Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt inlet, a dirt collection chamber first end, an opposed dirt collection chamber second end and a longitudinally extending sidewall. Various design improvements are provided.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device includes a shaft member installed on a first door panel side so that it cannot rotate. Both ends of a torsion spring in the door opening/closing device are latched to a second door panel side via torsion spring latching walls, and a center portion of the torsion spring is latched to the first door panel side via a latched member, a latching portion, and the shaft member. When the first door panel and the second door panel are pulled from the state in which the doorway is closed, the first door panel and the second door panel fold about an outside cylindrical member as center. The outside cylindrical member rotates relative to the shaft member. First and second coil portions deform elastically in the direction that they are each wound tighter, and the first and second door panels are opened and the doorway is opened.

Abstract: The device that maintains the open position of a window that is hinged at the bottom is a secure, portable and easy-to-use device. It is manually inserted in the side opening of the window to block the window's closure. It is shaped in the form of a letter “Z” to lock itself with its two ends against the edge of the window and the edge of the window frame. The middle part of the “Z” is the crush-resistant block between the window and its frame that prevents the window's closure. Design dimensions ensure that the device will not twist and fall out of position. The device is made of special material for lightness and strength. The device is also used for doors that are hinged at the bottom.

Abstract: A hinge for a movable furniture part which is accommodatable on a furniture body of an item of furniture, wherein the hinge displays a first attachment part which, via an articulation mechanism, is pivotably connected to a second attachment part, wherein the articulation mechanism comprises articulation levers, and wherein a further lever which acts on a damper assembly of the hinge and which is pivotably accommodated by way of a separate axle, and, in the case of a pivoting movement according to the intended use of the hinge, is temporarily engaged on a guide portion on the hinge, wherein the further lever, prior to an engaging operation, assumes a predetermined ready position from which the further lever engages on the guide portion.

Abstract: A balanced hinge device with a programmable brake for household appliances has first and second connection members (4, 5) mutually pivoted through a first pivot pin (6) and interconnected by a kinematic device (11) having an arm (8), pivoted via a second pivot pin (9) to one of the two members (4, 5). The arm (8) and one of the two members (4, 5) has a through slot (2) and the other member has a friction element (3) slidably frictionally engaged with the through slot (2) which is approximately shaped to follow a trajectory of the friction element (3) between a full closed condition (C) and a full open condition (A).

Abstract: A sliding-door handle device has an outside handle and an inside handle. The outside handle is mounted on and abuts the sliding door and has a connecting board and a pulling tab. The connecting board is shaped as an elongated strip and abuts an outer side of the sliding door. The pulling tab is formed on and protrudes perpendicularly from a front end of the connecting board such that the outside handle is formed in a T shape. The pulling tab has a pulling end and a pressing end. The inside handle is detachably connected to the outside handle via the sliding door to connect the outside handle with the sliding door and has an assembling mount.

Abstract: An attachment system for tools includes a housing with a wall defining an open central region. The housing has a first slot and a second slot spaced from the first slot, each slot extending through the wall to the open central region. A rotating member is disposed in the open central region. A clip member has a clip protrusion with neck, head and tip portions, the neck portion sized to be slidably received in one of the slots. The tip portion is configured to engage the rotating member to cause it to rotate about a central longitudinal axis as the neck portion moves distally along one of the slots, causing a catch surface to align with the tip portion and a channel to align with a tip portion of a second clip member retained in the second slot, thereby retaining the first clip member and releasing the second clip member.

Abstract: A tie-down device, for use in aircraft by way of example, is provided that includes an elongated member having an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. Each end portion has an aperture extending transversely through the upper and lower surface portions. A pliable cord extends through the apertures and has a grounding end portion and a stop end portion. A distal securing member, such as a hook, is fixed to the grounding end portion of the pliable cord, and a proximal securing member, also a hook by way of example, is slidably engaged along the pliable cord. The grounding end portion is secured to a ground member, the proximal securing member is secured to the aircraft, and the elongated member is slid distally towards the grounding end portion to tighten the device.

