Abstract: An automatic cleaning device for TV game cassettes, which is able to automatically clean the copper foil contacts of the TV game cassette many times. The cleaning device has a housing formed with insertion sockets for different types and specifications of TV game cassettes to insert thereinto. A motor is used to drive a cleaning arm to swing left and right so that a cleaning assembly disposed at an end of the cleaning arm can back and forth clean the copper foil contacts of the cassette. When the number of the cleaning times reaches a predetermined number, a cleaning time setting means works to cut off the power for the motor, making the cleaning assembly rested on a lateral portion of the housing so as to prevent the dirts from remaining on the contacts of the cassette and ensure the cleaning effect.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric toothbrush including a brush unit (1) adapted to be push-fitted to a handle unit. The brush unit (1) accommodates a rotary camshaft (4) as well as a series of bristle holders (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) provided with tufts (17) of bristles and disposed approximately transversely relative to the camshaft (4). The bristle holders (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) are pivotally mounted on two mounting pins (8, 9) extending parallel to the camshaft (4), thus enabling the bristle holders (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) to be moved in a motion about the mounting pin (8, 9) by the camshaft (4). The two mounting pins (8, 9) are arranged on either side of an imaginary first plane (18) aligned approximately parallel to the bristle tufts (17) and extending lengthwise through the camshaft (4), and each of the bristle holders (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) includes an opening (19, 20) for receiving one of the two mounting pins (8, 9).

Abstract: A brush provided on an end surface of a handle is equipped with a drive device capable of producing a reciprocating rectilinear motion in the direction of a handle axis and a reciprocating motion about the handle axis, while also producing a reciprocating motion about an axis in the direction of brush projection. The brush moves in a combination of the reciprocating rectilinear motion in the direction of the handle axis, the reciprocating motion about the handle axis, and the reciprocating motion about the axis in the direction of brush projection, and therefore scrub area increases, by virtue of the motion of the brush, the brush does not become trapped between teeth, and cleaning of the entire tooth surface is possible.

Abstract: A handle component (1) of an electric toothbrush protrudes from the end of a hollow shaft (3), which holds a drive shaft (9) coaxially therein. A brush attachment (4) with rotatable bristle tufts (6) is disposed on the hollow shaft (3) in such a way that the drive shaft (9) is coupled with a shaft (7) in the brush attachment (4), wherein said shaft (7) drives the bristle tufts (6). The hollow shaft (3) is driven by a motor to oscillate around its longitudinal axis and to slide back and forth in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle section having a motor drive and a drive shaft coupled to the motor drive by a translating device, and a brush section having bristle assembly and a transmission shaft unit coupled to the drive shaft and driven by it to turn the bristle assembly back and forth alternatively, the transmission shaft unit consisting of a driving member, a connecting member, a driven member, and a compression spring, wherein the transmission shaft unit disengages from the drive shaft upon an overpressure to prevent damage to the bristles.

Abstract: Holders for cosmetic or hygienic items such as brushes and lipsticks which include a sleeve which is manually moved in telescoping fashion from a base of the holder outwardly to enclose the item before the cap is applied to the holder to facilitate applying the cap and to prevent damaging the item when the cap is applied. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve remains retracted in the base when the cap is removed from the holder thereby presenting the item exposed and ready for use upon removal of the cap. The sleeve is manually pulled out of the base to an advanced position prior to applying the cap. The cap is applied to and engages the sleeve so that pushing the cap towards the base retracts the sleeve into the base. Rotation is not required to expose the item, and the shape of the item and the holder need not be tubular. In one embodiment, the item and holder are generally elliptical in cross section.

Abstract: The invention is a device, and method of making said device, for scrubbing the body, preferably an elongated device for scrubbing a person's back. The scrubber is made from multiple loops of tubular, open-celled, non-porous netting intertwined to form a washing member secured at its ends by grips which may be used to hold the scrubber at each end. The netting should be durable, elastic, easy to clean, and should dry rapidly. A preferable netting is diamond mesh polyethylene netting. The scrubber of the present invention may be used repeatedly without the need for a separate washing to remove dirt and debris. Because the netting is open-celled and made of non-porous material, dirt and can be washed away by simple rinsing during a bath or shower.

