Abstract: A framed air filter and method of making. The framed air filter includes a non-self-supporting air filter media with a generally rectangular perimeter with four major edges, a support frame comprised of four support frame portions each portion being mounted on one of the four major edges of the non-self-supporting air filter media, and a support grill that is attached to each of the four portions of the support frame but that is not integral with any portion of the support frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a splittable/peelable tubular body of a catheter or sheath wherein the tubular body has a splittable/peelable atraumatic tip is disclosed. The atraumatic tip is generally softer than the tubular body. The tubular body and atraumatic tip each comprise a peel mechanism longitudinally extending along their respective lengths. The peel mechanisms are formed by longitudinally extending regions of interfacial bonding between first and second longitudinally extending strips of polymer material. Each strip forms at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body and atraumatic tip. A region of stress concentration extends along the region of interfacial bonding. The stress concentration facilitates the splitting of the tubular body and atraumatic tip along their respective peel mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining high pressure ducts has a first and second bar secured to adjacent to be joined ducts. A coupling mechanism having a U-shape is frictionally engaged onto the first and second bar. An end of the coupling mechanism frictionally engages the surface of the bar members so that the coupling mechanism is slidably removably connected to the first and second bars.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a system and method for joining a detachable fabric sheet to a cover through the use of one or more corresponding fastening or temporary joining mechanisms located on the cover and fabric sheet. In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more mechanisms to align and/or secure a filling material to the cover, as well as one or more fastening or temporary joining mechanisms for attaching the detachable fabric sheet to the cover. Methods and systems are provided for detachably joining the fabric sheet to the cover, for creating a multi-layer unit of a cover and detachable sheets, as well as for aligning and securing the filler to the cover. A method is also provided for manufacturing the integrated bedding cover system.

Abstract: A process for producing an ophthalmic lens which is suitable for stereoscopic vision based on selection of circular light-polarization includes laminating a quarter-wave retarding layer (3) onto an ophthalmic base lens (1). Such process leads to low unit cost for the lenses produced, and a high optical quality. The ophthalmic base lens may be adapted for correcting an ametropia of a wearer of the ophthalmic lens, thereby combining ametropia correction with stereoscopic vision.

Abstract: The method of attaching a pulling head to two or more wires or cables for installation in a conduit, comprising providing a first area for attaching the pulling head, placing two or more wire or cable supply spools on a first side of the first area, placing a receiving spool on the opposite or second side of the first area, feeding a portion of the wires or cables from the wire or cable supply spools onto the receiving spool, placing a terminating table in the first area below the wires or cables, cutting the wires or cables at staggered length from the receiving spool, stripping a portion of the covering from the wires or cables from the outer diameter of the two or more wires or cables, installing a connection onto each of the two or more wires or cables.

Abstract: An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the components.

Abstract: 3D fabrication and rapid prototyping can quickly produce tightly toleranced arbitrary shapes in single units or small quantities. Yet its adoption has been limited in some promising market areas (for example, medical and dental prosthetics). Such products require diverse specialized process sequences that historically involve multiple vendors in long, close, service-intensive relationships. An online marketplace more evenly balances capacity utilization and negotiating strength within these complex supply chains while allowing preservation of existing relationships and service levels. Marketplace software embodiments enable any member of a supply chain to request a quotation for any stage(s) of a fabrication, invite bids, negotiate, award the project, and track its progress. Participants post, view, and collaboratively edit 3D point clouds generated by measurements or CAD.

Abstract: A method is provided which is suitable for manufacturing a solar module. When a defective solar cell (20a) is discovered in a solar cell string (25), a disconnecting step is performed to disconnect the wiring members (30a, 30b) bonded to the defective solar cell (20a) and to the solar cells (20b, 20c) adjacent to the defective solar cell (20a), and to remove the defective solar cell (20a) from the solar cell string (25). A reconnecting step is then performed to electrically connect the solar cells (20b, 20c) that were adjacent to the defective solar cell (20a) to a new solar cell (20d) by using new wiring members (34a, 34b), bonding each new wiring member (34a, 34b) using a resin adhesive to a region closer to the end than the region in which the disconnected end (30a1, 30b1) of the wiring member of the solar cell (20b, 20c) adjacent to the defective solar cell (20a) had been bonded in order to create a new solar cell string (25a).