Abstract: The connection device (1) comprises a coupling connector (5) in the form of an open ring (5a) with a closure finger (5b), which is rendered permanently integral, by means of an articulated connection or by means of a rigid connection, with a connection apparatus (4) which can ensure the selective connection to a rope (3). The manipulation of the connection device is thus facilitated, and the risks of incorrect relative positioning of the coupling connector (5) and the connection apparatus (4) are avoided.

Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener. Each of a pair of fastener element rows is a coil-shaped fastener element row made of synthetic resin. Each of fastener elements includes an engaging head section, a first leg section and a second leg section. The first and second leg sections protrude from the engaging head section and extend parallel to each other. The first leg section comes in contact with the corresponding fastener tape and the second leg section does not come in contact with the corresponding fastener tape. The first leg section is colored in a color different from those of the fastener tapes and the second leg section. The color of the first leg section is visible through a gap between the pair of fastener tapes.

Abstract: A snap hook essentially including a main body having an arcuate portion that transition between a spine and a gate latching end, wherein the interior edges of the arcuate portion are radiused. The snap-hook further includes a gate that is pivotally attached to the main body, and a lock that pivotally mounts to the main body and in securing relation to the gate to prevent the gate from opening unless and until the lock is manually, pivotally moved by depressing on its end. The gate latching end of the main body includes a notch for receiving the end of the gate wherein the notch includes an inwardly directed upper, extension piece that will engage the end of the gate if it is inadvertently pushed towards an open position.

Abstract: A mushroom-shaped clip with a hollow, radially elastic sleeve section and a clamping edge protruding outwardly from the shank. The clip element being used in a component connection having a first component having a projecting male form-fitting element; a second component having a through-hole into which the male form-fitting element projects; and a clip element comprising a radially elastic sleeve section and a clamping edge projecting outward from the sleeve section, wherein the sleeve section is form-fittingly and/or frictionally clipped onto the male form-fitting element, and the clamping edge extends at least partially over the through-hole of the second component and rests against a side of the second component facing away from the first component or is fixedly connected with the second component.

Abstract: A press-stud comprises a male component which is selectively insertable by snap-fitting into a female component. The female component (10, 10?, 40) comprises a main body (11, 11?, 41) in which is housed a resilient annular member (13, 43), held within the main body by a cap (12, 12?, 42) fixed to the peripheral end of an annular appendage (23, 23?, 48) of the main body (11, 11?, 41). Different caps can be attached by modifying the configuration of the annular appendage (23, 23?, 48) only.

Abstract: A clipboard having first and second panels that are integrally coupled together. In one embodiment, the clipboard comprises a first panel having a top end; a second panel having a top end, the first and second panels coupled together by a first hinge connecting the top end of the first panel to the top end of the second panel; the second panel comprising: a second hinge that divides the second panel into a cover portion and a clip portion; and a third hinge that divides the clip portion of the second panel into a first section and a second section.

Abstract: Cover devices and systems for locking assemblies are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the cover device include a cover component having an interior and at least one opening, where the interior is configured to house a locking assembly therein and the opening(s) are configured to receive the locking assembly and/or a flexible strand (such as a lace) therethrough. The locking assembly cover systems include the previously described cover component, a locking assembly operable to releasably secure a portion of a flexible strand and slidably disposed within the interior of the cover device, and at least one flexible strand releasably secured by the locking assembly and threaded through at least one of the openings of the cover component. Furthermore, locking assembly cover kits are described, which include an assembly of the components of the system packaged together.

Abstract: An improved compression wire joint is disclosed that allows for tighter connections between the wires. It is particularly useful for connecting copper and aluminum wires together because it provides a tight connection that better accommodates thermal expansion of each wire.