Abstract: A chimney flue cleaning apparatus that involves use of a rotating chain suspended from the outlet of the chimney and depending to the bottom of the chimney through which means is provided for the attachment of an ordinary drill tool to the chain through use of a flexible cable extension with a detachable connection for the lower end of the chain. At times when the cleaning is to be done the electric drill is connected into its clamp coupling to the end of the cable extension that is journaled in the chimney wall so that high rotation is given to the chain to extend chain element from the rotating chain that will with whipping washing action engage the inner surface of the chimney to remove hardened soot therefrom.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper blade unit suitable for incorporating into existing or new windshield wiper assembly. The blade comprises a spiral coiled heating element of resistance wire, such as Nichrome, disposed in the blade substantially along its entire length within a passageway. A stranded copper line wire and a ground wire enter the blade to establish electrical contact with the respective first and second ends of spiral coiled heating element which serves to conduct heat to entire wiper blade assembly so as to prevent accumulation of ice, sleet or snow on the wiper blade. The ends are then sealed with a moisture proof sealant which also serves to maintain end connectors and wires in tact.

Abstract: A vehicle cowl adapted to conceal a windshield wiper assembly to eliminate the drag associated with exposed wiper assemblies. The assembly includes an enclosure having a top access door formed so as to be flush with the hood in a lowered inoperative position, and a bottom panel formed so as to effect an extension of the windshield in an elevated operative position. A windshield wiper assembly includes a motor mounted on the vehicle body, a wiper arm reciprocally pivotally mounted on the motor, a wiper blade pivotally connected to the wiper arm and seated on the bottom panel for movement therewith. Suitable power and lift apparatus serve to vertically raise and lower the enclosure, thereby raising the wiper blade by pivoting the wiper arm, to become aligned with the windshield.

Abstract: A combined inlet structure and switching device for a central vacuum system includes an inlet housing having top, bottom and side walls defining a vacuum inlet chamber and a front with a dirt receiving opening. An aperture is located in the top wall and can be connected to a pipe leading to a central vacuum source. A closure member is movable between first and second positions in order to close or open the aperture. A foot operated actuator is connected to the housing and is able to pivot the closure member between the first and second positions. A spring biases the closure member towards the first position and operates when the actuator is pressed in one direction. When the closure member is moved to the second position, it will remain there unless the actuator is pressed in another, opposite direction. There is also a switch mechanism responsive to movement of the actuator for opening and closing an electrical circuit connected to the central vacuum source.

Abstract: A powder circulating apparatus provides a closed loop system for delivering an absorbent media to an area adjacent a tire at which wearing of the tire surface is occurring, conveying away the absorbent media and those materials absorbed by or entrained with the absorbent media, and recirculating the absorbent media to the tire adjacent area. The apparatus advantageously permits the delivery of the absorbent media from one of a pair of spray locations so as to take advantage of the air flow adjacent the tire due to the direction of the rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning and disinfecting transportation vehicles comprises a frame provided with a plurality of wheels, electric motor means for driving the wheels and therefore moving the machine in a predetermined direction, a device for washing and cleaning a central area of the floor and under side seats of a transportation vehicle to be cleaned, and a device for washing and cleaning walls, seats and a ceiling of the transportation vehicle. The device for washing and cleaning the floor includes a unit for washing and cleaning a central area of the floor and a unit for washing and cleaning areas under the seats of the transportation vehicle, the device for washing and cleaning walls, seats, and ceiling being provided with lever elements movable between a plurality of positions suitable for correspondingly cleaning the walls, the seats and the ceiling of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a housing. A nozzle is attached to and laterally offset from the housing and a brushroll is supported for rotation in the nozzle. A power drive is connected to the bushroll. A collection container is supported by the housing. A conduit external of the housing has one end detachably connected to the nozzle and another end communicating with the collection container. A vacuum source creates an airflow through the conduit to the collection container. An on-board cleaning tool is carried by the housing. The tool is removable from the housing for connection to the conduit when the one end is detached from the nozzle. The power drive includes a disconnect which stops bushroll rotation when the conduit is detached from the nozzle.

Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner drive system integral with the axle of the drive wheels including an operator controlled reversing clutch transmission incorporating a separate unidirectional AC motor for forward and reverse control of the drive system independent from the vacuum cleaner suction motor. A triac controlled variable speed adjust circuit controls the rotational speed of the motor and thus the driven wheels on the base unit, while-a separate operator controlled adjustable response mechanism sets the engagement tension of the vacuum cleaner and transmission assembly corresponding to either a quick or a slow response of the axle of the drive wheels when actuated by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for removing deposits from materials. By feeding unidirectional pulsating air pulsating while flowing in one direction, porous member (4), to materials (m) supplied from above the porous member (4) stretched laterally in a main body case (1A) of a removing apparatus main body (1), the deposits from the materials (m) are removed by the action of the unidirectional pulsating air. The apparatus comprises a removing apparatus main body (1) possessing a feed port (5) and a product outlet (11) disposed above a porous member (4) stretched laterally in a main body case (1A), and an air vibration generating device (30) for feeding unidirectional pulsating air pulsating while flowing in one direction, toward the porous member (4) from above the porous member (4).

Abstract: A stopper structure for preventing a grommet made of elastic material from coming off from a panel, includes a stopper flange formed in the grommet. The stopper-structure further includes a stopper member made of rigid material, which includes an internal and an external circumferential ring fit in and on an internal and an external circumference of the stopper flange, respectively. The external circumferential ring is divided into two half elements which are connected with each other through a hinge. The internal circumferential ring is divided into two half elements which are connected to the half elements of the external circumferential ring, respectively.

Abstract: This invention is a combination door latch actuating handle and an exit/entry operator support assembly, mainly for the interior but also usable for the exterior of a vertically oriented door for any agricultural or industrial equipment with a cab. It consists of two nearly full width of door, U-shaped, interlocking and generally horizontally mounted pieces. One U-shaped piece is a mounting/pivot and stops bracket attached to the door, and the other is a swingable door latch actuating handle/grab bar. An unlatching position is oriented generally upward and outward, actuating the latch with a cable; and a simple gravity designed latching position is oriented inwardly and downward. These motions are in perfect harmony with the operator's movements as one exits or enters the cab. It increases the safety of an operator over existing designs by providing a more visible, accessible and easier to use door latch actuating handle for emergency exits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combing wool in which the wool is heated prior to being fed to the combing process. The wool is heated by heat rollers or other means to a temperature such that it becomes more plasticized and better lubricated due to the liquification of the natural fat of wool which then acts better as a lubricant. As a result of this process, there is a reduction in the amount of noil produced. The invention is also applicable to various other animal-based natural fibers.

Abstract: A device for mounting insignia, such as an embossed name plate, in a pocket of an article of clothing consists of a one-piece member including first and second spaced locating members and a clamping member which is integrally formed with the second locating member. The first locating member includes an inwardly facing locating surface having a laterally extending rounded hump thereon. The clamping member extends outwardly and upwardly from the second locating member toward the first locating member wherein a head portion thereof makes biased contact with the locating surface. The clamping member is biased toward the locating surface by means of an integrally formed curved torsion bar having an axis of flexure spaced away from the locating surface and extending in the direction of the lateral hump. The torsion bar is arcuate in shape and has symmetrical end portions which are arranged parallel to the axis of flexure thereby permitting bending flexure about the axis.

Abstract: A device for releasably holding at least two cords includes an aperture for receiving a first cord and an elongated slot for releasably receiving a second cord. The device further includes an engagement surface below the aperture for contacting and retaining an enlarged region of the first cord. An inclined biasing surface at least partially below the slot contacts an enlarged region of the second cord and urges the second cord into a stable position. The second cord may be released from the device via the slot by sliding the enlarged region of the second cord along the biasing surface in response to a force tending to separate the cords. The aperture and the slot are preferably formed in inclined upper walls meeting in an apex region and the biasing surface is preferably spaced from the upper wall of the device in which the elongated slot is formed. The device may be made, such as by injection molding, as a single piece or as two mating halves.

