Abstract: A leadframe for use in an integrated circuit package is described. The leadframe comprises a plurality of electrically conductive leads, a die attach pad, and an electrically conductive ring or rings formed generally around the circumference of the die attach pad and between the die attach pad and leads. In one embodiment, at least one of the leads is formed integrally with each ring. The die attach pad may also be formed integrally with one or more leads. In another embodiment, the ring or rings are formed so that they are electrically isolated from the die attach pad, and the die attach pad, leads, and ring or rings are all formed in substantially the same plane. In some embodiments, the ring or rings are broken into electrically isolated sections. Each of the ring sections (and die attach pad, if appropriate) may be electrically connected to a voltage source outside the integrated circuit package (e.g., a power supply or ground).

Abstract: A ceiling mounted, recessed, wallwash light fixture includes a reflector having an internal reflecting surface. A wallwash segment of that reflecting surface is defined by vertically adjacent reflecting faces each arranged so that an effective lowest point of brightness seen by the reflecting face is reflected along a line passing below an opposing portion of a bottom edge of the reflector. The wallwash segment can be defined by an insert attached to the reflecting surface.

Abstract: .[.An output axis of a motor has an eccentric portion, a vibratory arm is vibratably supported at its central portion, connecting section of said vibratory arm with the eccentric portion is formed in shape of two crotches, the eccentric portion and the vibratory arm are connected to each other in a manner that the eccentric portion is inserted between the two crotches of the vibratory arm, thereby rotational movement of the output axis of the motor is converted into vibrational movement of the vibratory arm, and at least one of contact portion formed on the outer circumfrential surface of the eccentric portion or contact portions respectively formed on the inside surface of each of two crotches is formed in shape of a curved surface..]..Iadd.A power tool has a drive section with a shaft having a rotational axis and an eccentric portion offset from the rotational axis. An arm drivingly connects the shaft to a tool working member.

Abstract: A batter's forearm protector product, including a forearm protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's forearm while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The forearm protector product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material. A flexible forearm protector is positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The forearm protector includes a substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate to provide cushioning between the substrate and the batter when the forearm protector is being worn. An outer cover covers the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad.

Abstract: Fingertip protector for a sport glove for protecting and preventing wear to the palm sides of the fingertips, made of a single piece of rubber or elastomeric material, having a base portion and a perimeter edge forming two lateral portions and a frontal portion, the base portion having, on the external surface, a plurality of elongated protruding lines disposed longitudinally to the finger direction forming a first high grip area, and a plurality of concentric protruding lines forming a second high grip area.

Abstract: A limb protector comprising a knee element. In a preferred embodiment the knee element is pivotally coupled to an outer shell shin element. Padding is positioned between the leg and the outer shell(s) and may be formed of a shock absorbent foam, a plurality of interconnected fluid filled cushions, or a combination thereof. The padding may be coupled to the outer shell shin element so as to create a gap between itself and the outer shell shin element. Alternatively, the padding may positioned on the lateral and medial sides of the outer shell knee element to cradle the underlying leg. The outer shell shin element comprises a raised groove element protruding outward from the shin to form a shin-knee transition cavity located between the shin-knee transition of the leg and the outer shell shin element. The outer shell knee element comprises a centrally positioned domed element protruding outward from the knee generally overlying the patella and may also overlie the shin-knee transition area.

Abstract: A bib having an improved pocket. The bib has a body panel, a pocket panel, and a third panel disposed between the body panel and the pocket panel. The third panel helps to maintain the pocket in an open configuration.

Abstract: A tray and bib food catching apparatus for use in child feeding or the feeding of individuals where spilled food may be likely. The tray and bib food catching device allows food, including liquids, to be captured and retained in a pocket formed by the bib when used in conjunction with a tray. In one embodiment, the tray and the bib are integrally formed. The bib has an opening for the neck of the child or other user and has two arm openings. The arm openings are located closer to the tray than the neck opening such that when the bib is placed over the head and arms of a user, the upper arms and shoulder tend to support the fabric of the bib in an elevated position at the sides and allow the bib to sag into a pocket-like formation at the center immediately below the neck opening. The tray may also be made of a rigid material and be generally U-shaped at the edge facing the user.

