Abstract: A method for embedding piezoelectric ceramic transducers in thermoplastic composites. The piezoelectric ceramic transducer to be embedded in a graphite/PEEK composite is first bonded with two fine silver wires for electrical connection, one on each major surface. The bonding agent is a high temperature conductive adhesive compound, such as a silver/glass frit. The fusing of the frit bonding agent is done in an over at a high temperature (i.e. 600.degree. F. or higher) for 5 to 10 minutes. Bonds are applied at several discrete spots on the zig zag wire which relieves thermal stresses induced during cooling due to a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the ceramic material and the wire. After the connecting wires are attached, the wires and transducer are wrapped with several plies of insulating glass/PEEK cloth to prevent electrical shorting between the two silver wires through the graphite/PEEK host.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a length of outer protective layer from the end of an optical fiber. The apparatus accurately locates the fiber at a cutting station, engages a pair of opposed blades to cut the outer layer, and utilizes a constant force to remove the length of outer layer from the fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool which is intended for inserting separate tooth bits into a saw blade body by turning. The tool (1) comprises an intermediate part (13) with separate turning plates (12a, 12b) arranged on the sides thereof to cover at least that end of the tool which comes into contact with the tooth bit (2), whereby a free space is formed between the turning plates, which enables the tool to be brought to a saw tooth (11) in such a way that the tooth bit can be turned by support shoulders (5) provided in the tooth bit by means of the tool's first insertion heads (10). By means of the tool's intermediate part the space between the turning plates transversally to the blade is arranged to correspond to the thickness of the blade. The intermediate part is preferably formed from at least one suitably thick plate.

Abstract: A device and automated method for inserting spacers into grooves (22). The insertion of spacers into the grooves (22) of wooden doors (20) is particularly useful for aligning parts of the door (20) , such as, panel components and the like of the door (20). Use of the insertion device and method can eliminate the necessity of inserting spacers, by hand, into grooves (22).

Abstract: An extractor for removing inaccessible broken key portions from keyways of tumbler locks wherein the extractor tool consists of a pair of thin elongated elements capable of being inserted into the lock on opposite sides of the broken key end portion and wherein twisting of the elements grips the broken key end to permit extraction from the lock. Extraction is aided by a pliers-like spreader tool having thin jaws inserted into the lock keyway for retracting lock tumblers, the dust shutter door and buzzer electric switches to prevent such items from interfering with the key extraction.

Abstract: A conveyorized system and method of use therefor for disassembling, inspecting, reconditioning and testing a brake actuator is disclosed. The disassembly area includes a spring removal fixture and a torque removal fixture. The conveyor system includes multi-level conveyor portions to eliminate the need for operators to lift awkward, heavy components. The test area includes a fixture adapted to pressure test and leak test a reconditioned brake actuator and to test for slack adjuster travel. The disclosed conveyor system is specially adapted to disassemble, inspect, recondition and test air brake actuators for trains, such as disc actuators and tread actuators.

Abstract: An improved impact tool of the nonrecoil type is provided, to include a molded thermoplastic jacket encasing a hollow core canister having a flowable filler material such as small steel pellets or the like disposed therein and adapted to shift about within the canister for absorbing and dissipating impact shock forces. The hollow canister, which may be lightweight in construction, is partially filled with a selected quantity of the flowable filler material and the residual canister volume is occupied by at least one pulverable slug prior to placement of the canister into a mold for formation of the jacket thereon under heat and pressure. The pulverable slug has sufficient structural integrity to withstand molding temperatures and pressures, so that the slug and filler material cooperatively define a rigid structural backstop to prevent deformation of the hollow canister during the jacket molding step.