Abstract: A locking clamp assembly includes a circular band of flexible material having, first and second end portions and a series of indentations formed in the outer surface of the band along the length of the band at the first end portion. A housing is mounted on the second end portion of the band and has a channel formed therein which receives the first end portion of the band therethrough. A screw is also disposed within the channel and has a threaded portion with a plurality threads which threadably engage the indentations of the first end portion of the band so that when the screw is turned, the band is tightened and loosened. A locking device releasably locks the screw to the housing its desired position wherein the screw is prohibited from turning thereby preventing the tightening or loosening of the band.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of needling processes for forming fibrous preform structures. The invention is particularly useful in forming fibrous preform structures suitable for subsequent processing into high temperature resistant composite structures such as carbon/carbon aircraft brake disks. The process according to the invention compensates for fiber pull back induced by fiber resilience, and for compaction in previously needled layers induced during subsequent needling passes. According to a further aspect of the invention, Z-fiber distribution throughout the thickness of the fibrous preform structure may be manipulated as necessary to achieve a desired distribution.

Abstract: In order to define cavities for vibrating spaces in a chip-type piezoelectric-resonator, which is protected with resin so as to be capable of surface mounting, a mother substrate including a piezoelectric substrate and a plurality of piezoelectric resonance elements formed thereon is prepared, and upraised adhesive layers in the form of walls are provided on respective major surfaces of the mother substrate so as to enclose the vibrating region of the mother substrate. Mother sheets, which are provided with plural cover sheets, are arranged so as to cover both the major surfaces of the mother substrate, thereby defining cavities for vibrating spaces therebetween. Then, protective resin members are applied to cover both the major surfaces of the mother substrate, which in turn is divided to obtain a plurality of chip-type piezoelectric-resonators.

Abstract: A rasp hub assembly for use in a tire buffing machine is disclosed. The hub assembly includes two end plates, and a set of tire rasp blades and spacers arranged in alternating circumferential rows. The blades and spacers have conforming nonplanar elongated bodies, with the blades nested with adjacent spacers. The resulting rasp hub assembly allows the use of an even or odd number of rasp blades in each row, and provides various benefits further described in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new embedded arrowhead removing tool for pulling a lodged archery arrowhead, of a type having threads for shaft attachment, from an object without damaging the arrowhead. The embedded arrowhead removing tool comprises a rod having first and second ends, the second end having threads of a size cooperable with the threads of an arrowhead. An abutment is stationarily mounted on the first end. A weight is slidably mounted on the rod intermediate the abutment and the second end such that the weight may be forcibly struck against the abutment to apply longitudinal shocking force to the rod for extracting an arrowhead attached to the second end. A ring is stationarily mounted on the rod intermediate the weight and the second end for retaining the weight on the rod.

Abstract: A compliant guide assembly in a tape transport provides a precisely calibrated biasing force to an edge of a magnetic tape to precisely position the tape with respect to a read/write head. The compliant guide assembly includes a plurality of guide buttons and a spring assembly having a plurality of cantilever spring elements. A fixture is used for assembling and calibrating the compliant guide assembly. The fixture includes a base for receiving the spring assembly and the guide buttons and for aligning each guide button with one of the spring elements of the spring assembly. The fixture also includes a bias mechanism for biasing each spring element with a predetermined force. This force varies the distance between each spring element and its corresponding guide button and maintains these distances while each guide button is attached to its corresponding spring element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an Nb.sub.3 Al superconducting wire includes a step of forming a wire by a jelly-roll process, a first thermal step of heating the obtained wire at a temperature of 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. for at least 10 hours for diffusing Al in Nb while suppressing formation of Nb.sub.3 Al, and a second thermal step of heating the wire, after the first thermal step, at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1050.degree. C. for about 0.01 to 10 hours, thereby forming Nb.sub.3 Al. In the jelly-roll process, a sheet of Nb and a sheet of Al are lap-wound on a copper core. The material obtained by such lap winding is inserted in a copper pipe, and then subjected to drawing. The drawn wire is cut to obtain a plurality of segments. The plurality of segments are bundled and charged in a copper pipe, and then subjected to drawing. The resulting drawn wire is subjected to the first and second thermal steps.