Abstract: A combination clothing/safety harness for fall arresting and rescue from confined spaces provides the advantages of ease of use, distribution of forces over a wide surface area, protection of the harness portion, and ease of enforcing regulations that the harness be worn. The safety harness may be attached to various articles of clothing, such as a jacket, vest, overalls, or coveralls, so that donning the article of clothing automatically positions the harness for use. The harness may be used by employees working at dangerous heights or in confined spaces, or by hunters using tree stands. Combination clothing/safety harness systems can be made to meet OSHA requirements.

Abstract: A reversible sweater has a pair of contiguous configurations, one composed of a knit fabric and the other composed of a micro-fiber fabric. A wearer may select which side of the reversible sweater to wear outside and/or inside. If the knit side is worn outside, the sweater (1) has a conventional appearance, but (2) provides warmth which is a function of the knit configuration, and wind resistance, water resistance and vapor permeability, all of which are functions of the micro-fiber configuration. If the micro-fiber configuration is worn outside, (1) the sweater has a fluorescent and retro-reflective appearance, but provides (2) warmth which is a function of the knit configuration, and (3) wind resistance, water resistance and vapor permeability, all of which are functions of the micro-fiber configuration.

Abstract: A self-ventilating vest having a plural number of conduits extending through the vest, the conduits having an intake opening and one-way intake valve through which outside air can be drawn into the conduit, one or more compressible members, such as a tube, bulb or bladder retaining the air so that it absorbs body heat, and a one-way exhaust valve and exhaust opening through which the warmed air is expelled. The compressible members are compressed by the expansion of the chest during breathing or exertion to expel the warmed air, and when the compressive forces are removed, the compressible members expand to draw fresh air back into the compressible members through the intake opening to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A waterproof glove with a shaft incorporating a hand insertion opening and a shaft edge located at the hand insertion opening side and consisting of a shell material. A waterproof cuff sleeve with a lower cuff edge is arranged inside of the shaft such that it lies below the shaft edge by a predetermined underlength and is connected with the shaft edge and with an upper cuff edge that projects over the shaft edge by a predetermined overlength. A sleeve accomodation groove is formed between the shaft and the sleeve cuff so that a lower end area of a wearer's garment sleeve can be inserted into the sleeve accomodation groove. A groove base formed in the lower cuff edge is sealed so that water from the sleeve accomodation groove cannot reach the interior of the glove. The overlength of the cuff sleeve is dimensioned such that when the wearer holds the hand in such a position that water can accumulate in the sleeve groove, water from the sleeve groove cannot reach the upper edge of the cuff.

Abstract: A helmet to be worn on a person's head where the helmet includes a shell having a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the front, rear, first side and second side surfaces define an interior space. The helmet further includes a strap with a first end attached to the shell and a second end attached to the shell, wherein the strap forms a II-shaped receptor within the interior space.

Abstract: Flushing system for a flushing toilet, comprising a built-in frame (14); a container (10) for the intermediate storage of a predeterminable quantity of water of preferably about 5 to 10 L; and a mounting (18) for a toilet bowl or a urinal, wherein the built-in frame (14) has installation elements (12), which are designed for an installation at the walls of a 90.degree.-room corner; the mounting (18) is provided on the built-in frame (14); the width (B) of the built-in frame is substantially only determined by the rear width of the toilet bowl; and the shaping of the container (10) is matched to the space which is present through the installation of the built-in frame in a 90.degree.-room corner.

Abstract: The invention provides; a flush toilet having an odor-sealing valve which can certainly be opened and closed with a simple structure and enables easy maintenance, capable of preventing waste matter adhering on it from facing toward the toilet bowl, and effectively working when a patient unintentionally defecates; a care bed apparatus which reduces physical work load on a nurser when bathing the patient; and others. A water tank 52 is provided below a toilet bowl 51, and an odor-sealing valve 57 is made of a sphere 57a floating in the water tank 52 and a ring-shaped packing 57b located near a lower opening 51a of the toilet bowl 51 and capable of coming in close contact with said sphere 57a. Drainpipes and drain valves 66a, 67a, 66b, 67b lower the water level in the water tank 52 to open the odor-sealing valve 57 and a water-supply pipe 64a and a water-supply valve 64b raise the water level in the water tank 52 to close the odor-sealing valve 57.

