Abstract: A tool for cleaning dirt and debris from between the treads of a sole of a shoe, boot, or other footwear. The tool includes a pick member extending from a body that narrows into a tip. The body is configured to be held between a thumb and a finger. Several brushes extend from several holes along a length of the pick member from front to back. The tip of the pick member is used to scrape or dislodge the dirt or debris from between the treads. The brushes may also be used to remove dirt and debris that is not dislodged by the tip. The tool is attachable to a key ring for portability and convenient access.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for fuel injection are disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner sac with one or more primary passages extending therefrom. The one or more primary passages inject fuel therethrough and comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, where the second portion is disposed between the first portion and the third portion and has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of both the first portion and the third portion. The apparatus also includes one or more secondary passages extending from an outer surface of the apparatus to fluidly couple with the second portion of the one or more primary passages. The one or more secondary passages inject air to form fuel-and-air mixture with the fuel injected from the one or more primary passages.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for fuel injection are disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner sac with one or more primary passages extending therefrom. The one or more primary passages inject fuel therethrough and comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, where the second portion is disposed between the first portion and the third portion and has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of both the first portion and the third portion. The apparatus also includes one or more secondary passages extending from an outer surface of the apparatus to fluidly couple with the second portion of the one or more primary passages.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning dirt and debris from between the treads of a sole of a shoe, boot, or other footwear. The tool includes a pick member extending from a body that narrows into a tip. The body is configured to be held between a thumb and a finger. Several brushes extend from several holes along a length of the pick member from front to back. The tip of the pick member is used to scrape or dislodge the dirt or debris from between the treads. The brushes may also be used to remove dire and debris that is not dislodged by the tip. The tool is attachable to a key ring for portability and convenient access.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.

Abstract: A tappet assembly (100) used in mechanical equipment includes a tappet body (108) having a cylindrical shape and including a lower carrier portion (152) and an upper shell portion (158) having a cavity (150) defined by an inner wall (160) of the upper shell portion (158) and a top surface (154) of the lower carrier portion (152). The lower carrier portion (152) and the upper shell portion (158) are integrally formed as a single-piece unit. A post (162) extends upwardly from the top surface (154) of the lower carrier portion (152) and is configured to reduce a peak contact pressure associated with the tappet body (108).

Abstract: A method is provided comprising identifying an alignment point of a workpiece; positioning a first end of an electrode in the direction of the alignment point of the workpiece; applying a first voltage to the electrode wherein the applied first voltage generates a spark; rotating the electrode in a first direction; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a first distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the first voltage creates a first orifice section; applying a second voltage to the electrode and modifying one or more operational parameters of the electrode; advancing the electrode toward the alignment point by a second distance wherein advancing the electrode and applying the second voltage causes formation of at least a second orifice section; wherein the first and second orifice sections cooperate to form an orifice comprising a first flow area and a second flow area.