Abstract: A controlled self operating vacuum cleaning system which comprises a stationary housing for the storage of a mobile vacuum cleaner apparatus and where the housing is provided with an automatically openable and closable closure allowing exit and entry of the mobile vacuum cleaner unit. The mobile unit is driven by an internal drive motor which is powered by one or more batteries carried by the mobile vacuum cleaner unit. At preestablished times and preestablished time intervals, the closure of the housing will automatically open providing for ingress and egress and the mobile vacuum cleaner unit will exit and randomly clean the carpet of a certain specified area for a predetermined time period. The mobile vacuum cleaner unit is provided with obstacle detectors for causing the mobile unit to move beyond an obstacle, if it contacts an obstacle, as well as detectors for detecting the edge of a staircase and the edge of a carpet to cause the mobile unit to remain on the carpeted area.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly, a canister assembly pivotally mounted to said nozzle assembly, a suction fan and drive motor and a biaser. The biaser has a first end that engages the nozzle assembly and a second end that engages the canister assembly. The biaser provides a positive downforce urging the forward end of the nozzle assembly toward the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning appliance includes a vacuum cleaner drum having a bottom wall, a sidewall, and a rim surrounding an open upper end with a lid detachably mounted to the rim and extending across the open upper end of the vacuum cleaner drum. A motor powered blower is at least partially received within the lid for creating a vacuum in the drum. A first handle is connected to a first side of the vacuum cleaner drum or the lid and may be used for pushing the appliance in a direction of travel, and a second handle is connected to a second side of the drum or the lid generally opposite the first side for pulling the appliance in the travel direction. One or both of the handles may include mechanisms for securely and easily mounting the handle to the lid or the drum of the vacuum.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having a suction nozzle comprised of a transparent agitator housing and an opaque suction nozzle body. The agitator housing forms a downwardly disposed nozzle chamber divided into a right and left agitator chamber. The right and left agitator chambers each have a forward or front suction duct adjacent the front edges of the respective agitator chambers. The right and left agitator chambers also each have a rearward or rear suction duct adjacent the rear edges of the respective agitator chambers. A nozzle liner is also disposed within the nozzle chamber partially forming a right and left dirt and air passage over the right and left agitator chambers, respectively, to fluidly connect the respective front suction ducts with the rear discharge ports located in the rear of each of the right and left agitator chambers. The rear suction ducts are also fluidly connected to respective rear discharge ports to remove dirt particles.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator is carried on one of the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a telescoping handle assembly including an elongated handle received in a slot for sliding movement relative to the canister assembly, a projecting guide pin carried on the elongated handle, a cooperating guide channel in the canister assembly for receiving the guide pin and a latch carried on the canister assembly for selectively engaging any one of the longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the elongated handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose element for sliding metal racks located inside furniture, consisting in a box-type bar with upturned-U cross section that acts both as bearing structure for the body of the rack and as protection cover for the telescopic guides of the rack.

Abstract: A threaded follower mounted on a spiral rod is attached to the first end of a torsion spring, the second end of the torsion spring being connected to a window sash, one end of the spiral rod being attached to a window frame by a gear box that prevents rotation of the spiral rod unless the gear box receives externally provided rotational force by which it then rotates the spiral rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic hinge for specticles frame comprising two fixed (5) and mobile (7) hinge elements, articulated about an axis of rotation (R) by a pivoting head (7A) of one (7) of the elements inserted in a pivoting head (5A) of the other element (5) and by a link (9) housed in succession in an inner passage (5D, 7D) of the two elements emerging into the pivoting heads. The invention is characterized in that each pivoting head (5A, 7A) has at the opening of the passage (5D, 7D) a stop member (B1, B2) on the outer side of the frame forming by the matchinmg shape of one (B1) with the other (B2) a pivoting interface about a second axis of rotation (R′), the link (9) being arranged between the two axes of rotation (R, R′) when the bow is in a normal opening position. The hinge has two stable closing and opening positions as well as an additional unstable opening position.—.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a friction element for being secured to a first member. The friction element has a generally cylindrical wall including a generally longitudinally extending face and an internal surface. A generally cylindrical pintle for being secured to the second member is positioned rotatably within the friction element and includes an external surface, the external surface and internal surface being configured to provide an interference fit therebetween such that the friction element applies a generally radially directed compressive force to the pintle. A protuberance extends generally radially outwardly from the pintle and engages the generally longitudinally extending face when the pintle and friction element achieve a first predefined angular relationship.