Abstract: A method for controlling the discharge valve (3) and preferably the flushing of a toilet or the like in a vacuum sewer system is characterized in that the discharge valve opens and closes with velocities providing an opening time which is less than 0.75 and a closing time which is less than 0.75 second. Further, a device for controlling the discharge valve (3) and flushing of a toilet or the like in a vacuum sewer system where the device and discharge valve are driven by means of the vacuum being generated in the drainage system (27) is characterized in that the device (5) includes at least three operation valves, a first (10), second (9) and third (11) valve. The valves are provided to be set or reset by means of a common piston rod in the form of a cam (12) which is driven by a piston (7) in a cylinder housing (6).

Abstract: A sanitary apparatus for assisting infirm persons, in particular for aiding in performing physiological functions. The apparatus includes a support structure, an anatomic support element defining a support area, and a moving mechanism for translating at least the anatomic support element between at least two positions, a first lowered or stand-by position and a second raised position suitable for performing physiological functions. The apparatus further includes a cleansing system and a ventilation system that act in correspondence with the support area to deliver a cleansing liquid and circulating air in the area, respectively. The apparatus is fitted with a container support system for supporting a container destined to collect the residues of the physiological functions and/or of the cleansing liquid. A mechanism is provided for closing and sealing the container to isolate its contents.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus providing for a self-draining pool cover on a typical pool (13). The pool skimmer unit (18) is unfastened and removed from the pool wall (8). The pool water (14) at the height to the bottom of the skimmer opening (15) in the pool wall (8) allowing for the drainage of water, leaves, residue, and debris off of the pool cover (3) by gravity through an aperture (11) in the pool cover (3) sandwiched between the assembled drainage apparatus (5) having an aperture (11) aligned to the perimeter of the skimmer opening (15) with a skimmer gasket (6) on the inside pool wall (8) secured to the perimeter of the skimmer opening (15) in the pool wall (8) by use of a skimmer gasket (6) and a skimmer apparatus (9) aligned on the out-side pool wall (8) to the perimeter of the skimmer opening (15) secured together to the perimeter of the skimmer opening (15) in the pool wall (8) by the use of male fasteners (10) inserted through the fasteners passageways (17) secured to female fasteners (16).

Abstract: A swimming pool aerator is designed with a base member secured to the end of a water return pipe above the water surface in the side of a pool or water feature basin. The base member carries a retractable spray nozzle, which normally is biased to retract into the wall of the pool through the base member. When water is applied to the supply line under pressure, an aerator nozzle is moved from a rest position to an extended position against the action of a biasing spring to spray water into the pool. When the pressure or supply is turned off, the aerator nozzle is retracted back into the base portion by the biasing spring to a position safely out of the way of swimmers or users of the pool.

Abstract: A complete pre-fabricated tile counter is described that is already tiled and grouted and ready for installation upon a cabinet or other substructure, with or without a back splash or side splash panel. Counter tops including built-in sinks, and counters and splash panels may be produced economically in any style, shape and tile selected by a homeowner or builder prior to installation at a site. The invention counters are designed to be installed easily by the average homeowner or builders, in a minimum of time and with little mess to be cleaned up.

Abstract: A sleeping bag formed with an outer case having an exposed surface and a coextensive liner having an exposed surface, the case and liner being secured together along their edges to form a pad which may be folded in half and releasably secured along the bottom and side of the pad opposite the fold. The exposed surface of the liner bears indicia representing a selected activity surface and the exposed surface of the outer case carries a design whose motif is suggestive of the activity surface which becomes visible when the bag is unfolded.

