Abstract: A mechanical heart for implantation into the human body is run at a higher frequency which is a harmonic multiple of a normal heart beat frequency, and the pump chamber volume is reduced, proportionately to the increased pumping frequency. The circuit for controlling the frequency includes a phase locked loop for implementing a predictive algorithm which adjusts the frequency dynamically based on heart muscle nerve ending signals to synchronize the circuit output to the biologically determined heart beat. The reduced displacement permits use of a smaller compliance chamber. A novel interconnection between the motor chambers of a plurality of such pumps eliminates the need for venting and compliance chambers in a totally implanted heart system.

Abstract: Amputation apparatus for use with an internal prosthesis attachable to the end of a stump having an outwardly extending bone. The amputation apparatus includes a cap having an internal cavity for insertion over the bone and an opposed outwardly extending boss. A plate having an internal cavity is mountable over the outwardly extending boss of the cap. The plate has a radial extent substantially greater than the radial extent of the cap to define an equal weight distribution surface for internal and external forces over the entire bottom surface of the stump.

Abstract: A composite prosthetic foot and leg which allows a high degree of mobility on the part of an amputee is disclosed. The prosthetic foot and leg utilizes a resin impregnated high strength filament structure for the leg portion, the foot portion and heel portion, with all three regions being provided with substantial elastic flexibility, preferably of relatively low energy absorption characteristics so as to give the wearer high mobility with a relatively natural feel. All three portions of the prosthetic foot and leg are rigidly joined, with a flexibility of the leg portion providing flexibility of the leg in response to both torques about the ankle as well as about a vertical axis while simultaneously providing sidewise rigidity of the structure. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A new type of intraocular posterior chamber lens is provided for implantation in the eye following cataract extraction. The new lens is uniquely structured at its rear face such that, when implanted, a separation or an open zone is provided at the visual axis between the lens body and the posterior capsule so that, in the event of haziness or opacification of the posterior capsule, corrective surgery can later be provided in this open zone means that will allow a corrective or restorative opening to be made in the posterior capsule.

Abstract: A new type of intraocular posterior chamber lens is provided for implantation in the eye following cataract extraction. The new lens is uniquely structured at its rear face such that, when implanted, a separation or an open zone is provided at the visual axis between the lens body and the posterior capsule so that, in the event of haziness or opacification of the posterior capsule, corrective surgery can later be provided in this open zone means that will allow a corrective or restorative opening to be made in the posterior capsule.

Abstract: A level indicator for a portable toilet comprises a visible indicator on the exterior of the toilet's holding tank, a float mechanism on the tank's interior operable to sense the level of liquid material in the tank, and a magnetic coupling between the float mechanism and the indicator for causing the indicator to be operated to a position corresponding to the level of liquid material sensed by the float mechanism. The indicator is in the form of a wheel journaled on a receptacle in the top wall of the holding tank. A magnet mounts on the wheel in radially spaced relation to its axis. The float mechanism comprises an arm which is operated along an arc in response to changes in the level of liquid material in the tank. The arm has a magnet which swings in a corresponding arc and which confronts the wheel magnet so that the wheel is rotated about its axis as the float arm is operated about its own axis.

Abstract: A water closet system comprising a lavatory which is connected to a collection tank or mouldering chamber (2) over a discharge piping (3), and a liquid separator (4) interconnected in said discharge piping (3) adjacent and above the tank or chamber (2). The liquid separator (4) comprises an inlet pipe (8) having a widened bottom portion (13), an outlet pipe (9) preferably having a widened top portion (14) and a liquid container which sealingly encloses at least the end portions (13, 14) of said inlet and outlet pipes (8, 9). The diameter (D2) of the top end (14) of the outlet pipe (9) is equal to of larger than the diameter (D1) of the non-widened portion of the inlet pipe (8), and the said diameter (D3) of the bottom end (13) of the inlet pipe (8) is larger than said diameter (D2) of the top portion (14) of the outlet pipe (9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body supporting network suitable for use with a load supporting system. The network includes at least first and second pluralities of elongate support members securable with the system for supporting a load. The first and second support members respectively extend in first and second directions to provide potential load receiving intersections where the first support members cross the second support members. The network includes adjustment means to vary network pressure response at each intersection and to permit changes in network contour. The network includes interconnecting means for connecting the elongate members at the intersections to maintain network integrity when the network is subjected to the load.