Abstract: A handle grip for luggage comprises a padding member of elastomeric material having a bottom recess; a hose member of fabric having a central hollow section, two end sections, and two apertures on each end section; a sleeve-like gripping member having a bore; two fastening mechanisms each including a bottom cavity with one of the end sections received therein and a plurality of holes; wherein a plurality of fasteners are driven through the holes, each end section, and the luggage to secure each fastening mechanism with the hose member to the luggage; and two caps many further clung onto the fastening mechanisms. A cushion provided by padding member and a compressible space between recess of padding member and hose member is carried out when the hand grips the handle grip for bringing a degree of comfort to the hand.

Abstract: The invention provides a handle (38) for hand and garden tools which causes a preferred coupling position of an assigned group of hands when the respective tool is used. The handle (38) contains a first section for contacting the palm and a second section that is intended for being encompassed by the fingers. The first section contains a distal part (50) that is intended for being encompassed by the thumb bridge, a proximal part (54) that is intended for contacting the ball of the hand root and a center part (52) that lies between the two aforementioned parts and has a pronounced radially outward directed curvature that extends over at least part of its circumference and is intended for snugly adjoining the inner surface of the hand. The distance of this curvature from the longitudinal axis (39) is at its greatest in a maximum (59) that lies in a central region of the curvature and distinctly decreases from this location to the distal and the proximal part (50, 54). According to the invention, a length (L0.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fiber quantities to be supplied to a carding machine. The apparatus includes a duct in which the fiber material is pneumatically advanced; a feed mechanism to advance fiber material to the duct at a variable flow rate; a regulator connected to the feed mechanism for varying the flow rate; a pressure sensor disposed in the duct; an arrangement for generating first electric signals representing actual pressure values detected by the pressure sensor; an arrangement for differentiating the first signals over time to obtain second electric signals for correcting the first electric signals to obtain third electric signals representing corrected actual pressure values; and an arrangement for applying the third signals to the regulator for varying the flow rate of the fiber material, advanced by the feed mechanism, as a function of the signals.

Abstract: An electronic device having a first surface positioned adjacent to an article worn by a person and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the electronic device having a headphone connector interface for accepting a headphone connector, the electronic device comprising a clip coupled with the electronic device, the clip having a first segment positioned adjacent to the first surface and a second segment configured at a predetermined angle with respect to the first segment, wherein pressing the second segment toward the second surface rotates the first segment away from the first surface; the clip further comprising an adapter coupled with the first segment of the clip, the adapter positioned between the first segment of the clip and the first surface of the object and having an adapter length.

Abstract: A retaining clip for holding paper, garments, and other objects is provided. Also, the retaining clip is designed to attach to a portable device (or non-portable) and receive articles of clothing, clothing accessories, automobile visors, or other areas whereby it is available for conveniently receiving and retaining the device such as retaining a pager to a belt. The retaining clip, when used with a device, optionally can be rotated for awkward areas of attachment, or convenient areas of placement such as a purse strap. The holder broadly comprises of a base, a leg, and a biasing means.

Abstract: A method of providing complementary fastener strips for securing one item to another item is disclosed. A dispenser allows for complementary fastener strips in a prebound configuration, to be dispensed and used in applications such as the manufacture of outdoor furniture cushions. The invention facilitates the efficient and cost effective manufacture of articles which utilize multiple strips of complementary fastener strips.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is disclosed which includes a first fastener strip having on at least one side a first fastening surface. Also provided is a second fastener strip having on at least one side a second fastening surface that is complementary to the first fastening surface. The first fastener strip overlies the second fastening surface of the second fastener strip with the first fastening surface not facing the second fastening surface. The first and second fastener strips are releasably connected.

Abstract: An integral molded surface fastener having minute and peculiar engaging elements, which engage with minute, thickly wooded fiber piles securely while each engaging element secures appropriate engagement strength, shearing strength and separation strength is provided. Further, texture of a surface of the surface fastener is improved and a height of the engaging elements protruded from a surface of a substrate is lower than a conventional type, thereby preventing the engaging elements from being fallen down by a pressing strength. At the same time, a high engaging ratio with a mating pile piece is secured and a durability required for this kind of fastener is satisfied. Preferably, a desired plasticity and tearing strength of the flat substrate are secured.

Abstract: A hook for a mail bag, the hook including a planar attachment portion for attachment to a mail bag, the attachment portion defining a longitudinal axis; a planar supporting portion extending from the attachment portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which is planar with the attachment portion, the supporting portion defining an aperture therethrough; and a retaining portion which extends in the plane of the supporting portion and which partially occludes the aperture of the supporting portion, the retaining portion being resiliently deformable out of the plane of the supporting portion.

Abstract: The invention offers a clip that makes it possible to use any necktie as-is by the enabling the simple tying of a necktie knot with a single step.

