Abstract: An expandable pull rod for luggage having two bottom tubes, two middle tubes, two top tubes, a handle provided with a pressing device, and an arresting device formed of two main control members and two auxiliary control members. When the expandable pull rod is extracted, the top tubes and the middle tubes are located by the main control members of the arresting device, whereas the middle tubes and the bottom tubes are located by the auxiliary control members of the arresting device. The arresting device can be triggered by the pressing device to release the top tubes, the middle tubes and the bottom tubes when the pull rod is retracted.

Abstract: A loop fastener well-suited for attaching tags to articles of commerce. In one embodiment, the loop fastener comprises a flexible filament having a first end and a second end. In addition, the loop fastener comprises a socket, the socket having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, the side surface being generally octagonal in shape and having a front end. The socket is also shaped to include a channel and a circumferential flange, the channel being generally circular in transverse cross-section and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the flange extending partially into the channel and being shaped to include an arcuate surface extending convexly downwardly from the top surface. The first end of the flexible filament is joined both to the top surface and the front end of the socket, the flexible filament extending away from the socket generally perpendicularly relative to the channel.

Abstract: A universal one piece restraint bracket particularly suited for use with wire rope or cable for transverse, longitudinal and combined transverse and longitudinal seismic bracing systems for supporting an object. The bracket is generally L shaped to define a flattened apertured central portion with two wing portions generally at right angles to each other, apertured at their free ends and joined to the flattened central portion, each wing being elevated or upwardly bent away from the plane of the central portion. Aircraft type cables or wire rope connect the bracket to an adjacent support structure with the central portion of the bracket being secured to an object to be supported, whereby the bracing system acts in tension only so as to dampen earthquake loads and forces and thus is not subject to compression loads. A single bracket accommodates a wide variety of seismic bracing, and the bracket is configured for stacking with another bracket where necessary.

Abstract: A method of moving a figurine by attaching the figurine to a zipper that is attached to a piece of material and translationally moving the zipper along a first direction and converting the translational movement of the zipper into a separate type of movement which causes the figurine to move.

Abstract: A zipper system comprises two elongated coupling elements (38) and (40) each having a row of interlocking elements (42) and (44) mounted on and along their respective inner edges. The zipper provides arresting female members (22Z, 22', 22, 36, 36', 23, 23') including a female arresting slider (22Z, 22', 22) slidably connected to one of two elongated coupling elements (38, 40). The arresting female members (22Z, 22', 22, 36, 36', 23, 23') are adapted to unite with each other (differently in various embodiments) to form a coupled female unit (22F) with a planar surface for coupling and uncoupling with a male interlocking element (26, 26', 32, 34, 26E-26N, 80-90). The zipper also comprises intergarment plates (50, 52) with thumbholds (54, 56), strap holders (94), a two-way zipper (23, 23') and resilient locking assemblies (28, 30).

