Abstract: A device for removing a pool or deck cover anchor includes a base having a front, a rear, and two sides; a swivel rotatably attached to the front of the base with dowel pins so that the swivel will rotate to stay level; a U-shaped gripping element on the swivel, adapted to grip the anchor; a handle attached to the rear of the base, the handle being substantially longer than the swivel; a handle stop on the handle; and wheels rotatably attached to the sides of the base; wherein the handle, base, and swivel form a lever and the wheels allow the tool to roll so that a generally downward force on the handle produces a straight vertical force on the anchor that lifts the anchor out of the ground. Methods for removing and replacing anchors utilize the tool as further described.

Abstract: A de-swage machine for removal of a head of a head stack assembly including a tooling unit configured to receive a head stack assembly comprising a plurality of heads and an indicia, a blade module configured to remove a head from the head stack assembly, an indicia reader configured to read the indicia, and a controller. The controller is configured to select and remove a head from the head stack assembly by at least reading the indicia using the indicia reader, transmitting the indicia to a database, receiving head stack assembly information corresponding to the indicia from the database, selecting the head for removal based on the head stack assembly information, and removing the selected head using the blade module. The blade module can also include a force sensor, and the de-swage machine can also include an imaging unit.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a housing that includes at least one aperture and a cavity. At least one component may be attached to at least one attachment structure and inserted into the cavity. A force may be exerted on the component that is sufficient to detach the component from the attachment structure and move the component at least partially into the aperture. In a second embodiment, a housing may be provided that includes at least one aperture and a cavity. At least one component may be attached to at least one attachment structure. and inserted into the cavity. At least one expandable member may also be inserted into the cavity and expanded to move the component at least partially into the aperture.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for fabricating a vacuum chamber for semiconductor substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating a vacuum chamber for semiconductor substrate processing may include: providing one or more plates of material that together form a desired shape of a body of the vacuum chamber; performing a friction stir weld on outer surfaces of adjacent ends of the one or more plates to form the body of the vacuum chamber; and coupling at least one of a top or bottom to a respective top or bottom of the body to form the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An article assembly apparatus and method employs rotary pick and place technology to deposit one component of an apparatus within another at a relatively high rate of speed. A substantially disk-shaped component is inserted within a substantially cylindrical component with a relatively tight fit between the two. The substantially disk-shaped component is carried at a fixed, predetermined angle, relative to a radius of a rotating wheel carrying the component, permitting the smooth placement and depositing of the substantially cylindrical component within the substantially cylindrical component. The substantially disk-shaped component may comprise a piston and the substantially cylindrical component may comprise a body of a bottom filled airless container undergoing assembly following the placement of a substance to be dispensed within the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an extension apparatus and method for attaching to a trailer tongue having a trailer hitch defining a first plane. The apparatus comprises a suspension bar defining a second plane and has a proximal end and a distal end, a ball adapted to be removably received in the trailer hitch and positioned between the suspension bar proximal and distal ends and a block positioned on the suspension bar distal end. A first extension portion defines a third plane and has a proximal end and a distal end, the first extension portion proximal end defines an opening adapted to removably receive the block, and the first extension distal end having a trailer hitch adapted to removably engage a ball on a vehicle. A permanent receiver mount is adapted to removably engage at least one of the trailer tongue and the suspension bar.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a multi-lumen tube having an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen. The multi-lumen tube may include a proximal end and a distal end and may terminate at a distal tip. The catheter may include an extension tube extending distally from the distal tip of the multi-lumen tube and a dilatation balloon disposed about the multi-lumen tube and the extension tube. The distal tip of the multi-lumen tube may be under the balloon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc brake, the disc brake having a brake caliper and a brake actuation mechanism being supported in it, in which the brake actuation mechanism includes an amplification mechanism for introducing a clamping force, an adjustment device for compensation of lining wear with a torque clutch, a thrust element for transmitting the clamping force onto a brake disc and a reset device, which components are arranged around a rod, in which the torque clutch is formed as a roller-ramp-mechanism. A spring force can act onto the torque clutch by means of the reset device thereby forming a torque limit.

Abstract: A sizer for a hanger lacking a hook boss includes a pair of longitudinal walls spaced apart from each other by a pair of end sections. The sizer may include a pair of protrusion, wherein a first is disposed on a first wall of the pair of longitudinal walls and directed toward a second wall of the pair of longitudinal walls. A first jaw is disposed on one of the pair of end section. The pair of longitudinal walls flexes apart when the jaw passes over a flange of the hanger. The first jaw includes a lower portion having a curved edge. The first jaw further includes an upper portion. The lower portion and upper portion meet at an abrupt jaw point.

