Abstract: A matrix-switch-board unit has two wiring-pattern arrays which are respectively formed in opposite sides of the unit so as to be electrically isolated from and to cross each other, respective through holes extending between and through the crossing portions of the wiring pattern arrays on the opposite sides of the unit. A connection pin inserting and extracting device automatically and selectively inserts a connection pin into a selected one of the through holes for interconnecting the corresponding opposed, crossing pattern portions and extracts a connection pin from a corresponding one of the through holes for disconnecting same. Pivotally mounted toggle arms of the device have respective ends with laterally extending hook portions in opposed relationship and are rotatable in a first sense to engage a pin between the hook portions and in an opposite sense to release a connection pin engaged thereby.

Abstract: A portable hand-held battery-powered crimping tool includes a gear housing containing a through bore receiving a driven gear having a crank arm that is connected by a drive link with the common pivot axis of a toggle device that pivots a pair of crimping jaws from an open released position toward a crimping position. The gear is driven by a reversible direct-current motor that is supported on the hand-held handle together with a battery pack. A releasable overrunning clutch is operated by a push button on the handle to disengage the motor drive from the drive link, whereupon the crimping jaws are pivoted toward the open released position by a biasing spring.

Abstract: A conductive strap configured to attach to a circuit board containing a component sensitive to electronmagnetic interference (EMI) and to slidably contact an enclosure having a conductive internal surface can reduce or eliminate EMI in an electronic device. The strap is positioned on the circuit board to shield the sensitive component from EMI. Slidable contact between the shielding strap and the enclosure internal surface renders the strap suitable for almost any enclosure configuration without any design modification.

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a bumped substrate and for forming an electrical circuit which includes the bumped substrate. The method of forming the bumped substrate includes forming at least one electrically conductive polymer bump on each of a first set of bond pads of the substrate. At least one electrically conductive polymer bump is then formed on each of a second set of the bond pads of the substrate. The circuit is formed by selectively forming an organic protective layer around the bond pads of a second substrate by laser ablation of an organic protective coating on the second substrate. The electrically conductive polymer bumps on the first and second portions of the bond pads of the first substrate are then contacted with the bond pads of the second substrate, thereby forming the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective coating on an exposed surface of an electronic device, including forming the protective coating on a conductive termination connected to a circuit element in the electronic device, and making a window in the protective coating to expose the termination.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing circuit boards comprising providing a circuitized substrate having a dielectric surface, providing a peel apart structure including a metal layer and a peelable film, laminating the peel apart structure to the circuitized substrate with the metal layer positioned adjacent said dielectric surface, forming holes in the circuitized substrate through the peel apart structure, applying a filler material including an organic base to the peel apart structure, applying a sacrificial film onto the filler material, and applying sufficient heat and pressure to the sacrificial film to force the filler material into the holes to substantially fill the holes is provided.

Abstract: A valve seat and cylinder head arrangement wherein the valve seat insert is formed from a material having an elongation at rupture of greater than 1 percent so as to facilitate tapered pressing to form a bonded valve seat.

Abstract: An extruded, tiered high fin density heat sink (10) uses extruded first base, second base and bridging elements (12, 16, 14) having an arrangement of closely spaced, parallel fins (20, 26, 32, 38) and recesses (22, 28, 34, 40) for receiving opposing fins in the elements. The fins (20, 38) in the first and second base elements (12, 16) are bonded to recesses (28, 34) in opposite common faces (24, 30) of bridging elements (14) while fins (26, 32) extending from both opposing faces (24, 30) of bridging element (14) are bonded in aligned recesses (22, 40) in the first and second base element (12, 16) forming an extruded, tiered, high fin density heat sink (10).