Abstract: A method of operatively installing between two movable members a Bowden wire assembly which includes an outer flexible tube slidably containing a cable with opposite end portions thereof extending outwardly of opposite ends of the flexible tube, said method comprisingconnecting opposite ends of said flexible tube to spaced anchoring points one of which is provided by a yieldingly deformable anchoring member disposed in an initial position with respect to an associated one of said movable members,connecting the ends of said cable to said movable members and positioning the same so that the associated one of said movable members is disposed at an intermediate position between maximum and minimum cable extent limiting positions thereof and the other of said movable members is disposed at a minimum cable extent position with respect to maximum and minimum cable extent limiting positions, andthereafter moving the other of said movable members from said minimum cable extent position into the maximum cable extent po

Abstract: A method for joining together two superimposed sheet metal layers includes clamping the sheet metal layers together on a base and positioning a resiliently deformable hemming bead adjacent the superimposed layers. One of the layers includes an outer peripheral flange that extends beyond the outer peripheral edge of the other layer. An anvil has a lower face that follows the bead around the periphery of the superimposed layers and presses against the bead to deform the bead toward the flange. Deformation of the hemming bead causes the peripheral flange of the one layer to bend around the peripheral edge of the other layer in a single operation to thereby join the superimposed sheet metal layers together.

Abstract: A method of stiffening a flexible pipe using inserts or stiffeners. To account for non-uniformities and toe in of the flexible pipe, the method involves inserting a pipe stiffener into an end of the pipe and expanding the pipe stiffener within the end to a desired diameter. The stiffener is expanded using an expander, and may be sized to any desired diameter. The pipe stiffener may be expanded within the pipe until its outside diameter approximates the inside diameter of the pipe. Alternatively, the pipe stiffener may be expanded within the pipe by an expander until its inside diameter approximates the inside diameter of the pipe before the pipe stiffener is expanded within the pipe. Finally, the stiffener may be expanded within the pipe until the outside diameter of the pipe approximates the outside diameter of other pipes to be joined thereto.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna is fabricated by first injection molding a group of broadband radio frequency radiating elements from a polymeric material, metallizing each broadband radio frequency radiating element, and installing a transmission line within each broadband radio frequency radiating element. A support structure is prepared by injection molding at least one, and preferably multiple, flat support plates, and metallizing each plate. A pattern of electrical connectors is formed on the plates. A forward plate has a group of attachment locations thereon, and, collectively, the pattern of electrical conductors provide an electrical feed to each of the attachment locations. A broadband radio frequency radiating element is affixed, preferably by ultrasonic welding, to each of the plurality of attachment locations, with the transmission line of each broadband radio frequency radiating element in electrical communication with the electrical conductor extending to the respective attachment location.

Abstract: A method of making a head disk assembly using a fixture is disclosed. The head disk assembly includes a base having an interior-horizontal surface and a side wall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface, a disk for coupling to the base, and a head for coupling to the base. The disk includes a head facing surface and an outer diameter and the head includes a disk facing surface. The fixture includes a light source for propagating a light beam towards the side wall, a light reflecting structure for receiving the light beam and outputting a reflected light beam, and a control structure for controlling a vertical movement of the light reflecting structure, the light reflecting structure includes a reflecting mirror surface defining an angle with respect to the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An electrical power cable includes plastic-insulated conductors and a single wire, which is enveloped by a lengthwise incoming insulating tape and is twisted together with the conductors, all of which are surrounded by a common sheath. The conductors and the single wire are twisted together with alternating stroke directions (SZ), and the tape is loosely placed around the single wire in the form of a strand with opposing edges of the tape having alternating directions of rotation along the length of the strand.

