Abstract: An electronic package and method of making the electronic package is provided. The package includes a semiconductor chip and an multi-layered interconnect structure. The semiconductor chip includes a plurality of contact members on one of its surfaces that are connected to the multi-layered interconnect structure by a plurality of solder connections. The multi-layered interconnect structure is adapted for electrically interconnecting the semiconductor chip to a circuitized substrate (eg., circuit board) with another plurality of solder connections and includes a thermally conductive layer being comprised of a material having a selected thickness and coefficient of thermal expansion to substantially prevent failure of the solder connections between said first plurality of electrically conductive members and the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A method and an attachment apparatus for attaching an electrical and/or optical cable to a cable end piece is described. The cable has a cable sheath to be secured in the cable end piece. Accordingly, a cable sheath end of the cable sheath is bent around an edge of a holding part, and thus is secured against being pulled out. This allows the cable to be connected to a cable end piece in a manner, which is simple, cost-effective and reliable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for expanding the ends of a sleeve that has previously been installed into a defective section of inaccessibly located soft metal heat exchanger tubing. The sleeve ends are expanded using an apparatus of a plastic bladder connected to a series of connectable sections of sufficient length to reach the ends of the installed sleeve. The expansion is performed by locating the plastic bladder inside the sleeve at one end and hydraulically compressing the plastic bladder and forcing it to expand in diameter as a function of Poisson's ratio to thus expand the sleeve end into the tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tandem thin-film solar cell is provided, the solar cell including a plurality of photoelectric conversion units stacked on a substrate, the photoelectric conversion units each having a p-type layer, an i-type photoelectric conversion layer and an n-type layer deposited in this order from a light-incident side of the solar cell, and at least a rear unit among the photoelectric conversion units that is furthest from the light-incident side being a crystalline unit including a crystalline i-type photoelectric conversion layer. The manufacturing method includes the steps of forming at least one of the units on the substrate by plasma CVD and immediately thereafter forming an i-type boundary layer to a thickness of at most 5 nm by plasma CVD, and thereafter removing the substrate into the atmosphere to expose a surface of the i-type boundary layer to the atmosphere and then forming a crystalline unit on the i-type boundary layer by plasma CVD.

Abstract: A paper-making machine includes a traveling substrate and a roll carrying the substrate. The roll includes a carbon fiber shell, a ceramic layer over the shell, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer over the ceramic layer. The polytetrafluoroethylene layer defines an outer surface of the roll. The ceramic layer intermittently extends through the polytetrafluoroethylene layer to the outer surface of the roll.

Abstract: To adopt die cast products as parts of a vehicle body frame. A vehicle body frame is provided with an alumite treating, showing that brightness and appearance of pivot plates which are die cast products differ from those of non-die cast products, head pipes, longitudinal pipes and cross pipe. By carrying out a local coating treatment on the pivot plates, the pivot plates are provided with a color the same as that of the head pipe, the longitudinal pipes and the cross pipe. By making die cast products portions of constituent parts, the fabrication cost of the vehicle body frame can be reduced.

Abstract: A blade of an electric shaver is disclosed. The blade includes an interior blade detachably attached to a drive element of the electric shaver via an interior blade pushing-up means. The interior blade includes a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, and a relief surface provided between the horizontal surface and the vertical surface, and is elastically pushed upward by the interior blade pushing-up means. The blade further includes a sheet-shaped exterior blade having a plurality of blade apertures. A bottom surface of the exterior blade is elastically contacted with the horizontal surface of the interior blade by a pushing force of the interior blade pushing-up means.

Abstract: This knife comprises a handle (7), at least one blade (3) mounted so that it can pivot on the said handle (7) between a position in which it is retracted into the handle (7) and an open work position, and a member (31, 41) for locking the blade (3) in the open position. In the open position, the blade makes an angle with respect to the main direction of the handle that is appreciably greater than 10° and appreciably smaller than 90°, preferably between 20° and 60°, and preferably roughly equal to 40°.

Abstract: A movable handle for a power tool. The power tool comprises a housing, a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element about an axis, and a handle supported by the housing for rotation relative to the housing about the axis. Preferably, the power tool is a circular saw. The circular saw further comprises a switch assembly supported on the handle for movement with the handle and means for connecting the switch to the motor to accommodate movement of the switch relative to the motor. The switch assembly is electrically connectable to the motor and selectively connects the motor to a power source, and the connecting means includes a wiring arrangement. The circular saw further comprises a locking assembly for locking the handle in a position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A pruner attachment apparatus for a power tool having a body, a shoe extending from the body, and a saw blade interconnected to the body for reciprocating motion. The pruner attachment apparatus includes a mounting member, a hook member and a biasing mechanism. The mounting member is releasably attachable to the shoe. The hook member is carried by the mounting member for movement between a first position and a second position. The biasing mechanism biases the hook member to the second position.

