Abstract: The bath tub (10) having side access has a main tub body (12), a door support, a tambour door assembly (16), a door seal 18 and a control system (20). The door support includes door guide assemblies (64). A tambour door (66) with a plurality of tambour slats (76 or 401) and a flexible impervious membrane (86) is guided by the door guide assemblies (64). The tambour door (66) is in a horizontal position under the floor (27) when it is open and in a vertical position closing the open side (28) of the main tub body (12) when it is closed. A seal (18) seals between the main tub body and the membrane (86). The seal (18) includes a tube (155) that is inflated to seal between the main tub (12) and the tambour door (66). The control system (20) closes the drain 46 when the tambour door (66) is closed and the seal (18) is inflated and the tambour door (66) is constrained in the closed position.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible device for holding shower articles such as shampoo, soap, or lotion comprising a loop for suspending the device from a shower head, a plurality of ropes connected to the loop, and hooks for holding the shower articles to the ends of the ropes opposite the suspending loop. Preferably, the loop is formed of rubber or plastic which will grip the neck pipe of a shower head. The device may be used at home or packs easily for travelling.

Abstract: A proximity controlled sanitary fitting is provided with a manually operated electric selector switch (6) which is formed the same way as a handle of a conventional manually operated sanitary fitting. The selector switch (6) can be see in various operating positions associated to different operating modes of the sanitary fitting. Among these operating modes there are in particular the following ones: normal detection of a user; deactivation of the non-tactile detection; and opening the fitting regardless of the electronic detection. Thus the electric selector switch can be optically integrated into the design of the sanitary fleeing in a way readily accepted by the public.

Abstract: A rest pad (1,1.sup.1) for an infant is described, which is provided with a preferably padded bottom (2,2.sup.1) delimited on at least one side thereof by an essentially straight, elevated rim section (3,3.sup.1), said elevated rim section (3,3.sup.1) being formed by a filling material, which is received in a hollow reception space such that it can be removed therefrom for the purpose of lowering said rim section (3,3.sup.1). In order to be able to use such a rest pad universally and with variable sizes, it is suggested that the hollow reception space should be defined by a loop (3a to 3d, 3.sup.1 a to 3.sup. d) connected via a predetermined bending boundary (4a to 4d, 4.sup.1 a to 4.sup.1 d) to the bottom (2,2.sup.1) in such a way that, for increasing or reducing the size of the rest pad, said loop, together with the filling material, can be folded inwards towards said bottom (2,2.sup.1) and outwards away from said bottom.

Abstract: A multipurpose sickbed which includes an excretion collector mounted around an opening on an intermediate bed plate thereof for collecting waste excreted from the body of the patient as the patient is turned to a sitting position by a hydraulic cylinder, a water supply system controlled to spray warm water for cleaning the pubes and anus of the patient and cold water for cleaning the excretion collector after the act of excreting, an air dryer controlled to dry the pubes and anus of the patient after the cleaning process, massagers mounted on a front bed plate of the bed body and controlled to massage the patient, a cover board controlled by a hydraulic cylinder and a linkage and a lifting mechanism to close up the opening on the intermediate bed plate after the act of excreting.

Abstract: A tool for scraping paint and dusting the loosened particles away. The tool fits in the pocket of the painter's overalls which is designed for the scraper alone, and it eliminates the need for a separate brush or rag to dust a surface clean for painting. The Dusper has snapping pins on the handle for removing and replacing the brush.

Abstract: In a method of dyeing yarn cheeses stacked on a spindle and pressed to a definite compression degree by flowing a dye liquor through the yarn layers, the dye liquor is flowed while undergoing pulsation in a minimized flow rate and a minimized flow pressure, thereby enabling even permeation of the dye liquor into yarn layers and accordingly, even dyeing.