Abstract: An adaptor tool for mounting components on printed circuit boards. The adaptor tool has two capture members that define an opening sized to receive the component. The capture members are linked together such that the application of torque to the adaptor tool by a torque tool via a connector results in the two capture members frictionally engaging the component and transferring the torque to the component. This allows the component to be mounted to the printed circuit board to a desired degree of torque. The adaptor tool can be sized so as to be able to mount a cylindrical heat sink to a bracket on a printed circuit board to a desired degree of torque.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a small electronic component, by which its yield can be enhanced. The invention comprises the steps of: a component mounting step of mounting a necessary electronic component 2-4 on a substrate 1; a coating layer forming step of forming a coating layer 14 for covering and sealing the substrate 1 in its entirety including the electronic component 2-4 with a coating material having high heat resistance; and a package layer forming step of forming a package layer 17 for covering and sealing a circumference of the coating layer 14 with a thermoplastic resin material 12. In the package layer forming step, adverse effects by the heat from the thermoplastic resin 12 to the electronic components 2-4 and the substrate 1 are inhibited with the coating layer 14.

Abstract: A rotatable wire feed drum for use in the assembly of multiple connector wire harnesses includes a rotary drum of a given diameter and an outer circumferential surface which accommodate a plurality of wires. A first wire-clamping assembly is operatively connected to the wire feed drum and selectively clamps the wires to the drum in order to advance them with rotation of the drum. The wire feed drum may be utilized as a wire feed device in a wire harness assembly apparatus between a wire supply device and a wire terminating device. Feeding of selected wires is effected by clamping a set of selected wires to the wire feed drum and simultaneously unclamping a second set of wires at a location spaced from the feed drum and then rotating the wire feed drum.

Abstract: A novel press-fit electrically-conductive contact member, as, for example, an electrically-conductive metal pin, characterized by a conforming section which has an elastically-deformable region which acts as a spring and which is adapted to engage a substrate hole in a press-fitting relationship. The conforming section comprises opposed beam members configured to accommodate a considerably larger hole tolerance yet still provide sufficient retention force to stabilize the pin during a soldering process that such substrates may typically undergo. The beam cross-sections are configured to allow them to occupy a side-by-side position. Contact members with the conforming section can be manufactured by a wire-forming process in which end-to-end connected pins are formed as a continuous strip needing no excess material for carrying the pins, nor are any air gaps formed between the pins, and thus the finished continuous strip of pins can be wound up on a reel.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing an oil pan heater on an oil pan while the oil pan is mounted on an engine block. Oil is drained from the engine oil pan. Then the engine oil pan is pierced to provide a pilot hole having pierced ends extending into the engine oil pan. A circular chamfered groove is formed surrounding the pilot hole so as to provide an oil pan thickness at a base of the chamfered groove. A pull is inserted into the oil pan through the pilot hole to engage an internal portion of the oil pan surrounding the pilot hole. The pull extracts a circular slug from the oil pan and a substantially circular hole is formed in the oil pan. An expandable heater bushing is inserted in the substantially circular hole. The heater bushing has an expandable tubular section extending from an enlarged head. The tubular section is crimped and the enlarged head is sealed to the oil pan. Then the heater is attached to the enlarged head.

Abstract: The object is to provide a novel compressor-wheel arrangement for turbochargers, the compressor-wheel fastening of which is designed to be especially robust but nonetheless easily releasable. A simplified mounting/dismantling method and a corresponding method are specified for this purpose.

Abstract: A method of winding a fluid carrying coil for compact fluid heater utilizing dual lengths of metallic tubing wound in a bifilar manner to establish fluid flow internal of each tubing length such that when terminated from the coil outer periphery flow in the coil portion of each tubing length is in opposition. The bifilar design provides coil termination at the coil outer periphery.

Abstract: A casing forming a liquid tank is welded through coupling brackets to a first header pipe forming a condenser by brazing. This coupling brackets are smaller in thermal capacity than the casing and the first header pipe.