Abstract: An extraction tool for a tangless spiral coil insert that is simple in structure and is also easy in manufacture and assemble as compared with a conventional tool, accordingly that allows reduction in manufacturing cost and besides that is excellent in operability is provided. An extraction tool 1 for a tangless spiral coil insert of the present invention has, for extracting the tangless spiral coil insert which has been attached to a work from the work, a mandrel 41 a leading end section of which is constituted as a screw shaft 45, and a pivotal claw 80 provided with an actuation section 82 which is a slender member and is provided at one end thereof with a claw section 81 engaging with a notch of an end coil section of the tangless spiral coil insert positioned on a surface side of the work and a support section 83 formed integrally with the actuation section 82.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a vending machine having a plurality of interactive features includes a first riser and second riser having a predetermined height selected to raise the vending machine, a first connector shaped to concurrently engage a first opening of the first riser and a first portion of the vending machine, and a second connector shaped to concurrently engage a second opening of the second riser and a second portion of the vending machine. There is also a first plate having a shape and size to match an opening behind a first of the interactive features and a second plate having an opening matching outside dimensions of the first feature. Also, a cable is included having a first end matching a first complementary electrical connector of the first of the interactive features and a second end matching a second complementary electrical connector of control circuitry of the vending machine.

Abstract: A cleaning sleeve for use in cleaning the surfaces of industrial machinery and equipment or the like can include an abrasive pad and a fabric piece partially secured to the abrasive pad to delineate a sleeve-like structure that an operator can insert their hand into. To enable opening of the cleaning sleeve, the fabric piece can be secured along a first major side and along an opposite, second major side of the abrasive pad so that the central portion of the fabric piece is displaceable with respect to the pad. The fabric piece can have a stretchable or elastically resilient characteristic to compressively conform about the back of the operator's hand and press the operator's palm again the abrasive pad thereby retaining the cleaning sleeve to the operator.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a first portion having a length substantially the same as a length of a gap of a slot of a free link of a reel feeder. The device is configured to be placed in the gap to limit movement of a take-up arm along the slot. In another aspect, a method includes placing a device in a gap of a slot of a free link of a reel feeder to limit movement of a take-up arm along the slot.

Abstract: A razor cartridge includes razor blade assemblies having an inter-blade guard attached to a side of a razor blade. The razor blade is formed from strip that is manufactured including a thermal oxidation process to form a chromium oxide layer on the side surface of the razor blade. This oxide film prevents electrochemical corrosion of the razor blade that may be visible to a user and prevents real or perceived premature failure of the razor blade and thus the razor cartridge during its extended life. The razor blade assembly may also have an array of closely spaced droplets of a liquid adapted to inhibit corrosion of the razor blade applied to the side of the razor blade visible to a user.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for attachment of a frame or structure to a supporting column regardless of the orientation of the frame relative to the supporting column is provided. A column element of the attachment bracket is configured to couple the attachment bracket to the supporting column. An optional frame element is attached to the column element and configured to couple the attachment bracket to the frame. A slot is defined in the column element. The attachment bracket is rotatable relative to the supporting column and a fastener can be inserted through the slot to fixedly attach the attachment bracket to the supporting column at the desired position.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener may include inserting a blank precursor into a bore of a forming die having an enlarged bore portion. The method may further include applying a first axial compression force to the blank precursor, and forming a cold-worked head section and an enlarged shank portion on the blank precursor corresponding to the enlarged bore portion. The enlarged shank portion may have a nominal shank portion extending therefrom. The method may additionally include inserting the nominal shank portion into a bore of a final reduction die, applying a second axial compression force to the enlarged shank portion, and urging the enlarged shank portion into the bore of the final reduction die. The method may also include reducing a cross-sectional area of the enlarged shank portion by approximately 2 to 5 percent to form a cold-worked shank section.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) antenna and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An IMD can include a ceramic structure having at least one wall defining a hollow cavity. The ceramic structure can include a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first end being open to provide access to the hollow cavity and the second end being closed. The IMD also includes an antenna cofire-integrated into the at least one wall of the ceramic structure and a housing adjoined to the ceramic structure.

Abstract: A method of producing a transformer module by placing at least one transformer which includes a core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding at a bottom surface of a case at which a plurality of external terminals are provided. The method comprising placing two support columns on the bottom surface, placing the bottom surfaces of cores near the lead-out points of the leads of the windings at the two sides of the cores on core support parts of the two support columns to support them, stringing leads at the two sides of the cores to the external terminals and electrically joining them, removing the two support columns so that the bottom surfaces of the cores are placed on the bottom surface of the case, then fastening the cores to the bottom surface of the case to produce a transformer module where the leads from the cores are given excess length.

