Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: In order to provide a table and an MR apparatus which allows moving of a cradle and scanning to be simultaneously performed, in a table 55 comprising a table body 57, a cradle 59 provided on the table body 57 and driving means 61 for driving the cradle 59, the driving means 61 has a hydraulic motor (i.e., a driving source utilizing fluid pressure) 69 as a driving source.

Abstract: A reclinable ambulance cot used to load a patient into the back of an ambulance is provided. The cot includes a wheeled collapsible undercarriage carrying an articulated bed frame comprised of a leg segment, seat segment, and wheeled back segment. The articulated bed frame may be moved between an inclined, fully-reclined position, a chair position, and a plurality of positions therebetween. A lockable biasing device assists in the transition by urging the bed frame segments from the chair position to the fully-reclined position. The back segment further includes a pair of loading wheels at the ends of side extensions such that when the cot is in the inclined, fully-reclined position the loading wheels are at height sufficient to facilitate loading the reclined cot into the back of an ambulance, and in particular, into the back of an ambulance having a high transport deck.

Abstract: A body supporting tool for a bed includes a guide rail (3) releasably fixed to a frame (1) of the bed, a slide housing (6) guided by the guide rail (3), a turning support (11), and an abutment plate (19) moving forward and backward along the guide rail (3) together with the slide housing (6) and supporting a body of a person lying on the bed while abutting the body. When an operating handle (14) is turned in a set direction by a set angle, the slide housing (6) switches its states from a moving state to a fixing state, and when the handle (14) is turned in a direction opposite to the set direction by the set angle, the slide housing (6) switches its states from the fixing state to the moving state. As a result of this construction, a simply operable body supporting tool is provided, which can releasably be mounted on a bed easily and whose position can be adjusted conveniently, quickly, and reliably after mounted on the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head clamping device (1) comprising a frame composed of two elements (2,3) exhibiting each first ends (7) flexibly connected to each other and second ends (5) with spikes (13,19) for fixing the head. The aim of the invention is to increase the mechanical stability of such a device. For that purpose, the frame elements (2,3) are mounted in such a way that they can rotate relatively to each other around a common rotation axis (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow having raised ribs which are angled at an acute angle with respect to a bottom surface of the pillow and define the upper surface of the pillow contacted by the user's head and neck. The angled ribs provide traction forces to the head and neck of the user. The ribs vary in thickness in the longitudinal direction along which a person's spine is oriented. The pillow preferably has a rear portion for supporting a person's head and a front portion for supporting a person's neck, and the ribs on the rear portion are upwardly inclined toward the rear edge of the pillow and the ribs on the front portion are upwardly inclined toward the front edge of the pillow, so that traction forces on the head and neck are exerted in opposite directions.

Abstract: This invention provides an aid to pediatric physicians and caregivers to lay an infant in incline position for use in treating various physical conditions or diseases, including gastroesophagic reflux (“GER”). The device allows for positional treatment of infants without the need for a special wedged shaped pillow or mattress. The invention allows for fast and easy access to the infant in case of urgency, but still avoids the possibility of the infant releasing himself. The device can be removed for washing or replacement of a new device, depending upon the size of the infant. The device allows the infant to be laid prone, supine, or laterally.

Abstract: An infant pillow feeding sleeve that is unitary, cylindrical in form, and advantageously includes filler is described. During use, the sleeve is slipped over the arm of the care giver such that is generally centered over the care givers elbow. When the arm is bent to position the baby for feeding, the sleeve forms a pillow against which the infants head may rest. The pillow acts to lift the infants head up to a breast or bottle for feeding, thereby reducing fatigue and increasing the comfort of the care giver and the child.

Abstract: An infant positioning device which provides the ability to move an infant, a preterm infant, and/or a newborn between and including a supine, prone, or side-lying position, with little or no tactile stimulation of the infant caused by human touch.