Abstract: A system for securing a shoe, of the type having an upper part with a pair of opposed edges with eyelets which are drawn together in securing the shoe, onto the foot of a wearer is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises an elastic shoelace having a pair of ends, each end having an elongated, covering of an elastomeric material, and a dual cord fastener adapted to allow shoelace ends to pass there through and to lock two prescribed points on the length of the shoelace from moving relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A crankshaft phase indexing apparatus of this invention is provided with a pair of spindles arranged in alignment with a first axis. The Spindles are rotated respectively by a pair of spindle driving motors, which are controlled to rotate at the same speed. Chucks are mounted to the respective spindles. The chucks hold ends of a crankshaft in alignment with a second axis, which is displaced from and parallel to the first axis. A phase conversion shaft is rotatably arranged in at least one of the chucks in alignment with the second axis. The phase conversion shaft is connected to the crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft to permit phase indexing of crankpins of the crankshaft into axial alignment with the first axis. A phase indexing shaft, which is coupled to the phase conversion shaft, is located concentrically with the spindles and is rotated by a phase indexing motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tool for removing and replacing the operating nut on a subterranean gate at the bottom of a valve tile. The tool comprises an elongated threaded rod moveably mounted inside of an elongated outer tube and having a threaded nut secured to its upper end. A bifurcated member is affixed to the lower end of the rod. The bifurcated member is configured to fit easily underneath the operating nut for lifting the nut off of the valve stem. A nut retaining member is mounted to the lower end of the tube for holding a new operating nut on top of the bifurcated member during the replacement operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riveting apparatus having a power supply unit (20), which is replaceable or exchangeable, attached to the riveting apparatus, said power supply unit having a preferably rechargeable battery and the riveting apparatus being adapted to be brought into an operative condition by attaching the power supply unit at the riveting apparatus, and comprising a rivet pin collecting compartment (12) comprising at least one closeable discharge opening (13). In order to ensure that the riveting apparatus is operated at closed rivet pin collecting compartment only, it is provided according to the invention that in the operative condition of the riveting apparatus the power supply unit forms a cover that closes the discharge opening.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic tire valve insertion method for tubeless tire, in which a tire valve can be smoothly inserted into a valve hole of a wheel without entailing damage to the tire valve, wheel, push rod, etc. even though the position of the valve hole varies in the radial and width directions of the wheel. In the tire valve insertion apparatus, the valve hole of the wheel being rotated is detected, the wheel is stopped at a predetermined position by braking, and the tire valve is inserted into the valve hole by means of the push rod of a valve press-fitting device. A light emitting element for emitting a detection light to be transmitted through the valve hole and a light sensing element for receiving the detection light are arranged facing each other across the rotating wheel. The light emitting and sensing ranges of these elements are elongated in a direction perpendicular to a circular path of movement of the valve hole.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a method for stacking receptacles. The method comprises stacking a first receptacle on a second receptacle; and inverting the stacked first and second receptacles to engage the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe housing mountable on automotive body panels. The housing generally includes a flange member coupled to a body member mountable on a surface of the body panel, and a trim member coupled to the flange member by a hinge. The trim member is movable relative to the flange member between a first position where the trim member is disposed away from a surface of body panel and a second position where the trim member is disposed toward the surface of the body panel, whereby the trim member is biased toward one of the first and second positions. The housing may be installed on the body panel with the trim member positioned away therefrom prior to applying paint thereto, whereafter the trim member is positioned toward the body panel.

Abstract: In a method for securing an end fitting to a coated tube, a tube having a standard outer diameter is coated with a non-corrosive material. The coated tube is then held in a clamp while an outer end of the tube is inserted into the opening of a reduction punch. The reduction punch is then forced axially towards the tube, reducing the outer diameter of the tube and coating to approximately the original outer diameter of the uncoated tube. As a result, a standard end fitting having an inner diameter generally equal to the uncoated tube outer diameter can be utilized on the reduced end of the coated tube. The end fitting is then secured to the reduced end of the coated tube in a known manner, such as by flaring.

Abstract: A method for making aluminum boiler units for coffee making machines of the type having a faceted upwardly tapering side surface, comprises a step of drawing an aluminum disc, to provide a hollow body, having substantially the configuration of the boiler unit to be made, a closed top end and an open bottom end. About the top end portion of the hollow body is formed, by a rolling operation, a thread for screw engaging with the top portion of the coffee making machine. Then, by a cutting operation, the metal disc closing the top end portion of the boiler unit body is removed, whereas the bottom end portion thereof is closed by an aluminum bottom element which is clamped to the boiler unit body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining a laser bar during a facet coating operation and releasing the laser bar subsequent to the operation. The apparatus includes a pair of opposing spacers that hold the laser bar when compressed, each spacer including a compliant spring on an inner portion thereof. A compression device applies a force to the spacers sufficient to compress the springs against opposite sides of the laser bar to thereby retain the laser bar during the facet coating operation. Subsequent to the facet coating operation, the compressive force is released to decompress the springs and thereby release the laser bar. Due to the spring action, the laser bar is released without substantially adhering to either one of the spacers.

Abstract: An armature for an electric rotating machine has a plurality of outer coil elements and a plurality of inner coil elements. Each of the coil elements has end protrusions extending axially outwardly from an axial side of an armature. The end protrusions facing each other in a radial direction is joined by an arc welding. In one method, the end protrusion of the outer coil element is formed a projection at an axially inside of an axial end of the protrusion. The end protrusions are held spaced apart from each other in the radial direction while contacting only through the projection. The axial ends of the protrusions are welded by swinging the welding arc. In another method, a ring-shaped brazing material is interposed between the end protrusions. The brazing material is melted by the welding arc to weld the end protrusions, while cutting out the brazing material existing between two adjacent pairs of the end protrusions.