Abstract: A slurry for a positive electrode for a sulfide-based solid-state battery contains at least a fluorine-based copolymer containing vinylidene fluoride monomer units, a positive electrode active material, and a solvent or a dispersion medium. When a dry volume of the slurry is set to 100% by volume, a content ratio of the fluorine-based copolymer is 1.5 to 10% by volume.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mounting plate for coupling a hazard detector with a wall or ceiling of a structure is provided. The mounting plate includes a plate that is positionable against the wall or ceiling to removably couple the hazard detector to the wall or ceiling. The mounting plate also includes a centrally located opening, a first set of apertures arranged around the centrally located opening, and a second set of apertures arranged around the centrally located opening. The first set of apertures are dimensioned and arranged according to a first attachment standard that defines a first distance range relative to an axis of the centrally located aperture and the second set of apertures are dimensioned and arranged according to a second attachment standard that defines a second distance range relative to the axis of the centrally located aperture.

Abstract: An installation process for a backup generator and ATS which streamlines the ATS and generator installation process and a ATS control box used therewith. In addition to the ATS control box, a two pole circuit breaker, three service relays, and at least one single pole circuit breaker are require to connect to an existing electrical panel. The process entails (1) installing the two pole circuit breaker into the existing electrical panel, (2) connecting the service relays in the electrical panel, (3) connecting breaker relays to any circuit which is not to be fed electricity when utility power is lost, (4) mounting the ATS externally from the electrical panel and connecting it to the above listed components and a electrical panel control feed, and (5) connecting the generator to the ATS control box.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing the capacitive charge on touch sensor electrodes so that every two adjacent routes have the same capacitance as any other adjacent two routes, wherein routing electrodes are spaced further and further apart, or graduated, as they get longer, to thereby balance the capacitance on the touch sensor electrodes without having to add or subtract an offset from each touch sensor electrode.

Abstract: A method for constructing an external circuit structure is provided. The method is applied to an inner circuit substrate, wherein, the method comprises: laminating a copper foil and a prepreg on the inner circuit substrate; wherein, the prepreg is laminated between the copper foil and the inner circuit substrate; drilling at least one blind via from the copper foil to reach the copper circuit of the inner circuit substrate; removing smear generated in the at least one blind via during the drilling process; corroding off the copper foil; electroless copper plating on the prepreg to form an electroless plating copper layer on the prepreg; wherein, during the electroless copper plating process, a swelling process without desmearing process is implemented.

Abstract: A method for performing uptower maintenance of a wind turbine in order to replace the main bearing on the turbine shaft is disclosed. Embodiments of this method to perform maintenance may include installing a rotor lock to resist rotation of the main shaft during maintenance, providing a lifting device in order to elevate the main shaft, removing the main bearing from its main bearing housing, and installing a replacement split main bearing. A crane may also be installed uptower to assist in the maintenance.

Abstract: A rigid coupler for use in electrically isolating an electrically conductive fluid conveyance system is described. The rigid coupler includes a nonconductive liner having a first end configured to couple to a first adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system, and a second end, opposite said first end, configured to couple to a second adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system. A reinforcing structure circumscribes the nonconductive liner and is coupled to a portion of the nonconductive liner extending between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner. The reinforcing structure includes a multi-axial braided fiber material impregnated with a matrix material. A fiber overwrap is hoop wound about at a least a portion of the reinforcing structure between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner.

Abstract: An absorber device comprises a substrate; one or more thin film radiation absorbers arranged on the substrate; an integrated optical system, comprising at least one first optical element; a cover medium arranged above the substrate and the one or more radiation absorbers. The at least one first optical element and at least one corresponding one of the one or more radiation absorbers are aligned with respect to their optical axis, such that an incoming radiation is directed onto the one or more radiation absorbers by the optical system. A method of manufacturing an absorber device is also provided.

