Abstract: A quiet transformer includes a laminated core having each laminate formed as a flat layer from highly grain oriented silicon steel which is fabricated by laser cutting techniques with each layer including five segments in intimate contact with each other via mitered butt lap joints having increased length and asymmetrical angles at opposite ends for reducing the reluctance of the gaps between adjacent lamination segments. The center segment has V joints of different angles on opposite ends. Clamping holes formed in the element of said lamination having the largest cross section at the location in the segment away from said gaps to prevent magnetic flux crowding and increased local flux density. Indexing pins on opposite faces of the segments close and lock in the gaps of the core with each layer being 100% interleaved for producing low joint reluctance and to minimize magnetostrictive forces. The core is pressurized by clamping brackets and bolts connected to opposite ends of the core.

Abstract: A surface mount placement system with one or more carriages includes, on each carriage, multiple groups of quills, each group being adjustable on one of two principal orthogonal directions of a plane containing a component mounting zone. The quills of each group are independently rotatable with respect to the quills of the other group and are further independently moveable in a third direction orthogonal to the two principal directions. A carriage is moved to the component mounting zone where the two groups are adjusted with respect to each other for placement of at least two components, one from each group, in a single place step.

Abstract: For mounting a connector (2) to a board (1) with the use of a clip (3), a mounting apparatus (5) includes a board holder (51) for holding the board to extend in a first direction, a clip holder (53) for holding the clip to be opposite to the board in the first direction, and a connector holder (52) for holding the connector between the board and the clip. The clip holder is movable relative to the board holder in the first direction. The connector holder is movable relative to the board holder and to the clip holder in the first direction and is turnable around a predetermined axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The connector holder has a holder angle controlled around the predetermined axis in accordance with relative movement between the connector holder and the clip holder in the first direction.

Abstract: An assembly plant for the series assembly of vehicles has a main assembly line and associated assembly works for relatively complex vehicle parts to be supplied "just in time". Simpler assembly components and small and standard components are held in readiness in a central component store and supplied from there to the assembly line. Stores for large components are arranged near to the corresponding assembly point. The overall conveying section is divided into a plurality of mutually adjoining U-shaped conveying loops. Provided between each of the assembly shops and the central component store, on the one hand, and the main assembly line, on the other, there are in each case feeder systems.

Abstract: A solder preform is provided for forming interconnections between multilayer ceramic substrates comprising an upper layer and lower layer of solder separated by an intermediate layer of a material which is wettable by solder and which does not melt at the temperatures used to reflow the solder and form the connections. The solder preform is used to join the substrates and is particularly useful to simultaneously electrically interconnect the substrates and to form a hermetic seal between the substrates being joined.

Abstract: A method for reverse cutting with material wherein a blade holder includes two blades which are each designed for cutting web material (e.g., dry film photoresist) in a reverse manner prior to application of the material to a substrate (e.g., dielectric-conductor structure) designed for eventual usage as a printed circuit board or as part thereof (e.g., if laminated up with other, similarly formed substrate members).

Abstract: A method of forming a piston for a reciprocating machine such as an engine. The piston is formed from a powdered material that is comprised of aluminum alloyed with a material selected from the group of silicon (Si) and iron (Fe) having a particle diameter not greater than 10 .mu.m. The resulting alloy is then forged into a piston having a piston head and a piston skirt. The powder which is solidified and forged is formed by a process comprising the steps of forming an ingot from an alloy comprised of aluminum and an alloying material. This ingot is then melted and dispersed as a liquid in a chilling stream to form powdered metal particles. These powdered metal particles are then compressed into a blank having a cylindrical configuration for subsequent forging.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a burner cap for a gas range includes the steps of providing an amount of non-porous aluminum and forming the aluminum into the shape of a burner cap such that the non-porous nature of the aluminum is maintained. In one embodiment, the non-porous aluminum is a slug at ambient temperature which is placed in a die and slowly forced into a die by an advancing a ram to form the burner cap. In another embodiment, the non-porous aluminum slug is machined to form the burner cap.