Abstract: A shoe having a seamless exterior upper in contact with a seamless interior liner each fashioned from a single piece of material affixed to a sole and having a heel attached to the sole, the shoe being fashioned that, if an oxford type shoe is desired, the tongue and eyelet sections of the shoe being integrally formed from the single piece of material.

Abstract: A bridge or tunnel construction consisting of one or more arch units (10), each unit formed from a pair of reinforced concrete arch segments (11 and 12) interconnected to form the crown of the arch unit with the arch unit or units being overlaid with a compacted interacting soil layer.

Abstract: To improve dust removing performance and to prevent re-adhesion of dust in dust cleaner for removing dust adhering to the surface of an object such as a timepiece component by effecting blow-off dust removal and charge elimination by the use of a clean compressible fluid and an electric static ion eliminator. A clean compressible fluid is discharged from a clean compressible fluid nozzle to an object. When the object is an electro-statically charged article, an electric static ion mix clean compressible fluid containing electric static ions generated from an electric static ion eliminator is discharged to the object. It is possible to employ the structure wherein the object is set into a blow washing tray, and is moved up and down by the emission of the clean compressible fluid.

Abstract: The majority of currently available, submersible swimming pool cleaners operate in a random manner, i.e. follow no set path of travel along the bottom of a swimming pool. The result is that a lengthy period of time and large power consumption are required to clean an entire swimming pool. This problem is solved by a swimming pool cleaner of the submersible type including a casing which tapers from one end to the other thereof, a pair of wheels at the wide end of the casing, a single wheel at the narrow end of the casing, a drive system for driving each of the wheels, a cable for connecting the cleaner to a fixed point on one side of the pool, a cable tensioning device in the casing for changing the length and tension on the cable whereby the cleaner is caused to follow a predetermined path of travel over the entire inside area of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A sponge body of between 6"-12" long and square in transverse cross-section defining four 2" to 3" wide side surfaces is provided with an elongate handle, the inner end of which terminates approximately 1" to 2" short of the outer squared end of the sponge body which is formed with two perpendicular transverse notches providing a physical and visual guide for the sponge end to conform with moldings and to compressibly fit into tight spaces. The outer end of the handle terminates in a flared scraper blade. In a modified embodiment, the sponge end of the handle is formed with a brush element having bristles extending laterally beyond the plane of one side surface of the sponge.

Abstract: An improved tool for spreading bonding compound, or the like, on planar surfaces which, in a first embodiment, includes a contoured surface having two end tip portions and a midportion contained in a plane spaced between the end tip portions. The tool includes a back which gives structural integrity to the tool, and a flexible application outer edge connected to the application face. In use, the bonding compound is applied to the planar surface, and the projecting flexible outer edge of the application face is forced against the wall and pulled along to obtain a flat surface to spread the plaster out along the planar surface to spread the bonding compound evenly and smoothly over the planar surface. The flexible outer edge can be removable and replaceable for adjusting to varying surfaces and for easy maintenance.

Abstract: A toothbrush for simultaneously brushing the top and side faces of the user's teeth, comprising: first and second orthogonally disposed brush heads unitarily formed with an elongated body portion at one end thereof, the brush heads each comprising a plurality of flexibly adjoined segmented portions, each having a plurality of bristles rigidly attached thereto; and an elongated body having a unitarily formed grip handle at the opposite end thereof and integral provisions for allowing longitudinal twisting and flexing thereof to adjustably conform the toothbrush to the user's bite, the handle having external dimensions and peripheral surface undulations to facilitate comfortable grasping by the user to permit a high degree of control and maneuverability during the tooth cleansing process.

