Abstract: Machines and systems for removing materials from microfeature workpieces using fixed-abrasive mediums. One embodiment of a method for removing material from a microfeature workpiece comprises rubbing the workpiece against a surface of a fixed-abrasive medium having a matrix and abrasive particles attached to the matrix, and sensing a parameter indicative of frictional force at an interface between the workpiece and the surface of the fixed-abrasive medium. This method continues by moving at least one of the workpiece and the fixed-abrasive medium relative to each other in a direction transverse to the interface based on the parameter. For example, the workpiece and/or the fixed-abrasive medium can be vibrated or oscillated to reduce the frictional force and/or maintain a desired relative velocity between the workpiece and the fixed-abrasive medium.

Abstract: A jig intended in use to hold a series of blanks of rod-like or wire-like form during machining, the jig having a body adapted to be mounted to a drive shaft for rotation of the body about an axis of rotation, the body having a perimeter which on rotation of the jig defines a rotation path, the perimeter being defined by a set of stations located around the rotation path, each station having a pair of opposed clamping surfaces, one side of the clamping surfaces being located at the rotation path, in use the clamping surfaces being intended to receive between themselves a set of said blanks, one end of said blanks being positioned to extend outwardly from the one side to extend beyond the rotation path. The clamping surfaces can have a cylindrical or polygonal shape and the blanks can be supported to extend in a direction transverse to the rotation path or parallel to the rotation path. A process and grinding system are also claimed.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for protecting a fragile article comprises a fragile article, packaging material around the fragile article, an outer carton containing the packaging material and the fragile article, and at least one cavity within the outer carton. The cavity is outside of the packaging material.

Abstract: Artist pastels are stored and utilized as a pressed powder that is retained within a pan-like container or godet. The godet is a container having a bottom, at least one side and a top opening that defines a recess area to receive the pressed powder to be used as an artist pastel. In one embodiment, a non-thermally activated adhesive layer is positioned generally along at least a portion of an inner surface of the bottom of the container. In another embodiment, surface features are defined on the inner surface of at least the bottom of the container in order to create a generally lateral force component that the container applies to the pressed powder material to resist cracking of the pressed powder material in response to removal of a portion of the pressed powder material from the top opening. Preferably, the colorized pressed powder composition has a durometer of less than about 70 Shore A and has a pigment content of greater than 25%.

Abstract: A battery container case comprises an ensemble storage section 21 having made and arranged therein plural holder holes 231 that hold individually respectively cylindrical batteries 10 upright in such a way that they are half fitted into the holder holes; an open/close lid 22 that covers the batteries in the ensemble storage section from above; and a restraint member 31 for each holder hole that hinders a respective one of the batteries from being taken out of the holder hole. Each restraint member 31 is fixed to the ensemble storage section in such a disposable manner that it is removable irreversibly.

Abstract: A substrate kinematic coupling or guide plate for a substrate carrier having textured or patterned surfaces at the points of contact to reduce frictional forces generated between automated processing equipment and the kinematic coupling. The textured surface reduces the contact area between the processing equipment and the contact portion of the kinematic coupling, thereby reducing the resultant frictional force. By reducing the frictional force, the substrate carrier more readily settles on the mounting pins of the processing equipment, thus avoiding intolerable height and angular deviations during automated access to the substrates. Textures include, but are not limited to, a knurl pattern, ridges running laterally along the contact portions, and ridges running longitudinally along the contact portions. The textures may be formed by a blow molding, injection molding or in an overmolding process, or by a machining or imprinting process.

Abstract: A handle support and adjustment assembly for a saw allows the handle to be adjusted in length and/or angle relative to the saw.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for cutting an object 64, such as a grinding wheel. Particularly, the object 64 is placed in a horizontal manner and concomitantly rotated with the cutter 14 during the entire cutting operation. The rotation occurs are a relatively high speed and such concomitant rotation and such horizontal placement allows the cutting to occur in a desired manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing ophthalmic lenses that uses plastic blanks in the form of flat, round discs. The outer edge of said plastic blanks is clamped and the desired final surface geometry and surface quality of the front faces of the lens are subsequently produced by a machining process using grinders and/or lathes and by smoothing and polishing processes. During machining, a thicker annular region is retained on the outer circumference of the workpiece. The annular region clamps or arranges the workpiece during machining and transport operations and stabilizes the lens for additional machining. Shaped pieces for identifying the machining axes are attached to the annular region. The lens is provided with fine markings to characterize the lens that has been produced, with the lens then being separated from the region.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for one or more razor cartridges includes a base, two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a first divider, a second divider, a cover, and a side spring. The first divider is located between the front wall and the rear wall. The second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall, forming a chamber between the second divider and the first divider. The chamber is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a razor cartridge. The cover extends partially over the chamber between the first divider and second divider, and is sized to provide an opening through which the razor cartridge can be inserted into the chamber. The side spring extends widthwise into the chamber. The cover and the side spring frictionally engage the razor cartridge when inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: A thin plate supporting container includes a container body for housing therein semiconductor wafers, a lid unit for closing the container body, and slotted plates for supporting the semiconductor wafers from opposing sides. There are provided an upper fitting portion for supporting an upper portion of the slotted plate, and a lower fitting portion for supporting a lower portion of the slotted plate. An upper fitting piece of the upper fitting portion has a planar contact face which comes into contact with the slotted plate to thereby position the slotted plate in the front/rear direction while suppressing swing of the slotted plate. The upper receiving element on the slotted plate has a planar contact face. The lower fitting portion provides vertical, horizontal and front/rear positioning.