Abstract: A thermal regulating cushioning device for heating and/or cooling is provided. The thermal regulating device comprises a flexible, deformable outer membrane being adapted to sealably receive a liquid-like material therein. A foam core is disposed within the flexible, deformable outer membrane wherein the foam core has a dimension substantially coincident with the outer membrane. A liquid-like material is sealably contained within the flexible, deformable outer membrane and saturating the foam core with the liquid material being at least partially circulatable through the foam core wherein the cooperation of the saturated foam core and the sealable flexible membrane provide a uniform, thermal regulating medium and structural support such that the cushioning device is readily, uniformly deformable when a load is applied thereto. An external heater and/or cooler circulates the liquid through the cushioning device.

Abstract: A lightweight device for transporting a patient under emergency conditions is provided. The invention patient transport device comprises a substantially rectangular sheet with at least two spaced apart lengthwise reinforcing members attached along at least the mid- portion of the length of the sheet, at least two spaced apart crosswise reinforcing members attached to the sheet and to the lengthwise reinforcing members, and weight-bearing handles attached to the crosswise reinforcing members. The invention device, which is optionally disposable, is adapted to bear the full weight of a patient lying on the sheet when the sheet is lifted by the handles and is particularly well suited to removing injured individuals or animals from an accident site and for placement onto a gurney or other means of patient transport.

Abstract: A support cushion for face down tanning or massage. The cushion is composed of inflatable plastic or rubber material, or solid foam material, and has an elongated recess for accommodating a person's face. Ventilation apertures extend from each side of the cushion and communicates with the recess to provide a constant fresh air supply.

Abstract: A cavitated pad and innerspring assembly combination, for use in mattresses, furniture, or other cushioned flexible support structures, wherein coils of the innerspring assembly have terminal convolutions which extend beyond the coil body and are not connected to adjacent coils. A cavitated pad has openings in which the terminal convolutions fit, and the pad overlies the coil bodies. In one embodiment, the cavitations extend either partially or entirely through the pad. Upholstery is attached over the pad. The combination of coils with terminal convolutions positioned within the cavitations in the pad provides a dampened or attenuated dual spring rate support surface with controlled lateral deflection of the terminal convolutions.

Abstract: A smoothing device, according to the present invention, is used to perform smoothing in a conduit line, or the like. The smoothing device has a fluid pressure motor with a cutter attached to its output shaft and guide rollers for guiding the smoothing device in the longitudinal direction of the conduit line. Prescribed ones among the guide rollers are relatively movable in the radial direction of the conduit line by fluid pressure cylinders, springs, or the like, and pressed against the inner wall of the conduit line. The remaining guide rollers are fixed to the smoothing device with respect to the radial direction of the conduit line so as to have an automatic aligning mechanism, thereby keeping the rotatable cutter along the center of the conduit line. In the fluid pressure motor, turbine and water nozzles, for injecting water to the turbine, are detachable, facilitating the replacement of worn parts.

Abstract: A broom is provided with a rotatable brush head connected to a handle. The brush head and handle each have a longitudinally extending axis located in a common geometric plane. The brush head has a base with a downwardly extending element which, by tongue and groove configuration, engages a separable attachment member which is adapted to receive the handle. A manually operable member with a knob, controls the movement of the attachment element and hence the handle in relation to the brush head, allowing the brush head to rotate to a plurality of angles of alignment with the handle within the common plane. The brush head element, attachment member, and control member are secured together by means of a spring bias system, consisting of an elongated bolt or similar means and a coiled spring. This system secures the attachment member and control member to the brush head in a tightly biased manner, to maintain the brush head in position on the handle.

Abstract: A shoe sole cleaner removes foreign debris from a sole of a user's shoe by swiping the sole over the shoe sole cleaner on the user's opposing shoe. The shoe sole cleaner includes a base member and an elongated closure strap extending from the base member. A fixed end of the elongated closure strap extends from the base member and a free end of the elongated closure strap is adapted for extending under at least a portion of a shoelace on the shoe. In one embodiment, facing surfaces of the closure strap and base member have complementary portions of a two-part mechanical fastener (e.g., hook-and-loop) which are engaged to secure the shoe sole cleaner to a shoe by its shoe laces. An exposed surface of the base member bears a shoe sole cleaning surface.

