Abstract: In a process for producing precise cut surfaces on a workpiece by stamping or blanking, in particular by fine-edge blanking, a contour first is stamped or blanked out at a distance (a) from the actual contour of the workpiece, and the workpiece then is scraped down to its final contour. It is intended here, in a first step, for only up to part of the thickness (d) of the workpiece to be scraped and, in a following step, for the contour of the workpiece to be achieved by scraping in the opposite direction to the first step.

Abstract: An electric motor housing is made by press-forming a composite material on a metal cylinder and machining passages in the press-formed material. This reduces weight, reduces motor vibration transmission, increases mechanical damping, improves corrosion resistance and improves electrical performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to making sensors by cutting pieces from a boule or ingot of a metal oxide single crystal. The sensors produced are also described.

Abstract: A system is provided for freeing laser bars stuck in a facet coating fixture. A roller device is provided that rolls into a facet coating fixture channel and applies a downward force to a stuck laser bar. The roller device and coating fixture combination provide an uncomplicated and reliable system for handling the bars.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate such as a printed circuit board having at least one hole therein which comprises the steps of providing a layer of dielectric, forming at least one (and preferably several) holes therein, providing a fill member including a quantity of fill material and reinforcement means located within the fill material, positioning the fill member on the dielectric over the holes and thereafter applying a predetermined force sufficient to cause only the fill material to be forcibly driven into the accommodating hole(s), not the reinforcement means. Subsequent steps can include forming a layer of circuitry on the substrate's external surface and over the filled holes such that an electrical component such as a ball grid array (BGA), semiconductor chip, etc. may be directly positioned on and/or over the hole(s). A fill member usable with the method is also provided.

Abstract: A wire harness manufacturing method are provided. The pressure welding device for wiring includes a pressure welding unit for pressure-welding wires to connectors and a wiring plate provided with wiring fittings and placed in a position toward which the wires are pulled from the pressure welding unit. The wiring plate and the pressure welding unit are movable in a wire pulling direction. Wires are pressure-welded to one connector by the pressure welding unit. As the connector is pulled toward the wiring plate so as to hook the wires by predetermined wiring fittings. The wires are then pressure-welded to the other connector. After the wires are pressure-welded to the other connector, a continuity test of the wire harness is conducted on the wiring plate. After the wiring, the wiring plate and the pressure welding unit are moved in a wire pulling direction so as to eliminate the slack of the wires.

Abstract: A method, machine and termination for connecting two or more insulated wire ends comprises placing them in a metal tube held between fusing electrodes. The electrodes are shaped to deform the tube and wires therein with the application of fusing pressure. During fusing, pressure builds first to press the assembly together, then heat and current are applied as the tube and internal wires are compressed. Fusing current first flows from a longitudinal region of the tube equally in both direction through the tube metal to soften the tube and distribute the fusing heat broadly. As the wire insulation is burned off or flows away, current also passes through the bare wire ends to aid the fusing process. For tinned copper tubes, some of the inside tin layer flows to wet copper surfaces and dissolve copper impurities. Some tin flows to seal small spaces between the fused wires. Some of the tin on the outside surface and inside surface of the tube may vaporize.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for making a joint between two polymer insulated power cables (3,4) including the steps of jointing the two bare cable conductors (1,2) and placing a heat sink device over the joint. The method includes injection molding a sheath (9) of semiconducting polymer material over the conductor joint (5) in fully bonded/welded contact (12,13) with the polymer insulation on the two cable ends (3,4) to prevent shrinkback of the insulation and to provide the heatsink.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrical connector having at least two rows of high density contacts, comprises steps of stamping and forming, depositing, insert molding, severing, and assembling. Each contact carrier strip has a number of contacts, a first carrier and a second carrier forming positioning structures thereon. Each contact includes a soldering section, a connecting section, a securing section and a contacting section jointed together end to end. The connecting sections of the contacts of different contact carrier strips are perpendicular to both the soldering sections and the securing sections. The contact carrier strips are deposited in a mold. A contact base is insert molded around the contacts for enclosing appropriate sections of the contacts thereby forming a contact module after properly depositing the contact carrier strips in the mold. The soldering sections of the contacts of different contact carrier strips are alternately aligned and remain in the same plane.