Abstract: A method of repairing a crack in a boiling water reactor shroud includes forming a pair of slots in the shroud on opposite sides of the crack in angled relation to one another so that the lateral spacing between the slots increases in a direction parallel to the crack, lowering a wedge clamp with laterally spaced slides into the annular space between the core shroud and the reactor vessel, positioning the slides in the slots, and moving the clamp in the direction of increasing lateral spacing between the slots to an operational position where the clamp prevents unacceptable opening of the crack during reactor operation by providing a structural load path which transmits structural loads across the crack. The slots are preferably configured to mate cooperatively in a manner which prevents the clamp from moving in a radially outward direction relative to the shroud once the clamp has been installed.

Abstract: A metallic corrugated plate applying to a cooling inner fin of a heat exchanger, wherein a bending angle .THETA. of an end bent ridge portion is smaller than bending angle .theta. of the other bent ridge portions. Thus, in case the bending angle .THETA. becomes large by a resilient force after forming the bent ridge portions, preventing a bending rigidity of the end bent ridge portion in the spreading direction from being reduced is possible. Accordingly, preventing the inner fin from being warped from substantially the center ridge of the bent ridge portion is attained.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel includes the steps of providing a wheel rim and a spider and positioning the wheel rim and the spider adjacent each other. The wheel rim and the spider are then friction welded to each other. Subsequently, a portion of the spider is locked down onto the wheel rim by electromagnetic forming. Preferably, one end of the rim is positioned in a cavity formed in the spider. During friction welding, the upset material of the rim fills the cavity of the spider. Subsequently, while the metal is still relatively fluid, a flange of the spider is locked down onto the wheel rim by electromagnetic forming to secure the wheel rim and spider together.

Abstract: A stabilizer accessory for necklaces to keep the necklace from twisting about the wearer's neck. The stabilizer is an elongate approximately oval-shaped metal loop which is connected as by clasps to the necklace ends, and rests on the nape of the neck of the wearer. The presence of the stabilizer causes the necklace to resist twisting of the necklace, stabilizing the necklace in its proper position.

Abstract: A method of forming a knuckle assembly for an automotive vehicle is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of forming a front and back half of a knuckle assembly and welding the front and back halves together. A spindle is positioned through holes formed in the front and back halves of the knuckle and is secured thereto to provide a low cost, light weight knuckle assembly for an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method for forming a closed channel structural member having a central portion that is enlarged relative to the end portions thereof is disclosed. Initially, a tube is formed in a hydroforming die to have a desired shape that is preferably characterized by a relatively small diameter central portion extending between a pair of relatively large diameter end portions. Next, the tube is divided into two pieces in any conventional manner, such as by cutting, to provide two tube sections. Each of the two tube sections is then oriented in the opposite direction such that the relatively large end portions of the tube are disposed adjacent to one another. Lastly, the relatively large end portions are joined together in any conventional manner, such as by butt welding, to form a unitary member characterized by a relatively large diameter central portion extending between a pair of relatively small diameter end portions. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of tubes are initially formed in the same manner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a predetermining curvature in the flange and web of a structural member including an indexing mechanism and method for controlling the amount of curvature produced.

Abstract: A nail clipper accessory provides a vacuum for collecting the clippings as they are created when using a nail clipper and storing the clippings in a vacuum chamber for later disposal. The accessory is used with convention nail clippers by slipping the rear portion of the nail clipper into a resilient tubular shroud structure. The nail clipper accessory also includes a motor driven filing stone. To reduce the number of motors required for the accessory, the same motor is used to power the vacuum fan and the motor driven filing stone.

Abstract: A razor cartridge and assembly is disclosed. The cartridge includes curved journals at opposing sides and is arranged for pivotable movement on an associated handle assembly.

Abstract: A cable stripper for removing covers or jackets of, for instance, a coaxial cable including circular blades rotatably installed on action levers which are pivoted together with an operating lever that is pivotally mounted to a stripper main body, and a lower blade linked to a lower cutter lever provided in the stripper main body. The circular blades bite into the cover of a cable inserted into the stripper main body when the operating lever is pivoted toward the stripper main body, thus making circumferential cuts of different depths in the cover by rotating the stripper main body about the axis of the cable; and in addition, when the lower cutter lever is pressed, the lower blade bites into the covering so that a straight cut in the axial direction of the cable is also made in the covering.