Abstract: Nailing tool capable of intially starting a connecting member with a tip, including: a stem body; a striking member, a top end of the striking member being formed with a cavity, the striking member being fitted in an axial tunnel of the stem body and slidable along the tunnel; a resilient member disposed between the striking member and the stem body, when not subject to external force, the resilient member keeping forcing the striking member upward; a pull member connected with the striking member for an operator's hand to operate so as to drive the striking member toward the bottom end of the stem body; and a press button pivotally connected with the stem body. When the, striking member is moved downward, the press button latches the striking member at a position ready for striking. When the press button is pressed, the striking member is unlatched and resiliently bounded by the resilient member toward the top end of the stem body.

Abstract: A laundering process for a laundering machine, the machine comprising a tank (1), for containing a washing liquid, and a perforated basket (2), for containing the clothes and which is internal to the tank (1), the laundering process comprising a soaking step, a washing step and generally a centrifugal step, a control unit commanding the operation of the laundering machine. The soaking step comprises the following phases: feeding the tank (1) with the washing liquid, until reaching a determined soaking level (L2), which is lower than a respective washing level (L1) selected among a plurality of washing levels, and submitting the load of clothes immersed in the washing liquid, alternately, to a resting condition during a resting period (Tr), and to an agitation condition, during at least one agitation period (Ta1, Ta2), which is shorter than the resting period (Tr), until the soaking step has been completed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the rotation speed of a washing machine tub includes receiving an indication of the actual tub rotation speed and comparing the actual tub rotation speed to a set point speed to calculate a speed error. One or more gain factors are applied to the speed error to calculate a correction factor. Adaptive gain control is used, wherein the gain factors are adjusted in response to system parameters, including the actual or desired tub rotation speed, speed error, average torque demand, average power, etc.

Abstract: A floating modular bridge has a plurality of modules of two types. Most modules are flexible fabric envelopes having a parallelogram profile that attains shape and strength when filled on site with a rigid foam that is injected into the envelope. The other module is a keystone that has a trapazoidal profile. These modules are strung together by cables to make a lightweight bridge.

Abstract: Elongated composite deck sections or panels are formed by pultruding a plastics resin material with multiple layers or mats of glass fibers and longitudinally extending unidirectional fibers to form a base wall integrally connecting upwardly projecting and longitudinally extending tubular ribs. Each rib has opposite side surfaces converging towards the base wall, and longitudinally extending ears project laterally outwardly from the side surfaces. The top surface of each panel is coated with epoxy adhesive, and the top surface of the base wall is also coated with an aggregate of crushed stone. The deck panels are assembled in laterally adjacent overlapping relation to form a permanent composite deck form. A mat of fiber reinforced composite rods are spaced above the deck panels which are surrounded by border forms, and concrete is poured onto the deck panels which positively bond with the concrete.

Abstract: A brush head portion for an electric toothbrush is adapted to be removably connected to a power handle. The brush head portion comprises a pair of opposed bristle head portions. A longitudinal hollow shaft and terminates at a fixed cover portion which is shaped and dimensioned so as to overlie the pair of opposed bristle head portions, which are mounted on a stem. A longitudinal drive shaft extends through the hollow shaft, and transmits rotational driving force to a crank formed at the outer end of the drive shaft. A drive means is located between each of the bristle head portions and the underside of a respective region of the fixed cover portion, and is mounted on the crank so as to have reciprocating motion imparted thereto as the crank is driven. A wedge is formed on the underside of the fixed cover portion in the region overlying each respective bristle head portion, or on the top surface of each respective block.

Abstract: This invention is a brush part for an electrical toothbrush with a housing (40) that can be connected to a handle (30). This housing has a vertical drill hole (49) and a horizontal drill hole (46); an axle (3) that can be connected to a shaft (2) of the handle (30). This axle can be fit into the vertical drill hole (49) such that it is still turnable. A brush head (80) that can be fit into the horizontal drill hole (46) such that it is turnable; Transfer elements (17, 86) to transfer the rotation of the axle (3) onto the brush head (80). The brush head (80) is set in the horizontal drill hole (46) via a lockable sleeve bearing resulting in a corresponding axial fixation, and/or the axle (3) is set in the vertical drill hole (49) via a lockable sleeve bearing (35, 44, 88).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spinning washer comprising: a spinning table for fixedly holding a wafer to be washed; water flushing device; first brush which can be put in coplanar position relative to the lower surface of the wafer round the circumference of the spinning table; and second brush confronting the first brush. The second brush can be put in contact with the upper surface of the wafer in its operative position. The opposite surfaces and circumference side of the wafer can be washed without the fear of breaking the wafer no matter how it may be thin.

