mat.

Abstract: A light-irradiating beauty device according to the present invention includes a cutter having a stationary blade and a movable blade, and a light-irradiating part that is arranged adjacent to the cutter, and is configured to irradiate light. A protection part that protects the light-irradiating part from hair cut by the cutter is provided between the cutter and the light-irradiating part.

Abstract: A jigsaw includes a housing, a motor, a blade, a roller holder and a dust collection passage. The housing accommodates the motor. The blade driven by a motor protrudes downward from a front part of the housing and moves in a reciprocating manner to cut a workpiece. The roller holder is pivotally arranged under the housing and holds a roller that is arranged between a pair of side walls facing each other. The roller abuts on a rear part of the blade. The dust collection passage formed through the housing has a dust collection port that opens behind the roller holder. The jigsaw further includes a dust collection nozzle that has a vertically long opening formed on a front face and a rear face thereof respectively, the opening on the front face being connected to the dust collection port.

Abstract: A bag cutter for opening a sealed package using at least one of a blade and a piercer. Preferably, at least one blade is disposed partially within a cutout of an arm in a manner that exposes an edge of the blade. A piercer can comprise an extension of a cutout edge or be located on any other suitable portion of an arm. Another blade can be provided that is substantially perpendicular to the blade within a cutout, and juxtaposable against a cutting surface.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for opening a sealed package has a first arm partially enclosing a first blade that is at least partially juxtaposable against a second arm having a cutting surface. The two arms can be injection molded as a single piece of plastic or comprise two separate pieces coupled to a pivot. Preferably, the cutting surface comprises a raised portion at least partially enclosing a hard anvil.

Abstract: The description shows a depth stop for an oscillating tool 1, wherein a saw blade for machining of a worlcpieee is mountable to the tool 1, wherein the depth stop 16 has a spacer 2 for adjusting a penetration depth of the saw blade into the workpiece, a fixture device 9 on which the spacer (2) is fixable and a mounting member 5 to which the fixture device 9 is mountable, wherein the mounting member 5 is firmly attachable or firmly attached to the tool 1, wherein in a first state the mounting member 5 is immovable relative to the fixture device 9 and wherein in a second state the mounting member 5 is rotatable or movable relative to the fixture device 9 at least around or along an axis of motion 21.

Abstract: A can opener having a body having an elongate stem, a handle, a circular blade mounted for rotation relative to the body and a drive wheel which is rotatable by the handle. The drive wheel is movable towards and away from the circular blade to selectively grip and release a portion of the can positioned between the blade and the drive wheel. The can opener is further provided with a lock operable to maintain the drive wheel in a predetermined position relative to the blade when said portion of a can is gripped between the blade and drive wheel. The blade and drive wheel, in use, grip the raised peripheral rim of the can which projects upwardly from the lid of the can.

Abstract: A pole saw is provided which allows a saw blade to be manually attached or detached in a simple and easy manner. The pole saw includes the saw blade (10), a long handle (20) provided with one or more stages of poles, and a connecting bracket (30) for attaching the saw blade (10) to the distal end of the long handle (20). The pole saw is configured such that the connection and disconnection between the connecting bracket (30) and the long handle (20) are effected by a combination of pin locking and screw locking, the pin locking being effected by a spring-biased latching pin (40), the screw locking being effected by a dedicated hand screw (50) having a grip head (51).

Abstract: A device for positioning an object such as a framed wall plumb or perpendicular relative to a support surface therefor. The device features first and second elongated members which are rotationally engaged. With a first end of the second elongated member engaged to the vertically disposed object, and the distal end of the first elongated member positioned upon the support surface, a tilting of the wall is accomplished by pressure applied to a handle portion of the second elongated member. The tilting causes movement of a projected light beam from a position at the first end of the second elongated member. Continued tilting allows a user to align an illumination point of the light beam, with a mark on the support surface, and ascertain the object is plumb relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A laser-leveling device having a at least one radiation module and mounting module, where laser radiation sources and the prisms for developing planes from the laser beams are combined in the radiation module. The radiation module with housing contains a device for horizontal fine adjustment, an additional power supply with control, and an additional self-leveling support plate for receiving the laser radiation sources and prisms for developing the planes from the laser beams The mounting module with housing contains a self-leveling support plate, power supply with control, and a mount for securing to a tripod. The housing of the at least one radiation module and the housing of the mounting module are embodied such that the radiation module can be coupled to the mounting module, and it is possible to connect at least one additional radiation module.