Abstract: A blower motor assembly having a variable speed motor that is suitable for replacing a PSC motor in a residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The blower motor assembly includes a variable speed motor and motor controller; a first power input for receiving a plurality of AC power signals from a control device for use in determining an operating parameter for the motor; and a second power input for receiving AC power from an AC power source for powering the motor controller even when no AC power signals are received by the first power input.

Abstract: A storage system for a pharmacy that has a frame containing a rack-like structure with a plurality of storage carriers detachably suspended therefrom. The carriers are sized to receive filled prescription orders and the like and include individual identifiers that facilitate locating the carriers at a specific location on the rack-like structure. Preferably, the storage system includes a tracking system that detects, monitors, and displays to a worker the location of the storage carrier containing a particular customer's prescription order, thereby providing easy retrieval of the customer's prescription order.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses configured to pre-form atomizers. The apparatus may include wick and heating element supplies configured to respectively provide a substantially continuous wick and a substantially continuous heating element. A winding mechanism is configured to wind the heating element about the wick. An adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a position at which the winding mechanism winds the heating element about the wick. Additionally a synchronization mechanism synchronizes winding the heating element about the wick with adjustment of the position at which the heating element is wound about the wick such that the heating element defines a coiled heating element segment wound about the wick. This process may be repeated to produce multiple coiled heating element segments wound about the wick. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including secondary batteries which can be charged and discharged. The battery pack is configured such that secondary batteries having different sizes are stacked to form a stair-like structure having a width and a height.

Abstract: A rechargeable power tool battery is rebuilt by replacing its spent cells with an array of replacement cells in which connections are made by conductive connectors, ends of which are clamped by bent-over arms of star-shaped malleable metal grips, the hubs of which are spot welded to cell terminals by the replacement cell supplier. Replacement cells can be supplied in pairs with the positive terminal of one cell of the pair permanently connected to the negative terminal of the other cell of the pair and with the other positive and negative terminals each provided with a spot-welded star-shaped grip.

Abstract: Active material for a negative electrode of a rechargeable zinc alkaline electrochemical cell is made with zinc metal particles coated with tin and/or lead. The zinc particles may be coated by adding lead and tin salts to a slurry containing zinc particles, a thickening agent and water. The remaining zinc electrode constituents such as zinc oxide (ZnO), bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), a dispersing agent, and a binding agent such as Teflon are then added. The resulting slurry/paste has a stable viscosity and is easy to work with during manufacture of the zinc electrode. Further, the zinc electrode is much less prone to gassing when cobalt is present in the electrolyte. Cells manufactured from electrodes produced in accordance with this invention exhibit much less hydrogen gassing, by as much as 60-80%, than conventional cells. The cycle life and shelf life of the cells is also enhanced, as the zinc conductive matrix remains intact and shelf discharge is reduced.

Abstract: A positive electrode (1) has a positive electrode current collector, and a positive electrode mixture layer formed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode mixture layer contains a positive electrode active material, a water-based binder, and a conductive agent. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-transition metal composite oxide having an erbium compound adhered to a surface of the lithium-transition metal composite oxide, and the water-based binder includes a latex rubber.

Abstract: A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.

Abstract: A circuit board mounting apparatus includes a circuit board, a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a third mounting member. The first and second mounting members are mounted to a front side of the circuit board. The third mounting member is mounted to a rear side of the circuit board. The circuit board is capable of being mounted to a first side plate of a first chassis in a perpendicular manner by the first and second mounting members, or is capable of being mounted to a second side plate of a second chassis in a parallel manner by the first, second, and third mounting members.

Abstract: A work insertion device that can be constituted as a small, low-cost device has a structure where a transfer disk having many storage holes formed through its outer periphery part is placed such that its rotation center line is inclined upward to form a sharp angle ? with a vertical line and that some of the many storage holes are positioned in the work storage chamber. The works stored in bulk state in the work storage chamber are directly stored in some of the many storage holes positioned in the work storage chamber by utilizing the intermittent turning of the transfer disk.

Abstract: A substrate standby unit that is capable of keeping only one substrate 4 on standby in a substrate sorting mechanism 40 that moves the substrate 4 from the print inspection device M2 to the component installation device M4, a memory device 60 that stores a substrate ID on the substrate 4 that is on standby in the substrate standby unit, and a substrate ID management unit 46 that updates the substrate ID that is stored in the memory device 60 accompanying the transfer of the substrate 4 from the print inspection device M2 to the substrate standby unit are included. The substrate ID stored in the memory device 60 and the inspection result data associated with this substrate ID and stored in an inspection result data memory unit 45 are transmitted to the component installation device M4.

