Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided with a toilet seat (1) as well as a toilet lid (8), which can be separated for cleaning from each other and from a bidet (42) arranged in a hollow projection of the toilet seat (1) by simple manipulations and without tools. Flank parts (38, 39), which are pivotably mounted on the housing (17) of the bidet with support pins (12, 13) made in one piece on the inside of the housing, are made in one piece with the toilet seat assembly (1). Actuating members, which cooperate with an elastic tongue (25) or with a disk (21) of the bidet (42) to actuate a pressure switch (27) or a valve (28), are also arranged in these flank parts. The housing (17) of the bidet (42) is closed practically completely and is protected from splashing water even when the toilet seat has been removed.

Abstract: A device for transporting a patient in a standing/leaning position comprises a front frame extending upwardly from a wheeled base and a rear frame also extending upwardly. The rear frame has horizontal portions which are pivotally connected to the top of the front frame and the rear frame is further provided with a pair of under arm lifting bars. The front frame is further provided with a foot support at the bottom thereof and a knee support at substantially the midpoint thereof such that when the patient in the seated position places his feet on the foot support and knee support the rear frame can be pivoted forwardly so that the under arms of the patient are engaged by the lifting bars and the patient is lifted into a standing/leaning position by rearward pivoting of the rear frame. A modification of the device comprises a fixed rear frame with lifting arms extending forwardly therefrom and attached to the top of the front frame.

Abstract: A pressure controlled inflatable pad for supporting the body of a patient including a source of inflating fluid which provides a flow of fluid to inflate the pad through a fluid supply line. As the fluid flows through the fluid supply line, it passes through a sensor located beneath the pad to reduce fluid flow to an exhaust if the pad is insufficiently inflated to support the patient's body.

Abstract: Upholstered seating is provided, having a drainable, quick drying cushion. The cushion has an inner core of drainable bonded or densified fiber filling material and a lower portion having a plurality of openings. The frame of the seating has liquid transporting frame members, as well as a cushion supporting surface having a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A sheet or blanket construction for end fitting onto a mattress is provided with an expandable end pocket that extends along the width of the sheet and into which the mattress is fitted. An elastic material is incorporated into the edges of the end pocket, and along with integrally formed gathers, provides the necessary expandable characteristics of the pocket. This enables the sheet to be fitted onto commercially sized mattresses, and to tightly enclose the end of the mattress, without slipping out of position. Also, if desired, the sheet edges may be trimmed to a suitable width and then seamed. When users, particularly children, lie under the sheet it will not become dislodged, while providing adequate foot room in the pocket for the user.

Abstract: A system is provided for the collection, storage and disposal of human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendible through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress includes a permeable core and an air-impermeable covering bonded to the core. The mattress is inflatable to provide the desired supporting pressure for the patient and also to assist in positioning the patient in relation to the aperture and the patient interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for evacuating persons of decreased mobility from a building, such as a hospital, in the event of emergency. It provides a device for moving a supine person by lifting or sliding. The device comprises an elongated, planar, rigid base portion on which the person lies and a lower surface provided with a layer of carpeting for sliding on a surface, flaps having adjustable straps for securing the person on the base portion, handles attached to each end of the base portion whereby the device may be pulled from either end, and handles attached to both sides of the base portion whereby the device may be lifted from said both sides.

Abstract: A seat cushion is shown, of the type commonly used in conjunction with wheelchairs, but not necessarily limited to wheelchair seating. The seat cushion has a flat rigid base on which a shaped foam section with sides which angle outwardly and upwardly is supported. The foam section has a recessed area defined therein, to accommodate either a viscoelastic foam insert, or preferably a fluid-filled pad which is stuffed or accordion-folded into the recess. A suitable cover of two-way stretch moisture-proof fabric is provided. The fluid-filled pad is sealed peripherally along at least the front edge and both sides. The rear edge may also be permanently sealed, or may be provided with a variable position resealable closure extending across the rear end. At least one seam runs from the front edge to near the rear edge, to divide the pad into at least two and preferably three compartments.