Abstract: A device for moving a pig through a conduit, such as a pipeline, is proposed, comprising at least one pulling element with at least one sealing means. The sealing means comprises a supporting structure with variable circumference with at least one sealing element disposed on the circumference of the supporting structure. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting structure comprises supporting arms disposed substantially radially and being pivotable about axes, each perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the pulling element, and is mounted to the pulling element via the supporting structure and a central sleeve which can be fixed to the pulling element.

Abstract: A belt driven drum-type drain cleaning machine in which the drive motor is spring biased to tension the drive belt is provided with a spring arrangement by which slippage between the drive belt and drive pulley is intentionally achieved in response to the imposition of a predetermined torque on the drain cleaning cable during use of the machine.

Abstract: The invention is based on a windshield wiper having a wiper arm (10), the mounting part (12) of which sits on a drive shaft (34) supported in a bearing housing (38), and which is connected by way of a hinged arm (46) with a joint part (14) having a wiper bar (16), whereby at least one tension spring (50), one end of which is attached to the mounting part (12) and the other end of which is attached to the joint part (14), preloads the hinged arm, and a setting device having a rocker arm (24) lifts the joint part (14) in a park position completely away from a vehicle windshield (22). The rocker arm (24) is supported in a swing bearing (46) on the mounting part (12), and a ramp (26) attached to the vehicle controls the cooperating end (28) of the rocker arm (24).

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as: PCR=KE=1.

Abstract: A self-propelled brushless surface cleaner with reclamation is provided as a self-contained vehicle. A cleaning head mounted to the vehicle extends forward therefrom. The cleaning head has a deck and a skirt extending from the deck such that when the skirt is placed in contact with the surface to be cleaned, a cleaning volume is defined. The cleaning head has at least one vent port formed in a forward portion thereof and at least one vacuum port formed in a rear portion thereof. Nozzles are mounted in the cleaning volume for movement therein when liquid under pressure is supplied thereto and sprayed therefrom. A liquid supply system supplies the liquid under pressure to the nozzles so that the surface to be cleaned is effectively scrubbed by the liquid to produce a mixture of the liquid and contaminants loosened from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a brush cover; a brush base connected to the brush cover, a rotary drum disposed between the brush cover and the brush base, and an edge brush integrated bumper. The edge brush integrated bumper is mounted around a joint surface between the brush cover and the brush base. The edge brush integrated bumper includes a pair of edge brush portions integrally formed with the bumper. Each edge brush portion corresponds to a side of the brush cover and brushes off dust that is not accessible to the rotary drum. The brush assembly further includes assembling position guide means and fixing means for securing bumper to the brush cover. Since the bumper and edge brushes are integrally formed in an injection molding process, the number of separate parts to the brush assembly is reduced. Also, since the bumper and edge brushes can be assembled simultaneously, productivity is increased as assembly time is decreased.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of drawing different current levels in vacuum and blower modes is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises at least one electric motor and an impeller disposed in an impeller housing, the impeller driven by the at least one electric motor. A receptacle has an inlet and an orifice in fluid communication with the impeller housing, wherein the impeller creates a low pressure area in the receptacle thereby drawing air into the inlet. An outlet is in air flow communication with the impeller housing, wherein air from the impeller is expelled through the outlet. A switch is associated with the outlet, wherein the switch has a first position in which a first current may be drawn by the at least one motor and a second position in which a second current, less than the first current, may be drawn by the at least one motor. A device is removably attached to the outlet for directing air.