Abstract: In a connecting rod with a split big-end, the unmachined part is preferably aluminum die-casting in which notches are made along the subsequent line of separation. The big-end is separated substantially along the intended break line by means of a shearing tool capable of widening the eye in the region of intended bore reliefs in such a way that subsequent opening out is unnecessary.

Abstract: In order to fasten parts, such as cams, gear wheels, and discs, in a torsionally resistant manner on a hollow shaft, it is proposed to expand the shaft by pulling an expanding drift through the shaft after threading on the parts, which are provided with slight mating play, and consequently to establish at least frictional engagement between the shaft and the parts. A particularly secure connection can then be achieved when the bore of the parts is provided with a profiling into which the material of the shaft displaced by the expanding drift is pressed. Expansion of the shaft may be performed in stages by using an expanding drift having a staged increase in its effective diameter or successively using a plurality of expanding drifts of respectively larger effective diameter.

Abstract: A tube connection apparatus for use with larger diameter flexible tubing particularly for hazardous material removal comprising an outer tapered sleeve and an inner tapered sleeve that is sized to snugly fit within the outer tapered sleeve and to engage the flexible tubing therebetween. A retainer ring is provided to secure a second flexible tube to the outer tapered sleeve and a transportable wall section which holds the sleeves may be positioned in a passageway of a building and tubing from spaces on either side of the passageway be connected.

Abstract: A process for producing a vibration isolator. The process involves steps of forming an intermediate product including an axial member, an outside member having a cylinder-shaped portion and a rubber elastic member, and drawing the cylinder-shaped portion with a drawing apparatus provided with a drawing hole at least by pressing the cylinder-shaped portion into the drawing hole. The drawing hole has a predetermined dimensional diameter being smaller than an outer peripheral diameter of the cylinder-shaped portion. Thus, the cylinder-shaped portion is reduced diametrically to plastically deform. The production process can obviate the conventional pressed-in construction in which metallic members contact with each other, can make the manufacture of the vibration isolator easy, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Core-type structures are formed in a continuous process by assembling cut tubes or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are aligned, cut into separate continuous structures which are then subsequently cut into separate structures suitable for use as a core member.

Abstract: An assembly technique and device for enclosing an open end of a movable socket (10) comprised of fully hardened materials with an expanding cover-plate (66) and for positioning the cover-plate at a predetermined distance from an exposed pressure plate (62) of the movable socket so as to provide a reliable indicator of socket wear. During assembly, various internal components of the movable socket, including the pressure plate, are installed within a housing (12) through a posterior opening (16) with the cover-plate is positioned over the components. A two-stage ram (100) having first and second contact surfaces (142, 167) is brought into engagement with the cover-plate. Pressure exerted by the two-stage ram is transferred to the cover-plate through the first surface, expanding the cover-plate into a generally planar configuration and enclosing the internal components within the socket housing.

Abstract: A self-powered razor head for shaving hair from a skin surface with at least one reciprocating blade with a roller with an annular skin engaging surface rotatably supported by a support case. In one embodiment, a first razor shuttle has first and second drive arms extending therefrom to travel oppositely in phase against a plurality of ridges and troughs of the roller to induce a reciprocation of the first razor shuttle and a first razor blade that is attached thereto in response to a rotation of the roller. A reciprocation of a second razor shuttle is generated by a pivoting drive lever that has a first end pivotally coupled to the first razor shuttle, a second end pivotally coupled to the second razor shuttle, and a fulcrum point therebetween. Instead of the second drive arm and the ridges and troughs against which it is disposed, the first drive arm may be biased to travel against the plurality of ridges and troughs of the first end of the roller by a resilient biasing member.