Abstract: A connector (900) for fluid conduit includes a connector body (901) having a lumen (902) passing along a longitudinal axis (903), and a luer access port (800) extending distally along a transverse axis (905). The luer access port (800) is made from a thermoplastic elastomer (500) having a domed interior portion (501) and a stair-stepped perimeter (502) that is coupled to a cylindrical wall (600). The thermoplastic elastomer (500) and cylindrical wall (600) can be integrally coupled in an insert molding process.

Abstract: Provided are a Z-pinning patch capable of improving process efficiency, productivity, and the like, by allowing Z-pinning of a composite laminated structure to be realized using a structure as simple as possible, and a method for manufacturing or jointing composite laminated structures using the same. The Z-pinning patch used for Z-pinning for reinforcing delamination performance of composite laminated structures or connecting between a plurality of laminated members, includes: a base plate formed in a plate form; and a plurality of pins fixed to one side of the base plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a compound refractive lens for focusing X-rays in two dimensions. The method includes the following steps: 1) manufacturing a mother lens; 2) manufacturing a daughter lens; and 3) assembling the mother lens and the daughter lens. The assembly of the mother lens and the daughter lens includes: aligning square embedded lens bodies of the daughter lens with square holes of the mother lens, respectively, for allowing the first parabola-shaped holes on the mother lens and the second parabola-shaped holes on the daughter lens to form an orthogonal structure; and inserting and pressing the square embedded lens bodies into the corresponding square holes, respectively. The method of the invention has advantages of high-precision for manufacturing and calibration of optical axis, and meanwhile the compound refractive lens manufactured based the method has high X-rays focusing efficiency.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece, a light guide within the handpiece, and a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the handpiece. The handpiece is configured to optically couple to a light source. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The multi-spot generator includes a faceted optical element with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanofilter formed by using a porous ultrafiltration membrane as a precursor, and carefully controlling reaction conditions so as to maintain sufficient hydrophilic nature of the membrane while causing the pore structure to close to a nanofilter range (less than 400 Daltons). This produces a solvent stable cellulose nanofiltration membrane capable of operating at satisfactory flux in aqueous solutions, and being low binding to organic biomaterials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water heater includes providing a water heater tank having an interior and an exterior and a tank aperture communicating between the interior and exterior. A spud that defines a spud aperture extending from a first end to a second end is provided. The spud aperture is internally threaded and has a counterbore adjacent the second end. A membrane having a membrane body and a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the membrane body is provided. The membrane is seated within the counterbore such that the tabs deform and engage a surface of the counterbore to hold the membrane in the counterbore. Thereafter, the second end of the spud is welded to the tank, such that the membrane is captured between the spud and the tank and communication between the tank aperture and the internally threaded portion of the spud aperture is obstructed by the membrane.

Abstract: Devices for bags having one or more straps comprising an attachment case, a clasp, and a hook connected by one or more chains to an annular connector, where the attachment case comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that contains a suction cup for securing the bag to a flat surface.

Abstract: A baseball and softball equipment organizer includes a base with front and back surfaces, at least one hingable element attached to the front surface of the base with at least one arm rotatably coupled to the hingable element and at least one hook attached to the back surface of the base for removable attachment of the organizer to a chain link fence. The at least one arm can rotate from a first position generally parallel to the base to a second position generally orthogonal to the base. The outside surface of at least one arm can include a gripping material to organize batting gloves and other sports items. A method of using the organizer is described.

Abstract: A baseball and softball equipment organizer includes a base with front and back surfaces, at least one hingable element attached to the front surface of the base with at least one arm rotatably coupled to the hingable element and at least one hook attached to the back surface of the base for removable attachment of the organizer to a chain link fence. The at least one arm can rotate from a first position generally parallel to the base to a second position generally orthogonal to the base. The outside surface of at least one arm can include a gripping material to organize batting gloves and other sports items. A method of using the organizer is described.

Abstract: A method of assembling a system for manipulating the skeletal system includes obtaining a monolithic member having opposing ends, one end including a housing having an axially extending cavity. A distraction rod is obtained that has opposing ends, a first end having an inner threaded cavity. A rotatable, radially poled magnet is rotationally coupled to a lead screw having threads. The threads of the lead screw are engaged with the threaded cavity of the distraction rod. The magnet and at least a portion of the first end of the distraction rod are inserted into the axially extending cavity such that the distraction rod and the monolithic member are in coaxial relation to one another. The magnet is axially locked in relation to the monolithic member, wherein the axially locked magnet is capable of rotation. The distraction rod is rotationally locked in relation to the monolithic member.