Abstract: A shaving razor having a razor handle comprising an extruded substantially rigid inner core and a compatible covering layer over the rigid inner core except for a select region at which an exposed portion of inner core is provided. A marking, such as printed matter and/or any other type of indicia, may thereby be readily provided on the inner core rather than on the covering layer. The marking is preferably provided on a flat surface of the handle. Additionally, the razor handle may be formed by an extrusion process utilizing a die set which forms a handle with a cross-section which is at least partially asymmetrical.

Abstract: Borehole orientation information, typically azimuth and inclination, is derived from measurements of gravitational and magnetic components along a borehole axis (O) and transverse thereto. The transverse components are measured by a fluxgate (12) and accelerometer (14) arranged to rotate around the borehole axis (O) at a constant angular velocity (w). The calculations necessary to derive the desired parameters are detailed.

Abstract: A tape measure with laser beam (10) comprises a case (12), a laser device (70) carried in the case and capable of transmitting a laser beam therefrom, and a roll (24) of measuring tape (25) supported in the case. The measuring tape roll is disposed to be rewound into the case by a conventional spring mechanism. A one-way brake (38) is couplable to the measuring tape roll for preventing rewinding of the measuring tape back into the case. A brake override 50 permits retraction of the measuring tape into the case. A second brake (92) is adapted to hold the tape measuring roll securely in place when a pencil (86) is inserted into the case. Power supply apparati, comprising parallelly connected batteries (78), solar cells (82) and a dynamo (83), are electrically coupled to the laser for enabling laser beam transmission therefrom.

Abstract: The adjustment of axial free play between the ends of a wheel bearing assembly and a wheel hub and spindle nut of the wheel assembly is achieved by first over-tightening the spindle nut against the wheel hub; secondly, identifying by an indicator gauge between the wheel hub and spindle nut the amount of axial travel of the over-tightened hub on the spindle; thirdly, loosening the spindle nut until an indicator between the hub and spindle nut substantially matches a specified amount of linear travel of the loosened hub; and finally re-tightening the spindle nut by rotating the latter the same axial amount that the hub had traveled after loosening the spindle nut.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system whereby the contents of a structure that have been damaged by moisture can be salvaged and restored conveniently and at a reasonable cost to the owner of the items or the owner's insurance company. The invention provides a bag having an open portion through which an item can be placed within the bag. After an item is placed within the bag, the bag is then closed and sealed shut. Next, a vacuum is created within the bag such that the content item is squeezed. Finally, with the vacuum still maintained within the bag, the bag is transferred to a freeze drying chamber where the bag and its contents are freeze dried.

Abstract: The devices sole purpose is to keep the integrity of a knot once it is formed with the shoe lace to keep the shoe securely fastened about the foot. This will be accomplished by precluding the bows and excess laces on each side of the knot from movement or slippage in any direction. The semi attached properties of the device will allow its user to remove it from one shoe and place it on another.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe for shifting the weight exerted on the foot of a wearer or for elevating the foot from the ground as required has a sole and an upper portion configured to retain the foot of the wearer in contact with the sole. A recessed track, formed in the lower surface of the sole, extends parallel to the length of the sole and along a major portion of its length. At least one support block is provided for attachment to the lower surface of the sole at any of a plurality of positions along the entirety of the recessed track. Also provided is a heel protection configuration and sole thickness adjustment platform.

Abstract: A system and method of the type for quickly mobilizing a unit for dredging a layer of material from a water bottom is provided. The dredging system includes: a motorized, substantially self-contained vessel positioned above a borrow site, at least one dredging shoe extended from the vessel to a bottom of a water adapted for dredging a material from said bottom to a pre-selected depth, a power source positioned on the vessel in operational connection with the dredging shoe for drawing the material into the shoe and transporting the material through a conduit to a deposit site, and a dredging motivation system connected to the vessel for moving the vessel and the dredging shoe along a dredging path.