Abstract: A power steering control valve (22) has an inner valve member (40) which is connected with a follow-up member (54) by a torsion bar (102). An outer valve member (42) is fixedly connected with the follow-up member (54) by indentations (56). Before the outer valve member (42) is fixedly connected with the follow-up member (54) by the indentations (56), the inner and outer valve members (40 and 42) are moved relative to each other to determine a hydraulically centered condition. When the power steering control valve (22) is in the hydraulically centered condition, equal fluid pressures are conducted to a power steering motor (31) in response to equal clockwise or counterclockwise actuation of the valve members (40 and 42) relative to each other. The outer valve member (42) is then fixedly connected with the follow-up member (54) with the power steering control valve (22) in the hydraulically centered condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light construction wheel of steel sheet which is produced by the cold working of a flat, one-piece circular steel sheet disc formed by the welding together of a first circular disc (1) and a second annular disc (3). In the light construction wheel the first circular disc (1) for the wheel disc/dish (1*) and the second annular disc (3) for the wheel rim (3*) are made from different uncoated or coated sheets which differ in thickness and/or strength of material in accordance with the local given strength requirements of the light construction wheel.

Abstract: A method of forming a rail having an elongate base member and a load bearing insert is disclosed. The method includes forming a base member having surfaces with at least one longitudinal groove and inserting the load bearing insert into the longitudinal groove. Inserting of the load bearing insert may be performed by flexing the load bearing insert to fit into the longitudinal groove. The surfaces of the base member adjacent the longitudinal groove may be subsequently crimped to secure the load bearing insert.

Abstract: A cartridge dispenser for razor blade cartridges including latches that retain cartridges in predetermined positions permitting connection to a handle connecting structure on a handle as the handle is moved toward the cartridge, each latch having a latch camming structure that is shaped and positioned to interact with corresponding handle camming structure so as to cause the latch to be deflected and to unlatch a cartridge as the handle is moved toward and connected to cartridge connecting structure of a cartridge. The dispenser also has blade unit dividers that extend from the base, are substantially perpendicular to the base, and define blade unit regions in which the blade units are received, and angled dividers that extend from the ends of respective blade unit dividers at acute angles with the base and define angled regions through which the blade units pass in delivery to and removal from the blade unit regions and in which the cartridge connecting structure is received.

Abstract: Dry-shaving apparatus comprises a drive provided in a housing (1) and at least two parallel shaving units (13, 14, 15), each having a respective outer cutter (16, 17, 20), an inner cutter (21, 22, 34) and at least one biasing element (31, 32, 33, 45). In order to improve contact with the face during use, the biasing element (31, 32) of one shaving unit (13, 14 15) has a characteristic which differs from that of the biasing element (33) of a further shaving unit (13, 14, 15), which characteristic is such that under the effect of a force applied externally to the shaving units (13, 14, 15), motion can be performed by said one of the shaving units (13, 14, 15) relative to the further shaving unit (13, 14, 15).

Abstract: A razor for shaving and sculpting an area of hair on a user. The razor includes a first standard size razor head, a second narrow size razor head including a telescopic member extending therefrom and a handle including a top side integrally connected to the first standard size razor head; a first recess extending through the top side and into the handle forming a compartment; and a second recess extending along a length of the handle and providing access to the compartment. The telescopic member is received by the compartment and is slideable therein.

Abstract: The nutcracker has two handles which can be pivoted toward each other about a pin. The one handle is connected to a basket for receiving a nut. The other handle is designed as a pressing handle, its end region being constructed as the pressing part. An insert part can be inserted into this end region for opening small nuts. The basket is provided with an aperture through which the end region of the pressing handle can run directly into the basket. A good squeezing result (opening of the nut) can be achieved. The rear basket wall is preferably closed off in order to prevent the nut from falling out when being placed in. The spacing between the pressing part and the basket wall is selected in such a way that a crushing of the nut is not possible.

Abstract: A durable one-piece vegetation trimmer head molded from a polymeric material provides ease in attachment and removal from standard vegetation trimmers. The trimmer head is fitted with three rotatable, rigid blades which extend during use. The trimmer head has a spool-like shape and includes a central channel having a conically-shaped opening along the bottom surface to assist the operator in attachment and removal of the trimmer head from the trimmer drive shaft. The preferred embodiment provides for threaded attachment to the trimmer drive shaft and in one alternate embodiment the trimmer head includes a pair of opposing spring grooves. In another alternate embodiment, various flexible trimmer line configurations can be fitted into a two-piece trimmer head which is threadably joined. A rigid trimmer blade is also disclosed which is formed from stainless steel.