Abstract: Contoured exhaust ducts for transmitting a particulate-laden airstream from a conduit into a vacuum cleaner bag of an upright vacuum cleaner are disclosed. In one embodiment, the airstream is turned by a transitional section of the exhaust duct by about 90 degrees. The interior of the exhaust duct is smoothly contoured through such transition for avoiding the generation of excessive noise and turbulence. The contoured surface of the transitional section prevents heavy objects entrained in the airstream from rebounding back in a direction against the airflow. The cross-sectional area of the exhaust duct may be maintained constant despite a change in cross-sectional shape from the inlet to the outlet thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum edge cleaning attachment tool which enables the user to walk upright while vacuum cleaning an edge between the floor an a wall. The tool has an angled suction port which is guided by two orthogonal surfaces while cleaning the intersection area between the floor and the wall.

Abstract: A two piece retainer assembly is used for positive retention of an associated vehicular floor mat to the vehicle's floor surface. The retainer assembly works in conjunction with a hook-like fastener permanently mounted to the vehicle's floor surface. The two piece retainer assembly comprises (a) an annular collar for positioning in a hole in the floor mat from an underside, and (b) a locking cover coupler for positioning in the hole of the floor mat from an upper side. The annular collar and locking cover coupler are forced together to trap the floor mat. The annular collar has a vertical upwardly extending wall forming an opening and a horizontally radially extending flange connected to the vertical wall. The locking cover coupler has a base plate with a vertical downwardly extending wall forming an opening and dimensioned to receive the vertical upwardly extending wall of the annular collar in frictional engagement. At least two vertically extending latching tabs extend from the base plate.

Abstract: An elastic glasses temple includes a connector, a temple body having a round hook in a front end to pivotally connected to the connector, a sleeve fitting around a front portion of the temple body with a coil spring fitted in a second hole formed in a rear portion of the sleeve, a coil spring and a position member combined together. The position member is fixed on the temple body, fitting in a rear end of the sleeve. When the temple body is forced to swing outward by exterior force, with a screw fitting in said round hook as a pivot, the sleeve is pushed to move rearward to compress the coil spring to absorb exterior force to permit the temple body swing outward. The temple body swings back after exterior force disappears with resilience of the the coil spring. Then this temple can suit to any sizes of users' faces.

Abstract: There is provided a hinge rotatably connecting a first body to a sacond body, including (a) a main body to be fixed onto the first body, the main bodyr including a hollow cylindrical portion horizontally extending, (b) a rotation shaft fixed at one end to the second body and rotatably connected at the other end to the main body, (c) an outer collar connected to the hollow cylindrical portion of the main body in a direction in which the hollow cylindrical portion extended extends and (d) a frictional collar filling space therewith between the rotation shaft and both the outer collar and the hollow cylindrical portion. For instance, the first body may be a keyboard, and the second body may be a display screen in a note-type computer. The hinge ensures smooth rotation between the first and second bodies, and further ensures a greater upper limit in the rotation number than that of a conventional hinge used in a note-type computer.

Abstract: In a frictional hinge device, an inequable strain distribution within a synthetic resin is determined to be 15% or less so as to increase a torque holding rate by 80% or more to tightly engage a support block 20 with a metallic shaft 10. This eliminates variations on a frictional torque with no substantial stickslip phenomenon, abnormal noise and initial scratches accompanied when pivotally moving the support block 20 relative to the metallic shaft 10 so as to maintain a stable surface friction resistance with good endurance for a long period of time.

Abstract: A belt lock includes a casing, the casing having a serrated engagement portion and a bearing portion respectively disposed at a bottom wall thereof at a top side, and two parallel upright side walls at two sides of the bottom wall, and a locking unit pivoted to the upright side walls of the casing and adapted to lock a belt being inserted through the casing, the locking unit including a handle pivoted to the casing and turned between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a sector-like swivel pressure block pivoted to the handle, the handle having two barrels bilaterally disposed at a front side thereof and respectively pivoted to the pivot holes of the upright side walls of the casing, the swivel pressure block having a serrated engagement portion adapted for pressing on the inserted belt against the bearing portion of the casing when the handle is turned to said locking position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a hermetically closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot. In a preferred version, the sealing fastener comprises a substantially non-elastic tough casing around portion of the elastic body in order to avoid rapture during insertion of the fastener into the slot.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a tablecloth to a picnic table. Multiple strips of elastic with hook and loop type fasteners at opposed ends of each strip, which provide releasable closure of the strips into binding bands, wrap around the tablecloth and secure it to the picnic table. The releasable closure means allow the strips to be threaded through and under the supporting framework for a table or other article of furniture. The strips are sized and constructed for application to a wide range of different sized tables and other outdoor furniture.

