Abstract: A tool for removing lids from containers is formed from a single piece of planar rigid material by stamping or cutting therefrom a pattern and thereafter bending portions of the pattern into operative elements including a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion includes a first flange having a first flange flap, an inward projecting recess, a cutting flange having a cutting edge, a second flange, and a third flange, wherein the third flange and the cutting flange are bent to the same side of the tool to perform a cutting function while the first flange and the second flange are bent to the opposite side to facilitate a prying function.

Abstract: A method of making a boot having an upper, a lower and a sole is disclosed. The method includes the step of connecting the lower to the sole in a water-tight relationship only after the lower is connected to the upper.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a thin, metal cam shaft rotatably driven about a central longitudinal axis. Tuft blocks are mounted in a head member and constrained to pivot about an axis of a support shaft. Upper sides of the tuft blocks each have a slot which fits somewhat loosely over the cam shaft. During use, the cam shaft causes upstanding ends of bristles to move from side to side.

Abstract: A tongue debridement aid includes an elongated handle with tongue debridement structure disposed at one end. The tongue debridement structure has a cupped region having an endwall and first and second sidewalls contiguous with the endwall which is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to said elongated handle and a working edge region disposed along at least the edge of the endwall and typically extends secondarily along the edges of the first and second sidewalls. In use, debris, including microorganisms, may be debrided from the dorsum of the tongue and collected in the cupped region by placing the working edge region on the back of the dorsum, applying moderate pressure and drawing the tongue debridement aid toward the tip of the tongue. The collected debris may then be rinsed away. In order to provide a comprehensive oral hygiene instrument, a fixed or detachable toothbrush head may optionally be provided at the distal end of the elongated handle.

Abstract: An interdental twisted wire brush having roughened, tapered and rounded bristle ends prepared by rotating the interdental brush both transversely to the axis of the brush and axially along its longitudinal axis, while flexing the bristles and grinding the bristle ends of the interdental brush against a flat, moving abrasive surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush having two brush head surfaces in angular relationship to each other, the second brush head surface angled in relationship to the first brush head surface to accommodate the inner curvature of the jaw and to permit the efficient cleaning of the back teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a brush head having a pattern of bristles and a handle that consists of a soft, plastic, flexible, preferably transparent, tube with the brush head being fixedly mounted to the tube through insertion of a neck portion of the brush head within the passageway in the tube. Preferably, the tube and brush head are adhered together by an adhesive material. The inventive toothbrush is designed to be used particularly in the prison setting and the flexibility of the handle is designed to preclude its use as a weapon.

Abstract: A modular paint brush which comprises two or more brush units which are comprised of a upper section and a bottom brush section, each upper section having a top, a front, a back parallel to said front and two parallel sides with dovetail connections attached thereto. Each brush unit is matably connected to another using a series of tapered dovetail connections which insures complete contact and fit of one unit to the next. This complete contact of brush unit to brush unit insures that paint can be applied evenly and over the desired surface without streaking, for example. A handle is connected to one of the tops of one of the brush units proximate to the center of the modular paint brush.

Abstract: A dental hygienist's device for removing debris from dental tools wherein a cleaning head is disposed atop a saucer member such that debris is wiped onto the cleaning head and fallen debris collects in the saucer member. The device is adapted to be attached to various surfaces in a dental operatory via a vise clamp. If no surface for attachment is available, the device may be combined with a conventional dental operatory standing tray.

Abstract: Disc shaped cleaning/polishing pads are disclosed for use on a cleaning/polishing apparatus wherein the surface of the cleaning/polishing pad comprises resilient members arranged in patterns which will facilitate the movement of fluids (deoinized water, chemical slurry, etc.) from the center region of the pad to the periphery of the pad. Arrangement of the resilient members on the pads may be spiral, swirl, concentric or any other suitable pattern which will direct fluids to the periphery of the pad upon rotation of the pad.