Abstract: A buckle for safety belts is provided, especially for the waist belt of a life preserver. The buckle has a tongue plate, the pins of which are insertable into a slot-shaped recess of a main body in which are displaceably disposed two securing elements, which cooperate with the pins for locking the buckle, and which are resiliently biased into the locking position.

Abstract: 4. Holding clip according to claim 2 [or 3], characterized by the fact that the rod (12) is provided with a support tab (20) that is laterally spaced apart from the upper tab (17) on its underside that faces the bolt (1), wherein the support tab contacts the end face (16) of the bolt (1) during the insertion of the bolt.

Abstract: An ear-nut or jewelry clasp for gripping a post extending from the back of an earring or other piece of jewelry or ornament. The clasp has a pair of gripping tabs 22 which are longer and/or wider than other parts of a clasp to facilitate gripping by the user when removing the clasp from the post. The clasp may also have a radially outward extending earring stabilizer to avoid ear lobe bending by heavy earrings.

Abstract: A lightweight loop pile fabric having improved particle pick-up is described. In addition, a patterned loop pile fabric is described. The fabric has a plurality of multifilament loops extending from at least one of its surfaces, with at least some of the loops being teased. In one embodiment, the loops are formed from splittable multifilament yarns which are hypersplit during the manufacturing process to form teased loops. The fabrics perform particularly well in the manufacture of wiping cloths with enhanced performance characteristics. In addition, the fabrics enable the production of patterned articles having performance characteristics similar to or exceeding those of unpatterned goods. A process for making the fabrics is also described.

Abstract: A system is provided for structurally reconstituting fibers from recycled waste fabric material, including cotton denim waste, wherein the reconstituted fibers are incorporated into a hydroentangled or needle punched product without binders or additives. A tearing line includes the application of steam and enzymes at a rate sufficient to remove surface additives from the fibers. The process completely opens the fibers and eliminates fraying, twisting and nonconformities. A fiber finishing process provides fibers which are substantially uniform with respect to a desired characteristic such as length, weight, type, or a desired blend thereof. The finishing process also provides a fiber web characterized by a uniform directional orientation of fibers, making the fibers more amenable to hydroentanglement. The resulting nonwoven product is characterized by high strength, fiber integrity and high uniformity and can be cross lapped to thereby provide greatly increased strength and absorbency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven fabric, comprises: opening and mixing different input fibres to form a uniform fibre mixture having predetermined proportions of the different input fibres; carding the fibre mixture to form a uniform web of predetermined thickness travelling in a first direction; laying onto the web high tenacity yarns which extend in the first direction and are spaced apart transversely of the first direction; depositing fixed lengths of the web in alternating fashion on a conveyor travelling in a second direction transverse to tile first direction to form on the conveyor a mat consisting of overlapping lengths of the web; and needle-punching the mat to form the non-woven fabric. Apparatus for performing this method of manufacture is also provided.

Abstract: A combined machine for the crimping, heat setting and conditioning in succession of band-grouped textiles, and a corresponding crimping method

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer (60), which method includes a step of forming a plate in the form of a disc of a composite piezoelectric material into a hollow spherical cap, characterized in that the step of forming is preceded by a step of cutting which consists in the formation of at least one slit (70) which has a radial orientation and extends from the peripheral edge (72) of the disc (20) towards its center (C) in such a manner that, after the step of forming, the two facing, oppositely situated free edges (74, 76) which bound the slit (70) are substantially in contact with one another so as to minimize the internal stresses in the cap which are caused notably by its deformation. The invention also proposes a transducer obtained by means of such a method.

Abstract: A method for forming a onepiece skip body with a concave cross section from a large metal sheet (1) by imparting an approximate cross section to the sheet using shaping means (2) is disclosed. According to the method, the approximate cross section is maintained while a sealing plate (10) is secured to one end (9) and a stiffening reinforcement member (13) shaped according to the final cross section is attached to the other end (12). The longitudinal edges are stiffened then the most curved areas are mechanically treated and the shaping means (2) are released. The method is relevant to skip manufacturers and more generally to builders of utility vehicles.

Abstract: A driver tool is provided for a power hammer apparatus and is employed for setting an anchor, such as a bolt anchor, into a well that is in a material, such as concrete material. The driver tool includes a power-hammer-attachment end, a riser portion connected to the power-hammer-attachment end, and an anchor setting end connected to the riser portion. The power-hammer-attachment end, the riser portion, and the anchor setting end are arranged along a common longitudinal axis and can be formed as a unified integrated structure. The riser portion includes a hand grip area. A method is also provided for installing an anchor into material using a power hammer apparatus.