Abstract: In a double-row rolling bearing, there is a uniform relationship between a pre-load applied to the bearing and a pre-load gap formed by elastic transformation of rollers and some parts related to the rollers. Therefore, to measure the pre-load is equivalent to measure the pre-load gap. Then, a pre-load gap is measured at every row of the rollers, and measured values of the pre-load gaps are added together to thereby obtain an entire pre-load gap of the bearing.

Abstract: A knife has an elongated handle having an outer end and a longitudinally extending flat blade secured in the handle and projecting from the outer end. The blade has a transverse outer edge and a longitudinally extending side cutting edge meeting at a point. The handle is formed with a pair of longitudinally outwardly open and longitudinally extending guides flanking the blade adjacent the cutting edge thereof. Respective longitudinally extending pins having generally parallel and transversely projecting outer ends sections are longitudinally displaceable in the guides between extended positions with the outer end sections lying longitudinally outward of the point and retracted positions with the outer end sections longitudinally rearward of the point and the blade passing between the outer end sections. Respective springs braced between the pins and the handle urge the pins into the extended positions.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus having a shaver head with a blade and a stretcher member, which stretcher member moves from a first position abutting the shaver head and blade in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the blade as the shaving apparatus is moved against the skin to stretch the skin. Such stretcher member can include mechanical movement structure including a pair of wheels moving a gear which, in turn, moves a rack member to advance such stretcher member to a second position away from the shaver head. In an alternate embodiment, the movement of the stretcher member can be accomplished by means of a motor and electric sensing means to direct the stretcher member to move when the shaver head moves against the skin.

Abstract: Scissors has a first scissor member and a second scissor member which are pivotally coupled to each other. The scissors comprises a blade formed with and extetending along at least one of the scissor members and a fastening memeber is provided with at least a tip portion of the other one of the scissor members to fasten the associated sciccor member to a material to be cut.

Abstract: A knife handle formed of two diverse materials includes a frame of rigid, thermosetting plastic having external surfaces and an elongated, internal cavity. A somewhat rubbery, resilient material covers portions of both the external surfaces and the cavity walls of the frame. The cavity is open at the distal end of the handle and is of substantially rectangular cross section. The resilient material covers all four walls of the cavity from the open end for a portion of its length, and covers only the two longer sides within the main body of the frame. A tang extending integrally from the knife blade is inserted into the cavity, contacting only the resilient material, with interference fit, within the cavity. Assembly is completed by inserting a rivet through aligned openings in the tang and handle, the handle openings being entirely surrounded by the resilient material.

Abstract: A hacksaw of the type utilizing an elongated blade maintained tension between respective legs of the saw frame includes a cam-actuated blade tensioning mechanism. One leg of the saw frame includes a fixed blade pin for receipt through a mounting hole defined at one end of the elongated blade. The other leg of the saw frame includes a pin carrier having a blade pin for receipt through the mounting hole defined at the other end of the elongated blade. The pin carrier is pivotal between a blade release position and a blade securement position. In presently preferred embodiments, the pin carrier defines a cam follower engaging an elliptically arcuate cam surface defined on a pivotal actuator member. The actuator member may have a lever portion for providing mechanical advantage during its pivotal movement. A releasable lock mechanism is provided to maintain the actuator member, and thus the pin carrier, in the blade securement position during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking and scoring sheet material having a side edge includes a base having an upper surface and a contact edge adapted to engage a side edge of the sheet material. A trans-base is secured perpendicularly to the base and is adapted to rest on the upper surface of the sheet material. The base and the trans-base are susceptible to rocking movement about a fulcrum defined by the trans-base as the contact edge of the base is drawn along the side edge of the sheet material. Stabilizing wing structure on the base is constructed and arranged to prevent any such rocking movement of the base and the trans-base as the contact edge is drawn along the side edge of the sheet material. The stabilizing wing structure includes an upturned side edge maintained out of engagement with the sheet material upper surface, to prevent the wing structure from engaging irregularities in the sheet material upper surface as the base contact edge is drawn along the sheet material side edge.