Abstract: A measurement device comprising a curved container containing a liquid, a first indicator that is less dense than the liquid, and a second indicator that is more dense than the liquid, where the liquid substantially fills the container so that the position of the first indicator and/or second indicator in the container relative to the reference indicia may indicate an angle-related property of the device.

Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes a plurality of differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

Abstract: A device for measuring ‘square’ of a building structure having walls, floors, and ceilings. The device includes a substantially longitudinal planar body having a mounting portion for receiving a handle member. The handle member is adapted to be adjustably mounted on or adjacent the mounting portion of the body to allow selective positioning of the handle member relative to the body. The mounting portion of the body includes a releasable locking means which locates the handle member substantially perpendicular to the body in an operating condition for performing square measurements of floors, walls, and ceilings of the building structure or the like. In a released condition, the locking means allows the handle member to fold against the body. The device can further include a marker device mounted on a portion of the longitudinal body with a trigger mechanism which initiates release of marking fluid when the device indicates off-square.

Abstract: A fixture arranged in combination with a sink. The fixture is fitted next to the basin of the sink and incorporates a part which projects over the basin of the sink, this projecting part carrying a water nozzle which is connected to a water supply. The arrangement further incorporates a hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife mechanically to wipe the water from a user's hand, this air knife being discharged through a discharge outlet on the fixture, which apertures are connected to an air supply.

Abstract: A floor curing apparatus is disclosed, including an ultraviolet lamp, a replaceable reflector configured to direct light energy transmitted from the ultraviolet lamp, the replaceable reflector including one of a plurality of interchangeable reflectors, a shutter mechanism configured to selectively move a shutter to expose the ultraviolet lamp and the reflector toward a surface upon which the floor curing apparatus operates, and wheels. The ultraviolet lamp and the reflector height from the floor surface are maintained at a predetermined distance above the surface. The plurality of interchangeable reflectors provides varying transmission characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaporating and dehydrating a solid material; the method comprises: providing a plurality of digesters, with the digesters being in a parallel connection with respect to the flow direction of the solid material, wherein each digester repeatedly performs the arranged steps of step-by-step heating and evaporating and dehydrating the solid material from low temperatures to high temperatures in a time sequence. The solid material is brown coal. The quality of the brown coal is improved by the method.

Abstract: A refiner steam separation system according to the present invention includes a blowline for transporting a mixture of fiber material from a refiner to an inlet of a steam separator. Waste steam is discharged from the separator through a waste steam outlet. Cleaned fiber material is discharged from the separator through an exit, which prevents a substantial portion of the waste steam from passing through the exit. A relay pipe communicates with the exit and a dryer duct, and transports cleaned fiber material therebetween. A resin input communicates with the relay pipe, and supplies resin therein. The resin is mixed with the cleaned fiber material prior to the cleaned fiber material being dried in the dryer duct. The present invention is also directed to a method of reducing VOC emissions generated during refining cellulosic fibrous material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a clothes dryer and a control method thereof in which a drying time is adjusted according to wool content during a drying cycle of a wool course. Wool content of woolen textiles is judged by sensing a dryness of the woolen textiles during a drying cycle of a wool course, and a drying time is adjusted according to the wool content, thereby minimizing contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles while satisfying the range of a target dryness set by wool mark standards. Further, only a high-capacity heater is driven during the drying cycle of the wool course, thereby allowing an internal temperature of a rotary drum to keep the optimum temperature without contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus that smoothly agitates laundry with as large space as possible for receiving laundry. The laundry treating apparatus includes: a rotatable drum that receives laundry, has open front and rear, and is formed to have a non-circular closed cross-section; a front panel closing the open front of the drum and having a plurality of discharge holes through which air in the drum is discharged; and a suction duct coupled to the front panel and sucks air discharged through the discharge holes.

Abstract: Heat pump dryer (1) comprising a process air circuit and a heat pump unit (5) having a primary refrigerant evaporator (6) for cooling process air (4) and a primary refrigerant condenser (7) for heating process air (4), further comprising either—an auxiliary refrigerant evaporator (16) connected between the primary refrigerant evaporator (6) and a compressor (8) of the heat pump unit (5) and an auxiliary refrigerant condenser (17) connected between the primary refrigerant condenser (7) and refrigerant expansion means (14), both arranged outside the process air circuit or—an auxiliary heat exchanger (27) arranged outside the process air circuit wherein the auxiliary heat exchanger (27) is a dual mode heat exchanger operable in refrigerant evaporator mode or in refrigerant condenser mode.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide high performance foam formulations and processing methods that address issues with traditional ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams. In various embodiments, when used in midsoles, the high performance foam formulations may provide superior impact energy absorption per given load during compression, improved energy recovery during expansion, and reduced compression set over repeated impact cycles. In various embodiments, the high performance foam formulations may include a mixture of no more than about 75 PHR EVA foam and at least 15 PHR polyolefin foam.