Abstract: A cleaning device 20 for cleaning a boat's deployed anchor chain 14, or for cleaning ropes, lines or similar items, and having: i) a generally O-shaped handle 21 having a central through opening 22 for permitting the user to grasp the handle 21, and at least two smaller through openings 24, 25 adjacent its opposite ends for permitting removable connection to a conventional boat hook 52 or to a retrieval line 26 and weight 29; ii) a pair of spaced, laterally projecting, generally cylindrical coaxial anchor chain guides 35, 36 rigidly secured to respective ones of the opposite ends of the handle 21, each having a longitudinally extending radial opening 39, 42 extending in different angular directions from the axis extending therethrough; and iii), a flexible, brush-like scrubbing medium 49, 50 bonded to the inner cylindrical surfaces of the anchor chain guides 35, 36 and having a plurality of cleaning bristles 50 extending radially inward towards, but terminating short of, the axis extending through the coaxial

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning adhesive particles and other foreign matter from a disk-shaped wafer mount plate used in semiconductor fabrication comprises a plurality of support rollers supporting the wafer mount plate horizontally for rotation about its own axis. One or more driving rollers are brought into frictional contact with the peripheral side surface of the wafer mount plate to rotationally drive the same. An upper surface washing brush, a lower surface washing brush and a side surface washing brush are movable into brushing contact with the upper, lower and peripheral side surfaces, respectively, of the wafer mount plate for simultaneously brushing all the surfaces thereof while a washing liquid is sprayed thereon. Then rinsing liquid is sprayed on the wafer mount plate, which is thereafter dried by blowing drying gas thereon.

Abstract: An upright cleaner is provided with both above the floor and normal floor operation by the provision of a conversion valve that is driven to converted position by movement of the cleaner handle to storage position. Reconversion also may be obtained by placement of the cleaner handle again in its operative cleaner manipulative range.

Abstract: The active vacuum cleaner nozzle of the invention exhibits a two-part housing having an attached suction pipe connecting socket. The two housing parts are pivotably hinge-connected to each other at their end opposite to the suction pipe connecting socket, the dividing joint between the two housing parts extending at least into the area of the suction pipe connecting socket. On the suction pipe connecting socket, a locking sleeve is disposed such that it can be displaced between a position enabling the housing to be opened and a locking position and such that it can be locked in place.

Abstract: A poppet valve cleaner 10 includes a frame 20, a poppet valve brush assembly and a carriage assembly. The poppet valve brush assembly includes a drive motor 32 and a pair of cup shaped steel wire brushes 44 and 46 driven by the motor. The carriage assembly includes a carriage support shaft 54 and a carriage plate 64 that is pivotally and slidably attached to the carriage support shaft. A chuck assembly 86 is mounted on the carriage plate 64. A drive roller 138 is mounted in the side walls 88 and 90 of the chuck assembly and is rotated by an electric motor 144. A valve stem 14 is positioned between idler rollers 96 and 98 and compression roller 108 that is biased toward the idler rollers by a compression spring 134. The idler rollers 96 and 98 are driven by drive roller 138 to rotate the poppet valve. The carriage plate 64 is manually movable to position the valve head 16 between the steel wire brushes 44 and 46 and to move surfaces of the valve into contact with the brushes to remove carbon from the valve.

Abstract: A caster-supporting device includes a connector which is adapted to be connected to a stroller frame, a caster-mounting member which is mounted rotatably to the connector and which is adapted to carry rotatably a caster, and a locking unit which locks releasably the caster-mounting member on the connector to set a direction of the caster. The connector extends rotatably into a first upright tube of the caster-mounting member and is formed with a retaining notch. The locking unit includes a spring-loaded control piece provided in a second upright tube of the caster-mounting member, and a lever connected pivotally to the second upright tube adjacent to a top end of the latter. The control piece is axially movable in the second upright tube and has a raised cam portion that extends normally out of an open top end of the second upright tube.

Abstract: A universal drag handle for assisting in lifting and moving heavy or difficult to handle loads that includes an elongated flexible shank that further includes a heavy duty cable enclosed within a coiled spring member that is preloaded to normally support the shank in a straight line configuration. The proximal end of the cable is secured in a handle and a hook is secured to the distal end of the cable which can be used to engage an article or can be turned back and attached to the flexible shank to create an adjustable load encircling loop therein.