Abstract: A fabrication process for a complex magnetic head having a reproducing MR head and a recording ID head comprises the steps of forming the MR head, forming an insulator film on the MR head, forming a photoresist frame on the insulator film, forming a top magnetic pole inside the photoresist frame by plating, trimming the top magnetic pole for defining the end width of the ID head while leaving the photoresist frame, and removing the photoresist frame. The photoresist frame protects the underlying films against the trimming and also protects the top magnetic pole film against an etching solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnet assembly capable of operating in high temperature and pressure environments without delaminating. A low viscosity resin having a low glass transition temperature can be used to assure that the magnets are completely impregnated with resin. The magnets are then assembled with the other components into a magnet assembly. Thereafter, the entire magnet assembly is placed in a metal housing and potted under temperature and pressure to eliminate voids or air spaces between assembly components in order to assure a void-free assembly.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an apparatus for automatically assembling elements of a COAST container. The apparatus includes a cabinet that has a vertical stocker mounted therein for holding the elements of the COAST container, an input loadlock mechanism for introducing the elements into the cabinet, a manipulating mechanism for placing the elements into the vertical stocker, a conveyor located outside of the cabinet, a load loadlock mechanism mounted inside the cabinet and interfacing with the outside thereof near the conveyor, an automatic manipulator mechanism inside the cabinet for removing the elements from the vertical stocker and assembling these elements into the COAST container, and a mechanism for pressurizing the inside of the cabinet with a protective atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrical terminal applicator includes a terminal assembly die that is installed in a press. The terminal assembly die is a modular design comprising a base unit assembly having several assemblies attached to it. These assemblies include a slide retainer assembly, a terminal feed assembly, a terminal guide and brake assembly, an upper tool pack assembly and a lower tool pack assembly. Other assemblies may be attached to the base unit assembly or substituted for the original assemblies to provide great versatility with respect to the types of terminals, tooling and presses that can be used in connection with the terminal assembly die.

Abstract: A flat electrical cable and a method of assembling a flat electrical cable is provided wherein the flat cable includes an upper layer having ribs protruding along its length and substantially parallel to one another, continuous substantially parallel and adjacent seams formed between and upper an lower insulator layer conductors between the upper and lower layer adjacent the seams and a pattern formed in the surface of the lower insulator layer. The present invention may have upper and lower polyester layers having copper conductors therebetween and the seams ultrasonically welded in order to provide flat electrical cable for various applications such as incorporation in an automobile clockspring.

Abstract: A process of making a multilayer printed wiring board assembly.

Abstract: A printed circuit card housing provides separate cooling fluid travel paths for convectively cooling on-board heat exchangers of non mil. spec. component-retaining printed circuit cards, and for thermal conductive cooling of conventional (VME) circuit cards, while keeping both types of circuit cards sealed from contaminants that may be present in the cooling fluid. The housing includes a chassis having a card slot cavity, into which both types of printed circuit cards are retained. A cooling fluid supply/exhaust plenum provides a first cooling fluid travel path that is ported to only convectively cooled circuit cards. In order to cool the remaining circuit cards, the cooling fluid supply/exhaust plenum ports cooling fluid entering the plenum along a second cooling fluid travel path through heat exchangers installed along sidewalls of the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning fine pitch electrical components and for solder paste stenciling includes a template for aligning an electrical component and for aligning a solder stencil. The template has a window with shelves on opposite sides. Tape is adhered to the shelves across the window and is used to secure the template to the desired location on the printed circuit board. The template also includes upright tabs that engage notches in the edges of the stencil for aligning the stencil. A two headed vacuum lifting device is used to lift an aligned component and an aligned stencil from the template. With the template removed from the printed circuit board, the stencil is replaced in the aligned position for solder application. The stencil is removed and the electrical component is placed for soldering.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting a core, a stranded conductor such as a wire rope or cable and a component of a medical electrical lead provided with a internal lumen. At least one of the core and the internal lumen of the component is provided with a textured surface, such as threading. The conductor is located alongside said textured surface and the core is advanced into the lumen of said component, such that the textured surface engages the conductor and retains the conductor as the core is advanced into the lumen, and the conductor is compressed between the core and the inner lumen of the component.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of either two-cycle or four-cycle construction including a block having at least one cylinder bore therein having sidewalls carrying a liner of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed in sealed fiber reinforced sliding relationship within the cylinder bore, and a cylinder head sealing atop end of the cylinder bore to form a closed combustion chamber in combination with the piston. The cylinder head also has the structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed on an inner surface thereof facing the combustion chamber. The preferred engine is a two-cycle engine having an externally scavenged intake system and an oil sump lubricating system thereby eliminating the need to separately mix or inject lubricating oil. Higher operating temperatures and closer tolerances allow higher fuel efficiency and less pollutant production.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and method of assembly for an automotive vehicle includes at least one tube having an internal surface and an external surface, and a composition cladding having at least magnesium applied to the internal surface and external surface of the tube.