Abstract: A device for spreading cold-coat tar for securing roofing paper, comprising a hard rubber blade with serration, which, when pushed over the surface to be roofed, spreads the desired coat of tar over a predetermined width of the surface to be roofed.

Abstract: A new windshield wiper blade assembly with sponge and tension mechanism for removing stubborn insect deposits and other debris from the exterior of a front windshield of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a wiper blade support assembly having a plurality of wiper fluid spray holes and is attached to the oscillating wiper arm of a vehicle. A first wiper blade and a second wiper blade are spaced apart from one another and downwardly depend from the wiper blade support assembly. A scrubbing sponge having a scrubbing surface and a plurality of wiper fluid channels is interposed between the first wiper blade and the second wiper blade. A plurality of wiper fluid hoses in fluid communication with the wiper fluid channels and the wiper fluid spray holes allows wiper fluid to be dispensed to the scrubbing sponge and the windshield. A sponge tension mechanism is mounted to the wiper blade support assembly and applies pressure to the scrubbing sponge to firmly position the scrubbing sponge against the windshield.

Abstract: The invention concerns a windscreen wiper for a motor vehicle, having a windscreen-wiper arm, articulated on a drive head, and of the type in which elastic return means, having a spring attached to the drive head and to a lever mounted pivotally on the drive head, force the arm towards a wiping position, wherein the lever has a longitudinal nose, which extends forwards from a longitudinal front end of the lever opposite to its pivoting rear end, wherein the arm has a crossmember which connects the two lateral wings of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the wiping position, the nose of the lever extends between the upper web of the arm and the crossmember on which it bears under the action of the spring.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a probe card having a contact element to be brought into electrical contact with a pad of a circuit to be inspected, comprises a conductive brush to be brought into contact at least with the contact element to clean the probe card, and a gas blow mechanism for intermittently blowing gas to the brush. The conductive brush is vibrated by the gas blow, and a particle adhered from the probe card is removed by the vibrating brush and the gas jet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for visually in detail denoting the amount of filled dust in a dust container of a vacuum cleaner with time. The indicator device operates based on a vacuum pressure difference created between an air suction port and an outlet of the vacuum cleaner. A first plunger and a second plunger slidablely positioned in a first cylinder primarily decrease the vacuum degree in a dust collecting compartment and continuously display the amount of filled dust in the dust container. For this purpose, the first plunger is colored red and the second plunger is colored green. A third plunger slidablely positioned in a second cylinder secondarily decreases the vacuum degree in a dust collecting compartment. The user of the vacuum cleaner can notice the operating state of the vacuum cleaner or the replacement time of the dust container by observing the first plunger and the second plunger through a transparent window installed at a hood of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner machine includes a housing having an open upper end and a partition member therein which defines first and second vacuum chambers, a bag holder in said housing and a dome covering the open end of the housing. The bag holder is positioned in the first chamber and retains a bag therein. The bag has a nozzle inlet. The dome has a hose aperture extending therethrough and a nozzle fitting extending therefrom and is positioned on top of the bag holder and over the open end of the housing so that the nozzle fitting extends through the aperture in the bag. A vacuum hose has a hose cuff at one end which is releasably insertable into the hose fitting. A suction unit is mounted in the second chamber and has an inlet which communicates with the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A baggage caster is composed of a wheel frame, a wheel, and a retrieving mechanism. The wheel frame is fastened pivotally with a baggage shell such that the wheel frame is capable of swiveling between a retraction position and an extraction position. The wheel is fastened pivotally with the wheel frame such that a plummet of the pivot center of the wheel does not coincide with a plummet of the pivot center of the wheel frame at such time when the wheel frame is located at the retraction position. The wheel frame is therefore capable of swiveling to remain at the extraction position when the baggage shell is exerted on by a load. The retrieving mechanism is intended to provide the wheel frame with an elastic force to enable the wheel frame to return to the retraction position when the baggage shell is relieved of the load exerting thereon.