Abstract: An improved end clamp for a multi-strand aramid rope has an outer sleeve formed with an internal bore having a taper of between 11/4 degrees and 13/4 degrees. A tapered wedging plug having a taper of between 21/4 degrees and 23/4 degrees is inserted into the sleeve bore and compresses separated equi-spaced strands of the rope therebetween in essentially tangential contact. An annular clearance space is formed between the larger end of the sleeve bore and the larger end of the tapered plug and has an area substantially equal to or slightly less than the area of the aramid material of the rope whereby the separated strands of the rope are in abutting engagement throughout the annular clearance space to increase the holding capability of the clamp. The ratio of the tapered plug length to the diameter of the uncompressed rope varies from about 9 to 1 and 11 to 1.

Abstract: A line tensioner includes a tensioner body and a first bore extending through the tensioner body. A second bore extends through the tensioner body in a manner spaced from the first bore. Also extending through the tensioner body are a third bore and a fourth bore which are spaced from the first and second bores as well as from each other. A line extends through the four bores of the tensioner body. The length of the line can be selectively adjusted by movement of the tensioner body. The desired length of line can then be tensioned in order to prevent a lengthening of the line.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a protective hood on a clamping collar of an angle grinder has, a clamping strap which has ends and is clampable together in the region of the ends, a clamping lever having one end and being pivotable at the one end about a pivot axis in respect of one of the ends of the clamping strap, and a transmission member which is engaged by the clamping lever and which engages at a distance from the clamping lever another of the ends of the clamping strap and during clamping brings the ends of the clamping strap nearer to one another. The transmission member, the clamping member, and the ends of the clamping strap form a toggle-lever device which during clamping contracts the clamping strap in the region of the ends of the clamping strap in a manner essentially free of any bending moment.

Abstract: A moisture-resistant fastener, which may be incorporated as part of a bag, pouch, wrapper, or liner, or which may be used as a protective garment closure, includes a pair of flexible closure strips. The strips include interlocking ribs and channels of complementary cross-sectional shape which lock together in an interference fit. The ribs have enlarged heads, and, complementarily, the channels have enlarged bottoms. At least one of the enlarged heads and enlarged bottoms has an integrally formed longitudinal gasket of a polymeric material softer than that used to extrude the flexible closure strips. When the flexible closure strips are locked together by forcing the ribs of one into the channels of the other to establish the interference fit, the longitudinal gasket is compressed and forms a moisture-resistant seal having an effectiveness heretofore not available or achievable.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric web is arranged for securement about the upper portion of a boot adjacent the entrance opening for securement to the opposed side edges of the lacing slot to receive the boot laces therewithin for storage.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing device includes a clip (20) which aligns and secures cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32) utilized within a three-rod optical fiber splicing device. The clip (20) is a generally cylindrically shaped component which is made of a resilient material and is positionable so as to encase three cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32). The clip (20) comprises a circular body portion (22) and two protruding leg portions (24 and 26) which extend from an point on the outer periphery of clip body (22). The two leg portions (24 and 26) are constructed and oriented such that they may be manipulated to controllably expand the inner diameter of clip body (22). To facilitate an optical fiber splice or connection, the clip (20) of the present invention allows the clip body (22) to be expanded to loosen the grip on rods (28, 30 and 32) held therein, thereby allowing the optical fiber ends to be inserted between the rods.