Abstract: A device is designed to retain a cooling piece. The device comprises a main body provided with a press portion having two elastic portion on both side, on end of each said elastic portion extend downward to form a leg portion with a retaining portion; one leg portion stretches inward and upward to form a hook, and the leg portion has an operation hole located on the upside of the hook.

Abstract: A clasp (1) for bracelets, necklaces and similar items has a female element and a male element fastened together by a plug belonging to the male element that fastens in a corresponding hole in the female element by a locking belong to an extending member. The extending member has a protruding actuator end and a first part held in a first seat of the plug, which has a fork at its end created by two arms spread apart that meet to create a seat that encloses across a fixed pin set crossways through the first seat of the plug. The plug has an opening to introduce a tool suited to closing the arms rotating around the fixed pin.

Abstract: A buckle is provided with a non-contact buckle switch improved in durability to be securely operated. The non-contact buckle switch is switched by detecting a movement of one of an ejector, latch member and lock member of the buckle. The buckle switch includes a magnet and a Hall element for generating an electromotive force by a magnetic field of the magnet. One of the magnet and the Hall element is attached to a fixed member, and the other of the magnet and the Hall element is attached to one of the ejector, latch member and lock member.

Abstract: A fabric strap retainer having a back insertion hole at a back side thereof for the insertion of two fabric straps in a crossed manner, two post-like stop ends at two sides of the back insertion hole, a partition column disposed on the middle in flush with a front side thereof, two release holes respectively extended from the back insertion hole to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, two hollow engagement units respectively forwardly extended from the release holes to the periphery thereof at two sides of the partition column, the hollow engagement units each having two series of teeth respectively disposed at top and bottom sides thereof.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric is formed by providing a synthetic fiber web comprising staple length polymeric fibers, and a cellulosic fiber web, preferably comprising wood pulp fibers. Prior to integration of the webs, the synthetic fiber web is subjected to hydroentangling to form a partially entangled web, with the cellulosic fiber web thereafter juxtaposed with the partially entangled web for hydroentanglement and integration of the webs. Pre-entanglement of the synthetic fiber web desirably acts to minimize the energy input required for integration of the cellulosic fiber and synthetic fiber webs, and also desirably acts to abate loss of the cellulosic fibers during hydroentanglement and integration of the webs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a material or fabric making or processing operation involving needle penetration of a fiber, fabric or material layer (12) in which the needle penetration action is controlled by control means (18) by which the needle penetration characteristics can be varied within the penetration action and as between penetration actions.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled blow-molded article with a hinged handle is performed on an article comprising a receiving member and a pinned member. The receiving member is a double-walled blow-molded thermoplastic component having an outer wall, an inner wall, and an open-ended receptacle. The open ended receptacle is defined by an arcuate pocket positioned opposite the open end, a stationary wall extending from the pocket and facing generally in a first direction, and a deflecting wall positioned opposite the stationary wall and facing generally in a second direction opposite the first direction. The pinned member includes a cylindrical pin. The method comprises as a first step passing the cylindrical pin through the open end of the receptacle and into contact with the pocket.

Abstract: A semiconductor bulk acoustic resonator (SBAR) with improved passband insertion loss and phase performance characteristics making it suitable for use in a wider variety of narrowband filtering applications. The SBAR is configured to suppress lateral propagating acoustical wave mode. The lateral acoustical wave modes are controlled by varying the lateral dimension of the resonator electrodes and or utilizing a viscous acoustic damping material, such as a viscoelastic material, such as polyimide, along at least~a portion of the perimeter of the electrodes to attenuate reflections of the lateral acoustic modes at the electrode edges back into the electrode region.