Abstract: A tube junction is produced having at least two inlets and an outlet, and at least one bend between the two inlets by providing a forging die with a first recess contoured to hold a bent tube piece. A second recess opens into the first recess and, terminates in a moveable counterpunch. A tube piece having two inlets is bent to bring the two inlets into positions relative to each other generally similar to relative positions of the inlets in a finished tube junction. The bent tube piece is placed within the forging die, and pressurized internally to bulge the tube piece wall into the second recess and form a neck for the outlet. Motion of the counterpunch away from the first recess is controlled as the neck forms under pressure in the second recess.

Abstract: An article of jewelry utilizing a base of heat deformable material. The base is formed with an aperture or bore which extends partially through the base. The aperture terminates in a floor within the base and is surrounded by a cavity at the surface of the base. An elongated member of heat retaining material extend within the aperture of the base and penetrates the floor of the same. A holder connects to the elongated member and includes an end portion which fits in the cavity of the base.

Abstract: A ring is formed by first inverting a washer comprising a substantially planar annular member with an outer circumference and a central opening defining an inner circumference, an inner lip extending from one side of the annular member at the inner circumference, an outer lip extending from the same side of the annular member at the outer circumference, and an intermediate section between the first and second lips that reduces in thickness from the inner lip to the outer lip, into a frusto-conical shape; then second inverting the frusto-conical shaped washer into a cylindrical element; and then cold working the cylindrical element by a cold rolling operation so that the annular member assumes an arcuate cross-sectional configuration of substantially constant thickness, whereby to increase a crushing strength of the ring due to the cold rolling and cold working of the cylindrical element and the lips.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a side rail in a vehicle frame assembly includes the initial step of roll forming flat stock to form a side rail having a C-shaped cross section defined by an upper flange corresponding to the top open side of the C-shape, a lower flange corresponding to the bottom or opposite open side of the C-shape, and a web corresponding to the back of the C shape and connecting the upper flange and the lower flange. The terminal edges of the upper flange and the lower flange define an edge plane that extends generally parallel to a vertical plane defined by the web. A portion of the lower flange is then stamped in a direction parallel to the vertical plane to form a kick-up in portion in the lower flange. The edge plane defined by the edges of the upper and lower flanges in the kick-up portion does not extend at the predetermined relationship relative to the plane defined by the web.

Abstract: The cigar plug cutter apparatus of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the known devices to provide a more accurate and safe cut of the cigar tip.

Abstract: A utility knife handle including a first body, or first shell, adjustably mated to a second body, or second shell, to form a blade holding portion and a blade storing portion. The first and second bodies have mating beveled surfaces adapted to align the first body with the second body when they are joined. In the preferred embodiment the first body is connected to the second body by a control knob adapted to allow for linear and pivotal adjustment between the first and second bodies. The utility knife handle is adjustable between an open position in which the holding portion and the storing portion allow the removal of any blades therein, an intermediate position in which the holding portion prevents removal of any blades therein and allows for positional adjustment of blades therein and the storing portion prevents the removal of any blades therein, and a closed position in which the holding portion prevents movement of any blades therein and the storing portion prevents the removal of any blades therein.

Abstract: The disclosed portable circular saw includes a motor having an axis, a housing enclosing the motor therein, a handle carried by the housing, an arbor operatively connected to the motor, the arbor having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the motor axis, and a shoe supporting the housing thereon. The housing is inclined at an angle relative to the shoe. The handle is also disposed between the housing and the shoe. Preferably, the housing inclination angle is about 45.degree.. The saw may also include a drive shaft disposed on the motor axis and a transmission mechanism connected to the arbor and the drive shaft. This transmission mechanism creates a torque in the rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the arbor. Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes a first gear disposed on the drive shaft, and a second gear disposed on the arbor, where the second gear meshes with the first gear.