Abstract: An inflatable article, having a pair of gas impervious sheets which are heat welded together at their edges to form an envelope and are provided with parallelly spaced apart longitudinal first seams to define a plurality of air compartments between the pair of sheets, is provided with a reforming and reinforcing outer inflatable multiple-compartmented unit formed, on the wall of the envelope, by heat-sealing an additional outer sheet to one of the pair of gas impervious sheets at the edge portions and at the lines which lie between each two of the first longitudinal seams to form second seams whereby the article will achieve a stronger and stiffer construction and the acute fused edge portions thereof can be reformed by the expanded superimposed inflatable outer units adjacent to the edge portions.

Abstract: A process for developing porosity in air impervious film. The process is disclosed for fabricating a cushion article having a cover provided with increased air flow capabilities. A covering is provided for a cushion body, the covering including a laminated film and, preferably, an outer fabric layer. The film includes a first layer having a relatively high temperature melting point and a second layer having a relatively low temperature melting point. The first layer includes perforations, and the second layer is continuous and air impervious. The laminated film is heated at a temperature which approaches or is above the melting temperature of the second layer but below the melting temperature of the first layer to melt the second layer at least in areas coincident with the perforations in the first layer to form air flow passages through the film laminate.

Abstract: A versatile carpet dyeing applicator capable of producing novel and visually pleasing multicolor pattern effects ranging from apparently completely random to fairly well-defined. An inclined distributing plate such as a conventional doctor blade extends across the width of the carpet web, transverse to the direction of web travel, with a lower edge of the distributing plate positioned so that dye flowing off falls on the carpet web. Means, such as a conventional dye pickup roller rotating in a dye supply trough, introduces liquid of a base color onto the distributing plate at an upper edge thereof to form a base color dye film initially flowing substantially uniformly downwardly over the distributing plate.

Abstract: A rotary brush for vehicle washing systems comprising first, second and third sections of radially extending felt strips, the lengths of said strips being such that the overall outer diameter of the brush when rotating is uniform but the second or central section being mounted on a large diameter inflatable cushion which reduces or eliminates the damaging effect of abrupt contact between the vehicle and a support shaft for the brush. In the preferred embodiment the cushion comprises a series of inflatable rubber inner tubes captured within a felt covering having a zipper and drawcords for installation and removal purposes.

Abstract: A surgical knife cleaner and, more particularly, a cleaner for a cautery knife used to clean and cauterize incisions and wounds. A readily attachable base has a cradle to retain a closely coiled strand on an axis parallel to the base. The cradle has edges to limit the introduction of the knife in the direction transverse to the axis of the coil and to clean the edge of the knife.

Abstract: A gun cleaning implement comprising a cleaning swab and a cleaning tip, the cleaning tip having a threaded portion for retainably receiving a first cleaning swab thereon. The cleaning tip also has a smooth portion for receiving a second cleaning swab. The second swab may be removed from the tip after one pass through the bore of a gun, leaving the first swab retained on the tip for a second pass through the bore.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper blade carrier comprising a bowed stem with means for engaging a wiper arm, socket means at each tip and resilient snap-engaged support means comprising retainers for engagement with a blade. The carrier is adjustable at both ends so as to permit the attachment to the carrier of refill wiper blades of a plurality of different lengths. In one embodiment the tips of the carrier may be formed with longitudinally spaced socket means separated by lines of weakness to allow portions of the carrier to be broken off. It is preferred to form the end portions of the carrier as separate members which are telescopically received by the main carrier portions, there being cooperating means for locking the end portions in one of a plurality of predetermined positions to in one of a plurality of predetermined positions to adjust the effective length of the carrier.

Abstract: Paint roller tray has closed bottom and sides which terminate in upper periphery. Hinged cover seals against the periphery of the sides to exclude air to inhibit drying of the paint. Preferably, the cover has retainers on the inside for holding paint rollers and/or brushes which have been used with the paint in the tray so that those painting implements also do not dry out. The cover is hinged on the tray so that it is quickly available for closing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is constructed of relatively rigid, molded plastic main structural elements including a dirt collecting tank and a motor housing releaseably secured to each other by a buckle. The main structural plastic elements also include a fan housing wherein a centrifugal fan rotates, a mounting plate to which the motor is secured; and a baffle member having a cup formation which receives the rear of the motor. A common fastening means mechanically secures the fan housing, the plate, and the baffle member to the motor housing. A releaseable latch is at one end of the buckle and a hook at the other end thereof. The latch holds the tank and motor housing together, and the hook is for engaging a wall bracket to mount the cleaner in a vertical position. The buckle also includes a skid portion, located between the latch and hook, to facilitate movement of the cleaner along a horizontal supporting surface.