Abstract: A portable knife includes a retainer portion to reliably hold a knife within a sheath even when a grip of the knife collides with a solid object. An actuating slider mounted in proximity to the retainer portion slides in the direction along which the knife is drawn out from the sheath. A bottom portion of the actuating slider slidable along one of slide surfaces of locking projections formed on the knife grip pushes up the retainer portion engaged with the locking projections until the retainer portion is disengaged from the locking projection.

Abstract: A hand-held reciprocating power tool, such as a reciprocating saw, wherein the angle of the reciprocation motion axis with reference to the longitudinal axis of the power tool motor housing is adjustable. Within a motor housing there is a motor driving a motor shaft which rotates on a motor shaft axis generally along the longitudinal axis. A nosepiece includes a nosepiece base portion fixed to the motor housing, and a nosepiece movable portion rotably mounted to the nosepiece base portion. The nosepiece moveable portion can be positionally adjusted relative to the nosepiece base portion over an angle of at least 180.degree. by rotation on a nosepiece axis which is perpendicular to the motor shaft axis. A reciprocating element is supported by the nosepiece moveable portion.

Abstract: A hobbyist pantograph is provided that includes a base, and an arm assembly substantially in the shape of a parallelogram that rotates about a vertical and horizontal axis of rotation such that movement of a stylus around a template causes proportionate and precise movement of a tool on a workpiece. A main beam of the arm assembly remains substantially horizontal. The stylus and the tool are received in free ends of the arm assembly. The stylus is spring-loaded and adapted to receive a variety of inserts. The free end of the arm assembly that receives the tool includes a tool holder adapter clamp into which an adapter may be fitted to accept a wide variety of tools which the hobbyist may already own. The tool may be motorized or manual. A method of using the pantograph is also provided.

Abstract: In an adaptor for fixing at least one measuring means to a motor vehicle wheel, for example when measuring the wheel position, a carrier carrying the measuring means is centered on the vehicle wheel by way of fixing means mounted displaceably with respect to the carrier, upon displacement of the fixing means.

Abstract: A tilt predictor incorporated into a total station to predict the degree of tilt of the rotational alidade portion of a total station corresponding to the rotational orientation of the rotational alidade portion. In one embodiment, the present invention defines the plane of rotation for the rotational alidade portion with the rotational alidade portion disposed in a first rotational orientation. The rotational alidade portion is then rotated to the desired rotational orientation. This embodiment then predicts the degree of tilt of the rotational alidade portion at the desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sprinkler head leveling for ensuring that the longitudinal axis of a sprinkler head assembly is substantially vertically aligned. The sprinkler head leveler uses a hollow cylindrical base which slides over the sprinkler head bonnet and external casing after the sprinkler head is inserted in the ground. A bull's-eye level is mounted to the base and disposed above a top surface of the base to provide clearance from the attachment hardware and embossments on the top of the sprinkler head assembly. In this way, the leveling device can be used to vertically align the sprinkler head assembly without interference from the surface of the bonnet and the surrounding ground.

Abstract: A device is provided for leveling a wall-mounted fixture such as a picture frame. The device has a mounting element, which can be fastened to a back surface of the fixture at a suitable location, such as a corner. A retractable level formed of multiple telescoping cylinders is mounted with the mounting element. The level is movable between a hidden position and a viewing position. In the hidden position the level is retracted into a recess in the mounting element so that the level is substantially hidden from an observer viewing the fixture. In the viewing position the level is extended outwardly from the mounting element for use in leveling the fixture.

Abstract: A chalk line helper having a generally planar top section, a generally planar bottom section, the bottom section having a plurality of bottom projections positioned perpendicular to the bottom section, a front leading edge, a rear following edge, a first side section having a first wing-shaped projection, the first wing-shaped projection generally slanted toward the rear following edge and inward toward the top section, and a second side section having a second wing-shaped projection, the second-wing shaped projection generally slanted toward the rear following edge and inward toward the top section.