Abstract: A wire structure, which may be configured for a semiconductor device, is disclosed. The wire may include an elongate flexible core formed of a conductor material and a cladding layer covering an outer surface of the core. The cladding layer may be a conductor. In various aspects the cladding layer and core have a different grain sizes. An average grain size of the core material may several orders of magnitude greater than an average grain size of the cladding layer material. The cladding layer may be an alloy having a varying concentration of a minor component across its thickness. Methods of forming a wire structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a hybrid wiring board with built-in stopper and interposer. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes: forming a stopper on a dielectric layer; mounting an interposer on the dielectric layer using the stopper as a placement guide for the interposer; attaching a stiffener to the dielectric layer; and forming a build-up circuitry that covers the interposer, the stopper and the stiffener and provides signal routing for the interposer. Accordingly, the stopper can accurately confine the placement location of the interposer and avoid the electrical connection failure between the interposer and the build-up circuitry.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a solar module in which it is possible to electrically connect a wiring member and a solar cell in an advantageous manner. A first connection step is performed in which a wiring member (2) is connected to a first electrode (11) arranged on the back surface of a first solar cell (1). The first connection step includes a step of arranging the wiring member (2) on the first electrode (11) with a resin adhesive (31) interposed therebetween, and a step of heating the wiring member (2) while applying relative pressure on the first electrode (11) side. The heating step is performed separately in a plurality of areas (A1-A4).

Abstract: A system to install a mask onto a component of a gas turbine engine includes a drive movable along an axis with respect to a movable base.

Abstract: A gage tool (700) for inspecting tolerances of a gas turbine engine seal plate (430) includes a base plate (710) arid a top plate (720). The base plate (710) includes abase opening (712) and a slot (711) with an annular shape sized to receive a seal plate (430). The top plate (720) Includes a top opening (723). The base opening (712) and top opening (723) each provide access to a portion of a seal plate (430) within the gage tool (700). The gage tool (700) also includes a first gage (750) with a probe tip for measuring a variation in an outer interlacing surface (433) of a seal plate (430) and a seal slide gage (740) for measuring a force required to rotate Ore seal plate (430) within the gage tool.

Abstract: A method of locally inspecting and repairing a coated component is provided. The method includes determining an area of interest on the coated component, wherein the area of interest has little to no visible damage. The method also includes removing a coating proximate the area of interest to expose a base material of the coated component. The method further includes inspecting the area of interest for damage to the base material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the singulation of valve plates and/or assembled valves from a lead-frame are described. The method and apparatus utilizes an electric current to fuse tabs which join the valve plate and/or the assembled valve to the lead-frame. The valve comprises a first and second valve plate with offsetting apertures and a flap disposed and movable between the first and second plates.

Abstract: The machining device is for machining the material of a pipe system that has a joint area between a pipe that has a smaller inner diameter and a pipe that has a larger inner diameter. The device has protruding parts that have been adapted to position the device inside the pipe that has the smaller diameter. A steerable actuator is adapted for removing material from the joint area and steering device for controlling the direction of the machining device in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipe that has the smaller inner diameter while removing material from the joint area. The method is for machining material of the joint area that has a thinner and a thicker pipe.

Abstract: Utility routing for door-mounted operations are disclosed. An appliance may include a cabinet and one or more doors connected to the cabinet. An apparatus may have a mounted position on the door. An operation apparatus may be enabled, supported, or otherwise made operable in part by closed-looped conveyance of one or more operating mediums. The apparatus has an unmounted position wherein the apparatus is separated from the door while maintaining the closed-loop conveyance of the one or more operating mediums.

Abstract: A method adjusting oscillation frequency of a sprung balance assembly formed at random from balance springs and balance wheels. A production mechanism is set to limit a sample standard deviation of a single batch of balance springs to a predetermined maximum value, and to limit a sample standard deviation of a single batch of balance wheels to a predetermined maximum value within a given unbalance tolerance. The mean of the balance population is classified according to the mean of the balance springs, to obtain a difference corresponding to a maximum inertia decrease value of the balances, between extreme gaussian distribution values of balances and of balance springs. A random balance spring sample is taken from the single batch of balance springs and a random balance from among the single batch of balances. The inertia of the balance is adjusted according to a torque value of the balance spring sample.