Abstract: A tool for removing solid deposited material from a surface to be cleaned, such as for cleaning material from the brake drums of motor vehicles and for removing the material, includes a member for loosening the deposited material and a connection to a vacuum source for removing the loosened material. The loosening member is a manually operable cutting head including an impact element located at one end of a tubular member. During use, the impact element performs a stroke-like movement. The other end of the tubular member forms a connection to the vacuum source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spring biased shifting pivoting center hinge for swinging doors wherein the hinge pin rigidly affixed to the first swinging half of the hinge pivotably and shiftably engages a slotted hole with a spring bias that is included in the second swinging half of the hinge. The spring bias resiliently retains the hinge pin at one extremity of the slotted hole when there is no external constraint as in the case of a fully closed or fully open swinging door fitted flush to the front face of the door frame. When the swinging door is pulled open or pushed shut, the edge of the door adjacent to the hinge interferes with the door frame and the hinge pin is forced to shift toward the other extremity of the slotted hole against the spring bias; whereby, the interference between the door edge adjacent to the hinge and the door frame is alleviated for the full range of the swing for the swinging door.

Abstract: The invention relates to hinge preparation assembly for mounting in each of the hinge mortises formed in the hinge edge of a steel door. The hinge preparation assembly includes a hinge reinforcement member having a plurality of spaced apart openings including threaded openings for mounting a leaf of a standard weight hinge set thereto. A hinge conversion member is removably mounted to the hinge reinforcement member so that upon its removal, the hinge preparation assembly is converted from a standard weight hinge preparation to a heavy weight hinge preparation, which is capable of mounting a leaf of a heavy weight hinge set thereto without requiring changing the door, modifying the hinge mortises thereof or the hinge preparation assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic continuous or stepwise delivery of sausage loops hanging adjacent to one another from a receiver under which a smoking rod is arranged that is slidable in the feed direction of the receiver relative thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for shirring tubular casings, in particular sausage casings, in which the casing is conveyed in the direction of its longitudinal axis and shirred against a counterforce by means of a shirring tool. The shirred tubing portion is divided into individual shirred sticks of a predetermined length and, if appropriate, the cut-off shirred sticks are further compressed. While being shirred and in the shirred state the casing is internally supported. For cutting-off a shirred tubing portion, the transport of the casing in the direction of its longitudinal axis is momentarily interrupted, the internal support is withdrawn from the severing region, and the unshirred or deshirred tubing section is severed at the rear aperture of the shirring tool. During severing, the not-yet-shirred casing surrounded by the shirring tool is permanently internally supported.

Abstract: High strength, high modulus, continuous filament aromatic polyamide yarns are stretch broken under high tension while being sharply deflected in a lateral direction by mechanical means to provide a sliver which is processed by conventional means to a high strength, high modulus spun yarn. The broken ends of the fibers are highly fibrillated to fibrils having lengths of 50-350 times the diameter of the unfibrillated portion of each fiber.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for the preparation of crimped staple fibers. By automatically adjusting the pressure on the stuffer crimper box discharge means as a function of staple cutter speed, a crimped staple product with uniform fiber-to-fiber cohesion level is obtained.

Abstract: A textile fiber processing machine includes a rotary cylinder having circumferential areas for engaging and circumferentially entraining fiber material introduced into the machine; and a waste grid situated adjacent to and radially spaced from, a circumferential portion of the cylinder. The waste grid allows waste from the fiber material to pass through. The waste grid has a plurality of grid bars supported parallel to one another. Adjoining grid bars define grid slots through which waste may pass. Each grid bar has a bar face oriented towards the cylinder and a free end portion. The bar faces are inclined towards the cylinder for abutting fiber material thrown towards the waste grid by the cylinder and for allowing waste material, after impingement thereon, to slide on the bar face towards and off the free end portion.