Abstract: A device to comfortably keep an infant on its side while sleeping. The infant side support sleeper (shown in FIG. 3) is comprised of a back support (25) and stomach support (26) attached with material (11) in which an infant is laid on its side in between the two supports in order to keep the infant in a stationary position on its side.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for maintaining hunting arrows is disclosed. The tool is a sharpener capable of sharpening broadheads, a wrench capable of tightening or loosening broadheads screwed onto an arrow, and a dresser capable of dressing the fletched end of an arrow so that the arrow effectively will receive a nock. The tool has an elongated body with integral longitudinal ridges to enhance its appearance and to facilitate gripping, and is preferably molded of ABS plastic in two pieces. The sharpener and wrench are at the bottom, and the dresser is at the top of the tool. The sharpener comprises a shallow channel running diagonally across the face of the bottom, normal to the axis of the tool, with a plurality of small hard rods imbedded in the sides of the groove. Sharpening is effected by movement of the edge of a broadhead along the shallow groove.

Abstract: A combination bottle opener and can opener is disclosed. A bottle opening element may be movably connected to a can opening element. The bottle opening element may include a first end having an angled portion and a protrusion that cooperate to define a bottle cap receiving area. The bottle opening element may also include an angled body section. The can opening element may include a cutting blade pivotally connected to a body part. The cutting blade may include a cutting edge, a cut-out portion and a plurality of projections. The body part may include a strengthening rib, a tapered edge and a can rim receiving notch. In an open, extended position the combination opener has length greater than the bottle opening element or can opening element alone. This greater length increases the leverage and decreases the amount of force necessary to open a bottle or can, respectively.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush which includes a toothbrush body (12) and a lever arm (14) having toothbrush bristles (18) at one end thereof. The lever arm (14) is mounted for pivotal movement at a pivot member (16) which is in the vicinity of the other end of the lever arm (14). In one embodiment, a pair of permanent magnets (44, 46) are provided at the other end of the lever arm (14), positioned side-by-side with opposite polarities. An electromagnet (24) is provided to the rear of the lever arm (14). The elecromagnet (24) includes an E-core having top, bottom and center legs (30, 31, 33) with a coil (36) wound around its center leg (33) which receives an alternating current driving signal from an oscillator/battery section (38). The frequency of operation is in the range of 150-400 Hz. The action of the alternating current in the electromagnet (24) causes the lever arm (14) to move about the pivot member (16), first in one direction and then in an opposing direction to provide the desired vibrating effect.

Abstract: A single triple/twin wiper replacement carrier and blade unit for a twin wiper unit having parallel extending struts interconnected by a bridge is comprised of a flexible carrier formed by at least two or three essentially parallel struts defining a longitudinal direction, a bridge structure coupling the struts to each other in an essentially parallel relationship, at least two conventional wiper blades, each of the blades extending in the longitudinal direction essentially parallel to the struts, the blades being supported by and extending downward from the carrier and means for attaching the wiper replacement carrier and blade unit to a twin wiper unit wherein each of the struts is capable of receiving each of the blades. There are attachment elements for removably attaching the carrier to a twin wiper unit. The wiper replacement carrier may either be a triple or twin wiper replacement carrier, either of which may be removably attachable to a twin wiper unit.

Abstract: This specification discloses a central vacuum cleaning system for use in a motor vehicle, which is self-contained and portable and is installed in a convenient part of the car such as the trunk. The unit is powered by the battery of the vehicle and does not require access to public power facilities. The cleaning unit is installed for easy placement and removable in the vehicle, with snap-in hose connections for convenience. The vacuum cleaner central unit is formed in two parts which are easily opened by a snap means for emptying the waste collection chamber. The waste collection chamber is designed such that debris and liquid waste remain in the bottom of the chamber during operation and during the emptying procedures, so that such wastes do not reach the filter and the electric motor area of the unit.

Abstract: An air distribution system of a car wash air blower system is provided for directing air to a vehicle travelling along a predefined path using an air producer mounted on each side of the path for producing flowing air. An air distribution system associated with each air producer directs air along a plurality of predefined routes from the air producer to a plurality of locations along the path. The predefined routes are substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane containing the vehicle path. Nozzle assemblies are attached to the distribution system at the ends of the predefined routes for directing air toward a vehicle travelling along the vehicle path. The air producer completely encloses a fan and drive motor. A pivoting hinge hinges a first section of a duct relative to a second section of a duct. The first hinge section is pivotally secured to the second hinge section in a manner allowing rotation of the second hinge section about a defined axis of air travel.

Abstract: The specification discloses a wet vacuum/extractor including an add-on liquid dispensing system. A liquid supply tank removably mounts on the vacuum and couples with the vacuum exhaust for momentarily pressurizing the tank to prime the liquid dispensing system. A remote pump is included at the wand handle and is powered by low voltage current from the vacuum.