Abstract: A cargo fastening belt is provided with a detachable end metal fitting so that different types of end metal fittings can be provided for a single type of cargo fastening belt. A rail engaging metal fitting that is attached to one end of a cargo fastening belt is adapted to be detachably engaged with a slot in a rial for fastening cargo. The detachable end metal fitting is thus detachably attached to the rail engaging metal fitting by the provision of a slot in a metal fitting main body for connection with the rail engaging metal fitting. Alternatively, the cargo fastening belt may have a ring portion at one end thereof, and the detachable end metal fitting may be detachably attached to the ring portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat stretching a synthetic fiber rope. The rope is buoyed in a vessel containing a liquid medium, and this is heated to a predetermined stretching temperature. Tension is applied to the heated portion of the rope so as to stretch this to a predetermined increase in length. The process may be batchwise, or it may be continuous. In the batch process, a length of the rope is stretched in the heating vessel by a draw rod. In the continuous process, feed and take-up capstans pass the rope through a heating chamber, and then through a cooling chamber. The capstans are operated at different speeds so that the rope is tensioned and stretched between them within the vessel.

Abstract: Threads made from thermoplastic materials are textured, in that they are heated by a delivery medium in a delivery channel and conveyed through an orifice into a stuffer box where they are stuffed to form a plug. In order to maintain plug formation constant, the orifice area is monitored in a sensory manner and the measured signals are used for monitoring purposes as a measured quantity in a control loop, in which the supply of damming back medium, the conveying away speed of the plug, the position of the stuffer box walls, or the supply of delivery medium are used as manipulated variables. The measuring signals produced by monitoring can be compared with thresholds to produce control signals corresponding to the comparison result for activating alarm, warning or stopping elements.

Abstract: An adhesive layer 15 is formed over one major surface of a flat base plate 1 having a relatively high rigidity, a piezoelectric plate 2 is joined to the adhesive layer 15, a plurality of parallel grooves 3 are formed through the piezoelectric plate 2 into the adhesive layer 15, a metal is deposited over the surfaces of the grooves 3 to form electrodes 8, a top plate 10 is attached to the upper surface of the piezoelectric plate 2 so as to close the upper open ends of the grooves 3, and a nozzle plate 12 provided with a plurality of ink jets is attached to one end of the assembly of the base plate 1, the adhesive layer 15, the piezoelectric plate 2 and the top plate 10 so as to close the open longitudinal ends of the grooves 3 to form a plurality of pressure chambers 14.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising:a toolholder for holding a tool;a spindle for detachably supporting the toolholder;a spindle support for rotatably supporting the spindle;a drive means for driving the spindle supported on the spindle support;a stop means for preventing the toolholder from rotating relative to the spindle support; anda cutting oil supply means for supplying a cutting oil to the tool via the stop means.

Abstract: A workstock forming apparatus and method for forming both ends of workstock blanks without the necessity of reversing the ends of the workstock blanks. The apparatus and method include a loading servo or cylinder for successively loading individual workstock blanks such as pipe nipple blanks onto a turntable which initially receives and positions a first nipple blank to be threaded on one end by a first threading spindle. The turntable then sequentially rotates back into alignment with the loading cylinder and successively receives additional nipple blanks, which are rotated in sequence with the turntable and first nipple blank for threading on one end by the first threading spindle, while the first and succeeding nipple blanks are sequentially linearly displaced in a guide on the turntable and the unthreaded ends of the first and succeeding nipple blanks are simultaneously threaded by a second threading spindle.

Abstract: A method for the automatic manufacture of jewelry and ornaments comprising six steps. The characteristic of this disclosure is the introduction of laser paper and print transfer which simplifies the manufacturing process and facilitates for automatic mass production. Another advantage of this disclosure is the adaptation of a hollow rectangular neck for use in rivet assembly that makes for a more stable finished product.

Abstract: A riveter includes a suction device mounted on a rear portion of a rivet pulling head portion capable of exerting a Venturi effect when applying a compressed air stream in the suction device for automatically drafting any mandrel broken off from a set rivet, and a plurality of radial apertures radially formed through the jaws clamping the ratchet mandrel for purging any scraps or burrs produced by the mandrel clamped and pulled by the riveter for cleanliness of the jaws for preventing malfunction of the jaws.