Abstract: The invention is a detachable handle for a receptacle wherein the handle comprises a base plate having a front edge, a back side opposite the front edge, a top surface, a bottom surface and a handle bar mounted on the top surface of the base plate. The handle bar includes a grip which has a pressure applying front section, a back section and a bottom section. The handle further includes a rim engaging tab extending from the bottom surface of the base plate adjacent the back side and adapted to engage the rim of the receptacle between the tab and the bottom side of the base plate.

Abstract: A live axle tension device (15) that is suitable for adjusting the setting of a spring (16) on a live axle door (10). The tension device comprises a spring (16) that connects to a drum wheel (14) and to a spring connecting plate (22). The spring connecting plate (22) is attached to the outside of an axle housing tube (24) that houses the axle (12). The axle housing tube (24) also has two tension plates (26) connected to it which sandwich a tension bracket (20). The tension bracket (20) is fixedly attached to a supporting structure (21) and the axle (12) is free to rotate inside the bracket. The axle housing tube (24) and the plates attached to it can rotate relative to the tension bracket (20). With the spring (16) connected to the drum wheel (14) at one end and connected to the spring connecting plate (22) at the other end, the insertion of a tension pin (32) through the tension plates (26) and the tension bracket (20) fixes the position of the two ends of the spring (16) relative to each other.

Abstract: A continuous, hinge having a longitudinally supported portion and a longitudinally free end. Supports in the supported portion prevent relative sliding between pivotable hinge members. Relative longitudinal sliding between hinge members in the free end is unrestricted. In a pinless embodiment, geared hinge members are meshed and held together by a clamp. The supports comprise thrust bearings that engage laterally extending surfaces in recesses in gear segments of the hinge members. In a pinned embodiment, a continuous pin extends through aligned knuckles. The knuckles of one hinge member in the supported portion longitudinally support adjacent knuckles of the other hinge member.

Abstract: An apparatus for refeeding scrap fibers into a gaseous stream of virgin fibers and mixing the scrap fibers with the virgin fibers to form a fibrous mat includes a fiber opener for opening up and substantially eliminating scrap fiber clumps and nodules from a supply of scrap fibers by releasing scrap fibers from the clumps and nodules. The scrap fibers are conveyed by a laminar airstream from the fiber opener to a virgin fiber containing gaseous stream where the scrap fibers are mixed with the virgin fibers and the mixture of fibers is collected to form a fibrous mat. The laminar airstream for conveying the scrap fibers is preferably formed by passing the airstream through a venturi eductor to reduce turbulence and impart a more laminar flow to the airstream to reduce scrap fiber entanglement in the conveying airstream.

Abstract: A method for automatically replacing laps in a combing machine, comprising clamping the depleting lap portion, preparing it and retaining its terminal edge fringe, loading the new lap, preparing its initial edge fringe, superposing the edge fringes and joining them pneumatically, then restarting combing.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved aerodynamics in dry fiber web forming machines and particularly to airlays which form high quality webs. The invention includes a disperser roll for feeding fibers into the air stream and a second roll opposite to the disperser roll for balancing the disruptive effects of long stationary walls and rotating members in the air duct. In one alternative arrangement of the invention, the fibers are also fed to the air stream by a second disperser roll opposite the first disperser roll.

Abstract: An attachment for mounting an object on a belt or the like, including a spring clip having a U-shape with first and second arms joined at a bight, an arrangement for mounting the first arm of the clip on a face of the object, a pin support carried on the object, the pin support having spaced arms projecting from the face of the object and aligned openings in the spaced arms, and a pin for positioning in the aligned openings for maintaining the free end of the second arm in position between the pin and the face of the object. The free end of the second arm has an inward bend towards the first arm and an outward bend away from the first arm defining a groove for receiving the pin.