Abstract: A sizing device or gauge is provided for measuring whether an article such as a package for delivery has dimensions that lie within predetermined values of length, width and volume. The sizing device is formed by a receptacle that has a flat rectangular base wall which defines predetermined maximum values of length and width for the item, and a pair of adjacent upstanding side walls portions of which decrease in height away from adjoining ends of the walls, the height decrease being in inverse relation to the square of a respective one of the maximum height and width values. The device is useful for example in determining whether items meet the specifications of a delivery service segregating items into different categories.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide apparatus for use with a portable router, for enabling the router to rout an edge of a workpiece at virtually any angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree.. The guide apparatus comprises: a main body for receiving a router base and including an opening for a router bit to extend therethrough; a reference member having a planar surface for abutment with a planar surface of a workpiece and including a guide edge along one edge thereof; a hinge means connecting the reference member to the main body; a securing means for securing the reference member to the main body at a desired angle; and a guide bar securable relative to the workpiece and providing a guide surface for abutting the guide edge of the reference member, to guide the router bit of the router mounted on the main body along the edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved measuring tape which allows both inside and outside dimensions to be read directly from the same printed face of the tape. The tape measure comprises a case having a tape coiled inside the case and extending out of the case through a slot in the case. Inside the case is a guide wheel which guides the tape along a bottom wall of the case. The front wall of the case is transparent so that the graduations on the tape can be seen adjacent to the bottom wall. A pointer on the case points to the graduations such that when the tape is fully retracted, the pointer points to a measurement corresponding to the width if the case. This enables the case and the tape to be used to make inside measurements. Another embodiment includes a lock which secures the tape at any extended position, and a brake which slows the tape on retraction and prevents damage to the tape or to the end hook.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for determining coating thickness on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a jig and fixture combination where the jig includes a moveable stop that fixes a position for placing a substrate specimen in the fixture, and where the fixture includes an inclined plane for receiving the substrate specimen at a predetermined angle .theta. that slopes in a downward direction to engage the moveable stop. A clamp that holds the substrate specimen at a fixed position against moveable stop and inclined plane when said fixture is separated from said jig to determine coating thickness on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved support ring is disclosed for a polymer resin pellet dryer screen of the type which includes cylindrical screen sections interconnected by two semicircular bands forming a support ring or connecting band. The support ring is positioned in spaced relation to an exterior housing by brackets, and the screen encloses a driven bladed rotor for removing water from a slurry of water and pellets. The improved support ring comprises a two piece annular ring including a generally perpendicular, rigid flange attached to the exterior of a semicircular band pair. The flange rigidities the bands of the ring and supports the adjacent ends of the screen sections from the external housing to maintain the screen in cylindrical configuration and in concentric relation to the bladed rotor rotatably positioned within the screen.

Abstract: A hair straightening device and method usable with a conventional blow dryer that dries wet hair in a straight configuration from the scalp to the end of the hair strands with minimal heat damage to the hair and without hair tangling problems of conventional methods. The method and device includes two elongated elements coupled in an open/close relationship. The device operates by securing wet hair between the elongated elements and slowly pulling the device along the length of the hair strand while exposing the hair strands to heated air from a conventional blow dryer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cooling and de-steaming hot calcined stucco used in the production of gypsum boards or bagged plaster. The apparatus is a fluid bed stucco cooler and comprises a cooler housing having a plenum with two chambers, a first chamber having a stucco inlet and a second chamber having a stucco outlet. The stucco cooler includes cooling coils that are located within the plenum and a fluidization pad positioned through the fluidization pad help to mix the air and the stucco powder to insure fluidization, prevent channeling, and prevent the stucco powder from building up on the cooling coils. The air also forces steam from the hot calcined stucco out through an air outlet located at the top of the stucco cooler, thereby de-steaming the stucco. The stucco flows through the plenum and passes over the cooling coils, thereby cooling the stucco as it reaches the stucco outlet.