Abstract: A clamp has a base and a first selectively compliant component carried by the base, the first selectively compliant component being selectively operable between a substantially compliant state and a substantially rigid state.

Abstract: This invention is directed to orthopedic implants and systems. The invention also relates to methods of implant design, manufacture, modeling and implantation as well as to surgical tools and kits used therewith. The implants are designed by analyzing the articular surface to be corrected and creating a device with an anatomic or near anatomic fit; or selecting a pre-designed implant having characteristics that give the implant the best fit to the existing defect.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for optimizing the manufacture and/or production of patient-specific orthopedic implants. The methods include obtaining image data of a patient, selecting a blank implant to be optimized for the patient, and modifying the blank implant utilizing techniques disclosed herein to alter specific features of the implant to conform to the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus comprises a substrate holder capable of holding a substrate, a link unit which extends/retracts the substrate holder, a driving unit which generates a driving force to operate the link unit, a guide bar provided to one of the substrate holder and the link unit; and a support unit which is provided to the other of the substrate holder and the link unit, and slidably supports the guide bar when the substrate holder moves by the operation of the link unit.

Abstract: An optical inspection apparatus inspecting the optical system of the optical scanning apparatus by measuring the light quantity of scanning light emitted from the optical scanning apparatus includes: a slit plate that includes a plurality of slits for allowing a part of scanning light to pass provided so as to include a scanning effective portion; a diffuser that diffuses the scanning light having passed through slit; a light guide that guides the scanning light diffused by the diffuser; an optical sensor that measures the light quantity of the scanning light guided by the light guide; and an inspection device that inspects the state of the optical system by comparing a measurement result acquired by the optical sensor with a preset reference value, in which the slits are arranged at intervals in a direction where scanning is performed on the slit plate with the scanning light.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electromechanical device in a gas-turbine engine, including mounting a rotor of the device on a rotor support, securing a stator of the device to a stator support, coupling the rotor support to the stator support such that said rotor is rotatable about said stator, securing the device to a bearing support, securing a bearing assembly on the low pressure shaft, coupling the device to the low pressure shaft by installing the bearing support over the bearing assembly, and drivingly engaging the rotor support to the high pressure shaft.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a helically wound alternator core, stamping an electrical steel strip to create a lamination strip having a back-iron and projecting teeth. The lamination strip is helically wound by bending to form the helically wound alternator core. The core is then welded. Thereafter the helically wound welded alternator core is annealed.

Abstract: A device for precisely assembling a lens element on a substrate includes a vacuum nozzle for lifting and carrying the lens element and a driver for moving and positioning the nozzle to position the lens element onto the substrate. The substrate supports a light emitter. The lens element includes a first lens facing the light emitter and a second lens optically coupled with the first lens. The device also includes a power meter arranged on the driver and aligned with the second lens when the lens element is being held in place by the vacuum nozzle. The driver adjusts the placement of the lens element on the substrate until the intensity of incident light recorded by the power meter reaches a maximum value.

Abstract: A method and system for installing and removing a row of cables from a cable array is provided. The method includes providing an installation tool having a first body with a plurality of arms extending from one side. The plurality of arms being configured to receive a cable connector body, the plurality of arms including at least one first projection extending from one of the plurality of arms. The installation tool is moved onto a row of cables held coupled together by a bracket, each of the cables in the row of cables having a cable connector body. The connector bodies are engaged into receptacles and the bracket is moved with the at least one first projection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low profile, compact, scalable concept end-effector for use in robotic handling applications. The end-effector acts as the interface between multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator and its base (if applicable), as well as the tools it handles and is compatible with both large manipulator systems such as the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) and Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and smaller dexterous manipulators such as the Orbital Express Dexterous Manipulator System. An active/controlled component is attached to the roll joint(s) at one or both end(s) of the manipulator, with an entirely passive component attached to the structure/tools that the manipulator interfaces with. Interface engagement and mate operations are performed by way of the manipulator roll joint. Once mated, shear pins are extended to lock the mated assembly in place and achieve a high stiffness, zero free play mated interface.