Abstract: A collinear terminated transmission line structure and method for producing same is presented. The structure comprises a plurality of conductors electrically connected to a plurality of resistors. A predetermined spacing between each of the plurality of conductors ranges from 2 mils to 7 mils. Greater spacings are easily accomplished with the present method. The method comprises the steps of screen-printing a resistor swath onto a substrate, the swath being adjacent to one end of the plurality of conductors. After the substrate is dipped into a solution, the resistor swath is laser trimmed to form the plurality of resistors. The substrate is then rinsed with warm water to remove the solution. The solution can be a poly-vinyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol mixture.

Abstract: A screening body for a pulp digester includes two, spaced apart ring supporting a plurality of axially extending screening bars each of which has a foot portion frictionally received in and welded to a correspondingly formed recess formed on the inner side of each of the ring segments; an apparatus for manufacturing a screening body is also provided and which includes a first assembly member which mounts a form for receiving the ring member segments in parallel relation and into which are inserted the screening bars with the foot portions fractionally received in complementary recesses formed on the inner side of each of the ring segments; a retaining member in the form of a second assembly device includes a cylindrical drum surface which is pressed against the screening bars of a partially assembled screening body section while a second and subsequent sections of the screening body are assembled.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for aligning and mounting electrical components, such as packaged integrated circuits, to a printed circuit board. During an alignment phase, a sample component is attached to a stand-in circuit board at a component site. A base plate, having alignment elements, is then fitted to the board proximate the attached sample component. Next, a chuck is mounted to the sample component, and an alignment plate positioned to engage the alignment elements of the base plate, and affixed to the chuck, forming a chuck assembly that is aligned to the base plate and registered to the component site of the circuit board. During the production phase the base plate is placed on a printed circuit board at a location substantially identical to that on the stand-in printed circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-row right angle connector and a press block for installing the connector on a mounting substrate without soldering the contact pins. The connector legs comprise "eye of the needle" compliant interfaces that make electrical contact with the interior surfaces of the substrate's plated through holes. The press block is designed for use with a four-row right angle receptacle and locates rows 2, 3, and 4 on respective true grid positions and serves as a means for transmitting force from an external press to the contact pin tails. The contact tails in rows 2, 3, and 4 have a T-shaped shoulder that is pressed into a pocket in the press block. The insertion force is applied to the pins in row 1 by a corner having a radius matching the radius of the row 1 tails.

Abstract: A device and a machine for connecting connection elements into housings of connectors, the device including a body which can be moved in the direction of the connector, an insertion tool associated with the body via removable linkage means and provided with means for gripping a connection element to be inserted, and means for controlling the opening and closure of the gripping means. The device has elastic means located between the insertion tool and the gripping means which is capable of acting along the longitudinal axis of insertion of the connection element into the housing of the connector. The removable linkage means are defined by an articulation having a center of rotation which .joins the tool to the body, the center of rotation being coincident with the longitudinal axis, and indexing means associated with the body in order to act on the articulation so as to align the tool with the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that connects and secures a battery pack to a battery powered vehicle and/or a battery charging device. The apparatus eliminates the use of the installer's hands on or near the battery cables or any other current carrying devices. The apparatus is comprised of a frame located around a perimeter portion of the battery pack, a first connector slidably coupled to the frame, a second connector coupled to the first connector and to a battery powered vehicle and/or a battery charging device, and a handle pivotally coupled to the frame and to the first connector for coupling the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a wiring board fabrication process which is, not only so smooth on the surface that a fine wiring pattern can be formed thereon, but also suitable for mounting electronic parts having fine pitch terminals.The present invention is a fabrication process of a wiring board which comprises a wiring conductive line embedded in the surface of an insulating substrate so that the upper face of the conductive line and the surface of the substrate are flat, and a through-hole land which is a conductive portion projected from the surface of the substrate in a through-hole portion, which is characterized in removing the conductive portion projected from the surface of the substrate in the through-hole portion so as to have a flat surface on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a printed circuit board power core is disclosed wherein ceramic particles that have a diameter that is approximately equal to the desired dielectric thickness are combined with dielectric powders that have a relatively very small size. To produce a dielectric core using this technique, a dielectric material mixture is applied between two conductor layers and bonded therebetween. This dielectric material mixture preferably has a concentration of large particles equal to the desired core thickness with a loading factor of large/small particles less than the maximum ratio needed to provide the desired dielectric constant, but greater than the ratio required to provide stability during the pressing and curing steps.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a receptacle connector for use in an IC card assembly wherein the receptacle connector is adapted for mounting generally at an edge of a circuit substrate. A housing is provided with an upper surface and a plurality of terminal-receiving passages in a dual row configuration extend parallel to the upper surface. The circuit substrate is adapted to be located a given vertical distance from the upper surface of the housing. A plurality of receptacle terminals are inserted into the passages with surface mount tail portions of the terminals projecting outside the passages. The vertical distance between the circuit substrate and the top of the housing is determined. The tail portions of the two rows of terminals initially project in a generally straight planar array from a rear face of the housing.