Abstract: A strapping device includes two plates pivotally connected a U-shaped handle by a shaft to which two ratchets are disposed, each one of two distal ends of the handle has a cam means formed thereto, a control member and a pawl member respectively and movably disposed to the handle and between the two plates, both of the control and the pawl member engaged with the ratchets, a first board and a second board respectively and pivotally disposed between the two plates wherein a front end of the first board is located beneath a rear end of the second board, a first pin movably connected between the two plates and located beneath a rear end of the first board, two sliding plates slidably mounted to outside of the two plates with a first rod extending through third slots in the plates and the fourth slots in the sliding plates, the first rod received in a groove in a front end of the second board, a second rod extending through the fourth slots and first holes in the plates and a third rod connected between the two s

Abstract: A plastic clip for use clothes such as a sudpender clip, kimono, or clohespin, has an all plastic three-part design incorporating an over center clipping action dependent upon the resiliency of plastic materials, and incorporates no metallic spring. An upper clipping member has a spindle plate established between side walls, and a pair of recess bearings on inner faces of the side walls. A lower clipping member has a ditch like bearing which engages the spindle plate of the upper clipping member, a projection which is narrower than protuberances formed on the sides of the projection, and an elastic tongue prepared on a central portion just under the projection which extends upward. The third portion of the clip is an operation stick having a box with outer walls which is established to be inserted between upper clipping member side walls and the lower clipping member projection.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for securing foot apparel to a user's foot. The latching mechanism comprises a first connecting member, a second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is capable of mating, or interlocking, with the second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a receiving head having an aperture, and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the receiving head and the second connecting member includes a locking tongue and an arm, wherein the arm is adjacent the locking tongue. In some preferred embodiments, the first connecting member and second connecting member include a fastener element. The arm of the first connecting member and the arm of the second connecting member further includes an aperture that is capable of receiving a securing mechanism. Some preferred embodiments of the instant invention also include a button element having a stem, wherein the aperture of the receiving head of the first connecting element is capable of receiving the stem of the button.

Abstract: This invention provides a binding for facilitating tying a bow, comprising a binding having two end portions wherein a multiplicity of hook-shaped filaments are positioned on a first region of each end portion; and a second region of each end portion is adapted for adhering to the hook-shaped filaments positioned on the same end portion so as to form a loop at each end portion.

Abstract: A knot securing device of particular benefit in securing shoelace knots made from a flexible material with a region having hook elements, a region having loop elements and a pair of apertures in the flexible material for allowing the open ends of a shoelace to pass through from one surface of the material to the opposite surface of the material, wherein the shoelace is then tied in a knot and the regions with the hook and loop elements are brought into contact to form a secure, but releasable, lock around the knot.

Abstract: A water-jet machine includes a body having a passage defined therethrough and a plurality of piston devices disposed in a top thereof, a plurality of first holes defined through a lower portion of the body, a bar disposed in an underside of the body and having a plurality of fourth holes defined therethrough, two supporting plates disposed to an underside of the bar and having a gap defined longitudinally therebetween, a board disposed between the bar and the two supporting plates and having a plurality of apertures defined therethrough which communicate with the fourth holes, the first holes and the gap, and at least one transverse bar connected to the piston devices and connected to the two supporting plates by bolts extending through the body so that the board is securely positioned by actuating the piston devices to lift the transverse bar upwardly.

Abstract: A device for crimping synthetic thread bundles or bands has a stuffing chamber, a pair of rollers supplying a thread bundle or band into the stuffing chambers, a pressing disk covering a roller gap at end sides of the rollers, a clamping element including and axially reciprocating piston which presses the pressing disks against the end surfaces of the rollers, a rotary drive having a drive unit for producing a reciprocating movement and an apparatus for converting the reciprocating movement in a stepped rotation of the pressing disks, the clamping element being fixedly connected with the rotary drive to form a structural group, the structural group having a single rotatably supported and axially displaceable driven element which axially engages the pressing disk and is fixedly connected with it for joint rotation, the piston of the clamping element being clampable inside the structural group axially against the driven element, the rotary drive having a swivel motor with a swiveling shaft which is reciprocatin