Abstract: A presetting table for preparing a system of converting tools in a stripping station of a converting press positions the following face to face, in a position simulating cantering along the machine axis and positioning at the first rule: the stripper-holder plate of an upper stripping die, a central stripping board and a replica of a pull-out frame carrying telescopic pins. The upper stripping die is prepared by using the central stripping board as a template.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a polishing apparatus for polishing a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus comprises a storage section that is capable of receiving a workpiece to be polished and a polished workpiece. The polishing unit that polishes the workpiece includes a primary polishing table and a secondary polishing table, wherein the polishing surface of the secondary polishing table is constructed to be arranged such that at least a portion of a surface of the workpiece being polished by the polishing surface of the secondary polishing table extends beyond an edge of the polishing surface of the secondary polishing table. Also provided is a film thickness measuring device, which measures the thickness of a film formed on a polished workpiece while the polished workpiece is held by a top ring above a pusher.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a damaged section of the outer rim bead of an automotive wheel. The method comprises the initial step of contouring the outer rim bead via a first grinding process to create a feathered transition between the damaged section and the remainder of the outer rim bead. Thereafter, the damaged section is profiled via a second grinding process to generally conform the shape of the damaged section to the remainder of the outer rim bead. Finally, the damaged section is painted. The refurbishment steps may be completed on-site without removing the wheel from the vehicle and without removing the tire from the wheel.

Abstract: A process for assembling micro-optical systems, such as optoelectronic and/or fiber optic components uses solder self-alignment to achieve a coarse, passive alignment of optical components relative to the optical bench. The fine, final alignment is performed using plastic deformation of the optical components to thereby improve the alignment of the optical components. As a result, the sub-micrometer alignment accuracies are attainable, if required.

Abstract: A method for removal of a vehicle hub and rotor assembly from a steering knuckle that includes partially removing the bolts that attach the assembly to the knuckle followed by driving the bolts and the attached assembly from disengagement with the knuckle and subsequent total removal of the bolts thereby releasing the assembly. A special driving tool to effect the driving of the bolts, in particular, flange headed bolts, is depicted.

Abstract: A vehicle body transfer machine transfers a vehicle body along a transfer path by using a transfer truck with which the vehicle body is supported, wherein the transfer truck is returned to an initial starting position of the transfer path for a repeated use when transfer of the vehicle body is terminated. The vehicle body transfer machine comprises a jig change-over stage located before the initial starting position of the transfer path, a plurality of locator jigs including an upwardly directed locating pin, a plurality of lock units, an unlock-operating unit, and a jig change-over unit including a socket portion engageable with the locating pin of the corresponding one of the plurality of locator jigs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an erect image, unity magnification, resin lens array by injection molding. Two injection-molded lens plates are stacked such that convexly warped sides thereof face each other or such that a convexly warped side of the lens plate whose warp is greater than that of the other lens plate faces a concavely warped side of the other lens plate, while directions of resin injection thereof are aligned so as to optically avoid the influence of molding shrinkage. Engagement spigots and engagement sockets are employed in order to align the two lens plates. The two stacked lens plates are secured by clipping of peripheral portions thereof.

Abstract: To develop a method for installing an end member to a hollow shaft member for an office equipment in which a high degree of coaxiality and a high degree of vertical state can be attained, its manufacturing stages are simple and they can be realized under a less-expensive cost. The present invention is constituted by the steps comprising (1) using a hollow shaft member made of soft metal; (2) inserting the end member made of hard metal formed with a fitting groove satisfying some requirements into the hollow shaft; (3) forming round holes at the central part of each of the split dies and preparing a molding machine having more than three pressing members toward the center of each of the round holes; and (4) installing the end member to the shaft member with the pressing force of the pressing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loosely attaching blind rivets to components of an assembly. The method includes attaching a rivet to an assembly while positioning the head at a predetermined clearance away from the adjacent one of the assembly components. One or both of the aligned openings in the components may be enlarged to leave radial clearance between the assembled rivet body and the enlarged openings. The apparatus includes a nose insert for use with or attachment to a rivet gun or attaching apparatus. The insert forms a stop engageable by a preformed rivet head to maintain a predetermined clearance between the rivet head and adjacent component when the rivet is attached to components forming an assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for insulating interior walls of lamination slots of dynamo-electric machine components are provided. The relative speeds and sequence of cutting, forming, and inserting a piece of insulation material into the slot of the lamination core of a dynamo-electric machine component may be determined by a central drive mechanism. The central driving mechanism may have a plurality of cams, rotating with a main shaft, to control the translations of cutting, forming and inserting members.