Abstract: The drawing apparatus for textile fibre webs comprises a series of pairs of olls, the peripheral velocity of the rolls of each pair being greater than the peripheral velocity of the preceding pair in the direction of advance of the web.Each roll has a resilient covering constituted by highly flexible steel wires that extend substantially radially. A smaller-diameter smooth roller is interposed between each pair of covered rolls and the following pair, the smaller diameter roller having a peripheral velocity equal to that of the following pair. The disposition of the smooth rollers is such as to impart a sinuous course to the web and keep the web in engagement with the metal wires of the covered rolls over substantial arcs. The drawing apparatus achieves higher drawing ratios with a good quality of the drawn web using a smaller number of pairs of rolls.

Abstract: A snap lock connector is provided for positively mechanically locking two articles together while enabling their immediate separation responsive to the push of a button. The device comprises a bifurcated locking member extending from a first article and normally urged outwardly into locking position within a chamber in a second article. A push-button surmounts the locking member and projects outwardly from the second article. When the push-button is depressed, it overcomes the spring tendency of the locking member and moves the bifurcated locking portion together enabling to be withdrawn from the second article, whereupon the second article may be separated from the first article. The invention is capable of many uses, including the locking of a knife in its sheath.

Abstract: A self-stringing jet device which is compact and easy to string up includes a body, a yarn inlet section, and a movable venturi and a cylindrical baffle located at the outlet end of the jet. The venturi may be moved from a string up position to an operating position by engaging the movable venturi located within the jet with a rotatable cam surface actuated by an external handle that can be rotated between stops, one of which is a rotatable eccentric for adjusting the operating position of the jet.

Abstract: A plate for a multi-cell secondary battery incorporating a moulded perimeter frame (10) of thermoplastic material with a metal mesh (18) spanning the area of the frame (10) to provide support for battery paste material. The metal mesh (18) having at least a portion thereof formed into a plurality of corrugations (16) after the frame (10) has been moulded in-situ about the margin of the mesh (18). The forming of the corrugation (16) removing any buckling or distortion of the mesh (18) arising from the moulding of the frame (10).

Abstract: A transport roller assembly is disclosed which is adapted for use as a yarn delivery roller in a yarn false twisting machine, and which is designed to minimize the time and expense of its replacement upon being damaged. The assembly comprises a spool-like support member which is adapted to be coaxially positioned on a supporting shaft, and an outer sleeve which is adapted to be coaxially positioned on the support member. The support member includes two end flanges and an integral wall joining the flanges, and a number of threaded members extend between the flanges so that rotation of the threaded members results in the flanges deflecting either toward or away from each other. During such deflection, the outer edges of the flanges clampingly engage the bore of the sleeve, and the inner edges clampingly engage the supporting shaft.

Abstract: The cast iron housing of a pump for conveying gravel or the like can be repaired by inserting into a recess in its internal surface a casting which at least substantially fills the recess. The recess develops as a result of washout, cavitation and/or other influences when the housing is in use. The casting is obtained by pouring molten metal into an impression which is formed in a mold by a pattern obtained by filling the recess with a hardenable plastic surface. The impression is overlapped by a cover having a surface which is complementary to the internal surface of the housing, and such cover is used for admission of molten metal as well as for escape of air from the impression. The casting is fastened to the housing by bolts portions of which are embedded in the casting during pouring of molten metal and extend through complementary holes of the housing or through the deepmost portion of the recess if the latter extends all the way between the internal and external surfaces of the housing.

Abstract: A method of rigidly connecting a plate and a tube such as those of a muffler associated with an internal combustion engine. The plate is formed with an eyelet by burring or like technique and, then, the tube is inserted into the eyelet as far as a predetermined position. A stop is placed to backup the plate at a flat surface of the latter where a flange produced by the eyelet is absent. This is followed by driving a die to compress the flange in such a manner as to reduce the diameter of the eyelet, thereby plastically deforming the flange. Part of the flange proportional to the decrease in diameter is caused to thrust into the periphery of the tube.