Abstract: A snow and ice remover having a scraper, and a device for passing a heated fluid along the scraper onto the ice.

Abstract: A cleaning head assembly for a vacuum cleaning apparatus of the wet, dry and wet/dry types includes a rotatably driven brush carried within and laterally spanning the head assembly. A first vacuum chamber extends through the cleaning head assembly from a first inlet opening adjacent to a surface to be cleaned and laterally spanning the head assembly on one side of the brush, to a first exhaust port. A second vacuum chamber extends through the cleaning head assembly from a second inlet opening adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and laterally spanning the head assembly on a second, opposite, side of the brush relative to the first inlet opening, to a second exhaust port. A slidable gate valve selectively couples one end of a flexible hose to one of the exhaust ports for selective vacuuming of debris through either the first or the second inlet openings.

Abstract: A flexible closure support system comprising two end brackets secured to walls with a rail therebetween and supported thereon. A plurality of carriers are carried by the rail and are freely movable the length of the rail. The carriers have button assemblies hooked to one end and roller assemblies hooked to the other end of a symmetric shank. The flexible closure is fastened to the carriers by buttons on the button assemblies; the roller assemblies slide and roll in a roller channel in the rail. Pivoting, pendulum locks attached to the end brackets limit upward movement of the rails when engaging the upper surface of the rail but can be rotated out of the way with the thumb to remove the rail. Optional, resilient accent strips can be pressed into a channel running the length of the rail.

Abstract: A dual curtain rod unit for installation between opposite walls of a shower stall, the unit having an outer rod, a substantially bow-shaped inner rod of uninterrupted, substantially smooth outer surface construction over its entire functional length, a keying shaft on each end portion of the inner rod, a pair of end plates adapted for attachment to opposite walls of a shower stall, a first socket in a forward portion of each of the end plates for receiving and supporting the ends of the outer rod, and a keying socket in a rearward portion of each of the end plates for receiving and supporting the keying shafts of the inner rod in a mating, sliding fit, non-rotative manner with the bow of the inner rod facing toward the outer rod, the keying sockets being the only points of attachment of the inner rod, thus allowing for the uninterrupted surface thereof along its entire functional length for permitting slide hangers mounted thereon to slide without significant resistance.

Abstract: An improved medicine cabinet is constructed predominantly from molded plastic components adapted for rapid assembly. The medicine cabinet includes a forwardly open main housing having preformed grooves therein which cooperate with one or more upright central shelf support brackets to support an array of half width shelf members in a customized geometry of half and full width shelves. The medicine cabinet further includes an improved self-closing hinge assembly for swingably supporting a mirror door from the cabinet housing, wherein the hinge assembly does not require metal parts. The mirror door includes a recessed baseplate for stable nested reception of a glass mirror, in combination with an improved mirror frame adapted for simple snap fit mounting onto the baseplate.

Abstract: A flexible elongate strap for collecting and transporting recyclable milk containers includes opposite ends which can be fastened together, with one of the ends containing an opening, and the medial section of the strap defining a slot. A first milk container is attached to the strap by passing a first end of the strap through the handle of the container and then through the slot to form a loop around the handle. The end of the strap is then passed through the handles of additional containers which are retained on the strap by the first container. The hole in the end of the strap allows the strap and its attached containers to be suspended from a hook for storage. Prior to transporation the ends of the strap are fastened together to secure the containers to the strap.

Abstract: Threadless button apparatus includes a button portion and a retainer portion, with the two portions being secured together with a frictional engagement between a stem or shank which extends outwardly from a button and a lock cylinder in the retainer. There is an outwardly extending protuberance on the shank of the button and an inwardly extending ridge portion at the upper part of the lock cylinder in the retainer. The inwardly extending ridge portion receives the outwardly extending protuberance for frictionally securing the two portions of the button together. The outer or distal end of the shank includes a needle nosed portion which curls over in the lock cylinder of the retainer and which straightens out as the button and retainer are separated so that the two elements may be taken apart and may be reused.

Abstract: The clasp includes a first part composed of a base plate surmounted by at least one stud, the first part being inserted in one or more holes of two superimposed lengths of a watch strap, and a second part surrounding the two lengths of watch strap. The top portion of the second part is provided with a longitudinal slot extending to at least one edge of the top portion in which a notch is intended to receive the end of a stud. This clasp simplifies the manufacture of the watch strap and avoids any wear and tear on the watch strap during use thereof.