Abstract: A paint roller consists of a handle, a shaft extending form one end of the handle, a fastening member fastened rotatably engaged on with the rotary shaft and composed of a first cover body and a second cover body, and a roller cover fitted over the fastening member such that one end of the roller cover is located and sealed off by a retaining portion of the first cover body, and that another end of the roller cover is located and sealed off by an elastic protuberance of the second cover body, and further that the roller cover is confined by the retaining portion and the elastic protuberance to prevent the roller cover from displacing along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fastening member. The paint deposited in the fastening member is thus prevented from splashing at both ends of the roller cover at the time when the paint roller is at work.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a one piece container body and a press member connected to the container body. The container body includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define a liquid reservoir. One of the side walls includes a wringing surface. The press member is operatively connected to the container body for movement of the press member between a wringing position and a non-wringing position relative to the wringing surface of the container body. The press member and the wringing surface define a mop receiving volume. The mop receiving volume has a volume V.sub.1 when the press member is in its non-wringing position and a V.sub.2 when the press member is in its wringing position. The volume V.sub.2 is less than the volume V.sub.1.

Abstract: A vacuum system (14) for a motor vehicle (16) comprising a litter box (18) mounted in any convenient location within an interior compartment (20) of the motor vehicle (16). A vacuum canister (22) is provided that holds trash in disposable vacuum bags to be disposed at a later date. A facility (24) is for electrically connecting the vacuum canister (22) to a battery (26) in the motor vehicle (16), to operate the vacuum canister (22). A component (28) is for fluidly coupling the vacuum canister (22) to the litter box (18), so that any litter deposited within the litter box (18) will be drawn through the fluidly coupling component (28) and deposited into the vacuum canister (22) to be disposed of at a later date.

Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.

Abstract: An assembly of expandable pull rods of an article of luggage including an expandable pull rod frame, an arresting device, and a press member. The expandable pull rod frame is formed of a bottom seat for bracing two bottom tubes into which two intermediate tubes are fitted. Two top tubes are fitted into the two intermediate tubes and are fastened with a hand grip. The top tubes and the intermediate tubes are located by the main control members of the arresting device, whereas the intermediate tubes and the bottom tubes are located by the auxiliary control members of the arresting device. The press member is disposed in the hand grip for actuating the arresting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a lower hinge member installed at a lower corner of a body forming a cooling compartment, and an upper hinge bracket installed at an upper corner of the body. The lower hinge member has a lower hinge pin assembled to a lower corner of a door for opening/closing the cooling compartment. A removable pin member is installed on the upper hinge bracket. The pin member has an upper hinge pin assembled to an upper corner of the door. A worker fixes the upper hinge bracket and the lower hinge member to the body, and then assembles the door to the body. Then, he installs the pin member on the upper hinge bracket, whereby the upper part of the door is assembled with the upper hinge pin. Thus, the door can be easily assembled to the body. Further, as the pin member is disassembled from the upper hinge bracket, the door can be disassembled from the body without detaching the upper hinge bracket.

Abstract: Handle for tools such as screwdrivers, cormprising a core of hard plastic material around a metal shaft and a gripping surface (14) of soft material covering parts of the core, where the core within the regions covered by the gripping surface is made with a multitude of protruding lower blocks (17) with flat tops, and the soft material filling the space between lower blocks to the level of the tops of lower blocks (17) to form base surface (16) and a multitude of blocks (15) raised from the base surface, arranged in a repetitive pattern with voids where the lower blocks protrude.

Abstract: A bundling tie for bundling a plurality of cables or like articles includes a strap and a head for receiving the strap. The strap is an elongate member having a first end, a second end and a planar body. The head includes an upstanding central wall separating first and second parallel passageways for receipt of the first and second ends of the strap. A locking device is supported by the central wall. The locking device includes a body having a central joining section and a pair of parallel walls extending from the joining section. The locking device further includes a first barb extending from one of the wall members into the first passageway and a second barb extending from the other wall member into the second passageway. The barbs are provided for independent deflectable locking engagement with the first and second strap ends upon insertion into the passageways.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for automatically mounting a crimp-style terminal on a connector housing which can have one or more vacant cavities. The mounting device is to be applied in production in which connectors can have varying numbers of terminals. Housings are accurately fed by a plurality of parts feeders and guides. Empty housings and housings with inserted terminals are held, respectively, by separate magazines. Terminals are individually cut off from a terminal hoop and individually set into insertion positions in front of a housing. After all terminals have been set, the terminals are inserted into the cavities all at once.