Abstract: A knife for cleaning and dressing an animal. More specifically, the knife comprises a blade having a perimeter defined by a parabolic cutting section, a straight cutting edge, a blunt top edge, blade sleeves, pins and a handle. The parabolic cutting section includes a front portion, a center portion and a back portion. The front portion is convex and terminates in a point joining with the straight cutting edge, so as to increase the cutting pressure on the hide of an animal. The back portion forms a protuberance so that the hide of the animal may slide away from the center of the cutting section.

Abstract: A cutting device is operable with one hand for cutting an elliptical shape in a sheet of material. The cutting device includes an elliptically-shaped base plate for placement on the sheet material and a cutting member for simultaneous pivotal and translatable movement with respect to the base plate. The base plate has a first pivot point that is movable along a first axis, while the cutting member has a second pivot point that is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The base plate and cutting member are operably connected to each other at the first and second pivot points. A knob is connected to one of pivot points and is sized to be grasped by one hand and rotated. Rotation of the knob about the one pivot point causes the cutting member to rotate and slide in an elliptical pattern with respect to the base plate to thereby cut an elliptical shape in the sheet of material.

Abstract: A new vegetable cutting device for cutting lettuce and the like into shaped portions suitable for use with a variety of sandwich types. The inventive device includes a body member having a top portion, a bottom portion and a lateral portion, a slot formed in the lateral portion extending from the bottom portion and terminating proximate the top portion, a shaped cutting member having a hollow interior portion and a cutting blade disposed around a bottom periphery thereof, the cutting member being receivable within the body member and a plunger having a plate and a handle receivable through the slot, the handle being fixedly attached to a plate upper surface and the plate being receivable within the body member and engageable to a top periphery of the cutting member at a plate lower surface.

Abstract: A laser centering apparatus including a frame for supporting a laser, the frame being adapted for selective attachment to a pipe, and a laser rotatably connected to the frame. The laser can be rotated in a plane containing the centerline of an existing pipe to enable quick and easy alignment of pipes parallel to an existing pipe.

Abstract: A spindle alignment tool is provided including a plurality of spindles. A pair of alignment assemblies each have multiple evenly spaced spaces formed therein. At least one interconnect bar is connected between the alignment assemblies for maintaining the same in parallel. As such, the spindles are removably situated within the spaces of the alignment assemblies for being mounted to a recipient surface in a uniform arrentation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for simultaneously centering a plurality of substrates, particularly semiconductor wafers W.A plurality of turntables 23 for supporting the semiconductor wafers W are arranged at a predetermined spacing in the vertical direction. All of the turntables 23 are driven by a single, common servo motor 28. Clutches 26 for each of the turntables 23 are disposed on rotational shafts 38a and 38b that are driven by the servo motor 28. A drive pulley 41 is attached to an output side of each clutch 26 and each drive pulley 41 drives the corresponding turntable 23 via a belt. A sensor device 29 for detecting a notch formed in the peripheral edge of each semiconductor wafer W is disposed on an outer side in the radial direction of each of the turntables 23.A wafer W is placed on each of the turntables 23 and is centered. The servo motor 28 operates in a state in which the clutches 26 are connected, so that all of the turntables 23 start to rotate simultaneously.

Abstract: An error proof measuring tape rule for eliminating snagging on a work piece. The rule includes a tape rule, a hook affixed to the tape rule, and a one-piece spoon affixed to the tape rule. The upper surface of the body portion of the one-piece spoon is positioned on the lower surface of the free end of the tape rule, with the three throughbores in the body portion of the one-piece spoon aligned with three forwardmost throughbores of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule, and with the tail portion of the one-piece spoon extending upwardly through a rearmost throughbore of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule and rearwardly along the upper surface of the free end of the tape rule.