Abstract: A plate assembly is secured to a heat exchanger unit for a hot air furnace at each of one or more apertures in the unit by expanding a flange extending around an aperture on the plate within the aperture in the unit to cause such flange to conform to the exact shape of the aperture in the unit and form a leak-proof joint between the heat exchanger unit and plate assembly.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defective tube in a tube-in-shell heat exchanger which entails inserting within the defective tube a tubular sleeve and sealingly bonding the end regions of the sleeve to the tube to bridge the defect, the tubular sleeve having axial flexibility (for example by being circumferentially corrugated). The sleeve may be mechanically keyed to the tube at positions adjacent to the bonding at the end regions of the sleeve.

Abstract: A mechanism for aligning a tire on a wheel in a single station comprising a rotating mechanism to rotate either the wheel or tire. A sensing mechanism to sense the presence of indicia on one of the wheel or tire as it is rotated and to then actuate a holding mechanism to grip either the wheel or tire thus preventing rotation. The sensing mechanism further senses the presence of indicia on the other of the wheel or tire as it is rotated and to cause the rotation thereof to stop at a predetermined location to assure accurate relative alignment of the wheel and tire.

Abstract: A method for producing a nondirectional pen includes the steps of drawing a metal pipe to form a pen blank having three or more radial blade sections extending along the length of the pen blank and equally spaced angularly away from one another, each of the radial blade sections including an internal gap extending along the length of that blade section; cutting the pen blank into pen bodies having a predetermined length; shaping the forward end of each of the pen bodies into a substantially conical configuration; slotting the pen body from its tip to form longitudinal slots each aligning with the internal gap of the corresponding radial blade section; and providing a hard pen point capable of writing.

Abstract: A method for producing a nondirectional pen includes the steps of drawing a solid metal rod to form a pen blank having three or more radial blade sections extending along the length of the pen blank and equally spaced angularly away from one another; cutting the pen blank into pen bodies having a predetermined length; shaping the forward end of each of the pen bodies into a substantially conical configuration; welding a pen point ball to the tip of the pen body; slotting the pen body from its tip to a predetermined depth through the pen point ball to form longitudinal slots; and plastically deforming the pen body to close the slots.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying gasket meaterial to the skirt of a gasket for the mounting cup of an aerosol container, wherein the gasket material is mechanically applied to the mounting cup through the use of a novel mandrel and cutting arrangement. A mounting cup, having a uniquely placed gasket, said gasket extending from the skirt into the channel of the mounting cup.

Abstract: The method of mounting a radar reflector on an artillery shell contemplates providing a body constituted by a functional element and a sleeve element formed rotationally-symmetrical about a lengthwise axis of said body with at least one explosive device arranged at least at the neighborhood of an outer surface of said sleeve element near to one end of said sleeve element and remote from the functional element. The body is mounted on the artillery shell and the explosive device is detonated in order to establish a form-locking connection of the sleeve element with the shell. The detonation of the explosive device severs the sleeve element at the region of said one end of said sleeve element in order to provide a substantially straight-lined closure of the sleeve element about the artillery shell in order to avoid undesirably altering ballistic characteristics of the artillery shell.

Abstract: The method for spacing the folds of a folded filter media assembly includes the steps of separating the folds of the filter media by the use of the tapered assembly comb having uniformly spaced teeth and subsequently inserting a rigid divider into the separated and spaced media folds to produce a uniformly spaced filter media. The comb can be discarded after the divider is inserted, and, accordingly, the comb is made of an inexpensive material having a desired degree of rigidity for handling, e.g., cardboard. The uniformly spaced filter media assembly is inserted into an operative position for filtering, e.g., as an air filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for flush mounting a washing unit in a working leaf or the like and a strip to be used with this method. An opening corresponding to the washing unit (2) is made in the working leaf (1), while the strip (6, 22, 29) is fastened to the working leaf edge which defines this opening so that the upper edge (9) of the strip substantially joins the upper surface (14) of the working leaf (1). The strip in cross-section is substantially U-shaped, wherein the peripheral edge (17) of the washing unit (2) has a thickness greater than the distance between the ends of the legs (11, 12) of the strip. The lower leg (12) of the strip is a relatively rigid carrying flange, while the upper leg (11) is a relatively soft resilient sealing ribbon. The washing unit (2) is positioned with the one surface of its peripheral edge (17) on the one leg of the strip (6, 22, 29) and thereafter the other leg of the strip is applied to the exposed surface of the peripheral edge of the washing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically loading a series of hairpin tubes into a magazine that is used to temporarily store the tubes so that they can be later laced into a fin pack. The magazine contains individual open-ended compartments for receiving and storing the tubes therein. The compartments are indexed into a loading station having a ram for driving hairpins into the indexed compartment. A gripping mechanism is also located in the loading station having fingers that engage the extended legs of the hairpin and guide the legs into the magazine compartment.