Abstract: An apron forming apparatus and method for bending and joining the ends of a pair of apron half segments includes a series of four apron support surfaces lying in a common plane. A clamping arrangement is mounted on each of the apron support surfaces for selectively clamping an apron half segment. A bending arrangement is secured to each of the apron support surfaces for selectively bending an apron half segment. Each of the apron half segments is disposed between a clamping arrangement and a bending arrangement on a pair of apron support surfaces such that the apron half segments lie substantially parallel to each other. Each of the bending arrangements is movable into engagement with an apron half segment to bend the apron half segment such that the ends of one bent apron half segment are placed in overlapping relationship with the ends of the other bent apron half segment.

Abstract: In a tool turret for a machine tool, in particular, a lathe, comprising a turret head rotatable about a turret indexing axis, the turret head tapering on either side of a diameter plane of the turret head extending perpendicularly to the turret indexing axis and having on each side of this diameter plane a circular ring-shaped row of tool stations which is concentric with the indexing axis, each of the tool stations having a tool receiving means for clamping a toolholder for a machining tool, in order to increase the machining operations which are performable with a tool turret and the machining accuracy, such a tool turret is so designed that: each tool station comprises a planar contact surface formed by the outer surfaces of the turret head for a toolholder; the contact surfaces of the two rows of tool stations define regular pyramids of identical shape which point away from one another and whose axes coincide with the turret indexing axis; each row of tool stations has at least one tool receiving means fo

Abstract: A hand tool for installing small parts such as door bushings in hard to reach areas. The hand tool includes a tool body having a handle section, a transition section and a head section. The head section includes first and second portions. The first and second portions are substantially cylindrical in shape. The diameter of the second portion is smaller than the first portion to readily receive and hold in place a small hollow part such as a bushing. The handle section, transition section and head section are oriented relative to each other to permit an individual to readily install a small part such as bushing in hard to reach areas on the first attempt. Preferably, the transition section and the handle section form an angle greater than 90.degree., while the transition section and the head section form an angle less than 90.degree.. Preferably, the tool body is formed from steel.

Abstract: A press for press-fitting an axle tube into a differential housing having a locator and accurately locating a flange on the tube relative the locator by offsetting flange mislocation, deflection of the tube and press and deflection and/or shifting of the tube and housing fixtures during press-fitting. The press has a ram in operable communication with a drive and a computer in communication with the ram and drive to accurately control movement of the ram and depth of insertion of each tube. Carried by the ram is a probe that senses flange location relative on the tube for determining deviation in flange location and offsetting depth of insertion to compensate for any such deviation. Another sensor communicates to the computer the insertion force the ram is applying to the tube to determine tube and press deflection.

Abstract: A vehicle bed assembly, and process of manufacture, which involves formation of a one-piece floor pan by roll forming. The floor pan has a central pan portion and secondary portions positioned forwardly and rearwardly of wheelwell openings formed in the pan adjacent opposite side edges thereof. Strengthening ribs extend longitudinally throughout the entire length of the pan and terminate at the front and rear edges. The strengthening ribs also extend longitudinally of the secondary portions and terminate at front and rear edges of the wheelwell openings. The one-piece floor pan has the wheelwell openings formed therein, as by a controlled notching operation, after the pan has been roll formed from flat sheet material, and the notching operation provides a series of flanges around the periphery of the wheelwell opening, both along the longitudinal inner edge and on the front and rear edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle includes a drawing tower having at least one guide member defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second gripping devices are provided to grip the indefinite length suture strand and draw it along the drawing axis; each gripping device mounted for reciprocal movement on at least one guide member. A retractable cutter for cutting the indefinite length suture strand is also provided for cutting the strand at a start position along the drawing axis. The indefinite length suture strand is fed to the drawing axis and drawn a predetermined distance beyond the location of the retractable cutter for positioning within a suture receiving opening formed in the surgical needle, while the second gripping device reciprocates to a start position along the drawing axis.