Abstract: A portable hairdryer used for permitting a user to move freely while simultaneously drying the user's hair. The portable hairdryer includes a flexible cap with spaced apart inner and outer layers each having a plurality of apertures therethrough. One end of an elongate flexible tubular hose is coupled to the cap. The other end of the hose is coupled to a blower housing. At least one heating element is mounted in the blower housing. A battery power source is mounted in the blower housing and is electrically connected to the heating element. A fan is mounted in the housing and is electrically connected to the battery power source. An elongate flexible belt is coupled to the blower housing.

Abstract: An automatic plant (20) for pressing and unloading trousers (26, 27) using a plurality of machines (22, 23, 24, 25) for pressing said trousers by means of steam and/or hot air, each of which machines being provided with first means (10, 11) for blocking and unblocking an upper end of an article of clothing, and second means (12, 13) for blocking and unblocking lower ends of a same article of clothing, as well as with third means (15) for expelling and directing steam and/or hot air internally of said trousers when they are blocked by said first and second means. Said machines (22, 23, 24, 25) are mounted on a movable carousel continuously moving along a predetermined route, in such a way that said trousers (26, 27) are subjected to a pressing operation by means of steam and/or hot air for the whole period of time comprised from loading to the unloading operations of said trousers.

Abstract: A vacuum rotary dryer capable of charging solids into a rotary drum and discharging the solids from the rotary drum without any manual operation contacting solids with the hands is provided. A rotary drum (23) is mounted thereon with a gas flow pipe (46) and a solids feed and discharge pipe (56). The solids feed and discharge pipe (56) is connected to a feed source of the solids and a pressure reducing unit (53) reduces a pressure in the rotary drum through the gas flow pipe (46), to thereby feed solids to be dried to the rotary drum (23). After drying of solids in the drum, the solids feed and discharge pipe (56) is connected to a solids suction and transport structure and the gas flow pipe (46) is rendered open to an atmospheric pressure. A swing section (56b) of the solids feed and discharge pipe (56) is pivotally moved, to thereby be intruded into solids while keeping the rotary drum (23) inclined, resulting in solids being removed through a distal end of the swing section by suction.

Abstract: A portable rigid and unitary device for drying articles placed thereon. The device is a frame made of two side supporting members that are rigidly connected by crosspieces or rungs. Each free end of the supporting member is bent so as to form a semi-circle or U-shaped configuration which is hooked over a top edge of a supporting panel on which the device is installed. The ends of the supporting member are in contact with a rear surface of the support panel. The other ends of the supporting members with the rungs attached thereto extend forward from an outer surface of the supporting panel at an angle and the angle is maintained by a brace on each of the supporting members which extends toward the outer surface and is in contact therewith. In this manner, the drying rungs are spaced from each other vertically and horizontally. The arrangement of hooks and braces assures a secure and vibration-free installation.

Abstract: In a process for making plastic granulate, a polymeric material is plastifyed into a plastic mass which is divided into single plastic strands. After pressing the plastic strands in a stream of cooling liquid, the plastic strands are shredded in the cooling liquid into granules, thereby forming a dispersion which is conveyed through a first conduit to a separator. The dispersion is concentrated in the separator by withdrawing a portion of cooling liquid, and subsequently transported to a dryer along a second conduit which is longer than the length of the first conduit. In the dryer, the cooling liquid is separated from the granulate.