Abstract: An improved wheel alignment apparatus having a fixed support structure and a pair of cylindrical rollers communicating with the support structure, wherein the rollers support the wheels of a motor vehicle and allow rotation of the wheels while maintaining the motor vehicle in an essentially stationary position. The rollers are supported on a float plate utilizing a layer of pressurized air pumped below the float plate to allow the float plate to move along a substantially flat horizontal surface to allow the vehicle to settle into a steady rotational mode. The front of the float plates are connected through a series of linkages and a connecting rod to a linear actuator pivoting about a vertical axis. The linear actuator retracts to straighten the connecting rod which centers the float plate to a limited motion along the horizontal surface, and extends so that the connecting rod may pivot about a longitudinal axis and turn with the float plate and wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic compass has a compass housing. An electronic magnetic field sensor is disposed in a fixed position relative to the compass housing. A magnet is rotatably mounted relative to the magnetic field sensor and independently aligned with a terrestrial magnetic field. The magnet has a magnetic field with a magnetic field direction and the electronic magnetic field sensor is located within a range of influence of the magnetic field. The electronic magnetic field sensor has a first magnetoresistor with a first fixed reference axis and an electric resistance of the first magnetoresistor is a function of a first angle of rotation between the fixed first reference axis and the direction of the magnetic field. The electronic magnetic field sensor defines a first differential bridge circuit and the first magnetoresistor is disposed in the first differential bridge circuit which during operation of the compass, supplies an output voltage dependent on the first angle of rotation.

Abstract: A retaining bracket is provided for securing a carpenter's square thereto in a desired fixed position relative to the bracket, such that the carpenter's square can be used to mark surfaces of construction materials to be cut. The retaining bracket includes a pair of locking elements captured by and loosely carried in a channel within the bracket and having arm portions positioned outside of the bracket and pins extending through a slot in the bracket connecting the interior and exterior portions of the locking elements, and the arm portions are provided with locking screws which are advanced into contact with the square once the square is properly positioned, to thereby securely fasten the square to the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a holder for a tool or a workpiece has a frame and drive units connected to the frame. Rods connect the drive units to the holder. At least one load-free measuring arm is freely extendable between two measuring points. Elements for detecting a position of the at least one measuring arm within a reference space are provided.

Abstract: A new framing tool for aiding in the construction of a structure. The inventive device includes a member having a substantially straight base side edge, a handle side edge, and a pair of opposite end edges extending between the base side edge and the handle side edge. The base side edge has a plurality of slots extending between the first and second faces of the member. The slots are spaced apart from one another. A first slot is positioned adjacent one of the end edges, while a second slot is positioned adjacent another of the end edges. Third and fourth slots are positioned between the first and second slots.

Abstract: A passive magnetic position sensor, has a substrate with a resistance network arranged on it, and a contact structure which is associated with the resistance network and which can be deflected under the action of a magnet device. An electric connection which is dependent on the position of the magnet device is produced between resistance network and contact structure. In order to provide a position sensor which has a high resolution, operates with a little wear, and is constructively simple to produce, the contact structure is developed as contact-spring structure, and the junction points of the resistance network are connected to contact surfaces also applied on the substrate. The contact-spring structure is arranged at a constant distance from the contact surfaces, the latter entering into contact with the contact-spring structure under the action of the magnet device.

Abstract: A device for measuring and cutting sheetrock comprising an edge guide which has a smooth surface slidable along the edge of a piece of sheetrock, and a wide tape measure readable in both directions and having a tab against which a knife blade can be placed so as to allow the sheetrock to be cut along a line parallel to its edge.

Abstract: A control system reduces the amount of gas lost as sweep gas from a membrane gas dryer. The membrane gas dryer is of the type that features an inlet end that receives moisture laden gas from a compressor, an outlet end from which dried gas is discharged to a pneumatic component and a drain port from which permeate sweep gas inclusive of permeate water vapor is expelled from the gas dryer. The control system includes a purge valve that is connected to the drain port of the gas dryer and a mechanism that controls the purge valve. The purge valve has a pilot port that responds to pressure by closing the purge valve thereby preventing the permeate sweep gas from exhausting to atmosphere through the drain port.