Abstract: A capacitive full-wave circuit for LED light strings makes use of capacitors and diodes together to drive a LED string with full AC waves. Different from the conventional four-diode full-wave rectifying circuit, one embodiment of capacitive full-wave circuit includes two capacitors and two diodes. Because of the large imaginary impedance, the capacitors not only limit and the voltage and current through the LEDs, but also consume almost no electrical power. The electrical current-voltage performance can be further improved by introducing four resistors with a cost of some additional power consumption. A LED light string module with the capacitive full-wave circuit is also presented, with the capacitive full-wave circuit integrated inside of a front power plug and a back power socket.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a forceps includes providing first and second jaw members and depositing an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate atop each jaw member via vapor deposition. The jaw members are then coupled to one another to permit movement of one (or both) of the jaw members relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue sealing plates thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method of fabricating display panels, especially to a method of fabricating flexible electronic devices. By means of adding an inorganic membrane with surface roughness between a bonding layer and a PI film, in order to effectively improve the dimensional stability of plastic substrate and the water/oxygen barrier property of flexible substrate during the PI film fabrication and the follow-up process, improving the yield of good products and prolonging the working life thereof.

Abstract: A fluid seal assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed between an outer surface, i.e. engine block or any other part that requires application of the assembly and a rotatable member, such as, for example a shaft, wherein the assembly circumscribes the shaft and lubricated the shaft and the same rotates around the axis. The assembly includes a primary seal and a wear sleeve. The primary seal includes a casing and a seal element that contacts a sealing surface on the wear sleeve. The casing includes an outer diameter and an outer seal molded onto the outer diameter. The wear sleeve has a cylindrical portion defining an inner diameter and an inner seal molded into the inner diameter of the wear sleeve. The outer and inner seals of the present invention provide improved retention in metal bores during thermal expansion and eliminate spring back effect of the assembly after installation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for producing a dental component. The method includes: a) providing a piece of material attached to or held by a first holder; b) shaping the piece of material to form the dental component and at least one support pin maintaining the dental component attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material; c) engaging a second holder to the dental component while the dental component still is attached to the first holder or the initial piece of material via the at least one support pin; and d) removing the at least one support pin from the dental component while the dental component is engaged by the second holder.

Abstract: A plurality of non-adjustable mandibular repositioning devices (MRDs) providing incremental advancement are prescribed and manufactured for a patient. A patient's mouth and teeth and other areas may be measured and modeled, for example, using an intra-oral three-dimensional modeling method. A series of MRDs may be manufactured such that each MRD repositions the mandible a different amount. A patient uses the first MRD for a first period of time, and uses one or more of the remaining MRDs in succession to provide mandibular advancement. The series of MRDs are not adjusted or installed by a health professional, making each MRD usage less expensive.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for manufacturing cellular board, a cellular board, a method for producing cellular board element of steel plate strip, and a production line. A cellular board according to the invention comprises a number of originally separate profiles of plate-like material, which have been fastened to each other. A single profile is intended to form in a finished cellular board a substantially planar first surface projection, a substantially planar second surface projection, a core, which is arranged to interconnect the first and second surface projections. In the cellular board the profiles are fastened to each other so that in the adjacent lamellae the first surface projections are located side by side and form thus a first surface plate of the cellular board, the second surface projections are located side by side and form thus a second surface plate of the cellular board, the profile cores form the core structure of the cellular board.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for use with nails or claws comprising an adjustable pressure activated clipper, which effectively closes upon successful capture and engagement of a nail or claw due to pressure realized on the surface of the clipper's articulating trigger by the nail or claw. In operation, as pressure is applied to the internal surface portion of the trigger by the user, the trigger automatically articulates and releases the refracted blade to cut the nail or claw at the desired length.

Abstract: A ROTARY ELECTRIC SHAVING UNIT for a rotary blade shaver that comprises a shaver housing that is easily and effectively held, turned on and off, manipulated, operated and used while shaving legs, arms, chest, and other body parts and a stable horizontally aligned form-fitted shaver base that provides protection for the shaver housing and encased components, for the shaving head assembly and the cutting blade assembly, and for different surface areas when the shaver is in mobile intermittent use and being placed down in varying locations.

Abstract: A knife with a guard assembly generally comprises a blade member, a handle assembly, and a blade guard assembly. The blade member includes a blade having a sharpened edge and an integral shank. The handle assembly is mounted to the shank. The blade guard assembly is mounted for pivotal movement about the blade member between a retracted position adjacent the handle to a protective position covering the sharpened edge. The blade guard is spring loaded by a spring about a pivot axis and a biased actuator secures the blade guard in the retracted position and the stable protective position. Upon depressing the actuator the blade guard assembly is pivoted to the protective position from the retracted position by a force of the spring.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion removably coupled to the first handle portion to define a housing. The first handle portion includes a first bore and the second handle portion includes a second bore. The utility knife also includes a blade carrier slidably received within housing and a blade removable coupled to the blade carrier for movement with the blade carrier relative to the housing. The utility knife also includes a double-lead fastener including a head, an unthreaded portion received within the first bore, and a double-lead threaded portion received within the second bore to couple the first handle portion and the second handle portion.

