Abstract: Disclosed herein is an actuator and its method of manufacture, wherein the actuator comprises a flexible tubing comprising an amount of incompressible fluid contained in the inner portion of the flexible tubing; and a switch disposed on the top surface of an outer portion of the flexible tubing; wherein the actuator functions by moving the incompressible fluid through the tube such that a second force is directed onto the switch in response to a first force applied to the flexible tubing. Further disclosed is an actuating system comprising an actuator disposed between a first and second substrate, and an actuating system comprising a plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electronegative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electrogneative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electronegative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a punch press for making metal can tops with closures, respectively, especially those closures of easy-open construction involving an integral but fractured section, cooperative dies are caused in each cycle to perform at a single station first a forming operation, then a peripheral coining step, preferably during the last phase of the forming, and lastly a primary and a secondary swaging or "fracture sealing" operation, the latter occurring as the dies separate. The invention, though not so limited, is applicable to production of can tops of the type disclosed in U.S. Letters Pat. No. 3,881,630, for example, and has particular merit in enabling can top production to occur largely at a single station. It thus conserves manufacturing space as well as lowers cost.

Abstract: The present method of creating a tear line in metal, of particular advantage when such a weakening line is to be uniformly reproduced in tougher sheet metal, involves combining the initial steps of (a) bending the largely unrestrained sheet material to form the closure periphery with tension inherent therein, and (b) concurrently coining longitudinally that portion of the periphery which is in tension thus to induce exactly to the required degree the fracture at the desired weakening line. Final steps of swaging and coating with sealant may then follow as hitherto taught to provide lids with easy-open closures capable of retaining fluid pressure.

Abstract: A sheet metal can end or cover comprises a largely or wholly removable panel bounded by a peripheral tear line, and an integral closure within the panel, the closure being defined by a generally arcuate groove or depression formed at one side thereof with a coterminous, rupturable weakening line having a mid-locality extending nearer to but spaced from the panel tear line to provide a lifting lip therefor and a deflectable tongue portion extending toward the center of the panel. The weakening line and the tear line are preferably of the fractured but integral type fully disclosed in our U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,630 and extend on opposite sides of the panel. On depressing the locality of the mentioned weakening line with a tool, such as the tip of a spoon, the closure opens then permitting the tip to bear upwardly on the inside of the lifting lip as the bowl of the spoon is pivoted upon the tongue portion.