Abstract: An improved tool adapted for attachment to a double pin mounting structure of the type that is commonly employed on excavator or backhoe type machines or vehicles. The improved tool is a bucket assembly with a grapple-like tine assembly mounted thereto and controlled by hydraulic actuators. The bucket assembly is mounted to a boom of a backhoe, for example, utilizing a single assembly composed of a hydraulic actuator and coupling members to attach to the double pin mounting structure on the tool. The bucket assembly is mounted on the boom to provide extended movement relative to the boom, and the grapple-like tine assembly is mounted to the bucket assembly for full closure and to enable near full opening relative to the bucket assembly. The tine assembly may be actuated by a pair of hydraulic actuators mounted adjacent one or both sides of the bucket assembly via a free floating bell crank for each pair of hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: In a display device, a display surface portion includes a light emitting area on which a plurality of light emitting devices are arranged, and a nonluminous area formed on spaces among the arranged light emitting devices on the display surface portion. The nonluminous area is formed with a nonluminous image and the nonluminous image is displayed on the nonluminous area in color. An emission unit for selectively causes at least one of the light emitting elements to emit light so as to display an image on the display surface portion.

Abstract: A novel point-of-purchase cantilevered deflectable display assembly which normally extends transversely into a shopping aisle, is disclosed. The disclosed display assembly accommodates substitution of one frame-carried form or configuration of advertising for another, which can be radically different, without disconnecting the entire display assembly from its mounting to a molding at a store shelf or like. The advertising frame with which the advertising medium is associated is removably connected to a distal hanger member. At least one light is carried by the frame. The distal hanger member accommodates the above-mentioned on-site frame and advertisement removal and exchange, while the remainder of the display assembly remains in its shelf-mounted or like position.

Abstract: A beverage bauble comprising: (a) a glassware engaging member associable with a piece of beverage glassware, wherein the glassware engaging member comprises: (1) a primary aperture, wherein the primary aperture is releasably securable around a portion of the piece of beverage glassware; and (2) means for releasably securing the glassware engaging member to the piece of beverage glassware; and (b) a primary identifier, wherein the primary identifier includes a connector which secures the primary identifier to the glassware engaging member.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional array of picture frames is arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The picture frames are interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionally received in blind bores in the front of a rearward frame and in the back of a forward frame.

Abstract: A Quick-release Gun Lock is disclosed. The gun lock comprises a base that cooperates with the gun's extractor, a pliable and expandable portion attached to the base for expanding to create an interference fit with the gun's bore, and a compression shaft that, when rotated, will force the expandable portion outwardly to create the interference fit. The device may further include a cam hub that interacts with the compression shaft to provide the desired interference fit with less than one rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for releasably securing a retractable shoulder stock relative to the casing of a firearm. The retractable shoulder stock includes a slide rail which is displaceable relative to the casing. The slide rail defines a recess. The shoulder stock also includes a catch lever which is mounted for rotation about an axis. The catch lever has a peripheral surface that can be manually engaged to rotate the catch lever about the axis. The catch lever is positioned to selectively engage in the recess to releasably lock the slide rail in a first predetermined position.

Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.

Abstract: A greenhouse has a frame of standard PVC tubes and PVC fittings. A rectangular base frame supports a plurality of vertical tubes, which, in turn, support a rectangular gable-type roof frame. Some of the tube-to-fitting couplings are friction-fit connections, some are glued connections and others are quick connect/disconnect connections for rapid assembly and disassembly of the greenhouse. A poly cover includes a center portion which extends from the base frame over the vertical tubes and the gabled roof frame and is coupled thereto by quick-connect/disconnect retainers, and a pair of end portions are releasably connected to respective ends of the center portion by double-pull zippers having box and pin connectors for variable, regulated ventilation and complete removal of the end portions.

Abstract: Flowerpot which has a top section of rectangular cross-section, the long side being at least 20% longer than the short side. At the bottom the flowerpot has an elliptical shape. If support sticks are used, these are positioned close to the corners, the free ends of the support sticks being joined to one another. One or more central support sticks can optionally be present.