Abstract: A process for fitting at least one metal piece, which has at least one cylindrical bore, around a metal tube, in particular a metal cam shaft, as used, for example, in an internal combustion engine. The process includes clamping the metal piece in the assembly unit and introducing the metal tube into the bore of the metal tube with one end of the tube bearing upon the retractable stop. After expansion of the tube to fix the one metal piece on the tube, and the retractable stop is retracted before any additional metal pieces are fitted to the tube.

Abstract: Locomotive traction motors have conventionally been used in North America with sleeve-type friction bearing suspension systems. Roller bearing suspension systems have been gaining acceptance in North America. There is no known method of converting the sleeve-type systems to roller bearing systems. This problem is overcome by a method in which the bearing caps covering the sleeve bearings, the sleeve bearings and the shaft are removed; recesses are formed in the bearing caps and in the traction motor housing proximate the ends of the traction motor for receiving roller bearing housings at each end of the traction motor housing; installing the roller bearing housings on an axle and in said recesses in the bearing caps; mounting a generally U-shaped cover between the bearing caps, the U-shaped cover and bearing caps surrounding the central portion of the axle; and connecting the bearing caps to the traction housing.

Abstract: A blade holder assembly including a casing having a series of teeth along one side for smoothing the hairs or whiskers to be cut and a center opening, a slide plate received in the casing and two bottom mounting rods extended out of the center opening of the casing and coupled to a reciprocating mechanism, a lower blade holder coupled to the slide and having a series of fine cutting teeth and a series of coarse cutting teeth disposed at two opposite sides, an upper cutter blade having a series of fine cutting teeth at one side acted against the fine cutting teeth of the lower blade holder to cut hairs or whiskers, and an upper blade holder fastened to the casing to hold the upper cutter blade above the lower blade holder and having a sloping wall at one side pressed on the upper cutter blade and a series of coarse cutting teeth at an opposite side acted against the coarse cutting teeth of the lower blade holder to cut hairs or whiskers.

Abstract: A rotating cutter for cutting pizza or other planar objects. The inventive device includes a substantially U-shaped handle with a rotating cutting wheel mounted to the base of the handle. The handle is oriented relative to the cutting wheel such that a downward force can be applied to the wheel during a cutting procedure.

Abstract: A target for use in automatic positioning systems that allows the automatic positioning system to align an edge in the pattern laid down with the target on a substrate with an edge in the pattern on a mask. The target compensates for variations in the size of the target and the target's associated pattern due to process variations in forming the target from an initial mask having the target and pattern. The target is symmetrical about a first axis and asymmetrical about a second axis where the first and second axes are orthogonal to each other. The target has two edges that will be detected by a sensing device in the automatic positioning system when the target is scanned along one axis and one edge that will be detected by the sensing device when the target is scanned along the other axis. The positioning system will detect the center of the target as being in the middle of the location of the two detected edges in one axis and the location of the detected edge in the other axis.

Abstract: A laser and laser mount system for a vehicle measurement system wherein the laser is powered by a direct current source, such as a battery, and the laser is mounted on the same axis as its rotational pivot axis which provides for up to 360.degree. of rotation of the laser about such axis.