Abstract: A door frame, a frame body which includes a glass opposing portion, a design portion positioned on one side of the glass opposing portion on the vehicle exterior side, a tubular portion positioned on the other side of the glass opposing portion on the vehicle interior side, and a glass guide portion having a concave cross section surrounding the edge of the door glass, is structured as a single member which is continuous from an upper sash portion to a side sash portion by having a uniform cross section from the upper to side sash portions, and by a bending process performed on the corner portion. The width of the design portion of the frame varies at at least one area along the length thereof and the design portion of the frame body is covered with an exterior member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sub-frame of a vehicle with the front side member of the vehicle includes integrally forming a supporting end of a mounting nut that protrudes in a radial direction in a center of an external circumference of the mounting nut, forming a through hole in a lower surface of the front side member, forming a seat as a groove in an internal surface of the through hole, inserting a lower end of the mounting nut into the through hole so that the supporting end is supported by a circumference of the through hole, settling a head of the mounting nut in the seat, and welding the supporting end and the head along the circumference of the through hole and a side of the seat to assemble the sub-frame to the front side member.

Abstract: A cutting instrument (10) comprising a handle (12) having a side-to-side thickness less than its depth in a direction transverse to its thickness and a sheath (16) movable longitudinally along the handle between a distal protective position to cover a blade (14) at a distal end of the handle and a proximal use position to expose the blade for cutting, wherein the sheath and the handle have complementary engagement formations (36,38,40) that define the protective position and the use position, the engagement formations comprising at least one engagement formation (36,38) on the handle being located on at least one edge region (26) of the handle between the sides.

Abstract: A thermal exchange food processing device is comprised of a thermal conductive body, thermal insulation layer and phase change material. The thermal conductive body consists of an acting region and an inner thermal conductive region disposed in accordance to and in thermal connection to the acting region. The thermal insulation layer has a lower thermal conductivity coefficient compared with the thermal conductive body and encapsulates at least in part the thermal conductive body, so that the acting region of the thermal conductive body is exposed while remaining regions of the thermal conductive body other than the acting region are thermally insulated from ambient temperature; wherein the thermal conductive body alone or together with the thermal insulation layer defines an accommodation space and the inner thermal conductive region is disposed to face the accommodation space; and the phase change material disposed within the accommodation space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight knife. Conventional knives are made of steel and other heavy materials. While metal knives provide excellent strength and cutting ability, they can be heavy, which adds weight to an individual's load, pack, kit, or supplies on their person. Previous attempts to produce a lightweight knife have focused on replacing steel with lightweight materials. Plastic knives are light and have been produced, but do not provide an effective, sharp cutting edge. The present invention uses plastic insertion molding technology to imbed a partial steel blade in an otherwise plastic knife, significantly reducing overall weight while still providing a strong, effective cutting edge.

Abstract: A plastic knife is provided comprising a handle, a blade, and a cutting edge. The blade may include a first surface and an opposite second surface, and integrally formed with and extending longitudinally from the handle. The cutting edge may be formed along one edge of the blade, the cutting edge comprising: (a) a first plurality of teeth integrally connected to and extending from the first surface, each tooth in the first plurality of teeth separated by a first concave groove; and (b) a second plurality of teeth integrally connected to and extending from the second surface, each tooth in the second plurality of teeth separated by a second concave groove. The first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth may be integrally formed together while teeth in the first plurality of teeth and teeth in the second plurality of teeth are offset by a distance.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a motor, a blade, a blade guard, and at least one panel. The blade is attached to the motor so as to be driven by the motor during a cutting operation. The blade guard is configured to at least partially cover the blade. The blade guard includes a leading portion and a guard lower edge. The at least one panel is substantially composed of substantially transparent scratch-resistant material and is coupled to the blade guard. The at least one panel is coupled to the blade guard such that a lower edge of the panel is adjacent to the guard lower edge.

Abstract: A displacement detection device is for detecting a change amount of relative positions of two parts as an angle displacement amount. The displacement detection device includes a link mechanism configured to connect the two parts, the link mechanism including at least one joint part; and a rotation angle detector connected to one end of the link mechanism. A spring is used as the at least one joint part of the link mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for integrating an electronic metrology sensor with precision production equipment such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. For example, a laser distance measuring sensor is used. Measurements are taken at a relatively high sample rate and converted into a format compatible with other data generated or accepted by the CNC machine. Measurements from the sensor are synchronized with the position of the arm of the machine such as through the use of offsets. Processing yields a detailed and highly accurate three-dimensional map of a workpiece in the machine. Applicable metrology instruments include other near continuously reading non-destructive characterization instruments such as contact and non-contact dimensional, eddy current, ultra-sound, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors.