Abstract: A dryer group with single-wire draw in the dryer section of a paper machine including heated drying cylinders having a smooth face against which a paper web to be dried is brought into direct contact, reversing cylinders and a drying-wire guided by guide rolls, the drying cylinders and the reversing cylinders in a loop whereby the drying cylinders are situated outside the wire loop and the reversing cylinders are situated in gaps between the drying cylinders and inside the wire loop of the drying wire. The drying cylinders consist of large cylinders and small cylinders, the diameter D of the large cylinders being larger than the diameter d of the small cylinders. The small cylinders are situated in gaps between adjacent pairs of large cylinders so that their centers of rotation are on a level substantially different from the level of the centers of rotation of the large cylinders.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: An insole assembly for a shoe or other article of footwear. The assembly includes a soft, cushioning foam blank having an upper surface which is contoured to engage the plantar surface of a foot, and a thin, substantially rigid, resiliently flexible cap which is mounted to the bottom of the blank so as to extend around the heel end and forwardly along the medial and lateral sides thereof. The rigid cap includes an upstanding wall which engages and buttresses the perimeter of the foam blank, and a series of medial and lateral flanges which extend across and support the bottom of the blank. The flanges are configured to cooperate with the foam blank to define zones of support in specific areas, with the maximum support and rigidity being provided for the rearfoot and midfoot areas of the foot.

Abstract: An adjustable grading device attaching to a vehicle rear towing hitch having a grading blade for grading or snow removal and integrated wheels for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for excavating and transplanting a tree having an elongate trunk and a plurality of roots extending downwardly into a ground location. The apparatus includes a wheeled frame supporting a chassis, an elongated trailer hitch portion extending from a first end of the chassis and a tree excavating portion extending from a second end of the chassis. First, second and third guide assemblies are arranged in triangular fashion around a periphery of the tree excavating portion and each receive a selected spade element. A hammer is provided and is engageable with the spade elements in successive fashion so as to drive the spade elements in inwardly and downwardly angled fashion within the selected ground location. The elongated trailer hitch portion is pivotally deflected in a downward fashion so as to exert an upward pivoting force upon the tree excavating portion and to forcibly remove the selected tree from the ground location.

Abstract: A bucket tool comprising an edge 7 secured to the lower part of a bucket in a lateral direction, tooth-mounting fittings 8 secured to the edge 7 with an interval between the fittings in the lateral direction, excavation teeth 9 attachably/detachably mounted in the tooth-mounting fittings 8 and protruding forward beyond the edge 7, a ground-leveling plate 10 having a lateral width equal to the lateral width of the lower part of the bucket, and coupling fittings 11 secured to the upper surface of the ground-leveling plate 10 at an interval nearly equal to the interval between the tooth-mounting fittings 8 and capable of being detachably attached to the ends of the excavation teeth 9. Upon attaching or detaching the coupling fittings 11 secured to the upper surface of the ground-leveling plate 10 to, or from, the ends of the excavation teeth 9, the ground-leveling plate 10 can be easily attached to, or detached from, excavation teeth of a bucket for excavation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the display of tile sections having a first side panel with a plurality of tile-receiving slots extending along at least a portion of a top of the first side panel, a second side panel with a plurality of tile-receiving grooves extending along at least a portion of a top of the second side panel, a first cross member having slots engaged within slots formed on the first and second side panels, and a second cross member having slots engaged within slots formed in the first and second side panels. The first and second side panels have identical configurations. The first and second cross members have identical configurations. The first and second side panels include first and second upright abutment surfaces extending upwardly from opposite ends of the plurality of grooves on the top edge of the respective first and second side panels.

Abstract: There is provided a frame mountable identifying device for displaying identifying indicia from a chair having a bracket with a mounting slot. The device includes a mounting bracket with a pin being releasably engaged with the mounting slot for mounting it to the chair. A spacer defines a gap between the mounting bracket and a platform. The platform may display identifying indica. The mounting bracket may include a threaded aperture which cooperates with a threaded fastener so it is movable between a mounting position for allowing the pin to be engaged in the mounting slot and a securing position for engaging the bracket of the chair to prevent release. The threaded fastener includes a leading end having a tool engaging configuration and has a length sufficient to maintain the leading end disposed in the gap upon movement between the mounting position and the securing position.