Abstract: This invention is related to a wet gas process which would not require a spray pump, and which would allow the absorption liquid to be recovered smoothly even if the flow velocity of the gases entrained to the liquid should decrease. A wet gas processing apparatus in which the absorption liquid collected in the first liquid storage tank is sprayed in a specified direction (which may be upward, horizontal or downward) by a discharge unit consisting of spray nozzles (14) or the like in the absorption tower. The sprayed liquid is brought into contact with the exhaust gases which are conducted into the tower, and the targeted components of the gases are absorbed and removed. This processing apparatus is distinguished by the following. The first liquid storage tank for the absorption liquid comprises a pressure tank (11) which generates a pressurized gas in the space above the surface of the collected liquid (11a).

Abstract: A drier with a curvalinear chamber having a heat transfer surface at one end and baffles at the other end. A fan is provided to circulate air within the chamber. In the process for drying, the product to be dried is positioned within the chamber and air circulated across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back to the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A method and device effect controlled uniform temperature drying of a wet web, such as a paper web substantially immediately after formation in a paper machine, without damaging the supporting fabric carrying the web. The web has a central region and first and second border regions. The wet web to be dried is conveyed on a conventional supporting fabric/wire in a first direction generally parallel to the web border regions, and in a hood drying air is blown against the web from the opposite side thereof as the supporting fabric so that the drying air picks up moisture and becomes moistened air. The moistened air is discharged from the volume adjacent the hood, for example is discharged from at least one hood positioned at and encompassing an impingement surface over which the web and supporting fabric pass. Air supplied for blowing against the web is heated to raise its ability to retain moisture.

Abstract: A process of treating moist fuel, particularly biomass fuel, in connection with a power production process, comprises drying moist fuel (7) by means of combustion air (3), which is thereafter supplied to the power production process combustion section (1). Flue gas (11) from the combustion section, which as a result of said drying has become moisture-laden, is condensed (13) while recovering heat (15), which may be used as drying heat. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the flue gas condensation is used to humidify (31) the combustion air.

Abstract: A fluid filled insole wherein the flow of fluid is matched to the anatomical structure of functionally normal feet comprises a fluid tight bladder having upper and lower layers and a generally foot-shaped, planar configuration, with proximal forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions; a heavy, viscous, sterile liquid substantially filling the bladder; at least one, preferably between two and six transversely spaced forefoot flow deflectors joining the upper and lower layers in the proximal forefoot region of the bladder; flow passages matched to the anatomical structure of the foot between the forefoot flow deflectors and the medial and lateral and peripheral margins of the bladder; and two transverse walls, one in the proximal end of said proximal forefoot region and the other in the distal end of the hindfoot region, each transverse wall having an opening forming a longitudinal passageway.

Abstract: The invention in a shoe insert to be fitted into and maintained in a conventional walking or running shoe to provide support and cushioning to the foot of such shoe wearer. The shoe insert is to fit into a shoe to grip to the shoe insole and is manufactured from a vio-elastic polyperic material having a recovery or compression set less than two (2) percent providing a rapid rate of force dissipation to a shoe wearer that is equal to their rate of gait, with further cushioning provided by a selection and formation of cavities in the insert surface that is in engagement with a shoe insole.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes, as usual, a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is movable on the insert about an area positioned approximately in the longitudinal center plane of the boot.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to design a sole (1), and a shoe with such a sole (1), so that the length of the sole (1) or of the upper attached to it can be easily adjusted, using adjustment means (11), to meet the needs of the wearer of the shoe. This is achieved by virtue of the act that a front thrust block (7) is fitted at the rear (5) of the front sole (2) and a rear thrust block (8) at the front (6) of the rear sole (3). The shoe is fitted with at least one adjustment means (11) which forms a force-locking connection with the two thrust blocks (7, 8), the jointed section (4) thus being adjustable by the adjustment means (11) to various lengths.