Abstract: According to inventive techniques, a trimmer includes a fixed blade and a moveable blade. The fixed blade may include a focal aperture comprising a focal point, a radial extension region extending in a radial direction away from the focal point of the focal aperture and including a primary plane, and an arcuate region extending in a dimension away from the primary plane of the radial extension region. The moveable blade may include a focal aperture comprising a focal point, a radial extension region extending in a radial direction away from the focal point of the focal aperture and including a primary plane, and an arcuate region extending in a dimension away from the primary plane of the radial extension region.

Abstract: A thumbpiece or thumb support (400) positioned between a head assembly (300) and a handle assembly (200) of a power operated rotary knife (100). The thumb support (400) includes a thumb supporting surface (454) to support a thumb of an operator's hand during operation of the power operated rotary knife (100). The thumb support (400) comprises a base portion (410) and thumb supporting portion (450) including the thumb supporting surface (454). The thumb support (400) further includes an interface assembly (480) between the thumb supporting portion (450) and the base portion (410) for relative pivotal movement between the thumb supporting portion (450) and the base portion (410).

Abstract: The ‘Hook Spoon’ is a spoon with a hook on the back that hooks on the edge of a container and keeps the spoon handle out of the contents of the container while allowing the end of the spoon that has been in the contents to remain inside the container.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a trimmer has a base member having a trimmer line opening. A clamping device arranged in the base member clamps a trimmer line that defines a cutting plane when rotated. The clamping member of the clamping device is rotatably disposed on a pivot bolt having a pivot axis positioned in a plane that is parallel to the cutting plane. The clamping member is spring-loaded by a clamping spring into a clamping position. The trimmer line is secured in the clamping position between a clamping surface and the clamping member. A centrifugal force acting on the trimmer line loads the clamping member in the clamping position. A U-shaped bracket has bracket legs connected by a stay. The clamping member is positioned between the bracket legs. The pivot bolt is supported on the bracket leg ends. The stay of the U-shaped bracket forms the clamping surface.

Abstract: A can puncturing device is provided. The can puncturing device includes an elongated handle assembly and a punch assembly. The elongated handle assembly includes a body with a first end, a medial portion, and a second end, the body defining a longitudinal cavity. The punch assembly is structured to penetrate an aluminum can. The punch assembly is movably disposed in the handle assembly body cavity. The punch assembly body is structured to move between two positions; a first, retracted position, wherein the punch assembly body is substantially disposed within the handle assembly, and a second position, wherein the tapered punch assembly first end is exposed.

Abstract: A guide bar for a chain saw has an elongate main body of steel. The main body has flat sides and upper and lower peripheries defining a guide groove for a saw chain. An elongate window is formed in the main body between the peripheries and is filled with an insert made of a fiber composite material made up of resin and fibers. The fibers are in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the main body. The insert includes a plurality of fiber layers that are bonded with resin. A central layer is formed from a fiber layer and the fibers thereof are at an angle to the longitudinal axis. Two fiber layers having fibers oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the main body are on both sides of the central layer. The inner fiber layers are covered outwardly by a woven fabric.

Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has a guide bar having a periphery along which a chain runs. The work apparatus has a housing and a fastening arrangement for fixing the guide bar to the housing. The fastening arrangement has an actuating device which can be actuated in a fastening direction in order to fix the guide bar. The work apparatus has a tensioning device to tension the chain. The tensioning device includes a tensioning spring. When the fastening arrangement is loosened, the tensioning spring exerts a force in a tensioning direction of the chain on the guide bar. Simple operation and a simple construction are achieved if the tensioning spring is in operative connection with the actuating device and is tensioned during actuation of the actuating device in the fastening direction.

Abstract: A device for puncturing metal cans. The device is placed against the can and, when a small force is applied, it is designed to uniformly puncture the can leaving a consistent hole.

Abstract: A laser alignment device for a circular saw includes a base located on a blade guard of the circular saw, and a laser module mounted at the base. The laser module includes a retaining seat pivotally connected to the base, an auxiliary seat mounted at the retaining seat, and a laser beam generator installed in the auxiliary seat. A first adjusting unit includes a first knob and a first eccentric shaft connected to the first knob and coupled to a first elongated slot in the retaining seat for allowing adjustment of the angle of inclination of the laser beam generator by rotating the first knob. A second adjusting unit includes a second knob and a second eccentric shaft connected to the second knob and coupled to a second elongated slot in the auxiliary seat for allowing adjustment of the angular position of the laser beam generator by rotating the second knob.