Abstract: A corrosion protected knife and anvil system is disclosed. A source of lubricating fluid is provided to a lubricating fluid distribution mechanism, coupled to both a knife blade and a salt bridge and an associated sacrificial anode. The sacrificial anode is consumed in order to protect corrosion on a rotating knife blade, which intermittently contacts both an associated anvil in order to cut material used in making disposable products, and the source of lubricating fluid. A knife holder holds a knife which is corrosion protected by an impressed current anode.

Abstract: An aerodynamic trimmer head assembly for use in flexible line rotary trimmers including a trimmer head having a curvilinear upper head surface and a shroud having a curvilinear portion extending over the head surface. A plurality of ribs extend downwardly and forwardly in the direction of rotation between the head surface and shroud defining a plurality of channels extending between portions of the upper head surface and shroud along curvilinear paths defined by the ribs. The channels define inlet openings in an upper portion of the shroud and outlet openings about the lower end portion thereof. During rotation of the head and shroud, air is drawn downwardly about the drive mechanism, through the channel inlets, into and through the channels and outwardly therefrom at a forward inclination about the line projecting from the housing thereby cooling the drive mechanism of the rotary trimmer and reducing aerodynamic drag on the line.

Abstract: A cabinet jig device may include first and second crossbars, each crossbar having opposing first and second ends, a first leg extending between the first ends of the first and second crossbars, and a second leg extending between the second ends of the first and second crossbars. The cabinet jig device may include first and second adjustable fasteners for coupling the first leg respectively to the first ends of the first and second crossbars, third and fourth adjustable fasteners for coupling the second leg respectively to the second ends of the first and second crossbars, and first and second adjustable striking pins coupled to the second crossbar between the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle that can carry a laser detector or other survey equipment that can be wirelessly controlled from a piece of heavy equipment. A particular embodiment can be used to dig out level basements to a predetermined grade by placing a laser emitter on a support on the floor of the dig and maneuvering the remotely controlled vehicle carrying a laser detector from the cab of the digging equipment so that an entire basement dig can be dug out accurately level by a single person.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a rotation unit for a surveying device, in particular a laser scanner for optically scanning an environment and such a surveying device. The surveying device has a rotation unit having a rotation mirror, for deflecting an emission light beam and a reception light beam, and a rotation body implemented as a cylinder having a on a beveled, free end. The rotation body is implemented as a hollow cylinder having a cylinder bottom and a beveled cylinder wall on its free end. The hollow cylinder is connected coaxially with respect to its cylinder axis in a rotationally-fixed manner to a motor-driven shaft via the cylinder bottom. The rotation mirror is fastened in the region of its free end to the cylinder wall of the hollow cylinder so it is supported thereby.

Abstract: A specially designed welder's work piece positioning and leveling tool that includes a plurality of strategically oriented work piece positioning surfaces provided on the tool body for holding and correctly positioning work pieces to be welded together. The tool also includes a plurality of differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the tool 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.

Abstract: A taper gauge that includes an elongate taper assembly that has a tip section and an electronics section that includes a location determining element that collects data related to a measurement area when the tip section is inserted in the measurement area and a power source. An embodiment allows for increased precision, accuracy, and speed for wireless measurement of gaps. A method and system that uses the taper gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a compression control system which further includes a movable platform, a compression sensor, and a switching device operatively coupled to the compression sensor. The apparatus also includes a measurement system operatively coupled to the switching device for receiving a signal representative of a toggle event at the switching device and configured to measure a gradient. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit operatively coupled to the switching device and the measurement system for measuring a thickness of the object upon receiving the signal representative of the toggle event at the switching device by using the gradient and a communication circuit for transmitting a measured thickness of the object to a remote database.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of construction of buildings and structures. The invention relates to alignment guides for constructing building components, namely walls, ceilings and floors to be used in buildings and structures. This invention also relates to kits of specific alignment guides and methods of using alignment guides.