Abstract: A sports sandal having a pair of arc-shaped strips secured to each lateral side of the sandal utilizes a connection means to provide more lateral support. Specifically, the connection means includes a slit on either the front or the rear strip on each lateral side of the sole of the sandal. The strip not having the slit is inserted through the slit thereby providing additional structural support for a wearer's foot. Three straps utilizing Velcro can be employed to adjustably secure the sandal about the user's foot, ankle and heel respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shoe having an ergometric shoe lace design. The laces pass through tubes on the tongue portion of the shoe and extend down to the sole of the shoe on either side of the shoe where they pass through tubes on or near the perimeter of the sole. The laces criss cross the foot in this manner to secure the foot from up and down motion in the shoe. Optionally the lace may continue to be wrapped around the heel of the foot through ankle tubes and heel tubes to secure the foot from toe to heel movement in the shoe. This is particularly of advantage for shoes used in sporting activities. In this manner the upper of the shoe is not pulled together on either side of the tongue as in conventional shoes, thus avoiding stresses in the upper that tend to put pressure on and rub against the user's foot. Thus the shoe is comfortably and securely held to the users foot.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe is provided which is composed of a semi-rigid plastic web base which has a toe area having a downwardly extending flange encompassing a toe hole. The web base has a heel deck which has a raised retaining wall for maintaining the user's heel in the heel deck to reduce left or right sideslipping. A longitudinal slot is disposed between the toe hole flange and the heel deck. The slot relieves stresses along the web base during a walking motion by the wearer. A binding assembly may include a binding unit and tongue member which are connected to form a flexible two-piece hinge which allows both the user's toe to depress into the toe hole and the snowshoe web to fall away from the wearer's heel as the wearer bends his/her foot in a walking or running motion. A one piece, easy-to-use lace fastening mechanism is also provided to hold the binding assembly in tight engagement with the wearer's boot or shoe.

Abstract: A cleat for providing traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) that does not adversely affect turf, but provides a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, and is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a flange with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, a plurality of traction protrusions on the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf, and a bearing portion that bears the wearer's weight, particularly when the wearer walks on a hard surface. The protrusions are thereby less affected by the abrading effects of the hard surface, and last longer before they are worn to the point that they are no longer able to provide traction.

Abstract: A variable weight athletic shoe is described. The athletic shoe may be removably fitted with training weights of varying heaviness or the weights may be left off entirely without damaging the aesthetic appeal or functional aspects of the shoe. Weights of various sizes are quickly and securely coupled to the rear portion of the heel-enclosing section of the shoe with several types of attachment clips and latches. In other variants of the invention, shoe weights are removably attached within cavities in the heel or arch sections of the shoe sole. Weights may also be attached across the instep of the athletic shoe. The shoe weights may be covered in various protective and decorative coverings and may contain lightening holes to achieve the desired weight in a given size.

Abstract: A method for determining the front and rear axle weights of an earth moving machine. The method includes determining the weight of a portion of the earth moving machine, and the forces acting on the lift cylinder pin, lift arm pin, and the tilt cylinder pin. The axle weights are determined in response to the above mentioned weights and forces.

Abstract: A bucket for a material handling apparatus which includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a pair of parallel side walls which connect the top wall to the bottom wall. The walls of the bucket define a housing having a chamber, a front opening and a rear opening. A divider plate is mounted to the side walls for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between the front and rear openings. The bottom wall of the housing has an upper surface which is radial from the horizontal axis. The lower end of the divider plate remains close to the upper surface in all positions between a stop at the front opening and a stop at the rear opening.

Abstract: A system for increasing the life of replaceable or sacrificial machine parts by providing an attachment device with controlled clearances results in substantial increases in the life of the sacrificial machine part under conditions of repeated shock loading.

Abstract: A hat ironing machine having a multiple cam shaft which is actuated by a driving member to push a position controlling frame so as to cause two molding heads to jut out to facilitate the holding of a hat to be pressed. Two support bodies which are linked with both ends of the multiple cam shaft are at work to actuate two brim-holding structures to move toward the molding heads to hold the brim of the hat. The steam is then released through the steam holes of the molding heads onto the hat being pressed. As soon as the pressing of the hat is completed, the multiple cam shaft is once again actuated by the motor such that the brim-holding structures release the brim of the hat so as to enable the machine operator to remove the hat from the machine.