Abstract: The present invention features a disposable razor unit having a razor head which is detachable from the handle. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle has attachment means which consists of three prongs which extend outward from the handle. The center prong has a tooth on the underside of the end opposite the handle. The razor head has a chamber which receives the attachment means of the handle when the razor head and the handle are coupled. The chamber has a clearance slot and a locking shoulder at its innermost, central point into which the tooth of the middle prong fits to fasten the razor head and handle together. The fit between the handle and the razor head is such that the razor head may be removed by a forward force exerted on the top of the chamber by the user, however the fit is sufficient that the handle and the razor head will not become separated by normal forces encountered during shaving.

Abstract: A razor handle for any of a wide variety of disposable shavers sold. The handle device provides greater stability, weight and balance, which in turn provides increased "feel" to the user resulting in a closer and smoother shave, and a resultant decrease in the number of cuts or nicks to the face or leg, etc. The handle device consists of a tubular member for receiving therein and securely locking in place a variety of disposable razors with different dimensional configurations. The handle device is weighted to increase the "feel" of the razor. Additionally, by adding or reducing weights, the user may vary the "feel" of the razor to suit his or her particular preference.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a foldable geostationary satellite antenna pointing guide (FIG. 4, 40), comprising: at least a first panel (42) including on a front surface thereof a first portion of a world map; a flexible transparent overlay panel (50) attached to said at least a first panel (42) and having printed thereon scales of degrees of azimuth and elevation, a central point thereof representing ninety degrees elevation; said transparent overlay panel (50) being foldable over said front surface of said at least a first panel (42) and moveable with respect thereto such that said central point can be positioned over the location of a first geostationary satellite (46) on said first portion of a world map, such that a user can locate said user's position on said first portion of a world map and read from said scales of degrees of azimuth and elevation, at said position, an optimum direction to point a radio antenna toward said first geostationary satellite (46).

Abstract: A gun sight mount is provided that enables the accurate and secure positioning of an optical sighting device onto a weapon or other equipment. The mount includes a base and a front and rear ring assemblies. The base is attached at at least two points to the weapon or equipment. The separate front and rear ring assemblies capture the weapon or equipment. The ring assemblies are secured to the base, whereby a secure mounting is acheived.

Abstract: A pocket level provided with magnet includes a housing having a sight opening formed therein. A liquid level indicator, in the form of a bubble vial having a pair of closed end walls, is slidably received within the open end portion of the housing and is observable through the sight opening. At least one of the closed end walls of the liquid level indicator is engageable with the housing. A cap is slidably inserted into the open end portion of the housing and a clip which is adapted to hold the level in one's pocket is secured thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mapping pipe and valve bores in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a main bar and an adjustable chuck facilitate positioning of a digital indicator inside a valve bore. In the one embodiment, the main bar is rotatably coupled to the chuck, and the chuck includes four movable jaws. A data acquisition element, which includes a digital indicator, is movably coupled to the main bar and configured to move substantially coaxially to the main bar. To map the circumference of the bore, the main bar and the chuck are inserted into the valve bore, and the chuck is used to center the main bar coaxially within the valve bore. The data acquisition element is positioned at a first location along the main bar, and the main bar is rotated so that the digital indicator maps the circumference of the bore.

Abstract: A shape measuring apparatus includes an object measuring device, a holding base, a reference plane measuring device, and a length measuring unit. The holding base holds an object-to-be-measured on its surface and has a reference plane provided on its back side so that a measured surface of the object and the reference plane can be simultaneously scanned by the object measuring device and the reference plane measuring device, respectively. Therefore, the object and the reference plane can sway integrally with each other, and the accuracy of measurement of the measured surface is not influenced by any moving straightness deviation of the holding base unless any change occurs in relative positions of the reference plane and the measured surface. Therefore, the shape of the measured surface can be measured with the flatness accuracy of the reference plane.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for positioning hanging objects (2) on a wall has a base member (12), a pair of spaced-apart support arms (18), each having an upper end (20), extending from the base member. At the upper end of each support arm is a line receiver (30) for releasably engaging a line (4) extending from a frame (6) of the object. To enable the individual to place a mark on the wall for the location of a hanger to support the object, the line receiver may have an opening (34) extending therethrough. A telescoping height gauge (36) is mounted to the base member to locate a top edge (8) of the frame with respect to the line suspended front the line receivers. To assist in placing the line receivers in a horizontal relationship on the wall, the apparatus has a level indicator (40). A handle (42) extends from the base member. To add additional strength to the apparatus, a brace (24) can be extended between each support arm and the base member. Also, the support arms can be pivotally mounted to the base member.