Abstract: A visual display device which produces a display utilizing bubbles emitted in liquid filled tubes. A computer controls the timing and size of bubbles emitted into the liquid so as to form designs, which can be symbols, letters, words, or sentences, or pictures. As the bubbles rise through the liquid in a tube, the designs appear to scroll upward, and are replaced from below with a new design.

Abstract: Image display easels are provided with mechanical and optical features that permit them to be used for advertising, marketing, and other such purposes. The easels display multi, 3D, and animated visual effects that can be easily changed as needed by the user while easily achieving the alignment needed for such effects.

Abstract: A display and viewing unit, for use with a printed insert card bearing at least one pair of interlaced images and having a reference edge, comprises a base bearing flexible fingers and a cover member having at least one transparent lenticulated section, a seating area for receiving the printed insert card, and an abutment against which the reference edge of the card can be placed. The base and the cover member pivot relative to one another between an open position and a closed position in which the flexible fingers lie adjacent the seating area, and in which the base and the cover member snap fit together to keep them in this closed position. Also, in this closed position, a slot is left between the base and the cover member so that the card can be inserted between them and viewed through the lenticulated section. The display permits cards to be readily inserted and removed.

Abstract: A sign that has side-framing members defining a sign opening and a flexible face material anchored to the side-framing members and stretched across the sign opening. A plurality of spaced apart flexible, resilient and transparent prop members are affixed to the side-framing members with the free end of each prop member extending against the back side of the flexible face material. Each prop member extends in a flexed mode against the flexible face material for resiliently raising the flexible face material from a plane of the sign's opening, for forming decorative architectural relief therein, and for maintaining the flexible face material in a stretched mode for a better appearance under a variety of sign conditions.

Abstract: An adapter for converting the receiver of a rifle to one which receives a cartridge housing rounds of a shorter length, said adapter comprises a body defined by four walls two of which walls defining the front and rear walls of the adapter and two of which walls defining left and right side walls of the adapter. Each of said walls defining a secondary receiver chamber sized to receive a magazine cartridge of rounds a shorter length than otherwise provided for in a rifle. The adapter includes a mechanism which cooperates with a retention catch of a rifle to effect registration of the adapter with the rifle and for allowing the magazine cartridge to be releasably connected to the adapter.

Abstract: A hammer for a portable firearm, such as automatic pistol, which hammer is at least partially exposed and has a hammer piece (1), arranged for firing a bullet cartridge by striking action and an end piece (2) extending a given distance for facilitating grasping of the hammer piece and preferably connected to the hammer piece (1) in a flexible manner, where either the end piece (2), extends a given distance on the hammer piece (1), is mounted via a flexible connection, or the end piece (2) is made of a flexible material.

Abstract: A portable weapon having a monolithic housing and stock made of plastics and provided with a metal insert for strengthening the structure.

Abstract: A gun-mounted video camera is provided including a gun. Also included is a video camera connected to the gun for accepting video images of a target of the gun.

Abstract: An animated decoy comprising a generally hollow decoy body having an inner surface wherein a freely movable self-contained decoy movement device is placed in a predetermined location within the decoy body for random movement therein. The movement device randomly impacts the inner surface of the decoy body causing the decoy body to move in a predetermined manner. A generally flexible support rod having first and second ends is provided for flexibly and pivotally supporting the decoy body a predetermined distance above the ground. The first end of the support rod engages the decoy body while the second end is inserted a predetermined distance into the ground. In operation, the support rod is flexibly responsive to the movement of the decoy body. As alternative embodiments of the present invention, the decoy movement device is attached directly to the support rod or is secured between the sidewalls of the decoy body.

Abstract: A termiticide distribution system for treating an underlying area of a slab wherein a plurality of apertured distribution lines are arranged to offset a plurality of negative pressure and flow gradients of others of said distribution lines to uniformly enhance the coverage of the area treated.