Abstract: A blister kit includes a plurality of blister inhibiting coverings of different sizes and shapes, a plurality of blister dressing coverings of different sizes and shapes, a set of instructions for when and where to use individual ones of the coverings, and a container for storing the coverings and the set of instructions.

Abstract: A retainer ring for use in a welding wire package wherein the package houses a coil of welding wire positioned in a coil receiving cavity in the package. The coil extends about a vertically extending coil axis and includes a coil bottom, an oppositely facing coil top, a radially extending outer cylindrical surface and a radially inner cylindrical surface. The ring haves an annular ring body extending about a ring axis with an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. The ring body further includes a top surface extending between the outer and inner peripheral edges and an oppositely facing bottom surface extending between the outer and inner peripheral edges. The bottom surface of the body can be configured to rest on the coil top and the outer peripheral edge is sized to allow the ring to descend within the wire receiving cavity as the wire is unwound from the wire coil.

Abstract: A device is provided for retaining a respiratory disease management device and for displaying respiratory disease management information. The device comprises a rear wall, first and second opposing side walls adjoining the rear wall, and a front wall extending from the first side wall. An attachment component secures the rear wall to an upright structural surface. The walls of the device define a partially enclosed retention space for holding a respiratory disease management device such as a respiratory disease medicine delivery device or a peak flow meter. A substrate such as a card is secured to the holding device, and displays printed matter comprising information relating to respiratory disease management.

Abstract: A grenade container includes a box having a bottom and four sides; a first foam layer disposed on the bottom of the box; a second foam layer disposed on the first foam layer and having a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving grenades; a plurality of grenades placed in the openings in the second foam layer; a first partition disposed on the grenades placed in the openings in the second foam layer; a third foam layer disposed above the first partition and having a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving grenades; a plurality of grenades placed in the openings in the third foam layer; a second partition disposed on the grenades placed in the openings in the third foam layer; a fourth foam layer disposed above the second partition; and a lid and a latch for closing the box.

Abstract: An apparatus for the mounting/dismounting of tires on wheels. A bead breaker module with elongated pressure clamps pivotally moved by an actuator such that the elongated pressure clamps extend from the perimeter of a tire to a position proximal the tire side and bead; the actuator urges the elongated pressure clamps together to disengage the bead from the rim. A tire mount/dismount module having a base plate affixed to a wheel; a receiver and drive assembly rotatably affixed to the base plate with a receiver receiving a bead rolling tool which is inserted between a tire bead and wheel rim and which, when the receiver and drive assembly is rotated, disengages the bead from the rim or, when installing a tire, engages the bead relative to the rim. A bead rolling or tire iron tool has ellipitical cross-sections proximal its ends and extensions, bearing surfaces at its bottom, a rectangular cross-section intermediate its ends and a slot intermediate its ends.

Abstract: An abrasive filter assembly with an integral dust collection system. The abrasive filter assembly comprises a porous element, a first filter media with channels, a second filter media, and an attachment interface layer. The openings of the porous element cooperate with the channels to allow the flow of particles from the porous element to the second filter media. The porous element can be an abrasive article or an attachment surface for an abrasive article.

Abstract: A suspension device which prevents a suspended tool from burglary is disclosed. The suspension device comprises a suspension plate, and a clipping seat, connected to the bottom of the suspension plate, for clipping a tool, characterized in that the clipping seat has a hollow interior which is mounted with a rim mount directly encloses the external rim of the suspended tool such that the clipping tool can be locked and secured.

Abstract: Artificial fingernail packages are provided that contain a collection of artificial fingernails, that enable a potential user to easily inspect the size, shape and other features of the included artificial fingernails, to compare the features of the included artificial fingernails to the user's natural fingernails, and to simulate trying on one or more of the artificial fingernails without opening the package.

Abstract: A device for severing syringe needles and storing the same for later disposal includes a lower box portion with a substantially flat bottom hinged to an upper lid portion, and a guillotine-like mechanism and an adjacent diaphragm spanning the two portions of an opposing side of the device. The guillotine preferably includes an angled blade in cross section such that when the needle is cut it is projected further through the diaphragm and into the device. The overall configuration and severing operation is in some ways akin to that of a stapler, in that a used syringe needle is inserted into a small gap between the two portions, and the top pushed down operating the guillotine to remove and retain the needle.