Abstract: A gauge apparatus includes an extension assembly. The gauge apparatus also includes a profile assembly configured to radially extend from an outer periphery of the extension assembly. The profile assembly is configured to reciprocally coaxially travel relative to the extension assembly. The profile assembly is configured to cease coaxial movement in response to making travel-interfering contact.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a hand dryer which, in addition to drying the hands by means of a warm air exit, also propels a sprayed germicidal or bactericidal liquid, or any other personal hygiene product. Additionally, the dryer incorporates an air freshener for emitting scents. In order to do so, it comprises a housing (1) with a separation wall (2) which separates the elements participating in the hand dryer and an isolated and independent zone in which a scent evaporation air freshener (4) participates; where a duct coming from a germicidal or bactericidal liquid container (7) ends in the warm air exit zone. In the zone where the evaporation air freshener is established, a heating element (18) for evaporating the scent is established.

Abstract: A fan assembly for an appliance is provided. The fan assembly includes a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. Performance of the appliance can be improved and uniform fan assembly performance over a wide range of pressures can be provided by including the first and second pluralities of blades.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a cabinet forming a drying chamber and a drying rack slidably mounted to the cabinet and movable between a retracted position where the drying rack is within the drying chamber and an extended position where the drying rack is exteriorly of the cabinet. A removable dividing panel is retained by the drying rack and divides the drying chamber into two horizontal and vertically extending drying chambers. A control system associated with the dryer has selectable modes to operate the divided drying chambers independently or concurrently as a single large drying chamber. A recycle system associated with the dryer permits recycling of heat air to increase drying efficiency.

Abstract: An industrial plant such as a disc dryer is constructed or retro-fitted with discs each comprising two annular plates connected to one another around their outer edges, each plate comprising one or more integral ribs extending between its inner edge and outer edge. The integral ribs may comprise folds in the annular plates, and each plate may be formed from a length of sheet material, by roll forming for example, so that the integral ribs are deeper towards the inner peripheral edge than the outer peripheral edge of the annular plates forming the disc.

Abstract: A hand dryer has a housing having an interior. Exit openings communicating with the interior of the housing are provided. At least one blower motor is arranged in the interior of the housing and conveys air through the exit openings to an exterior of the hand dryer. The air steams exiting from the exit openings meet in a drying area for the hands.

Abstract: A hand dryer has a housing having an interior. At least one exit opening communicating with the interior of the housing is provided. At least one blower motor is arranged in the interior of the housing and blows air in an air stream through the at least one exit opening to the exterior of the hand dryer. At least one heat radiator emits heat rays, wherein the heat rays are directed toward a drying area of the hand dryer.

Abstract: The scent removing device has a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom that form an interior compartment. The bottom has a top layer and a bottom layer with a cavity therebetween. A continuous channel within the cavity creates a flow path from the cavity to the interior compartment. An air tube extends through the interior compartment in fluid communication with the channel. A fan motor is in communication with the air tube blows air into the cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for conductively heated vacuum-based drying of portable electronic devices. For example, a portable electronic device that has been exposed to excessive liquid is placed inside a drying chamber. The drying chamber is closed and a drying routine commences. During the drying routine, the chamber is pressurized to a vacuum level sufficient to gasify liquids inside the device, and the device is conductively heated at least to replace latent heat of vaporization lost during the pressurization. Some embodiments include techniques relating to payment processing, monitoring and feedback control, decontamination, and/or other functionality.

Abstract: An effective composite for absorbing both standing and flowing water which comprises a fumed silica component, a water-absorbent acrylic polymer a fibrous component, and three types of scoriaceous components is described. Bags containing the composite may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus including a drum for holding laundry, a connection duct for exhausting air from an inside of the drum, an exhaust duct provided parallel to a length direction of the drum connected to the connection duct, a filter assembly with a filter unit provided to the exhaust duct for filtering the air and a brush for removing foreign matter from the filter unit, a brush drive unit for making the brush to reciprocate a section of the filter unit, and a position sensing unit for sensing a position of the brush.