Abstract: A tool for aiding in the leveling of electrical switches. This tool rests on the top portion of the rim around the toggle of single, and three and four-way switches that have a metal mounting bracket. This tool holds itself to the switch so that the user has use of both hands for adjusting and fastening purposes.

Abstract: A versatile necktie tying aid gauge (20) comprising an elongated member with indicia thereon indicating the length of tie contained in a wide variety of tie knots. The gauge (20) determines a final pinch point (90) by adding the length of tie knot to an initial pinch point (86)--determined by the length of tie measured from the end of the wide end of the tie (85), that is equal to the distance between the wearer's desired ending point for the wide end of the tie (88) to a point adjacent the wearer's collar button (87). The wide end of the tie (82) is crossed over the narrow end of the tie (84) at the final pinch point (90), the knot (92) is tied and slipped up to the neckline, and the end of the wide end of the tie (85) is at the desired end point for the wide end of the tie (88).

Abstract: A monitoring system having a stylus mounted to a support that controllably moves the stylus along a travel path as it contacts an object of interest. The object is supported by a rotating turntable and held in place by a manually actuatable retainer that exerts a repeatable downward force on the object. A frame that supports the stylus is supported by a flexure plate that makes the task of orienting the frame easier. The frame supports a saddle that can be raised and lowered by a belt system driven by a D.C. pancake motor. The entire monitoring system achieves a required degree of accuracy in monitoring object shape at a reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine frame, and particularly but not exclusively, to a machine frame for so-called coordinate measuring machines of the kind which include at least one first portal that includes two parallel, vertical first and second legs (7, 8) which are rotationally and flexurally rigid in relation to a base member (10). The legs support a horizontal beam (11) on which there is movably supported a rod, bar or the like for supporting a measuring head, tool or corresponding device. The horizontal beam (11) is connected to the first leg (8) by a pivot joint (13) which permits the beam (11) to rotate in the vertical plane of the legs (7, 8), and is connected to the second leg (7) by a connection (14) which permits the beam (11) to rotate in this vertical plane and also to move in the direction of its longitudinal axis in relation to the second leg. The invention also relates to a method of determining the geometry of the portal occasioned by deformation of such machine frames.

Abstract: A touch probe includes a stylus module (54) and a sensing module (52) to which the stylus module is releasably securable by a magnetic coupling. The sensing module comprises a strain sensitive load cell on which the stylus module is supported, and which senses strain in the stylus on contact with a surface. The stylus module provides for overtravel of the probe; a stylus-supporting member being biased into a kinematic rest position with respect to the casing of the stylus module. The biasing force in the stylus module is chosen with regard to the length and configuration of stylus. This modular system enables automated stylus changing without the need to adjust the biasing force on the stylus-supporting member when different lengths of styli are employed.

Abstract: A device for drying a running web, particularly a drying section of a paper manufacturing or processing machine. In the drying section, at least one drying cylinder, which can be heated and comes into contact with the web, is provided in each of successive cylinder groups. Each cylinder group has its own drive. At least one two-felt cylinder group is provided in which, the web runs in serpentine fashion alternately over upper cylinders, felted above, and lower cylinders, felted below. At least one additional cylinder group, provided with its own additional drive, is provided adjacent the two-felt cylinder group. Between the two-felt cylinder group and the additional cylinder group there is a free web path at which a tail-cutter is arranged.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced structural components, such as panels with honeycomb cores sandwiched between at least two outer skin layers are dried to remove moisture that may have entered into the interior of the structure. For this purpose the component is cooled in a cooling environment below the freezing point to about -5.degree. to -20.degree. C. and then exposed to a reduced pressure of less than 0.5 mbar. Under these drying conditions moisture is driven out of the component by sublimation so that the moisture does not pass through the liquid phase. The drying time may be reduced by a temperature increase to 80.degree.-100.degree. C. while maintaining the low pressure. The freezing increases the capillary action for the moisture removal. However, for an increased efficiency in the moisture removal small diameter holes, e.g. 0.1 mm bores, may be drilled into the component to facilitate the moisture escape. After drying is complete the holes are closed again e.g. by laminating further cover sheets to the component.