Abstract: A garment intended to be worn on the head of a user which includes a pliable sheet shaped member having a 1st generally planar side and a 2nd generally planar side. The garment includes an elongated elastic band disposed in an arc shaped array on one of the generally planar sides and secured to the pliable sheet shaped member along substantially all of the axial extent of the elastic band, the array of the elongated elastic band being dimensioned and configured to reach around the head of a user.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously drying and crystallizing water-flushed granulate. The method comprises the steps of: feeding water-flushed granulate into a pre-dryer, pre-drying granulate in the pre-dryer, conveying pre-dried granulate into a dryer/crystallizer, and discharging crystallized granulate from the dryer/crystallizer. An air conditioning means produces temperature-controlled and humidity-conditioned air that is delivered to the dryer/crystallizer, wherein the exhaust air of the dryer/crystallizer is delivered to the pre-dryer, and wherein the exhaust air of the pre-dryer is returned to the air conditioning means forming a closed air circuit is formed by the dryer/crystallizer, pre-dryer, and air conditioning means. The device comprises a pre-dryer, a dryer/crystallizer, an air conditioning means, and optionally a control unit.

Abstract: A reusable clothes dryer static charge storage device and method of reducing static cling within clothes while tumbling in a dryer is provided. The device includes an outer housing having a conductive layer with a first conductivity and a capacitor received in the housing. The capacitor has conductive first and second walls spaced from one another. The device further includes a conductive member having a second conductivity that is greater than the first conductivity, with the conductive member being in direct electrical contact with one of the first and second walls of the capacitor, with the conductive member being spaced from the housing conductive layer by a gap. The first and second walls store the static charge accumulated from the clothing while tumbling in the dryer, whereupon the static charge is discharged to ground at a selected time.

Abstract: A method for drying cannabis plant material is provided. The method includes loading cannabis plant material into a chamber, setting the humidity of the chamber to a first humidity level for a first time period and setting the temperature of the chamber to a first temperature for the first time period, and setting the humidity of the chamber to a second humidity level, and optionally the temperature of the chamber to a second temperature, until the water content of the cannabis plant material reaches a first desired percentage. The method may further include setting the humidity of the chamber to a third humidity level and/or the temperature of the chamber to a third humidity level until the water content of the cannabis plant material reaches a second desired percentage.

Abstract: A controlling method for a dryer is applied to a dryer, in which at least one of a heat pump system and a heater is selected as a heat source for heating air supplied in to a drum and a heat supply capacity of the heat pump system is more than that of the heater. The controlling method includes, when both the heat pump system and the heater are selected as the heat sources, turning the heat pump system on, turning the heater on after the heat pump system is normally turned on, turning the heater off to cool the drum and terminate drying after the drying is performed, and turning the heat pump system off after the heater is turned off.

Abstract: A controlling method for a dryer is applied to a dryer, in which at least one of a heat pump system and a heater is selected as a heat source for heating air supplied in to a drum and a heat supply capacity of the heat pump system is more than that of the heater. The controlling method includes, when both the heat pump system and the heater are selected as the heat sources, turning the heat pump system on, turning the heater on after the heat pump system is normally turned on, turning the heater off to cool the drum and terminate drying after the drying is performed, and turning the heat pump system off after the heater is turned off.

Abstract: A therapeutic insole, comprising: at least a plantar channel running onto the upper surface of the therapeutic insole for providing support to a user's foot structure; a section of outside ribbing adapted to secure the therapeutic insole into a user's shoe; a plurality of support ribs running underneath the therapeutic insole to aid providing support to a user's foot structure while maintaining the therapeutic insole's shape; and a heel cup working with the at least a plantar channel to prevent undesired changes in a user's plantar fascia and heel tissue.

Abstract: Devices for adjusting the fit of footwear, the devices including a lace receiver configured to frictionally receive a resilient lace and to restrict passage of the resilient lace through the lace receiver, and a latch coupled to the lace receiver and configured to releasingly couple with the resilient lace, wherein coupling the latch to the resilient lace tensions the resilient lace and pulls a first retaining flap of the footwear toward a second retaining flap of the footwear. In some examples, the device is configured to adjust the fit of apparel.