Abstract: A surface-mountable magnetic device comprising: (1) a multi-layer circuit containing a plurality of windings disposed in layers thereof, the multi-layer circuit having first and second lateral recesses associated therewith, the first and second lateral recesses intersecting the layers of the multi-layer circuit, (2) a conductive substance disposed within the first and second lateral recesses and electrically coupling selected ones of the plurality of windings and (3) a magnetic core mounted proximate the plurality of windings, the magnetic core adapted to impart a desired magnetic property to the plurality of windings, the device locatable proximate a substantially planar substrate to allow the first and second lateral recesses to act as conductors between the plurality of windings and electrical conductors on the substantially planar substrate, the plurality of windings and the magnetic core substantially free of a surrounding molding material to allow the magnetic device to assume a smaller overall device v

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by inducing a magnetic field of a selected strength at the surface of the PCB to temporarily hold the IC device onto the PCB. The IC device is provided with magnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field. The magnetic field is maintained while the IC device and PCB are tested, and then subsequently during soldering when the IC device is permanently bonded to the PCB.

Abstract: A system for enhancing performance in a two-stroke engine. An access aperture is formed in the exterior wall of an air passage associated with a cylinder within the two-stroke engine. The air passage is then modified, in one embodiment, by inserting an automated modification tool through the access aperture and operating the automated modification tool according to a computer controlled program to modify the air flow characteristics of the air passage. The access aperture in the exterior wall is thereafter closed.

Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine rotor wheel having a damaged dovetail includes removing the damaged dovetail from the turbine wheel, leaving a turbine wheel body and welding a ring about the turbine wheel body in place of the removed damaged dovetail. During the welding process, including during preheating, welding or stress relieving, the temperature of the wheel body and ring is differentially controlled to introduce residual stresses in the ring. After welding a dovetail is formed in the ring for receiving turbine bucket dovetails. As a result, the ring has residual compressive stresses in a cold condition of the turbine whereby reduced net stresses in the ring in the location of the new dovetail during hot turbine operating conditions are reduced.

Abstract: For the production of a motor vehicle exhaust gas cleaning device, which comprises an essentially cylindrical housing (G), at least one exhaust gas cleaning element (1) mounted in it, with a mounting mat (2) in between, and two transition cones (4) joined with the housing at the ends, a sheet metal cut-out (7) is placed around the at least one exhaust gas cleaning element (1) as a mantle, to form the housing, braced to the built-in parts (1 2, 3) to provide a firm attachment, and, in this position, closed to form a sleeve, while the two transition cones (4) are positioned in such a way, as the mantle formed from the sheet metal cut-out (7) is braced and formed into a sleeve, that they project into the housing (G) with support regions (6) which face the housing in each instance, and act as stops to delimit, the bracing process.

Abstract: A method for repairing and/or reinforcing a bulkhead for a bulkhead type heat exchanger having a bulkhead formed of a permeable material comprising the steps of supplying a gas (G-1) containing a metal and/or a metallic compound to one side of the bulkhead, supplying to the other side thereof another gas (G-2) containing a reaction gas adapted to react with a metal and/or a metallic compound to deposit a solid metallic compound said gas (G-1) and said another gas (G-2) being caused to reach the inside of the bulkhead, and then causing said gas (G-1) to react with said another gas (G-2) so as to deposit a solid metallic compound inside the bulkhead, thereby repairing and/or reinforcing the bulkhead of the bulkhead type heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to hold an ear of corn while either eating the corn or scraping the kernels off the ear. One inserts the ear of corn between the tensioned corn cob holders-which are a pair of plastic cups. Then, one grasps the handle and rolls the corn cob across the points of the piercing element, the corn cob turns easily in the cups.