Abstract: A dual bladed folding knife is provided which has adjacent locking mechanisms positioned proximate to an upper edge of the knife handle and dual finger depressions adapted for engagement by a user's finger for releasing the knife blades from a first extended position of use and a second closed position.

Abstract: A pruning saw includes an elongated sawblade which has a line of cutting teeth. Opposite sides of the blade extending between the line of teeth and the back edge are concave. A thinnest waist between the concave sides is located closer to the line of teeth than to the back where the blade has its maximum height. A front edge of the blade forms a rounded corner where it intersects the back edge.

Abstract: A hair cutter according to the present invention includes a hair cutter body having a generally rectangular cross-section, a hair cutting portion provided at one end thereof, a comb portion having a plurality of comb plates for covering the hair cutting portion, and a comb portion holder having the comb portion at one end thereof. The hair cutter body has side surfaces disposed along a direction of thickness. The hair cutting portion includes a comb-like fixed blade and a comb-like movable blade reciprocating relative to the comb-like fixed blade. The comb portion holder has at least one supporting member fitted on and rotatably attached to the side surface.

Abstract: A bullnose corner bead shear for making internal angle corner cuts to bullnose corner bead.

Abstract: A hand-lever device for a trimmer has a rotatably-operated main lever for operating a cable which is coupled to a driven member. A pulling stroke amplifying mechanism for amplifying the stroke of the cable pulled by the main lever is provided between the main lever and the cable. The pulling stroke amplifying mechanism is provided with a wire attaching portion to which a wire for pulling and releasing a cutter braking device is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.

Abstract: A system for the thermal processing of material in a housing having an inlet for receipt of the materials and an outlet for the discharge of the material after thermal treatment. The heating of the materials is accomplished, at least in part, by contact of the materials with a particulate medium which has been preheated in a separate heating operation employing infrared radiant heaters. The housing includes a heating zone separate from the zone used for thermal processing of the materials with the separate heating zone including the infrared radiant heaters. The particulate medium is introduced to the heating zone and brought to a controlled temperature. The medium is then conveyed to the processing zone where it is admixed with the materials being thermally processed. A shrouded zone is located intermediate the processing and particulate medium heating zones. This zone comprises a section of reduced clearance thereby providing a gas and dust lock between the processing and heating zones.

Abstract: The field of the invention is food drying apparatus and methods. In particular, the invention discloses a rotary dryer which dries food granules, such as rice, by rotation within a perforated cylindrical barrel, to prepare the rice for packaging. The dryer provides high velocity drying zones along its length, and high temperatures may be used.

Abstract: A rotating wafer processor uses a non-contacting gas seal mounted to a process chamber and a vibration isolation mount between the chamber and a support structure. The non-contacting seal incorporates a housing with a chamfer on opposing ends of an annular land encircling a rotating drive shaft, and one or more outlet ports on the chamfers to form a gas-purged, noncontacting seal. The seal is directly mounted to the chamber and interposed between the chamber and bearings that support the drive shaft, so the shaft, chamber and rotating load vibrate together.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a product chamber, a fluid supply system, and a discharge gate. The product chamber has an open top and an open bottom and the fluid supply system has an outlet positioned to direct a first fluid into the product chamber. The outlet of the fluid supply system is spaced from the open bottom of the product chamber to define a discharge opening which extends substantially around the open bottom of the product chamber and the outlet of the fluid supply system. The discharge gate is movable to a first position covering the discharge opening and to a second position exposing the discharge opening.