Abstract: A composite, long wearing, slip-resistant non-metal golf cleat that alleviates damage to grass, e.g., the surface of a golf green, yet provides traction similar to conventional metal spikes is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable and ice resurfacing device including an integrally constructed body having a first upper reservoir capable of storing a volume of water. A water dispensing bar extends in a generally horizontal and lengthwise fashion and is mounted within an open and lower-most location of the body proximate an ice-covered surface. A handle extends from the body and is capable of being grasped by a user to translate the body across the ice-covered surface in a drag-along fashion. The water dispensing bar is in fluid communication with the stored volume of water and is separated by a flow valve. The flow valve is actuated by a lever secured to the handle and a cable extending from the lever to the flow valve to dispense the volume of water at a specified flow rate upon the ice-covered surface.

Abstract: An external electrical connector for connecting one or more components of a snowplow blade unit. The electrical connector includes two housing components that are securable together. Each housing component includes an interface end and a coupling end. The coupling ends of the two housing components are designed to be connect together to form an electrical connection. Each of the interface ends includes at least one electrical connection interface that is designed to form an electrical connection with at least one external snowplow blade component. The number of electrical connection interfaces on the interface side of the two housing components is greater than the number of electrical connection interfaces on the coupling end of the two housing components. One of the housings components is secured to a component of said snowplow blade unit. Protection caps and housing holders are used to protect the parts of the housings when the housings are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: An iron comprising a bottom member as an ironing face, which is provided with a plated metal film containing fluorine compound fine particles, so that the ironing face provides high surface hardness which shows less wear, good slidability and less generation of static electricity.

Abstract: A multi-function ironing board includes a frame to which a net member is fixed. The frame is supported by legs for being movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position. An electrical fan is mounted to one side of the frame and enclosed by a hood for safety purposes. The hood defines a central hole for air flows caused by the fan and passing through the net member. A board is removably attached to an opposite side of the frame for supporting clothes to be ironed thereon when the frame is at the horizontal position. The board is configured to allow air flows caused by the fan to pass therethrough thereby forming a retaining force to retain the clothes on the board. The board may also serve as a table when the frame is at the horizontal position. The multi-function ironing board may also serve as a regular electrical fan by removing the board and moving the frame to the vertical position.

Abstract: A calendar which includes a stack of monthly calendars having month and each day of the week indicia, and which is provided with a top cover having a series of separate apertures therein registering respectfully with the top monthly calendar month and each day of the month indicia. The top monthly calendar can be removed from beneath the top cover so as to present the next succeeding monthly calendar in position beneath the top cover and in registering relationship with the series of separate apertures provided.

Abstract: An animal tag system for easily securing a tag upon an animal's ear by piercing the ear for reducing the chance of infection and removal. The tag system includes a tag member having a broad portion and a narrow portion, an extended member extending from the narrow portion, and a tip member attached orthogonally to the extended member opposite of the tag member wherein the tip member is insertable into the ear of an animal. The tip member is comprised of a shaft member having a spiked end and open end exposing a center bore within. The tip member further includes a flanged portion about the spiked end for expanding the hole pierced into the ear by the spiked end thereby allowing the extended member and the tip member to pass through in a substantially parallel position. The tip member becomes orthogonal to the extended member after insertion thereby preventing removal of the tag from the ear through the pierced opening within the ear of the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of a visual sense effect comprises a first object A having a plurality of windows disposed around an axis of rotation C and a second object B so disposed as to show part thereof through the windows W of the first object A, with the first object A and the second object B adapted to be rotated relative to each other round the axis of rotation C. By virtue of the visual sense effect in vision, this apparatus allows an object of a polygonal shape to be perceived as though the object were repeating enlargement, contraction, deformation, and eccentric movement.

Abstract: A portable directional arrow that can be utilized to direct traffic at any time during the day or night. The directional arrow may be manually held or contains at least one attachment device to attach the directional arrow to a surface. At least one light source is attached to the arrow that is electrically connected to an adaptor that is designed to plug into a cigarette lighter for a motor vehicle. The directional arrow has two separable housings. The housings can be fastened and utilized as a single arrow with one side containing the light source for visibility at night and the other side containing a high-visibility color for visibility during the day. Further the two housings may be separated to be utilized as two completely different sets of directional arrows.