Abstract: Latching means is provided for retaining a plastic slider in closed position when the slider reaches the closed end of its travel along a zipper. The latching means disclosed is in the form of a detent on the plastic slider which engages with a protrusion on the zipper track to provide the feel of a secure closure and retain the slider in a closed position.

Abstract: This device creates a joint between two flexible surfaces that can be done and undone with the ease of an ordinary zipper. The device consists of edges on the surfaces to be joined. These edges consist of continuous multiple channels in the form of ridges and grooves and a joining aid in the form of a Flared Y shape tube which when pulled over the surface edges to be joined would apply force in four directions and would force the grooves and ridge channels to fit in each other at the correct angles creating a multiple seal, thereby each of the seals consisting of tightly fitting rod and its corresponding groove. The groove channel openings are offset from each other creating a joint resistance to pull in any direction. The flared Y tube has three tapered edges inside the tube which apply force in separating the three rod/groove sets if the tube is pulled over the joint in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A snap fit cable retainer is illustrated for accommodating multiple diameter cables in a snug fit configuration by having the bit portion between adjacent side legs being closer to the extremities of the legs than is the main bit portion of the overall connector. In this way, large diameter cables can be run lengthwise through the retainer and smaller diameter cables can be run crosswise through the retainer. The retainer can also accommodate a layer of cables in each direction simultaneously by placing the lower level in the crosswise direction through the retainer and the second layer on top in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A cover for securing about an engaged closure device comprising a body having an upper portion and a lower portion that define a cavity therebetween to accept and enclose the closure device. A locking system of flanges engageable in slots is provided to releasably secure the upper and lower portions together to prevent access to the closure device thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized opening of the engaged closure.

Abstract: A snap fastener has a female member including a snap type resilient clamp having a dished resilient actuator plate and a plurality of legs depending from the periphery thereof having inwardly extending hooks on the free ends and a casing in which the clamp is positioned, and a male member having a hook receiving recess therearound and insertable into the space within the legs with the hook receiving recess in opposed relation to the hooks for causing the male member to be gripped by the hooks when the clamp is in a closed position and for freeing the male member for movement into and out of the space when the snap type resilient clamp is in an open position.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layer non-woven multiple biased fabric is disclosed. A layer of fabric is directed in a longitudinal direction of travel, wherein the layer of fabric is comprised of a plurality of structural fibers oriented substantially parallel to each other and oriented at an angle to the longitudinal center line of the fabric. The layer of fabric may or may not be previously biased. If not previously biased, then the structural yarns of the fabric are biased in a biasing stage to form a layer of single bias structural fabric having the structural fibers biased to the fabric centerline. The single biased fabric layer is led into at least one folding stage for folding the biased layer longitudinally from one edge toward another to form a multiple biased fabric. The multiple biased fabric is led from the at least one folding stage into an affixing stage for affixing the multiple biased fabric together to provide a single structural fabric being multiple biased.

Abstract: Solid electrolyte capacitors are produced in such a way that a formed metallic anode body which has pores passing through it is arranged on a working electrode, and a conductive polymer is deposited in the pores of the anode body by electochemical polymerization of a monomer in the liquid phase, in the presence of a conducting salt. The polymer is provided with a contact point.

Abstract: A transducer for a stringed musical instrument incorporating an electrically conductive ground plane, along with a piezoelectric transducer and a conductive strip. The piezoelectric transducer is comprised of a polyvinylidene flouride co-polymer. The ground plane, piezoelectric transducers and conductive strip are secured in a elongated unitary structure with the ground plane and conductive strip disposed on opposite sides of the transducers. A conductive shield is disposed about the unitary structure and electrical leads connect to the ground plane and conductive strip, respectively.

Abstract: An upholstering device wherein a single piece upholstering device may be used to cover a surface, having both straight and curved perimeters, with fabric. The upholstering device has elevating sections and joining sections. The upholstering device forms its own piping when fabric is secured to perimeter of surface to be covered.Also, method of covering a surface with a single piece upholstering device. The fabric is secured to the surface with fasteners passing through the fabric and the joining section of the upholstering device. By securing the fabric to the surface, the elevating sections are drawn together, forming piping.

Abstract: A mast forming and deployment system comprising a storage reel for storing a strip of sheet metal wound on the reel, and a tube forming a deployment apparatus. The strip is fed to ploy guides that form the sheet metal into a tube with overlapping edges. A drive system feeds the strip of sheet metal to and through the tube forming apparatus and drives staples which hold together the overlapping edges.