Abstract: A control module for a twin air dryer system monitors which dryer was used for drying in the previous cycle. The most recently used dryer is then the first to be regenerated. This ensures that the most recently regenerated dryer is used to dry incoming air. This occurs regardless of the drying mode, i.e., whether it is high air use or normal brake system use. The system minimizes the risk of dryer saturation and loss of function. Moreover, maintenance requirements are simplified, since the air dryer cartridges are more evenly used.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an apparatus for drying a flat object. At least one flat object, whose surface is covered entirely with adhering water, is placed substantially vertically in at least one groove portion formed in a rack. The rack has a cavity portion formed therein, and the cavity portion communicates with the groove portion through at least one opening. The cavity portion of the rack is depressurized in order to suck water adhering to the surface of the flat object through the opening, thereby drying the flat object. It becomes possible to dry the flat object without causing problems which have been occurred in conventional drying methods.

Abstract: A process for attaching a shoe upper to a sole by employing staples includes forming apertures near the edge of the sole so that ends of the upper can be inserted into the apertures and attached to the sole by way of staples after the edge of the sole has been displaced. The edges of the sole are preferably adhered to the staples so that the staples remain hidden behind the edges that form the periphery of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A golf shoe sole comprising ejecting and retracting spikes, the improvement wherein said sole contains a high pressure liquid pump assembly in communication with a plurality of housed cylinder assemblies each of which contain a slidable spike with seal, wherein extreme pressure being exerted upon contained liquid equals extreme firmness of ejected spikes. Said pump having shifting means of a four way rotatory spool valve for the control of ejection and retraction in either auto or manual mode, or said pump being one of the two, the former manual operating by way of lever reciprocating upon a piston. The latter auto, operating by way of a diaphragm located on the bottom soul of the back of the heel. Said diaphragm being subject to intense momentary pressure generated by the weight transference from the forward walking motion of the human wearer. An exclusively manual pump requiring only a two way ball, seat, and stem control valve.

Abstract: A two-piece orthotic insert assembly. A post member is fixedly mounted in the heel end of a shoe, and has a generally concave bearing surface. A separate plate member is placed in the shoe so that the heel end thereof rests in the post, the heel cup of the plate member having a generally convex lower bearing surface which engages the concave bearing surface in the post member so as to permit a predetermined range of pivoting motion between the two pieces. The concave upper bearing surface of the post member defines a generally U-shaped bearing area which supports the rear foot portion of the plate at a predetermined angle for heel strike. Following heel strike, the plate member pivots so as to permit a controlled amount of pronation of the foot.

Abstract: A padding machine (10, 100) is disclosed which is capable of separating materials in a spoils bank beside a trench into coarser materials, which are redeposited in the spoils bank behind the machine, and finer materials which are conveyed to the trench for padding the pipeline. The machine includes a conveyor with a conveyor chain which moves around the perimeter of the machine. Material caught by the scraper blade (28) is conveyed by the conveyor chain along a belly pan (70) and thereafter over a plurality of grizzly bars (72). Coarser material which will not pass through the grizzly bars is conveyed by the conveyor chain (56) to the rearward end of the machine and dumped off the rearward end of the machine back to the ground. The finer materials passing through the grizzly bars are again separated by a vibrator unit (76, 104).

Abstract: A plow blade is described which has first and second sections, e.g., a moldboard and a trip board, which are rotatable with respect to each other and maintained in a desired angular relationship with respect to each other via an elastic torsion joint. The elastic torsion joint includes an elongated inner member at least partially surrounded by an elongated outer sleeve. Resilient elastic cushioning wedges (e.g., elastomeric wedges) are situated between the inner member and outer sleeve in such a manner that rotation of the inner member with respect to the outer sleeve compresses the cushioning wedges and elastically resists rotation. The inner member and outer sleeve are respectively affixed to the moldboard and trip board (or vice versa) so that when the trip board strikes an obstruction and is biased with respect to the moldboard, the elastic torsion spring resiliently yields, and then causes the trip board to snap back to its original position with respect to the moldboard once the obstruction is removed.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus comprising a body mounting thruster to direct, in use, a wash of water downwards towards an area of sea bed or the like, connection device to connect the dredging apparatus to a support vessel above the sea bed, said connection device including attitude adjusted to selectively adjust the attitude of the dredging apparatus in a side to side (roll) orientation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method of automatic control for a scraper bowl by measuring a first force as applied to the scraper bowl during forward movement of the scraper. Preferably, the first force is derived by measuring the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic actuator that controls the scraper bowl. A target force value is then subtracted from the first force to obtain a force error signal which is converted into a position command signal. The position command signal is preferably used to automatically adjust the depth of cut performed by the scraper blade without diversion of the operator's attention. Additionally, the scraper blade can be further controlled by constraining the vertical adjustment speed signal of the cutting blade to prevent the cutting blade from digging to deep or breaking through the ground by providing an upper constraint limit and a lower constraint limit which can be set according to tractive effort and the material condition acting upon the scraper blade.