Abstract: An improved structure for a tape measure includes a measuring tape, a tape measure framework, and a control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus includes a release key and a stopper. The withdrawal motion of the measuring tape can be performed by simply pressing the release key of the control apparatus with one of the user's fringer. Namely, when measuring length of an object, the user may pull out the measuring tape to a length slightly longer than the estimated value, and does not have to worry about the tape suddenly withdrawing automatically. When the tape is to be withdrawn, the user may presses lightly the release key of the control apparatus. The withdrawal of the tape may be halted by releasing the release key to actuate control function of the control apparatus.

Abstract: A detector for measuring a thickness of a powder on a surface includes a body; a device extending from the body for facilitating holding the body on the surface; and a plurality of teeth extending from the body and spaced from each other along the plane, each of the teeth being defined by two walls extending from the body so as to form a distinct line of intersection extending perpendicular to the plane at a point remote from the body, each of the teeth being of a different length.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly exhausting air pressure from an intercooler pneumatically connected to receive compressed air from an air compressor. The apparatus includes a blowdown valve pneumatically connected to receive air pressure contained in the intercooler. The valve has a large exhaust port and a valve member seatable against the port to open and close the same. An inlet port is provided for admitting a compressor unload signal to the valve, with the unload signal being effective to move the valve member away from the large exhaust port to allow rapid exhaustion of intercooler air pressure to atmosphere through the exhaust port.

Abstract: In a vapor drying system, solvents such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are boiled and condensed to provide a means of removing water and other contamination from process parts loaded into the equipment. The parts enter the apparatus via an automated lift assembly. Upon entering the vapor zone, solvent condenses on the parts and fixtures due to a temperature differential, displacing the contaminants. This condensate/contaminant waste stream gravity drains to a buffer tank below via a sloped, temperature-controlled drip tray. After vapor condensation on the parts ceases, drying is accomplished using superheated vapors formed in a stabilized zone generated by one or more offset boil sumps and separate vapor heat exchangers. Any liquid solvent remaining on the parts is flash-dried in the vapor zone, so that parts emerge clean and dry. The invention incorporates a computer-implemented PLC to control process parameters, cover mechanism, transport mechanism, safety features during operating, idle and standby conditions.

Abstract: A wafer carrier is provided comprised of a circular plate having a flat edge region extending around the circumference of the plate. The plate has a circular recessed center region with a recessed bottom surface and includes an upwardly inclined surface around the periphery of the recessed bottom surface. A substrate is placed in the center region where it is supported by a portion of the upwardly inclined surface and is spaced apart form the recessed bottom surface such that the substrate is supported only around its edge. The wafer carrier minimizes surface contact with the substrate thereby minimizing metal contamination and surface damage to the backside of a substrate and prevents deposition on the backside of the substrate.

Abstract: A hair dryer assembly having a night light is comprised of a housing configured to be hand-held. A motor and heating coils are carried within the housing. A light source is disposed on the housing. A circuit provides electrical power to the motor, heating coils, and light.

Abstract: A vertical processing vessel includes an upper feed zone, an intermediate treatment zone and a lower removal zone, with the treatment zone including an improved system for distributing treating fluids uniformly across the cross-section of the vessel. The system provides for mutually perpendicular fluid distributing tubes which, in the preferred embodiment, has one set of tubes that extend completely across the vessel and a second set of perpendicular tubes that merely penetrate the wall of the vessel to deliver treating fluids along the perimeter of the vessel. The degree to which the delivery tubes in the second set penetrate the vessel is determined by the size of the vessel so that optimal conditions are attained for the delivery of the treating fluids.

Abstract: A stationary drying rack of the present invention is used in a clothes dryer for drying articles of clothing which cannot be tumbled by the dryer. The stationary rack is capable of using the electronic control drying circuitry of the dryer by making electrical contact with the sensor bars of the dryer and providing additional sets of sensor bars disposed on the drying rack. As a result, the sensor bars on the drying rack are electrically connected to the sensor bars on the dryer.