Abstract: An automatic pallet switching mechanism comprising a pallet support for accommodating a work pallet in a fixed position, a pallet changer for elevating and rotating the work pallet, and pallet fixing structure having clamping apparatus. For fixing the work pallet at a precise position the fixing structure comprises two clamping slides biased against one another and provided with keys for locking engagement in lateral keyways formed on a locking bolt. At least one of the clamping slides is formed with a lateral recess for engagement therein of a control element. Inside the pallet support there is mounted at least one shaft carrying the control element at one end thereof and having its other end adapted to be coupled with the pallet changer via an operating member.

Abstract: A deflection controlled roll has a rotatable shell supported on a non-rotating central beam by a plurality of individual shoes which are positioned transversely of the beam between the beam and the shell. A curved semicylindrical surface of the shoe bears against an inside surface of the shell and is hydrodynamically lubricated by an oil film, in the nature of a plain bearing. The shoes are biased by inflatable air lift bellows which are positioned within recesses within the shoe, between the shoe and the beam. The shoes are mounted on the beam on pins which provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement. An improved drive for the roll shell has a cog belt sheave mounted on the shell in concentric relation to one of the shell support bearings. A cog-type drive belt is threaded on the sheave, and a drive pulley for the drive belt is positioned normal to the direction of shell deflection such that the deflections do not change the spacing between the pulley and the sheave.

Abstract: A roller for compressing of webs of material comprises a rotating hollow roller traversed lengthwise by a stationary crosshead. Hydraulic loading devices in the form of sealing members act on the inside circumference of the hollow roller and delimit hydrostatic bearing pockets to which hydraulic pressure fluid can be supplied. The extension of the sealing members is limited by head bolts, which make it possible to position the hollow roller relative to the crosshead during operation.

Abstract: Microminiature pressure transducers are formed on semiconductor substrates such as silicon and include a membrane which spans a cavity over the substrate, with the membrane being mounted to and sealed to the substrate at the peripheral edges of the membrane. The bottom of the cavity forms an overpressure stop to prevent over deflections of the membrane toward the substrate. An overpressure stop formed as a bridge of a material such as nickel extends above the membrane and is spaced therefrom to allow the membrane to deflect freely under normal pressure situations but prevent over deflections. The thickness of the polysilicon membrane and the spacing between the membrane and the overpressure stops is preferably in the range of 10 micrometers or less, and typically in the range of one micrometer. The overpressure stop bridge is formed utilizing deep X-ray lithography to form a well-defined bridge structure.

Abstract: A system for reducing a paperboard drum to recyclable components including a cutter assembly receiving and rotating the chime end of a drum and severing the sidewall from the chime. A pair of pivot arms subsequently engage the drum header and sidewall and effect a general axial shifting thereof for partial disengagement of the released chime for subsequent manual removal of the chime and header. The resultant drum sidewall is guided, for movement on a helical path, into a chopper assembly which cuts the sidewall into a continuous helical strip which is immediately chopped into short lengths for disposal.

Abstract: A grommet assembly for a wall panel and method of installation. The grommet assembly includes a grommet structure for insertion into the aperture made through a wall panel and includes pivotal locking arms for locking at the back face of the wall panel. An insert sleeve provides a circular wall that upon insertion into the grommet pivots the pivotal lock arms of the grommet. The insert sleeve is further provided with snap-engagement members that snap-engage to the circular wall of the grommet so that the grommet assembly is fastened together and to the wall panel. A retention ring may be used prior to cutting an aperture in the wall to secure fabric, or other wall coverings, around the aperture to be cut to prevent displacement or tearing, and to protect the outer wall surface. The method includes the field installation of the grommet assembly from one side of a wall panel.

Abstract: A rivet setting anvil is provided with a replaceable clinching head that allows the rivet rolling surface to be replaced without replacing the entire anvil. The clinching head may be threaded to the pedestal portion of the anvil or retained with a set screw.

Abstract: A method for rapid tool manufacturing comprising the steps of first building an SFF pattern made of plastic to be used to make a first die half. Then there is the step of spraying metal onto the pattern to form a first metal substrate. Next, there is the step of separating the substrate from the SFF pattern to form the first die half. Then there is the step of building a second SFF pattern to be used to make a second die half. Next, there is the step of spraying metal onto the second SFF pattern to form a second metal substrate. Then there is the step of separating the second metal substrate from the second SFF pattern to form the second die half. In a preferred embodiment, the method for rapid tool manufacturing the second die half is formed by first the step of building an SFF model of a part to be molded. Then, there is the step of inserting the model into the first die half. Next, there is the step of spraying metal onto the model in the first die half to form a second metal substrate.