Abstract: A combined water feature and planter is in the form of a rectangular trough formed by a one-piece plastics material hollow moulded shell. A base of the planter has drainage openings therein leading to respective drainage passages which extend through a water reservoir for water recycled through an ornamental pump. The drainage passages are thus isolated from the water reservoir so that liquid draining through the passages to the exterior of the trough does not mix with the water recycling through the pump and cannot thus contaminate it.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: When a fuel reforming system for a fuel cell comprising an autothermal reformer 1 wherein a partial oxidation reaction and steam reforming reaction proceeds simultaneously, is stopped, firstly, a supply valve 6 is closed to stop supply of fuel and water for steam reforming, and a supply valve 7 is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed to stop supply of air. In this way, the partial oxidation reaction which is an exothermic reaction is continued temporarily and the catalyst layer temperature of the reformer 1 is raised, so the catalyst layer temperature can be maintained high until the system restarts, and the time required for restarting the system can be shortened.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a hydrogenous gas stream for a fuel cell system, the share of CO contained in the gas stream, is reduced by providing one or more selective oxidation stages which preferably are thermally coupled to a reformer for the reforming of hydrocarbons, or to a heat exchanger. In order to supply the fuel cell system, as quickly as possible, with a hydrogenous gas stream having a low share of CO, so that it can be placed in operation at the temperature of the surrounding environment, one or more additional, thermally decoupled, selective oxidation stages is series-connected to the existing selective oxidation stages at the beginning or end of the series, or at intermediate points.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an abrasive composition for polishing a semiconductor device which composition contains water, microparticles of an abrasive, and a chelating agent, wherein the abrasive is cerium oxide; the microparticles of cerium oxide have an average particle size of 0.01-1.0 &mgr;m and which composition is used for suitably forming a shallow trench isolation structure in a well-controlled manner during planarization of a semiconductor device including element-isolated structure. The invention also provides a method for producing the semiconductor device by use of the abrasive composition.

Abstract: A modular unit system for constructing a modular structure comprises different modular unit sets each having a identical modular units. The modular units of at least one of the modular unit sets have a ladder-like configuration. The modular units of each modular unit set has connecting surfaces each for connection to a corresponding connecting surface of at least one other identical modular unit or to a corresponding connecting surface of one of the modular units of another of the modular unit sets to construct a modular structure, such as a building structure, having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A modified stress skin panel includes a stress skin panel and at least two substantially vertical studs which are molded into the stress skin panel during manufacture or inserted after manufacture. An opening is formed between two substantially vertical studs for insertion of a window, door, or other item. A header stud may also be attached to two of the at two substantially vertical studs to support a load above the opening. A stress skin panel stud inserter includes a stud guide assembly, a heater element, a heater controller, a pair of rails, and a pair of clamps. A second embodiment of a stress skin panel stud inserter utilizes a stud heater element which is attached to a bottom of the stud. A third embodiment of a stress skin panel stud inserter includes a hot air shroud and an alignment jig. The hot air shroud is attached to a bottom of the stud and the alignment jig is used to guide the stud during insertion thereof into the stress skin panel.

Abstract: An improved window frame is provided. The window frame utilizes one or more locking panels coupled to the frame body via a living hinge. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the window frame includes a plurality of frame segments extending between respective corners of the window frame. Each of the frame segments defines a cross section comprising a frame body including a locking structure catch formed therein, a frame locking structure arranged to engage the locking structure catch, and a locking panel secured to the frame body via a living hinge. The living hinge is arranged to permit the first locking panel to pivot relative to the frame body between a closed state and an open state. The locking panel is arranged to engage the frame body and define a window securing dimension between the frame body and the locking panel upon pivoting to the closed state.

Abstract: A hollow plastic section, includes a frame section defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior subdivided in several inner chambers by a plurality of partition walls extending in a direction of the longitudinal axis, Received in the interior is a plurality of stiffening elements arranged separate from one another, without interconnection, for realizing a reinforcement of the frame section. The stiffening elements may be made of metal or may be configured as bands or strips of fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A fenestration brickmold having an integral J-channel formed therein, along with a fastening and flashing flange extending therefrom, such that the brickmold may be attached to the perimeter of the fenestration assembly and may become an integral part thereof. Accordingly, the fenestration assembly, in combination with the brickmold of the present invention, preferably are attached to the frame of the building as a single unit. The J-channel is formed between the flange and the decoratively molded portion for receiving a variety of sidings, including, but not limited to, vinyl, cementious siding, and wood. The present invention eliminates the need for separate J-channel attachments when utilizing vinyl siding.

Abstract: a novel wall forming system for retaining and non-retaining concrete walls (19) comprising of at least one flat wall foam panel (22), at least one radius wall foam panel (23), at least one corner wall foam panel (24) having the following features; a rod—male type connection (20) on one end and a groove—female type connection (21) on opposite end of all panels, allowing interlinking of panels in a straight line or swiveled one way or the other to form various angles or forming a radius line or forming a 90 degree angle.

Abstract: A decorative material D having an intermediate resin layer and a surface protective layer comprising a crosslinked resin, the layers being laminated in this order on a substrate 1, wherein the temperature dependency characteristics of loss elastic modulus E″ (a measuring frequency of 10 Hz) determined by a dynamic viscoelasticity method of the intermediate resin layer has a peak at least at a temperature under room temperature Tr. Further, it is preferable that the value of storage elastic modulus E″ is in a range of 1×107 to 2×109 Pa in the region of the room temperature. Also, it is preferable that loss elastic modulus E″ has the peak Pb in the temperature range over the room temperature.