Abstract: A preformed orthotic is provided. The orthotic may include a lateral contour zone disposed on the lateral side of the orthotic which slopes upwardly in a medial direction at an angle of about one to fifteen degrees, a medial contour zone adjacent the lateral contour zone which slopes upwardly in a medial direction at an angle of about fifteen to forty degrees, and a medial wing disposed adjacent the medial contour zone which extends upwardly from the medial contour zone at an angle of about twenty-five to seventy-five degrees. An orthotic contoured support area may primarily cover the midfoot and may only extend slightly into the heel and forefoot. The orthotic may be constructed from a flexible material which allows the orthotic to form to the shape of the shoe it is placed in. The medial wing may utilize the medial wall of the shoe to increase arch support.

Abstract: The present invention is an insole topper pad adapted to provide an absorbent perspiration barrier between the bottom surface of the bare human foot and the top surface of a shoe's insole or footbed. The insole topper pad enables a user to easily transition from going barefoot to wearing shoes in a sockless manner, while further retaining a relatively hygienic environment within the shoe. The insole topper pad may be easily inserted in, or removed from, articles of footwear, and conveniently laundered on a daily basis. Further, the worry of unhealthy and embarrassing odors produced from prolonged bacteria build-up within a shoe may be substantially reduced. While eliminating the need for traditional socks, the insole topper pad allows the user to comfortably and sanitarily adapt to fashion and lifestyle trends which have significantly shifted, exposing the bare lower leg and ankle portion of the foot while wearing low rise shoes.

Abstract: A tensile strand element for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tensile strand element includes one or more tensile strands secured at their endpoints between the sole and upper of an article of footwear, creating one or more looped portions. The unsecured looped portions may extend into the fastening region of the footwear and engage with a fastening system to tighten the footwear upper snugly against a wearer's foot to provide added support.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper and including a support assembly having an upper member and a lower member spaced from the upper member. A first layer is positioned beneath and in contact with the upper member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of first wave crests and first wave troughs. A second layer is positioned above the lower member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of second wave crests and second wave troughs.

Abstract: A customizable replacement strap converter system for flip flop sandals provides the ability to create a customized strap arrangement for a pair of flip flop sandals. Converter pegs are inserted into a stock sandal sole after the stock strap arrangement has been removed, providing a number of cord loops through which a plurality of straps may be threaded. A strap tie ring and a decorative embellishment may also be incorporated for added aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of apparatuses wearable on feet of a user. Each apparatus is configurable between expanded configurations and compressed configurations to simulate a selected motion when the user wearing the pair of apparatuses travels by foot. One of the apparatuses can move towards an expanded configuration while the other apparatus moves towards a compressed configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an insole having a multilayered construction with openings and ribs sized, shaped, and positioned to provide desired areas of stiffness and flexibility. The multi-layered construction may include a chassis defining a support member opening and a support member covering the opening and positioned between the chassis and a cushioning layer. The chassis may define a plurality of apertures in the forefoot portion, which, in a direction from the forefoot end to the heel end, progressively increase in size to a point at which maximum flexibility is desired in the forefoot portion. The bottom of the support member may include protruding ribs that extend generally in a longitudinal direction from the midfoot to the heel, and include a straight middle rib, a medial side rib convex with respect to the middle rib, and a lateral side rib convex with respect to the middle rib.

Abstract: Shoe (1) including an outer sole assembly (2) and an upper (3), the shoe (1) extending lengthwise from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), widthwise between a lateral side (6) and a medial side (7), and height-wise from the sole assembly (2) to an upper end (12), the upper end (12) demarcating a rear opening (13), the upper (3) including a first envelope (14). The first envelope (14) includes a rear portion (20), which itself includes a lateral wall (21), a rear wall (22) and a medial wall (23), the rear portion (20) being porous or having low resistance to the passage of a fluid. The first envelope (14) includes a front portion (25), which itself includes a lateral wall (26), a front wall (27) and a medial wall (28), the front portion (25) being resistant to the passage of fluid or being impervious.