Abstract: A plastic molded fuel rail includes a plurality of core fuel injector assemblies molded within the fuel rail. Each core fuel injector assembly includes a magnetic core, electrical coil bobbin having electrical contacts extending therefrom, and axial fuel passageway. The magnetic core, coil bobbin assembly, and electrical contacts are hermetically sealed from the fuel passageways. An armature and sleeve including a needle and seat valve are inserted into the core fuel injector assemblies to provide fuel injectors. Trimming resistors are appropriately selected connected in series between each fuel injector and a corresponding electronic driver to achieve substantially uniform fuel flow through each fuel injector of the fuel rail.

Abstract: A parts mounting apparatus comprises a front panel which includes a plurality of switches for selecting one required operating mode among manual, semi-automatic and automatic operations, and related lamps therewith for indicating the relevant function, the front panel being disposed in front of a main body, a foot switch connected to the body through an electric cord of a predetermined length, a work table on which a jig for parts and a jig for memory boards are disposed, and which is guided along guide bars which extend between two parallel support members, the members being disposed at both sides on the upper surface of the main body at a front portion thereof, both ends of the guide bar being fixed at the support member and stops being attached at the guide bar at predetermined positions respectively, and a part carrier being disposed on the upper surface at a rear portion thereof, including a fixed plate which is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the main body, a support plate which is spaced apart

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the locking bend on a Pittsburgh type seam used in joining the sections during assembly of box-shaped sheet metal ducts. The apparatus provides a means for securely holding the duct without the use of a mandrel to permit the sheet metal along the seam to be bent over by a forming roller moving along the seam so as to complete the joint and lock the seam.

Abstract: An apparatus operable for inserting an arcuate thrust metal insert into an arcuate gap defined by a surface of a crank arm of a crankshaft and an arcuate groove formed on an end face of a bearing portion of a cylinder block, when the crankshaft is positioned on the cylinder block such that a journal formed adjacent to the crank arm of the crankshaft is fitted on an arcuate concave bearing surface of the bearing portion. The apparatus includes a device for holding the insert and positioning the insert at a circumferential position of the journal opposite to the arcuate bearing surface of the bearing portion diametrically of the journal, such that the insert is substantially concentric with the arcuate groove.

Abstract: An electrical cable loosening device, for loosening an electric cable having a conductor wire covered by an insulating material, has a clamping unit, a stop unit, and a pounding unit. The clamping unit clamps the electrical cable. The pounding unit pounds and bends the cable end portion against the stop unit. Thus, the insulating material separates from the conductor wire at the end portion to facilitate the stripping of the insulating material.

Abstract: A flexible circuit is staked to an ink-jet pen body to resist peeling from the body and to provide a flat surface to which mechanisms for enclosing the pen nozzles can be sealed. Also disclosed is a staking apparatus and method for ensuring flatness and uniform bonding of the staked circuit.

Abstract: In locking metal terminals in a connector, a terminal locking jig having engaging prongs which are extended respectively so as to be engaged with terminal accommodating chambers in the rear end portion of a connector housing is inserted into a terminal-locking-member accommodating chamber formed surrounding the terminal accommodating chambers, to drive the metal terminals which are not completely locked yet to the positions where the metal terminals are completely locked, and thereafter a terminal locking element having engaging prongs which are extended in the same manner is inserted into the connector housing from the rear or side. Thus, the terminal locking member can be engaged with the connector housing with ease.

Abstract: A method for sealing the internal peripheral surface of a tube, such as a heat exchanger tube. A plug is provided which includes a plug body and at least one annular wing formed on an outer periphery of the plug body. The plug is chilled to a temperature below a transition temperature of the plug, then the annular wing or wings are bent backward such that the outer diameter is decreased to a diameter which is less than an inner diameter of the tube to be sealed. The chilled plug is then inserted into an open end of the tube, until a back portion of the plug is flush with the open end of the tube. As the ambient temperature heats the plugs, the plug returns to an undeformed state such that the annular wings return to a state of increased diameter, thereby sealing the tube. In order to ensure that the plug returns to this undeformed state, the plug is formed of a material having at least two allotropic states.