Abstract: The heating element (1) is covered with a plate (2) constituting the ironing surface of the iron and comprising outlets for steam. The heating element (1) surface (6) designed to be covered by the plate (2) comprises a groove (7) extending at least on the whole periphery of the heating element (1). The method is characterised in that it consists in maintaining the heating element (1) flat, the surface (6) comprising the groove (7) facing upwards, pouring a resin (8) in the groove (7), applying the plate on the heating element (1) surface (6), turning the assembly such that the plate (2) faces downwards, to cause the resin (8) to flow in the groove (7) part adjacent to the plate (2).

Abstract: A container apparatus having a label for grasping the container to which it is attached includes a receiving surface and a label partially affixed to the container. The label includes a first portion of filmic material affixed to the receiving surface for displaying printed matter and a second portion of filmic material extending outward from the receiving surface, the second portion of filmic material having two back-to-back layers forming a handle of sufficient length to allow grasping thereof with one's fingers. The label-handle further includes an apparatus for affixing a label to a container in a fashion whereby the label forms a handle for grasping the container.

Abstract: A shadow box type transparency display device that has a reflective surface and at least one transparency panel having a visual image thereon spaced from and in superimposed relationship with at least a portion of the reflective surface such that the visual image is visible in the reflective surface thereby creating a unique view that includes the visual image and the reflected visual image.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing--either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A picture frame and method for mounting on a dashboard of an automobile comprising a transparent picture holder with a pivotable U-shaped supporting member on the backside of the holder with bent ends at the distal ends of the U-shaped supporting member, the bent distal ends being detachably secured to vertical grill portions of a ventilation grill assembly or to a closed ash tray compartment or to a closed glove box compartment of an automobile dashboard.

Abstract: A turn button for a picture frame back includes an elongated metal body portion. A pivot boss is provided on the bottom side surface adjacent to a first end. The pivot boss includes an upstanding cylindrical wall with a free upper edge and an aperture therethrough for rotatably securing the turn button to a first portion of a picture frame. The free upper edge of the cylindrical wall serves as a cutting edge and is capable of piercing through a picture frame back. A smooth glide pad is also provided and has a substantially smooth outwardly facing surface for engaging a second portion of the picture frame in order to retain a second portion in a predetermined position relative to the first portion and to avoid excess damage to the picture frame back. A turning knob is also provided to facilitate hand manipulation of the turn button by the user.

Abstract: The present invention describes a firearm lock 20 having a combination lock 20 for firearms 10 which uses four tumbler locking mechanisms 22, 24, 26 and 28 connected to the firing trigger 16 mechanism by way of a trigger deactuator rod 38. The trigger 16 firing mechanism is disabled until the four or more tumblers 22, 24, 26 and 28 of the combination lock 20 are positioned in such a way as to allow a preselected combination or pin number on the tumblers to communicate with a tumbler pin 44, 46, 48 and 50 attached to the trigger deactuator rod 38. When the numbers of the disk tumblers 22, 24, 26 and 28 are properly entered, the tumbler pins 44, 46, 48 and 50 of the trigger deactuator rod 38 will seat in a single hole and thereby allow the trigger 16 firing mechanism to be actuated. If the wrong number of the combination is entered, the tumbler pin will contact a false hole after traveling only a short distance thereby locking and preventing the trigger mechanism from firing.