Abstract: process is disclosed for disposing of a spent NaS cell, which process comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the NaS cell for flowing out sodium from the cell and allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the NaS cell; placing oil on sodium inside the inner tube of the spent NaS cell in a given thickness, while the cut opening is directed upwardly; setting the spent NaS cell in a workpiece-setting vessel outside a heating oil vessel, while the cut opening is directed downwardly, thereby flowing out the oil on the sodium inside the inner tube, said workpiece-setting vessel being provided at a bottom with a hole for allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the the spent NaS cell, immersing the spent NaS cell set in the workpiece-setting vessel into oil in the heating oil vessel in the state that the cut opening is directed downwardly; sodium is melted in the oil of the heating oil vessel and flown out therein through the cut opening; and then the inner tube is pulled out from the NaS cell.

Abstract: An automatic lathe includes a pair of gang tool posts disposed on opposite sides of a headstock. The headstock has a main spindle and is movable axially of the main spindle, and the pair of gang tool posts are independently movable in respective two directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axial direction. Pitches between work tools on one of the gang tool posts differ from pitches between work tools on the other gang tool post such that when a free-end position of an arbitrary work tool of a first gang tool post is aligned with that of an arbitrary work tool of a second gang tool post, free-end positions of the other work tools of the first gang tool post mutually differ from those of the other work tools of the second gang tool post.

Abstract: Machining apparatus comprising a major C-frame for carrying an upper tooling head and a rotatable minor C-frame for carrying a lower tooling head cantileverly supported away from a body portion of the minor C-frame to provide a throat for receiving a workpiece edge portion while another workpiece portion is positioned between the heads for machining, the minor C-frame being rotated to provide clearance for the workpiece. As a result, a substantially semi-cylindrical workpiece may be machined over its surface without refixturing thereof.

Abstract: A method to retrofit a vehicle panel with a ballistic enhancement mat sta by providing a continuous batt of fibrous material. The batt is impregnated with a matrix of material that is, or can be made to be, deformable and then hardened. The batt is cut into mats shaped in an outline of the panel. An individual mat is placed on the panel and conformed to the topography of the panel to create a surface-to-surface interface between the mat and the panel. The mat and panel are fixed together at points all over the interface via an adhesive, a hook-and-loop layer, threaded fasteners or any other suitable mechanical fastening mechanism. The matrix is then hardened, whereby the mat becomes an integral reinforcement mechanism for the panel. The matrix material can be resoftened to facilitate removal of the mat if the mat needs replacement.

Abstract: A machine and method for making a strip of dome arrays on a backup strip, wherein the dome arrays include a plurality of domes in a predetermined non-linear pattern and in oriented relation to each other that are adhesively mounted on a dome seal. The machine comprises a punch press or stamping machine capable of simultaneously stamping a pattern of domes in non-linear arrangement and oriented relative to each other and depositing those domes onto the adhesive side of a dome seal strip. The machine also includes means for feeding dome seals to the stamping machine and also for kiss-cutting the dome seal while on the backup strip to define a plurality of successively arranged dome arrays.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system. The methodology principally relates to forming an annular stored gas housing from a single piece of tubing into a generally toroidal-like or torus-like outer wall configuration. The methodology may also include forming a central housing and a providing an appropriate propellant to at least a portion of the central housing. The central housing may then be disposed in a central opening extending through the stored gas housing and the central housing and stored gas housing may be appropriately interconnected, preferably to seal the inflator. An appropriate inflating medium may then provided to the inflator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching and detaching a filmstrip to a film cartridge having a take-up spool rotatably mounted therein. The cartridge has an access opening for allowing film to be inserted or removed from within. The apparatus includes means for positioning the film cartridge in a predetermined position. An attachment tool is rotatably mounted to the mechanism for movement about a pivot point. The attachment tool has a generally arcuate guide member. A mechanism is provided for moving the attachment tool from a non-engaged position to a first engaged position such that a portion of the attachment tool extends into the access opening for engaging the filmstrip to the attachment tool and for moving the tool to a second engaging position for allowing the filmstrip to engage the spool. The mechanism is further provided for moving the attachment tool in a radial direction while the attachment tool extends into the access opening.