Abstract: A compression tool for an overrun clutch assembly, the overrun clutch assembly being positioned within a casing having upstanding side walls with a plurality of apertures provided therein, the upstanding side walls of the casing surrounding an outwardly biased clutch component, the compression tool including a hub member, a plurality of spoke members radiating outward from the hub member for engaging at least some of the plurality of apertures provided in the side walls of the casing, a compression member for engaging a surface of the outwardly biased clutch component, the compression member including a substantially annular shaped member, a translation mechanism for positively moving the compression member away from the hub member and in the direction of the outwardly biased clutch component, a releasable connection mechanism for releasably connecting at least some of the plurality of spoke members to the hub member, a pair of substantially upright members extending upward from the compression member, and a

Abstract: The device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe body and for simultaneously distorting the hypodermic needle comprises a receptacle, a guiding structure for guiding the hypodermic needle into the receptacle, a mechanism for engaging, pulling and simultaneously distorting the hypodermic needle adjacent to the guiding structure and a mechanism for operating the engaging, pulling and distorting mechanism to pull the needle into the receptacle, the guiding structure includes an abutment for preventing the syringe body from entering the receptacle and the mechanism for engaging, pulling and distorting the needle includes a pair of intermeshing gears.

Abstract: A device for gripping a stud to unscrew the stud includes a tubular housing. The housing has an axial bore with a plurality of cam surfaces formed in the bore. A cage is carried in the bore. The cage has a number of windows, each located adjacent one of the cam surfaces. A jaw is carried in each window of the cage. Each jaw has an outer side that mates with one of the cam surfaces and an inner side containing teeth for gripping the stud. The cam surfaces will move each jaw radially between inner and outer position when the housing rotates relative to the cage. A spring urges the jaws to the outer position.

Abstract: A method of making an injection and sampling site adapted to receive a blunt cannula. The method comprises providing an elastomeric septum, and a housing adapted to receive that septum; making a slit in the elastomeric septum; inserting the elastomeric septum into the passageway of the housing; and swaging an outer annular ledge on the housing inwardly over the septum until a septum-engaging portion of the swaging tool applies a predetermined amount of force to the septum. Before the swaging step, a pin is inserted into the passageway of the housing against the inside end of the septum to inhibit deformation of the septum during swaging.

Abstract: A method of transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station, A bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path and a transfer unit is moved along the bridge to the pick-up station where it picks up an instrument panel assembly. The transfer unit and attached instrument panel assembly are moved to a position adjacent the path and the instrument panel assembly is introduced into said moving body. The bridge is moved with the body during the introduction of the instrument panel assembly into the body so that the transfer unit and instrument panel assembly likewise move with the body. The instrument panel assembly is installed in the body and the transfer unit withdrawn. An attachment unit moves along a second bridge which is generally parallel to the first. The attachment unit completes the attachment of the instrument panel assembly.

Abstract: A method of mounting a rubber plug to a wire used for a waterproof connector in which the fluctuation in the position of the rubber plug about the wire is reduced.

Abstract: A bundling strap dispenser includes a housing, a trigger pivotally mounted in the housing and is manually operable from outside, a cutting blade pivotally mounted in the housing and actuatable by the trigger, a retaining member mounted to the cutting blade to pivot therewith for retaining a bundling strap when the bundling strap is being cut, a rib extending horizontally in the upper section of the housing and having an opening through which the retaining element is passable, and a stepped plate mounted above the rib to define a passage therebetween for the bundling strap. The stepped plate further includes a trough for receiving a buckle member therein for engaging with the bundling strap. The trough has a slot in alignment with the opening of the buckle member reloader and a second slot in a bottom side thereof through which the cutting blade is passable to cut the bundling strap after the bundling strap is retained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotation sensor which detects the magnetic field which changes with the rotation of a rotary shaft, thereby to detect the amount of rotation of the rotary shaft. The rotation sensor of the present invention has the boundaries between magnetized regions set with high precision. The boundaries forms magnetic fields stably, whereby the detection of rotation is performed with high accuracy.