Abstract: Emitter barb installation tool 20 has driving mechanism 24, emitter barb feeder magazine 26 and pipe support 22. Pipe support 22 holds and supports a pipe 5. Feeder magazine 26 holds and feeds emitter barbs 10. Feeder magazine 26 places one of the emitter barbs 10 into a driving position. Driving mechanism 24 drives the emitter barb 10 from the driving position towards and into the pipe 5 held and supported by the pipe support 22. After the one barb 10 has been driven into the pipe 5, the pipe 5 with installed barb 10 is released from the tool 20. Another emitter barb 10 in the feeder magazine 26 is then automatically located into the driving position for the next installation into a pipe 5. This installation process automatically and continuously repeats for insertion of additional emitter barbs 10. Individual emitter barbs 10 are detachably coupled to one another to form an emitter barb cluster 74.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plurality of friction plates obtained by adhering friction members to substantially annular core plates, comprising the steps of simultaneously stamping a plurality of coaxial core plates having different diameters with remaining joint portions therebetween, simultaneously stamping a plurality of substantially annular and coaxial friction members having different diameters corresponding to the core plates and with remaining joint portions therebetween to permit adhesion to the core plates, and stamping the joint portions of the friction members and the core plates when or after the friction members are adhered to the core plates.

Abstract: A method of forming a gas tank includes forming two halves and welding the halves together. Two types of welds are used, tack welds for holding the complete welds after different steps have been taken to the tack weld elements or parts, and stitch welds to complete the welding of the two halves. Reinforcement is added where necessary. Double tanks, for both gasoline and oil, are also fabricated of essentially the same method steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening anchoring devices having a screw aperture therethrough to a portions of panels devoid of openings including fastening the anchoring device to a one side of the panel, and forming an anchoring device locating indicium on another side of the panel opposite the anchoring device and in alignment with the aperture thereof without forming an opening through the panel.

Abstract: A method for stacking fibers less than 10 mm long into a cartridge case, including an impregnation stage for fibers arrayed into at least one skein together with a solidifiable material, the skein being solidifiable inside a mold and then, in the solidified state, being cut into at least two slices each of a thickness which is the desired fiber length. Such cartridges are for use as screens or decoys against radar or other detection or guidance systems.

Abstract: The process for making fine metallic mesh is disclosed comprising the steps of cladding an array of metallic wires with an array cladding material to provide an array cladding. The array cladding is drawn for reducing the diameter thereof and for reducing the corresponding diameters of each of the metallic wires for producing a clad array of fine metallic fibers within the array cladding. The array cladding is fashioned into a mesh by weaving, braiding, crocheting and the like thereby forming a series of bends in the clad array for reducing interaction between adjacent portions of the array cladding. The array cladding material is removed for producing fine metallic mesh from the array of the fine metallic fibers.

Abstract: A high temperature bolting system for clamping steam turbine housings and similar high temperature parts together while operating at a temperature of 800° F. to 1200° F. An elongated fastener shank and housing material have similar coefficient of thermal expansion. The shank has a tensile strength several times greater than the housing to maintain a clamping force during thermal excursions. The diameter of the shank is reduced due to the large creep strength difference between the elongated fastener shank and the clamped parts. The reduced shank diameter allows an increased in the clamping load by providing an increased surface area in the clamped part. A stress generating flange is provided with jackbolts to establish the clamping load at room temperature. A threaded sleeve is interposed between the threads at the end of the shank and the threads of the housing so that the housing threads have a sufficiently large area for withstanding the clamping load.

Abstract: A method for chemically etching a forged striking plate for a golf club to uniformly remove 0.002 inch to 0.015 inch of material therefrom. The forged striking plate is placed in an acidic bath to uniformly remove material from all surfaces of the striking plate. The forging process, conducted prior to etching, involves multiple heating and pressing of a metal bar to obtain a final face member configuration. The heating of the metal bar is performed at temperatures below 1000° C. for less than twenty minutes. The final face member configuration has a striking plate with regions of variable thickness. The metal bar is preferably composed of a forged titanium material.