Abstract: An elongated cam (A) fixed centrally at one end longitudinally within a cylinder is inserted within a cavity in an end of a piston rod (C) which has a cam follower (D) positioned therein and fixed against longitudinal movement so as to reduce the length of the stroke necessary to turn a member adjacent the other end of the piston rod through a given angle.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric rotary machine having an armature core, upper layer coil elements and lower layer coil elements is provided. Each coil element has a straight coil side and a pair of coil ends extending radially at a right angle from the coil side. Each coil end is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the coil side in a circumferential direction of the armature core. The lower layer coil side and the upper layer coil side are inserted into corresponding slots in a radial direction. A connector comprising a tip of the coil end of the upper layer coil element and a connector comprising a tip of the coil end of the lower layer coil element are welded together.

Abstract: A micro-relay has a flexible monocrystalline structure which is moved by an electromagnetic force to establish a connection between relay contact elements. The micro-relay includes a substrate having a magnetic pathway and one or more coils located over the magnetic pathway. A first contact pad is coupled to the substrate. The monocrystalline structure is suspended over the substrate. A second contact pad and pole pieces are coupled to the monocrystalline structure such that the second contact pad is positioned over the first contact pad, and the pole pieces are located over the coils. A current is applied to the coils to generate an electromagnetic force which flexes the monocrystalline structure toward the substrate, thereby causing the second contact pad to touch the first contact pad. In one embodiment, the coils include insulating spacers located adjacent to the innermost and outermost traces to prevent shorting.

Abstract: Metal-in-the-gap (MIG) transducing head formed on a substrate for use in a magnetic storage device for writing and/or reading data in the form of magnetic flux onto and/or from tracks on magnetic media which moves relative to the head, formed by batch processing techniques. In preferred embodiment, MIG head is write head and further includes magnetoresistive read head, all on a common substrate.

Abstract: Superior bonding of an electrode layer to a separator layer can be achieved by applying a coat of pre-lamination solvent on the surface of the electrode and/or separator prior to attachment in fabricating electrochemical cells. The amount of solvent added is effective to dissolve at least a portion of the polymer material on the surface coated so that upon attachment the electrode and separator layers develop excellent adhesion. Preferred pre-lamination solvent has a boiling point higher than about 50.degree. C. at 760 mm of Hg. Preferred pre-lamination solvents include, for example, N,N-dimethyl formamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 1,3-dioxolane dioxane, methyl ethyl ketone, and mixtures thereof. Acetone can be included in the pre-lamination solvent.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus of the type in which an elongated mandrel, having an enlarged head at one end and loaded with a plurality of the tubular rivets forming a column of rivets on the mandrel, is gripped by gripping mechanism at or near the end remote from the head, and reciprocated relative to an abutment (32), by relative reciprocation between the gripping means (43) and the abutment, the rivets in the column being fed forwardly along the mandrel so that the leading rivet nearest the mandrel head is positioned between the mandrel head and the abutment (32) and can then be set by moving the mandrel rearwardly relative to the abutment (32) so as to draw the head of the mandrel through the bore of the rivet while the rivet is supported by the abutment (32), includes pneumatically operated rivet-feeding mechanism for feeding rivets forwardly along the mandrel, a valve mechanism for shutting off the supply of air to the rivet feeding mechanism thereby to disable it, and the valve mechanism is responsive to the pres

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the assembly of a sliding sunroof frame and for the adjustment of a cover connected with it in a vehicle. The device has a tool that has one portion that can be introduced into the body of a vehicle and another portion that can be positioned above a roof opening of the vehicle. A positioning assembly for the sliding sunroof frame and the cover and various adjusting component with centering devices are provided on a floating frame on part of the tool positioned in the vehicle body, and allow fully automated raising and alignment, as well as fastening of the sliding sunroof frame to the vehicle roof and complete adjustment without play and fastening of the sliding sunroof cover to its tilting mechanism.