Abstract: A portable tool for mounting annular elastic bands to multiple strands of a skirted fishing lure accessory. A band support provides a barrel having an outer surface that flares outward as it extends from an apex. A retractor rod having a "J" shaped end is concentrically supported from the apex in a longitudinal bore of the barrel and extends aft of the barrel. Upon fitting a band onto the barrel, the rod can be extended and such that the hooked end can catch a border of one or more skirt blanks. With the withdrawal of the rod and blank into the barrel, the band can be manipulated onto the strands of the skirt blank. The borders can then be trimmed from the skirt.

Abstract: A new fishing rod holding device for holding a fishing rod while fishing. The inventive device includes an elongate post with a sleeve for holding a fishing rod pivotally coupled to the upper end of the post. The sleeve has a hook extending from it. A guide arm is coupled to the post. A catch is pivotally coupled to the mounting post and is positioned adjacent the guide arm.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes an elongate support that is driven into the sand or earth near a body of water. A short tube receives the butt of a fishing rod so the rod end extends upwardly generally parallel to the elongate support. An alarm is fixed to the upper end of the elongate support and provides a tether releasably connected to the rod with a spring biased clip. When the rod is straight, and no fish is on the line, the tether describes a catenary and is essentially untensioned. When a fish is on the line, the rod bends, straightening out the tether and pulling the clip from the rod. When the rod moves out of the clip, the spring biased ends of the clip close thereby completing an electric circuit energizing the alarm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved fishing butt and reel seat assembly and comprises a substantially strong, rigid, one piece rod having a first open end, a second open end and a main length extending therebetween with a hollow interior in communication with both ends and preferably having a substantially constant inner diameter. The rod includes a reel seat portion and a shank portion. The reel seat portion preferably includes an abutment section with an enlarged exterior diameter disposed generally adjacent the shank portion. Preferably, the exterior diameter of the abutment section is larger than that of both the reel seat portion and the shank portion.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive bite indicator having a mount, a spring and a wire, is attached to a distal end of a fishing rod, with the mount having a through-bore. The spring is adjustably mounted within the through-bore, and the wire is connected to the spring at one end and to a loop, constructed and arranged to receive fishing line, at another end. In another embodiment of this invention, an ultra-sensitive bite indicator comprises a mount portion attached to a fishing rod and an adjustment portion coupled to the mount portion. The adjustment portion is movable between a first position angled away from the fishing rod and a second position lying substantially flat against the fishing rod. A loop, constructed and arranged to receive a fishing line, is attached to one end of the adjustment portion. In each embodiment, the bite indicator is difficult to damage or break. In addition, the sensitivity of each embodiment of the bite indicator can be adjusted for detecting fish of various sizes and weights.

Abstract: An improved fishing line fastening device comprising a pair of mating members with a first one of the members being formed with a central opening extending therethrough and the other of the members being formed with a projection tapered inwardly and downwardly at an angle in excess of about 10.degree. and being extendable through the opening of the first member and carrying flange means at the tip of the projection for securing the members together.

Abstract: A caddy for carrying a plurality of flotation devices. The caddy includes a frame having first and second end members, each having a slot formed therein for receiving a shoulder strap. The first end member further includes a pair of apertures for receiving a pair of elongated aluminum bars onto which a number of bulky flotation devices are secured. The first end member also includes a spring biased locking device which is coupled to the distal end of each bar.

Abstract: A mouse or rodent trap includes a housing having an elongated rotatable paddle member therein. A trigger assembly engages the paddle member and releases the paddle member for rotation when the trigger assembly is engaged by a mouse or rodent entering the housing. The trigger assembly is formed completely of plastic, and is snapped together during assembly.