Abstract: A hose construction, a hose clamp structure and methods of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a hose made primarily of polymeric material and having a reinforcing wire, and an outer hose clamp structure connected to the hose and having two ends which when interconnected together are adapted to secure the hose onto a member telescoped in the hose by tightly engaging a substantially annular portion of the hose around the member. The hose clamp structure has a groove therein that nestably receives part of the reinforcing wire therein. Fastening members secure the nested part of the reinforcing wire to the hose clamp structure whereby the fastening members connect the hose clamp structure to the hose.

Abstract: A resin cladding is extruded onto a base strip 10 that is assembled into a cushioned automotive pull strap handle. This is done by feeding a continuous length of base strip 10 through an extrusion mold 12 that forms a continuous resin cladding 13 surrounding base strip 10 and providing raised shoulders 15 extending along longitudinal side edges of strip 10. Discrete strips 30 are cut from continuous strip 10 and resin cladding 13 is cut and stripped away from end regions 31 of discrete strips 30. Apertures 33 are punched in end regions 31 and discrete strips 30 are assembled into strap handles. Resin cladding 13 can also be cut and stripped away from end regions 31 before discrete strips 30 are cut from continuous strip 10.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an automatic tool exchanging system for an NC machining tool, in which a tool column stored with tools to be fed to the spindle head of the NC machining tool is adapted to move in accordance with the movement of the spindle head. The tools are transferred between a tool magazine and the tool column while the spindle head continues its machining operation.

Abstract: Process for producing a laser having several wavelengths, wherein:a first double heterostructure is produced by epitaxy with an active layer having a first composition,the first double heterostructure obtained is etched into the substrate, through a mask having openings in the form of strips, which leads to a substrate on which there are strips of the first double heterostructure separated by etched portions,a second double heterostructure with an active layer having a second composition is grown in the etched portions,a groove is formed between the first and second heterostructures down to the contact layer, andthe groove undergoes proton bombardment.The invention also relates to the laser obtained by this process.Application to optical telecommunications.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a wafer of single crystal semiconductor material having a first surface with an input surfacing region which extends into the wafer from the first surface and a second surface with a charge storage portion which includes a plurality of discrete charge storing regions which extend into the wafer of the second surface. The wafer includes a potential barrier within the input signal sensing portion for controlling blooming. The wafer is improved by including a passivation region within the input sensing portion for stabilizing the energy level of the conductivity band of the minority carriers at the Fermi energy level of the semiconductor wafer. Additionally, an electrical leakage reduction region extends into the wafer from the second surface. The leakage reduction region is contiguous with each of the discrete charge storage regions.

Abstract: A novel method and device for accurately aligning a substrate comprising a silicon wafer in the fabrication of a silicon vertical junction solar cell are described which comprise a base plate having a recess therein defining an opening for snugly receiving the wafer, the recess including a substantially straight portion for mating with a cleaved edge of known crystallographic orientation provided on the wafer, and a mask plate for covering the base plate and wafer, the mask including a pattern in predetermined configuration through which the wafer may be exposed in the fabrication process for the solar cell.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is made that includes an insulated gate transistor and a buried contact. The buried contact is used to divide an active device area in two discrete parts, that are doped during source-drain doping in other active device mesas of the integrated circuit. Discrete contacts to these regions, along with the buried contact, provide an additional type of electrical component in the integrated circuit, such as a bipolar lateral transistor.

Abstract: Leads (22) of an electrical component (20) are positioned within and extend through a plurality of apertures (74) formed through a substrate (54). The substrate (54) includes a circuit (56) formed on one major surface thereof and a plurality of contacts (76) mounted thereon which is electrically connected to the circuit (56) and which overlaps a portion of the appropriate one of the plurality of apertures (74) formed therethrough. A lead pusher (32) moves the leads (22) into engagement with the contacts (76). Thereafter, free ends of the leads (22) are moved beyond a point of engagement between the leads and the contacts (76) so that the lead is flexed to insure a firm engagement between the leads and the contacts.