Abstract: In a device (1) for pressing in slot sealing pieces (12, 14) for winding bars (20) inserted into the slots of a stator laminated core of an electric machine, a plunger (8) is arranged by means of a force-generating device (4) in a collet (2) with a cam (3). The plunger (8) and the cam (3) are situated opposite one another and move toward one another in the fashion of a screw clamp during operation of the force-generating device (4). In this arrangement, when slot sealing pieces are pressed in the cam (3) engages in an axial slit (11) of a first, upper prismatic body (12), and the plunger (8) acts on an end face (13) of a second, lower prismatic body (14). The device (1) for pressing in slot sealing pieces (12, 14) is arranged with lifting devices (22) on a support frame (23) which can be moved along the slot sealing pieces (12, 14) in the stator laminated core.

Abstract: In manufacturing slide fasteners, especially fastener elements, an elongated wire of a generally Y-shape cross section with attaching legs shaped into a generally C form by rolling, is supplied intermittently at a predetermined pitch and is then cut into slices of element blanks having a predetermined thickness, and a protuberance is formed on the coupling head of each of the successive element blanks. Then, the generally C-shape attaching legs are calked from opposite sides to mount the fastener elements on a fastener tape and, at the same time, the generally right-angled cut edges of the attaching legs are shaped into a smooth arcuate profile as pressed by a calking surface of a calking punch.

Abstract: A method of making an assembly having an air tight cavity for holding an element therein and having a plurality of thin and flat planar conductive leads extending outwardly from the cavity for providing electrically conductive paths from the element held within the cavity, and a conductive plate for supporting the circuitry, comprising (a) injecting a liquified thermosetting epoxy into a die and solidifying the epoxy by heat curing to form a dielectric frame that is configured such that the inner end and tip portions of the conductive leads are buried in the frame, the flat surfaces of the intermediate portions of the conductive leads are exposed in a common plane and the outer end portions of the conductive leads extend outside the epoxy, (b) bonding the bottom surface of the resulting dielectric frame to the outer periphery of the conductive base plate, (c) plating the exposed flat surfaces of the conductive leads and the conductive base plate with a conductive material, (d) connecting the circuitry dispose

Abstract: A housing and ejection mechanism for PCMCIA electronic "smart cards" is disclosed. The ejection mechanism comprises a pair of cooperating lever arms and springs. When a "smart card" is inserted into the housing, the two lever arms pivot into the housing, extending an ejection spring. As the spring is pulled back by means of the lever arms, insertion of the card requires only slightly more force than would be needed to connect a "smart card" with its socket were no spring present. Full insertion of the card leaves the two lever arms coupled, but with only one of the lever arms locked in position. When the user triggers the ejection process, the two levers are mechanically separated and one of them applies the full spring force to the "smart card", freeing it from its socket and starting to push it out of the housing. After the first arm frees the "smart card" from its socket, it frees the second lever arm from its latch. The two lever arms then cooperate to push the "smart card" further out of the housing.

Abstract: A high density integrated circuit module having complex electrical interconnection is described, which includes a plurality of stacked level-one integrated circuit devices, wherein each level-one device includes an integrated circuit die and a plurality of electrical leads extending from the die; and a plurality of non-linear rails adapted to electrically and thermally interconnect selected leads of selected stacked level-one devices within the module, wherein at least some of the plurality of non-linear rail include a lead interconnect portion which is adapted to at most partially surround and receive a selected lead from one of the stacked level-one devices. Other embodiments include TSOP modules having leads reduced in width to allow additional selected non-linear rails to interconnect with select leads in the module. Strain relief for the rail/circuit board substrate connection in harsh environment applications is also provided.