Abstract: A sensor has a metal case with a sensing coil at one end and a shielded cable extending from the other. In one use it is placed in proximity to rotating machinery to sense imbalance by position change of the shaft. A pair of suitably sized metal cylinders which are precisely interlocked by dielectric material provides for firm mechanical and electrical connections to the inner and outer conductors of the associated shielded cable. In addition a four step injection molding process provides for accurate and secure location of the sensing coil. And at the same time the entire structure because of the injection molding and associated seals is moisture proof. Other uses include temperature and velocity sensing.In an alternative embodiment only a two-step injection molding process is utilized with a somewhat simplified procedure.

Abstract: Fabricating a transducer system (FIGS. 1a-1b) for providing electromagnetic therapeutic stimulation to a target area of a patient's body includes forming a primary winding (71) having a selected number of turns. The primary winding (71) and any other windings (72, 73) are bonded together to form a winding bundle (32). The winding bundle (32) is encapsulated in a malleable shell (34) that is substantially triangular in shape. Control electronics (16, 40, 94) are coupled to the shell-encapsulated winding bundle (30, 70, 90) for selectively generating electromagnetic fields, and thus implementing a prescribed electromagnetic therapy.

Abstract: PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistors of a novel configuration and a method for their manufacture. The PTC thermistors have a PTC element sandwiched between two electrodes for which leads are formed as an extension of each of the two electrodes protruding beyond the edge of the PTC element. Several manufacturing methods avoid undue thermal and physical stress to the PTC composition while providing PTC thermistors having a variety of shapes and configurations.

Abstract: Assembly tools for mounting a plurality of modules each of which has a pair of retaining features on a surface thereof, wherein the retaining features are spaced a predetermined distance apart, are characterized by an elongated bar member having an array of grasping elements thereon. The grasping elements engage with the retaining features on the modules to hold the individual modules to the bar.

Abstract: An improved automatic rivet feed apparatus which can be used as a retrofit to an existing power driven riveting tool or incorporated integrally into a riveting tool. A rivet strip holds each of the plurality of rivets at individual fixed positions on the rivet strip. Included is a rivet strip release hook which stops the rivets, as they are advanced one-by-one, at rivet pick-up point and releases each of the rivets from the rivet strip. A hand mounted on the end of a pneumatic ram grips the rivets at the rivet pick-up point, the hand having a biased latch to prevent slippage of the rivets. The pneumatic ram moves the rivet forward and rotates to place the rivet in alignment with the nose piece of the riveting tool. The pneumatic ram then retracts and inserts the mandrel of the rivet into the nose piece and returns to the rivet pick-up point to repeat the steps. A rivet pick-up mechanism is used to hold the rivet as it is released from the rivet strip and moved to the nose piece of the rivet strip.

Abstract: A surface-mount integrated circuit converter board assembly having a pin grid array arranged enables a conventional surface-mount lead device to be mounted for subsequent attachment to a printed circuit board. The converter board assembly includes an array of spaced apart pins, arranged in rows and columns for mounting, and a plurality of spaced apart pin pads connected thereto. The pin pads are sufficiently spaced apart to avoid interference. A set of surface-mount lead pads is part of the converter board and is interconnected to the array of pins by a plurality of lead traces. The method of making the converter board with a surface-mount integrated circuit device includes forming or reforming the leads of the device to align with the surface-mount pads.

Abstract: A method of making a nerve electrode is performed by forming an electrically insulative resilient array having an elongate backbone member with a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel bands, each spanning 360.degree., linked together by the backbone member and skewed from a direction normal to the backbone member; providing non-aligned single openings in the bands to render each of them incomplete with the remaining segments of each band linked by the backbone member and adapted to be spread apart to mount the array over the nerve and, when released, to resiliently close about the nerve; and securing an electrically conductive filament within at least one of the bands.