Abstract: A method of construction and installation of a self contained bathroom unit which is capable of installation in multi-storey buildings. The bathroom unit may be fabricated at a site remote to the site of installation and can be transported to the site as and when required. The bathroom walls are cast with conduits and spaces for light boxes and openings for windows and drainage. Hooks are also cast into the walls to enable the bathroom unit to be lifted to the desired location. The bathroom units are seated on a foundation which is laid for this purpose. The top slab of the bathroom unit can then be used as the formwork and a topping slab is cast in situ to form the floor of the next floor.

Abstract: A device for bridging expansion joints (7) which separate adjacent surfaces in walls or floors (6) of buildings is provided. The device comprises two anchoring profiles or members (1) having an approximately L-shaped cross section. Each anchoring profile comprises a fastening leg (11) and a terminating leg (12) disposed perpendicular to the fastening leg. Each anchoring profile also has a bridging profile or member (2 and 3, respectively) hinged on the terminating leg (12). The bridging profiles engage one another in a sliding, form-locking manner. In this connection, one leg (33) of a bridging profile (3) is provided with protruding elements (36) spaced from each other at least on the end engaging the other bridging profile (2). Means (4) are also provided for securing the two bridging profiles (2 and 3) engaging one another into an installed position.

Abstract: A flooring system with at least a first and a second flooring panel is disclosed. The first flooring panel has a first top surface and a first engagement portion. The second flooring panel has a second top surface which is essentially parallel to the first top surface, and a second engagement portion. The first engagement portion can be an elongated tongue with a locking projection extending therefrom. The locking projection has a first inclined surface which is inclined at a first angle relative to the first top surface. The second engagement portion can be in the form of an elongated recess with a locking cavity extending therefrom. The locking cavity has a second inclined surface which is inclined at a second angle relative to the first top surface. The second angle is larger than the first angle.

Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.

Abstract: A hole patching device including mechanism for covering an opening on an interior surface of a wall, the covering mechanism being formed of a generally rigid material and being at least two inches in diameter; mechanism for guiding the covering mechanism through the opening, which may include a slit cut from a center of the covering mechanism to an outer edge of the covering mechanism; mechanism for securing the covering mechanism to the interior surface of the wall to define a pocket; an insert for filling the pocket; and a hardenable material spread over the insert and pocket smoothable with the wall and a method of use.

Abstract: A thin, prestressed concrete panel, having a thickness of about one and one-half inch thickness or less, and apparatus for making the same is disclosed. Pairs of prestressed tendons extend between the side and end portions of the panel. The tendons of each pair are positioned on each side of the mid-plane of the panel and spaced from such mid-plane so as to increase panel strength and prevent warping of the panel. A molding apparatus for casting the panel comprises a bottom plate, a pair of opposite side portions, and a pair of opposite end portions. Slots are defined in the side and end portions through which tendons are inserted prior to pouring concrete in the mold. Tensioning means are provided for prestressing the tendons in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the panel.

Abstract: A rectangular stackable brick is provided having substantially parallel opposing top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel opposing side surfaces and substantially parallel opposing end surfaces. The length of the brick is approximately twice the width of the brick so that the top and bottom surfaces each define first and second square regions. The top surface includes a first column which projects upwardly from the center of a first square region and a second column which projects upwardly from the center of a second square region. The bottom wall of the brick includes a recess sized and configured for receiving the first and second columns. The recess extends from an end wall along the center of the length of the brick sufficiently far so that the brick can be stacked upon other bricks of like construction.

Abstract: A hub assembly for pivotally connecting the ends of support rods of a portable self-supporting display structure configured for a collapsed storage position and an expanded display position. The hub assembly may include first and second members and a connector. The first and second members are mated to provide bearing surfaces and to accommodate pivot pins affixed to the support rods. The connector secures the mated first and second members together by being extended through bores in the mated first and second members.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing, securing and stiffening a plurality of joists comprising a band extending across the top of a series of joists and connected to the joists and with a series of truss members attached to the underside of the band and extending between and abutting two adjacent joists.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and kit for repairing a construction component that has a damaged portion. First, the damaged portion is removed from the construction component. Next, a durable portion is provided that is preferably comprised of a cellulosic/polymer composite material which is moisture, decay, and insect resistant. The durable portion preferably has about the same shape as the damaged portion. The durable portion is then connected to the construction component to replace the damaged portion. The materials for repairing the construction component may be provided in a single kit.