Abstract: Insertion devices may be used to insert portions of pre-wound coils into the slots of dynamoelectric machine components. Some machine components may have poles that have pole tips that extend away from the pole in a peripheral direction. Such pole tips may obstruct access to the slots from the axial region of the bore. The coil insertion devices may have a ram that has a longitudinal axis and may be configured to insert a portion of a stretch of pre-wound coil into a bore of the machine component. The coil insertion devices may have pushing members that move in a direction having a circumferential component with respect to the axis. The pushing members may insert portions of stretches of pre-wound coils into machine component slots that are difficult to access from the axial region of the bore.

Abstract: A fabricating method effective in affixing FPC with high accuracy, simplifying a supporting mechanism of a head supporting member, avoiding mechanical damage to a load beam or a flexible member and promoting performance of adhering FPC to the load beam. Before bending a load beam 11 included in a head supporting member 1, FPC is affxed on a face of the head supporting member 1. Thereafter, the load beam 11 is bent.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a permanent magnetic structure in a substrate, the method comprises the steps of providing a substrate with at least one cavity; providing magnetic particles dispersed with a bonding material for forming a bonding compound; filling the cavities with the bonding compound; and curing the compound to form the permanent magnetic structure in the substrate.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical high frequency switch and method for manufacturing the high frequency switch, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a metal transmission line and a driving electrode on the substrate; forming a dielectric layer on said metal transmission line and said driving electrode; forming a micro-electro-mechanical switch; forming driving electrodes on and beneath the micro-electro-mechanical switch; such that the driving voltage of high frequency switch is reduced, the insertion loss is lowered, the isolation is high, and the functions of high frequency switch is improved.

Abstract: A method for producing a cathode active material having superior cell characteristics through single-phase synthesis of a composite material composed of a compound represented by the general formula LixFe1−yMyPO4 and a carbon material positively and a method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte cell employing the so produced cathode active material. To this end, the cathode active material is prepared by a step of mixing the starting materials for synthesis of the compound represented by the general formula LixFe1−yMyPO4, a step of milling a mixture obtained by the mixing step, a step of compressing the mixture obtained by the mixing step to a preset density and a step of sintering the mixture obtained by the compressing step. A carbon material is added in any one of the above steps prior to the sintering step. The density of the mixture in the compressing step is set to not less than 1.71 g/cm3 and not larger than 2.45 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for assembling a battery. The invention includes an improved apparatus and method for sealing a battery case closure to a battery case. The apparatus comprises a device for moving a carrier with fluid pressure through fluid conduits disposed internal a shaft. A novel case stop is disclose for stopping and positioning a battery case on a support. A method is disclosed for heating a battery case with a case heater. A conveyor system is included for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components such as case closures.

Abstract: A plate making process for a lead acid battery which eliminates the need for steaming and curing steps to produce the active material. Mixing, reacting and crystallizing occur in a closed reactor under controlled temperature and mixing conditions to produce a paste having the desired crystal morphology. A polymer is then added to the paste to bind the crystals together and to produce desired rheological properties in the paste. The paste having the polymer addition is then pasted onto a grid where the paste is dried to form a battery plate of the lead acid battery. The process is applicable for both the positive and negative plates of a lead acid battery.

Abstract: A system and method for filling orders and distributing products. Layer quantities of products are picked in bulk, and remaining quantities of less than a full layer quantity needed to fill orders are separately picked from a pick module. Products are distributed from the layer-picking cell and the pick module to selected assembly stations for assembly into orders.

Abstract: A method of positioning a cap on an output rod of a power booster comprises holding the cap in a fixed position, inserting a shaft of the cap into a bore in the output rod, and fixing the cap relative to the output rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an operator of an electric-component supply device including component feeders mounted on feeder support and each accommodating electric components, the apparatus including (a) a position indicator operable to indicate the feeder-mounting position at which the component feeder is to be mounted on the feeder support, and/or the feeder-mounting position at which the component feeder has been removed from the feeder support, and/or (b) a feeder indicator operable to indicate at least one of (i) the component feeder which has been mounted on the feeder support, (ii) the component feeder which is to be removed from the feeder support and (iii) the component feeder on which an intermediate operation is required to be performed between moments of the operations to mount and remove the component feeder on and from the feeder support.

Abstract: A method for making an article having an electronic device embedded therein comprises providing a substrate having first and second opposing broad planar surfaces; mounting an electronic device on the first broad planar surface of the substrate; and applying a layer of melt-flowable adhesive of substantially uniform thickness on the first broad planar surface of the substrate to cover the electronic device. The article produced thereby has the electronic device encapsulated by the layer of melt-flowable adhesive.