Abstract: A seed-containing growth medium comprising a flexible carrier sheet and a cover sheet overlying the carrier sheet, a plurality of non circular containment zones being defined by contact points between the carrier sheet and cover sheet, at least a selected number of non circular containment zones containing a seed, wherein the physical characteristics of the carrier sheet are different from those of the cover sheet at least in the following respects: the carrier sheet has a higher water retentive capacity than the cover sheet and the cover sheet is more easily penetrated than the carrier sheet.

Abstract: A flower pot structure with a natural water supply system including a pot body, a main water storage region, an upper cover, a central soil region, and a water supply device. The main water storage region is annular and located in an upper position of the pot body. The pot body and the main water storage region are adhered as a whole with the upper cover. The circumference of the main water storage region receives the water supply device. The water supply device includes a water duct, an air duct, a filter, and a flow regulating valve, with a large portion of the water duct located above a baseplate of the main water storage region. The water duct has a water inlet at a front end and a water outlet at a rear end. The water inlet and water outlet are slightly inclined at different heights. The air duct is substantially upright and disposed on the water duct at a rear section of the flow regulating valve at a suitable position. The air duct communicates with the water duct.

Abstract: A plant cultivating basin includes a basin containing a perforated conical cap located inside for holding soil and plants. The basin has a bottom opening and is placed upon a water container which has a side water funnel and water inlet to receive water. Fibrous roots of plants may pass through perforated cap to reach water container for water needed. The plant may grow without a lot of human care and attention.

Abstract: A garage door operating system which includes a garage door, framing along which the garage door is positioned and travels between non-closed and closed positions, a signal generator which transmits a closed and or non-closed signal depending upon the position of the garage door, and finally includes an indicator which provides a suitable indicator signal upon receiving the signal.

Abstract: A hinging fitting for joining a sash-frame to a leaf in which the hinging fitting has a fixed support adapted to be attached to the sash-frame, a movable support adapted to be attached to the leaf, a spindle pivotally affixed on the fixed support and a bushing affixed to the movable support. The spindle is subdivided into at least two spindle lengths. At least one of the spindle lengths is offset from a longitudinal axis of another spindle length. The bushing has a bore formed by at least two elongated holes arranged substantially in an extension of each other. The elongated holes receive respectively the spindle lengths.

Abstract: A mechanically interlocking belt weatherstrip for a motor vehicle. The weatherstrip is formed by three separate components: a cover, a body and a sealing lip. The weatherstrip may be made from separate, all-extruded components, or may be a made from a combination of molded and extruded components. The weatherstrip is formed by snapping the body and the cover snap together to hold the sealing lip securely in place. Because the cover can be easily interchanged with a different cover, the cover can be made to include properties, such as color and gloss, desired by a particular motor vehicle manufacturer while the remaining components remain unchanged. Thus, the weatherstrip allows versatility of the selection of the separate components to meet the individual style and functional needs of a particular motor vehicle design. An assembly jig and method which facilitates assembly of the cover, body and sealing lip are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resilient sealing insert for a door and window flush glass channel seal is described. The generally U-shaped channel insert includes a base, a first leg and a second leg which is attached to the base along a tearable line of weakness for separating the insert into a window run channel portion and an integral belt-line extension. A method for forming a window run channel seal insert having an integral belt-line extension is also described.

Abstract: An explosion vent (10) for covering an opening (12) in an enclosure (14) subject to the build-up of pressure is disclosed. The explosion vent includes a peripheral flange (16) configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel (18) positioned within and hingedly connected to the flange, and a plurality of connectors or rupture tab assemblies (19) connecting the unhinged portion of the pressure relief panel to the flange. The connectors break when the enclosure is subjected to pressure build-up for permitting the panel to shift outwardly from the enclosure for uncovering the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: A lightweight flexible air supported enclosure which may be used as a shelter for covering storage areas, greenhouses and various other uses which may be erected inexpensively on site from strips of flexible sheet material attached together at seams using adjacent pairs of reinforcing cords or cables with the seams being sealed by internally hanging edge flaps of the sheet material. The seal is created by the flaps being held in surface to surface contact by the internal pressure of the envelope. This enclosure is especially suited for assembly on uneven surfaces without preparing the surface of the perimeter on which the enclosure is to be mounted.